Beating an Undead Pony

“And the plan is…. is….”

The others stared at Rainbow Dash. She hovered a few feet overhead scratching her mane. “What we are going to do. Oh that’s easy, we….” Rainbow Dash landed on the ground. What is the plan? She thought to herself.

Spike looked around. A zombie unicorn was trotting around a few yards away. “I think I got something.”

Rarity felt her stomach turn. “Spike, please tell me you are not thinking what I think you are?” She asked.

“Unfortunately. But if zombie ponies don’t notice us when we’re covered in their blood….” Spike stopped, not comfortable with his own idea.

“Pinkie might know.” Fluttershy mumbled under her breath. The others turned to face her. “I mean… she knew about parasprites before any of us did.”

“Well Pinkie ain’t ‘ere. So we’re gonna have to just go with Spike’s idea.” Applejack trotted over to the zombie unicorn, punched it in the face, and knocking it to the ground before stomping on its head. “Come and get it. Ah guess.”

As Applejack and Spike started smearing the zombie pony’s guts on themselves, Twilight began to think. “That isn’t going to be enough.” She noted. “There are hundreds of ponies in Ponyville right now.”

“T-their still coming.” Fluttershy pointed at the zombie parasprite horde.

“She’s right, we can’t argue what to do here. We need to get back to Ponyville.” Twilight noted.

The five friends galloped through Ponyville, catching the attention of numerous ponies dotted around the town. “Everypony go into a house and stay there!” Twilight called out.

Rainbow Dash noticed Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle running towards the group. “You heard her! Get moving!” Rainbow Dash cried.

“But Rainbow Dash, we have another problem!” Scootaloo flapped her wings as hard as she could, trying to get off the ground. Not willing to wait, Rainbow Dash flew down and scooped her up.

“This is probably a bigger deal, squirt.” Rainbow Dash said. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle ran up to their own sisters, Applebloom going so far as to put her hooves on Applejack’s chest. In a moment of pure panic, Applejack pushed her sister away.

“Applebloom wait! Ah didn’t mean it!” Applejack stammered as quickly she could. She never willing pushed Applebloom away like that. Not even when rumors about Zecora had her quivering in fear.

“A-applejack.” Applebloom said under her breath. Sweetie Belle reached over Applebloom’s shoulder.

“She didn’t mean it. You know that.” Sweetie Belle reassured. Applebloom was quick to respond.

“Ah know that.” Applebloom replied unconvincingly. Sweetie Belle’s ears perked up at the sound of loud buzzing.

“Is that them?” She asked. Applejack and Rarity looked back. The parasprite horde was at least a few miles away, but it was steadily getting closer.

“Yes! Run!” Twilight screamed. “Everypony back inside!”

“YEAH!”

Rainbow Dash was surprised whenever Bulk Biceps managed to get a good burst of speed while training for the Equestria Games, but this time was something else entirely. Getting floored along with the rest of her friends as the huge pegasus flew through them felt down right offensive. “Oh now you show some speed!” She roared.

Fluttershy got up first. “Bulk Biceps! Come back!”

“No! This is what I’ve been waiting for!” Bulk Biceps exclaimed. “Lots to smash!”

“Are you crazy!” Twilight asked, not caring she wasn’t sounding ‘princessy’. “There’s too many for anypony to take on by themselves!”

“You’ll be eaten alive!” Spike added. Bulk Biceps looked back at the group, breathing heavily. He locked eyes with Fluttershy. For a moment, Bulk Biceps’ burning rage dissipated.

“I-I-I….” Bulk Biceps stammered. He lowered himself down to the ground and started scratching his mane. “I gotta…” Fluttershy touched Bulk Biceps’ muzzle and smiled.

“No. You don’t have to.” She whispered into his ear. Fluttershy let Bulk Biceps take a deep breath before responding. “Lets just go.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Spike chimed in. He looked back at the approaching parasprites. They weren’t picking up speed, bu they were going to reach Town Square in a matter of minutes. “Think we can make it back to the castle?” he asked.

Twilight shook her head. “No, We’ll have to take cover in one of the houses.” She ran over to the closest house and banged on the door.

“Go away!” A muffled voice called out from within.

Ponyfeathers. It’s Thunderlane. Applejack thought to herself, recognizing the voice.

“Thunderlane! Let us in! We’re about to get eaten!” Rainbow Dash flew over to one of the windows. She could see Thunderlane sitting on a stained couch looking blankly at the wall. “Hey!” Thunderlane looked up, and rubbed his eyes at the sight of Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, sorry. Didn’t know it was you.” Thunderlane got up from his couch and walked out of Rainbow Dash’s sight. Twilight backed up as she heard a clicking sound from the other side of the door. “It’s open!” Thunderlane said. Sweetie Belle screamed as the parasprites were now within walking distance of the group.

“Don’t panic!” Twilight opened the door with her magic. “Everypony inside! Now!” She ordered. The rest of the group poured into Thunderlane’s house except for Bulk Biceps. He stomped his forehooves into the ground.

“YEAH!” He screamed, ready to charge at the parasprites. He felt a soft tug on his hind legs. He looked back to see Fluttershy holding onto him.

“Please. Don’t do it.” She begged. Bulk Biceps gritted his teeth. He never had this much trouble resisting his urges before.

Gotta do it! Gotta…NO!

Taking Fluttershy by surprise, the muscle bound pegasus picked up Fluttershy and lept into Thunderlane’s house before slamming the door shut behind him.

Flitter could hear the ponies around town running in panic. But not her. She just kept looking at Cloudchaser’s grave.

“Sister. I thought knowing would be easier.” Flitter muttered to herself. “You’re at peace.” She placed a hoof on her sister’s marker.

“My little pony, It is understandable you need time to grieve.”

Flitter turned her neck to see Zecora approach. She was wearing her cloak, which was covered in blood. “Zecora?”

“But right now shelter is what you need.” Zecora’s eyes darted from Flitter to the approaching parasprite horde. “They will devour any pony unfortunate enough to get their path. It is best we leave before we suffer the parasprites wrath.”

Flitter sat down in front of Cloudchaser’s grave. “Just leave me alone. I want to be with my sister.”

“You will be, in more ways than one. I don’t believe your life is done.” Zecora argued, pulling back her hood.

“I can’t have Cloudchaser back.” Flitter trotted away from the graves, walking into the path of the parasprites. “This is the best alternative. Just let me go. I’ll be with Cloudchaser in a minute. “

This pony is broken. She needs time to heal. “Young flitter! I know how you feel. Loss of a loved one is painful, this much is true. But it is possible to live for her as well as for you.”

Flitter ignored Zecora, taking another step forward. She took a deep breath and unfurled her wings. “I’ll see you soon, Cloudchaser.”

Zecora gritted her teeth. She had no intention of abandoning a confused pony, no matter what. But the horde was getting closer, making less and less likely she would mak e it to and the nearest building, Cheerliee’s schoolhouse, in time to take cover. “ Young mare, your spirits may be low.”

My sister.

“ But now is the time to go!”

My love.

With her patience spent, Zecora tackled Flitter to the ground, tossing her bloody cloak over Flitter. Flitter opened her muzzle to speak, but Zecora slammed a hoof over her mouth. “Stay quiet so that we may live.”

Flitter’s stopped struggling once she and Zecora locked eyes. “I-I don’t know w-what to do….”

Zecora reached forward with a free hoof, dragging herself and Flitter along the ground. Flitter’s breathing became labored as the buzzing of the zombie parasprites above. She was feeling a greater sense of fear as Zecora continued to crawl. Flitter looked up at Zecora. She was astounded by the determination in the zebra’s face. “Why are you doing this for me?”

Zecora stopped crawling. “It would seem you did not take the eldest Apple sibling’s words to heart. There are those who care about you, and do not want to see you torn apart.” Zecora gave Flitter a gentle pat on the head before continuing to crawl along the ground.

Zecora cares about me. Flitter felt her heart twist into knots; her depression was changing into fear. She didn’t want somepony else to take Cloudchaser’s place in her heart. Flitter shut her eyes tightly. That’s not what SHE wants. It’s not. And I’m not some lovesick filly.

“Young Flitter, we have reached our destination.”

Flitter opened her eyes. The single step leading into the schoolhouse lay on the ground before her. In a burst of speed Flitter simply wasn’t used to, Zecora forced the door open, pulling Flitter and herself into the schoolhouse, slamming the door shut behind her. Zecora rose up onto all fours, trotting towards Cheerliee’s desk, leaving Flitter lying on the floor.

“Are we safe?” Flitter asked. Zecora examined the windows along the walls, feeling the window frames to get a good feel on their sturdyness.

“It would appear we have taken shelter in a safe location.” Zecora pushed a few of the desks out of the way. Flitter slowly got back up and looked at the parasprites outside.

CLANG! CLANG!

Flitter fell backwards, hitting her head hard against one of the chairs. “What is that?” Zecora looked up at the ceiling. The ringing of the bell on the roof above was getting louder and more frenquent.

It would seem somepony wishes to make the ultimate sacrifice. The true question though, is if it will suffice.

“Finally.” Scootaloo leaned against the side of the wall. “Started to think you weren’t coming.” She said bluntly.

“Not me. Ah knew ya’ll were gonna be alright.” Applebloom stated.

Rarity trotted over to Thunderlane, who had already gone back to his couch. “I’m so sorry to disturb you, darling.” Rarity tilted her head. It looked as if Thunderlane was in a kind of trance, what with his lack of a response. “We will try to be good house guests.” She turned her attention back to the others. Bulk Biceps curled himself into a corner while Spike and the three fillies were staring out the window. “What do you see?” Rarity asked.

“Well, I guess it was a good thing we didn’t try to run for the castle.” Sweetie Belle answered. The zombie parasprites blocked their vision of the town outside. The horde was so big that she couldn’t tell where it ended and where it began. “They can’t get in can they?”

“I doubt it. They don’t have the cognative ability to eat anything else.” Twilight explained. “Even if they are the same ones from last time. Even if my spell is still in affect, they are zombies. They won’t try to eat the town’s infrastructure.” I hope.

Rainbow Dash hovered over the fillies to get a better look outside. She tried not to think about Cloudsdale and what could have happened when the parasprites attacked. “No! Get out of my head!” Rainbow Dash collapsed to the floor, her forehooves slammed against her face.

Thunderlane didn’t move a muscle, but he did work up the nerve to at mutter under his breath. “Dash?”

“N-nothing! It’s nothing.” Rainbow Dash got back on all fours and dusted herself off, trying to keep her cool. Scootaloo couldn’t help but look at her idol with confusion. “Yes, squirt?”

“N-nothing!” Scootaloo repeated. “I didn’t say anything. Applebloom, did I say anything?”

“Um, not really.” Applebloom said in confusion. Twilight trotted over to the three fillies. “Twilight, how are going to get rid of these things?”

Twilight didn’t answer right away. Her mind started racing with ideas. Pinkie’s method of luring parasprites away with music could work; assuming anypony besides her could do it.

“I can’t. I gotta… I have to…”

Every pony bar Thunderlane’s attention was driven towards Bulk Biceps. He started rubbing his sides, shaking violently. Fluttershy looked at her friends before flying over him, gently rubbing his back.

“I can’t do this.” Bulk Biceps was sweating profusely. “I can’t be around him.”

“Yes, you can.” Fluttershy lowered herself down to eye level. “I know its not easy. But you can do it.”

“What is he on about?” Rainbow Dash asked. Fluttershy pointed at Thunderlane, who still showed no reaction. “Oh. Yeah.”

“Let me outside.” Bulk Biceps lifted his head. “Please.”

“Are you kiddin’ me? Ya’ll gonna get eaten alive if ya go out there!” Applejack argued. Bulk Biceps tried to speak, but his teeth chattering was making it hard to make out what he was saying.

“Come again?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“That’s what I want.” Bulk Biceps started to tear up. “I can’t live with this.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened. “Don’t say it!” Unbenonced to anypony else in the room, Thunderlane started to slowly turn his head.

“I can't. I killed that…”

“Please! Now is not the time!” Rarity interrupted.

“No! Fluttershy! I’m sorry!” Bulk Biceps’ voice was getting louder with each word. “I have to make up for this!”

“Shut up!” Spike snapped. “The zombies will hear you!”

“I want them to! I deserve to get eaten!”

“Nopony deserves that!” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Colt killers like me do!”

Rainbow Dash and Rarity facehoofed with two loud smacks. Spike slumped down to the ground groaning. After a long pause, Thunderlane finally spoke up.

“It was you.”

Twilight and Applejack ran up to Thunderlane, holding him back so he couldn’t stand up. “Before you say anythang…” Applejack started to say, before Bulk Biceps started crying.

Applebloom stepped away from the window. “What? What are ya’ll talkin’ about?”

“I killed that boy.” Bulk Biceps sputtered out through bursts of tears.

“What!” The three fillies exclaimed.

“Everypony! Stop talking so loud!” Spike screamed, not realizing the irony of doing so until after he did it.

“Rumble….” Thunderlane looked at Bulk Biceps. His expression didn’t change, nor did his tone. “Why would you do this?”

“Thunderlane. He can’t control himself.” Fluttershy stepped away from Bulk Biceps, slowly walking towards Thunderlane. “L-let us take care of him.”

Thunderlane tried to stand up, but was promptly pushed back onto the couch by Twilight and Applejack. “We were going to tell you…” Twilight had to compose herself, taking a deep breath before continuing. “But we are going to have to ask you to leave this matter to us.”

“Ya’ll don’t need to worry about gettin’ even with him.” Applejack added.

“Get even?” Thunderlane muttered.

“Yes. What he did was wrong. And he knows it was wrong.” Twilight extended her wings, putting on her best authoritative voice. “Bulk Biceps will be punished and has agreed to make up for what he did.” She looked over to Bulk Biceps. “Isn’t that right?”

Bulk Biceps closed his eyes, shrinking back into the corner. Fluttershy took a step forward, but he held a hoof out. “I’m sorry. I have to do this.” His tiny wings started flapping.

“No. Too many ponies have already….” Fluttershy put her forehooves on Bulk Biceps chest. His wings stopped flapping. “Don’t go out there. I don’t want to loose my friend.”

Exhaustion filled Bulk Biceps’ large form. He collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. “Friend.” He closed his eyes. Everypony else looked at Fluttershy, who put a hoof to Bulk Biceps’ neck.

“It’s ok. He just passed out.” Fluttershy pushed a few strands of her mane out of her face. “He really is a gentle pony. He just…”

“Has no self control?” Applebloom interrupted. Fluttershy’s eyes darted back and forth before responding.

“Yes.” She sighed.

Nopony wanted to say anything. Thunderlane kept staring at Bulk Biceps’ unconscious form. Getting tired of the negative vibes in the room, Rarity finally spoke up.

“Thunderlane, would you be ok if Applejack and Spike used your restroom to clean themselves up?”

Huh. Totally forgot about this. Spike thought to himself, looking at the dried blood on his claws. In hindsight, Spike was really glad he didn’t scratch himself at any point.

“Thunderlane?” Rarity put a hoof around the tramatized stallion, who showed no reaction. “My dear, if you would please? No pony wants to be covered in blood for any longer than necessary.”

“I’ve been sitting in my brother’s blood for the past hour.” Thunderlane stood up. Twilight and Applejack braced themselves for Thunderlane’s next move. Instead of going for Bulk Biceps, instead he simply walked out of the living room.

“He’s not going to get better, is he?” Scootaloo asked. Rainbow Dash shrugged.

“I’m not the kind of pony who can answer that.” She turned her attention to Fluttershy. After a long pause, Rainbow Dash spoke up again. “I was referring to you, by the way.”

Fluttershy stopped rubbing Bulk Biceps’ mane. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was trying to….”

CLANG! CLANG!

Spike, Fluttershy, and Sweetie Belle lept backwards in surprise, Spike even going so far as to spit out a burst of green flame, hitting Twilight in the face.

“Gah! Twilight! Are you ok!” Spike stammered out. Fortunately the flames didn’t linger. All it did was slightly singe her mane.

“Don’t worry about it, Spike.” Not the first time you’ve done this.

“Well Ah don’t care if the bell’s ringin’. Ah ain’t goin’ to school today.” Applebloom argued. Applejack wanted to put a hoof around her little sister’s shoulder, but found herself hesitating.

“It’s probably not what yer thinkin’, Sugarcube.” Applejack suggested.

Rainbow Dash’s ears drooped as a horrible thought entered her mind. “Gilda. You idiot!”

“What are you talking about?” Twilight would have continued if Rainbow Dash didn’t fly right into her face.

“It’s like what happened at Cloudsdale! Gilda’s gonna get herself killed!”

“We don’t know that.” Twilight argued. Spike stepped forward, holding his claws out so Twilight and Rainbow Dash were able to get a good look at the zombie grunge all over him.

“Eh, I suppose…I could go look.” The ponies gathered around Spike.

“Not by yerself. I got plenty of thar blood on me too.” Applejack noted.

“I don’t like this.” Rarity held Spike’s chin. “Going by yourselves sound like a horrible idea.”

“I don’t like the idea of going out there at all.” Fluttershy added.

“I’ll be careful! Really!” He argued. Twilight locked eyes with Applejack.

“Don’t ya’ll worry. We’ll be practically invisible to the little varmints. Promise.” Applejack took a deep breath, tipping her hat slightly. “Wish us luck.”

“If any pony can get out of there alive you can do it, sis!” Applebloom chimed in. A little smile appeared on Applejack’s face. Considering her own confidence with Applebloom’s survival when the outbreak began, it was calming to know the little filly had just as much faith in her.

“Spike, just go look and come straight back.” Twilight ordered. “I don’t want you in more danger than necessary.”

A loud “whosh” interrupted Spike’s train of thought. Noticing Rainbow Dash was no longer present, the others turned their attention to the now open door. “DASH!” Twilight exclaimed.

Fortunately there were no parasprites in the immediate vicinity. Rainbow Dash didn’t care though. As far as she was concerned she could out fly living ones, much less undead ones.

Gilda if you’re doing what I think you’re doing, I’m gonna kick your butt!

Cheerliee’s schoolhouse was only a few minutes away at top speed. The loud ringing of its bell was beginning to hurt Rainbow Dash’s ears. As the adrenline pumped through the speedy pegasus’ body, so did her frustration. Rainbow Dash flapped her wings harder and harder as the schoolhouse was finally within sight. The parasprite horde was forcing its way through the small doorway.

“Dash!”

Rainbow Dash hated abrupt stops while at speed. Getting pulled down by the legs was even worse, as a strong grip forced her to the ground. Surely enough, it was Gilda, holding Rainbow Dash against the grass.

“What are you thinking! You’re going to get yourself killed!” Gilda snapped. Rainbow couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“Me? What about you? You rang that bell didn’t you!”

“Take it easy Dash. It’s all part of the plan.” Gilda let go of Rainbow Dash’s legs. “Give it a sec.” Gilda looked back at the parasprites as the last of the horde disappeared into the schoolhouse. “Hey zebra! That’s your cue!”

Rainbow Dash rolled onto her back so she could get a better view. Surely enough, Zecora was speeding around the corner of the schoolhouse, slamming the door shut.

“It’s Zecora, as I have already told you.” Zecora reached into her cloak, taking out a small pouch. She opened the door ever so slightly tossing it inside before shutting it closed. After a few seconds, passed the entire schoolhouse burst into flames.

“Blech. That’s what those things smell like when they burn.” Gilda muttered. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. She remembered the various pranks they pulled in the Junior Speedsters, though vandalism was not one of them. Realizing Rainbow Dash was giving her a death glare, Gilda spoke up. “You thought I was using myself as bait. Yeah right.”

“Tsh. Figures. The Wonderbolts are braver than you.” Rainbow Dash muttered under her breath.

“And less practical.” Gilda replied. She had to cover her nostrils with her talon. “Seriously, rotting flesh is bad enough. Burning rotting flesh though…think I’m gonna hurl.”

“You smell something cooking?”

Gilda groaned at the sight of Applejack and Spike’s approach. Seeing the gore covering their bodies, she sharpened her talons against each other. “Your friends or not…. I gotta take em out.”

“Their not zombies you idiot! It’s a disguise!” Rainbow Dash snapped, forcing Gilda’s talons to the ground.

“Well excuse me for being careful.”

You don’t know the meaning of the word careful. Rainbow Dash thought to herself.

Applejack stopped dead in her tracks once she got a good look at the buring schoolhouse. I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Applejack! “Wha? Shut up, Rarity. Ah said we ain’t talkin’ about it.” She muttered under her breath. Failing to realize Spike could hear her.

“Excuse me?” Spike asked. Regaining her composure, Applejack patted Spike on the head.

“Nothin’ ya need to worry about, Spike.” Applejack trotted up to Rainbow Dash. “Dangerous comin’ out ere without trotter blood on ya.”

“That what you call them?” Gilda crossed her talons. “Ones in Cloudsdale didn’t exactly ‘trot’.” She noted.

It took a little over an hour for the rest of the survivors to make their way out of their hiding places. Twilight and Spike stood before the crowd as it arrived at the ruins of the schoolhouse. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy hovered out of the crowd to speak.

“That’s everypony.” Rainbow Dash reported.

“So no casualties then?” Twilight asked. Silverstar and Rainbow Dad emerged from the crowd. Silverstar took off his hat. Even though his mustache covered his muzzle, Twilight could still tell he was not going to report anything good.

“That ain’t entirely true. A couple of mah ponies didn’t make it to cover in time.” Silverstar closed his eyes. Likewise Rainbow Dad shook his head.

“I saw one of my guys eaten alive too.” He looked up at his daughter and smiled. “Of course, I just knew my Dashie would come out alive.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled slightly while she scratched her mane. “Come on Rainbow Dad. That’s not surprising.”

Twilight took deep breath before addressing the crowd. “Ok everypony. Tha’s all I needed to know. Now take some time to rest.”

The crowd began to disperse, with the exception of Rainbow Dad. He looked over at Twilight, making his expression darken. He felt like an elephant was sititng on his chest as he spoke up. “Dashie. Flutters. Can we talk? In private?” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy exchanged glances before following him.

He’s going to tell them. Good. Twilight thought to herself.

Spike took another look at the schoolhouse ruins. Applejack and Cheerliee were just stairing at the smolding remains. He figured Cheerliee would take its loss pretty hard, but wasn’t expecting Applejack to be distraught too. “You want to talk to them?” He asked Twilight. Before Twilight could respond, Rarity trotted past her.

“Leave it to me.” Rarity said. She took a small step forward. Cheerliee was the first to notice.

“Hello Rarity. It’s not that bad.” Cheerliee motioned to her. “I’m certain the schoolhouse can be up and running again in no time.” Rarity raised an eyebrow. The quivering in Cheerliee’s voice was hardly convincing.

“How would you like it if I helped you with the renovations?” Rarity asked. She put a hoof around Cheerliee’s shoulder before the teacher pony could respond. “We could easily make it more presentable than before. It could go a long way to make little fillies enjoy going.”

Even though she had yet to start crying, she still wiped her eyes. “You would do that?”

“Of course. Rebuilding the schoolhouse from the ground up is certainly a worthy goal.” Rarity reassured. Cheerliee’s smile made her smile back. She then looked over at Applejack.

“Ah don’t wanna talk about it, Rares.”

Rarity trotted over to her friend. As much as she wanted to hold Applejack to comfort her, she knew better than to touch her. “Applejack. What happened ten years ago haunts me as well, dear….”

“SHUT UP RARITY!”

Rarity would have hit her head against the ground if Twilight and Spike didn’t catch her in time. “Thank you dears.”

“Of course.” Spike replied.

“Applejack, what was that all about?” Twilight asked. Applejack stomped a hoof to the ground in fury.

“Ah just…Ah want to move on! But Rarity keeps wantin’ to talk about it. Well Ah ain’t havin’ any of it!” Applejack continued to grumble to herself as she trotted away.

“What did I miss?”

Twilight had take a step back in surprise. Spike and Rarity turned their attention to Pinkie, who was slowly trotting towards them with Maud’s help.

“Pinkie, you really shouldn’t sneak up on ponies like that.” Rarity said. Maud applied pressure to the bandages wrapped around Pinkie’s neck with a hoof.

“She wanted to know what was goin on.” Maud stated.

“I like what you did with your mane Twilight.” Twilight blushed, since the last time Spike singed her mane was frankly embarrassing on her part. Pinkie tilted her head at the sight of the schoolhouse ruins. “Oh no. Applejack’s all upset now, isn’t she?” Pinkie asked. Rarity nodded back.

“How do you know about that?” Twilight scratched her head. Rarity stopped her from scratching.

“The thing is Twilight…. Before you came to Ponyville, less than pleasant events occurred here.” Rarity shook her head. “And it’s my fault.”

Still smittened from when he caught her, Spike couldn’t help but chuckle. “How bad could it have been?”

Pinkie and Rarity exchanged glances before Rarity worked up the courage to speak.

“It’s not something I like to speak of. The thing is…. I’m the reason Applejack’s parents are dead.”