The sunlight was warm and comforting on the apple filly's face. When she opened her eyes sleepily, the filly was greeted with yellow, buttery light.
"Good morning, world," she announced, yawning. She stretched out her hooves in a blissful greeting to the open window.
The filly breathed in deeply, smiling faintly at the summery fresh air. It smelled of apples, of home, and of bales of hay, carried on by the wind of a cool sunny day.
She, Applebloom, leaned back against her plush pillows, and sighed. Her smile grew a little smaller, and her amber eyes a little darker.
Despite the glorious town that awaited out her bedroom, she felt a melancholy tinge in the pit of her stomach.
'Today won't be a good day,' Applebloom thought, screwing her eyes up tight.
Placidly though, she placed her hooves on the bedsheet and pulled herself up to a sitting position.
But it was still a special day.
"Happy birthday, sis," the golden adolescent whispered raspily. Applebloom was almost laughing, but there were tears pooling at the corner of her eyes, her chest heaving.
She swallowed the lump rising in her throat. The shock didn't hit her like a tidal wave, instead flowed through her gangly body like dipping into the ocean-but it didn't stop the coldness that set in.
"Oh, golly, look at me, Applejack! Actin' so foolish right now!" Applebloom admonished herself, giggling and rubbing her eyes dry.
"Ah mean, Ah just got up, and Ah'm already fussin' like a foal! But don't you worry none, sis, ya see. Ah've got a heart as strong as a horse!"
With that said out loud, she stepped out of bed, and rushed to her mirror. There were still alot of things to be done, anyhow.
Applebloom grabbed a brown, worn brush off her dresser and began to bring it through her mess of a mane. She took a moment to glance up at her dusty reflection, setting her mouth in a straight line.
The older filly that stared back was tall and lean, yet muscles were begining to show along her honey colored chest. Her hair was thick and wavy, and despite the frizziness, her strawberry mane caught the light just right so that it shone.
And the amber eyes of the filly were dark and clear, filled with both wonder and excitement, but dancing with a new fatigue. The filly in the mirror smiled, a forced grimace, one that if dropped, would break into a thosand pieces.
She could see the beautiful mare everypony remarked upon, but she could also notice the small plain child hiding underneath.
Applebloom's eyes trailed down to the plain wood of her vanity and settled on the cute pink bow that resided on a silver hook. The bow of an innocent child, a pretty little thing of laughter and joy. To Applebloom, it made her heart tug a bit.
When she closed her eyes she could clearly see the younger filly she used to be, living in peace and expectation for only the next day, grinning along with the other two Crusaders.
The sight of the bow also filled Applebloom with a warm feeling in her breast. Sighing in resignation, Applebloom picked up the sentimental object between her calloused hooves and tied it back in her hair, just like old times. This time the smile was less fragile.
Applebloom gave herself a reassuring wink. She ran her hooves through her pink hair, biting her lip hard, and paced the floor besides her closed door. This day was important to her, surpassing even Hearths Warming, but she dreaded going out, meeting everypony.
Applejack was her sister, not anyone elses', besides Big Mac of course. She didn't need their pitiful stares, the whispered apologies, the hugs that only made her feel worse. She did not need the 'I'm sorry for your lost' speech, because Applejack wasn't lost at all. She was right their in Bloom's heart, she was there watching her from above, ready for the day when Applebloom moved on with her.
Applebloom just wanted to be alone with her thoughts, and with her sister on that day. She did not want to be surrounded by ponies who remarked how depressed they were about Applejack's passing, when their sadness would never match Bloom's.
Taking a deep breath, the golden filly stepped forward, heart pounding, and cracked opened the door. Applejack would never want her to shut herself up in her room all because of her. No matter what, she had to stay strong.
The door creaked open, and the grown foal slipped out of the warm room. The hallway was quiet and cool, a draft blowing down the floor. As Applebloom crept down the stairs, she swallowed hard. Bloom could faintly hear the soft sound of muffled sobbing coming from the thin walls of Granny Smith's room.
But she continued down the staircase, knowing her grandmother would come out when she was ready.
Applebloom slid onto the first landing and turned the doorway to the kitchen. She knew it already, of course, but the sight still made her stomach clench up again.
Decked out on the table were wreaths of apple tree leaves, arranged around a golden plaque engraved with her elder sister's cutie mark. Candels were set above on silver stands, flickering gently in the early morning light. They cast dark shadows on Applebloom's bewildered face.
Because in the center of it all, her gaze fell upon a highly decorated cake, orange and red and green. The frosting was thick and swirled, covered in sparkly sprinkles and fruit slices. In the middle of the inticing cake was written in delicate cursive:
For Applejack Jane Seed, our darling strong girl. We love you more than the heavens love you, We miss you more than you know. May God be with you our honest baby. Happy Birthday, Applejack.
Applebloom features crinkled up in a sad, small smile, and the filly stepped towards the table. This wasn't how it should be. Applejack would be there, laughing and making little jokes about Applebloom's crush, stealing chocolate from the pantry and giving it to the filly, playing a crazy card game with Big Mac, and grinning sheepishly while her family lit the tiny candels and sang 'Happy Birthday!'
But, there would always be a large dent in the frosting when the cake was served, the result of a guitly foal.
Although nopony was supposed to touch the cake that day, for it was preserved in her sister's honor, Applebloom couldn't stop herself from dipping her hoof quicky into the top of the pastry. She licked her hoof, relishing the sweet taste.
Applejack would have loved it.
Wiping her hoof on her chest, Applebloom pulled out a box of cereal* from the cabinet, but stopped. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Bloom really did not want to face her family.
Granny Smith, ever since the accident, was never easy to be around. But Big Mac was even worse, silent and brooding, refusing to come out of the house.
So Applebloom, guiltily, placed the box back on it's shelf. Careful to be quiet, she pulled out a pen and a piece of parchment from a drawer and began to write out a quick note to let her grandmother know where she was going. The filly signed it quickly and slapped it on the table.
Taking a couple of bits from the family piggy bank, Applebloom left her sorrowful house behind.
The apple fields were a sight to behold, bright green leaves dancing in the golden sunlight, with ripe red apples weighing down the long branches. Applebloom didn't even have to buck the apple from it's place.
She simply reached up and plucked an expecially shiny one from its bough and bit into it. As the juices ran down her chin, she trotted down the path to the center of town, face stotic."Ah'm doing this for ya, sis," Applebloom whispered to herself, as she neared the Ponyville festival, and the sounds of voices got louder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Applebloom jostled her coins in the pocket of her purse, peering from behind a tree at the festival ahead of her. The colors were bright, but black dominated most tents, pink carnations hung about in symbolism. Tones were hushed in the crowds, but her ears swiveled to the sound of holy singing. She licked her dry lips in worry, shouldering her purse.
In and out.
'That's all there was to it,' Bloom told herself. 'Don't worry about the ponies' ceremonies for your deceased sibling, the Element Of Honesty. Just go get it.'
With that, the teenager gingerly stepped out from behind the protective tree, and walked into the market, head bent low. Oh, please don't let anypony see me!
But of course her wish was in vain, because as soon as she was in view, the ponies grew quiet, watching the small mare.
'No! No!' Applebloom shrieked in her mind, stumbling forward against the cobbelstones. The whispers grew urgent, glances thrown at the shaking filly as she galloped blindly.
Applebloom fell into a beige coated mare, who lowered her purple shades. "Yo, little mare, I'm really sorry 'bout your sister. You know, I never knew her very well but-"
"No! You didn't, obviously! Get away from me!" Applebloom cried out in sudden anger, breaking free from the pony, and pushing her out of the way.
She ran blindly, a horrible feeling bubbling up inside of her. What was she doing?
"Vinyl?! What the hay did you do to that filly?!"
"Nothing, Octi, nothing, I swear!"
Their voices faded behind Applebloom, who just shook her head fiercely, and didn't stop. Murmers grew louder. Completly forgetting her objective, the filly dove behind a house in anguish, shaking.
The house cast a cool shadow upon the filly, and she sighed, gasping for breath. It was a protection from the stares and apologies, one that Applebloom was very grateful for.
The filly shuddered in her crouched position, digging her hooves into the dirt. That wasn't like her. After all, they were just trying to be nice, weren't they?
"Ah'm sorry, Applejack!" Applebloom croaked, tucking herself into a little ball. A tear leaked out from her eye, trailing down her cheek.
"Ah know Ah shouldn't of done that, none of this! But it ain't fair, sis! Ah don't need them! They don't know you! Please, come back!" The filly sobbed harder, burying her head between her forelegs, and trembling. This is what Applejack hated, and the filly knew it.
"Applebloom?" a voice lilted softly, right behind her.
The filly whirled around, futively rubbing away her tears. She looked up at a pure white unicorn her own age, with soft pink and lilac curls, and wide innocent green eyes.
Sweetie Belle.
The white filly mouth was drawn into a empathetic frown, her eyes falling on Applebloom's red face.
"Bloom, are you okay?"
Sweetie's face instantly soured, and she bit her lip, knowing far to well she shouldn't have said that.
"Wait! Um, no, I mean of course you're not alright, but I was just wondering if I could help you because- oh I'm so-"
"No, it's fine, Sweetie." Applebloom reached up and laid a hoof on the unicorn's leg, cutting her off. "Ya didn't do anything wrong, okay? It's just me and my crazy feelin's. Ah mean, 'course Ah'm not all right, but ya know what? Ya can help me, Miss Belle, sure."
Sweetie smiled, sadly, and helped the filly up.
"So, Ah keep promisin' Applejack Ah'll go out and see other ponies, but 'sides you and Scoots, Ah really don't like ta," she said, motioning to the tents. "It ain't right, but that just how it goin' ta be this time." Sweetie Belle nodded, quickly, and moved closer behind the house.
"But, what do you need, darling?"
Applebloom smiled wanly at the sweet word. Sweetie's sister was found of it.
"Well, how's Rarity been, is she doing good today?" Applebloom asked.
Sweetie froze at the subject change, dropping her gaze. "Oh, well, she's been kinda sad, reminiscing about your sis alot, talking to the empty air." She waved a hoof dismissively. "But she mostly lays in her bed with a robe and eats a bunch of ice cream." She stopped and glanced at Applebloom.
The two fillies burst into giggles, although neither of them found anything funny. But laughing was such a better feeling than crying, so Applebloom didn't stop. She rocked back and forth on her hooves, grinning.
"Applebloom, I'm not here to talk about Rarity. I'm here to help you. Now, what did you need?" Sweetie inquired, giving her a look.
Applebloom colored slightly. "Oh, it's silly, Sweetie, really. But Ah was just, shoot! Ah just need some flowers, for A..Applej-ack." The filly coughed. "Just a little present for her birthday, ya know, and Ah can't go back out there 'cause.." she trailed off. "Ah understand if ya don't want ta but-"
Sweetie Belle silenced her with a warm hug. "I know this must be hard for you, Bloom, Applejack was really something special. If you need some flowers for her, I'll definantly pick it up for you!" Her voice cracked. "How about the pink flowers? They represent-"
"Ah know what they represent, Sweetie! Ah'm not having it!" Applebloom pulled away from the startled unicorn. "Um, Oh- I'm sorry," Applebloom relented, and tried to hug her friend again, but Sweetie didn't comply.
"Na uh, no more stalling, Bloom. What color flower do you need?"
"Yellow," she said quietly, closing her eyes. "It's-was, Applejack's favorite color." Sweetie Belle face grew brighter, and she chuckled.
"Always the same, Applebloom. All right, certainly darling." She winked, and turned around."I've got some bits, so don't worry about it." Applebloom felt a warm glow in her chest as she watched the filly walk away. Sweetie was such a good friend, why had they grown apart?
Applebloom breathed a sigh of relief, and tried to calm her nerves. She was sure Applejack would love the flowers.
When Sweetie Belle returned shortly after, the honey colored filly was trapped in a stupor, carefully watching the little bees that darted between the blooming flowers.
The unicorn gently lowered the flowers in her telekinesis to Applebloom's lap, and prodded her in the shoulder. Applebloom started, and glanced up at her delicate face, giving Sweetie a grin.
"Thank ya so much! Ya don't know how much this means to me, to mah sister!" The earth pony exclaimed, jumping up and embracing her friend again. Her warmth was comforting against her chest.
"It's no problem at all, Bloom! Really, I'll always be there for you. Though it must be very hard for you today." Sweetie Belle nuzzled into her neck, her eyes a little bit wet."Applejack would be proud of you."
Applebloom felt a lump in her throat, and returned the affection."Thank you," she managed to choke out, gathering the bushel in her hooves.
Sweetie pulled back and nodded, blowing a piece of mane out of her face. "I know your probably occupied right now, but are you sure you wouldn't want to come watch me sing with the choir? I have a solo!"
Applebloom shook her head."Ah'm sure you'll do an amazing job, girl- but Ah got to go see Applejack right now."
The pale filly gave her an understanding pat on the head, but she still looked perturbed.
Bloom ducked away, giggling, but her face returned to it's serious expression a moment later."Hey, Sweetie, Ah know your worried about the performance."
Said mare mouth dropped open, yet she didn't deny it.
"Just because Ah'm going through some things, doesn't mean ya can't be either. But Ah know you'll be fine, Sweetie-Ah wish Ah could watch, but just tell me how it went after, kay?"
Sweetie's eyes gleamed with a new light. "You're the best," she whispered, stepping back."How about the 'Crusaders' have a sleepover tonight, just like old times? I'm sure Scootaloo will be up for it." Sweetie asked, hope lighting up her features, and a sort of childish smirk on her face. But childish play was exactly what Applebloom might need later, after it all.
"You know what? Ah might just take yall up on that, maybe," she sniffed lightly."Thanks, Sweetie." Giving one last reassuring smile, the unicorn turned away and headed out into the festival, trotting away from a struggling filly.
Applebloom sighed and stood up, grippping the flowers tightly.
They were perfect.
Whipping her head around to make sure the coast was clear, Applebloom stumbled forward, making sure to keep to the shadows of the houses.
Her pulse quickened. She could hear the sweet voice of Sweetie Belle ringing loud and clear, and beautifully. Applebloom stopped for a moment to listen to the calming sound, bittersweet and sad.. It made the filly happy to know her friend was doing such a kind thing for her sister.
Good job, Sweetie.
~~~~~~~
A mare made her way into the trees of her orchard, relishing the familar scent of apples and cows. Applebloom's pace slowed as she approached the back of her barn, and she felt a lump rise in her throat. She found it difficult to breath.
Applebloom rounded the corner of the peeling red wall to the a large delicate weeping willow tree. It's bright white flowers waved gently in the breeze, branches falling over and creating a serene reserve inside.
The filly walked slowly up the hill.
She crept soundlessly to the tree, mouth dry, and parted the beautiful flowers with a shaking hoof. She gasped at the sight of a large, worn slab of rock, tilted ever so slightly to the side, against the trunk of the weeping willow. It sent a knife deep into her chest.
But that wasn't the thing that surprised Applebloom. Huddled in front of the rock was....
Twilight Sparkle.
The purple mare whirled around and started, horn lit intimidatingly. Applebloom jumped back and fell in the grass, eyes wide.
Immediatly, Twilight relaxed and she slumped against the rock, covering her face with her hooves.
When she looked up, the filly was still there, staring.
"Oh, I'm so very sorry, Applebloom-I thought I would come visit today, and I didn't mean to scare you. You just startled me, that's all. I was remembering about.. But it doesn't matter! Hello, Applebloom!"
Bloom remained mute, hardly taking in the broken Alicorn's ramblings, just gaping at her blood-shot eyes, and dirtied, tear-soaked face.
Twilight managed a grimace, and stood up, folding in her wings by her side. "I just wanted to come see my friend on her birthday, give her a gift of friendship this morning, say 'Happy Birthday.' That's all," she repeated, softly, looking at the ground.
Applebloom finally managed to open her mouth. "Uh, hiya, Twilight. That's awful nice of you, and Ah'm here for the same reason actually. But-Ah was wonderin' if you're done yet,maybe?" The filly winced.
Twilight flinched. "Aw, yeah, I was just finishing up-Applejack has so much to say, you know? If you need some time, I'm not going to stop you." Her voice remained in the same lifeless and whispery tone.
The filly started to sweat. 'Please go away, Twilight. You're starting to creep me out," she thought desperately.
"I just miss her so, so much," Twilight intoned, shuddering. "And I always knew I would lose her, everyone, someday-but not this soon! Not when she had a whole life in front of her, and gosh! I want her back! I could obviuosly try a come back to life spell..."
Applebloom jerked up, face contorted. "That's enough, Twilight!"
The alicorn didn't move. "Of course, I was only joking."
Silence.
"Applebloom, before I leave, can I ask something?" Twilight looked scared, almost.
The filly brought her eyes up to hers.
Twilight took a deep breath, and ruffled her wings.
"Can you say 'sugarcube'?"
Applebloom felt a hard blow to her stomach, and she held back bile.
"Get away from me."
Twilight irises shruck.
"Or, umm, a contryism! You know how Applejack-"
"GET AWAY FROM ME NOW!!!" Applebloom roared, her pulse thundering, chest heaving.
Twilight fell back, but got to her hooves. She ran- fast down the hill, hair billowing out behind her. Yet she stopped at the base, and turned to the filly. "Tell Applejack I'm sorry!"
Applebloom watched her fly through the gates, and dissapear through the trees. Inhailing deeply, she faced her sister.
"Oh, Applejack! Ah'm here, Ah'm finally here, Sis!" The filly fell to her knees in front of the dirt bed, trembling fiercly. "Ah'm so sorry Ah didn't get here sooner, but Ah brought you a gift, see?" She took out the slightly wrinkled flowers and placed them on top of the still grave. "Ah know it's not much but-" she cleared her throat, voice warbingly.
"Happy Birthday, Applejack!" she exclaimed in a sudden burst of energy, and wrapped her arms around the cold stone. Applebloom immediatly jerked back in revulsion, shuddering from the freezing rock, and rubbed her arms up and down. That was not Applejack.
And then the filly broke. She collapsed at the foot of her sister's grave and screamed, the sound raw and despairing. The filly shriek was high and disturbing, even to her own ears, and it made her sob harder.
The sound ripped itself from her thoat, and Applebloom couldn't stop, no, she just buried herself in the grass.
The tears cascaded down the filly's cheeks in a waterfall, blurring her vision and running into her mouth. She spluttered, but couldn't fight off the cramping empiness in her stomach, the bile burbling at the back of her thoat. She thrashed on the ground, sobbing even harder.
"Ah-h..Ah'mm her-e..e b-b..but where ar-e- y..ya...-o-ou??"
The golden filly threw her face on the stone -hard- which brought another scream up through her mouth.
Applebloom fell back heavily, and gasped, clawing at her face. She could feel blood mixed in with tears, could taste the vile thing in her mouth. Applebloom's head ached, most definantly a bruise blossoming under her sweaty hair. The filly chocked, and took a deep shuddering breath.
The farm was quiet, undisturbed after her screams.
Applebloom pulled herself up, rubbing her face roughly.
"Okay, Ah'm sorry 'bout that, Applejack. Ah don't know what came over me." The filly traced her hoof on the stones engraving, letter by letter. She coughed, and took a ragged breath.
The filly knew the words by heart, she had stared at them so long through the year.
R.I.P
Applejack Jane Seed
Sister
daughter
grandaughter
Element of Honesty
friend
May you rest in peace, our darling angel. Bring your spirit and kindess to the heavens, for we know Earth was never good enough for you.
Applebloom felt a small smile warm her face at those words. Sister.
"Applejack, you were the best sister in the whole wide world."
She imagined she could hear her sister, gazing down at her from above.
"Shoot, Bloom. That's really somethin'. But it ain't true, sugarcube. 'Cause you're the best sis in the world."
Applebloom giggled. Always so modest.
"Do ya like mah present?" Her voice came out soft.
"Well, of course Ah do, Little Apple! Ah wouln't of asked for anythin' different!"
The filly nodded, embarrssed.
"You saw Twilight, right? I think she was a little...crazy today."
"Naw, she was a sweetheart, even brought me a book." A chuckle.
"Ah guess. But she wanted me ta..ta act like you. Ah couldn't! That's horrid! And Ah think she apologized because she didn't manage to bring ya back to life. Is that wrong?
Applebloom fidgeted with her hooves.
"Twilight wasn't completly wrong about what she said, when she said she wanted to try a spell. Ah knew she wasn't joking, Applejack. Sometimes, golly-Ah've givin' it up now Ah guess. Yet wouldn't it be somethin' if you were to come back to life, whole and pure and alive? Wouldn't that be just the darndest thing? Maybe Celestia would go back in time, fix everything make it right. But of course then it wouldn't be right. You passed on for a reason. But when Ah think back to that day, Ah find no reason in anything! Ya should of lived, should be with me! But it would be sinful, right?
"........."
"..........."
The filly bit her lip, unnerved at the silience. Then she remembered.
Applejack.
Was.
Dead.
Of course.
A fresh wave of pain over took her, but she swallowed it away.
"Ah've grown alot, Sis. Ah..Ah got my cutiemark." Applebloom glanced down at her flank, a heart shaped apple with a small white flower.
"Ah thought you'd be proud of that. It was 'bout 7 months ago, Ah think." The long ago sensation of accomplishment washed over her.
"Ah wish ya, that ya could of been there. Ah knew you were waiting for it, Applejack. Ah was too."
Applebloom removed the bow from her hair, and placed it meticulously besides the grave. It rested next to Applejack's worn, loved brown hat. "Ah wore mah bow today, just like you would of wanted."
A lump rose in her throat. "But Ah can't wear it no more, Sis. Ah can't pretend to be somethin' Ah'm not. 'member that little filly that would crusade for her mark? She's with you now."
"Ah'm 15 Applejack. And boy, Ah wish you could see me again. Would you be proud? Have Ah been good enough?" The filly closed her eyes.
"Why did you leave me?"
Applebloom laid her bloodied head against the stone. "Ah was a perfectly happy little filly, and then Ah woke up to the worst day of mah life one year ago. Oh Celestia, it scared me, Applejack. Seeing you like that, Ah couldn't take it. Ah feel...so broken without ya. But don't worry none sis, 'cause it ai'nt your fault.
"Every day Ah ask this awful world why they took ya. Why did they take ya instead of me? Your'e so much better Applejack. Ah'll never be as strong or honest or, heck, an Element. Equestria needs a hero like you, has always looked up to ya and seen somepony who would never break. And all Ah am and ever was was just your little sister.
"But Ah guess Ah am the big sister now."
Applebloom realized her cheeks were coated with tears, but she didn't brush them away, just sniffed.
"Ah know Ah shouldn't say this, even if it is true." The golden filly plucked a piece of grass and anxiously rubbed it between her two hooves.
"Oh, Ah hate talking to this thing."
Applebloom motioned to the pile of dirt.
" Its not really you, Applejack at 'tall. You're up there! Can ya see me? But your body is buried under this tree, staring lifelessly up at nothing. It creeps me out so!
Ah can't imagine you d..ead sis, not full of your usual energy, bucking trees, making apple cider with me. It doesn't fit! When Ah imagine you, Ah just want to die."
Applebloom felt a weight lift off her chest, just saying it aloud. "Dying would take all this pain away, right? And Ah would be able to be with you again, Applejack.
"Ya know how much Ah want to hug ya?"
The filly took a flower from its branch and threw it at her sisters grave. "Alot. So much, that sometimes Ah just want to give up. If Ah died Ah could see you again! Hug you. You always made me feel safe, and loved. And without out you, its kinda gone." Applebloom blinked away her tears.
"But Ah remeber the first time you made me feel safer then ever."
10 years ago
Applebloom looked back, panting, and shaking with hardly contained excitement. But she was also nervous. Oooh! She was nervouscited! The small filly rubbed her hooves together and turned back around to face a very large humongous apple tree. Applejack would never find her in time!
Applebloom peered up, trying to find the perfect branch. One jutted out at an angle just above the tiny filly's height, thick and strong . She gasped and reached, struggling to pull herself up.
She was totally gonna be a tree climber pony when she grew up! Applejack had a cool job of bucking apples, but it looked hard. Wouldn't it be better just to climb up and take an apple before supper? Of course she could always get one from the pantry, but her older sister told her everyday that the best reward came from hard work.
Applebloom giggled, imagining the sweet taste of the fruit. She kicked her hooves fast, and managed to haul her body on to the limb. There were still little woody bits that poked her legs, though.
"Alwight, hewe Ah come, apply twee!" said the tiny apple horse. Applebloom stood up, wobbling on her hind legs, and glanced around for the next branch. There! The filly found one, although slightly smaller, it still looked good. She pushed herself up, gasping for air. Tree climbing was harder than it looked.
Applebloom could see, a couple more sticks up, were big red apples! Her eyes widened. The filly grabbed another branch that was hanging low, and jumped up, laughing. They were so close! Then another!
Oh, boy wasn't she good at this?
Applebloom, in her giddiness, looked down- and cried out! Wow, she was so high! Like one of those pegasusuesus! Except she didn't have wings. Oh woah! Applebloom imagined flapping her little imaginary wings fast, and gripped the next bough, a small twigish thing.
Applebloom pulled down to get herself up to the apples, and heard a snap. Her stomach dropped, and she screamed, almost losing her hold on the branch. It stuck to the trunk with the barest piece of wood. The filly blanched, and whipped her head down.
This time the height was not amazing-it was super scary!
What if she fell?
Applebloom sucked in a huge breath, and wailed out:" Applejack"!
"Help mwe!!" Her cries were met with a distant crashing noise from the barn.
"Applebloom?" A voice called back, sounding panicked.
The filly felt herself relax. She was coming!
Her grip slipped.
"Huwwy!"
"Ah'm comin'!" Applejack shouted.
Applebloom started to sweat.
She could thankfully see her sister dashing from their house, hat flying off her head by her speed.
She was coming for her! But she better come fast!
Applebloom wanted to scream again.
She was gonna die!
Applejack galloped wildly to the trunk, squinting up to see the filly in the trees. She came to a stop underneatht he panicking Applebloom.
The lanky 13 year old filly had no idea what to do.
"Are ya slippin'? Should Ah get Ma?" Applejack asked, voice breaking.
"No! No!" The younger filly cried."Thewe's no time! Help me! Help me! Ah swippin'!" Applebloom struggled.
"Sis, Ah'm scared."
That seemed to snap Applejack out of her daze.
"Now, don't fret sugarcube! Don't worry at tall! 'Cause Ah got ya! Theres no need to be scared, Applebloom!" The filly soothed her sibling, in a calming voice.
"Okaww," Applebloom blubbered through hot tears. Of couse Applejack would save her.
She whimpered, feeling lightheaded. Wouln't she?
"Ok," the orange pony continued slowly, but not unsurely.
"Let go."
Applebloom was confused. Did her older bestest all-knowing sis just tell her to let go?
"Awe ya cwazy?"she squeaked, trembling.
"No Ah ain't. Let go and Ah primise you'll be safe."
"...."
"Ya can do it, mah little apple. Trust me."
Applebloom closed her eyes, terrified, and imagined letting go of the branch, falling....hurting. But then she saw Applejack again, and her fear melted away.
"Alright. Hewe Ah come."
Keeping her eyes screwed shut, the filly carefully tipped her hoof's grip off it's hold. Immediatly, a horrible weightless sensation engulfed her body. Applebloom tried to shriek, but the wind took her breath away, leaves a slap slapping at her face, tree shaking.
s
h
e
f
e
l
l
And stopped. Applebloom opened her eyes to not pain but warm security and soft apple smelling arms.
Applejack smiled down at her sister, hugging her so tightly.
"Oh my golly! Are ya ok?" The older filly exclaimed, anxiety written on her face.
Applebloom just stared in shock. She was okay! She was amazing! Applejack was amazing!
"Ya saved mee! Ya did it Applejack! Oh thank you!" She buried her face into Applejack's floofy chest.
The chest laughed, and so did the tiny filly. That scary moment seemed so far away, now that Applejack was with her! Applebloom nuzzled into her hair.
"Ah have to admit, ya sure did scare me there, little Apple! But o' course! Of course Ah could save you. Ah always be here for ya, even when your bein' a foolish little foal!"
Applejack giggled, hoping she got out of sitting in the corner. But then her face straightened into a pout of childish seriousness. "Always, fow evew and evew? Youll be here for me, Applejack?"
Applejack pulled back from their hug to gaze at her in her eyes. "Ah'll always be here for you, my bloom. And don't ya forget that. For ever and ever, Ah love ya."
~~~~~~
15 year old Applebloom pulled herself roughly out of her memeory, tears flooding her eyes. She had never felt so happy in the arms of a glorious living Applejack, and now, now she was gone forever.
The grown filly stared at the grave, almost with apathy.
"You lied."
She gritted her teeth.
"YOU LIED!!!" Applebloom screamed, throwing her body upon the dirt bed, kicking at invisible demons.
"You lied!"
"You lied...you lied!"
"You.....lied-"
Her blows against the ground grew weaker and weaker with each word.
Applebloom was done explaining, done explaining how she missed her best sister in the whole universe, the whole heavens.
She simply did.
The broken filly dug her hooves deeper, picturing her body buried under the ground, unmoving and lifeless.
"Ah miss you sis." A tear rolled down her face, followed by another, and another.
"Ah miss you so so so so so much!!"
Applebloom swallowed hard.
"But Ah love for for ever and ever."
