E S C A P E

be careful, you don't know if she's affected and a monster already, just like you don't know if you are one and that's why you end up drawn to those that are affected as well

More than anything, Twilight wants to run to her friend. Scoop her up in a Pinkie-style hug and bury her muzzle into AJ's chest fluff and cry until this is all over. But not only does Twilight have to protect Equestria now, but she needs to remain calm, rational, and protect herself. So with another sigh, Twilight retrains herself, pulls back in the blackness and ignites her horn until she can fully see Applejack's form-- and thank Celestia, she's at least not mutated into a Bugbear.

Still, she doesn't look good. Who knows how long Applejack's been wandering around out here surrounded by other cursed ponies, and she doesn't even have her own light to see by. So, as to be expected, she's in fairly rough shape. Her coat is dingy and coated with oils from going unwashed, mud caked into her fetlocks in fetid globs. Scratches litter her forelegs, bruises sprouting over her barrel like blooming purple flowers. Her mane, usually brushed neat even when slicked with sweat, is now wirey and unkempt, like a pile of straw atop her head. And honestly, the thing that gets to Twilight the most? Her hat is missing.

"Oh, Applejack," Twilight whinnies. She squints at the mare in the harsh light, holds out a shaky hoof. "Please tell me that's really you."

Applejack smiles at that, something so tired and resigned. Her teeth flash pale in the magenta glow. It seems so sad.

"Oh, Twi, Sugarcube, after everything I honestly don't know the answer to that one myself," she breathes, gently pressing a hoof to her own chest. "But I can promise y'all one thing: I solemnly swear to you I won't hurt a hair on your head. I'm just so darn happy to see you."

And... it's her. Twilight coughs out a sob through a wobby smile. Twilight doesn't question it - she can't. The inflection of her voice, her body language, the glistening green of her eyes. It really is Applejack, and at least for now, both of them are lucid and together.

Twilight lightly dims her illumination orb, wincing at the heat stinging at her horn-wound. She evelops the two of them in the warm candleglow, a cocoon of safety surrounded by pitch nothingness. Applejack steps forward tentatively, crouched down low to look Twilight in the eyes as she inches closer, and as she does so Twilight laughs wetly and motions with a hoof for her to come in for a hug. They look like they could both use one right about now.

Twilight pulls her in close. She reeks of sweat and ichor. But she's so solid and so real, and also the first friend out here who hasn't immediately threatened to kill her. Twilight enjoys it for a moment, lost in the warm dark comfort, as Applejack holds her steady as the roots of an apple tree.

Then she sighs.

Try to ask Applejack if she knows anything

"Applejack, what in the wide world of Equestria is going on?!"

Event: Questioning
Please input questions for Twilight to ask Applejack