What Happened After

There was a collective gasp from Twilight’s friends. Rainbow Dash quickly placed herself between Brandi and Twilight.

“Just what the hay are you talking about!? Why should Twilight move away from Ponyville?!”

“Rainbow, please, “said Twilight, “let’s hear them out.”

Another pony spoke up, this time one they all knew. Lyra cleared her throat and said, “I’m sorry, Twilight, but it’s not just you.” She had the grace to look ashamed as she continued. “Ponyville has been in almost constant danger since you came here. You and your friends have become the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and while we’re all grateful for you saving Equestria, there have been too many times we’ve all been placed in immediate danger because you all are here.” She pointed a hoof at the Changeling Queen. “Nopony is safe with her here, and who knows what she’ll do once she decides to make trouble? How can we trust her?” She frowned and looked around at them all. “As much as we like you, none of you should be here anymore. It’s just not safe.”

Applejack spoke up. “Now wait just an apple-bucking minute! Are you sayin’ you don’t want Sweet Apple Acres here anymore?! Because if I leave, my family ain’t stayin’ here without me! Talk sense, you silly filly!” She got up and glared at Lyra, Brandi and the others. “I don’t know who the hay you all think you are, but there wouldn’t be a Ponyville if’n it weren’t fer Sweet Apple Acres. We founded this here town, and I’ll sprout wings an’ buck apples with magic afore I leave it!” There was some murmuring among the ponies at this.

“That’s a good point, Applejack, but our minds are made up,” said Brandi. “It’s just not safe for our foals with all of you living here.” She took a deep breath. “So if you won’t leave, then all of us will!”

“Then GO!” cried Rainbow. “Who wants to live with a bunch of ungrateful, STUPID ponies anyway?!”

“Now please, let’s all be reasonable,” said Twilight. “I’m sure we can all come to some sort of agreement.” She laid a steadying hoof on Rainbow, who looked as if she was going to start flying through the crowd. “If we all just sit and talk for a while, I’m sure we can—“ but she stopped when Brandi raised her hoof.

“I’m sorry Your Highness, but there’s nothing left to discuss.” Turning to the crowd she said, “Let’s go.”

Twilight and her friends watched them leave, then she turned to the others.

“This is terrible! I never expected this to happen, and…and I don’t know what we should do.”

Rainbow was still seething. “I know what to do! Let 'em leave, ‘cause I’m not going anywhere! Of all the stupid, crazy…”

“Yes, I agree with you, dear,” said Rarity. “But I can understand their point.” Rainbow and Applejack rounded on her.

“WHAT?!” cried Rainbow. “Are you taking their side against US?”

“You can leave if’n you want, Rarity! I’m with Rainbow: let ‘em go!”

“I’m just saying I understand their point: misadventure does seem to follow us,” said Rarity.

“Please…” Fluttershy timidly said. “Let’s not fight among ourselves…please? They’re…they’re all just frightened,” she said, as Rainbow and Applejack turned on her.

“You TOO?!” said Rainbow. Fluttershy wilted under her gaze and began crying.

“Leave her alone, you two!” said Pawise, as he placed himself between them. “We’re friends, we can’t turn on each other!” The others fell silent, then slowly Chrysalis spoke up.

“If you want my opinion, you should talk to their leader. In the Hive, when a drone did not wish to obey me, it was given the choice: leave or stay. It was not allowed to live with us and make trouble. Most chose to stay.”

“I thought all the Changelings only did whatever you told them,” said Twilight.

“No, they’re devoted for the most part, but they’re still individuals, able to make their own choices. It’s not generally known.”

“What happens to the ones that leave?” asked Spike.

Chrysalis turned to him. “I wouldn’t know, they’re never seen again.” Spike shuddered.

“Well, we’re not drones, but neither choice is good. Either they leave or we do, so we need a third option,” said Twilight. Pinkie finally spoke up.

“Why don’t I talk to them? They might listen to me.”

“That’s a good idea, Pinkie. If they’re friends with anypony they’re friends with you,” said Twilight. Rainbow was still visibly angry.

“I don’t see why we should bother. If this is the thanks we all get for saving their hides more times than I can count, then good riddance!”

“You don’t mean that, Rainbow,” said Twilight. “Nor you, Applejack. Those aren’t just our neighbors, they’re our friends as well. We can’t turn our backs on them.”

Rainbow and Applejack exchanged glances, then Rainbow said, “Yeah, I guess we can’t.” She sighed and then added, “Sorry for yelling at you, Rarity, Fluttershy. It was the heat of the moment.”

“I’m sorry too. They just got my dander up; I shouldn’t have taken it out on my friends,” said Applejack.

“That’s quite alright, dears,” said Rarity. “To be honest, I was pretty angry at first when I thought they were just singling out Twilight, but when they included all of us I realized they’re just scared, and not thinking clearly.”

Fluttershy dried her eyes and said, “That’s just what I was thinking as well: maybe we shouldn’t judge them too harshly. I think we can change their minds.”

Pawise said, “I’m still relatively new here, but from what I’ve seen I don’t think there’s anything you all can’t do if you try hard enough. I’d like to help in any way I can.” He turned to Twilight.

“So what’s the plan?”