She's Come Undone

   Twilight and Rainbow Dash had called Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity to the library to tell them the news. Needless to say, everyone was shocked. "I-I just can't believe it," Rarity said, sitting down. She hadn't even bothered with her usual theatrics, she was so stunned. Fluttershy could barely pull herself together, she was just a shaking mess on the floor. Pinkie's mane had gone flat, but upon hearing that Applejack was safe and sound, had puffed up a bit, although it had not yet returned it's full poofiness.

"Are you sure about this?" Pinkie asked.

"Pinkie, the changeling is sitting right there," Twilight said, pointing to Siphyus.

"I know, it's just-" Pinkie struggled to find the right words to describe the situation.

"The worst possible thing?" Fluttershy asked.

"Exactly."

"I've written a letter to Celestia asking for assistance. I haven't heard back from her yet but-" Twilight was interrupted by a knock on the door. Twilight opened the door to reveal a pink alicorn standing there.

"Twilight! It's always good to see you, even under the circumstances" Cadence said, giving her a hug. Twilight, while surprised to see her, hugged her back. "Is it true what Celestia said? Applejack was replaced by a changeling?"

"Yeah," Twilight said.

"Celestia sent me because I have more experience with them. I hate those little parasites. I still have nightmares..

"He claims that he's not in league with Chrysalis, and that he impersonated Applejack to avoid persecution. He had been living off of the love of her friends and family."

"Well, even if he isn't with Chrysalis, identity theft is still a felony. So you," Cadence said, pointing at Siphyus, "are under arrest." Two Crystal guards burst through the door, handcuffed him, and dragged him away.

"Um, now what?" Twilight asked

"Did Applejack say when she'd be back?"

"Three days."

"I guess we wait until then."

Another silence.

"All right, I'm just going to say it. Couldn't you have had that changeling bastard arrested yourself?" Rainbow Dash

"Yes, I suppose so."

Cadence cleared her throat. "Since I'm here, I'm going to get a cupcake. She slowly backed out the door.

Three days later, the five ponies waited at the train station for Applejack. Everyone was excited to be reunited with their friend, but Rainbow Dash was a little too excited. "What time does the train get here?" she asked.

"2:45," Fluttershy said.

"What time is it now?"

"2:43," Spike said, checking his watch.

"You drew that on your wrist with ink, darling." Rarity said.

"Now what time is it?" Rainbow asked.

"2:44,"

Twilight, meanwhile, was lost in thought. She couldn't stop thinking about the phone conversation with Applejack. She had seemed cold, cynical, bitter even. Had she really changed that much in two years? I probably just caught her at a bad time. she thought.

"Twilight! It's 2:45 and train isn't here yet! Where is it?"

"Rainbow, you have to be patient."

Maybe she resents us for not keeping in touch, even though we didn't know she was gone. She can be irrational sometimes. I think. Twilight thought.

"It's 2:46. The train is officially late." Rainbow said.

"There it is!" Pinkie cried.

The train pulled up, and ponies began to exit. "I don't see her." Fluttershy said.

The last of the ponies left the train. Just when they thought perhaps she was not on this train after all, an orange mare approached them. Her hair was in a simple braid, and she was wearing a red trench coat, with a black and white striped headscarf.

"Applejack, darling! I barely recognized you! You look absolutely lovely," Rarity said.

"You don't need to sound so surprised." Applejack said dryly.

"I-I um, er-" Rarity stammered.

"I'm kidding."

Applejack coughed

"So how was your trip?" Fluttershy asked.

"Horrible."Applejack said..

"Oh."

She picked up her large rolling suitcase and started walking. "I need to check into my hotel and take a nap. I've had a long trip."

"Hotel? Wait, why?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You aren't going to Sweet Apple Acres?"

Applejack shot her a warning look, and Rainbow decided not to push it.

Twilight, however was focused on something else. Walking behind Applejack, she noticed that she was not touching her suitcase. Even more curious, was that the handle of the suitcase was surrounded by a light green aura. Almost as if..

Twilight walked up next to Applejack, reached up and removed the striped scarf. Applejack stopped walking and stared at Twilight curiously.  Everyone else stopped and stared at her. After a few moments of shocked silence, Twilight finally broke the silence. "Applejack... Why do you have a horn?"

"I was actually going to ask the same thing about your wings." Applejack said, gesturing to her wings.

"Princess Celestia made me a princess. Now your turn."

"It's a long story I don't feel like telling right now," she said, trying to suppress a coughing fit.

"Are you okay?" Pinkie asked.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. I just need to take my cough medicine, like, now."

"Is this your hotel?" Rarity asked, pointing to the large building in front of them.

"Yes, I think so. Now if you'll excuse me," she said, opening the double glass doors with her magic and going inside the hotel. "I'm going to take my medicine, and then a nap. Perhaps I'll see you later."