Unforgivenby There Is Nothing HereChaptersUnforgivenThe Rift (Rewrite P1)Hate (Rewrite P2)Memorial (Rewrite P4)A Dream Within A Gem (Rewrite P5)With Fire in the Heart (Rewrite P3)Unforgiven"Rarity, could ya please shut yer yap and listen to me for a second!?" "No Applejack. I've told you over and over again. I know how to take care of my little sister. I don't need your advice." "Well she doesn't exactly seem very happy living with you. Do you remember what happened a while back, she even asked for me to be her sister! Applebloom always says that Sweetie Belle is always complainin' about ya." "Oh here we go again, are you ever going to let that go Applejack! It was a long time ago. Before you give me tips on being a good sister, why don't you take a shower or something. You're always so filthy, you could make a pig look like a runway model!" "Rarity, stop it please. All i'm askin' of ya is to be a little less neglectful to your sister. Every time she wants to play or do anythin', yer always too busy doin' somethin' else." "She's my sister you uncouth pig. I will take care of her, you worry about yourself." Rarity cocked her head and the other direction and stormed away. Applejack was left standing alone in the center of Ponyville. Every other pony had stopped what they were doing and were all staring at her. The yellow maned pony looked at the mud covering her hooves, due to her recently working on the farm. Tears began to swell out of the pony's eyes, she slowly walked towards Sweet Apple Acres, with her head slumped. "Hmph, that filthy excuse for a pony thinks she can tell me how to raise my sister. Sweetie Belle is just fine." The white coated unicorn opened the door to her house and greeted her sister. "Hi Sweetie Belle." She looked around, Sweetie Belle was nowhere to be found. "She must be in her room. Let me go check on her before I go to bed." Rarity walked to Sweetie Belle's roomed and slowly creaked the door open. She opened her mouth to speak, but she closed it as she saw Sweetie Belle. She was sitting down in the corner, with her head down low. There were small, sobbing noise coming from her. "Stupid Rarity... She never wants to play with me. What kind of big sister has time to sit in the jewel store staring at rubies all day, but doesn't have time to play with me just for a little while." A tear rolled out of Rarity's eye. She didn't realize how upset Sweetie Belle actually was. She had never actually expressed how she felt, normally she would just walk away when denied. "I can't wait until Scootaloo is feeling better. Then I won't need Rarity to play with me anymore. Applebloom, Scootaloo and I can go back to crusading and I won't need her anymore. It doesn't matter though, I could get my cutie mark and Rarity wouldn't turn a blind eye." Rarity stretched her hoof out and opened her mouth. She said nothing, instead she pulled her hoof back and closed her mouth. Tears rolled down the side of her face as she exited Sweetie Belle's room. "I need to do something about this. Maybe Applejack was right. I need to think about this." The next morning was bright and sunny, much like any other day in Ponyville. Rainbow Dash was sleeping on her favorite cloud and Twilight was locked up in her library studying. Pinkie Pie was on her way to Sugarcube Corner and Fluttershy was feeding all the woodland creatures breakfast. However, two ponies remained absent from the beautiful morning. Rarity had slipped out of Ponyville undetected early in the morning. She needed time away from everypony else to think. Applejack was at her farm, but instead of enjoying the weather, she sat in the barn, thinking. "Is what Rarity said true? Does everypony else think I'm disgusting and dirty and they're just tryna be nice? No, they're my friends, they wouldn't think that. But Rarity is my friend, and she thinks that..." Hundreds of questions flooded the earth pony's head. After thinking for a long time, Applebloom knocked on the door and slowly walked into her big sister's room. "Applejack. Are you okay?" Applejack could sense the caring tone in Applebloom's voice. When she tried, Applebloom was so sweet and kind. Instead of replying with a simply "Yea I'm ok." like Applejack normally would, she didn't respond it all. "Applejack?" "Get out Applebloom! Leave me alone." The little filly didn't say another word. Instead she turned around and exited her sister's room. Normally Applejack would have felt bad for yelling at her sister, but she was too tired and upset about Rarity. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Rarity stood silently, letting the wind of the mountain range mess up her mane. Normally she would never come to a place like this unless she was looking for gems. And she would never come alone, especially not after the diamond dog incident. But she didn't care. Instead, the unicorn stood, unmoving, in the same spot where her horn had led her when she was a filly. This was the spot where she found the rock with all the gems in it that she used to make the outfits for her school play. This was where she realized her true talent. She had been thinking for hours about what Applejack said, and about what Sweetie Belle said last night. Rarity was an older sister, a role model to Sweetie Belle. But instead she chose to neglect her and instead, waste time doing other things that could be cancelled. Her sister was always out looking for her talent, and Rarity did nothing to help her. Applejack gave them their own clubhouse and always encouraged her sister. Rainbow Dash, who wasn't a sister to any of them, had done her best to help them quite a few times. And Rarity, had done nothing. "Applejack was right. I need to change, my only fear is. Will Applejack forgive me for the things I said? And will Sweetie Belle forgive me for not being there for her? I hope so." That night, Applejack was still in her room, she hadn't moved all day. Granny Smith, slowly stumbled into her room to say good night. However, when she saw Applejack sprawled across her bed, she merely frowned and left. Big Macintosh then came up the stairs and walked into his little sisters room. He walked over to her, and simply ran his hoof through her mane slowly. Applejack didn't look up, instead she kept her head buried in her pillow. Applejack never really got upset, and when she did, it normally went away fast. But this was different, and Big Mac knew it. He kissed his sister on her forehead and left. Applebloom walked down the hallway and peered into Applejack's room. She stood there for a minute, and then turned around and walked towards her room. For the first time in the entire day, Applejack stood up. She walked out of her room and slowly opened her mouth. "Applebloom..." The little filly turned around and looked into her sisters eyes. "I'm sorry." "Aww its ok Applejack. Ya didn't mean it. Besides, Rarity was mighty cruel to you the other day." Applebloom ran up to her sister and gave her a hug. Applejack stood there and didn't mutter a word. She simply smiled. Applebloom loosened her grip on her sister and started to walk back to her room. "G'nite Applejack." "Good night Applebloom." Applejack awoke in the middle of the night. She looked outside her window, she flinched as the thunder roared loudly. "A thunder storm. Perfect." she said sarcastically. Just then, a lightning bolt touched down on one of the trees on the farm. Flames sparked on it and the tree tumbled down, igniting three other trees on the way down. "Oh sweet Celestia!" Applejack ran downstairs and dashed out of the barn. She started grabbing buckets of water and filling them up with water. She ran back and forth from the trees, attempting to douse the flames. Just as the fire seemed to be taken care of, lightning touched down again, igniting yet another tree. The tree collapsed, just inches away from Applejack. "Oh dear, oh dear." Applejack ran in the other direction. She didn't get very far as another tree began to fall in the same direction. Trees began to become engulfed in flames. The fire was spreading fast, and Applejack was closed off by the burning trees. She was trapped in the middle of circle of flaming apple trees. She looked around her, hoping to find an opening. Lightning touched down yet again striking another tree. Applejack looked into the distance. Half of an acre of her land was being incinerated. Another tree collapsed, this one landing the middle of the circle. Applejack jumped out of the way as the tree landed merely inches from her face. It almost instantly was set ablaze from the other trees. She slowly backed away, and then she lunged forward. The back of her legs had touched one of the trees, leaving a long black burn mark. The flames began to rise and Applejack could barely see more than two feet in front of her. Her eyes slowly began to close, she was fainting from the heat. As she collapsed the last thing she heard was the faint yelling of Big Macintosh. "Applejack! Are you ok! APPLEJACK!" "Uhm, doctor. Is Applejack going to be ok?" Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight all stood in in front of Applejack, who was laying down on her hospital bed. "I'm afraid it's too soon to tell. Her injuries are very severe, we are doing the best we can." Fluttershy squealed. Rainbow Dash slowly walked up to her friend. Her knees were shaking as she stood next to the charred pony. Applejack's mane had mostly faded from a bright yellow to a gray ash color. She had multiple cuts and burns on her face. Her right ear was torn slightly and she had a long scar running down the right side of her face. "Applejack... please. Wake up." Twilight put her hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. Normally, the cyan Pegasus hated any kind of sympathy. But even someone as strong and stubborn as her need comfort at certain times. "It'll be ok Rainbow Dash." Twilight muttered softly. The four ponies exited the room. As they left, Applejack abruptly sat up. Her mouth opened and started to move, as if she was trying to say something. But no words left her lips. She thought to herself, "Wait. Girls don't go!" Applejack fell back into her bed and passed out again. Rarity trotted up to the front door of her house. She was fully prepared to spend more time with Sweetie Belle and she was going to apologize to Applejack in the morning. But she was exhausted from the long journey back home and she walked towards her room. She peaked in Sweetie Belle's room. She saw a lump in her bed and she assumed she was already asleep. "Oh I'll leave her be. I'll talk to her in the morning." The next morning Rarity was eating breakfast in the kitchen. Normally she would expect Sweetie Belle to come down and get something to eat before she went out for the day. "Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called out to her sister. There was no response. Rarity went up to Sweetie Belle's room to check on her. She removed the covers from the bed, and instead of her sister, she found Sweetie Belle's stuffed animals piled up under the covers, and a note. The unicorn picked up the note and began to read it, it was from Sweetie Belle... Dear Rarity, I'm sorry Rarity, but I can't stand being here with you anymore. I can tell I'm just a pest to you and that you don't want me here anymore. I thought it was just a small phase, but you left the other day with no warning and left only Twilight to come check on me a few times a day. Thanks a lot "Big Sister." I'm sorry I'm not the sister you wanted, so I've left Ponyville and I'm not coming back. I'm going to find a sister who cares about me. Please don't come looking for me, but you probably won't anyways. From, your former sister Sweetie Belle Rarity began to cry. She had driven her sister away. She had to find her, now. If Sweetie Belle wondered too far, she could get lost forever and fall victim to wild creatures. Rarity rushed out of her house to search for her sister. Rainbow Dash walked into Ponyville hospital. Ever since Applejack's accident, she hasn't been in her normal mood. She hadn't been practicing her flying or doing much of anything except sleeping. She entered Applejack's room. "Applejack... Are you awake." The earth pony didn't move. She continued to lay there, unmoving, with her eyes closed. "Applejack. Applejack. APPLEJACK!" The entire hospital went silent. A nurse entered the room and put her hoof on the cyan Pegasus's shoulder. Rainbow Dash began to cry and the nurse led her out of the room. Applejack still couldn't move, but she thought to herself. "Rainbow Dash, it'll be alright. Please, believe... just believe." "Sweetie Belle!" The little filly turned around and saw her big sister running towards her. "Sweetie Belle please. Come home with me. I thought long and hard, and I really am going to change. We'll spend more time together I promise." "Yea right. You always say things like that, you never mean it." Sweetie Belle turned around and continued walking. "Sweetie Belle please! Please give me one more chance." "No Rarity, I can't take being ignored by my own sister. You don't love me anymore." Those words hurt worse than anything else. Rarity literally felt her heart break. Sweetie Belle continued walked towards Manehattan. "Wait, Sweetie Belle. Look at what you're leaving behind, even if you don't love me. Think about your friends, what will they do without you? Everypony will miss you." Sweetie Belle stopped. She didn't turn around or say a word. "I'm going back to Ponyville, if you want to come back, you are more than welcome to come back." Rarity turned around and slowly walked back to her house. It was useless to try and force Sweetie Belle to come back. If she did, she could just run away again. Rarity walked up to the front door of her house. As she reached for the door knob, she noticed Twilight Sparkle running up the road. "Rarity!" "What's wrong Twilight?" "You don't know!? Applejack's in the hospital! She was nearly burned alive during the storm two nights ago! You weren't even here!" "Oh dear Celestia. Come Twilight, let's go!" Rarity burst through the front door of the hospital. She dashed through the hallways and found Applejack's room. She slowly walked in, she opened her mouth to speak, but closed it the next second. Rarity's eyes were fixated on the heart meter. She saw nothing but a flat red line, the room was silent. The only sound was the ringing noise of the heart meter. Applejack was dead...... "No, no. No no no no NO!" Rarity collapsed to the floor and began bawling. Pinkie, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy then all entered the room. They looked at the heart meter and then at Applejack. They stood in horror as they looked at the dead body of there friend, and at Rarity who was hysterical at the moment. Rarity couldn't utter a single word, but she thought to herself, "No, this can't be happening. I never got to say I'm sorry. The last thing I did was call her a filthy excuse for a pony, and now she's gone with that as her final memory of me. Applejack, I'm so sorry..." The nurse walked in and her heart broke as she saw the 5 ponies all crying at the loss of their friend. She walked over to Applejack, and covered her face. The funeral was held the next day. Everypony, even Princess Celestia, was in tears. When ponies were called up to say their goodbyes, Rainbow Dash was the first. "Applejack, you were one of my best friends. You were always honest, kind and especially cool. You were great competition and you were so fun to be around. I'm sorry..." Pinkie Pie was next. She walked up to the coffin, and simply began bawling. She didn't mutter a single word, she just stood there crying. After a few minutes she walked away and sat back down. Fluttershy was next. Her voice was muffled, but with the dead silence everypony could understand her. "Uhm. Applejack, you were always a great friend to me and everypony else. You never lied to any pony and...." She couldn't think of anything else to say. She walked away from the coffin with her head held low, with tears falling from her eyes as she walked. Twilight was the next one to go up. "Applejack, you were an amazing friend, a friend like not other. You were 1 in a million and no pony else will ever replace you." Twilight began to cry as she spoke. "You taught me what friendship could mean, and I have so much to thank you for, and I never got the chance to." Twilight walked away from the coffin and stood silent next to Princess Celestia. Rarity was next, but she didn't move from her chair. Instead she thought to herself, "Applejack, I'm sorry. I know you'll never be able to know this, but from the deepest part of my heart, I am deeply and truly sorry." Rarity went to bed that night feeling like a complete wreck. Sweetie Belle was gone, and Applejack was dead. She broke her promise to take care of Sweetie Belle, and she never got to apologize to Applejack. She slowly cried herself to sleep. She opened her eyes. She awoke not in her bed, instead she felt herself on the cold hard ground. She looked around her, she was at Sweet Apple Acres. She noticed a bright light to the left of her. It looked like... a fire. Something was on fire! Rarity ran towards the fire. It was a circle of trees, they had all fallen down and had created a huge inferno. She looked closely and saw a pony trapped in the middle. It was Applejack. Rarity was about to charge in and save Applejack when she felt something grab her shoulder. "It's ok sugarcube." "WHAA! Applejack!?!" Sure enough, Applejack was standing next to Rarity. "B-b-but. You're dead, I mean, you're in there! Wh- What's going on here!?" "Relax Rarity. This is just a dream. I'm here to talk to you." Rarity was silent for a minute. "Applejack. I, I'm so sorry." "Save it. I know you didn't mean it. And I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have told you how to raise your sister." "No, you were right. I've been terrible." "Rarity. Look at me. You're my friend and I'll love you forever, even in death. Don't beat yourself up over this. My memory will live on forever, now go. You have to fix this." Applejack winked at her friend and Rarity abruptly opened her eyes. She looked out the window to the left of her bed. It was morning. Rarity raced down to Sweetie Belle's room to see if she had came back. She walked through the door, but Sweetie Belle wasn't there. Rarity began to cry. Just then, Rarity heard a noise from behind her. She turned around, and saw a small filly standing in the door way. It was Sweetie Belle. The filly ran up to her sister and gave her a big hug. Then, the two sisters looked into each others eyes. Rarity opened her mouth and began to speak. "Come on Sweetie Belle, lets go play." The Rift (Rewrite P1)(Rewrite Done by Inuboy7) I'm a very busy pony, as I should be. After all I was the talk of Canterlot, I AM Rarity. No I am not conceded, just glamorous. And once again Sapphire Shores was in Carousel Boutique, wanting to get her new dress design before her next show. It was larger than before, seventeen dresses, all in different shades of blue sapphires and green emeralds. Oh, I was going to have to do much more excavating for this. I had to get to work on the dresses right away. But as usual my little sister is stopping me from my work. "Hey sis are we gonna play today, huh?" She asked me with wide puppy like eyes. "Uh, no I'm dreadfully sorry dear. I cannot partake in activities with you today Sweetie I have work to do for the Pony of Pop again." I told her as I walked out of the shop, putting up the closed sign. I glanced back to see her dragging her hooves to her room, head down, ears folded. I felt sorry for the little filly, she was my sister after all. "But," I said she looked up with pure delight, "perhaps when I return you can teach me your Crusader Theme Song?" I suggested. She beamed with glee so much it was as if Celestia's sun rose and ran up to Sweetie's room. I laughed and continued my voyage for more diamonds. I had gotten caught up farther than I had expected, the sun had already set and Luna's half moon shone brightly in the sky. I was exhausted. I went into the shop, collapsed on my bed and almost went to sleep when... uhhhh! "RAAAARITY!?" Sweetie Bell called. I rose from my bed and saw the little filly dressed in a preforming arts dress I had made her, I was quite surprised she wore it, she didn't like it. "Ready?" she asked me. I groaned, "Oh, Sweetie not now, big sister Rarity has a head ache from searching so extensively for those jewels." "But..." Sweetie began to well up with tears, I didn't see them but I could hear them in her voice as she said, "you promised." "Yes Sweetie Bell I know I promised, but right now I need rest. I'll learn your silly song in the morning." I shooed her away. She left and I fell asleep. Rarity had just sent me away, once again another broken promise. HA, just another day in the life of Sweetie Bell, I thought to myself. I went to the only pony who understood, it was the middle of the night but I knew that she'd understand, she always did. I went to Sweet Apple Acres to spend the night with Apple Bloom. I woke up early the next morning, I knew I had to get back before Rarity noticed. The Apples had gotten used to my presence and sudden appearances quickly. They knew Rarity and I had troubles and only Apple Bloom knew just what to say when I needed it. I ate breakfast with the Apples and then Apple Bloom walked me home. "She never want's to spend time with me." I explained. "Maybe there's more to it is all Ah'm tryin' ta tell ya." Apple Bloom said, she sure didn't hit home with it this time. We stopped in front of Carousel Boutique. "Listen, she's probably worried sick about ya right now." We heard a crash from inside the shop. "See, she's lookin' fer ya." AB smiled, I smiled back. Maybe she was right, I trotted into the store to greet my sister good morning. "Oh no, oh no I hope it's not lost!" I heard my sister say. She was looking for me! "Morning Rarity!" I shouted getting her attention. "Oh good morning Sweetie Bell," she said ignoring me, "could you help me find this gem, it's a big baby blue Sapphire but it was apparently touched by an emerald and I want to use it as the centerpiece. I've been up all morning working on..." it's not that she trailed off, I just left not wanting to hear anymore. I knew what she was doing again, she was too caught up in work to pay any attention to her little sister, AGAIN! she said she'd been working on that stupid dress for Sapphire Shores all morning, that meant she didn't even bother to look for me or wake me up for breakfast or ANYTHING. "She in her work mode again?" AB asked. I nodded, she put her arm around my shoulder and said, "common maybe some Crusadin'll help cheer ya up" As we walked I hummed the tune for our Cutie Mark Crusader group, the one Rarity would never want to know. I searched frantically until Sweetie Bell arrived, I greeted her and asked her to help me find the gem I'd misplaced. Suddenly I noticed the usually talkative pony hadn't said a single word. I looked around and she was gone. "Sweetie Bell?" I called, no response. She probably went off to do more of her Crusading, oh well none of my concern. "Hellooooooo, miss Rarity!" I heard Sapphire's singsong voice call me. "Oh hello Sapphire," I'd learned to contol myself around her like a lady but I still retained a small giddy feeling everytime she came, as if her celebrity likeness would rub off on me. "So how's it comin'?" She asked. "Oh fairly well, although my little sister is as always wanting to play." I explained, "I swear she doesn't know the meaning of work and play." "Hm," Sapphire grunted, "sounds like you need to spend a little quality time with little sis Rarity." she sang out. "Whatever do you mean Sapphire?" I asked shocked at her change of tone. "Listen, I appreciate the dedication," Sapphire put a hoof on my shoulder and looke me in the eyes, "but family comes first, ain't nothin' more important, remember that." she said and left the shop. Sapphire was right I had to spend more time with Sweetie Bell, after all I was ahead of schedual, I guess a small break wouldn't hurt. Hate (Rewrite P2)I hadn't bothered to look at the clock, I knew I still had time to play with Sweetie Belle. But I had to finish this last dress. I only had tree more to go and at the rate I'd found the gems it was looking up for me. I'd have the project done in time with enough to spare for sisterly bonding with Sweetie Belle. I turned around and called her. "Sweetie Belle!" No response, "Sweetie Belle?" I called again. I went upstairs to her room, she was gone, only a note. Dear Rarity, I'll be spending the day with Apple Jack and AB. If you get this letter, probably a few days from now, just come pick me up when you finish your project. After all it's obviously more important than spending time with your little sister. Love, Sweetie Belle I couldn't believe it, she'd gone back to Apple Jack after I'd gone with her to that ridiculous Sisterhooves Social. I'd gotten my perfect mane all muddy. I trotted out the door heading towards Sweet Apple Acres. I arrived at the dusty old farm and asked Big Macintosh where Apple Jack was. "Eyup," He replied, "They went to the market ta make s'mores fer the sister campfire tonight." I thanked him and, frustrated, headed towards the town market square. When I arrived I immediately saw the familiar pink puffy bow of Apple Bloom. I rushed over and confronted Apple Jack. "Well howday Rarity," Apple Jack said happily, "Wha' can we do ya fer?" "You can start by returning my sister!" I growled. "Rarity," Apple Jack told me pulling me away from the two young fillies, "listen, Rarity I understand you and Sweetie Belle have had problems lately." "I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS!" I exploded, "it seems to me your just trying to show off for my sister. You NOT her sister Apple Jack so STOP trying to raise her!" "Rarity no need to raise yer voice..." Apple Jack hushed. "Of course there is no need, honestly though you make ME seem as is I'M the bad sister Apple Jack." "Listen Rarity I've given you this advice before, ya need to spend time with HER not yer work. Or at least involve the gal, she's told me all you do is push her away." "So what? Your the one she consults with now?" A crowd had formed I could see the uncomfort in the orange ponies eyes. "Is that what it is, first you steal my sister, now you contaminate her mind with you uncouth ways, and then you make her distrust me." "No! Please Rarity can we talk about this somewhere less crowd-" "NO!" I yelled, her ears folded back, "YOU HEAR ME NOW APPLE JACK! Sweetie Belle is my sister, you leave her alone. I don't want her hanging around you anymore. I will raise her MY way without your advice." I walked over and pushed Sweetie Belle on, she protested a bit but followed authority. "Rarity wait!" Apple Jack called, I turned looking at her, "are you tellin' me that yer not gonna let yer sis hang out with one of her only friends just cuz of me?" "Apple Jack you listen to me now, we've been friends for a long time now" I told her with ice in my voice, "and all you've ever done is try and tell me how to live my life, you live on a farm what kind of lifestyle is that. I think it's time we went our separate ways Apple Jack. I no longer wish to be friends with you. Goodbye. Hmph!" I turned my head and walked away. We arrived back home and I immediately got back to work. "But I thought we were going to hang out?" Sweetie Belle said. "No," I told her, "as punishment for running off without telling me, we will NOT have a sister play date." I told her sternly focusing on my stitching. I watched as she hung her head and left the room. I walked upstairs, once again turned down by my big sister. All I wanted to do was have fun without being stuck in this stupid boutique for the weekend. That's all I ever did, come here to be denied of my sisters attention, and play quietly in my room. I walked into my room to try to find something to do, nothing. I looked around and saw crayons lying on a table with a piece of paper. I tried to draw but the only things that would come up were sad pictures, Rarity telling me to go to my room, me crying, Rarity working. I began to cry on one of the blank papers. "Why can't you love me like you love your work." I said speaking to no pony in particular, "All you ever do is push me to the side." I began to write another letter, hopefully this would be my last. Dear Rarity, I'm sorry I can't be the sister you always wanted me to be. So I'm leaving, don't come looking for me you won't be able to find me. I'm going to look for a sister who cares enough to spend time with me. Maybe this way you can focus on what you really love, your work. Look at it this way, now you don't ever have to worry about me bugging you anymore. I can't give you gray hairs if I'm not around right? At least that's how it sounded like to me every time you told me. Anyways I'm leaving and never coming back. I know you don't really love me, so goodbye unsister. Don't love, Sweetie Belle I signed it and packed my things and jumped out the window. And slowly made my decent off of the second story of the boutique. I took off galloping in the first direction I landed. I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't care. Meanwhile back at the farm, Apple Jack had begun sulking on the way home. "Are ya gunna be ok big sis?" I asked. "Ya," she choked out, "I'll be fine AB, I might not come for the s'more roastin' but you, granny, and Big Mac have fun ok?" she told me patting my head and going into her room. I looked at the floor, "Ok." I said, the only other time she'd been like this was when Pa passed on. I sighed as I went to the backyard to prepare for the s'more roast. Big Mac had heard about the incident from his friend Chisel, he said one of Apple Jacks friends was yelling at her. A white pony with a purple mane, looks like Rarity was starting trouble again. I went into her room to check on her. I sat down on her bed. I could hear her quietly sobbing. She hadn't been like this since Ma and Pa passed. AB wasn't old enough to remember Ma. Her and AJ had a special connection. I sighed as I listened to my little sister silently weep. I pet her mane trying to comfort her, we never had to say anything during moments like this, it was already understood. I leaned down and kissed my little sis on the forehead and left. We watched her the rest of the night, Rarity must have said some pretty nasty things. Apple Jack was strong, she'd come back as good as ever in a few hours, she always did. All we had to do was wait. Memorial (Rewrite P4)Apple Jacks memorial service would be held the following day. The hospital had to prepare her body for the open casket. They had to make her look like she did before the burns from the accident. The rest of the day Rarity was in a slump, as were the rest of her other four friends. Would they ever recover from this, especially Rarity, who never got to say she was sorry. I felt absolutely terrible for this, I felt as if I died now it would be fair, it could give me solace. But I couldn't die now, Sweetie Belle needed me, speaking of which the little foal hadn't come out of her room since she sent her up. I trotted up the stairs to get her. I knocked on the door, "Sweetie Belle?" I called. "Sweetie Belle I'm sorry, I've behaved terribly to all of the ponies I care so deeply for." I confessed. It felt good for somepony to listen. I opened the door and saw the open window wind blowing through it. A note on the bed. Dear Rarity, I'm sorry I can't be the sister you always wanted me to be. So I'm leaving, don't come looking for me you won't be able to find me. I'm going to look for a sister who cares enough to spend time with me. Maybe this way you can focus on what you really love, your work. Look at it this way, now you don't ever have to worry about me bugging you anymore. I can't give you gray hairs if I'm not around right? At least that's how it sounded like to me every time you told me. Anyways I'm leaving and never coming back. I know you don't really love me, so goodbye, unsister. Don't love, Sweetie Belle I felt the tears streaming down my face. I put down the paper and saw the drawing she made for me, the one that filled my heart the first time and made me want to participate in the Sister Hooves Social. My eyes filled with tears I'd been so insensitive. I spoke out loud. "I'm so sorry Sweetie Belle. I've been a terrible sister." I went on, "I promise if you come back I'll be a better sister. I took you for granted." I fell to the floor not caring about my mane, I curled up in the carpet. "It wasn't you who was the sister I never wanted," I said whispering to no pony, "You were the sister any mare could hope for. I took you for granted for so long Sweetie Belle, and now I've driven both you and my friend away from me. You both hate me now I''m a terrible sister and a horrible friend." I cried as I heard my door creaking open, I didn't want to deal with customers now. "Go away," I shooed, "the sign says open but I just forgot to change it." I told the visitor off. "Did you mean all of what you said?" I jumped up and spun around, there was my sister standing in my doorway, tear struck eyes, dirt all over her coat and mane, twigs and leaves in her hair. I threw my hooves around her, I cried. "I promise I'll be a better sister Sweetie Belle." I told her sniffling, "Now, let's get you cleaned up," I paused, than "unless you'd rather play hoofball." I told her, she nearly jumped a hole in my roof. I'd never seen her so excited. We played for a few hours before we went inside. I tucked her into bed and kissed her horn. "Goodnight, Sweetie Belle." I told her. "Goodnight, Rarity" she told me. I began to leave, I put my hoof on the switch. "Rarity?" I turned around as I turned the light off looking at Sweetie Bell, her eyes were closed but her night light illuminated her face. "Yes, sweetheart?" I replied. "I love you sis." she told me sleepily. I smiled as a tear rolled down my cheek, "I love you too, Sweetie Belle." The memorial service began that morning, I wore a plain black gown. I didn't think it would be right to make a new dress for this. We all wore black, it was the respect of it. As the service began the tears didn't stop. I looked around at my friends, they all got their goodbyes, as for me, this was going to be my one attempt for solace. One by one they went up to the podium. Granny Smith was first. She heard as she began, "'Ah remember the young lass," she started, standing bravely without her walker, her legs trembled, "she was always happy and full of energy. She loved that orchard too much to let it burn." she said, then whispered, "she would have wanted it like this, I'd go the same way givin the choice" she went down and was comforted by her two grandfoals. Apple Bloom was next. She held a brave face looking at her sisters body in the casket, although her voice wavered as she began, "Apple Jack was the best sister any pony could ask for." she was beginning to break down we could all see it. I was too, "she love to play, laugh, and lasso." Rainbow let out a gagged crying cough, even she still tried to seem brave. "'Ah'll always love ya sis." she went over an laid a kiss on her sisters reformed cheek. The doctors had done whatever reconstructive surgery they could. There was still patched in her fur, but in the casket she was smiling and dressed in her work duds. Her hat placed in her chest hooves crossed. Big Macintoshes turn. He stood tall and glanced over to his sister. "She," he began looked over to her again, he couldn't say anymore, he looked down as he bit his lip in agony, "Eyup." he said as a tear rolled down. He went back down to his seat. Twilight was next. "Apple Jack," she began, tears forming, "you taught us all what honesty ment, and how important it was to be hard working and dedicated." We were all crying remembering her, "We will never forget you." Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy both turned down their invitations. Well Fluttershy did, we all knew she couldn't stand to get up there, AJ would have understood too. Pinkie Pie just went up and had a five minute crying session before the pastor asked her to go back to her seat. Rainbow Dash went up and we could all see the pain in her face, even though she didn't want to show it. She bit her lip every time she paused, then finally said. "AJ," she began, we could all see the tears now, "I guess you got your wing now." she tried to chuckle at her joke but broke into a cry, "I just can't teach you to fly now." she cried all the way back to her seat. It was my turn. I went up. I had nothing prepared, what could I say. I looked at her smiling face. "I'm sorry" I whispered, it was barely audible and was only slightly picked up by the microphone. I went back to my seat. A Dream Within A Gem (Rewrite P5)That night my thoughts raced as I lay in bed. I couldn't stop thinking about my dear lost friend, she couldn't forgive me now. Somehow I drifted off to sleep. There was darkness, only darkness, than a blurred flash. An orange light, I opened my eyes more, Applejack? No, it wasn't her. I was at Sweet Apple Acres, I didn't know how but I didn't question it. I looked around, a burning tree off in the distance. I raced towards it, my hooves made no noise. I saw Applejack in a clearing trying to put out the fire on a tree. Big Macintosh had joined her racing back and forth. "APPLEJACK!" I called, I had to help her, she was alive...somehow. WHOOSH! Fire blocked my path. I looked over it and saw a tree had fallen between Big Mac and Applejack. No, I thought. I watched as tears welled up in the big colts eyes as he raced home. Applejack was trapped, they both knew it, and so did I. But she didn't panic she didn't freak out, she merely sat down and closed her eyes. "I'm comin' ma an' pa" she said. BAM! A tree came crashing down and landed on the brown earth pony. "APPLEJAAAAACK!" I screamed. I couldn't do anything, I now saw how she died, it was the day I told her I didn't want to be her friend. I cried knowing that I was the one who caused her death. Not only had I not said I was sorry I was also responsible for her dying. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up with tears in my eyes, I was astonished to see Applejack, unscathed, unburned, and... happy, standing next to me smiling. "Applejack?" I said confused, "What are you... but" I looked aver to the fallen tree, "You.. your-" I stuttered she merely nodded. "I'm so sorry Applejack, I didn't mean any of the things I said." I wept out through my tears. I could tell her now. She placed a hoof around my neck and squeezed tight, "I know sugar cube." she said to me, I broke out now all out bawling. "Ya'll was just mad that's all" she said looking me in the eyes. "Ah forgive ya" I smiled now. "I just have one thing I need ya ta do fer me OK?" she said. I nodded, "Anything." She placed her item in my hoof, I looked up at her in confusion, "But what do I with-" "Ya'll understand when ya wake up sugarcube." she told me "I gotta go now muh folks are waitin' fer me." she waved goodbye as she joined two other farmer ponies. A bright white light erupted in front of them and... My eyes shot open, it was morning. I lifted myself and felt something fall into my lap, I looked down and smiled. I had a little work to do. "Hiya sis," Sweetie Belle said entering the room, "Ready to start the day?" I ruffled my little sisters mane, she giggled, "I need your help Sweetie, OK?" Her mouth erupted into an ear to ear smile. A few hours later we were done, we met the Apple Family at their farm. "What's all the fuss about?" Granny Smith asked. "Well," I began, I looked around at my friends who'd I'd also asked to come, "last night, I had a dream." I told them. "What kinda dream?" Apple Bloom asked. "It was about your sister," I told her, "she wanted you to have this." I told Apple Bloom passing the burlap bag down the table. I could see the tears welling up in the young fillies eyes, one last present from her big sister. She opened it, every pony at the table gasped. It was Applejack's Element of Harmony. Well the gem at least, I had to fashion a new necklace. She looked up and jumped into my hooves. "Thank you Rarity." I petted the dismayed little filly. "Your welcome sweet heart." I told her. The Element of Honest had to be passed on to some pony she trusted with her whole heart. And who else was that except for her sister Apple Bloom. At that moment we saw Apple Blooms flank sparkling, the same cutie mark Apple Jack once bore was now hers. Tears welled up in all of our eyes as we remembered our dear friend. I looked out into the charred field. It had once harbored thousands of apple trees, but now only one stood tall. I smiled as I saw the heart carved into the trunk with two initials inside of it. I smiled as I saw an apple fall from it all by itself, it rolled the short distance over and tapped my hoof. I was forgiven. With Fire in the Heart (Rewrite P3)'Ah was in bed for quite some time now. 'Ah hadn't cried like this since... A few years back there was a fire in the apple orchard that took both mah parents. There was only one tree left, it was my mah's an' pa's favorite. They had their initials etched into it. We buried what we found of them under that tree. 'Ah loved them so much, 'Ah missed them so much. Ma would always know what to say. 'Ah decided it was time to pay a visit. I climbed out mah window and jumped off the balcony. 'Ah trotted along the dirt path that lead me to the tree. 'Ah saw a storm a brewin', I payed not attention though. A little rain wan't about to stop me from gettin' closure. I reached the great big tree and threw mah hooves around it. "'Ah miss ya'll..." 'Ah felt a tear run down mah face, but only one, I traced a hoof around the heart mah parents carved in all those years ago. One day 'ah can grow up an' watch mah family play just like they used to watched us. Suddenly 'ah heard a CRACK! of thunder. 'Ah spun around and saw that it wasn't just a storm it was thunder clouds a brewin' in the sky. "'Ah'll see ya later." 'ah waved. CRACK! Another one, too close for comfort. It struck a tree, it was next to mah's an' pa's tree. 'Ah went to the nearby well to get a pail of water to put it out. When 'ah got back Big Macintosh was there lookin' at our parents' tree. He shook his head and tilted it at the house for me to get inside. I glared at him in defiance as I put out some of the flame. 'Ah ran back, 'ah saw Big Mac runnin' next to me. He knew what that tree meant to me, to all of us. He grabbed a pail also we filled 'em an ran as fast as we could. 'Ah threw mine first an' started to run back. CRACK! Another one, also really close. Too close. It blocked the path from the well to Big Mac, and the path to the house. And any chance of safety. 'Ah looked at Big Mac, he noticed it too, the surrounding tree's where the one that had caught fire were also burning too fast for just the two of us and a bucket of water. We knew what was going to happen. 'Ah could see the fear and pain in mah big brothers eyes as his eyes began to water. He closed them and ran back home, unable to watch. 'Ah also felt the tears begin. 'Ah knew it was time, there was no escapin' this fire. Even the path to the well was all blazin' saddles. I closed my eyes and envisioned mah ma an pa lookin' at me smilin. And as I felt the crash 'ah didn't feel anythin'. "'Ah'm comin' momma...." I passed out. Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy were all in the waiting room of the OR, along with the rest of the Apples. They awaited the outcome with much fear. After what felt like hours, a nurse came in. Pinkie rushed her and grabbed her shoulders. "YA GOTTA TELL ME SHE'S OK! PLEASE DOC, I GOTTA KNOW IF I CAN THROW HER A GET WELL SOON PARTY!" Pinkie yelled. "There may not even be a need for any kind of party lil' gal." the nurse said turning to the rest of them, "She's in critical condition, we have her stable but we don't know for how long. She has a very high chance of..." she paused before saying the next words, "she's in really bad shape, she could die at any minute." The words hit them all like a ton of bricks. "Apple Jack CAN'T die," Rainbow said tears coming to her eyes, "she still hasn't taught me how to lasso." she sniffed, it was a lie to try and still seem tough, AJ would never be able to teach impatient Dash how to lasso, just like Dash could never teach AJ how to fly, it wasn't in her blood. Fluttershy broke down and bawled so did Pinkie. "Can we see her?" Twilight finally asked. "Yes, but only for a little while, she needs her rest." the nurse replied. They all entered mah room. 'Ah was conscious... barely but 'ah could hear them. "AJ," Dash whispered in mah ear she was crying, "don't go AJ you have to get better I don't know what I'll do without you." 'Ah could hear the sobbing in her voice, 'ah wanted a tear but mah ducts were burned in the accident mah doctor had said. Pinkie Pie came over, "Please Apple Jack," she sobbed, "you gotta gotta gotta get better so I can throw you a party." 'Ah laughed in mah head, always thinkin' about her parties. She truly did have good intentions. Fluttershy came, she didn't say anyting accept, "Apple Jack? Um..." I heard her cringe before she broke into tears. "We all hope you get well soon AJ," Twilight whispered to me, "even Rarity, she's not here right now but she is sorry." 'Ah really felt like cryin' now. 'Ah wanted so bad to spring up on that bed and shout "'Ah'll be better before you can say lickity split!" But I couldn't the pain was unbearable even laying here. I thought it maybe Big Macintosh would pick it up he could be strong for me. I closed mah eyes and fell asleep, 'ah wasn't gonna leave mah friends just yet, not without a fight. Rarity was in her workshop again. Finishing up her last ensemble for Sapphire Shores. Suddenly the pony of pop burst through the door. "Miss Rarity you come with me NOW!" She sang. "Whatever is the emergency Sapphire?" I looked at her. "You haven't heard," she said in a normal tone, "your friend Apple Jack is in the hospital, and YOU haven't visited her yet. Now get in my cart and let's GO!" I couldn't have ran fast enough. I was mad at Apple Jack, yes. But hearing that she was in the hospital... ah! My mind was reeling now. I had to see her now. I ran into the room where they were holding her. I screeched to a stop, what I saw shocked, and appalled me. I flat line across the heart monitor, and a nurse pulling the cover over her face. Her hat lay on the table next to her, charred. "Time of death, 4:42 P.M." the doctor said. I looked at the clock, 4:45. I was too late, I could have been here to say goodbye and that I was sorry. But instead I had let her die with the last thing I said was that I didn't want to be her friend. I had essentially told her I hated her, and now I would go through this life.... unforgiven.
Unforgiven"Rarity, could ya please shut yer yap and listen to me for a second!?" "No Applejack. I've told you over and over again. I know how to take care of my little sister. I don't need your advice." "Well she doesn't exactly seem very happy living with you. Do you remember what happened a while back, she even asked for me to be her sister! Applebloom always says that Sweetie Belle is always complainin' about ya." "Oh here we go again, are you ever going to let that go Applejack! It was a long time ago. Before you give me tips on being a good sister, why don't you take a shower or something. You're always so filthy, you could make a pig look like a runway model!" "Rarity, stop it please. All i'm askin' of ya is to be a little less neglectful to your sister. Every time she wants to play or do anythin', yer always too busy doin' somethin' else." "She's my sister you uncouth pig. I will take care of her, you worry about yourself." Rarity cocked her head and the other direction and stormed away. Applejack was left standing alone in the center of Ponyville. Every other pony had stopped what they were doing and were all staring at her. The yellow maned pony looked at the mud covering her hooves, due to her recently working on the farm. Tears began to swell out of the pony's eyes, she slowly walked towards Sweet Apple Acres, with her head slumped. "Hmph, that filthy excuse for a pony thinks she can tell me how to raise my sister. Sweetie Belle is just fine." The white coated unicorn opened the door to her house and greeted her sister. "Hi Sweetie Belle." She looked around, Sweetie Belle was nowhere to be found. "She must be in her room. Let me go check on her before I go to bed." Rarity walked to Sweetie Belle's roomed and slowly creaked the door open. She opened her mouth to speak, but she closed it as she saw Sweetie Belle. She was sitting down in the corner, with her head down low. There were small, sobbing noise coming from her. "Stupid Rarity... She never wants to play with me. What kind of big sister has time to sit in the jewel store staring at rubies all day, but doesn't have time to play with me just for a little while." A tear rolled out of Rarity's eye. She didn't realize how upset Sweetie Belle actually was. She had never actually expressed how she felt, normally she would just walk away when denied. "I can't wait until Scootaloo is feeling better. Then I won't need Rarity to play with me anymore. Applebloom, Scootaloo and I can go back to crusading and I won't need her anymore. It doesn't matter though, I could get my cutie mark and Rarity wouldn't turn a blind eye." Rarity stretched her hoof out and opened her mouth. She said nothing, instead she pulled her hoof back and closed her mouth. Tears rolled down the side of her face as she exited Sweetie Belle's room. "I need to do something about this. Maybe Applejack was right. I need to think about this." The next morning was bright and sunny, much like any other day in Ponyville. Rainbow Dash was sleeping on her favorite cloud and Twilight was locked up in her library studying. Pinkie Pie was on her way to Sugarcube Corner and Fluttershy was feeding all the woodland creatures breakfast. However, two ponies remained absent from the beautiful morning. Rarity had slipped out of Ponyville undetected early in the morning. She needed time away from everypony else to think. Applejack was at her farm, but instead of enjoying the weather, she sat in the barn, thinking. "Is what Rarity said true? Does everypony else think I'm disgusting and dirty and they're just tryna be nice? No, they're my friends, they wouldn't think that. But Rarity is my friend, and she thinks that..." Hundreds of questions flooded the earth pony's head. After thinking for a long time, Applebloom knocked on the door and slowly walked into her big sister's room. "Applejack. Are you okay?" Applejack could sense the caring tone in Applebloom's voice. When she tried, Applebloom was so sweet and kind. Instead of replying with a simply "Yea I'm ok." like Applejack normally would, she didn't respond it all. "Applejack?" "Get out Applebloom! Leave me alone." The little filly didn't say another word. Instead she turned around and exited her sister's room. Normally Applejack would have felt bad for yelling at her sister, but she was too tired and upset about Rarity. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Rarity stood silently, letting the wind of the mountain range mess up her mane. Normally she would never come to a place like this unless she was looking for gems. And she would never come alone, especially not after the diamond dog incident. But she didn't care. Instead, the unicorn stood, unmoving, in the same spot where her horn had led her when she was a filly. This was the spot where she found the rock with all the gems in it that she used to make the outfits for her school play. This was where she realized her true talent. She had been thinking for hours about what Applejack said, and about what Sweetie Belle said last night. Rarity was an older sister, a role model to Sweetie Belle. But instead she chose to neglect her and instead, waste time doing other things that could be cancelled. Her sister was always out looking for her talent, and Rarity did nothing to help her. Applejack gave them their own clubhouse and always encouraged her sister. Rainbow Dash, who wasn't a sister to any of them, had done her best to help them quite a few times. And Rarity, had done nothing. "Applejack was right. I need to change, my only fear is. Will Applejack forgive me for the things I said? And will Sweetie Belle forgive me for not being there for her? I hope so." That night, Applejack was still in her room, she hadn't moved all day. Granny Smith, slowly stumbled into her room to say good night. However, when she saw Applejack sprawled across her bed, she merely frowned and left. Big Macintosh then came up the stairs and walked into his little sisters room. He walked over to her, and simply ran his hoof through her mane slowly. Applejack didn't look up, instead she kept her head buried in her pillow. Applejack never really got upset, and when she did, it normally went away fast. But this was different, and Big Mac knew it. He kissed his sister on her forehead and left. Applebloom walked down the hallway and peered into Applejack's room. She stood there for a minute, and then turned around and walked towards her room. For the first time in the entire day, Applejack stood up. She walked out of her room and slowly opened her mouth. "Applebloom..." The little filly turned around and looked into her sisters eyes. "I'm sorry." "Aww its ok Applejack. Ya didn't mean it. Besides, Rarity was mighty cruel to you the other day." Applebloom ran up to her sister and gave her a hug. Applejack stood there and didn't mutter a word. She simply smiled. Applebloom loosened her grip on her sister and started to walk back to her room. "G'nite Applejack." "Good night Applebloom." Applejack awoke in the middle of the night. She looked outside her window, she flinched as the thunder roared loudly. "A thunder storm. Perfect." she said sarcastically. Just then, a lightning bolt touched down on one of the trees on the farm. Flames sparked on it and the tree tumbled down, igniting three other trees on the way down. "Oh sweet Celestia!" Applejack ran downstairs and dashed out of the barn. She started grabbing buckets of water and filling them up with water. She ran back and forth from the trees, attempting to douse the flames. Just as the fire seemed to be taken care of, lightning touched down again, igniting yet another tree. The tree collapsed, just inches away from Applejack. "Oh dear, oh dear." Applejack ran in the other direction. She didn't get very far as another tree began to fall in the same direction. Trees began to become engulfed in flames. The fire was spreading fast, and Applejack was closed off by the burning trees. She was trapped in the middle of circle of flaming apple trees. She looked around her, hoping to find an opening. Lightning touched down yet again striking another tree. Applejack looked into the distance. Half of an acre of her land was being incinerated. Another tree collapsed, this one landing the middle of the circle. Applejack jumped out of the way as the tree landed merely inches from her face. It almost instantly was set ablaze from the other trees. She slowly backed away, and then she lunged forward. The back of her legs had touched one of the trees, leaving a long black burn mark. The flames began to rise and Applejack could barely see more than two feet in front of her. Her eyes slowly began to close, she was fainting from the heat. As she collapsed the last thing she heard was the faint yelling of Big Macintosh. "Applejack! Are you ok! APPLEJACK!" "Uhm, doctor. Is Applejack going to be ok?" Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight all stood in in front of Applejack, who was laying down on her hospital bed. "I'm afraid it's too soon to tell. Her injuries are very severe, we are doing the best we can." Fluttershy squealed. Rainbow Dash slowly walked up to her friend. Her knees were shaking as she stood next to the charred pony. Applejack's mane had mostly faded from a bright yellow to a gray ash color. She had multiple cuts and burns on her face. Her right ear was torn slightly and she had a long scar running down the right side of her face. "Applejack... please. Wake up." Twilight put her hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. Normally, the cyan Pegasus hated any kind of sympathy. But even someone as strong and stubborn as her need comfort at certain times. "It'll be ok Rainbow Dash." Twilight muttered softly. The four ponies exited the room. As they left, Applejack abruptly sat up. Her mouth opened and started to move, as if she was trying to say something. But no words left her lips. She thought to herself, "Wait. Girls don't go!" Applejack fell back into her bed and passed out again. Rarity trotted up to the front door of her house. She was fully prepared to spend more time with Sweetie Belle and she was going to apologize to Applejack in the morning. But she was exhausted from the long journey back home and she walked towards her room. She peaked in Sweetie Belle's room. She saw a lump in her bed and she assumed she was already asleep. "Oh I'll leave her be. I'll talk to her in the morning." The next morning Rarity was eating breakfast in the kitchen. Normally she would expect Sweetie Belle to come down and get something to eat before she went out for the day. "Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called out to her sister. There was no response. Rarity went up to Sweetie Belle's room to check on her. She removed the covers from the bed, and instead of her sister, she found Sweetie Belle's stuffed animals piled up under the covers, and a note. The unicorn picked up the note and began to read it, it was from Sweetie Belle... Dear Rarity, I'm sorry Rarity, but I can't stand being here with you anymore. I can tell I'm just a pest to you and that you don't want me here anymore. I thought it was just a small phase, but you left the other day with no warning and left only Twilight to come check on me a few times a day. Thanks a lot "Big Sister." I'm sorry I'm not the sister you wanted, so I've left Ponyville and I'm not coming back. I'm going to find a sister who cares about me. Please don't come looking for me, but you probably won't anyways. From, your former sister Sweetie Belle Rarity began to cry. She had driven her sister away. She had to find her, now. If Sweetie Belle wondered too far, she could get lost forever and fall victim to wild creatures. Rarity rushed out of her house to search for her sister. Rainbow Dash walked into Ponyville hospital. Ever since Applejack's accident, she hasn't been in her normal mood. She hadn't been practicing her flying or doing much of anything except sleeping. She entered Applejack's room. "Applejack... Are you awake." The earth pony didn't move. She continued to lay there, unmoving, with her eyes closed. "Applejack. Applejack. APPLEJACK!" The entire hospital went silent. A nurse entered the room and put her hoof on the cyan Pegasus's shoulder. Rainbow Dash began to cry and the nurse led her out of the room. Applejack still couldn't move, but she thought to herself. "Rainbow Dash, it'll be alright. Please, believe... just believe." "Sweetie Belle!" The little filly turned around and saw her big sister running towards her. "Sweetie Belle please. Come home with me. I thought long and hard, and I really am going to change. We'll spend more time together I promise." "Yea right. You always say things like that, you never mean it." Sweetie Belle turned around and continued walking. "Sweetie Belle please! Please give me one more chance." "No Rarity, I can't take being ignored by my own sister. You don't love me anymore." Those words hurt worse than anything else. Rarity literally felt her heart break. Sweetie Belle continued walked towards Manehattan. "Wait, Sweetie Belle. Look at what you're leaving behind, even if you don't love me. Think about your friends, what will they do without you? Everypony will miss you." Sweetie Belle stopped. She didn't turn around or say a word. "I'm going back to Ponyville, if you want to come back, you are more than welcome to come back." Rarity turned around and slowly walked back to her house. It was useless to try and force Sweetie Belle to come back. If she did, she could just run away again. Rarity walked up to the front door of her house. As she reached for the door knob, she noticed Twilight Sparkle running up the road. "Rarity!" "What's wrong Twilight?" "You don't know!? Applejack's in the hospital! She was nearly burned alive during the storm two nights ago! You weren't even here!" "Oh dear Celestia. Come Twilight, let's go!" Rarity burst through the front door of the hospital. She dashed through the hallways and found Applejack's room. She slowly walked in, she opened her mouth to speak, but closed it the next second. Rarity's eyes were fixated on the heart meter. She saw nothing but a flat red line, the room was silent. The only sound was the ringing noise of the heart meter. Applejack was dead...... "No, no. No no no no NO!" Rarity collapsed to the floor and began bawling. Pinkie, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy then all entered the room. They looked at the heart meter and then at Applejack. They stood in horror as they looked at the dead body of there friend, and at Rarity who was hysterical at the moment. Rarity couldn't utter a single word, but she thought to herself, "No, this can't be happening. I never got to say I'm sorry. The last thing I did was call her a filthy excuse for a pony, and now she's gone with that as her final memory of me. Applejack, I'm so sorry..." The nurse walked in and her heart broke as she saw the 5 ponies all crying at the loss of their friend. She walked over to Applejack, and covered her face. The funeral was held the next day. Everypony, even Princess Celestia, was in tears. When ponies were called up to say their goodbyes, Rainbow Dash was the first. "Applejack, you were one of my best friends. You were always honest, kind and especially cool. You were great competition and you were so fun to be around. I'm sorry..." Pinkie Pie was next. She walked up to the coffin, and simply began bawling. She didn't mutter a single word, she just stood there crying. After a few minutes she walked away and sat back down. Fluttershy was next. Her voice was muffled, but with the dead silence everypony could understand her. "Uhm. Applejack, you were always a great friend to me and everypony else. You never lied to any pony and...." She couldn't think of anything else to say. She walked away from the coffin with her head held low, with tears falling from her eyes as she walked. Twilight was the next one to go up. "Applejack, you were an amazing friend, a friend like not other. You were 1 in a million and no pony else will ever replace you." Twilight began to cry as she spoke. "You taught me what friendship could mean, and I have so much to thank you for, and I never got the chance to." Twilight walked away from the coffin and stood silent next to Princess Celestia. Rarity was next, but she didn't move from her chair. Instead she thought to herself, "Applejack, I'm sorry. I know you'll never be able to know this, but from the deepest part of my heart, I am deeply and truly sorry." Rarity went to bed that night feeling like a complete wreck. Sweetie Belle was gone, and Applejack was dead. She broke her promise to take care of Sweetie Belle, and she never got to apologize to Applejack. She slowly cried herself to sleep. She opened her eyes. She awoke not in her bed, instead she felt herself on the cold hard ground. She looked around her, she was at Sweet Apple Acres. She noticed a bright light to the left of her. It looked like... a fire. Something was on fire! Rarity ran towards the fire. It was a circle of trees, they had all fallen down and had created a huge inferno. She looked closely and saw a pony trapped in the middle. It was Applejack. Rarity was about to charge in and save Applejack when she felt something grab her shoulder. "It's ok sugarcube." "WHAA! Applejack!?!" Sure enough, Applejack was standing next to Rarity. "B-b-but. You're dead, I mean, you're in there! Wh- What's going on here!?" "Relax Rarity. This is just a dream. I'm here to talk to you." Rarity was silent for a minute. "Applejack. I, I'm so sorry." "Save it. I know you didn't mean it. And I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have told you how to raise your sister." "No, you were right. I've been terrible." "Rarity. Look at me. You're my friend and I'll love you forever, even in death. Don't beat yourself up over this. My memory will live on forever, now go. You have to fix this." Applejack winked at her friend and Rarity abruptly opened her eyes. She looked out the window to the left of her bed. It was morning. Rarity raced down to Sweetie Belle's room to see if she had came back. She walked through the door, but Sweetie Belle wasn't there. Rarity began to cry. Just then, Rarity heard a noise from behind her. She turned around, and saw a small filly standing in the door way. It was Sweetie Belle. The filly ran up to her sister and gave her a big hug. Then, the two sisters looked into each others eyes. Rarity opened her mouth and began to speak. "Come on Sweetie Belle, lets go play."
The Rift (Rewrite P1)(Rewrite Done by Inuboy7) I'm a very busy pony, as I should be. After all I was the talk of Canterlot, I AM Rarity. No I am not conceded, just glamorous. And once again Sapphire Shores was in Carousel Boutique, wanting to get her new dress design before her next show. It was larger than before, seventeen dresses, all in different shades of blue sapphires and green emeralds. Oh, I was going to have to do much more excavating for this. I had to get to work on the dresses right away. But as usual my little sister is stopping me from my work. "Hey sis are we gonna play today, huh?" She asked me with wide puppy like eyes. "Uh, no I'm dreadfully sorry dear. I cannot partake in activities with you today Sweetie I have work to do for the Pony of Pop again." I told her as I walked out of the shop, putting up the closed sign. I glanced back to see her dragging her hooves to her room, head down, ears folded. I felt sorry for the little filly, she was my sister after all. "But," I said she looked up with pure delight, "perhaps when I return you can teach me your Crusader Theme Song?" I suggested. She beamed with glee so much it was as if Celestia's sun rose and ran up to Sweetie's room. I laughed and continued my voyage for more diamonds. I had gotten caught up farther than I had expected, the sun had already set and Luna's half moon shone brightly in the sky. I was exhausted. I went into the shop, collapsed on my bed and almost went to sleep when... uhhhh! "RAAAARITY!?" Sweetie Bell called. I rose from my bed and saw the little filly dressed in a preforming arts dress I had made her, I was quite surprised she wore it, she didn't like it. "Ready?" she asked me. I groaned, "Oh, Sweetie not now, big sister Rarity has a head ache from searching so extensively for those jewels." "But..." Sweetie began to well up with tears, I didn't see them but I could hear them in her voice as she said, "you promised." "Yes Sweetie Bell I know I promised, but right now I need rest. I'll learn your silly song in the morning." I shooed her away. She left and I fell asleep. Rarity had just sent me away, once again another broken promise. HA, just another day in the life of Sweetie Bell, I thought to myself. I went to the only pony who understood, it was the middle of the night but I knew that she'd understand, she always did. I went to Sweet Apple Acres to spend the night with Apple Bloom. I woke up early the next morning, I knew I had to get back before Rarity noticed. The Apples had gotten used to my presence and sudden appearances quickly. They knew Rarity and I had troubles and only Apple Bloom knew just what to say when I needed it. I ate breakfast with the Apples and then Apple Bloom walked me home. "She never want's to spend time with me." I explained. "Maybe there's more to it is all Ah'm tryin' ta tell ya." Apple Bloom said, she sure didn't hit home with it this time. We stopped in front of Carousel Boutique. "Listen, she's probably worried sick about ya right now." We heard a crash from inside the shop. "See, she's lookin' fer ya." AB smiled, I smiled back. Maybe she was right, I trotted into the store to greet my sister good morning. "Oh no, oh no I hope it's not lost!" I heard my sister say. She was looking for me! "Morning Rarity!" I shouted getting her attention. "Oh good morning Sweetie Bell," she said ignoring me, "could you help me find this gem, it's a big baby blue Sapphire but it was apparently touched by an emerald and I want to use it as the centerpiece. I've been up all morning working on..." it's not that she trailed off, I just left not wanting to hear anymore. I knew what she was doing again, she was too caught up in work to pay any attention to her little sister, AGAIN! she said she'd been working on that stupid dress for Sapphire Shores all morning, that meant she didn't even bother to look for me or wake me up for breakfast or ANYTHING. "She in her work mode again?" AB asked. I nodded, she put her arm around my shoulder and said, "common maybe some Crusadin'll help cheer ya up" As we walked I hummed the tune for our Cutie Mark Crusader group, the one Rarity would never want to know. I searched frantically until Sweetie Bell arrived, I greeted her and asked her to help me find the gem I'd misplaced. Suddenly I noticed the usually talkative pony hadn't said a single word. I looked around and she was gone. "Sweetie Bell?" I called, no response. She probably went off to do more of her Crusading, oh well none of my concern. "Hellooooooo, miss Rarity!" I heard Sapphire's singsong voice call me. "Oh hello Sapphire," I'd learned to contol myself around her like a lady but I still retained a small giddy feeling everytime she came, as if her celebrity likeness would rub off on me. "So how's it comin'?" She asked. "Oh fairly well, although my little sister is as always wanting to play." I explained, "I swear she doesn't know the meaning of work and play." "Hm," Sapphire grunted, "sounds like you need to spend a little quality time with little sis Rarity." she sang out. "Whatever do you mean Sapphire?" I asked shocked at her change of tone. "Listen, I appreciate the dedication," Sapphire put a hoof on my shoulder and looke me in the eyes, "but family comes first, ain't nothin' more important, remember that." she said and left the shop. Sapphire was right I had to spend more time with Sweetie Bell, after all I was ahead of schedual, I guess a small break wouldn't hurt.
Hate (Rewrite P2)I hadn't bothered to look at the clock, I knew I still had time to play with Sweetie Belle. But I had to finish this last dress. I only had tree more to go and at the rate I'd found the gems it was looking up for me. I'd have the project done in time with enough to spare for sisterly bonding with Sweetie Belle. I turned around and called her. "Sweetie Belle!" No response, "Sweetie Belle?" I called again. I went upstairs to her room, she was gone, only a note. Dear Rarity, I'll be spending the day with Apple Jack and AB. If you get this letter, probably a few days from now, just come pick me up when you finish your project. After all it's obviously more important than spending time with your little sister. Love, Sweetie Belle I couldn't believe it, she'd gone back to Apple Jack after I'd gone with her to that ridiculous Sisterhooves Social. I'd gotten my perfect mane all muddy. I trotted out the door heading towards Sweet Apple Acres. I arrived at the dusty old farm and asked Big Macintosh where Apple Jack was. "Eyup," He replied, "They went to the market ta make s'mores fer the sister campfire tonight." I thanked him and, frustrated, headed towards the town market square. When I arrived I immediately saw the familiar pink puffy bow of Apple Bloom. I rushed over and confronted Apple Jack. "Well howday Rarity," Apple Jack said happily, "Wha' can we do ya fer?" "You can start by returning my sister!" I growled. "Rarity," Apple Jack told me pulling me away from the two young fillies, "listen, Rarity I understand you and Sweetie Belle have had problems lately." "I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS!" I exploded, "it seems to me your just trying to show off for my sister. You NOT her sister Apple Jack so STOP trying to raise her!" "Rarity no need to raise yer voice..." Apple Jack hushed. "Of course there is no need, honestly though you make ME seem as is I'M the bad sister Apple Jack." "Listen Rarity I've given you this advice before, ya need to spend time with HER not yer work. Or at least involve the gal, she's told me all you do is push her away." "So what? Your the one she consults with now?" A crowd had formed I could see the uncomfort in the orange ponies eyes. "Is that what it is, first you steal my sister, now you contaminate her mind with you uncouth ways, and then you make her distrust me." "No! Please Rarity can we talk about this somewhere less crowd-" "NO!" I yelled, her ears folded back, "YOU HEAR ME NOW APPLE JACK! Sweetie Belle is my sister, you leave her alone. I don't want her hanging around you anymore. I will raise her MY way without your advice." I walked over and pushed Sweetie Belle on, she protested a bit but followed authority. "Rarity wait!" Apple Jack called, I turned looking at her, "are you tellin' me that yer not gonna let yer sis hang out with one of her only friends just cuz of me?" "Apple Jack you listen to me now, we've been friends for a long time now" I told her with ice in my voice, "and all you've ever done is try and tell me how to live my life, you live on a farm what kind of lifestyle is that. I think it's time we went our separate ways Apple Jack. I no longer wish to be friends with you. Goodbye. Hmph!" I turned my head and walked away. We arrived back home and I immediately got back to work. "But I thought we were going to hang out?" Sweetie Belle said. "No," I told her, "as punishment for running off without telling me, we will NOT have a sister play date." I told her sternly focusing on my stitching. I watched as she hung her head and left the room. I walked upstairs, once again turned down by my big sister. All I wanted to do was have fun without being stuck in this stupid boutique for the weekend. That's all I ever did, come here to be denied of my sisters attention, and play quietly in my room. I walked into my room to try to find something to do, nothing. I looked around and saw crayons lying on a table with a piece of paper. I tried to draw but the only things that would come up were sad pictures, Rarity telling me to go to my room, me crying, Rarity working. I began to cry on one of the blank papers. "Why can't you love me like you love your work." I said speaking to no pony in particular, "All you ever do is push me to the side." I began to write another letter, hopefully this would be my last. Dear Rarity, I'm sorry I can't be the sister you always wanted me to be. So I'm leaving, don't come looking for me you won't be able to find me. I'm going to look for a sister who cares enough to spend time with me. Maybe this way you can focus on what you really love, your work. Look at it this way, now you don't ever have to worry about me bugging you anymore. I can't give you gray hairs if I'm not around right? At least that's how it sounded like to me every time you told me. Anyways I'm leaving and never coming back. I know you don't really love me, so goodbye unsister. Don't love, Sweetie Belle I signed it and packed my things and jumped out the window. And slowly made my decent off of the second story of the boutique. I took off galloping in the first direction I landed. I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't care. Meanwhile back at the farm, Apple Jack had begun sulking on the way home. "Are ya gunna be ok big sis?" I asked. "Ya," she choked out, "I'll be fine AB, I might not come for the s'more roastin' but you, granny, and Big Mac have fun ok?" she told me patting my head and going into her room. I looked at the floor, "Ok." I said, the only other time she'd been like this was when Pa passed on. I sighed as I went to the backyard to prepare for the s'more roast. Big Mac had heard about the incident from his friend Chisel, he said one of Apple Jacks friends was yelling at her. A white pony with a purple mane, looks like Rarity was starting trouble again. I went into her room to check on her. I sat down on her bed. I could hear her quietly sobbing. She hadn't been like this since Ma and Pa passed. AB wasn't old enough to remember Ma. Her and AJ had a special connection. I sighed as I listened to my little sister silently weep. I pet her mane trying to comfort her, we never had to say anything during moments like this, it was already understood. I leaned down and kissed my little sis on the forehead and left. We watched her the rest of the night, Rarity must have said some pretty nasty things. Apple Jack was strong, she'd come back as good as ever in a few hours, she always did. All we had to do was wait.
Memorial (Rewrite P4)Apple Jacks memorial service would be held the following day. The hospital had to prepare her body for the open casket. They had to make her look like she did before the burns from the accident. The rest of the day Rarity was in a slump, as were the rest of her other four friends. Would they ever recover from this, especially Rarity, who never got to say she was sorry. I felt absolutely terrible for this, I felt as if I died now it would be fair, it could give me solace. But I couldn't die now, Sweetie Belle needed me, speaking of which the little foal hadn't come out of her room since she sent her up. I trotted up the stairs to get her. I knocked on the door, "Sweetie Belle?" I called. "Sweetie Belle I'm sorry, I've behaved terribly to all of the ponies I care so deeply for." I confessed. It felt good for somepony to listen. I opened the door and saw the open window wind blowing through it. A note on the bed. Dear Rarity, I'm sorry I can't be the sister you always wanted me to be. So I'm leaving, don't come looking for me you won't be able to find me. I'm going to look for a sister who cares enough to spend time with me. Maybe this way you can focus on what you really love, your work. Look at it this way, now you don't ever have to worry about me bugging you anymore. I can't give you gray hairs if I'm not around right? At least that's how it sounded like to me every time you told me. Anyways I'm leaving and never coming back. I know you don't really love me, so goodbye, unsister. Don't love, Sweetie Belle I felt the tears streaming down my face. I put down the paper and saw the drawing she made for me, the one that filled my heart the first time and made me want to participate in the Sister Hooves Social. My eyes filled with tears I'd been so insensitive. I spoke out loud. "I'm so sorry Sweetie Belle. I've been a terrible sister." I went on, "I promise if you come back I'll be a better sister. I took you for granted." I fell to the floor not caring about my mane, I curled up in the carpet. "It wasn't you who was the sister I never wanted," I said whispering to no pony, "You were the sister any mare could hope for. I took you for granted for so long Sweetie Belle, and now I've driven both you and my friend away from me. You both hate me now I''m a terrible sister and a horrible friend." I cried as I heard my door creaking open, I didn't want to deal with customers now. "Go away," I shooed, "the sign says open but I just forgot to change it." I told the visitor off. "Did you mean all of what you said?" I jumped up and spun around, there was my sister standing in my doorway, tear struck eyes, dirt all over her coat and mane, twigs and leaves in her hair. I threw my hooves around her, I cried. "I promise I'll be a better sister Sweetie Belle." I told her sniffling, "Now, let's get you cleaned up," I paused, than "unless you'd rather play hoofball." I told her, she nearly jumped a hole in my roof. I'd never seen her so excited. We played for a few hours before we went inside. I tucked her into bed and kissed her horn. "Goodnight, Sweetie Belle." I told her. "Goodnight, Rarity" she told me. I began to leave, I put my hoof on the switch. "Rarity?" I turned around as I turned the light off looking at Sweetie Bell, her eyes were closed but her night light illuminated her face. "Yes, sweetheart?" I replied. "I love you sis." she told me sleepily. I smiled as a tear rolled down my cheek, "I love you too, Sweetie Belle." The memorial service began that morning, I wore a plain black gown. I didn't think it would be right to make a new dress for this. We all wore black, it was the respect of it. As the service began the tears didn't stop. I looked around at my friends, they all got their goodbyes, as for me, this was going to be my one attempt for solace. One by one they went up to the podium. Granny Smith was first. She heard as she began, "'Ah remember the young lass," she started, standing bravely without her walker, her legs trembled, "she was always happy and full of energy. She loved that orchard too much to let it burn." she said, then whispered, "she would have wanted it like this, I'd go the same way givin the choice" she went down and was comforted by her two grandfoals. Apple Bloom was next. She held a brave face looking at her sisters body in the casket, although her voice wavered as she began, "Apple Jack was the best sister any pony could ask for." she was beginning to break down we could all see it. I was too, "she love to play, laugh, and lasso." Rainbow let out a gagged crying cough, even she still tried to seem brave. "'Ah'll always love ya sis." she went over an laid a kiss on her sisters reformed cheek. The doctors had done whatever reconstructive surgery they could. There was still patched in her fur, but in the casket she was smiling and dressed in her work duds. Her hat placed in her chest hooves crossed. Big Macintoshes turn. He stood tall and glanced over to his sister. "She," he began looked over to her again, he couldn't say anymore, he looked down as he bit his lip in agony, "Eyup." he said as a tear rolled down. He went back down to his seat. Twilight was next. "Apple Jack," she began, tears forming, "you taught us all what honesty ment, and how important it was to be hard working and dedicated." We were all crying remembering her, "We will never forget you." Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy both turned down their invitations. Well Fluttershy did, we all knew she couldn't stand to get up there, AJ would have understood too. Pinkie Pie just went up and had a five minute crying session before the pastor asked her to go back to her seat. Rainbow Dash went up and we could all see the pain in her face, even though she didn't want to show it. She bit her lip every time she paused, then finally said. "AJ," she began, we could all see the tears now, "I guess you got your wing now." she tried to chuckle at her joke but broke into a cry, "I just can't teach you to fly now." she cried all the way back to her seat. It was my turn. I went up. I had nothing prepared, what could I say. I looked at her smiling face. "I'm sorry" I whispered, it was barely audible and was only slightly picked up by the microphone. I went back to my seat.
A Dream Within A Gem (Rewrite P5)That night my thoughts raced as I lay in bed. I couldn't stop thinking about my dear lost friend, she couldn't forgive me now. Somehow I drifted off to sleep. There was darkness, only darkness, than a blurred flash. An orange light, I opened my eyes more, Applejack? No, it wasn't her. I was at Sweet Apple Acres, I didn't know how but I didn't question it. I looked around, a burning tree off in the distance. I raced towards it, my hooves made no noise. I saw Applejack in a clearing trying to put out the fire on a tree. Big Macintosh had joined her racing back and forth. "APPLEJACK!" I called, I had to help her, she was alive...somehow. WHOOSH! Fire blocked my path. I looked over it and saw a tree had fallen between Big Mac and Applejack. No, I thought. I watched as tears welled up in the big colts eyes as he raced home. Applejack was trapped, they both knew it, and so did I. But she didn't panic she didn't freak out, she merely sat down and closed her eyes. "I'm comin' ma an' pa" she said. BAM! A tree came crashing down and landed on the brown earth pony. "APPLEJAAAAACK!" I screamed. I couldn't do anything, I now saw how she died, it was the day I told her I didn't want to be her friend. I cried knowing that I was the one who caused her death. Not only had I not said I was sorry I was also responsible for her dying. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up with tears in my eyes, I was astonished to see Applejack, unscathed, unburned, and... happy, standing next to me smiling. "Applejack?" I said confused, "What are you... but" I looked aver to the fallen tree, "You.. your-" I stuttered she merely nodded. "I'm so sorry Applejack, I didn't mean any of the things I said." I wept out through my tears. I could tell her now. She placed a hoof around my neck and squeezed tight, "I know sugar cube." she said to me, I broke out now all out bawling. "Ya'll was just mad that's all" she said looking me in the eyes. "Ah forgive ya" I smiled now. "I just have one thing I need ya ta do fer me OK?" she said. I nodded, "Anything." She placed her item in my hoof, I looked up at her in confusion, "But what do I with-" "Ya'll understand when ya wake up sugarcube." she told me "I gotta go now muh folks are waitin' fer me." she waved goodbye as she joined two other farmer ponies. A bright white light erupted in front of them and... My eyes shot open, it was morning. I lifted myself and felt something fall into my lap, I looked down and smiled. I had a little work to do. "Hiya sis," Sweetie Belle said entering the room, "Ready to start the day?" I ruffled my little sisters mane, she giggled, "I need your help Sweetie, OK?" Her mouth erupted into an ear to ear smile. A few hours later we were done, we met the Apple Family at their farm. "What's all the fuss about?" Granny Smith asked. "Well," I began, I looked around at my friends who'd I'd also asked to come, "last night, I had a dream." I told them. "What kinda dream?" Apple Bloom asked. "It was about your sister," I told her, "she wanted you to have this." I told Apple Bloom passing the burlap bag down the table. I could see the tears welling up in the young fillies eyes, one last present from her big sister. She opened it, every pony at the table gasped. It was Applejack's Element of Harmony. Well the gem at least, I had to fashion a new necklace. She looked up and jumped into my hooves. "Thank you Rarity." I petted the dismayed little filly. "Your welcome sweet heart." I told her. The Element of Honest had to be passed on to some pony she trusted with her whole heart. And who else was that except for her sister Apple Bloom. At that moment we saw Apple Blooms flank sparkling, the same cutie mark Apple Jack once bore was now hers. Tears welled up in all of our eyes as we remembered our dear friend. I looked out into the charred field. It had once harbored thousands of apple trees, but now only one stood tall. I smiled as I saw the heart carved into the trunk with two initials inside of it. I smiled as I saw an apple fall from it all by itself, it rolled the short distance over and tapped my hoof. I was forgiven.
With Fire in the Heart (Rewrite P3)'Ah was in bed for quite some time now. 'Ah hadn't cried like this since... A few years back there was a fire in the apple orchard that took both mah parents. There was only one tree left, it was my mah's an' pa's favorite. They had their initials etched into it. We buried what we found of them under that tree. 'Ah loved them so much, 'Ah missed them so much. Ma would always know what to say. 'Ah decided it was time to pay a visit. I climbed out mah window and jumped off the balcony. 'Ah trotted along the dirt path that lead me to the tree. 'Ah saw a storm a brewin', I payed not attention though. A little rain wan't about to stop me from gettin' closure. I reached the great big tree and threw mah hooves around it. "'Ah miss ya'll..." 'Ah felt a tear run down mah face, but only one, I traced a hoof around the heart mah parents carved in all those years ago. One day 'ah can grow up an' watch mah family play just like they used to watched us. Suddenly 'ah heard a CRACK! of thunder. 'Ah spun around and saw that it wasn't just a storm it was thunder clouds a brewin' in the sky. "'Ah'll see ya later." 'ah waved. CRACK! Another one, too close for comfort. It struck a tree, it was next to mah's an' pa's tree. 'Ah went to the nearby well to get a pail of water to put it out. When 'ah got back Big Macintosh was there lookin' at our parents' tree. He shook his head and tilted it at the house for me to get inside. I glared at him in defiance as I put out some of the flame. 'Ah ran back, 'ah saw Big Mac runnin' next to me. He knew what that tree meant to me, to all of us. He grabbed a pail also we filled 'em an ran as fast as we could. 'Ah threw mine first an' started to run back. CRACK! Another one, also really close. Too close. It blocked the path from the well to Big Mac, and the path to the house. And any chance of safety. 'Ah looked at Big Mac, he noticed it too, the surrounding tree's where the one that had caught fire were also burning too fast for just the two of us and a bucket of water. We knew what was going to happen. 'Ah could see the fear and pain in mah big brothers eyes as his eyes began to water. He closed them and ran back home, unable to watch. 'Ah also felt the tears begin. 'Ah knew it was time, there was no escapin' this fire. Even the path to the well was all blazin' saddles. I closed my eyes and envisioned mah ma an pa lookin' at me smilin. And as I felt the crash 'ah didn't feel anythin'. "'Ah'm comin' momma...." I passed out. Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy were all in the waiting room of the OR, along with the rest of the Apples. They awaited the outcome with much fear. After what felt like hours, a nurse came in. Pinkie rushed her and grabbed her shoulders. "YA GOTTA TELL ME SHE'S OK! PLEASE DOC, I GOTTA KNOW IF I CAN THROW HER A GET WELL SOON PARTY!" Pinkie yelled. "There may not even be a need for any kind of party lil' gal." the nurse said turning to the rest of them, "She's in critical condition, we have her stable but we don't know for how long. She has a very high chance of..." she paused before saying the next words, "she's in really bad shape, she could die at any minute." The words hit them all like a ton of bricks. "Apple Jack CAN'T die," Rainbow said tears coming to her eyes, "she still hasn't taught me how to lasso." she sniffed, it was a lie to try and still seem tough, AJ would never be able to teach impatient Dash how to lasso, just like Dash could never teach AJ how to fly, it wasn't in her blood. Fluttershy broke down and bawled so did Pinkie. "Can we see her?" Twilight finally asked. "Yes, but only for a little while, she needs her rest." the nurse replied. They all entered mah room. 'Ah was conscious... barely but 'ah could hear them. "AJ," Dash whispered in mah ear she was crying, "don't go AJ you have to get better I don't know what I'll do without you." 'Ah could hear the sobbing in her voice, 'ah wanted a tear but mah ducts were burned in the accident mah doctor had said. Pinkie Pie came over, "Please Apple Jack," she sobbed, "you gotta gotta gotta get better so I can throw you a party." 'Ah laughed in mah head, always thinkin' about her parties. She truly did have good intentions. Fluttershy came, she didn't say anyting accept, "Apple Jack? Um..." I heard her cringe before she broke into tears. "We all hope you get well soon AJ," Twilight whispered to me, "even Rarity, she's not here right now but she is sorry." 'Ah really felt like cryin' now. 'Ah wanted so bad to spring up on that bed and shout "'Ah'll be better before you can say lickity split!" But I couldn't the pain was unbearable even laying here. I thought it maybe Big Macintosh would pick it up he could be strong for me. I closed mah eyes and fell asleep, 'ah wasn't gonna leave mah friends just yet, not without a fight. Rarity was in her workshop again. Finishing up her last ensemble for Sapphire Shores. Suddenly the pony of pop burst through the door. "Miss Rarity you come with me NOW!" She sang. "Whatever is the emergency Sapphire?" I looked at her. "You haven't heard," she said in a normal tone, "your friend Apple Jack is in the hospital, and YOU haven't visited her yet. Now get in my cart and let's GO!" I couldn't have ran fast enough. I was mad at Apple Jack, yes. But hearing that she was in the hospital... ah! My mind was reeling now. I had to see her now. I ran into the room where they were holding her. I screeched to a stop, what I saw shocked, and appalled me. I flat line across the heart monitor, and a nurse pulling the cover over her face. Her hat lay on the table next to her, charred. "Time of death, 4:42 P.M." the doctor said. I looked at the clock, 4:45. I was too late, I could have been here to say goodbye and that I was sorry. But instead I had let her die with the last thing I said was that I didn't want to be her friend. I had essentially told her I hated her, and now I would go through this life.... unforgiven.
