Life of Chry Volume One : Reese Pieces.by A Rare SightChaptersThe Way Things Are.The DreamApplejackApples and Fears.Welcome Home?What Tomorrow Will Bring.Dream a Little, Dream of Me...The Way Things Are." Well if it's not Reese Pieces or should I say Splatter Face. " Diamond Tiara giggled aloud in a wicked tone her cold eyes slowly gazing upon the innocent filly unicorn in front of her. Light blue eyes gazed down as a golden matted mane was frazzled out and messy the small unicorns' cheeks turning a light red color burning darker with embarrassment as the taunting continued. Reese never thought of herself as special pony she played by the rules' and at most never got into serious trouble, so why did all the girls' make a pass time of teasing her? Deep down she thought it was because of her coat she was a light brown color with dark brown patches all over her body in short she knew it made her look quite odd, With a thud Diamond Tiara flicked her hard on the forehead with her hoof. " What nothing to say Patches? " Tiara spoke in a serious tone leaning forward slowly both of the fillies eyes meeting in a silent standoff. Heart racing Reese felt the world spinning should she try to run or simply stand her ground? she couldn't fight back Tiara had brought a group of two fillies if she tried anything she would surely take a beating. With a soft sigh Reese slowly stomped her small hooves against the ground eyes shut tightly knowing she did not want to know what was going to come next. " Patches!, oh like a something pieced together! " A blonde maned filly spoke out within the group in an innocent yet almost bubbly tone a goofy smile across her face while the group of fillies slowly turned their attention towards her. " Yes Dinky. that was the joke thank you for pointing it out. " Tiara trailed off shaking her head in silence as giggling could be heard among the group of young mares. With the tension among the group broken Tiara merely flaunted a slender hoof toward Reese in a catty manner before walking off with her friends. " I'll deal with you later Reese Pieces! " Was her last remark as she gazed down to Reese's hooves then over her body and back to her eyes sneering before vanishing into the distance. With a sigh of relief Reese was glad the battle was over, yet worried the war had just begun. *** The Everfree Forrest was quiet this day usually she could hear the chirping of birds' on the branches above or maybe the scampering of rabbits scurrying across the grass. Yet today nothing as if all the creatures were gone, a small ping in her heart caused Reese to sigh in worry and sadness. Why did everything run from her? Why did ponies pick on her? Why did she feel so alone? Her long messy golden mane was let down flowing below her shoulders and down her backside as light blue tears formed in her eyes gently trickling down her cheeks in silence. She would never want anyone to see her crying to see her so weak and vulnerable like a frail branch in the wind about to break holding on so tightly not to fall into the darkness below. Wiping the tears away from her eyes she slowly made her way to the tallest tree within the woods it towered high above like a guardian protecting all who would stand under its' mighty presence. Gently she sat under The Guardian her back to its' solid trunk as she allowed herself to become lost in her own thought's , she hated being so shy never feeling like she belonged anywhere. A pony named Fluttershy though she was different she had found her so long ago in these same woods and welcomed her to Ponyville with open hooves, she was funny and sweet a little overworked at times but she knew she had a good heart. Yet the more time they spent together up town the more she felt them drift an invisible barrier had set up between them and no matter how hard she tried she could not break through it. It was because Fluttershy had asked where she lived once, Reese couldn't bring herself to tell her she lived alone in the forest for as long as she could remember forgotten by her own family much like everypony else. So instead of facing her problems she decided to space herself from Fluttershy and run from them. She often dreamed though that Fluttershy had seen her like a daughter, As Reese saw her maybe like a mother at a time. Her saviour who one day would sweep her up in her hooves and take her away from all the strife that followed her. Blinking long lashes she pouted aloud her daydreams were nothing but simply that dreams. Only to fade away and never come true, because if everyponys dreams came true then why would she even be here? Gazing up high to the sky she hoped to hear the chirping return once more but instead was met by silence and darkness from the setting sun in the horizon. Darkness and Silence. With friends like these who needs worry? Author's Note Had this story started on FF.net but decided to move it over with my other fics. Should have some rapid updates pretty quick I just need to run through them and make sure everything is in order. Hope you all enjoy. The DreamWith turquoise eyes closed in a sweet gentle slumber Reese allowed her thoughts' to drift off into the abyss, flashes of happy times swirled around her mind. Not the happiness she felt with Fluttershy yet something else it was from a different time and a different place she could make out smiles but not the faces they belonged too. She could smell a sweet fragrance in the air that of home cooked food and sweets, this was only heightened by the sounds of laughter that echoed around her. Slowly she allowed her gaze to lift up only to raise a hoof to shield herself from the brightness of the sun high above in the sky, chirping filled the air was this paradise? A loud crash caused Reese to sling up in shock as she noticed a branch from the guardian tree had rotted and fell off to the ground below, sighing aloud in relief she was lucky it did not strike her as it landed not but a few inches off from her position. The sunlight was gone all that surrounded her was darkness now that and silence. When she came to Everfree all she could remember was a blinding light and a loud pop from there she had awoken in these woods it would be a few weeks of wandering around scared before her savior would find her as well as Tiara. She could never recall anything before that. Was her dream of somewhere she had once lived? Was it from a place she was from? Or perhaps it was just a passing dream much like a shooting star offering a solemn calm before fading into the abyss. Placing silly thoughts into the back of her mind she sat up cheeks cold from the tears she had cried in solitude. Her mane and tail was a mess she quickly licked her hoof and ran it through the tangles some to make herself look somewhat presentable when she made her way back to civilization. Looking ahead she noticed it was pure black all around her, it was odd as she gazed to the sky not a star lit it above nor was the moon present. Was this even the same woods she had entered earlier or perhaps had her dream turned into a nightmare? *** " I have to make it back to Ponyville." Reese spoke to herself in barely a whisper as she slowly walked forward away from her guardian knowing with each step she took it too faded away. Alone she took step after step deeper down a small cleared trail or at least she thought it was the trail it was hard to tell in this current state. This darkness was like a blanket thick and uninviting no light could pierce it as if it belonged to another world entirely. Deeper she allowed herself to fall into its' madness taking step after step into nothing, her hooves swiped at the sides hoping to find a tree to balance against yet nothing was there. Heart pounding in her chest she took one more step ahead before finding herself falling a soft echoing scream filled the air around her before a loud thud followed. Groaning she hit the ground with a pop sending a sharp pain up her back as she winced looking ahead of her seeing a dim light. Tiara stood in the light rolling her eyes in a spiteful manner as slowly a curled smirk formed across her lips. " Poor Reese can't find herself out of some woods' how pathetic! " Tiara flaunted a hoof towards her before laughing aloud wickedly. " Well you can't blame her she is just a nopony a poor useless blank-flank probably can't do anything for herself. " Silver Spoon spoke up as a second light appeared next to Tiara as she tilted her glasses with a soft smugness. " Noponies aren't even real ponies they are just like ghost's haunting the town never making a difference! " Dinky giggled aloud as a light appeared on a tree branch Dinky just laughing away taunting her. " You don't belong here! " Tiara hissed. " You are so useless! " Silver Spoon sneered. " Just a ghost! " Dinky wickedly laughed. Reese tried to stand but felt the darkness enveloping her swallowing her hooves as it pulled her deeper and deeper inside. She hoped this was some nightmare and that she didn't walk into some Quick Sand, heart racing she tried to wake up but could not slowly she was being sucked in and out of existence. " Please help me! " Reese pleaded to the fillies using all her strength she pulled one hoof free and held it to the young mares all of which just laughed aloud. Sinking deeper and deeper she could feel herself being suffocated as she was almost completely swallowed up, Tiara slowly walked over kneeling down eyes glowing in the darkness. " Nopony will miss you. " Tiara smiled as Reese faded away into nothing, no trace of her was left just the darkness. Inside the abyss Reese felt her vision fading, she couldn't breath she couldn't move. Floating in place she felt everything go numb. She could see all go black. She wanted to scream but all that came out was silence. *** " NOOOO! " Reese screamed in terror flinging forward right into a brick wall or what felt like a brick wall. " Whoa! settle down Sugarcube are you alright? " A large mare spoke with a warm-hearted giggle she wore a brown southern hat with a clean blonde mane despite her massive size to herself she looked completely gentle. Reese with a thud had fallen to the ground her back to the guardian tree again a cold sweat across her body happy that her nightmare was over. " Um. you care if I'm ok? " Was all she could ask in a surprised tone. " Of course why wouldn't I? " The mare asked as Reese just started to cry tears running down her cheeks softly. " I'm...ok. " She sobbed slowly looking down as the mare simply kneeled down beside her with a warm smile. " I'm Applejack and should I just call you O or K? " She giggled trying to break the ice as Reese gazed to her and for the first time in a while giggled. " My name is Reese Pieces." She spoke in a polite tone knowing only that as her name from the first time she was picked on, extending a hoof forward the mares own large one engulfing her delicate one as she gave it a gentle shake. With a smile across her face she hoped that she had made a new friend. Or was this perhaps another shooting star fading off into the cosmos? ApplejackAs both made their way down the winding trails of the forest they chatted about many things from apples to Reese even talking about Tiara and her friends, The sun now high in the sky shining brightly over all the land. " So you're friends with a Princess? " Reese spoke in awe and shock as she rode on the back of AJ her hooves nested under herself in a polite manner, AJ had insisted on carrying her she said she looked too weak to walk like a calf with no grass to graze. Reese sighed and allowed her to give her a lift knowing it had been a few days since her last meal and she was feeling pretty down at the moment. " Well yeah if you didn't notice when all of Equestria almost got wiped out a few times it was some friends and I who saved it." AJ giggled as Reese just looked away softly feeling embarrassed. " I never heard about all that... " Reese sighed feeling so stupid that she didn't know more about AJ she was downright a hero of Equestria. " Oh!, well don't sweat it Sugarcube. " AJ spoke in a half-laugh the small filly on her back smiling along with her. " So why were you in the woods at night all alone kid? "AJ asked a genuine sense of worry in her voice as she continued down a silent path. " Well., no it's dumb. " Reese sighed slowly hugging herself as front hooves crossed around her chest. " C'mon you can tell me I won't judge. " AJ smirked her eyes so calm and welcoming it filled her heart with a sense of tranquility or maybe joy? " Well nopony wants me around I'm just a laughing-stock to them, a pony who just doesn't belong." Reese trailed off her voice filled with sadness and loneliness. AJ looked a bit worried for a second before her eyes became filled with a firey sense of passion shooting Reese a stare that caused her to think she was unwanted again. " Trust me Reese no one is useless everypony has a reason, I thought at a time I was destined to be a La-de-da but I know now I'm much more then that and so are you. " AJ spoke with a giggle as she started to pick up pace galloping down the trail. Reese squealed aloud hanging on for dear life as AJ snuck off the main path and made her way deeper into the woods a plan forming in her mind. *** " I can't do this it's mean." Reese sighed aloud her mind racing just as fast as her heart was in her chest while AJ scanned off into the distance her hooves shielded over her eyes. " Why not you said that those twerps were giving you a hard time, if you do this I just bet they will stop. " AJ chuckled to herself in an almost sinister tone as she could see Tiara and her friends coming over the hill in the distance Tiara and Silver carrying new scooter's with them as Dinky followed along on foot. " But..." Reese tried to speak but instead AJ scooped her up with ease and placed her on the path the girls' were heading to. " Trust me! " AJ spoke in a rasp whisper as she faded away into the brush hidden from view. " Ooooh." Reese groaned in a soft toned whimper just as her enemies came into view. *** " Well if it's not Frankenpony what's the matter your imaginary friend's walk out on you? " Tiara giggled aloud the other fillies' laughing along. " Um., No I just wanted to warn you girls' that a giant bear has been spotted around these parts some say it eats sour little fillies." Reese spoke her voice in a quivering tone. " What! " Dinky yelp in fright as she quickly slumped down to the ground eyes darting around the area quickly. Tiara just growled under her breath spinning around to Dinky casting her a deep serious glare shaking her head side to side. " Dinky! there is no dumb bear! " Tiara snapped as her friend quickly snapped back up trying not to slouch lower lip quivering. " As for you!, are you calling me sour? " Tiara snapped as she placed down her scooter walking over to Reese in a swift manner Silver Spoon following after her. Reese felt her heart racing as both fillies surrounded her all but Dinky who stayed by the scooter's humming aloud. " THERE'S NO BEAR! " Tiara yelled aloud mane frizzing out from stress as Dinky groaned stepping away from the scooter's. " I'm going to show you sour Reese! " Tiara glared her eyes narrowing as her small hooves grabbed Reese by the mane pulling her in close. " But...but..." Reese sputtered unable to come up with anything to say the other two fillies giggling as they watched. Suddenly a low growl could be heard from the forest, quiet at first then slowly climbing in scale a loud howl echoing around the girls. " This is some trick isn't it? " Tiara glared holding Reese tighter in her clutches. " Rawrrr! " The massive booming sound exploded forth from the woods as a large brown bear walked out from the brush slowly., fangs bared and drool running down its' chin. " Buh-buh- BEAR! " Dinky screamed aloud grabbing Silver Spoon by the shoulders shaking her side to side franticly before dashing off at blinding speed to the scooter's. Silver Spoon crying quickly regained composure running to them as well, scared out of her mind as with each step she took she almost fell down to the ground. Both fillies tried to take the same scooter tugging at it roughly each shivering in fear as Silver Spoon gave it a mighty yank pulling it free from Dinky who fell back into a puddle of mud as she jumped onto it. " Spoon HELP ME! " Dinky screamed as she looked to her friend who simply spun backwards at top speed vanishing into the distance. " I don't wanna be eaten by a beaaaar..." Dinky squealed off into a pouty sad high-toned voice before crying into her hooves shivering on the ground. Tiara never budged, hooves still holding Reese in place as the towering creature lumbered towards them both, Tiaras' eyes glowed darkly trying to stare down the monster. " I'm not afraid of you." Tiara snapped to the massive bear as it leaned down and roared loudly a foul stench from its mouth blowing her mane back with ease. Tiara simply let go of Reese who fell to the ground with a thud as she ran off screaming towards Dinky about to pass her up to leave her behind. Dinky looked to her eyes stained with tears as she held out a hoof for help, Tiara rolling her eyes just zoomed past the frightened filly who merely started to cry again. " Wow AJ that was amazing! " Reese smiled hugging the bear tightly a giggle escaping her lips. " Kid get away! " AJ yelled covered in filth from a nearby Mudhole gasping aloud. Reese slowly gazed up to see the towering monster rise up its' clawed paw ready to swipe, joy leaving her body replaced with something else. Apples and Fears.The bear swiped its mighty paw towards her as Reese felt her body tense certain she would be filled with fear, instead she felt a spark within her one she had never felt before as her horn lit up brightly a soft green hue stopping the paw in its tracks. The creature growled confused as green energy held its paw in place Reese quickly snapped out of her almost dream like state before a soft scream escaped her lips as she jumped back, just before the bear broke free and swiped at her position. Reese stumbled backwards shivering as the brown bear came forward ready to pounce only for a large green vine to quickly come up from behind it while AJ wrapped it around its neck tightly. " Yehaww! " AJ screamed aloud as she pounced atop the large bears back and rode atop it as it began to thrash about AJ held the vine in her mouth to keep her balance as she tried to tire out the beast. Reese watched in awe as AJs' golden mane flowed in the wind of danger while green eyes burned like coals ready for anything in the world, most of all adventure. Soft sobbing could be heard behind Reese as she turned around gazing to Dinky who was crying alone on the path ears folded down in shame before her eyes looked to the mare they always made fun of. Reese tried to say something to calm the filly only to be cut off as Dinky looked to her with tears flowing down her cheeks. " I'm sorry!" She cried aloud before finally galloping off at top speed away from the filly who stood there in silence never had anypony ever apologized to her it felt odd. AJ held on tight to the bear as it finally started to slow down, she took this opening to quickly jump off the monster and give it a swift hind kick to the front as it yelped aloud backing up slowly. " Now git!, or do I have to make a coat out of you critter!! " AJ gave a deep narrowing gaze to the bear as it slowly backed up before running off into the woods frightened. Reese giggled aloud running over to the copper colored mare in awe her eyes sparkling like bright stars. " That was amazing! " Reese smiled as she looked up to the mare who simply just fixed her mane softly. " Awww shucks that was nothing really all in a days work." AJ spoke in her most modest of tones as she smirked down to the small filly before her knowing this kid had a rough time. " How about we put this all behind us and go get some food at my place, you look skinner than a fence post. " AJ smiled as she kneeled down to the small pony who quickly looked away. " Um I don't want to intrude." She trailed off before the mare quickly scooped her up placing her back onto her backside as she giggled. " Hogwash the Apple family is always open to sharin' the home when it is needed, c'mon kid let's get goin!" AJ spoke in a stern but friendly manner as Reese couldn't find any reason to turn down so she simply nodded hoping things would be ok. *** " So tell me where do you live out in those woods? " AJ asked in a concerned manner as she stood beside an old wooden stove cooking up some Apple Fritters for their guest. Reese kept silent for a bit slowly chewing on a bright red apple on her plate, taking her time eating for it had been a few day's since she had done so and wanted to savour it. Applebloom a yellow filly about her age maybe just a bit older gazed at her in wonder, her firey red mane frazzled out messily filled with hay from playing outside. " Um. just around the old oaks..." Reese spoke in barely a whisper as Applebloom shot her an odd look. " I know those woods like the back of my hoof and no one lives around the old oaks its..." Applebloom started in as AJ shot her little sister a stern look. " I know for a fact you don't know those woods like that cause I always tell you not to be playing out there it's dangerous." AJ narrowed her eyes at the filly who just sheepishly giggled. " Oh! did I say I knew the wood's I meant my friends' older sisters' brother did." Applebloom gave an innocent smile to AJ causing Reese to giggle aloud. " Now really darling I know this might be a little rude to ask and I apologize but are you livin' in those old woods all alone? " AJ asked the filly as she placed a plate of Apple Fritters before her nudging her along to eat. Reese felt her heart sink as those words escaped AJ's mouth she wanted to tell her yes but felt ashamed to, she didn't want to be a pity case to this young mare. " I...I need to go, thank you for the food!" Reese quickly spoke in a flustered tone as she grabbed one last apple off the table in her mouth gently. " But you hardly touched anything? " Applebloom spoke in a confused tone before Reese felt her heart racing, so she quickly did what she was used to doing shooting out of her seat and dashing for the open back door. AJ looked confused as she tried to follow the filly not having to run far as Reese herself ran smack into a tower of a red stallion who gazed down to the petite filly blinking slowly. Reese dropped the apple from her mouth frightened as she felt a hoof on her shoulder turning around seeing AJ giving her a stern but worried stare. " What was that all about? " AJ asked eyes narrowing slowly like daggers digging into her soul. Reese gazed down heart fluttering in her chest as tears welled up in her eyes she gazed up to the copper mare before she looked down in shame. Her running was over she knew it was time to face the past she so wanted to hide. Welcome Home?" Get her away! " A mares' voice shouted out in a angry tone echoing around Reese like a wolf howling towards the moon. " You deserve nothing!! " The same voice trailed off still in anger as Reese felt tears run down her cheeks slowly folding her ears back kneeling down on the ground hiding her face in her folded hooves. " Are you alright hon? " AJ asked seeing the small filly curled up on the ground crying aloud as her body shivered with fear, the red stallion looked worried and gazed to his sister who nodded over to Applebloom who became frightened as well. Big Mac swiftly nudged Applebloom out of the kitchen and outside as AJ kneeled down beside the shivering filly softly rubbing her muzzle against the childs mane. " Are you alright? " She whispered in her ear as Reese looked up seeing a sudden flash again everything around her was blurred and smeared, as if a blanket of smoke was engulfing all. Eyes widening she looked about seeing dark shadows forming around her their eyes hollow and faces blank, her heart was racing she felt short of breath suddenly as she started to see more flashes before her eyes of the past. AJ could see the filly was having a panic attack and a bad one at that she quickly wrapped her hooves around the small child holding her near as Reese struggled in her grasp the shadows lunging for her. " Please...let me go..." Reese squeaked out chest heaving wildly as her eyes looked unfocused, AJ softly ran a hoof through her mane and whispered into her ear. " Shhh. settle down listen." AJ whispered in a calming tone holding the childs head to her chest allowing her to hear her heartbeat as Reese slowly began to calm down. The beating was slow and steady never flustered it kept at a pace that was calm and peaceful, Reese listened with interest as the beating of her heart caused her breathing to slow and become steady. Still shivering in AJ's embrace she felt her hooves gently stroking her mane back and forth, cooing and humming in a soft tone one that for once made Reese feel calm. " It's ok shhhh." AJ whispered into her ear as Reese felt her eyes slowly close everything going black. *** The beating continued its soft drumming held Reese on a cloud of tranquility that she wished never ended, everything felt right all was calm and still. Was this what happiness was like? Blue eyes slowly fluttered open as Reese found herself sleeping on a large bed the sun had set outside and the stars were out shining so brightly in the sky, Reese looked to them in awe never had she seen them that bright. " Welcome back." AJ giggled stretching as she jumped off a chair nested in the corner of the room, Reese felt herself become flushed had she been watching her the whole time? " What happened?, Why does my head hurt? " Reese winced her head suddenly throbbing as she placed a hoof on her forehead. " You had a Panic Attack Sugarcube, but don't you worry it's all ok now." AJ smiled as she tapped the lantern waking up fireflies as light filled the room the small filly looking to her with squinted eyes. " A panic attack? " Reese sighed not knowing really what that was but trusted AJ knew. " Yes. you had us all worried after you drifted off so we decided to let you rest." AJ spoke walking to the edge of the bed placing hooves atop the sheets looking to the filly softly. " I do live alone." Reese spoke her voice cracking slightly as AJ just nodded along slowly. Reese expected AJ to start in on her about not being honest or tell her to get up and follow her uptown so she could place her in some home for lost fillies, but none of that happened AJ simply gave her a smile as she gently sat atop the bed with her giving her a small hug. " I'm sorry to hear that, I can't believe somepony would just leave a small filly out there to fend for themselves." AJ spoke in a stern manner sounding slightly angry but not at her but somepony else. " Well no more of that Reese you can stay here as long as you like or until you find your own parents, and when you do I got some talkin' to do with them." AJ smiled to Reese who looked to her feeling her heart slowly start to race again but not in a bad way this time it felt warm. " I can stay here? " Reese asked shocked eyes widening in awe. " Well of course we've meant to do something with this old guest room till then you might as well have it." AJ giggled as Reese just smiled tears forming again in her eyes. " Hey! no crying kid as long as you're here I want to see smiles ok? " AJ smirked as Reese nodded wiping away tears looking back up with a crooked smile on her face lips quivering. AJ just began to giggle aloud finding that look so charming before the door suddenly fell open, Applebloom falling to the floor with a thud as she gave AJ a nervous smile. " Hmmm. come here you lil eaves dropper." AJ smiled as she scooped up Applebloom in her hooves the young filly fighting it as AJ mussed up her mane laughing aloud. Reese watched and giggled aloud. At last did she finally find a home? What Tomorrow Will Bring." She can never belong." The Mares Voice spoke in a cold icy tone filled with no emotion nor pity. "Come I'll show you real suffering..." The Voice trailed off once more in nothingness, Reese felt as if her memories of the past were slowly trying to push their way back into her mind. " You know I've always wanted a little sister I could look after." Applebloom giggled as she sat atop a tower of hay bales a bright smile across her face as hay strands were tangled into her bright red mane. Reese snapped back into reality as she beamed with happiness the last few days were like a never-ending dream itself, her and Applebloom spent the afternoons playing all kinds of games. And during the morning she would help out Big Mac with chores as he taught her about apple-bucking and farming, then when night came she was able to help AJ and Granny Smith out in the kitchen and cook up a meal. It was wonderful never had she eaten so much in the last few days her belly was tight no longer pushed in and thin, though no matter how much she ate she never got a satisfied feeling. Slowly hopping up the hay bales she tried to catch up with her new friend or maybe she was now her sister? Taking the last bale with wobbly hooves she pulled herself up on top of the pile taking a seat beside Applebloom who softly nudged her side happily, both fillies gazed out towards the horizon and what was there was magnificent. The sun was lowering in the distance as the sky turned a bright orange color like no other, Ponyville in the horizon was almost glistening in the sun like magic. It was beautiful unlike the trees' of the forest this scenery made her heart skip and eyes sparkle with a sense of awe that maybe things can get better with time, for the first time in a long time she felt hope. " What do you think? " Applebloom asked with a smile her bangs falling over her eyes softly as she gazed to the small sickly looking filly. " It's beautiful." Reese blushed as she felt a spark in her body one she knew was a good feeling not a panic attack. " That it is, hey why is your name Reese Pieces? " Applebloom asked her eyes filled with a sense of curiosity. " Well I didn't choose it you can say it chose me." Reese folded her ears back softly as thoughts floated back to her like a leaf atop a gentle stream. " This girl Diamond Tiara and some friends found me in the woods one day and began to tease me, they called me all types of things like Patches, Frankenpony but the one that stuck was Reese Pieces Tiara said it was a multicolored candy she had once eaten and hated." Reese finished as her blue hues gazed upon her uneven coat. " Well I think your coat is very nice, it's different and that's good." Applebloom giggled while she pushed Reese at the side with her hoof gently both girls bursting out in giggles before they rolled down the hay bales with a soft thud. " Well Big Sis this day is as fun as rustlin' some sheep." Reese suddenly spoke in a thick and natural southern accent Applebloom casting her a odd glance. " Hehehe. That's pretty good impression almost sounds just like me." Applebloom giggled as she rolled around in the hay Reese nodded along with a smile. Yet in her mind she knew she didn't mean to do a impression her voice just changed on its own. " Fillies come on in now, we need help with the fixin's inside! " AJ yelled from the front porch her mane neatly styled even though she had finished a long day of Apple Bucking. " Coming!, C'mon Reese I'll Race ya! " Applebloom giggled as she quickly nudged her new friend and bolted off towards the house, Reese nodded in silence as she slowly trotted after her mind filling with many question's. *** " Then we explored the woods a bit, though Reese seemed to know a lot about them which was cool, I hope we can head up town tomorrow I want to introduce her to my friend's and she can even be in the CMC! " Applebloom bounced up and down on her chair as the family ate their dinner. " Now Lil sister don't be runnin' the poor thing down, if she feels like restin' just let her rest." AJ spoke as her little sister rolled her eyes softly. " How do you like it here so far hmmm? " Granny Smith asked rising a brow as Reese slowly munched on a hay salad before her with a side of oats. Reese just flashed a smile and nodded in a yes fashion. " Hon it's rude not to say anything when a pony talks to you." AJ smiled as she patted Reese on the head softly. Reese just sighed looking to Granny Smith and let her ears perk up slightly. " Well...this here house feels like a home, I really like it bein' able to run and play all day." Reese spoke as she quickly bit her lower lip her accent thicker now. Big Mac just chuckled aloud as AJ shot the small filly an odd look, Applebloom bursting out in giggles as well. " I almost forgot she started doing impressions today! " Applebloom continued to giggle as AJ just shook her head softly side to side. " We don't sound like that, apologise Reese please." AJ spoke eyes narrowing a bit as Granny Smith just smiled. " Oh let the filly have some fun the poor thing earned it." Granny Smith spoke before flashing a small wink to Reese. Reese nodded as she looked to AJ eyes filled with a apologetic tone. " I'm sorry sugarcubes, may I please be excused y'all." Reese spoke her Southern drawl cracking a bit while she quickly hoped off her chair and galloped outside. *** The night air caressed the small filly like a welcoming touch as she sat down on the edge of the porch staring up towards the sky softly watching the stars shine high above. AJ slowly poked her head out looking down to the filly trotting to her side and taking a seat too, a small silence forming between both of them. " Are you ok sugarcube? " AJ asked knowing something was eating at the small child who slowly gazed over to her shrugging. " I didn't mean to poke fun at you AJ." She spoke her voice back to normal as her ears perked up happily. " Awww, it's ok impression's are just a way of having fun Pinkie does em' all the time." AJ giggled as she gave the filly a small hug. " You shouldn't be so sensitive about things lil filly you need to toughen up, Hey I know I'm heading up to town tomorrow you should tag along." AJ giggled as the young filly nodded along her eyes filled with happiness again. " That sounds great! " Reese almost yelled aloud her small tail swishing side to side as she jumped into AJ's arms hugging her tightly. AJ smiled returning the hug she felt a surge of love entering her heart and warming up her soul slowly, the small filly smiled taking a small breath before her stomach growled aloud softly. " You're still hungry lil one, c'mon let's go finish our dinner." AJ smiled placing down the filly walking inside as Reese nodded slowly walking after her back into the warmth of the house. The cold wind almost seemed to whisper to her softly while she turned around gazing to the darkness, not out of fear but calmness blinking long lashes she wondered if out there her family thought of her during the night. Walking inside she allowed the door to come to a close, tomorrow would bring many new challenges. Dream a Little, Dream of Me..." Come now child, don't be afraid. " The soft voice of a mare spoke through the darkness around Reese as her eyes snapped open all around her the abyss covered everything in a thick cloak. Yet the voice was not the same as before it sounded gentle and caring while the one from her nightmares sent a chill down her spine, That wicked voice filled with such anger and those dark green eyes that cut through the shadows like a tempered blade. Even thinking about it caused her to grow into a panic and body to shiver in terror. " I will not hurt you I promise. " The voice echoed around her as the small filly slowly began to walk through the shadows trotting deeper and deeper into the void her mind focusing on the voice. With a soft flash of light suddenly the darkness faded around her the shadow's forming into lush tree's brimming with fruit, gazing down Reese watched in awe as soft grass-covered in dew spread across the ground the mere feeling of the grass against her hooves felt soothing and welcoming. Blue hues gazed in awe as stars brighter than she ever could imagine filled the sky and the sweet scent of nature wafted through the sky, Reese felt her body tremble this place was indeed beautiful but what had brought her here and why? Looking ahead she could see a large lake form from nothing the water shimmering from the soft moonlight above, while she trotted over in silence her mind racing yet her heart at ease knowing in her soul that this place was safe. " I'm glad you think this place is beautiful." A dark blue pony spoke walking out from behind her suddenly her mane flowing back elegantly a light blue yet transparent as what almost looked like stars sparkled within it. This mare was not like other ponies she had met throughout her travels she had both wings and a unicorn horn, and she stood so tall thought the filly stretching her neck up to gaze at the slender frame of this angel with awe and a bit of fear. " Don't be afraid little one my name is Princess Luna, I guard the night." Luna smiled down to the filly as she slowly took her seat at her side both looking out towards the lake in silence enjoying the scenery if only for a second. " Princess? " Reese spoke in awe never knowing another Princess other then Twilight that AJ had told her about even existed. " Yes a Princess one of four in this land. " Luna smiled as the filly slowly gazed over to her almost hiding her gaze keeping it low as if scared to lock eyes with her. " Why are you here?, where am I? " Reese spoke her voice cracking softly as her heart began to race once more in her chest the Princess nodding while she gave a quick glimpse to the sky above. " Well as Princess of the night I'm in charge of everything the darkness touches which includes dream's." Luna smirked as the filly folded her ears back slightly knowing now that this calm paradise was only a dream. " So this is my dream? " Reese asked her voice still cracking with a slight sense of fear as the older mare nodded along. " Yes this is your dreamscape I've used my magic to calm your mind though so we could talk." Luna spoke her calm tone turning serious suddenly as her hues fell upon the small child. " About what? " Reese asked the Princesses sudden change in demeanor sending a small chill down her spine, the cool wind blowing gently through her mane from the crisp night sky. " Well as I had watched the dreams' of my subject's in search of ways to calm their minds, Your nightmares called out to me from the abyss echoing with that of pain and something else." Luna sighed gazing down to the calm water of the lake her eyes sparkling in the light softly. Reese did not like the way this conversation was going her heart filling with the sense of fear again dragging her down deeper and deeper into the darkness once more. Backing away from the lake shore the small filly gazed to the Dark Princess with sadness eyes glistening gently with tears her ears completely folded back. " I'm here young one because I can feel the darkness you carry with you, The sorrow from days past linger within your mind tainting your soul and shattering your heart." Luna spoke standing up so tall and majestic as she spun around walking towards the small filly frozen in fear. Reese could not move her hooves as the Princess towered above her such as a mountain to a flower below, her blue eyes turning a pure white color before she lifted a hoof towards the child placing it softly atop her head. Wincing Reese could feel a surge of power rushing through her small body a burning sensation entering her mind. Flashes of memories flooded back to Reese as she could see a large tower like creation in the distance cloaked in shadows, Gasping for air she could see a pair of honey colored eyes gazing to her in sadness. Reese felt tears run down her cheeks slowly while the dark figure of a mare started to take form before her. " No...Please! " Reese sobbed aloud feeling a hoof swipe across her face leaving a dark red mark a burning pain flushing over her small frame as her ears rang out in a high-pitched chime those horrible green eyes staring towards her like burning embers. Everything began to spin around her as the filly gazed down to her hooves seeing her coat start to decay before her the brown color fading to a pitch black, Wincing in pain Reese could feel her mane start to wither the hair falling out to the ground. Painfully fangs forcefully began to push out from her gums tearing away at the flesh. " No! GET OUT OF MY HEAD! " Reese screamed at the top of her lungs pushing the Princess away from her as she toppled back onto the dirt roughly her body returning to normal as tears flowed down her cheeks softly. " Hmmm. I'm sorry but I had to make sure for the sake of my subjects." Luna sighed sadly to the filly who curled up into a small ball sobbing mind and body filled with terror. Luna felt her heart become heavy with regret the child trembled before her in a state of pure dread due to her actions, Yet she had to know and what she could see within the childs' deepest fear's was that of true nightmares. " Child I..." Luna tried to speak only to hear a faint whisper from the filly sobbing before her. " I just want to go home." Reese sobbed her thought's thinking of AJ trying to remember the sound of her heartbeat to calm her troubled mind. " Sleep little one for I promise to keep the darkness at bay, yet I fear that the true nightmare shall begin soon." Luna sighed her heart heavy with sorrow knowing now was not the time for the child to know what she had seen. With a wave of her hoof the child was swept into a deep slumber as the shadows formed around her like a blanket to make sure she would have a night of peace before the child vanished from view, Luna knew in her heart that soon the memories of her past would return and with them bring the choice that would alter her path forever.
The Way Things Are." Well if it's not Reese Pieces or should I say Splatter Face. " Diamond Tiara giggled aloud in a wicked tone her cold eyes slowly gazing upon the innocent filly unicorn in front of her. Light blue eyes gazed down as a golden matted mane was frazzled out and messy the small unicorns' cheeks turning a light red color burning darker with embarrassment as the taunting continued. Reese never thought of herself as special pony she played by the rules' and at most never got into serious trouble, so why did all the girls' make a pass time of teasing her? Deep down she thought it was because of her coat she was a light brown color with dark brown patches all over her body in short she knew it made her look quite odd, With a thud Diamond Tiara flicked her hard on the forehead with her hoof. " What nothing to say Patches? " Tiara spoke in a serious tone leaning forward slowly both of the fillies eyes meeting in a silent standoff. Heart racing Reese felt the world spinning should she try to run or simply stand her ground? she couldn't fight back Tiara had brought a group of two fillies if she tried anything she would surely take a beating. With a soft sigh Reese slowly stomped her small hooves against the ground eyes shut tightly knowing she did not want to know what was going to come next. " Patches!, oh like a something pieced together! " A blonde maned filly spoke out within the group in an innocent yet almost bubbly tone a goofy smile across her face while the group of fillies slowly turned their attention towards her. " Yes Dinky. that was the joke thank you for pointing it out. " Tiara trailed off shaking her head in silence as giggling could be heard among the group of young mares. With the tension among the group broken Tiara merely flaunted a slender hoof toward Reese in a catty manner before walking off with her friends. " I'll deal with you later Reese Pieces! " Was her last remark as she gazed down to Reese's hooves then over her body and back to her eyes sneering before vanishing into the distance. With a sigh of relief Reese was glad the battle was over, yet worried the war had just begun. *** The Everfree Forrest was quiet this day usually she could hear the chirping of birds' on the branches above or maybe the scampering of rabbits scurrying across the grass. Yet today nothing as if all the creatures were gone, a small ping in her heart caused Reese to sigh in worry and sadness. Why did everything run from her? Why did ponies pick on her? Why did she feel so alone? Her long messy golden mane was let down flowing below her shoulders and down her backside as light blue tears formed in her eyes gently trickling down her cheeks in silence. She would never want anyone to see her crying to see her so weak and vulnerable like a frail branch in the wind about to break holding on so tightly not to fall into the darkness below. Wiping the tears away from her eyes she slowly made her way to the tallest tree within the woods it towered high above like a guardian protecting all who would stand under its' mighty presence. Gently she sat under The Guardian her back to its' solid trunk as she allowed herself to become lost in her own thought's , she hated being so shy never feeling like she belonged anywhere. A pony named Fluttershy though she was different she had found her so long ago in these same woods and welcomed her to Ponyville with open hooves, she was funny and sweet a little overworked at times but she knew she had a good heart. Yet the more time they spent together up town the more she felt them drift an invisible barrier had set up between them and no matter how hard she tried she could not break through it. It was because Fluttershy had asked where she lived once, Reese couldn't bring herself to tell her she lived alone in the forest for as long as she could remember forgotten by her own family much like everypony else. So instead of facing her problems she decided to space herself from Fluttershy and run from them. She often dreamed though that Fluttershy had seen her like a daughter, As Reese saw her maybe like a mother at a time. Her saviour who one day would sweep her up in her hooves and take her away from all the strife that followed her. Blinking long lashes she pouted aloud her daydreams were nothing but simply that dreams. Only to fade away and never come true, because if everyponys dreams came true then why would she even be here? Gazing up high to the sky she hoped to hear the chirping return once more but instead was met by silence and darkness from the setting sun in the horizon. Darkness and Silence. With friends like these who needs worry? Author's Note Had this story started on FF.net but decided to move it over with my other fics. Should have some rapid updates pretty quick I just need to run through them and make sure everything is in order. Hope you all enjoy.
The DreamWith turquoise eyes closed in a sweet gentle slumber Reese allowed her thoughts' to drift off into the abyss, flashes of happy times swirled around her mind. Not the happiness she felt with Fluttershy yet something else it was from a different time and a different place she could make out smiles but not the faces they belonged too. She could smell a sweet fragrance in the air that of home cooked food and sweets, this was only heightened by the sounds of laughter that echoed around her. Slowly she allowed her gaze to lift up only to raise a hoof to shield herself from the brightness of the sun high above in the sky, chirping filled the air was this paradise? A loud crash caused Reese to sling up in shock as she noticed a branch from the guardian tree had rotted and fell off to the ground below, sighing aloud in relief she was lucky it did not strike her as it landed not but a few inches off from her position. The sunlight was gone all that surrounded her was darkness now that and silence. When she came to Everfree all she could remember was a blinding light and a loud pop from there she had awoken in these woods it would be a few weeks of wandering around scared before her savior would find her as well as Tiara. She could never recall anything before that. Was her dream of somewhere she had once lived? Was it from a place she was from? Or perhaps it was just a passing dream much like a shooting star offering a solemn calm before fading into the abyss. Placing silly thoughts into the back of her mind she sat up cheeks cold from the tears she had cried in solitude. Her mane and tail was a mess she quickly licked her hoof and ran it through the tangles some to make herself look somewhat presentable when she made her way back to civilization. Looking ahead she noticed it was pure black all around her, it was odd as she gazed to the sky not a star lit it above nor was the moon present. Was this even the same woods she had entered earlier or perhaps had her dream turned into a nightmare? *** " I have to make it back to Ponyville." Reese spoke to herself in barely a whisper as she slowly walked forward away from her guardian knowing with each step she took it too faded away. Alone she took step after step deeper down a small cleared trail or at least she thought it was the trail it was hard to tell in this current state. This darkness was like a blanket thick and uninviting no light could pierce it as if it belonged to another world entirely. Deeper she allowed herself to fall into its' madness taking step after step into nothing, her hooves swiped at the sides hoping to find a tree to balance against yet nothing was there. Heart pounding in her chest she took one more step ahead before finding herself falling a soft echoing scream filled the air around her before a loud thud followed. Groaning she hit the ground with a pop sending a sharp pain up her back as she winced looking ahead of her seeing a dim light. Tiara stood in the light rolling her eyes in a spiteful manner as slowly a curled smirk formed across her lips. " Poor Reese can't find herself out of some woods' how pathetic! " Tiara flaunted a hoof towards her before laughing aloud wickedly. " Well you can't blame her she is just a nopony a poor useless blank-flank probably can't do anything for herself. " Silver Spoon spoke up as a second light appeared next to Tiara as she tilted her glasses with a soft smugness. " Noponies aren't even real ponies they are just like ghost's haunting the town never making a difference! " Dinky giggled aloud as a light appeared on a tree branch Dinky just laughing away taunting her. " You don't belong here! " Tiara hissed. " You are so useless! " Silver Spoon sneered. " Just a ghost! " Dinky wickedly laughed. Reese tried to stand but felt the darkness enveloping her swallowing her hooves as it pulled her deeper and deeper inside. She hoped this was some nightmare and that she didn't walk into some Quick Sand, heart racing she tried to wake up but could not slowly she was being sucked in and out of existence. " Please help me! " Reese pleaded to the fillies using all her strength she pulled one hoof free and held it to the young mares all of which just laughed aloud. Sinking deeper and deeper she could feel herself being suffocated as she was almost completely swallowed up, Tiara slowly walked over kneeling down eyes glowing in the darkness. " Nopony will miss you. " Tiara smiled as Reese faded away into nothing, no trace of her was left just the darkness. Inside the abyss Reese felt her vision fading, she couldn't breath she couldn't move. Floating in place she felt everything go numb. She could see all go black. She wanted to scream but all that came out was silence. *** " NOOOO! " Reese screamed in terror flinging forward right into a brick wall or what felt like a brick wall. " Whoa! settle down Sugarcube are you alright? " A large mare spoke with a warm-hearted giggle she wore a brown southern hat with a clean blonde mane despite her massive size to herself she looked completely gentle. Reese with a thud had fallen to the ground her back to the guardian tree again a cold sweat across her body happy that her nightmare was over. " Um. you care if I'm ok? " Was all she could ask in a surprised tone. " Of course why wouldn't I? " The mare asked as Reese just started to cry tears running down her cheeks softly. " I'm...ok. " She sobbed slowly looking down as the mare simply kneeled down beside her with a warm smile. " I'm Applejack and should I just call you O or K? " She giggled trying to break the ice as Reese gazed to her and for the first time in a while giggled. " My name is Reese Pieces." She spoke in a polite tone knowing only that as her name from the first time she was picked on, extending a hoof forward the mares own large one engulfing her delicate one as she gave it a gentle shake. With a smile across her face she hoped that she had made a new friend. Or was this perhaps another shooting star fading off into the cosmos?
ApplejackAs both made their way down the winding trails of the forest they chatted about many things from apples to Reese even talking about Tiara and her friends, The sun now high in the sky shining brightly over all the land. " So you're friends with a Princess? " Reese spoke in awe and shock as she rode on the back of AJ her hooves nested under herself in a polite manner, AJ had insisted on carrying her she said she looked too weak to walk like a calf with no grass to graze. Reese sighed and allowed her to give her a lift knowing it had been a few days since her last meal and she was feeling pretty down at the moment. " Well yeah if you didn't notice when all of Equestria almost got wiped out a few times it was some friends and I who saved it." AJ giggled as Reese just looked away softly feeling embarrassed. " I never heard about all that... " Reese sighed feeling so stupid that she didn't know more about AJ she was downright a hero of Equestria. " Oh!, well don't sweat it Sugarcube. " AJ spoke in a half-laugh the small filly on her back smiling along with her. " So why were you in the woods at night all alone kid? "AJ asked a genuine sense of worry in her voice as she continued down a silent path. " Well., no it's dumb. " Reese sighed slowly hugging herself as front hooves crossed around her chest. " C'mon you can tell me I won't judge. " AJ smirked her eyes so calm and welcoming it filled her heart with a sense of tranquility or maybe joy? " Well nopony wants me around I'm just a laughing-stock to them, a pony who just doesn't belong." Reese trailed off her voice filled with sadness and loneliness. AJ looked a bit worried for a second before her eyes became filled with a firey sense of passion shooting Reese a stare that caused her to think she was unwanted again. " Trust me Reese no one is useless everypony has a reason, I thought at a time I was destined to be a La-de-da but I know now I'm much more then that and so are you. " AJ spoke with a giggle as she started to pick up pace galloping down the trail. Reese squealed aloud hanging on for dear life as AJ snuck off the main path and made her way deeper into the woods a plan forming in her mind. *** " I can't do this it's mean." Reese sighed aloud her mind racing just as fast as her heart was in her chest while AJ scanned off into the distance her hooves shielded over her eyes. " Why not you said that those twerps were giving you a hard time, if you do this I just bet they will stop. " AJ chuckled to herself in an almost sinister tone as she could see Tiara and her friends coming over the hill in the distance Tiara and Silver carrying new scooter's with them as Dinky followed along on foot. " But..." Reese tried to speak but instead AJ scooped her up with ease and placed her on the path the girls' were heading to. " Trust me! " AJ spoke in a rasp whisper as she faded away into the brush hidden from view. " Ooooh." Reese groaned in a soft toned whimper just as her enemies came into view. *** " Well if it's not Frankenpony what's the matter your imaginary friend's walk out on you? " Tiara giggled aloud the other fillies' laughing along. " Um., No I just wanted to warn you girls' that a giant bear has been spotted around these parts some say it eats sour little fillies." Reese spoke her voice in a quivering tone. " What! " Dinky yelp in fright as she quickly slumped down to the ground eyes darting around the area quickly. Tiara just growled under her breath spinning around to Dinky casting her a deep serious glare shaking her head side to side. " Dinky! there is no dumb bear! " Tiara snapped as her friend quickly snapped back up trying not to slouch lower lip quivering. " As for you!, are you calling me sour? " Tiara snapped as she placed down her scooter walking over to Reese in a swift manner Silver Spoon following after her. Reese felt her heart racing as both fillies surrounded her all but Dinky who stayed by the scooter's humming aloud. " THERE'S NO BEAR! " Tiara yelled aloud mane frizzing out from stress as Dinky groaned stepping away from the scooter's. " I'm going to show you sour Reese! " Tiara glared her eyes narrowing as her small hooves grabbed Reese by the mane pulling her in close. " But...but..." Reese sputtered unable to come up with anything to say the other two fillies giggling as they watched. Suddenly a low growl could be heard from the forest, quiet at first then slowly climbing in scale a loud howl echoing around the girls. " This is some trick isn't it? " Tiara glared holding Reese tighter in her clutches. " Rawrrr! " The massive booming sound exploded forth from the woods as a large brown bear walked out from the brush slowly., fangs bared and drool running down its' chin. " Buh-buh- BEAR! " Dinky screamed aloud grabbing Silver Spoon by the shoulders shaking her side to side franticly before dashing off at blinding speed to the scooter's. Silver Spoon crying quickly regained composure running to them as well, scared out of her mind as with each step she took she almost fell down to the ground. Both fillies tried to take the same scooter tugging at it roughly each shivering in fear as Silver Spoon gave it a mighty yank pulling it free from Dinky who fell back into a puddle of mud as she jumped onto it. " Spoon HELP ME! " Dinky screamed as she looked to her friend who simply spun backwards at top speed vanishing into the distance. " I don't wanna be eaten by a beaaaar..." Dinky squealed off into a pouty sad high-toned voice before crying into her hooves shivering on the ground. Tiara never budged, hooves still holding Reese in place as the towering creature lumbered towards them both, Tiaras' eyes glowed darkly trying to stare down the monster. " I'm not afraid of you." Tiara snapped to the massive bear as it leaned down and roared loudly a foul stench from its mouth blowing her mane back with ease. Tiara simply let go of Reese who fell to the ground with a thud as she ran off screaming towards Dinky about to pass her up to leave her behind. Dinky looked to her eyes stained with tears as she held out a hoof for help, Tiara rolling her eyes just zoomed past the frightened filly who merely started to cry again. " Wow AJ that was amazing! " Reese smiled hugging the bear tightly a giggle escaping her lips. " Kid get away! " AJ yelled covered in filth from a nearby Mudhole gasping aloud. Reese slowly gazed up to see the towering monster rise up its' clawed paw ready to swipe, joy leaving her body replaced with something else.
Apples and Fears.The bear swiped its mighty paw towards her as Reese felt her body tense certain she would be filled with fear, instead she felt a spark within her one she had never felt before as her horn lit up brightly a soft green hue stopping the paw in its tracks. The creature growled confused as green energy held its paw in place Reese quickly snapped out of her almost dream like state before a soft scream escaped her lips as she jumped back, just before the bear broke free and swiped at her position. Reese stumbled backwards shivering as the brown bear came forward ready to pounce only for a large green vine to quickly come up from behind it while AJ wrapped it around its neck tightly. " Yehaww! " AJ screamed aloud as she pounced atop the large bears back and rode atop it as it began to thrash about AJ held the vine in her mouth to keep her balance as she tried to tire out the beast. Reese watched in awe as AJs' golden mane flowed in the wind of danger while green eyes burned like coals ready for anything in the world, most of all adventure. Soft sobbing could be heard behind Reese as she turned around gazing to Dinky who was crying alone on the path ears folded down in shame before her eyes looked to the mare they always made fun of. Reese tried to say something to calm the filly only to be cut off as Dinky looked to her with tears flowing down her cheeks. " I'm sorry!" She cried aloud before finally galloping off at top speed away from the filly who stood there in silence never had anypony ever apologized to her it felt odd. AJ held on tight to the bear as it finally started to slow down, she took this opening to quickly jump off the monster and give it a swift hind kick to the front as it yelped aloud backing up slowly. " Now git!, or do I have to make a coat out of you critter!! " AJ gave a deep narrowing gaze to the bear as it slowly backed up before running off into the woods frightened. Reese giggled aloud running over to the copper colored mare in awe her eyes sparkling like bright stars. " That was amazing! " Reese smiled as she looked up to the mare who simply just fixed her mane softly. " Awww shucks that was nothing really all in a days work." AJ spoke in her most modest of tones as she smirked down to the small filly before her knowing this kid had a rough time. " How about we put this all behind us and go get some food at my place, you look skinner than a fence post. " AJ smiled as she kneeled down to the small pony who quickly looked away. " Um I don't want to intrude." She trailed off before the mare quickly scooped her up placing her back onto her backside as she giggled. " Hogwash the Apple family is always open to sharin' the home when it is needed, c'mon kid let's get goin!" AJ spoke in a stern but friendly manner as Reese couldn't find any reason to turn down so she simply nodded hoping things would be ok. *** " So tell me where do you live out in those woods? " AJ asked in a concerned manner as she stood beside an old wooden stove cooking up some Apple Fritters for their guest. Reese kept silent for a bit slowly chewing on a bright red apple on her plate, taking her time eating for it had been a few day's since she had done so and wanted to savour it. Applebloom a yellow filly about her age maybe just a bit older gazed at her in wonder, her firey red mane frazzled out messily filled with hay from playing outside. " Um. just around the old oaks..." Reese spoke in barely a whisper as Applebloom shot her an odd look. " I know those woods like the back of my hoof and no one lives around the old oaks its..." Applebloom started in as AJ shot her little sister a stern look. " I know for a fact you don't know those woods like that cause I always tell you not to be playing out there it's dangerous." AJ narrowed her eyes at the filly who just sheepishly giggled. " Oh! did I say I knew the wood's I meant my friends' older sisters' brother did." Applebloom gave an innocent smile to AJ causing Reese to giggle aloud. " Now really darling I know this might be a little rude to ask and I apologize but are you livin' in those old woods all alone? " AJ asked the filly as she placed a plate of Apple Fritters before her nudging her along to eat. Reese felt her heart sink as those words escaped AJ's mouth she wanted to tell her yes but felt ashamed to, she didn't want to be a pity case to this young mare. " I...I need to go, thank you for the food!" Reese quickly spoke in a flustered tone as she grabbed one last apple off the table in her mouth gently. " But you hardly touched anything? " Applebloom spoke in a confused tone before Reese felt her heart racing, so she quickly did what she was used to doing shooting out of her seat and dashing for the open back door. AJ looked confused as she tried to follow the filly not having to run far as Reese herself ran smack into a tower of a red stallion who gazed down to the petite filly blinking slowly. Reese dropped the apple from her mouth frightened as she felt a hoof on her shoulder turning around seeing AJ giving her a stern but worried stare. " What was that all about? " AJ asked eyes narrowing slowly like daggers digging into her soul. Reese gazed down heart fluttering in her chest as tears welled up in her eyes she gazed up to the copper mare before she looked down in shame. Her running was over she knew it was time to face the past she so wanted to hide.
Welcome Home?" Get her away! " A mares' voice shouted out in a angry tone echoing around Reese like a wolf howling towards the moon. " You deserve nothing!! " The same voice trailed off still in anger as Reese felt tears run down her cheeks slowly folding her ears back kneeling down on the ground hiding her face in her folded hooves. " Are you alright hon? " AJ asked seeing the small filly curled up on the ground crying aloud as her body shivered with fear, the red stallion looked worried and gazed to his sister who nodded over to Applebloom who became frightened as well. Big Mac swiftly nudged Applebloom out of the kitchen and outside as AJ kneeled down beside the shivering filly softly rubbing her muzzle against the childs mane. " Are you alright? " She whispered in her ear as Reese looked up seeing a sudden flash again everything around her was blurred and smeared, as if a blanket of smoke was engulfing all. Eyes widening she looked about seeing dark shadows forming around her their eyes hollow and faces blank, her heart was racing she felt short of breath suddenly as she started to see more flashes before her eyes of the past. AJ could see the filly was having a panic attack and a bad one at that she quickly wrapped her hooves around the small child holding her near as Reese struggled in her grasp the shadows lunging for her. " Please...let me go..." Reese squeaked out chest heaving wildly as her eyes looked unfocused, AJ softly ran a hoof through her mane and whispered into her ear. " Shhh. settle down listen." AJ whispered in a calming tone holding the childs head to her chest allowing her to hear her heartbeat as Reese slowly began to calm down. The beating was slow and steady never flustered it kept at a pace that was calm and peaceful, Reese listened with interest as the beating of her heart caused her breathing to slow and become steady. Still shivering in AJ's embrace she felt her hooves gently stroking her mane back and forth, cooing and humming in a soft tone one that for once made Reese feel calm. " It's ok shhhh." AJ whispered into her ear as Reese felt her eyes slowly close everything going black. *** The beating continued its soft drumming held Reese on a cloud of tranquility that she wished never ended, everything felt right all was calm and still. Was this what happiness was like? Blue eyes slowly fluttered open as Reese found herself sleeping on a large bed the sun had set outside and the stars were out shining so brightly in the sky, Reese looked to them in awe never had she seen them that bright. " Welcome back." AJ giggled stretching as she jumped off a chair nested in the corner of the room, Reese felt herself become flushed had she been watching her the whole time? " What happened?, Why does my head hurt? " Reese winced her head suddenly throbbing as she placed a hoof on her forehead. " You had a Panic Attack Sugarcube, but don't you worry it's all ok now." AJ smiled as she tapped the lantern waking up fireflies as light filled the room the small filly looking to her with squinted eyes. " A panic attack? " Reese sighed not knowing really what that was but trusted AJ knew. " Yes. you had us all worried after you drifted off so we decided to let you rest." AJ spoke walking to the edge of the bed placing hooves atop the sheets looking to the filly softly. " I do live alone." Reese spoke her voice cracking slightly as AJ just nodded along slowly. Reese expected AJ to start in on her about not being honest or tell her to get up and follow her uptown so she could place her in some home for lost fillies, but none of that happened AJ simply gave her a smile as she gently sat atop the bed with her giving her a small hug. " I'm sorry to hear that, I can't believe somepony would just leave a small filly out there to fend for themselves." AJ spoke in a stern manner sounding slightly angry but not at her but somepony else. " Well no more of that Reese you can stay here as long as you like or until you find your own parents, and when you do I got some talkin' to do with them." AJ smiled to Reese who looked to her feeling her heart slowly start to race again but not in a bad way this time it felt warm. " I can stay here? " Reese asked shocked eyes widening in awe. " Well of course we've meant to do something with this old guest room till then you might as well have it." AJ giggled as Reese just smiled tears forming again in her eyes. " Hey! no crying kid as long as you're here I want to see smiles ok? " AJ smirked as Reese nodded wiping away tears looking back up with a crooked smile on her face lips quivering. AJ just began to giggle aloud finding that look so charming before the door suddenly fell open, Applebloom falling to the floor with a thud as she gave AJ a nervous smile. " Hmmm. come here you lil eaves dropper." AJ smiled as she scooped up Applebloom in her hooves the young filly fighting it as AJ mussed up her mane laughing aloud. Reese watched and giggled aloud. At last did she finally find a home?
What Tomorrow Will Bring." She can never belong." The Mares Voice spoke in a cold icy tone filled with no emotion nor pity. "Come I'll show you real suffering..." The Voice trailed off once more in nothingness, Reese felt as if her memories of the past were slowly trying to push their way back into her mind. " You know I've always wanted a little sister I could look after." Applebloom giggled as she sat atop a tower of hay bales a bright smile across her face as hay strands were tangled into her bright red mane. Reese snapped back into reality as she beamed with happiness the last few days were like a never-ending dream itself, her and Applebloom spent the afternoons playing all kinds of games. And during the morning she would help out Big Mac with chores as he taught her about apple-bucking and farming, then when night came she was able to help AJ and Granny Smith out in the kitchen and cook up a meal. It was wonderful never had she eaten so much in the last few days her belly was tight no longer pushed in and thin, though no matter how much she ate she never got a satisfied feeling. Slowly hopping up the hay bales she tried to catch up with her new friend or maybe she was now her sister? Taking the last bale with wobbly hooves she pulled herself up on top of the pile taking a seat beside Applebloom who softly nudged her side happily, both fillies gazed out towards the horizon and what was there was magnificent. The sun was lowering in the distance as the sky turned a bright orange color like no other, Ponyville in the horizon was almost glistening in the sun like magic. It was beautiful unlike the trees' of the forest this scenery made her heart skip and eyes sparkle with a sense of awe that maybe things can get better with time, for the first time in a long time she felt hope. " What do you think? " Applebloom asked with a smile her bangs falling over her eyes softly as she gazed to the small sickly looking filly. " It's beautiful." Reese blushed as she felt a spark in her body one she knew was a good feeling not a panic attack. " That it is, hey why is your name Reese Pieces? " Applebloom asked her eyes filled with a sense of curiosity. " Well I didn't choose it you can say it chose me." Reese folded her ears back softly as thoughts floated back to her like a leaf atop a gentle stream. " This girl Diamond Tiara and some friends found me in the woods one day and began to tease me, they called me all types of things like Patches, Frankenpony but the one that stuck was Reese Pieces Tiara said it was a multicolored candy she had once eaten and hated." Reese finished as her blue hues gazed upon her uneven coat. " Well I think your coat is very nice, it's different and that's good." Applebloom giggled while she pushed Reese at the side with her hoof gently both girls bursting out in giggles before they rolled down the hay bales with a soft thud. " Well Big Sis this day is as fun as rustlin' some sheep." Reese suddenly spoke in a thick and natural southern accent Applebloom casting her a odd glance. " Hehehe. That's pretty good impression almost sounds just like me." Applebloom giggled as she rolled around in the hay Reese nodded along with a smile. Yet in her mind she knew she didn't mean to do a impression her voice just changed on its own. " Fillies come on in now, we need help with the fixin's inside! " AJ yelled from the front porch her mane neatly styled even though she had finished a long day of Apple Bucking. " Coming!, C'mon Reese I'll Race ya! " Applebloom giggled as she quickly nudged her new friend and bolted off towards the house, Reese nodded in silence as she slowly trotted after her mind filling with many question's. *** " Then we explored the woods a bit, though Reese seemed to know a lot about them which was cool, I hope we can head up town tomorrow I want to introduce her to my friend's and she can even be in the CMC! " Applebloom bounced up and down on her chair as the family ate their dinner. " Now Lil sister don't be runnin' the poor thing down, if she feels like restin' just let her rest." AJ spoke as her little sister rolled her eyes softly. " How do you like it here so far hmmm? " Granny Smith asked rising a brow as Reese slowly munched on a hay salad before her with a side of oats. Reese just flashed a smile and nodded in a yes fashion. " Hon it's rude not to say anything when a pony talks to you." AJ smiled as she patted Reese on the head softly. Reese just sighed looking to Granny Smith and let her ears perk up slightly. " Well...this here house feels like a home, I really like it bein' able to run and play all day." Reese spoke as she quickly bit her lower lip her accent thicker now. Big Mac just chuckled aloud as AJ shot the small filly an odd look, Applebloom bursting out in giggles as well. " I almost forgot she started doing impressions today! " Applebloom continued to giggle as AJ just shook her head softly side to side. " We don't sound like that, apologise Reese please." AJ spoke eyes narrowing a bit as Granny Smith just smiled. " Oh let the filly have some fun the poor thing earned it." Granny Smith spoke before flashing a small wink to Reese. Reese nodded as she looked to AJ eyes filled with a apologetic tone. " I'm sorry sugarcubes, may I please be excused y'all." Reese spoke her Southern drawl cracking a bit while she quickly hoped off her chair and galloped outside. *** The night air caressed the small filly like a welcoming touch as she sat down on the edge of the porch staring up towards the sky softly watching the stars shine high above. AJ slowly poked her head out looking down to the filly trotting to her side and taking a seat too, a small silence forming between both of them. " Are you ok sugarcube? " AJ asked knowing something was eating at the small child who slowly gazed over to her shrugging. " I didn't mean to poke fun at you AJ." She spoke her voice back to normal as her ears perked up happily. " Awww, it's ok impression's are just a way of having fun Pinkie does em' all the time." AJ giggled as she gave the filly a small hug. " You shouldn't be so sensitive about things lil filly you need to toughen up, Hey I know I'm heading up to town tomorrow you should tag along." AJ giggled as the young filly nodded along her eyes filled with happiness again. " That sounds great! " Reese almost yelled aloud her small tail swishing side to side as she jumped into AJ's arms hugging her tightly. AJ smiled returning the hug she felt a surge of love entering her heart and warming up her soul slowly, the small filly smiled taking a small breath before her stomach growled aloud softly. " You're still hungry lil one, c'mon let's go finish our dinner." AJ smiled placing down the filly walking inside as Reese nodded slowly walking after her back into the warmth of the house. The cold wind almost seemed to whisper to her softly while she turned around gazing to the darkness, not out of fear but calmness blinking long lashes she wondered if out there her family thought of her during the night. Walking inside she allowed the door to come to a close, tomorrow would bring many new challenges.
Dream a Little, Dream of Me..." Come now child, don't be afraid. " The soft voice of a mare spoke through the darkness around Reese as her eyes snapped open all around her the abyss covered everything in a thick cloak. Yet the voice was not the same as before it sounded gentle and caring while the one from her nightmares sent a chill down her spine, That wicked voice filled with such anger and those dark green eyes that cut through the shadows like a tempered blade. Even thinking about it caused her to grow into a panic and body to shiver in terror. " I will not hurt you I promise. " The voice echoed around her as the small filly slowly began to walk through the shadows trotting deeper and deeper into the void her mind focusing on the voice. With a soft flash of light suddenly the darkness faded around her the shadow's forming into lush tree's brimming with fruit, gazing down Reese watched in awe as soft grass-covered in dew spread across the ground the mere feeling of the grass against her hooves felt soothing and welcoming. Blue hues gazed in awe as stars brighter than she ever could imagine filled the sky and the sweet scent of nature wafted through the sky, Reese felt her body tremble this place was indeed beautiful but what had brought her here and why? Looking ahead she could see a large lake form from nothing the water shimmering from the soft moonlight above, while she trotted over in silence her mind racing yet her heart at ease knowing in her soul that this place was safe. " I'm glad you think this place is beautiful." A dark blue pony spoke walking out from behind her suddenly her mane flowing back elegantly a light blue yet transparent as what almost looked like stars sparkled within it. This mare was not like other ponies she had met throughout her travels she had both wings and a unicorn horn, and she stood so tall thought the filly stretching her neck up to gaze at the slender frame of this angel with awe and a bit of fear. " Don't be afraid little one my name is Princess Luna, I guard the night." Luna smiled down to the filly as she slowly took her seat at her side both looking out towards the lake in silence enjoying the scenery if only for a second. " Princess? " Reese spoke in awe never knowing another Princess other then Twilight that AJ had told her about even existed. " Yes a Princess one of four in this land. " Luna smiled as the filly slowly gazed over to her almost hiding her gaze keeping it low as if scared to lock eyes with her. " Why are you here?, where am I? " Reese spoke her voice cracking softly as her heart began to race once more in her chest the Princess nodding while she gave a quick glimpse to the sky above. " Well as Princess of the night I'm in charge of everything the darkness touches which includes dream's." Luna smirked as the filly folded her ears back slightly knowing now that this calm paradise was only a dream. " So this is my dream? " Reese asked her voice still cracking with a slight sense of fear as the older mare nodded along. " Yes this is your dreamscape I've used my magic to calm your mind though so we could talk." Luna spoke her calm tone turning serious suddenly as her hues fell upon the small child. " About what? " Reese asked the Princesses sudden change in demeanor sending a small chill down her spine, the cool wind blowing gently through her mane from the crisp night sky. " Well as I had watched the dreams' of my subject's in search of ways to calm their minds, Your nightmares called out to me from the abyss echoing with that of pain and something else." Luna sighed gazing down to the calm water of the lake her eyes sparkling in the light softly. Reese did not like the way this conversation was going her heart filling with the sense of fear again dragging her down deeper and deeper into the darkness once more. Backing away from the lake shore the small filly gazed to the Dark Princess with sadness eyes glistening gently with tears her ears completely folded back. " I'm here young one because I can feel the darkness you carry with you, The sorrow from days past linger within your mind tainting your soul and shattering your heart." Luna spoke standing up so tall and majestic as she spun around walking towards the small filly frozen in fear. Reese could not move her hooves as the Princess towered above her such as a mountain to a flower below, her blue eyes turning a pure white color before she lifted a hoof towards the child placing it softly atop her head. Wincing Reese could feel a surge of power rushing through her small body a burning sensation entering her mind. Flashes of memories flooded back to Reese as she could see a large tower like creation in the distance cloaked in shadows, Gasping for air she could see a pair of honey colored eyes gazing to her in sadness. Reese felt tears run down her cheeks slowly while the dark figure of a mare started to take form before her. " No...Please! " Reese sobbed aloud feeling a hoof swipe across her face leaving a dark red mark a burning pain flushing over her small frame as her ears rang out in a high-pitched chime those horrible green eyes staring towards her like burning embers. Everything began to spin around her as the filly gazed down to her hooves seeing her coat start to decay before her the brown color fading to a pitch black, Wincing in pain Reese could feel her mane start to wither the hair falling out to the ground. Painfully fangs forcefully began to push out from her gums tearing away at the flesh. " No! GET OUT OF MY HEAD! " Reese screamed at the top of her lungs pushing the Princess away from her as she toppled back onto the dirt roughly her body returning to normal as tears flowed down her cheeks softly. " Hmmm. I'm sorry but I had to make sure for the sake of my subjects." Luna sighed sadly to the filly who curled up into a small ball sobbing mind and body filled with terror. Luna felt her heart become heavy with regret the child trembled before her in a state of pure dread due to her actions, Yet she had to know and what she could see within the childs' deepest fear's was that of true nightmares. " Child I..." Luna tried to speak only to hear a faint whisper from the filly sobbing before her. " I just want to go home." Reese sobbed her thought's thinking of AJ trying to remember the sound of her heartbeat to calm her troubled mind. " Sleep little one for I promise to keep the darkness at bay, yet I fear that the true nightmare shall begin soon." Luna sighed her heart heavy with sorrow knowing now was not the time for the child to know what she had seen. With a wave of her hoof the child was swept into a deep slumber as the shadows formed around her like a blanket to make sure she would have a night of peace before the child vanished from view, Luna knew in her heart that soon the memories of her past would return and with them bring the choice that would alter her path forever.
