The Final Crusade

by ungodly

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Scootaloo, Slice of Life, Sweetie Belle, Sad, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 20675

Seperated for years after a fight, the CMC reunite, but can they make amends?

The Cutie Mark Crusaders have been separated for years after a giant fight tears them apart, the three moving away to pursue their own dreams, ignoring their entire Ponyville heritage. A reunion however, draws them together once again, and the trio must make amends, embarking on their final, and greatest crusade.

Published 2012-03-29 17:54:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-05-21 07:44:42 UTC

Scootaloo

Chapter 1: Scootaloo’s Life

Scootaloo awoke with a buzzing headache as her vision came into focus. She knew this feeling all too well. It was the feeling of being completely drunk of her flank, a feeling from many years of partying and not caring anymore to the point it made her sick. Every day was a struggle for her to press onwards, a constant reminder of her failing to protect the one she looked up to most. Looking towards her nightstand, she noticed, once again, the picture of Rainbow Dash and herself as a filly was, once again, knocked onto the floor.

She had lost count of how many years it had been since that day, the day she lost Rainbow Dash, one memory she did not wish to think of at the moment. Stretching back across her bed, she noticed the touch of another; with the all too hazy night she failed to remember suddenly returning. Stumbling out of the bed, she left the unknown pony to sleep and made her way to the bathroom, knocking over bottles of liquor, some empty, some partially full, quickly reaching the toilet before evacuating her stomach contents in a audible barf.

Scootaloo stumbled over to the bathroom sink, wiping her hoof over the mirror to try and clear away whatever substance had crusted itself to the mirror from the previous night. She stood on her rear legs and held onto the sink, staring at herself in the mirror for several seconds, taking in her now seemingly shivering figure. While she looked a lot like she did when she was a filly, she now sported a much more sleek and muscular build, very well toned for someone of her age. Her mane was kept very similar to how she had it as a filly, only now its front end extended past her entire head, covering the left side of her face easily. Sighing, while wondering how time had flown so quickly, she stepped down from the sink.

"Screw this shit, I need a drink" Scootaloo mumbled as she headed back into the bedroom to notice the other pony had now woke.

"Morning, Scoots." said the pony, the previous nights guest now on the front of Scootaloo’s mind. Indeed, she had never taken herself to be a fillyfooler, but there she was, a much older mare that any Colt would love to bag, and she was apparently all Scootaloo’s, and Scootaloo’s alone. She stopped to think for a moment, her memory still in a haze, trying to picture what the two had done the night before, with her eyes quickly darting up and down the mare, suddenly realising, and remembering that she was none other than the infamous Spitfire, whom she’d become quite accustomed with over the last few years. She seemed to ignore her, however, as she began to search for something to drink.

"Where is my drink? I know I had some around..." Scootaloo grumbled, trailing of.

"You don't need it Scoots,” Spitfire said while lightly hoof palming her face. “We have a very important day today and I don't want you---"

"Where is my drink?" Scootaloo replied, cutting of Spitfire mid sentence, as her demeanour was now starting to sound more violent.

"I...flushed it, last night. The last thing we need is you smashed of your face again, Scoots."

"You WHAT? I want my bucking drink, now!" Scootaloo exclaimed as she began trashing what little of her kept room she had, now virtually in tears. Spitfire cautiously approached her, placing a hoof on her shoulder.

"We all care about you, Scootaloo. The rest of the Wonderbolts and I just wish you would see that and get some help."

"I don't need help..." sobbed Scootaloo, who was now looking to the floor, trying to hide her shame.

“It used to be about the parties, Scoots. It used to be about having fun, not drinking this liquid shit just to escape reality. I've gone from being there with you, to being there for you. I'm trying to help you get rid of this problem, Scoots, but I can't just be a replacement for Rainbow Dash.”

“Don't mention her name... Please, not today...” Scootaloo whispered, holding back more tears.

“Its always 'never today' with you, Scootaloo. Its always I will do it tomorrow, or I will get help next week. Years ago, you were a great flier. You passed the entrance exam into the Wonderbolts first try. You can't keep living like this, you can't keep beating yourself up over what happened to Rainbo--" Spitfire was suddenly struck by Scootaloo, cutting her lip as she hit the floor.

"Don't you EVER mention her name again! First you take what little escape I have from this away, and then you have the nerve to bring her up! What the buck is wrong with you?" Spitfire stared at Scootaloo for several seconds with a stunned expression. It was the first time Scootaloo had ever lashed out against another pony, and Spitfire would make sure it would be the last. Spitfire slowly stood, walking over to Scootaloo, a fire in her stomach and a look of malice on her face making Scootaloo back up against a wall, knowing she had done wrong. Spitfire let out a short sigh of relief before fixing her gaze on Scootaloo.

"What’s wrong with me? More like what’s wrong with you! It used to be about having fun and enjoying yourself, but doing this to yourself will NOT bring Dash back. We have been discussing it Scoots, and after today, we want you out of the Wonderbolts, and out of our lives!" Spitfire snarled, as she spat her blood on a now cowering Scootaloo, storming out towards the door before turning her head to say one final thing. "Rainbow Dash would be disgusted with you, Scootaloo. Either pull your hoof out of your flank, or don't speak to us again. I expect to see you in twenty minutes for practice... Sober!"

"Fine, get the buck out of my room!!!" Scootaloo shouted as she hurled a empty bottle at the door, it shattering into pieces.

Pacing backwards and forwards, Spitfire mumbled under breath as tears started to form. Ever since Rainbow Dash had left, Scootaloo had been getting worse and worse as the years passed on. For years, The Wonderbolts popularity and numbers had been falling, and now, only five remained, two colts, and three mares. Work was scarce and usually had to involve large areas just to pay the bills. Ever since Scootaloo started to become adsorbed in binge drinking, the Wonderbolts wanted her out. Constantly they pestered Spitfire over the years, but her word were always final, to have Scootaloo or have no Wonderbolts. She had always covered for Scootaloo’s crimes, even saving her flying license several times, putting her own flank on the line.

The request she was upholding for Dash's stupid and idiotic last wish was taking its toll on her, but even after all these years, she still did it for her, and she had to admit, she looked down to Scootaloo like a little sister, which was why she was constantly trying to better Scootaloo, to fix her, but failing this was making her fail Rainbows request, and it was tearing her up inside.

“Spitfire?” a familiar voice echoed down the hall. It was Soarin’, Spitfire’s closest friend and one of the greatest Wonderbolts, second only to her. He immediately trotted up to Spitfire and could tell something was wrong, not taking his eyes of her now swollen lip.

“Did she do this?” Soarin' questioned, his look now quite serious with a tone that contained a hint of anger. “Well, did she?” Soarin’ immediately asked again, Spitfire trying her best to avoid his gaze.

“It… It was an accident,” Spitfire mumbled softly as she tried her best to avoid eye contact.

“So a accident involves a hoof to the face? This has gone on long enough Spitfire, and I'm putting a stop to it!” Soaring shouted as he walked past the Pegasus, standing just outside Scootaloo’s room, ready to knock loudly, until a hoof touched grabbed his shoulder, holding him in place with a seemingly sudden surge of energy.

“We all miss her, Soarin, but Scootaloo is taking it the hardest,”

“But... She’s had years to get over it,”

“You never get over something like that, especially when everypony blames her for it, not to mention her and Dash were...” Soarin’ raised his hoof, ready to knock.

“Please... Don't,” sobbed Spitfire. Soarin sighed and lowered his hoof, and after several seconds turned to face his friend, who immediately embraced him in a hug.

“I'm trying Spitfire, I really am. But I don't want to have the last years of my career with memories of some drunk tainting the Wonderbolts. We are getting too old for this crap,”

Soarin gave a final sigh while gesturing with a simple nod that Spitfire made a move towards the elevator, Spitfire nuzzling Soarin’s side as she walked ahead.

“Don’t wait up.” Spitfire gently whispered as she headed into the elevator.

“You got it.” Soarin whispered to himself as he trotted back to his room.

For what seemed forever, Scootaloo simply sat there, sobbing as all her past failures came tunnelling back to her. It was her fault Rainbow was gone, her fault she had lost the only friends she had when she was younger, and HER fault for joining the Wonderbolts, Scootaloo thought, taking the subject of herself. The only reason she had done it was to get closer to a then distant Rainbow Dash, who was way to busy to spend time with her friend, her... First, and too busy preforming for the Wonderbolts. Scootaloo, even now, was unsure what caused her to appreciate Dash so much. Was it at the time that she admired her, or something more? Dash, sadly, failed to be around long enough for her to find out, a relationship only just starting to blossom between them before she passed. To know if they could ever have a happy life together, to be there for each other, was lost that day.

Standing, Scootaloo gathered her Wonderbolts uniform as she slowly dressed herself, rubbing her flank, which to this day, was still blank. She had given up trying to find her special talent years ago. She figured that once a pony reaches adulthood, it was impossible. Scootaloo fetched her keys from one of her draws, noticing several bits inside, scooping them up. Heading out, Scootaloo headed towards the elevator, pressing the button, impatiently waiting for the doors to open, while a familiar voice echoed behind her, getting closer and closer, suddenly becoming dead silent as it approached Scootaloo. It was Soarin’, the one pony in all of Equestria she did not want to be around. Unlike the other Wonderbolts, Soarin held the most contempt for her. He was usually a kind and free spirit, but years of putting up with Scootaloo had scorned him.

The elevator dinged open as both ponies entered. Turning around, Scootaloo gave a quick glance to Soarin’, to which he glanced back, a look of disgust on his face, instantly making Scootaloo look away. As the elevator hit the ground floor, Soarin trotted out, in a almost snooty manner, letting out a slight sigh as he did, with Scootaloo following, her head hanging low. Soarin’ was already gone, but Scootaloo knew where she wanted to head, and after all, what was the point being in Las Pegasus if she couldn't enjoy herself? Licking her lips and shuffling the bits she had collected in her hoof, she trotted into the familiar little Pub section, known only as 'The Pink Mare'.

"Fancy seeing you again, Scooty-Poo," a bubbly, pink mare spurted out from behind the counter. The mare struck a incredibly familiar look to one 'Pinkie Pie' that Scootaloo had known when she was a filly, save for her mane being almost as short as that of a Colt’s. Despite asking constantly, Scootaloo knew the mare was apparently a relative of the Pink Pony from her early years, the only answer being that Pinkie apparently her Auntie, twice removed, or something along those lines.

"Give me a drink!" Scootaloo blurted as the Pink Pony stared, with a cross look on her face.

"Your tab is already too high Scootaloo, especially for your flank. Got the bits to cover it?"

"Look. I’ve a hard day ahead of me. Please don't start being... Not you just yet, Coil." Scootaloo whispered as she slammed down several bits in front of her. After several seconds, the ponies demeanour changed back to that of a happy one as she piped up.

"Oh, Scooty-Poo, I could never stay mad at you. But since you have the bits this time, and not just an extension to your bar tab, I’ll let you of this time, okie-dokey-pokey?" The pink pony said as she slid a jug of apple cider beer over to Scootaloo. The pub seemed to house hardly, if any customers, apart from the visits Scootaloo had been giving the place. Glancing around, Scootaloo came face to face with Coil, the pink pony speaking up. "So how much longer are you staying here in good old Las Pegasus? You have been here over a month already!"

"Until tomorrow, our final show is... Oh crap," Scootaloo stopped as she noticed the time on the wall, she was already over five minutes late. Gulping down the beer, the Pegasus gave a quick nod to Coil before rushing out of the building towards the entertainment ring, which would take at least another five minutes to reach.

"Where is that no good drunk?" Soarin pouted as the crowd outside was chanting for the Wonderbolts, getting restless with each chant.

"Give her time, Soarin’," Spitfire exclaimed as she stared at her wrist watch.

“Face it, Spitfire, she isn’t coming. Again. I didn't want to say anything, but I saw her heading into The Pink Mare on the way here."

A wave of disappointment hit Spitfire, a crushing pain griping her chest. “I do too much for you Dash,” She whispered.

"Let's start our act, it can still work with just the two of us, I guess," Spitfire said sadly as they both trotted towards the arena.

Scootaloo had made it in record time, but was still eight minutes late, and the final elevator seemed to be taking forever to arrive, her vision blurring in and out with what Scootaloo thought to be a lack of breath, but it was something else, something worse, which she could do nothing about but shrug it off.

Several business ponies rounded the corner, and Scootaloo knew her time in Las Pegasus was catching up to her. "Hello, Scootaloo. You know why we are here," The ponies said as Scootaloo could do nothing but gulp a yes as she was quickly surrounded.

"You think we like chasing people like you down? You owe the boss a LOT of bits, ma'am, and since we know this is your last night here, we came to collect, now!"

"Now boys, you know I will be good for the money, Mr Hard Cash knows I will pay him after tonight’s show, but right now, I am very bucking late. So, if you will excuse me..."

"No, miss Scootaloo. We get the bits, now! Hard Cash's orders. We were told to get the bits, or…" The single talking business pony spoke, staying silent before his goons made a move. "Or we get you, miss Scootaloo." The elevator dinged open as Scootaloo dashed inside, mashing the button as the doors closed, Scootaloo letting out a sigh of relief.

"Crap like this can drive any pony to drink!" Scootaloo remarked to herself as she ascended to the floor of the arena, her vision fading in and out, with her breathing becoming short rasps, she once again shook it of. "Just my nerves."

Scootaloo trotted out of the elevator as the announcer was introducing the Wonderbolts. She wasn't too late after all! As her name was announced she flew out, presenting herself to the enormous crowd’s cheers cascading from one of the biggest crowds she had seen in years. Flying high, the arena held several large pass through hoops and several sections for VIP ponies, covered in glass box skylights. She knew her manoeuvre by the book and involved a simple pass by Soarin’.

“About bloody time, Scootaloo,” Soarin’ grunted as he took his position, signalling the start of the trick. Scootaloo flew for the first pass by Soarin’, with his voice echoing over the radio attached to the costume, telling her to 'initiate the magic', at which point both ponies clicked their heels together, initiating a trailing smoke machine inside their boots. The crowd gave gasps of excitement and cheer as the pair completed a perfect figure eight, with Spitfire bursting through the sky rings and through the middle, the crowd cheering as the trio prepared for a double figure eight this time.

Scootaloo’s vision and breathing was heavily stressed by this point, a sharp pain stabbing in her side every second, yet she ignored it, initiating the second pass. As Scootaloo approached the first of the two figure eights, she had trouble keeping her balance, knocking into Soarin, a quick “Hey, watch it!” echoing over the radio as the two prepared for the second figure eight pass.

She took of, her vision fading in and out, the world seeming to stop just for her, even as Soarin’ shouted for her to stop, to stay in line. It was far too late, she had crashed into Soarin’, both ponies spinning to the ground as the world went dark around Scootaloo, and then nothing.

"Scoots... Time to wake up."

"R-Rainbow?"

"Wake up Squirt, they need you..."

Scootaloo slowly opened her eyes, realizing she was in a hospital bed, with Spitfire standing over her, a grimace on her face.

"What...what happened?" She asked, her voice weak and shaky.

"You just don't know when to stop, do you, Scootaloo?" Spitfire choked out before a doctor earth pony strutted in.

"Miss Scootaloo, glad you are awake. To put it simply and quickly, your liver is failing from the constant abuse of liquor that Spitfire has informed me of. We need to find you a donor and fast. You may have only days before it completely fails. On top of that, we have several police down stairs who wish to question you regarding flying under the influence. I believe you, Spitfire, are responsible for this."

"Doctor... May I have a minute?” Spitfire asked in a gentle tone as the doctor simply nodded, heading back out of the room.

"Hey, Spitfire. I'm sorry about earlier."

"Save it, Scootaloo. I have stuck with you through thick and thin, but this is the last straw, you cost us today, you cost us too much, its over. Rest up, get the help you need, then go away. I’m leaving in the morning, two less Wonderbolts behind me..."

"What do you.-"

"He’s dead, Scoots." With those words it struck Scootaloo. The last pony she remembers seeing was...

"Soarin’? No, it... It can’t be, he was the same altitude as me. Its impossible!" Scootaloo weakly shouted, tears forming in her eyes.

"He softened your impact, the stupid foal, he turned his body to protect you. He gave his life to save yours. The glass impaled him with the fall as you two broke through the VIP sunroofs." Spitfire whispered as the tears now streamed down her face. “They tried their best… But, but they… They couldn't save him.”

Spitfire threw a stack of mail on Scootaloo’s side table before moving towards the door. "I'm sorry Scoots, but it’s too much for any of us to handle. Now we have lost two wonderful ponies, my best friend is gone... And while I try not to blame you... I..." Spitfire burst into tears, holding a hoof to her mouth.

"Please don't leave me, I need you!"

"No, Scootaloo. The only thing you need is help. Goodbye." Spitfire choked as she walked out, whispering a final “forgive me.” To herself as tears flowed down her cheeks, forever out of Scootaloo’s life, the blame of two ponies fates now falling onto her.

Hours passed, with Scootaloo becoming incredibly frustrated, she had never gone this long without a drink, and then she noticed the mail Spitfire had left her. Most of it was for bill and debt, more than anypony could possibly accumulate in just over a month in Las Pegasus, her gambling a failed substitute for the drinking, with two habits now bound to her. One letter, however, perked her attention. She knew the area stamp from when she was younger, and instantly opened it up.

Dear Miss. Scootaloo

This Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of the Ponyville Elementary class of one Cheerilee, and according to records, you attended this class. In honour of Cheerilee's teaching accomplishments, a reunion is to be held on the forthcoming Saturday. Food and Drink will be free of charge and we look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Whitegrin, Mayor of Ponyville.

Scootaloo sighed, tears running from her eyes. In one day, she had lost everything. She needed bits to pay back the loan shark, she needed a home, and she needed friends. Creeping out of bed, she headed towards the rooms door, only to notice a familiar voice talking.

"We know Miss Scootaloo is in there, and we wish to see her, now! She is in serious financial troubles!"

"Crap... It’s those jerks again!" Scootaloo panicked to herself as she desperately tried to find a way out. She paused, looking at the note still in her hand. "They still hate me after all I did, but I need to get as far away from here as possible, away from everything, its my only chance. Perhaps I can bum some bits" Scootaloo chuckled as she opened the window, shacking her hospital gown of her body as she took into the sky, her vision fading in and out as she headed in the familiar direction towards Ponyville.

"Sir... She’s gone, but her belongings remain untouched... Except for..." The business pony paused, picking up the photo from inside Scootaloo’s Las Pegasus room.

"Tell the boss I know where she’s heading...."

Authors Note: Big thank you to Purple Thunder for fixing up spelling and grammar errors.

Applebloom

Chapter 2: Appleblooms Life

"Following the death of long time Wonderbolt Soarin earlier today, police have been searching for the now on the run Scootaloo, looking for any information about her personal life that can lead to her apprehension and questioning regarding her apparent acts of flying while under the influence of alcohol. It has been assumed for years that illegal and highly dangerous acts have been hidden and covered up by the Wonderbolts from connections to Canterlot. We pressed Wonderbolts veteran Spitfire for an interview, who refused to comment on the situat-."

*thump!*

The radio emitted gentle white noise as Applebloom slammed her hooves to the desk, jolting the channel away from the news. "I'm telling you, we can't keep cutting costs like this! It can put ponies in serious danger!" Applebloom snorted.

Sitting across the other side of the table was an elderly stallion, unpleased with Applebloom’s stubbornness. Scratching his head, he began to speak calmly. "Now, my dear, if we did everything by the book, 'your way', we would be broke in months. Our division refuses to invest enough resources---"

"Save it, you old foal!" Applebloom shouted, cutting the stallion of mid sentence. "You forget that I'm the one with the cutie mark for construction! My company knows what they're doing, and we've saved your flank hundreds of times over the years. Heck, most of Manehatten’s newest buildings are our work! This is the last straw, Penscribe. Bloom Construction is done with your reckless attempts at putting ponies’ lives at risk just to make a few extra bits!"

Penscribe simply stared at Applebloom for several seconds before realizing that she was indeed serious about leaving. Applebloom had always threatened to leave Hard Cash Co. in the past, but Penscribe knew her well enough to figure out her lies. Rubbing his temples with his hooves, Penscribe gave a soft whinny as he stood, making his way behind Applebloom with a trot, his calm demeanor now much more sinister as the stallion began to slowly whisper into her ear.

"Applebloom, you wouldn't want to upset Hard Cash, would you? Besides, without us, it would be your company that would be broke. You wouldn't even be here without us!"

"You think you can intimidate me? I am not scared of you! Tell your boss to stick a carrot up there, I'm done with this shady company." Applebloom pushed past Penscribe, a look of concern now forming on the elderly stallions face.

"Please Applebloom. Don't upset Hard Cash, he is a very persuasive pony!" Penscribe pleaded to the stubborn mare, but it was too late. Applebloom had already made an exit from the run down construction booth, grabbing her hat from the table in the process, slamming the door shut with her flank on the way out. Applebloom fought back tears as she slowly walked along the roads of Manehatten. Taking in the sights always seemed to calm her at times like this, and she needed it today more than ever. To tell her whole company they had just lost one of their biggest sources of income was going to be devastating, but it wasn't the first time. She had left many times before, but always come crawling back in the end. Nearly every advertisement space in the city was lined with her companies ad, yet she knew that all her work had to go through Penscribe and Hard Cash first to even get approved, the two biggest names in Manehatten, if not Equestria for that matter. She was receiving decent work, but it felt dirty, wrong. Applebloom hated being like a dog on a leash, but it was her only choice.

Applebloom was furious with herself for letting somepony like that run her company for so many years, yet however she looked at the situation, Penscribe was right. Without him, her company would never have the work it does, and probably would have been out of business before the brand name was even established. Worse for that matter was the fact that If they even found out about the funds she had been smuggling from right under their noses to fix the regulation codes....she shuddered to think. She had heard multiple rumors that Penscribe and Hard Cash liked to intimidate their uncooperative partners, going so far as to make them vanish without a trace. Accusations had come and gone from the authorities, but they could never prove anything.

As much as she hated taking the funds, she had to do it. There was always that off chance that something would go wrong and all the blame would shift to her company, being held liable while those two bit-grabbing thieves would walk free. Several other Hard Cash clients who failed to follow their orders in the past had all recently been indicted, her rival company, Wings and Things being the latest target. The poor bastards were blamed for a collapsed skyscraper, filing for bankruptcy just to pay the lawyers.

Applebloom walked by what was possibly the only park left in the City, noticing several fillies playing on the playground she had built just last week. Her entire company had touched up the park in their free time, turning it from a muddy hole into what it was now. To see the fillies run around care free put a slight smile on her face, remembering the care free times she had when she was younger, and how quickly she had to grow up after she arrived here. She had lost almost all of her final years of being young trying to establish her company and find her place. She had left everything behind. Applejack, Sweet Apple Acres, even her accent. According to Hard Cash, 'no one wants to talk to a southern s hick in Manehatten'. Applebloom had even failed to keep in contact with her family for well over ten years.

Several of the fillies waved cheerfully to Applebloom, but she continued on, ignoring them as her focus was set on much more pressing issues. Arriving at her companies building, she took a quick glance at the structure. It was visibly different, more so than any other building in the city. It had a certain Ponyville charm to it, warm and inviting, a complete opposite compared to the other buildings around the city, all of which were cold and sterile, courtesy of Hard Cash Co. Approaching, Applebloom recognized the voices of two particular brothers arguing.

"I am telling you, Flim, the disk cobobulator connects to the ignition shaft!"

"I am telling you, brother of mine, it connects to the auxiliary exhaust!"

Applebloom coughed slightly, the two brothers stopping their work to pay attention to Applebloom, faces covered in oil. She had hired them when she started the company to be in charge of the electronics of the buildings, and while they occasionally tried to cheat their way to finish the work, or even make a few extra bits out of gullible ponies, they had quickly become two of Applebloom’s closest Manehatten friends. She remembered their failed cider career when she was younger, and felt bad for them. Standing, the two brothers grabbed some oil rags from nearby to wipe their faces, glancing back between each other and Applebloom for several seconds, Flam stroking his mustache as he spoke up.

"Something the matter, my dear Applebloom?" Flam questioned, Flim looking on with an overly faked smile.

"I need everypony inside, staff meeting. I have some rather pressing issues to discuss."

"I see..." Flim whispered, the two brothers quickly turning back to the machine they were working on, almost as if Applebloom never approached. The pair gave a symmetrical hoof wave, signaling that they understood the urgency of the situation. Applebloom always liked that quality in the two of them, being able to know when a situation was bad, their judgment having saved quite a few of Applebloom’s design plans from backfiring.

The inside of her company was small, by Manehatten standards anyway. It contained a working area, where Flim and Flam were, housing a garage on the left side. The main area held a simple reception desk, equipped with basic office equipment, but never any receptionist, budget being too tight to bother with one. There was also a worn out sofa near a coffee table that was littered with old magazines. A walled of area was straight ahead, containing several rooms, one leading to the garage, the toilets, and a door to the staff room. A hallway also existed to the right, which housed several other doors, containing storage lockers for client based paperwork, a room for construction plans, a few crew areas and finally, Applebloom’s office, all out of view from the main area.

Applebloom entered her office, throwing her hat onto the desk. Applebloom eyed a familiar photo frame, which was very dear to her. Picking it up, she stared at it for what seemed the millionth time. It was the final photo taken while she still lived in Ponyville, right before she had left her so-called 'friends' behind to pursue her career and find her purpose. The photo contained the three Cutie Mark Crusaders, Applejack, as well as her other five friends, including the now deceased Rainbow Dash. As much as she tried to deny it, she missed Ponyville, and was terribly homesick. The last thing that Applejack had given her was her old hat, which she took with her, no matter the place.

Sighing, she put the frame back onto the desk before a slight knock on her office door startled her. "What do you want?" Applebloom shouted, the door creping open to reveal a rather young stallion sticking his nose inside.

"We're waiting for you in the staff room, boss." whispered the stallion as Applebloom gave a sigh.

"Please, Rumble, I told you, its Applebloom."

"Y...yes ma'am...s...sorry ma'am" Rumble squeaked softly as he backed away from the door. Applebloom quickly scooped up her hat, following him outside. As Rumble and Applebloom walked together towards the staff room, Rumbles gaze was constantly darting between Applebloom and the floor, a visible blush apparent on his cheeks.

"Rumble, I've known you for most of my time in Manehatten. We are both from around Ponyville, there is no need to be nervous, we are like family now. Stop being so darn shy around me!"

"Sorry bo....i mean...Applebloom" Rumble said as he faked a grin, entering the staff room quickly ahead of Applebloom to avoid her gaze. Rumble was like a little brother to Applebloom, and the Pegasus had been there for her from the moment she arrived in Manehatten. While originally there to see his brother, who was earlier that year diagnosed with Lymphosarcoma, he seemed to stay for Applebloom, going to such lengths as to front half the money for the business, paid straight from Thunderlane’s will, even being so kind as to give her a place to stay when she had nothing.

Why he did it, Applebloom had no idea, but it was one of the kindest acts she ever saw in anypony, and the two had been friends ever since. Even with the company draining most of Rumbles inheritance, he had refused to stop, claiming he had nowhere else to go. Rumble was always the shy one, and could never properly look anypony else in the eyes, even swaying up and down on his legs was the end result of his confidence.

Rumble was several years younger than Applebloom, looking almost the same he did when he was little, his swept back mane now gracefully going down the length of his back, covering most of his neck. He was well built for his age, his frame a lot like Big Macintosh's back in the day. His cutie mark was very fitting for his name, a smashed up boulder, going along nicely with his career as the team’s demolitions pony.

Entering the staff room, Applebloom suddenly received a gut feeling of being judged as dozens of her workers stared in silence. Holding back a cough, Applebloom addressed her workers. "H...hey everyone, I'm afraid we have some rather bad news. Hard Cash Co. has been disconnected from Bloom Construction."

"How could you?" A voice from the crowd mentioned.

"What about our bits? You haven't paid us in three weeks!" Said another, rallying up several others.

The crowd’s arguing was now growing louder each second, the small group quickly making their way over to Applebloom with looks of contempt and hatred on their faces. All Applebloom could do was back into a corner as the raging mob pilled around her.

"Thats...ENOUGH!" a voice yelled out amongst the mob, the crowd quickly quieting down. Rumble stepped in front of the group, pacing backwards and forwards, protecting Applebloom as his shy demeanor was now seemingly gone completely. "We will find more bits, we always have... but to disrespect Applebloom after she has done so much for this company...for everypony, is just appalling. She does so much for each of you--"

"Rumble, its okay..." Applebloom gestured, trying not to make a scene.

"No...no its not. This lovely mare has done so much for you all, without even asking for anything but loyalty back. You two, the Kramer twins, who stayed out all night looking for your little colt when he run away while a tornado was scheduled? huh? and what about you two? Did she complain when she spent all night, by herself, fixing up the hole in your roof that was caused by that thunderstorm?"

"Yeah, but she..."

"We are meant to be like family here, through thick and thin. We help each other, not ourselves! Bits come and go, but family and friends are not going to be around forever!"

With the heartwarming little speech, the whole work crew gathered around Applebloom, offering their apologies. But the question remained, with one of the workers bringing it up.

"But what will we do for bits? I haven't properly eaten in weeks!"

Applebloom stood from her cowering position, finally addressing the crowd herself. "We do what we have always done, stick together. For now, go home, get some rest and we will figure something out in the morning. I know our bits and food have been rather scarce these few weeks, but we will manage, we always have."

The crowd started to quietly talk amongst themselves as Appleblooms gaze locked onto Rumble. Teary eyed, a "Thank...you" being all she could say under her breath, a simple nod of approval from Rumble being more than enough of a response. Outside the building, Applebloom wiped the sweat from her forehead, breathing a sigh of relief before speaking. "I don't know what I would do without you, Rumble. You saved my sorry flank back there."

"Th...thank you...A...Applebloom. It might not be for long, t...though. Bits make the world go 'round after all." Rumble stuttered as he kicked the ground with his hoof, staring at the sky for several seconds to try and avert his gaze. "We better get moving...... or you will be late to p...pick her up again."

Applebloom gave a gentle smile as the two friends started walking down the sterile looking streets together. The daily walk between Applebloom and Rumble at the end of a hard day was always pleasant, like a weight being lifted from Appleblooms shoulders. She had tried countless times to bring Rumble out of his shell, each evening the two would discuss the day’s events and the clients each of them had to go through. As he kicked some pebbles with his hoof, Rumble was the first to speak up. "You....you're so lucky, Applebloom. Free from that bit l...leech Hard Cash. I wish I had the honor." Applebloom gave a simple nod before realizing Rumble had stopped several paces behind her, suddenly bucking some trash cans over in anger, his shyness vanishing in an instant. "Why do people like us let people like him always run our lives!?" he spouted, tears starting to form in his eyes.

Applebloom sighed, turning around to face the upset pony, calmly speaking. "I will never truly be free, Rumble. He still has my company under key and lock from a contract. My work is my life, and I care about everypony that is a part of it, like family. I could never just pack up and leave. You of all ponies should know there is no leaving from anything Hard Cash related anyway. We are in this together, just like you said when you helped fund this company."

"I know that! I....I just want...wanted..."

"To feel happy again?" Applebloom said

"Wha...what...how..how did you know?"

"If knowing you for over twenty five years hasn't allowed me to get in touch with my closest friend’s feelings, I am not a very good friend." Applebloom whispered as she trotted past Rumble, pointing towards the park the group had fixed up last week. The same fillies were still lurking and again waved, Applebloom returning the gesture with a grin. "Want to know how I make it through each day without you around, Rumble? Take Manehatten for example, it’s always a disgusting, glum pile, but it will always have that one spot of sunshine in it that all areas do. Its happy place."

"Happy...place?" Rumble questioned. "I don't get it"

"Yes, happy place. Think of Manehatten like our minds, it can be full of bad things from time to time, but we all have that one place we can think of that makes us happy...our own little park in a sterile world. If I'm feeling down, I just think of my happy place."

"What is your happy place?" Rumble asked, a slight smile creeping on his face.

"I have two. The first being all the good times I had back in Ponyville. Something like that can never make me truly sad."

"I...think I understand...try...try and zone out the bad thoughts?" Rumble pondered as Applebloom winked sheepishly, knowing that several young fillies and colts were approaching Rumble, pulling at the stallions mane to urge him to go play.

"Have fun, I have to jet. Try not to worry about the bits, we will think of something tomorrow." Applebloom shouted as she trotted of, waving goodbye as her friend was dragged away by the carefree children against his will.

"Applebloom, what was your second happy place?" Rumble nervously asked from the crowd of the young ponies as they tugged at his overgrown mane.

"You should know that, Rumble. It’s Appleshine!" Applebloom shouted as she continued walking, her thoughts now focusing on her daughter, quickly leaving her friend to toil in the games of the children. She had given birth to her almost six years ago, and she was a few years younger than herself at Ponyville back in the day, the end result out of a rushed and ruined marriage. Just before contact with Ponyville had stopped, Applebloom thought she had met the perfect Stallion. He was charming, charismatic and all around sweet. But that all changed once he had lost his job, and income was very tight.

He was constantly drinking, hurting himself in ways no pony should....and worst of all he was taking his anger out on the only one that couldn't fight back, Applebloom. The job was everything to him, and without it, something snapped. For years she had to endure constant beatings from his drunken rampages, until one day, she had woke up to find he was gone. She still loved him deep down, but after all that, he left her, alone and pregnant. With the constant shortage of bits over the years, raising the filly was difficult, but she tried to provide what she could, and the two were happy with what little they had.

Applebloom approached the school, and like most of the other parts of the city, it too had a sterile look to it. Almost all the buildings in Manehatten were a single color, mostly Hard Cash's idea, with the mysterious pony believing that they are a place of business, not pleasure. Trotting towards the school doors, Applebloom noticed her daughter standing there, two of Hard Cash's thugs beside her. With a mothers instinct kicking in and not a second thought, Applebloom raced forward, snatching up her daughter and hiding her from their sight.

"Hello, mommy! These are my new friends!" The little filly explained, a giant grin on her face covering ear to ear. Applebloom quickly hushed the filly, staring at her daughter with a very serious expression of contempt.

"The only thing these guys happen to be are bit leeches. I told you time and time again, Appleshine, never talk to strangers. What if they grabbed you!?" Applebloom huffed in anger as one of the two business Stallions stepped forward.

"Please, Applebloom. Not all of us are the monsters people claim us to be, we simply do our jobs as told." The first stated, the second quickly speaking up soon after.

"Most of us were going to let your....slip up slide, but then we found out about the bits, Applebloom." Applebloom’s face suddenly turned into a nervous glance, realizing they must have found out about the funds she used to correct the buildings.

"How did you find out?" Applebloom asked, as the two business Stallions stared at each other, small smiles now creeping on their otherwise grim faces.

"Because Applebloom, you just told us!" Snickered the first Stallion. It then hit her, and hit her hard. She had just made her biggest mistake, they had played their 'ace in the hole', tricked her.

"For a long time Hard Cash has noticed small amounts of bits being siphoned, but never could find out where they were going. Now it looks like we know. This is a very interesting development, Applebloom. It seems now Hard Cash has a way to collect and use your services!"

"You won’t get a bit from me! I barely have enough to get by on my own, and now this!" Applebloom stated.

"Yes, my dear. We understand your living conditions, and Mr. Penscribe was more than persistent to let it slide....but we follow Hard Cash, and Hard Cash alone. Boss’s orders, I'm afraid."

"So what....you are just going to kill me?! Is that it?"

"No....you misunderstand. We simply want your services to continue. The construction department here in Manehatten runs on razor tight funding and we were injecting most of it into your business. Applebloom, Without you, we would lose our foot holding here, and the boss would not like that very much."

"Is there a point to this steaming pile of trash you fellers are spewing?"

"To give you a warning, Applebloom. Your flank, and your company will always belong to Hard Cash. Even if you wanted to quit, you cannot escape the fact you stole a lot of bits from us over the years, Applebloom. We need you...and you need us."

"M...mommy? Is that true?" The little filly mumbled, Applebloom quickly hushing her quiet with a hoof wave.

"We need to collect, one way or another. If you don't want to rejoin our company’s services....well... accidents happen." That was the last call. Applebloom could tolerate the years of neglect from Hard Cash, but threatening lives of her friends and family just to make her cooperate was the last straw. Leaping at the business stallion, Applebloom bucked him twice, once in the chest, and another in the jaw sending him toppling backwards, the second stallion bracing his fallen comrade as they both hit the ground hard.

"Now you listen here. I would rather be poor than have to put up with working for Hard Cash the rest of my life! I took those bits to help keep Hard Cash's shoddy cutbacks at bay! The wiring, the supports, all made from cheap, lesser materials. A walking death trap!" Without thinking twice, Applebloom hoisted Appleshine onto her back and trotted away, a final yell from one of the two business stallions could be heard.

"Accidents happen, Applebloom....accidents happen!"

The walk back to Appleblooms house was a fairly long one, and took a rather hefty forty minute train ride. The mare and her filly entered the train, quickly occupying a seat as a dozen or so other ponies filled the train to capacity. For several minutes the two stayed silent, Appleblooms gaze staring at the floor while Appleshine stood on her hind legs, looking out of the train’s window from her seat. After a few stops had passed, the little filly finally spoke up.

"Are we going to be poor, momma?" She croaked as her gaze stayed on the window, unwilling to face her mother’s now obvious staring.

"We have always been poor, Appleshine." Applebloom sarcastically replied, knowing that the question asked was rather rhetorical.

"No....i mean...poorer than poor?" Appleshine sighed, not impressed with her mother’s tone.

"We'll manage, sweetheart. We have been scraping by for awhile now, and your old mom losing one of her clients isn't going to make us any poorer. We just need a lucky break."

"But what about the bits you took from them? Why did you steal them?" Appleshine questioned as she sat back in her seat, her head tilting to the side as she asked the question, staring Applebloom in the face.

"Appleshine....sweetheart, I did what I had to do....I had to make sure nopony would get hurt. You can always get some lousy bits back, but if somepony ever gets hurt---"

"You mean killed, mommy?" The filly corrected, knowing the term bluntly.

"Yes....killed. You are very smart for your age, you know that Appleshine?"

"Everypony says that, it’s silly."

"No it’s not." Applebloom stated as she nuzzled Appleshine’s face affectionately. "Never hide who you are and what makes you special. You are you, and never let anypony else tell you otherwise." The silence again continued between the two as Applebloom took in her daughter’s innocent appearance and charm, admiring the filly she had raised all on her own. She looked almost identical to Applebloom when she was a filly in terms of body structure, her mane very short and scruffy all over, a trait of her father’s. Her eyes were a lovely dark blue and her skin was a dark red, her mane a lovely shade of blond to it. Appleshine was very intelligent for her age, and often received praise from her teachers. Applebloom knew the filly had yet to make a single friend, but her hopes were high. Applebloom herself really only had one friend until she met Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle.

The train screeched to a halt as it reached their stop, the two quickly departing so as not to get trapped by the automatic doors. Applebloom’s house was only a block away from the station, and she was glad. Two forty minute train rides were more than enough to endure each day. Applebloom rounded the corner to see her house in all its glory. It was extremely run down, and how it was not condemned was beyond her knowledge. She had wanted to fix it up, but the cost was simply too much for such a rundown place.

Appleshine rushed ahead of her mother, collecting a stack of mail from the letterbox, almost toppling over backwards as she stood on her hind legs, trying desperately to reach the slot. Applebloom swung the front door open, her daughter rushing between her legs. She threw the mail onto an old table, quickly rushing upstairs and returning with a sheet of paper and a box of crayons before Applebloom had even made it into the living room. Applebloom slowly trotted into the kitchen as her daughter started to scribble on the paper happily. Opening the cupboards, there was a very apparent lack of food. The last few weeks had been tough on all her workers, even herself. Sighing, Applebloom took the only thing she could find, a can of beans, and as hungry as she was, she knew her daughter had to always come first.

Night came, and Applebloom shouted at the filly to eat her dinner, the filly running into the kitchen, tripping over the piece of paper she held in her mouth, getting it caught under her small hooves every few steps. Letting out a small giggle at the sight of her daughter’s adorableness, Applebloom smiled. Collecting the paper, she stapled it to their fridge with a magnet.

"I drew this for you, mommy." Appleshine cheerfully mentioned as she struggled to climb her seat. Applebloom gave her a boost up, turning back to examine her daughters handy work. A magnitude of swirls and colors existed, but no real picture was evident.

"Its...lovely, sweetheart." Applebloom choked as she smiled, trying her best to spare her daughters feelings.

"Mommy, where is your food?" The filly asked as she stuffed a bunch of the beans in her tiny mouth.

"I already ate while I was heating yours up, sweetheart." Applebloom lied. "I'll be in the living room if you need me." She trotted into the living room, collecting the mail the filly had left, sitting herself down in her favorite chair. sighing, Applebloom browsed the rather large pile of mail. Most of it was bills, last warnings from the power company etc, the usual stuff she received, but one letter caught her attention almost immediately. She recognized the postal stamp, It was from Ponyville. Dropping the other letters to the floor she immediately tore open the letter with her teeth, not caring about the envelope’s well being. Appleblooms eyes darted across the page as she examined the letter.

Dear Mrs. Applebloom

This Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of the Ponyville Elementary class of one Cheerilee, and according to records, you attended this class. In honour of Cheerilee's teaching accomplishments, a reunion is to be held on the forthcoming Saturday. Food and Drink will be free of charge and we look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Whitegrin, Mayor of Ponyville.

As she held the letter against her chest memories of Ponyville filled her mind. She missed Ponyville, and she missed it a lot. Fate was always a fickle thing, and without the fight she had, none of her dreams would have even come into fruition. She loved, and missed Ponyville, but after the fight, she had been too ashamed to go back. The way Scootaloo had acted prevented that. Would they even bother with her now? She hadn't even told anypony that she was a mother, not even Applejack. Applebloom sighed as she flicked on the radio, trying to ease her mind as the night rolled on.

The night was drawing to a close as Applebloom tucked her sleepy daughter into bed, kissing her softly on the forehead.

"Mommy, can you sing me a bedtime song?" The filly asked, yawning as a grin crept on her face.

"I don't think I have any left, sweetheart. You've heard everything, I'm afraid."

"Nothing?" Appleshine asked, her body half climbing out of the bed in anticipation.

"Well...I may have one left." Applebloom whispered as she tucked the filly into bed for a second time. Applebloom cleared her throat as she started to hum, slowly singing the best she could as she tightened the filly’s sheets.

We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders

On a quest to find out who we are

And we will never stop the journey

Not until we have our cutie marks

"That was nice mommy, but who are the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" The filly asked, half asleep. Applebloom smiled faintly as more memories flooded into her head, desperately holding back the tears that were now forming.

"They were very good friends of mine, sweetheart, but I haven't heard from them in a very long time." Applebloom kissed Appleshine on her forehead a final time and exited the room, slowly closing the door. A final whisper came from the filly, partially woken by the squeaking door.

"Will I ever get my cutie mark, mommy? Nearly everyone in my class has one except me..." Applebloom paused at the question, a wave of nostalgia now washing over her. She turned her head to look back at the filly, ready to answer the question, but she was now completely asleep. Releasing a satisfied sigh, Applebloom trotted to her room, laying down for the night, falling asleep almost the instant her head hit the pillow, memories long forgotten now flowing into her dreams.
____________

"It’s not fair! It’s all my fault, It’s not fair!" Scootaloo cried, clinging onto the casket for dear life. Applebloom tried to grab the distraught mare, trying to pull her away from the funeral as tears started to form, Sweetiebelle looking onward from her seat in horror as dozens of upset ponies stared. Scootaloo’s grip was too tight, and it sent the mare backwards, with Scootaloo flying forward, knocking the casket to the ground, spilling its contents, and revealing a peacefully sleeping Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo reached outwards and hugged the deceased mare, the tears and sobs never ending as several of the funeral ponies stared in horror.

"Get her out of here"

"She should have some bucking respect"

Applebloom approached Scootaloo, placing a hoof on her shoulder as her upset friend gripped her hooves tighter, nodding for Sweetiebelle to help get her out of there and get the scene under control.

"Please, Scoots, you're making a scene" Sweetiebelle whispered.

"It’s all my fault she’s dead....my...bucking fault..." Scootaloo sobbed as Applebloom managed to get Scootaloo to release her grip, embracing her in a hug. As she walked Scootaloo away from the scene, several other ponies rushed over to fix the coffin, Sweetiebelle now singing a soft melody of hums to calm the crowd.

Applebloom whipped out a bottle of unbranded liquor from a box inside their old treehouse, handing it to Scootaloo she embraced her in a hug. While everyone was concerned for the drinking that Rainbow and Scootaloo had taken up, Applebloom knew it was for good fun, and allowed her friend to indulge every now and then, always hiding a secret stash for her. For several minutes all she could really do was sit there and watch the upset mare drink the entire bottled contents herself, Scootaloo seemingly staring into orbit as tears rolled down her face and onto the dusty floor of the old clubhouse.

"Soooo...." Applebloom murmured, unable to construct the correct response.

"So, what?" Scootaloo murmured, no longer crying. "Why do you care? Why does this whole damned town even care? It's....It's all my fault...I killed her....."

"I care, Scoots. I care. You bucking well know that. Nopony can tell you otherwise. You didn't kill her, Scootaloo. It was a accident, she gave her life to save yours. She caught you, she loved you Scoots."

"It’s a lie, Bloom. A filthy lie, and I can't live with myself any longer. I have to tell somepony. I killed her, Applebloom....I..."
____________

Applebloom’s eyes darted open, dawn staring her in the face through her window, beads of sweat pouring from her, mind racing and her breathing heavy. It had been quite awhile since she had that dream, and it was the last thing she needed. Waking up before the bad part, however, she was thankful for. Sighing, Applebloom staggered out of bed to go and get herself and her daughter ready for their day.

"Please, for the safety of my daughter, do not let anypony other than myself pick her up or even come near her. Is that clear?" Applebloom scowled, nose to nose with the school teacher.

"Of course, Miss Applebloom. See you at the usual time!" Said the teacher, beneath a flushed face.

"Bye mommy! I’ll miss you!" The filly shouted, Applebloom embracing her in a final hug for the day before trotting of towards her work. Unlike other days, there seemed to be a rather large crowd of ponies around the area, some even rudely pushing past Applebloom in a hurry. This area of the city wasn’t usually busy, and it hit her as very odd.

"Hey! Watch it---" Applebloom choked out as more and more of the areas ponies pushed past her, almost knocking her over. Grabbing one of the bystanders, he immediately stared at her in excitement and panic. "What’s happening?" Applebloom asked, unaware of the events taking place.

"Huge building fire, out of control. ponies are still trapped inside!" The stallion choked, unable to string a sentence together in the excitement. Applebloom let the stallion go in shock, realizing the direction they were all heading.

Accidents happen, Applebloom....accidents happen!

Applebloom’s pupils dilated in fear as she stared running towards her business, hoping her doubts were laid to rest. The scene created there proved otherwise, however. Several firefighter ponies were trying to tackle the out of control fire, support beams cracking from the heat, balls of fire escaping from every opening and window as glass exploded, trying to eat any oxygen that dared come near. It was happening, her dream was crashing and burning.

Putting the guilt behind her, Applebloom rushed forward, tearing the safety tape away as several police officials tried to stop her, but it was too late, she was inside the building. "Ma'am, it’s too dangerous, there are other ponies in there!"

"I know, they're my family!" The flames danced all around her while she kept her flank low, smoke covering most of the area, several support beams now collapsing, blocking her escape. Covering her mouth, she pressed onward, desperately using the last of the little air she had to call for anypony at the top of her lungs.

"Anypony! Is any-damn-pony in here?!" Applebloom shouted, a light cough being all the indication she needed to know it was coming from the garage. Without a second thought she bucked the door open, the force of the oxygen entering the empty room created a gust of flame that caught Appleblooms face, knocking her back and slightly burning her face. Slowly standing, Applebloom leaped past the dancing flames and into the garage, only narrowly avoiding a falling beam in the process. Looking around for the source of the cough she noticed none other than Flim and Flam. Flim was trapped under a beam while Flam was desperately trying to lift it of his brother, his strength all but sapped by the lack of oxygen.

"He...help me, Applebloom. I can't j...just leave him here!" Flam pleaded. Without a second thought, Applebloom looked around, trying to find something to help her lift the support beam, finally eying the company’s hookshot, a device that allowed them to lift heavy objects. Coughing ecstatically, Applebloom grabbed the hook, wrapping it around the beam.

"Flam, help me pull the other end!" Applebloom shouted as the drowsy stallion wobbled slowly over to Applebloom. The two hoisted the beam up, pulling the end of the chain with everything they had, giving just enough room for Flim to crawl out, moments before the entire device buckled under the stress of the raging inferno.

"Applebloom...we...have to find a...way out..." Flim weakly moaned as he was pulled to his hooves by Flam. "Perhaps...the garage door?". Applebloom pressed the button to roll the shutter upwards, nothing. The device had stopped working from the fire. "Now what?" Flam asked, eyeing Applebloom with a concerned glance.

"Let me think for a moment, dammit!" Applebloom shouted, the room almost devoid of any oxygen, the flames now dancing around everything flammable, creeping in from the main area. Think Applebloom, think....front entrance is gone....windows too small...the force on the shutter looks weak....thats it! "Stand back!" Applebloom shouted as she bucked the roller, the entire thing starting to buckle under her hooves. With a second buck, the whole thing disconnected, falling loosely to the ground, allowing an escape outside. Applebloom and the brothers exited the building, quickly surrounded by several ponies, coughing ecstatically as the three of them breathed in the fresh air. "I need to go back in there for Rumble. You two stay here and rest"

"But Applebloom, you might not be able to get back out, it could collapse at any moment!"

"I don't care, I won’t leave him behind!" Applebloom stated, rushing back inside. As she disappeared into the flames once more, an explosion erupted from the garage, collapsing most of the entry way, screams and shrieks of the crowd erupting as glass exploded outwards from the intensity of the heat.

Squinting her eyes, Applebloom slowly stood, barely making it past the garage as the whole thing exploded, propane bottles being the most obvious cause. Her face was now complete with grazing to go along with the burns from earlier, pushed by the force of the explosion, slowly sliding across the garage floor, coming to a eventual stop. The building was beyond any recognition of its former glory, support beams and other objects now collapsing and flaking away, the entire wall covered in flames, dancing angrily as they searched for any remaining oxygen. I have to find him...everything to me....he means everything to me! Using what little energy remained, Applebloom weakly called for Rumble, but it was useless. She was just too out of breath to manage more than a whisper, her body quickly collapsing again from the lack of oxygen. She watched as the flames danced around the roof, almost finished with their meal.

Eyes heavy, Applebloom slowly examined the damage, the smoke so thick she could hardly tell her location. I...I'm done for, finished...I can't move... The mare thought as she slowly crept into the only thing she could still see, trying to find any possible area away from the smoke, her office. Hoisting herself slowly onto her chair, Appleblooms hooves kicked something, her mind sliding in and out of consciousness.

Squinting to make out what was under her desk in the thick haze of smoke, there sat Rumble, out cold and grasping something tightly against his chest. Collapsing to the floor in an effort to reach her friend, Applebloom slowly crawled her way over to Rumble, nudging the stallion weakly with a hoof.

"Apple.....Applebloom?" The stallion mumbled, struggling to regain consciousness.

"Y...yeah champ, it’s me...we... have to get up....get out of here...."

Applebloom helped Rumble to his hooves, using his sturdy frame to balance herself. The smell of burning paper was all she could taste in the air. "Rumble....have you checked...the staff room yet? Every other way out...is out of the question."

Rumble, with his head flopping around in a dazed state, strung together a response. "It....it was fine when I came...here...why?"

"The windows in there....we have to break them....it’s our last hope." The two friends slowly made their way across the hall, struggling to keep their balance with each step. Opening the door, the flames had yet to enter the room, but were quickly trailing along the walls, creeping ever so closer with each second, the scent of oxygen calling them closer. With all of his remaining strength, Rumble grabbed one the staff room chairs, hurling it at the window, allowing them a chance at escape. The fire was quickly rushing inside the room, engulfing anything it touched in mere seconds.

The two staggered over towards the window, Applebloom clumsily hoisting Rumble through. The fire was now covering the floorboards where she stood, the heat making her sweat profusely, her skin starting to blister. Applebloom had ran out of time, she had used the last of her energy helping Rumble. Her mind was telling her to jump, but her body refused, every muscle in her body now giving up. Appleblooms eyes struggled to stay open, each blink showing the vision of a silhouette appearing in the flames, gaining distance with each blink. A ghostly voice echoed in Applebloom’s ears, the apparition now face to face with her, any detail still somehow covered in shadow.

"Hey....time to wake up...she needs you..."

That...that voice....

"Wake up, the squirt needs you. It’s not your time yet...."

"Wake....up..."

Applebloom could feel a wave of energy flush inside her, with the shadowy figure now backing away, vanishing into the flames as quick as it had appeared. There was no point in watching for the glass, she had to do it, had to dive out. Now was better than ever, the sudden burst of energy allowing her to stand. She took the leap of faith, flames biting her flank as she escaped their grasp, embracing the soft grass seconds before the last room of her business exploded with flames. She was safe, the apparition had saved her, but she couldn't believe it. She didn't care if it was the lack of oxygen or some divine force, Rainbow Dash had saved her.

Applebloom felt a gentle nudge as she struggled, taking in the air around her. Rumble was helping her to her hooves, having recovered long before Applebloom even had the chance.

"Applebloom....are you alright?" Rumble asked, staring at Appleblooms blank expression of shock and disappointment.

"It’s gone...."

"B..Bloom?" Rumble asked again, the mare seemingly zoning everything out. It then hit him, she was about to break down, and break down fast. Without a second thought, the stallion embraced his friend in a loving hug.

"It's all gone....everything...gone" Applebloom stuttered to say as she suddenly burst into tears, everything she had worked for most of her life gone in less than an hour. Rumble slowly stroked her back as Applebloom finally let out all the years of hurt and pain over the years, sobbing for several minutes before working up the courage to speak again.

"What do we do now? We put everything into the business, and it’s all gone....we have nothing left." Rumble released her friend from her hug as he handed her a scrunched up photo. Applebloom carefully flattened it, knowing too well what he had grabbed from her office now. It was still mostly in one piece, the picture she had kept for years, all her old friends, still there, her happy place saved.

"Rumble......I.....thank you. This meant everything to me......and I would have left it there." Applebloom gave the stallion a peck on the cheek, Rumble instantly blushing as several of the firefighter ponies trotted over.

"Ma'am, the blaze is under control, and thank your lucky stars you got out okay. We have measured the fire down to an electrical short."

"What!?" Applebloom spouted, pushing Rumble aside as she confronted the now cowering ponies.

"A....an electrical fire, ma'am."

"That’s damn near impossible. Not once has my work ever had something like this happen. I know who did it, it was that son of a stud Hard Cash!"

"That’s quite an accusation to make, Mrs. Applebloom. Hard Cash is a very important pony. Do you have any proof?"

"Well...not exactly. Rumble can back me up, however."

"It’s true. We have been getting threats and harassed for weeks."

"Threats are not a crime, Rumble, was it? You need actual proof before the authorities do anything! Listen, you have a daughter right, Applebloom? Go home and rest then collect her from the school. Let the authorities handle this, go and cool down and rest."

"You're right. I still need to talk to Hard Cash and his cronies, this can’t go on any longer. Rumble, the other workers will be here soon, can you handle them?"

"I...i’ll try Applebloom"

"Thanks. I need to sort some stuff out at home, tell everypony there is no point sticking around today."

"Remember, ma'am, do not do anything rash."

"Yak yak yak, I may be stubborn, but I'm not stupid!"

"Hi mommy! Why are we leaving school so early? It's not even lunch time yet."

"There was an accident at work sweetheart, so we get to spend the day together. Just us!" Applebloom said as she embraced her daughter in a hug. She just couldn't tell Appleshine everything was gone, not yet. She needed to let some steam off, and spending time with her daughter would hopefully allow her to do that. The filly hugged her mother’s neck tightly as she rode on top of Applebloom, the two walking down the streets of Manehatten. Rain clouds were now covering most of the sky, with light drizzles of rain starting to gently splash the concrete under their hooves.

“psst”

Applebloom stopped suddenly, her eyes falling to the pony making the noise. "Mommy? Why have we stopped?"

"Hush, Appleshine." They were hidden in the shadow of a nearby alleyway, taking care not to step out into public. Applebloom cautiously trotted towards the alley as the mysterious pony gestured her forward. "Momma? I'm scar--"

"Quiet!” Appleboom implored her child. “Alright, you have my attention. Who are you, and what do you want?!" Applebloom shouted as the now visible stallion emerged from the darkness of his hiding place."Penscribe...haven't you caused enough trouble at the moment? If my daughter wasn't here, I would buck your teeth in!"

"Stubborn as always, Applebloom. I may be a cold hearted foal sometimes, but I had no idea Hard Cash would go to these lengths. Hard Cash wants to take everything away from you and keep you under lock and chain, a slave. Cash seemed very persistent upon finding out about the bits you took over the years."

"Did you forget what happened to Wings and Things? Or was the demolition of an entire Skyscraper and the destruction of my rival not enough for you!?" Applebloom said, forcefully.

"Nopony was inside when that was ordered. It was done at night, but this...is just cold hearted. Hard Cash did not even care that your colleagues came into work early every d---" Penscribe continued, and was sharply cut off. Applebloom grabbed Penscribe by the scruff of his neck, Appleshine almost falling off of her mother in the process.

"What you want to say, say it now, or Celestia help me!" said Applebloom, courage filling her.

"I..I came to help...just let me go, if you will?" Penscribe choked as Applebloom released her grip, the amount of her strength evident as the stallion toppled back a few feet as he struggled to regain his breath.

"Fine. Speak." Applebloom said flatly.

"I'll show you. Take these!" The elderly horse said excitedly as he withdrew three tickets from his saddlebag.

"Tickets?"

"Not just any type of ticket, but a free ride anywhere on Equestria’s railway system."

"Why only three? What about the rest of my workers?"

"These tickets cost myself over four months salary just to get them. Thats all I could grab. One for you, Appleshine there, and one for...." Penscribe paused, staring at the possibility of his freedom in his hoof, then to Applebloom and her daughter, and in that one moment, he had done something not for himself, or Hard Cash, but for another pony, and it felt nice. "Rumble." Penscribe whispered as he shoved the tickets onto Applebloom’s person. "Get your things packed quickly, get Rumble and get out of town for a few days. I will try and get a meeting with Hard Cash. We go way back, so that stubborn foal might listen to reason."

"Why not just come with me, confess to the authorities?"

"Hard Cash's pockets extend deeper than you know. That foal controls most of the authorities in Manehatten, you of all people should know that. You are damn good at your job, and Hard Cash will take anything away from you just to keep you on a short leash. There are divisions of the company not even I know the details about. Just leave the city for a few days, I know a few uncorrupted officers, I will explain your safety concerns to them."

"Perhaps other cities can he---"

"No! It's just too risky, now please hurry and get packed, take any train far away from here. I have to leave, or they will suspect something. I’ll try and talk to Hard Cash, like I said, but this is all I can do."

"Why are you doing this?" Applebloom asked, a quizzical look upon her features.

"I have my reasons" Penscribe said as he stared at Appleshine face to face, Applebloom nodding with approval before grabbing her daughter and trotting away, indicating she now knew the reason. The things Hard Cash must have done to Penscribe’s family over the years had to be the reason he was still working with the mysterious tycoon pony, even being somewhat of a dragon over the years. It all made sense now. Applebloom had to hurry and pack, but leaving her friends and co-workers behind would be difficult. What choice did she have? Her career was ruined, and she had to protect her daughter, no matter the cost.

"Appleshine. How would you like to go on a little vacation?"

"Vacation? We can't afford a vacation, mommy. Why do you really want to leave?"

"Nothing gets past you, does it Appleshine?" Applebloom whispered lovingly, telling her daughter the truth. "My work had a fire and some very bad ponies are after your old mother for some bits she owes. They don't want to hurt me, but they will hurt anypony I care about, including you, sweetheart. We need to leave for a few days while old Penscribe sorts this business out." Appleshine seemed unpleased with the current turn of events, but knew she had to accept it, just like her mother was.

"But where can we go, mommy?" Appleshine asked, a scared note in her voice. It never occurred to Applebloom, but she hadn't really thought of a place yet. There was, of course, only one place in all of Equestria that would remain uncorrupted from Hard Cash. No matter the cost of her pride, she had to go back there, for her daughter’s sake.

"We are going home sweetheart. We are going to Ponyville"

The station was unusually bare for this late in the afternoon, the only other company the pair had was the echoes, coughs and occasional hoofsteps. Rumble was late. More than half an hour had passed since he was meant to meet the two, the train starting to roll into the subway station.

"Mr. Rumble isn't coming, is he mommy?" Appleshine asked, worry in her voice.

"No…I guess not" Applebloom knew Rumble would have a hard time avoiding Hard Cash's cronies as he was on a tighter leash than she was, no thanks to his kind and shy nature. The stallion always let them boss him around. Sighing, Applebloom grabbed her packed suitcase as her daughter strapped on her worn out saddlebag. There was barely enough time to grab what they wanted, but they did manage to grab their most sentimental possessions. The two entered the train, the filly trotting ahead as Applebloom looked back towards the subway exit, hoping, praying to Celestia that Rumble made it okay.

“Wait...for…me!”

Applebloom’s ears shot upright, the yelling of a familiar voice growing louder each second. Applebloom looked behind her again, this time to be greeted by a sprinting stallion. Rumble had made it to the train, just as the doors to the carriage closed.

"You took your time!" Applebloom snorted as she tried to hide the smile that had crept on her face.

"Yeah....sorry....about...that Applebloom. Hard Cash's cronies were everywhere...." Rumble said, struggling to catch his breath as he laid his suitcase on the train floor.

"You made it, Mr. Rumble!" Appleshine happily said, trotting over to the stallion’s leg as she embraced it in a hug.

"Wouldn't miss this chance for the world." The stallion replied, the trio making their way over to several seats. The train was eerily quiet, no other ponies were on board, which was extremely odd for such a large city. Applebloom couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong. It was going to be a long train ride back to Ponyville and Applebloom was exhausted. Applebloom tilted her hat over her eyes as she laid on her back, using Rumble as a pillow, the mare drifted off to sleep.

____________

"Why would you want to do this, Scootaloo? Do we mean nothing to you anymore?" Applebloom sobbed, sitting by herself In the Cutie Mark Crusaders tree house as Scootaloo turned her back to her friend, trotting outside.”

"It's not that, Applebloom. It’s just that..."

"Rainbow Dash is that important to you, huh? What exactly happened the other night?"

"I have to keep away from any distractions if I ever want to train for the Wonderbolts, and that includes keeping my distance from the Crusaders. Playing find the cutie mark was fun when we were kids, but if I ever want to see Rainbow again, I have to focus on training. You and Sweetiebelle already have your cutie marks, and I'm sure If I train to be as fast as Rainbow, I'll get mine."

"But what if that’s not your special talent?"

"Applebloom, I have so many things in common with her. We are like kindred spirits. We like the same things and we act the same. More than one pony can be good at the same thing, you know."

"Are you sure this is what you want? You have been going through a lot recently, and all these mixed emotions..." Scootaloo stopped, pausing at the doorway to the clubhouse, thinking about her actions. No matter how many times she added the possibilities in her head, they always lead to the same conclusion. This was her destiny, this is what she wanted. Scootaloo trotted up to Applebloom, staring at her for several seconds before embracing her in a hug, both mares now weeping softly.

"I have never been more certain in my life, Applebloom. When she gets back from Canterlot, give Sweetiebelle a good bye hug for me."

"I'll miss you, Scootaloo"

"I’ll be back before you know it"

____________

"Applebloom!!!" Rumble shouted as the mare woke up, rubbing her eyes from the sleep. Darkness now filled outside the train, Applebloom must have been asleep for hours.

"Applebloom, get up!" Rumble shouted again. Springing to her hooves, Applebloom noticed her daughter and Rumble inching backwards, two of Hard Cash's Business ponies quickly advancing.

"How did you find us?!" Applebloom stated as she joined the other two, shielding her daughter from their jolting bodies, constantly trying to grab the filly with each passing moment.

"It wasn't hard since Penscribe talked quite easily. A pony will do anything with their wife or young filly held hostage...and a broken leg. You belong to Hard Cash, and with nopony here, we can rough you up a bit...payback for that buck you gave us!"

"You bastards!" Applebloom couldn't believe it. Of all the ponies under Hard Cash's orders, it just had to be those two. The three were now backed against the carriage compartment, the two business ponies closing in fast, withdrawing and attaching hoof dusters from their suits. She had been hit by them in the past and knew they could break anypony’s jaw easily. This time, they meant business.

"Mommy, what do we do?" The filly croaked as she hugged the back of Rumbles leg tightly. Applebloom’s mind was racing. Think Applebloom, think. We could fight them, but they are most likely trained, they could easily stomp us. Rumble has the power, but not the initiative…. The moons light beamed into the train as it exited the tunnel, Ponyville clear from the mountain pass it was riding over. And then, a spark of genius. I know these mountains, too soft for any serious injury...that’s it! She realized. A smile crept across her muzzle.

"We jump."

"Applebloom?"

"I know this area well. We jump!"

"Applebloom...are you a…a few apples short of an Apple Tree?” Rumble said, incredulous. “There...there has to be another way!"

"Just grab the luggage and jump!" Applebloom shouted as the train door sprung open.

"Do not let them get into Celestia’s territory you foal!" The first stallion charged forward, Applebloom quickly bucking him backwards, once again knocking the two to the ground.

"It's now or never! Take Appleshine and tuck and roll!"

"This is crazy, Applebloom!"

"Mommy, I'm scared!"

"Do it!" Rumble grabbed the filly and leapt out of the train, tumbling down the grassy hillside, hugging the filly as their luggage sprawled across the mountain. "Love to stay boys, but I have a Reunion to attend!" Applebloom said jokingly as she dived out of the train, hitting the door close button on her way out just as the train vanished into another tunnel. The two business ponies were indeed in Celestia’s region now. The escapees were safe. Applebloom came to a safe stop as she rolled down the hill, her face buried in the tall grass.

"Mommy! Mr. Rumble’s hurt!" The filly squeaked, nudging her shoulder with a hoof. Applebloom rose to her hooves, shaken, but was glad nothing was damaged or broken. She quickly made her way over to Rumble, relieved when she saw he was alright.

"It’s okay... just a sprained hoof."

"Can you walk?" Applebloom asked, helping Rumble to his hooves.

"Yeah...it’s not too bad." The two started picking up their luggage, the filly quickly grabbing Applebloom’s hat as she struggled to bring it to her.

"Thank you, sweetheart." It had been well over 15 years since she was last here, the feeling of nostalgia all too familiar. The air was cleaner; the nights were calmer, very country like. Applebloom knew she missed Ponyville and its simplified lifestyle, but just how much of it she had failed to remember.

"Shall we?" Rumble asked, handing Applebloom her suitcase, the two friends staring down the mountain at the town, glowing in the night of the moon.

"Will they even want me back after everything that happened?"

"I'm sure they will. They will be delighted to see you after so long."

"What if my sister is dead? What if everypony I knew hates me? It’s been so many years. I don't want to put them in dan---" Rumble leaned forward, touching his muzzle against Applebloom’s, gently sharing a kiss as Appleshine giggled at the sight.

"Rumble...."

"I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you, I promise." Applebloom smiled, returning the affection back to Rumble after several seconds of silence.

"Is that where we're going, mommy?" The little filly interrupted as she took in the sights of Ponyville for the first time. All Applebloom could do was smile. She was back, and even if everypony hated her, she now had Rumble. Sighing a final sigh as the three started to trot down the mountain, Applebloom spoke the final words of the night.

"Yes, Appleshine. We're going home."

Authors Note: Thanks to a massive flu i have had a giant fever for around a week, only now getting a chance to finish this. I wanted to try and involve others with this, just to experiment with different proof readers styles. For this chapter, a massive thank you goes out to SouthpawFighter614 who was so quick with the edits, I barely had enough time to do my daily ritual of web browsing before they finished. Incredibly fast and well done work.

Sweetiebelle

Chapter 3: Sweetiebelles Life

"Five minutes to curtain call!"

Sweetiebelle jumped as the stage hoof pony yelled through her dressing room doorway. "Th...thanks...I'll be right out!" She said as she glanced into the giant mirror that stood in front of her, staring at her now aged complexion. Years of sleepless nights and stress had certainly taken its toll on the mare, bags clearly evident under her eyes with her once beautiful figure now a thin and malnourished shell of her past self. Despite letting her looks go with time, Sweetiebelle had made it big in life. She was rolling in bits and living the high life in Canterlot’s most posh district. Everypony would come from miles around to hear her sing, which was a rare occurrence. Sweetiebelle had never been able to surpass her fear of singing in front of large crowds, yet her employer never seemed to mind, for when she did manage to sing, she would knock them dead.

"Are you almost ready to perform, my sweet?" A unicorn stallion said happily as he trotted towards Sweetiebelle, approaching her from behind. Shadowy Clouds was a large stallion by standard measures, with piercing green eyes and a long, greasy black and blue mane. His coat color reminded Sweetie of blood, although a shade lighter. He was one of Hard Cash’s highest-paid “associates”

"Oh! Shadow…y....yes, I'm just putting on my face!" Sweetiebelle joked nervously, trying her best not to make direct eye contact with the stallion. Shadow was usually very short tempered and Sweetiebelle knew best to keep her mouth shut and her eye contact to a minimum when alone around him. He wasn't a bad pony in Sweetiebelle’s eyes, he just made bad decisions. Shadow had never actually hit her before, but had come close on several occasions.

"That’s my girl. You know Hard Cash has been very lenient on your stage fright over the years, thanks to me that is, so long as you bring in the audience at least once a week."

"Yeah...yes...I know that! I know the agreement!" Sweetie said shakily.

"Then perhaps you can tell me what day of the week it is, hmmmm?" Shadow sarcastically replied, pacing around Sweetiebelle, gently stroking the quivering mare’s mane with each pass.

"Ummm, It's Thursday night, Shadow" Sweetie affirmed.

"My, you are a smart cookie there Sweetie. That also means, however..." Shadow paused for a second, rubbing the mare’s chin gently before grabbing Sweetiebelle, embracing her in a short and passionate kiss. "That means the weekend is almost up!" he finished lightly.

"Wha...what’s your point, Shadow?" Sweetiebelle questioned, knowing the answer all too well by now.

"My point...my dear Sweetiebelle.....is that you have to bucking work for your keep!" Shadow gestured angrily as he slammed his hoof hard on the dresser.

"I...I'm sorry..." Sweetiebelle said as tears started to form in her eyes.

"SORRY WON'T PUT BITS ON THE TABLE!" Shadow shouted, quickly sweeping his hoof across Sweetiebelle’s dresser in a fit of rage, spilling its contents over the floor. Perfume bottles and makeup shattered from the force, with Sweetiebelle toppling backwards in fright, clumsily landing on her flank. All the mare could do was sit there, crying, watching the upset stallion resume his pacing again for several seconds before finally stopping to regain his composure and adjust his mane.

"Really, my sweet. You see what happens when you upset me or Hard Cash?" Shadow said as he trotted back over to Sweetiebelle, painfully grabbing the mare’s arm and yanking her to her hooves in an attempt to help her up. Sweetiebelle knew her place, and all she could do was stay quiet, knowing it was best she said nothing. "Fine…ignore my apology then. I do everything for you, Sweetiebelle. Without us, you would still be sitting on the corner singing for bits!"

"Yes...I...I'm sorry" She sniffed, rubbing her forearm.

"The show must go on, however. Get out there, Make Hard Cash some money, then I will be waiting for you, like always. Do not let me down, my sweet." Shadow stated as he slammed the dressing room door shut with his magic on the way out.

He loves me, doesn't he? A delusional Sweetiebelle wondered as she quickly used what little time she had left to apply her makeup. Of course he does, he said so himself, well he did say I was all his! Nopony said show life would be glamorous, and Shadow is right...without him, I would still be....there. He changed me for the better, he loves me. Sweetie finished, halfheartedly.
____________

"Spare any change mister?"

"No...but I do have this for you!" A stallion sarcastically said as he kicked mud into the mare’s face, laughing as he trotted away. Rain poured down as Sweetiebelle tried her best to protect her makeshift home from damage, layers of old newspapers being all she could use. The mare was forced to live in a box. Everywhere was just too expensive for her to live. Her dream was failing, and now she was struggling just to collect bits, trying her best to sing on the corner or her little alleyway. Some days were good, others were bad, it all depended on how many ponies she attracted that would allow her to sing.

Sweetiebelle sighed, crawling into her box, bracing for another night in the cold. Whinneapolis was always raining, but because of that, the area had some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers in all of Equestria. Trying to get comfortable, Sweetiebelle noticed a damp patch on the roof of her box. As she touched it lightly, the cardboard tore.

"Oh no..."

It was too late, as with that little ounce of pressure, her box had burst, soggy pieces now littering the ground, her home ruined.

"I have had it with this place, I just want to go home!" Sweetiebelle sobbed, quickly coming to the realization she had no bits to even afford the ticket back. She didn't care who was watching, the mare simply sat in the rain, crying, saturated from the rain. Sweetiebelle started singing the best she could while shivering in the cold, trying her best to calm her nerves.

"I hate the rain" Sweetiebelle mumbled, failing to notice the stallion that was now standing in front of her, his face covered by an umbrella.

"A rose must remain with the sun as well as the rain or its lovely promise won't come true."

Sweetiebelle flicked her soaked mane out of her face as the stallion approached her. "...pardon me?"

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." The stallion said, gesturing a spare umbrella to Sweetiebelle, who stared bluntly at it for several seconds.

"It won't bite" joked the stallion as he forcefully handed it to Sweetiebelle. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Shadowy Clouds, but most ponies call me Shadow. I couldn't help but hear that wonderful little tune. I work for the Hard Cash Canterlot Talent Agency, and we are looking for somepony to sing for us as we establish our foothold in Canterlot."

"Canterlot? Thats right near my hometown!" Sweetiebelle replied excitedly.

"My, my. You are a long way from home. Listen, my dear. Why don't we get into my automobile and talk? You could catch a cold in this weather" The stallion suggested, leading Sweetiebelle’s gaze behind him with a hoof gesture.

"Why are you so nice to me? Nopony is ever this friendly around these parts" Sweetiebelle said with a grimace on her face as she eyed over the hulking machine. She had seen the invention several times before, but never got this close to one. Apparently they were changing the way ponies travel, slowly overtaking and replacing the old push and pull pony systems.

"Sometimes all it takes is a little kindness to make a pony smile." Shadow said kindly while faking a smile, opening the door of the machine to allow Sweetiebelle inside. "By the way, I never caught your name, my dear"

"Sweetiebelle...Its Sweetiebelle..."
____________

Sweetiebelle was lost in deep thought as she headed towards the stage. She had always been so sure of Shadow’s love and intentions for her, but tonight was the first time she really questioned it. Sure he got a little rough, but his line of work wass very stressful.

Nopony knows him the way I do, he can be a true gentlecolt. He gives me all this great stuff and my house is one of the finest in Canterlot! She thought to herself. Sighing, Sweetiebelle paused for a brief moment before climbing the stage steps. No...It's just nerves! I have a pony who loves me, a great house In Canterlot and I'm following what my cutie mark represents! As usual, just for her, they had erected a wire cage to protect her from the night’s drunken ponies.

Sweetiebelle stopped and stared as she approached the microphone, the crowd’s drunken rambling turned to an awkward silence as the microphone let out a very audible whine. Taking a deep breath, the mare opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Whispers and laughs were now evident from the crowd as Sweetiebelle coughed under her breath, clearing her throat for a second try…Nothing. Oh no, not again! Sweetiebelle thought as the crowd’s taunts and booing quickly grew louder as the first of several bottles smashed against the wire cage.

"I...I just can't sing in front of crowds, dammit!"

You CAN sing, Sweetiebelle.

"Huh? Who's there?!" Sweetiebelle shouted as the mysterious voice resonated inside her head.

You just need a familiar face around!

It caught the corner of Sweetiebelle’s eye as it spoke again. A shadowy figure, seated directly in front of her at an empty table, waving to her and whistling for her to begin.

"Is that....It couldn't be!" The mare gasped excitedly, pushing past the microphone to peer through the wire cage, trying to catch a better look. The figure was a Silhouette, the only pony in the crowd she could not make out, its features buried under shadow.

You'll have that prick Shadow out here if you don't sing, kid!

Sweetiebelle nodded, readjusting the microphone, a giant grin now evident on her face. Breathing once more, the mare opened her mouth, the words now flowing freely. She began to sing, and sing wonderfully.

As the last note left Sweetiebelle’s mouth, the crowd erupted into a screaming frenzy of cheers and applause. She had done it. She had managed to sing thanks to Rainbow Dash. Sweetiebelle eyed the crowd, trying eagerly to spot the pegasus amongst the many ponies who were giving a standing ovation, but she was gone. Sighing, Sweetiebelle trotted back towards her dressing room.

"Yes, boss. I understand. Those two foals let her slip into Ponyville? Send her, are you sure boss? Great plan, boss, I'll do it then."

"Did I interrupt something?" Sweetiebelle asked as the stallion finished the telemagical call.

"That was Hard Cash. The boss is allowing you to head back to Ponyville for a few days."

"Why? I have nothing worth going back there for!"

"But you can help us with something!" Shadow said as he handed her a letter. Sweetiebelle opened it, examining its contents.

Dear Miss Sweetiebelle

This Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of the Ponyville Elementary class of one Cheerilee, and according to records, you attended this class. In honor of Cheerilee's teaching accomplishments, a reunion is to be held on the forthcoming Saturday. Food and Drink will be free of charge and we look forward to seeing you there.

Mr. Whitegrin, Mayor of Ponyville.

Looking at the letter for several seconds, Sweetiebelle sighed before tossing it aside. "I have no Interest to go there anymore. Maybe when I was still on the streets I did, but you and Hard Cash have made my life so much better now."

"How much do you love me, my sweet?"

"I...I..." Sweetiebelle stuttered, unsure how to answer the question. Shadow approached, lovingly stroking her face as he stared into her eyes, locking his deep gaze onto hers.

"How much....do you love me, my sweet?" Shadow repeated, this time in a much more serious tone.

"I....I love you more than anything in the world...." Sweetiebelle replied, unsure of what he would do to her, sighing when the stallion finally released her, an odd feeling of constraint being lifted from the mare’s chest as he did.

"Good girl. Hard Cash has tasked you with something very important. We have had to be very careful In Celestia’s region as of late, and her royal guards have been on our flanks for weeks. Two of your friends, Applebloom and Scootaloo, are reportedly going to be in Ponyville for the reunion. They owe Hard Cash a lot of bits and even ditched on an unfinished contract. We need you to go to the Ponyville Town Hall and file this"

Sweetiebelle glanced over the sheet as it was passed to her, gasping when she read what it contained. "This...this is a permit that allows excessive force In Ponyville! Ponyville is a peaceful place...I can't do this! I refuse to!"

"I thought you loved me?" Shadow said, grabbing Sweetiebelle as he once again looked deep into the mare’s eyes. "Besides, you have to earn your keep..."

"Earn...my...keep...." Sweetie said, trailing off.

"Yes, your keep, my dear.” Shadow said menacingly. “We gave you this life. What did Ponyville ever give you apart from heartache? You do love me, do you not?"

"I...do…I love you, you are everything to me Shadow" Sweetie said, voice shaking slightly.

"Good, then its settled. You leave in a few hours." Shadow said matter-of-factly.

"You...won't hurt anypony once it’s filed, will you?" Sweetie asked nervously.

"No...we simply want to be compensated for what they did to us! They are a dangerous bunch of ponies compared to when they were fillies! Go get packed my sweet, I will write a letter to the town to let them know of your arrival. Remember, this is a secret trust. Do not buck up and Hard Cash could promote you! Not a word to anypony! Now go get packed!" Shadow said gruffly.

Shadow trotted towards the dresser room exit, sighing sadly as he exited, greeted by the two business ponies that had failed to capture Applebloom.

"You two foals get one more chance! Hard Cash wants you to tail every move of Sweetiebelle’s to make sure everything goes to plan."

"There is also something very important In Ponyville Hard Cash wants destroyed, so listen closely!"

(Huge) Authors Note: So there we have it, Thanks to SouthpawFighter614 for the quick edits as well as providing a look and name to Shadowy Clouds. I did warn that this chapter would be very short also, but like Scootaloos chapter, It takes place in the span of around a hour. The other chapters will flow a lot quicker now, since there is very little character development left to plan. We have:

*Scootaloo who is a heavy drinker, blamed by a lot of ponies for Rainbows tragic death, even blaming herself, running away from her problems and gaining a giant gambling debt and a very short time to live.

*Applebloom, Rumble and her daughter, Appleshine heading to Ponyville to secretly hide from the two business ponies who want to take everything away from Applebloom to keep her employed with Hard Cash Co. even going so far as to try and kill ponies, since they seem to own most of the law enforcement around Equestria.

*Sweetiebelle, who is torn between her love for Ponyville and losing all what she has made for herself.

What awaits the three in Ponyville? How much has it changed over the years? What does Hard Cash want destroyed there?

Chapter 4 - Thursday Night

Chapter 4: Thursday Night

Applebloom, Appleshine and Rumble slowly trotted down the mountainside, being careful not to slip and fall. Applebloom had missed the smell of the country air filling her nostrils, as well as how tranquil the small town was. While the three had made it to Ponyville mostly out of harm’s way, they had yet to find a place to stay.

"Rumble, we need to find a place to stay." Applebloom said.

"What about your sister’s?" Rumble replied

"No!" Applebloom quickly shouted, shutting down Rumble before he could finish. "I don't think I'm ready to face her just yet. We don't have many choices. Pinkie’s place Is certainly out of the question. I wouldn't be able to put up with Pinkie being Pinkie after today. Knowing Rarity, she probably still hasn't gotten over her sister leaving, she is very melodramatic. That leaves us with two options; Fluttershy’s place or Twilight’s Library."

"Twilight’s? Wouldn't Spike still be there?" Rumble questioned, shutting down Applebloom jokingly the same way she had with him just moments earlier.

"Your point?" Applebloom replied, stopping mid trot, dumbfounded.

"Did you forget how large dragons can grow? He would surely take up most of the room by now."

"Then that leaves Fluttershy’s cottage." Applebloom sighed with contempt, still unsure about appearing in Ponyville after so many years. Rumble embraced the concerned mare in a loving hug, who was quickly joined by Appleshine, grabbing her mother’s leg as best she could.

"Its going to be okay Applebloom, I'm sure nopony can hold a grudge against you after all these years." Rumble calmly assured, stroking the mare’s chin, Appleshine following suit and speaking up shortly after.

"Yeah mommy, you've told me before, you only get one family. You can add to that family, make it bigger, but you only get one!"

"Tell you what. How about we go around the town instead of through it?" Applebloom quickly nodded, a warm, beaming smile creeping on her muzzle as she did. Apart from the occasional cricket or howl of the timber wolves, the three were mostly silent on their walk around the outskirts of Ponyville. Despite a lot of advances in technology over the years, Ponyville seemed to stay mostly the same, old fashioned through and through. The town was apparently still using other Ponies as their transport rather than automobiles, wagons and carts sprawled across the yards of many of the outskirts’ homes.

"Rumble?" Applebloom calmly said, unsure how to word her next sentence.

"Yeah?"

"Did you...I mean, back at work, with the fire....did you see anypony In the building?"

"No, I could barely see in front of my own muzzle. Why, did you?"

"Rainbow Dash...."

"Pardon?"

"I saw Rainbow Dash. She helped me to my hooves after I got you out. At least, I'm sure It was her."

"Applebloom....It's been a very stressful day, for both of us. Rainbow passed away years ago, and we all know what inhaling fumes can do to a pony. Remember those times with Flim and Flam?" Rumble joked, mocking Applebloom unknowingly.

"Forget I said anything!" Applebloom said with a grunt, kicking her hoof at the ground angrily. Rumble stopped, lowering his suitcase to the ground, turning to face the upset mare, a now serious look on the stallion’s face.

"Applebloom. I never said I didn't believe you. Beyond life, nopony knows what there is. It could have been her, It could have been caused from being dizzy on the smoke, who knows?"

"Maybe. It just seemed so real, like she was standing right in front of me, she spoke to me. I hope Flim and Flam are doing alright, I hope nopony is being punished for what we did."

"We just have to lie low for a few days, like Penscribe said."

"Penscribe now has a broken leg thanks to me, and who knows what else has happened to him!" Applebloom shouted, worriedly.

"Nopony knows the construction business better than Penscribe in Manehatten, Applebloom. They wouldn't just off him for this. He is apparently one of Hard Cash's best, after all"

"Yeah, 'spose you're right." Applebloom gestured, her country accent starting to slip out.

" 'Spose?" Rumble jokingly questioned, once again upsetting the mare.

"I meant suppose!" Applebloom snorted, quickly trotting ahead with a flushed face as Rumble and Appleshine held back their laughter. Silence returned for several seconds before Rumble spoke up, breaking the tension.

"Applebloom?"

"Yeah? What!?" Applebloom said quickly and quietly, still somewhat embarrassed by her little accent slip up.

"Do...you think...Thunderlane would ever visit me? I mean, without the cancer and everything?" Rumble said as Applebloom looked back, noticing the sadness in Rumbles eyes, the mare quickly sat her flank on the grass for several seconds trying to think of what to say.

"I'm sure spending an eternity after life with cancer would be quite painful, like a sick joke. I'm sure he would though, your brother loved you very much, right to the end. He gave you enough bits for a fresh start. You helped build my business up from the ground, anypony who doesn't see the kind and handsome stallion you've become must be crazy!"

"Th...thanks, Applebloom."

The trio rounded the flowing river and crossed the tiny bridge that covered it as quietly as possible, taking care not to stir the areas animals. The group had made it to Fluttershy's cottage. With odd looks shooting between Rumble and Applebloom, the mare swallowed hard, finally being the one to step forward and gently knock. "Here goes nothing" Applebloom whispered back to Rumble as the lights of the cottage flicked on one by one, chains and locks quickly rattling as the door creaked open.

Fluttershy’s muzzle peeked through the gap, addressing the three in a rather timid tone. "Wh....what do you want?"

"Fluttershy?" Applebloom said quietly.

Eeep!! The timid mare gasped, closing the door in the ponies’ faces. Sighing, Applebloom turned around, only to be met by a very persistent Rumble, urging Applebloom to try again. Grunting, Applebloom knocked even louder. "Fluttershy, open up for buck sake!"

The door creaked open again, Fluttershy now emerging into full view. Granted, age had certainly taken its toll on the mare, her once beautiful mane colors were now faded and dull and her skin wrinkled from age. The fragile and timid mare was also relying on a cane to properly stand. "What do you want?" Fluttershy stated, now in a much more assertive tone.

"Still the same, even after all these years." Applebloom joked as Fluttershy squinted to make out the three ponies, quickly realizing who was standing before her.

"Applebloom? Oh my....I didn't recognize you without your accent. You better come inside before you get a cold" Fluttershy quickly said as she gestured the three inside with a hoof wave, leading them over in front of the mares crackling fireplace, dozens of animals popping their heads out from their homes and holes inside the cottage to get a better look at the guests.

"Oh.. my Applebloom, this is sudden. It’s been so long....and luggage? Did something awful happen in Manehatten?"

"Well we---"

"We are here for the school reunion" Applebloom quickly said, cutting of Rumble before he started.

"And you poor things have no place to stay? I'm glad you thought of me, but some notice before hoof would have been welcome too."

"Sorry about that Fluttershy, It was a last minute decision. It will only be until Monday"

"And who is this?" Fluttershy gestured kindly as a timid Appleshine hid behind her mother’s leg, hiding her gaze from Fluttershy’s warm stare.

"This is Appleshine, my daughter." Applebloom proudly stated, pushing her daughter forward to greet Fluttershy.

"Daughter? Oh my....you really have grown up so much. I remember when you used to visit here with the other girls as a filly, you were quite the handful. Is she the same?"

"No, Fluttershy. She is quite the opposite compared to how I was."

"Oh, that’s a relief." Fluttershy joked as her and Applebloom burst into a quiet laughter. "You lot must be hungry, let me quickly grab you something, would a few sunflower sandwiches be alright? I’ll be right back" Fluttershy said as she hobbled into the kitchen, Rumble letting down his fake smile once she was out of view.

"What did you do that for?" Rumble asked, pouting slightly.

"I would rather have nopony know what’s happening in our life right now, not even someone as kind as Fluttershy. I don't want to put anypony through the same horror."

"Whatever happened to your coltfriend?" Fluttershy shouted from the kitchen, interrupting Applebloom and Rumble’s discussion.

"He...left me, shortly after my last visit here, but I did gain Appleshine from it" Applebloom stated happily.

"Oh my..." Fluttershy said as she carried the plate of sandwiches and sat them in front of the fireplace, Appleshine quickly stuffing a full one into her mouth.

"Appleshine!" Applebloom scolded.

"It’s quite alright, really Applebloom. I don't suppose you have heard from Scootaloo or Sweetiebelle? Are they going to be attending the reunion?" Fluttershy inquired.

"I have no idea, I'm afraid. I haven't spoken to them for as long as you have Fluttershy. Tell me, how has Ponyville gotten along over the years?" Applebloom questioned, wanting to quickly change the topic.

"Well, ever since Rainbow Dash passed away, myself and the other girls have been hanging out less and less, although it can’t be helped, we are getting along in our age. Let’s see...I haven't been to the library in the longest time. To be honest with you, Spike’s size scares me. I just can't stand adult dragons. Twilight has a few sections of the Canterlot Library dedicated to her friendship reports, she still writes them constantly, as well as her magic teachings. She has become a qualified magic scholar now, helping little fillies and colt unicorns out with their magic." Fluttershy said excitedly as she took a bite of the sunflower sandwich in her hoof before continuing.

"Pinkie Pie has started her own party business and is constantly traveling all over Equestria catering for many ponies, despite her age, she refuses to slow down. The cakes children have been doing such a wonderful job running Sugar Cube Corner, and well ummm...Applejack is well...Applejack."

"Applejack is Applejack? What has my sister done now?" Applebloom questioned, concerned with Fluttershy’s failed attempt to avoid mentioning her.

"Well...It’s none of my business.....but you should probably see for yourself in the morning, Applebloom. Back on topic...who did I forget....oh, Rarity! Ever since her sister left, the poor thing has had Agoraphobia for years. She refuses to leave that lovely little shop of hers. We have all tried ever so kindly to get her to leave, but nothing works. Ponyville hasn't really changed too much over the years, some ponies have left, others have stayed, some even come back. Even with the push from others to advance in this 'technology' craze everypony has mentioned, Applejack convinced the town to stay the same over the years, stating that its always tradition first."

"Good to see my sister’s still the same, I guess" Applebloom said as she passed another sunflower sandwich over to Appleshine.

Fluttershy touched her hoof to Rumble’s before speaking again "You must be very tired after traveling all the way from Manehatten" the mare said as Rumble winced in pain, bringing a shocked look from Fluttershy.

"Oh my, what’s wrong?" Fluttershy asked worriedly.

"It’s my hoof...I must have hurt it worse than I thought" Rumble said.

"How did you hurt it, may I ask?" Fluttershy pressed on, motherly instinct kicking in.

"Well...I---" Rumble began.

"He tripped over a rock! A...rock" Applebloom quickly shouted, once again cutting of Rumble before he could answer. Fluttershy looked between the two nervous ponies with a puzzled look before faking a smile.

"Let’s get that hoof bandaged then get you a good night’s rest, hmm?" Fluttershy finished simply.

"Yes, Fluttershy." Rumble and Applebloom both replied in unison, hanging their heads to try and avoid the now inquisitive glare from Fluttershy. "Also, please make sure to visit Rainbow Dash in the morning, her grave doesn't get many visitors these days, I'm afraid. She sure could use the company."

"You talk about her like she’s still alive, Fluttershy" Applebloom pressed on.

"She was my first friend, Applebloom. She taught me to be more assertive. She will always be alive, in my heart and anypony else's heart, from now until the end of time itself." Fluttershy said, sadly but brightly.

The night grew darker and colder as Applebloom secured her daughter under the makeshift bed Fluttershy had erected, giving her a warm smile as she slept. Rumble was also asleep, one leg lazily hanging outside his blanket and over his bed. Fluttershy handed Applebloom a mug of hot chocolate as she took a sip of her own, throwing another log onto the weakened fire as she sat back down, the wood cracking and splintering as the fire consumed it gently.

"Applebloom....please don't mistake my kindness for ignorance. I know when something is wrong. Please tell me" Fluttershy pleaded gently, knowing well of the truth Applebloom was withholding.

"We ran into some bad ponies in Manehatten" Applebloom said flatly.

"Applebloom, please, the truth." Fluttershy urged again, placing her hoof on top of the mares.

"Our employer, Hard Cash Co. has been causing some problems. I refused to work with them because of their cutbacks, and now everypony I know is suffering because of it, they even burnt down my business....it’s all gone. They want to take everything away from me so I have no choice but to crawl back to them."

"Oh my, that does sound bad. They shouldn't be able to hurt you here, not in Celestia's region."

"Thats exactly why we came here, but we can only hide for so long. Two ponies were chasing us but we gave them the slip, that’s how Rumble got the sprained hoof.” Applebloom said quietly, trying not to wake Shine or Rumble.

"Maybe you could ask Celestia for help?" Fluttershy said, a hint of hope in her voice.

"Not yet, no. I don't want to ruin the weekend, not after Cheerilee has done so much after all her years of teaching. After the reunion, I hope to get this all sorted. This was the only place I could bring my daughter, to keep her safe."

"Ponyville will always be your home, Applebloom."

"I know that Fluttershy...I was just scared....so very scared." A hint of fear could be heard in Applebloom’s voice.

"I'm heading to bed now. Remember, Applebloom, your sister misses you dearly, even though she never admits it, I can see it in her eyes as clear as the sun Celestia rises every day. Just make sure you aren't here to escape a life you left behind, and go see her In the morning."

"Ah’ll try, Fluttershy. It ain’t gon’ be easy though after what happened. Thank you fer everything, g'night." Applebloom whispered, once again letting her accent accidentally slip.

"G'night, Applebloom" Fluttershy jokingly replied, letting out a slight grin as she slowly made her way upstairs.

Not far from Fluttershy's cottage, a shivering Scootaloo slept an uneasy sleep.
____________

"It’s been way too long, Rainbow. I missed you" An eager teenage Scootaloo chirped happily, Rainbow Dash embracing her friend in a loving hug.

"Missed you too, Scoots. Say, you're getting old enough to party with the big mares now, what say we go out for a night on the town?" Rainbow declared coyly.

"Won't the Wonderbolts get cross with you Rainbow? Remember what happened last time with the windmill?" Scootaloo said nervously.

"Nah...this time it’s to celebrate seeing a very good friend. Let’s go, squirt, let’s get our drink on! My treat!"
____________

"This...this is going to be great, watch this" Rainbow Dash snickered as the two mares crouched behind a stack of soap boxes just outside of Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie Pie walked through the door, holding a box with some sort of cake inside, blissfully unaware of the bucket on the outside of the shop, balancing above the doorway, filled with water. Rainbow Dash remembered that Pinkie liked to kick doors shut when her hoofs were full, and that would work just perfectly.

-Crash!- The bucket landed right on target, soaking the pink mare and her box of treats, the soggy box allowing whatever sweet was inside to land on the ground, all in one gooey mess.

"That seemed a little mean, Rainbow" Scootaloo said, getting antsy.

"Are you kidding, kid? That...was....awesome!" Rainbow nearly squeaking with delight.

"WHO DID THIS!?" Pinkie Pie yelled, throwing the soggy remains of the box to the ground in a fit of rage.

"Umm, maybe that was taking it a little far. Lets jet, kid, our next victim awaits!" Rainbow Dash quickly suggested. In a panic, Scootaloo followed without hesitation.
____________

"I don't think I've ever had this much booze in my life, Rainbow. This has been the greatest night ever!" Scootaloo said as she struggled to stand, the bottle of alcohol in her hoof overflowing as she clinked her bottle with Rainbow Dash's.

"It’s not over yet, Scoots." Rainbow Dash stated excitedly as she led the pony inside her room. "It’s a miracle we made it back here. I wouldn't chance sending you home while you’re in this condition. You bunk with me, kid."

"pfffft, wha...what fun is it being cooped up h... here then" Scootaloo said, tripping over her own hooves as she made her way over to Rainbow Dash's bed.

"I'll show you kid. You tell nopony about this, got it?"

"Aye...aye captain!" Scootaloo jokingly said as Rainbow Dash pulled out a box from under her bed, opening it to reveal its contents.

"Raw salt, kid. This stuff is even stronger than the stuff Pinkie uses in her cooking, one lick and it will dry you out, allow you to see the stars."

"See the stars?" Scootaloo asked, dumbfounded.

"Yeah, go ahead, try some!"
____________

"Ugh...my head...what a night, huh Rainbow?" Scootaloo said, sitting up slowly, trying to ease the dizziness in her head.

No reply. She was gone, her side of the bed empty. A single piece of paper laid on the bedside desk. Swallowing hard, Scootaloo grabbed the note and began to read it.

Scoots,

Had to jet for a Wonderbolts meeting. About last night, you are a wonderful mare, but I have an image to uphold. Please forget what happened and what we did, It was a mistake. Being a Wonderbolt is stressful and I needed to cut loose for once. See you in a few years.

A tear rolled down the mare’s cheek as she read the last few words. Scrunching the paper up in her hoof she vowed there and then never to get close to another pony again, she would do whatever it took to become a Wonderbolt, to prove to her that it was no mistake, to be with Rainbow Dash...forever.
____________

Scootaloo woke, pulling her face from the grass she had passed out on the night prior. Gently wiping her hoof across her muzzle, she noticed she had been bleeding during the night. Dawn only now was starting to creep over the borderline of the region. Fighting back the pain, Scootaloo rose to her hooves, trotting forward slowly.

"Hey Rainbow, I decided to come visit." The mare said to herself aloud, collapsing from the pain in front of Rainbow Dash's grave. "I would have...would have got flowers, but I know you hate feminine things. I just wanted....wanted to say I'm sorry. I wish I could just take it all back, everything I did, It's my fault. You're dead...because of me."

"Looks like Dash might have a comrade joining her soon with how sick you look." An unknown voice echoed from behind the mare. Scootaloo turned, revealing the figure to be Gilda, or what was left of her. The griffin was missing a rather large amount of her feathers. The ones that did remain were out of place and ruffled.

"It’s not contagious, Is it?" Gilda questioned, flinching away.

"Relax, jeez. You knew Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo managed, grimacing in pain.

"Did I know her? She...was my everything" Gilda said, a note of sadness creeping into her usually gruff voice.

"I've never seen you 'round before." Scootaolo said matter-of-factly.

"Ponyville doesn't exactly....enjoy my unique personality. I knew her way back in the days of flight school. Besides, I could say the same thing about you, kid" Gilda’s voice resumed its tone of cold indifference.

Scootaloo looked around, immediately noticing the makeshift home in a tree not far from the grave. "You've been living here? How long?" Scootaloo asked, incredulous.

"Heh, Lost count, kid. Rainbow never gets visitors these days, apart from that timid little emo pony"

"You mean Fluttershy?"

"Yeah...her." Gilda grumbled, scratching her feathers with her beak as even more fell out.

"This scene is depressing. I'm outta here." Gilda huffed, quickly turning around and spreading her wings, stopped quickly by Scootaloo.

"Wait!" Scootaloo pleaded.

"What?" Gilda grumbled, fixing the Pegasus with a cold stare.

"Why do you hang around here?" Scootaloo asked.

"ugh...because...It's hard to apologize to somepony when they are dead. You seem to be in the same predicament. Later." Gilda choked out as she quickly fled inside the tree, vanishing from view. Scootaloo sat quietly by the grave, crying as a cold wind whirled passed the mare.

“Scoots.... “ a voice drifted by her, familiar yet not.

"Who...who's there?" The mare sobbed, looking all over for the source of the voice.

“Scoots....over here!” The shadowy figure quickly formed as the shadows on the ground danced and twirled around the mysterious entity, creating a pony out of nothing.

"Rainbow Dash?!" Scootaloo asked, disbelievingly.

“Over here....” The spirit started to float, gesturing for Scootaloo to follow as it headed down the trail just outside of Fluttershy's cottage.

"Wait...come back!" Scootaloo shouted, quickly giving chase. No matter how hard she tried, the entity was always keeping the pace. Her sides ached, she was weak on breath, but she pressed onward. "Please! I want to talk to you....I have so much to...say" Scootaloo gasped, staggering a few feet before collapsing, out of energy and out of breath. The mare’s vision faded in and out as a giant figure approached the mare, completely eclipsing the sun’s rays. Struggling to make out the hulking figure, the mare collapsed, moaning one final word as she drifted into unconsciousness.

"R...Rainbow?.."

Authors Note: Thanks again to SouthpawFighter614 for the speedy editing. If you have yet to check it out, I also now have this story up on Deviant Art, along with art of each chapters Important characters. You can check that out here.