Sparkle of Darkness

Applejack awoke in a puddle of her own vomit under an apple tree, her body contorted in an awkward position. Her stomach churned as her head throbbed with pain. The slightest rustle of leaves sounded like a freight train filled with malfunctioning smoke detectors and vuvuzelas rocketing past at full speed. The apple bucker summoned her strength in an attempt to stand on all fours. Just as she began to collect herself, she collapsed as her stomach rejected a large amount of acid and cider, adding to the already copious mess. She desperately wanted to get up and wash the sick from her body, but she simply didn’t have the energy. Letting out an exasperated moan, she allowed herself to collapse and closed her eyes, ready to sleep again.

“Applejack?” called a concerned voice.

“Scram, Applebloom,” replied Applejack, attempting to fix her eyes on her sister who was slowly making her way towards her.

“What happened?”

“Yah sister’s old enough to take care of herself. Get on out of here, I just need some rest.”

Big Macintosh was taking all this in, distracted from his apple bucking duties. He trotted over and, without a word and ignoring her protests, pushed Applebloom back to the house. Thinking she finally had peace, Applejack closed her eyes and rested her head back on the putrid, vomit-covered ground with a loud moan.

Her rest was interrupted again as Big Macintosh grabbed her by the tail and started to pull. She made some weak attempts of resistance before giving up. She was no match for her brother’s strength at the best of times. After a short, uncomfortable and humiliating drag, Big Macintosh plunged her into a small and cold pond. She scrambled to the edge and choked for breath. Pulling herself up the muddy embankment, she managed to find her feet and regain some composure.

“Gosh darn it, I don’t know whether I should thank ye or hate ye,” Applejack said with a slight smile once she’d regained her breath.

“Eeup.”

“Where’s mah hat?”

The stallion nodded towards the dirty hat lying in the puddle of filth Applejack had been trying to sleep in.

“Errr... I think I’ll deal with that later,” Applejack said, skewing her face with disgust, “I’ve gotta head into town and get some er – well, you know.”

“Nope,” Big Macintosh said unusually sternly, placing a hoof on his sister’s back to stop her.

“Now I ‘preciate the concern, but I’m big girl, mac. Ah can take care o’ mahself.”

Big Macintosh looked at the puddle of filth, then back to Applejack. He tilted his head and raised his eyebrows in the most condescending way possible.

“Now don’t ya’all look at me like that!”

“Why are you doing this to yourself?”

“To forget. Now forget you, I’mma go buy me some apple bucking alcohol!”

***

Applejack made her way through Ponyville towards the bottle shop. She looked somewhat presentable now, thought she was bare-headed because she hadn’t yet bothered to clean her hat. As she was about to step into the store, she was seized by apprehension. She considered that stepping into the store would set her down a path ending in a puddle of vomit. Indeed, it may lead down a path where every day begins in a puddle of vomit until an early grave. Was this really what she wanted? The money wasn’t an issue; The Apple family had held a monopoly over cider production and distribution for generations, seasonally dipping their toes in retail. A word from one of the Apples and the town could run dry for a very long time. As such, Applejack knew she could get some booze on the house. Still, it may ruin her life. Furthermore, it would harm her family. Applejack knew she was a mean drunk; she didn’t want to consider what she might do to Applebloom or herself if she lost control. Her train of thought was interrupted when a young, white pegasus mare with a long, sleek blue mane introduced herself.

“Hello. My name is Sage.”

“What? Oh, howdy there. I’m Applejack”

“How are you today?”

“Um- fine, just fine.”

Sage paused briefly before smiling magnificently and continuing, “I represent the society of the Hand. We are an organisation that offers the gift of enlightenment to any pony who will accept it.”

“Sorry, sugar cube, not interested.”

“I can tell you’re not really fine, Applejack. Do you want to use this,” the radiant pegasus gestured towards the liquor store, “as a crutch your whole life? The Hand can guide you through difficult times. The Hand shows you the proper way to live. The Hand can be your salvation.”

Applejack, who sometimes made the mistake of assuming there’s an element of honesty in those around her as well as herself, was intrigued. “Well, what in the hay is a hand anyway?”

“The Hand is the force that drives everything in nature. Everything that happens is part of the Hand’s divine plan. We hold meetings every evening, just after sunset, in the hall to the south of Sugar Cube Corner. If you truly want to reconcile your feelings and live a pure life, be there. No obligations, no pressure. The bottle is the devil’s left hoof, Applejack. We can set you down the path to salvation.”

Applejack glanced from Sage to the store and back again. How convenient that this young mare was here to help her at her time of weakness. Perhaps it was a sign? Maybe there was a better way after all. Besides, with no obligation, she really had nothing to lose.