Crimson and Gold: An Unlikely Friendshipby TwilightAppleDashChaptersChapter 1 (Edited!!!)Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1 (Edited!!!)Today looked like being a pretty good day. The sun had just risen into the sky, yet there was still a fresh crispness to the air. Perfect for a round of Apple-bucking! I paused for a moment and wafted my old Stetson across my face and hair, puffing from exertion. Beside me, Big Macintosh was just collecting up the apples that had missed the buckets. We had been out for about twenty minutes already, and both of us were kept plenty warm in the chilly sunrise. I placed my hat atop my head again and reached my arms around the tree. There was a great shiver in the tree as I shook the thick trunk, and a cloud of soft, crimson apples fell into the buckets I had carefully placed around the tree’s circumference. Standing back and admiring my handiwork, I couldn’t help but feel smug as after watching Big Mac collect up his fallen apples, I was greeted by the satisfying sight of all my apples evenly filling up the buckets, with not a single one touching upon the ground. “Darn it!” Cursed B.M, stretching out his back as he loaded up with buckets. “Ah swear yeh’ve got some kind o’ talent fer this. Ah’ve been doin’ it fer years, yet ah still can’t tell where them apples’re gonna fall each time!” “Aw shucks, bro.” I replied, turning and flashing a grin up at him. “Ah may be able to land em in all in t’buckets, but it takes real skill to carry that many bucket loads, all at the same time!” He shrugged and hoisted a basket of apples over his back, while picking up two more. “Ehh, strength’s all this is, when y’all been buckin’ apples long as ah have, it’s nothing to lift this many.” We walked the short distance to the storage room in silence and dropped off our cargo. “Besides.” He continued, punching me playfully on the shoulder. “That bucket load yeh carried here t’aint nothin’ to sniff at!” We carried on bucking apples for a couple of hours, and by the time we finally called it quits, the sun had well and truly risen in to the sky. “Weel, ‘bout time ah got off to school ah guess.” I mumbled, wiping the sweat from my brow as we stood by the storage room and admired our hard work. “Make sure yeh grab a shower ‘fore y’all go.” B.M. replied, pretending to recoil from me. “Y’all are pollutin’ the air ah’m breathin’ with yer sweaty stink!” I gave him a good natured shove and together we headed up the hill towards our home. “So.” Big Mac said, an amused smile upon his face. “Y’all gonna hang out with ol’ Flutters in ya free period again?” I flushed faintly and growled at him, as he smiled knowingly. “Y’all know that’s not why ah’m headed to school!” I cried hotly, knowing that he was just messing around, but mad all the same. “Believe it or not, but ah have a B grade average to uphold!” “In everything, except Drama, which y’all only have a D+ in.” Chuckled Mac “Well ah ain’t never seen the point in horsin’ around, pretendin’ to be what we’re not!” I fired back, glaring up at him. “That stuff’s for Pinkie, she gets a kick out of it.” Even though I was kind of in a rush to get to school to hang out with Fluttershy and the others, (Shut up!) somethings just cannot be rushed. I sighed in pleasure as the hot water ran over my bare skin and swirled through my hair, relaxing my joints and releasing tension. After I got out of the shower, I wasted another couple of minutes debating whether to braid my blonde mane of hair, but decided to wear it long, slipping my trusty Stetson on top. Besides, Flutters had told me she preferred it down. When I had got to school, my friends were all hanging out in our usual spot, the equestrian horse statue/portal thing. Drawing nearer, I notified them of my presence by calling out a cheerful greeting. “Mornin’ Y’all!” Squealing, Pinkie skipped over to me and threw her arms about me, enveloping me in a warm hug. Rainbow nodded at me from where she was lounged against the statue, head-bopping a soccer ball. Rarity was busy on top of the foundation block, hastily scrawling bourgeoning fashion ideas into a small and un-necessarily elegant notebook. My heart leapt with joy as I found Fluttershy, who was busy studying with Sunset, or at least trying as a small and irate bunny kept jumping onto her work. “Now Angel,” I heard her gentle voice as I broke out of Pinkie’s strangle hold and walked into the group circle. ‘I know that you want a carrot from my backpack, but I’m afraid that you’ll need to wait just a few more minutes. This 1000-word essay on the roosting habits of Eurasian Eagle owls simply needs to be done before first period!” Crouching beside her, I slipped my arms around her and rested my cheek on her shoulder. “How’s mah favourite little Fluttershy?” She smiled and putting down her pen, she pulled off my hat and ran her fingers through my hair. “I spent the morning helping out at the animal shelter.” She replied, standing up and hugging me back. “I’ve been so busy these past couple of days that I simply haven’t had the time to focus on my homework.” “You’re not alone there sister.” Replied Rainbow, expertly flipping her soccer ball from her head to her foot, not breaking her rhythm. “Between soccer try-out and volleyball practices, I’m getting way behind on my subjects.” “Well dear, I would imagine that the best way to get up to date would be to actually study, instead of messing around with that ball of yours!” Rarity huffed impatiently, still scribbling away at her notebook. “What, and ruin my reputation as the King Jock?” Rainbow replied, incredulous. “Uh thanks, but no thanks.” She lost her concentration and the ball slipped off her foot and hit the ground. Rubbing her neck in reluctant agreement, she added in a rueful tone. “Though, I guess you’re right. I’ve got nothing on tonight, so it would be….” Here she paused and took a deep breath, looking nauseated before continuing. “….A good idea to put in an hour or two of study.” “Rainbow, if you want, I could always swing by your house after school and help you out.” Sunset offered, looking up from her homework. “A problem shared is a problem halved after all.” “Or even thirded!” Pinkie cheerfully snag, scarfing a cupcake that God alone knows where she got from. “If that’s a word!” “Sounds like a good plan.” I agreed, sitting back down and holding Flutters. “We could meet up at mah house for a bit o’ studyin’ and mebbe even have a sleepover!” “That does sound like a good idea.” Fluttershy replied, resting her head on my shoulder. “Just as long as there’s snacks and video games for afters.” Rainbow added, smirking at me. “Y’know, so I can beat Applejack at her own games.” Too comfortable to get up, I contented myself with tossing a pebble at her, which she neatly dodged. “Ooh, ooh, ooh!” Squealed Pinkie jumping up in excitement. “I’ll bring some snacks along and we can make it into a sorta party! I’ll bring chips, dip….and.” She continued, drooling and staring vacantly, lost in her own world. “Sweet, delicious and moist and sweet cupcakes.” “And ah’ll provide the beverages, this is turnin’ into a mighty fine plan, ah do declare!” I replied. “Oh….well…” Stammered Sunset. “Yeah sounds….great, you should totally have a sleepover study party!” “Ah really shouldn’t hafta say this, but Sunset, y’all are comin’ too!” I told her. Even though the events at the fall formal happened a year ago, Sunset still had trouble adjusting to the fact that she no longer had to rely on herself anymore and that she had six other friends to count on. That and she also had to endure daily taunting and teasing from the other school kids that hadn’t forgiven her. Well she only had to endure them when none of us were around her, basically very little. I know she's changed. It's just.... I just feel like I need to be cautious around her, like I can't be myself as naturally as I could around the others. I know that Sunset knows how I feel about her, and I feel really guilty, because I know how it makes her feel, like even among her closest friends, she still had trouble with friendship. I try to get over these feelings and I've told her that I've forgiven her for bullying me. All that's water under the bridge now. I think she thinks that I'm not very friendly to her because along with the rest of the school, my brother and little sister were brainwashed when she went she-demon, about a year back. Honestly, I wasn't impressed and still aren't, but then we've all done things we're not proud of. Shit, I know I have. But it's hard, trying to push aside my gut feelings. I can't help but think, what if she goes demon again? I figured that it would be a good idea to host a studying/party thing at mine, so I could maybe talk to her and get to know her a little better. Her face lit up and she smiled joyfully. “Thank you A.J.” She responded, then her smile faded as she looked away. “I keep forgetting that I have you guys now.” She continued softly, lost in her own world. “I keep fearing that one day, you will all turn your backs on me and kick me back to the gutter, where I belong and should be.” “Now really, dear.” Rarity said, pulling off her glasses and sitting up so that she could better see us. “You really must stop fretting about us abandoning you at the drop of a hat.” “Sunset, we accepted you because we knew, deep down, in our hearts that you’re a changed person.” Fluttershy added on. “Since last year, you have really begun changing your school reputation and recast your image in the school.” “Fluttershy’s right!” Replied Rainbow, twirling her ball upon her finger. “You have definitely changed. Heh, besides, it sure is nice to have a girlfriend who can give me a run for my money in athletics for a change.” “You’re a completely different person now.” Chimed in Pinkie. “Take last year, for example. Back then you were a mean and backstabbing and incredibly nasty person who dedicated her schooling career towards breaking up friendships and relationships!” Sunset winced and I shot a frown at the bubbly pink girl. “Pinkie! Ah don’t think Sunset here needs a reminder ‘bout the person she was before she understood friendship.” Pinkie apologized, seriously and I continued, addressing Sunset directly. “In the time, we’ve gotten to know ya, y’all have been a kind, generous, loyal, honest girl, always keen to share a laugh or two. Anyway, it’s not like any of us haven’t done something in their life that we ain’t proud of.” She brightened and a smile crossed her face once more. “Thanks girls, you are the greatest people I could ever have asked for as friends.” Just then the bell went, and amid mutterings and groaning’s, we packed up and got ready for first period. “So, just to recap.” Rainbow commented, sliding her bag over her shoulder. “After school today, we all meet up at yours, and study for a couple of hours.” “Then the night is ours!” I agreed, enthusiastically and helped Fluttershy up. Then we headed our separate ways, each cheerfully thinking hours ahead of the plan for that night. Little aware of how drastically our lives were to change in a matter of hours. Chapter 2With the plan securely in place, we all headed to our classes, each of us eagerly anticipating the end of this school day. Fortunately, school sped by without a hitch and before long, we had all met up in my barn and with books open before us, we began studying. “If X is equal to P, and G is half of Y times 5B, then what is A7G over XYB?” Rainbow asked, eyebrows furrowed as she death-stared her algebra quiz sheet. “Why darling, I do believe the answer is PQZY, or the same as E equals MC squared.” Rarity replied as she squinted through her glasses over her history revision paper. “However, I can’t for the life of me remember who the chancellor of Germany was, during World War Two.” “Uh, Rarity.” I said to her, rolling my eyes. “The chancellor of Germany was that crazy Adolf Hitler or somethin’, y’know the guy what cause WWII in the first place.” Suddenly Rainbow angrily crushed her algebra into a small paper ball and threw it at the wall. “Alright, damn this, I am officialy done with study!” “Oh Rainbow, I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Replied Fluttershy, anxiously looking up from her essay. “What’s the problem? Maybe I could help?” Rainbow merely shook her head and laughed. “Ha! Fluttershy, I seriously doubt that even you could help me here, unless you can somehow find a way to miraculously make studying less mind-numbingly and soul-destroyingly boring!” “Y’know what, Ah have to admit, ah agree with you there, Rainbow.” I tell her and she initially looks surprised, but almost immediately her face becomes pleased that someone agrees with her. She looks like she’s about to say something, but I quickly cut her off, smirking as I steal her catchphrase. “Eeyup, studying could definitely be about 20% cooler!” Amidst the chuckles from the others, R.D merely rolls her eyes at me and blows a raspberry. “Hey, A.J, shouldn’t you be outside, helping your big bro out with ‘dem apples’?” She fires back, in a drawl so exaggerated that it makes my slight accent seem neat and tidy. After a round of giggling, Pinkie sighs and grabs a cupcake from her bag. “All that said and done, I agree with Dashy! Much study study and little party party makes Pinkie very saddy saddy!” We all agree, Rainbow and Pinkie enthusiastically, that we had done enough study for one night and after we packed up our stationary, Rainbow broke out the games, Pinkie the snacks and I, the drinks. Surprisingly, Sunset proved to be a skilled gamer, after destroying Pinkie, Rarity and I, she fought Rainbow to a well-deserved tie, much to the consternation of Rainbow. “Sunset dear. How is it that you are so talented at this?” Rarity exclaimed, throwing down the controller after her 19th consecutive loss. “It’s a wonder that you don’t spend all of your free time locked away in your house and wearing out your poor thumbs on this infernal contraption!” Sunset shrugs and smiles innocently. “Actually, I don’t own a gaming console at home. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever played a videogame before.” Her smile fades, as she looks around the room at us and sees the open mouths and staring eyes at her. “What?” She asks, a little defensively. After a few seconds of silence, Rainbow finally manages to close her gaping mouth and form a coherent sentence. “Uh, t-there’s no way that this…. that this is your f-first time playing! Your j-just...too good for that t-to be true!” “Well I truly don’t have a console at my house.” Sunset replied, looking down at the ground. “I can’t really...afford one. Finances are a little...tight. Blushing faintly, she stares past us, out of the barn window and continues. “And I never had any friends before you guys, so I couldn’t exactly compete against anybody.” Here her tone becomes harsh and sneering, contemptuous. “Besides, at that point in my life, I guess I was more focused on other things, like turning the entire school population into mindless, will-less zombies and world domination!” When she had finished speaking, there was still a silence in the air, only of a different kind. “Oh Sunset, dear none of that matters now!” Rarity exclaimed, dropping her glasses into her pocket carelessly. “What matters now is that you’re a changed person and have begun putting your best foot forward.” “Rarity’s right.” Rainbow replied, casually flipping a marshmallow into the air and catching it between her teeth. “Besides, we’ve all done stuff in our pasts that we’re not quite proud of.” “Sunset, when I look at you now, I don’t think of the negative person you were before, I think about our friend who is both loyal and honest, kind and generous and always ready to share a laugh among her close friends.” Fluttershy chimed in from where she was sitting, head against my knees. Pinkie Pie said nothing, just jumped up from the snack table and wrapped her arms around Sunset, enveloping her in a warm hug. The rest of us lost no time in joining her and pretty soon, Sunset was being fiercely embraced by her five best friends. Sunset sighed happily. “Sometimes I don’t know what I’d do without you guys, it’s nice being able to rely upon people other than myself and it makes me feel good, knowing that no matter what, you guys will always stick by my side.” “As we would do for each other, and as we know you would do for us.” I replied, patting her shoulder. “Friendship is mutual, each person brings something to the table.” Once the happy, feel-good vibes had been restored, I walked outside and sat by the barn door, gazing out at the bright stars in the sky. Breathing in the crisp, clean farm air, I sighed and twisted my stetson between my hands and gazed up at the bright night. “Heya Mom, hey Dad, ah know it’s been awhile since I last talked to you guys, but you wouldn’t believe how busy ah’ve been, runnin’ the farm and whatnot.” I say, imagining that somewhere up there, shining brightly amongst all the other stars, stood my parents, looking down at the farm proudly. “Yea, don’t worry, ah’ve been taking care of little Applebloom and ah make sure to encourage Big Mac to take it easy and not over-strain himself with the loads he takes on, but y’all know it ain’t never easy.” I paused and took a deep breath, steadying myself and fighting back the sudden wave of emotion, threatening to overwhelm me. “Ah have to confess, ah’m not doing as well as ah tell mah friends.” I ran a hand through my hair and take a sip from the cider I brought out with me. “Even though it’s been what five, six years, ah still miss you guys.” A stray tear rolls down my face as I continue. “Sometimes, it feels like life jest gets too hard all of a sudden, and that I’d really rather jest stay in bed the whole day. Like when the bills pile up, or Applebloom gets picked on at school, or when Big Mac pulls a muscle and has to skip a day of apple-buckin’, meaning ah have to take up the strain.” My stetson falls to the ground as tears blurred my vision. “ I jest can’t help it, sometimes, ah get so tired of life and yearn to fall into an eternal sleep, forever resting in your embraces, but ah know that I have to stay here and take up your roles and help out Applebloom and pick up Big Mac’s slack and make sure the bills are paid, because if ah didn’t, who would?” I nurse my cider in the silence that follows, trying to stop the tears building up. I feel a gentle hand upon my shoulder, followed by the cool, sweet voice of the only person I would trust with this part of me. “It’s alright Jackie, only me.” Fluttershy’s voice sounded as she sat down beside me. We sit in silence again for a few moments, before the silence is broken. “H-how much….?” I trail off hoarsely. I feel her hand clasping mine as she replied. “How much did I hear? All of it.” I look back up at the skies. “Well now yeh know, ah guess.” I reply soberly, raising my bottle. Chapter 3“So now yeh know.” I replied soberly, raising my bottle for another slug. “Applejack.” She puts her hand over mine, and lowers the bottle. She pulls me closer to her and wraps her arms around me. I rest my head on her shoulder and close my eyes, seeking the strength to go on. We sat there in silence, for maybe an hour or two, neither one of us feeling the need to do anything else but just sit together. Finally we were roused by the sudden arrival of the others as they came out of the barn, Pinkie and Rainbow, nudging each other and trading insults half-heartedly. I lifted my head from flutters’ shoulder, pausing to kiss her soft, sweet lips and then quickly rose to my feet. “Eeeyup guys.” I called out to the group, a warm smile developing over my face. “What’s up?” “This silly filly drank the last of our ciders, A.J.” Rainbow Dash replied, poking Pinkie Pie in the stomach, to which she hastily replied.” “Yes well, the matter still stands.” Rarity continued, interrupting the duo before they could come to blows. “We seem to be fresh out of drinks dear.” “Yeah, so A.J, we were kinda hoping that maybe you could grab a couple more batches of cider.” Sunset chimed in, shuffling around and digging the toe of her boot into the ground. “What, a 40-pack already gone this early!?” I exclaimed, eyebrows raised. “Ah don’t think so, it sounds like y’all had enough tonight!” Naturally, this did not sit well with both Pinks and Dash, but surprisingly, it was Rarity who kicked up the biggest fuss. “But darling!” She cried, elbowing the duo out of her way. “You’re just punishing me and Sunset here, for the silly and immature antics of the terrible two behind me!” “Hey!” Chroused Rainbow and Pinkie, outraged. “Welp, matter is, we’ve all had a few drinks tonight, despite the quantity those two guzzled, and if’n ah bring out any more, y’all be cryin’ and moanin’ tomorrow f’sure.” So saying I stooped over and picked up my shabby old Stetson. “Well now, A.J, we’ve got the whole weekend ahead of us to adjust.” Dash protested, while Pinkie nodded enthusiastically behind her. “Last time we all hung out together as a group, we all like, had like, a 40-pack each and we were hardly out of it the next day.” She chimed in, bouncing around the group. A coy smile grew upon her face as she continued. “Besides, as far as I can remember, we were all steady, except for Flutters there!” Fluttershy blushed as a quiet chuckle went around the group. Indeed, last time we had all hung out, including Princess Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy’s inhibitions had been significantly lowered by the cider, and she had came clean about her feelings for me. Funnily enough, that was the reason we started going out. “That’s exactly why we don’t need anymore cider tonight!” She cried, the flush fading from her cheeks. “Horrible, nasty stuff, makes you blurt out your deepest and darkest secrets!” “Weel now, sugarcube. Is that really a bad thing.” I ask her, pulling her close and whispering slowly into her ear. “I mean, thanks to mah cider, you and ah are now a thing.” She flushed a darker colour, but remained silent. “But guys!”: Rainbow pleaded, falling upon her knees in front of me. “Besides, there’s a rare showcase of shooting stars at midnight tonight.’ Sunset replied, matter-of-factly. “This sort of event only happens like every 4 decades.” I looked over at her, trying to see whether she was being honest or not. “Weel, ah guess we will need another round of cider, if’n we wanna stay up for the occasion.” I relented with a smile, as Pinkie and Rainbow let loose some loud cheers. “Ah’ll jest hafta go down now.” I paused to grab a lantern from inside the barn and was about to head off, when I felt a restraining hand upon my shoulder. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Fluttershy asked me, concern clear in her voice. “Going down, at this time of night, in pitch black darkness with only a dim lantern to guide your way, on your own?” Turning, I slid my hands over her sides and rested my forehead against her own. “Relax, Fu-fu.” She blushed again as I used my special pet name for her. “It’s nothin’ more’n a quick stroll down t’the storage room and back up, bout ten minutes.” I continued, murmuring softly. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come down with you, maybe give you company?” Flutters squeaked back, quivering violently. Ever since we had started going out, Fu-fu had become a lot brave and self-confident. But well, at the end of the day, Fluttershy was still Fluttershy. “Naw, thanks but no thanks.” I console her, holding her tightly against me. “B’sides, some girl’s gotta stay up here and keep t’peace, and ain’t nobody else as good at it as y’all are.” To prove my point, a scuffle broke out behind us, between Rarity and Rainbow, leaving a frazzled Sunset trying to calm things down and an amused Pinkie Pie watching the show. “See what ah mean sugarcube?.” I responded, patting her hair. “They need ya to put ‘em in their place. Ah’ll be fine, seriously.” Fu-fu seemed to be pondering the matter, her adorable blue eyes fluttering between worry for me and annoyance towards the others, who were now fiercely arm-wrestling. Suddenly she pecked me on the cheek. “Oh all right.” She relied in my ear, embracing me again. “But I want you to promise me that you’ll be careful out there, Jackie.” “Flutters, ah promise with the bottom of my heart, that ah, yore special somebody, will stay safe and come back to you.” I replied solemnly. I took a moment to kiss her passionately upon the lips and we stood there, caught up in the moment. Our tongues swam backwards and forwards, each seeking the sweet taste of the other. Finally, gasping, we broke off and after one last gentler kiss, I quickly set off with lantern in hand down the beaten track. I had just reached the steps down the hill when I stopped and, remembering something, ran back to Fluttershy, calling out her name. As I got back to the barn, I saw that she had managed to calm everyone down and they were heading back into the barn, where someone, Pinkie presumably, had already turned on the sound system, filling the old building with pumping beats. “Flutters, wait!” I cried, jogging towards the barn. She stopped and turned, confusion etched upon her brow. “Fluttershy, ah was jest thinking.” I mumbled, embarrassed at my undignified arrival. “Ah mean, even though ah;ll only be, what, ten minutes, ah was jest wonderin’, would y’all wear my stetson and keep it warm for when ah return?” “Ah mean, you don’t have ta if’n ye don’t wanna…” My blustering was cut short as she kissed me upon the cheek and lifted my hat atop her head. “I’d be honoured to wear your hat, Jackie.” She replied. “Now go forth and bring back that cider, my noble farmer and hurry back to your princess!” “Tide life, tide death, ah’ll come without delay!” I said and galloped off down the hill again. Sunset’s P.O.V. “C’mon guys you’re embarrassing!” I chided Rarity and Rainbow. They looked pretty abashed, heads low, eyes searching the ground and feet kicking the dirt. “We actually managed to convince A,J, to bring us up some more cider, and just as she was leaving, you two think it’s funny to act up!” “Hey now, Sun, that’s not entirely fair.” Rarity protested. “This little shit…” “Ho, what did you just call me, you bitch?” Exclaimed Rainbow, grabbing her in a headlock. “Imma make you eat dirt, fashion mule!” So saying, she tripped Rarity into the dirt and the duo began happily wrestling, grunting and snorting, smearing each other in dirt. Pinkie, chuckled and sat back to enjoy the show, scarfing cupcakes she got from God know’s where. I was just about to tell Rares and Dash to quit it, when it hit me suddenly. Who am I to say or do anything to two, almost life-long friends, who have shared laughs together, experienced tragedies together. Who was I, some silly little girl who had delusions of grandeur and bullied those two girls, along with the rest of them mercilessly. I winced and backed down, retreating over to the snack bar, feeling empty inside. Finally Fluttershy walked in and fixed the rising tensions. Strangely, she was wearing A.J’s hat, something she doesn’t really allow the others to do. A.J., Applejack. Just hearing her name in my mind made me quail. Even 2 years after my defeat at the Canterlot High school Fall Formal, even after the other girls had accepted me and considered me their friend, even though Princess Twilight believed I had changed, A.J was the most wary about trusting me, though she kept it to herself now. Everytime she voiced her concerns, the others would tell her off, including Fluttershy, my biggest champion. I’m surprised she even invited me here, but then again, she might have had to , to stop the others from throwing a fit. I thought sourly to myself. I resented her hesitant and wary acceptance of me, resented the careful tone she used whenever she talked to me in front of the others. I especially resented that way she had of narrowing her eyes and tightening her lips whenever she had to look at me. I hated it more than anything in the world. I was changed, for God’s sake! I beat the Sirens at the Battle of the Bands a couple of months back when the other girls had been defeated! Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Principal Celestia, Vice-Principal Luna, Flash Sentry, even Princess Twilight all think I’ve changed for the better. Hell, even I think I’ve changed for the better. At least, I hope so. Being evil is kinda lonely. [Sunset.] a tiny voice whispered in my head. [Applejack has her reasons for being wary to trust you, remember?] When I didn’t acknowledge the voice, it carried on. [Well, firstly, out of all the girls you bullied, you bullied her the most, for her thick accent, the way she acted, the way she talked, the way she looked, the fact that her parents were dead, the fact that she lived on a small, backwoods farm with her stupid brother and idiotic sister.] That’s enough, please stop! I begged my subconscious, but still that dark voice continued, relentlessly tormenting me with memories of my past misdeeds. I watched Fluttershy sort out the fight and calm everybody down, wishing I could tell her what was happening to me. [When you became me.] The voice continued. [You enslaved the entire school population, including said brother and sister, when you know she prides herself on being able to protect and look after her family. It’s no wonder she doesn’t like you.] [In fact, I’m surprised that everyone pretends to like you, because you and I both know, they’re only pretending.] SHUT UP! I told the demon in my head. It’s not true! Rarity and Pinkie and Rainbow, they realy do like me! The demon just chuckled darkly and replied. [Oh really. Then why do none of them invite you to their house after school?] She asked me. Uh, they're p-probably busy with other t-things. I lamely replied. The voice laughed harder. [You will be forever alone. Unloved, unwanted, friendless forever.] Shut up, shut up, “SHUT UP” I yelled, the last one aloud, as I felt the demon inside of me attempting to take control of me again. Silence reigned in the barn, and everyone looked at me concerned. Or was it suspicion? I wondered darkly, thoughts plagued by the demon’s evil interference. Maybe they couldn’t wait for me to lose my marbles, so they could lock me away, forever. Gasping, I sprinted out of the barn and punched the door as I left, leaving behind a noticeable crack in the thick wood. Once outside, I knelt on the ground, my face in my hands as my heart thumped and sweat poured off me and I fought the voice for control of my body. [They want you gone, Sunset.] The demon voice echoed through my head, louder. [Let’s face it, who’d wanna be friends with a girl who was a demon once, only defeated by them, who could prove to backstab them again?] ‘Please, please stop.” I whimpered pathetically. ‘S-s-surely, somebody o-out t-t-there w-wants me.” Unbidden, my demon counterpart rose into my subconscious, chuckling softly, yet evily. [Who?] It asked me mockingly. [Who likes a short, skinny girl, once a bully, a traitor and a backstabber?] ‘No.” I whispered, clawing the ground with clenched fingers, as I felt myself drift away. “I a-am loved.” “Sunset! Ohmigosh, are you ok!?” A voice cried out from behind me. Suddenly the demon-me disappeared and I was able to open my eyes to see four wide and pale faces crowded around me. Rainbow and Pinkie gently helped me to my feet. “Thank you, girls.” I say to them, a trifle shakily after my ordeal. “You will never know how much that simple gesture means to me.” “Any time Sunset.” Replied Rainbow, anxiously. “But...what the fuck was that?” I started to reply, but was cut short by a terrified scream echoing from the middle of A.J’s paddocks. “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!” There was only one girl that voice could belong to. Watching Fluttershy, I saw the colour drain from her face, leaving it the colour of old milk, and her eyes shrank to pinpricks. I felt my heartbeat pick up again as adrenalin coursed through my veins. “APPLEJACK!” We all shouted and took off in a mad rush, down the hill to find her. Chapter 4Applejack’s P.O.V I left the others arsing around up top while I trotted down the well-worn path to the cider storage room. “She’ll be coming round the mountains when she comes, yeeha!” I sang aloud as my lantern dimly lighted the path against the inky black darkness of the night. “She’ll be coming round the mountains when she comes, yeeha. She’ll be coming round the mountains, she’ll be coming round the mountains, she’ll be coming round the mountains when she comes, yeeha!” Luckily, that morning, me and Big Mac had made up a couple of caskets and had left them to ripen during the day in the warm sun. They’ll be about ready to open and drank. “Ah don’t know what crap Rainbow says, ah’m definitely good enough to sing more’n backup in t’band.” Grumbling to myself, I hoisted about 4 casks and was about to head on up the hill, when the peaceful night time was split by a shrill cry. “Help me please, somebody, anybody! Please help me!” It sounded like a scared little girl. I dropped my caskets and ran outside. “Where are ya!” I yelled, raising my lantern aloft. “Help me please, I’m in the apple orchard!” I’ve never been one to ignore a cry for help, not even for a moment. Never have, never will. So instead of pausing a couple of minutes to grab my friends and have them search the orchard with me, I yelled, “Hold on, ah’ma comin’!” and alone, charged into the deep and dense orchard. It never once occured to me to stop and think, just why the hell a helpless little girl would be skulking around in my orchard, at midnight. After crashing around for about five minutes, I stopped moving and stood still, trying to get my bearings. It wasn’t until I stopped, that I became aware of the deafening silence. “Hey, little girl, gimme a shout!” I hollered desperately, hoping that I wasn’t too late to help her from whatever had happened to her. “Ah’m almost there.” I heard nothing else, except for a muffled slithering sound seeming to draw nearer to me all the time. For the first time, I became aware of where I was. Lost in the middle of my apple trees, in darkness and apparently alone now with whatever had silenced the girl. I smacked my own forehead with my hand. “A.J, sometimes, y’all are one dumb girl.” I chided myself. I froze suddenly, heart kicking into overdrive and blood chilled to ice as I heard a girlish giggle a few trees to my left. I decided that agression was the best form of defense. “Who in the hell are y’all!” I shouted, bracing my muscles for a fight. “Show yerselves, afore ah find yeh, or ah swear ah won’t be playin’ nice!” The giggling stopped abruptly, only to recommence right behind me. I wheeled about, my entire system braced for fight or flight, more likely fight, and saw… “Bon-bon!” I cried in relief, muscles untensing, I shakily chuckled as I reliazed how ready I had been to fight her a few seconds ago. “Jeez, girl yeh scared the livin’ daylights outta me!” “I happen to have that effect upon people, Applejack.” She replied, nodding her head and stepping forth into the lanterns dim light. “What the heck’re y’all doin’ down here so late? Come up to the barn with me, ah’ve jest gotta get some cider for the girls up top, we’re having a kinda get-together , y’know.” I realized that I was babbling, for while the figure in front of me resembled Bon-bon the sweet seller, there were a few things kinda off about her. Maybe it was the fact that she had been giggling like a lunatic. Maybe it was the fact that she was in my orchard at midnight, where that little girl had been silenced. Maybe it was her pale skin, like the colour had been leeched right out. Or maybe, nah it was definitely the fact that instead if her normal sweet blue eyes, Her irises now glowed with an unnatural red tint. “Oh, A.J!” She giggled, somewhat menacingly. “Ever the simple, yet adorably aggresive farm girl we’ve all come to know and love!.” Maybe now was a bad time to regret not calling my friends. I gulped nervously and backed up a couple of steps. “So, what brings you here, uh Bon?” I calmly asked, fighting my body’s instinct to run. Don’t look at her eyes, I thought to myself. Do not look at her eyes. Unlike me, she seemed perfectly at ease, leaning back against a tree and casually looking me up and down as she spoke. “Oh y’know, faking a defenceless girls voice, to lure unwary victims like yourself, into a dark and deep forest, where no-one will ever find you. The usual.” Ok, my body was definitely set to flight now. “O-oh w-well, aint that n-nice.” I stammered. “W-weel, I’d b-better be getting b-back now, the other w-will wonder w-where ah’ve g-got to.” I took another couple of steps backward, only to feel a thick and unyielding tree trunk hit my back. “Oh no, I don’t think so.” She murmurred, stifling a bored yawn as her soul less eyes bored a hole in me. “I haven’t finished playing with you yet. She drew nearer, visibly sniffing the air. “My my, Applejack. You smell, simply mouthwatering. And, there it is. It’s definitely time to get the fuck out of there. I sidestepped the tree and sprinted off, only to stop as Bon-bon suddenly appeared in front of me. “Where you going, sugarcube?” She mocked me, using my phrase. “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!” I screamed, losing my head and backing away. She stood in front of me smiling. “Oh, don’t go yet. She taunted me, suddenly standing right before me and running an icy cold finger down my neck. “I think your friends can wait, while I feast upon the sweet nectar of your blood.” It was then that I gave up hope of getting away from her. Here I was, as I’ ve said before, in the middle of my orchard which might as well be in the middle of nowhere, at midnight, with a vampire far stronger and far faster than me, thirsting for my blood. “So yeh wanna kill me.” I wearily retorted. Slumping to the ground. “Weel, what are y’all waiting for, an invitation? Git it over with, so’s ah can join my Mom and Pop’s in heaven.” “No I don’t think so, not just yet.” She purred looking down at me. “I think this one’s got a little fight in her. Maybe when I’m done here, I might find you little sister and she if she tastes as good as you smell, hmm?” That did it. I may no longer care about my own life, but so help me, if anybody threatens my family in front of me, while I still had breath left in my body, then boy were they gonna pay for it. I pushed myself up and taken unawares, Bon-bon reeled as my fist caught her in the face, knocking a couple of her teeth loose. She spat them into her hand and stared speechlessly at them. “You bitch.” She snarled at me. Suddenly I was flying through the air, as she had picked me up and thrown me. I saw the tree coming towards me and closed my eyes, realizing it was going to be painful. The tree stopped my motion as I crashed into it, leaving a sizeable dent in the tough bark, and I slid to the ground, paralysed and wheezing through a punctured lung. I knew almost immediately that my wounds were fatal but my only regret in life was not hurting the vampire more. “How fucking dare you touch me with your dirty fucking human hands!” She screamed at me. She seemed about to say more, but suddenly her nostrils widened and her crimson eyes glinted brightly. She had caught scent of my blood and was going to end it now, whether she like it or not. “Hehe.” I croaked raspily, coughing up blood. “Jokes on you, bitch.” She kneeled over me and I let out a faint cry of pain as her sharp teeth ripped open my throat, bearing my steaming blood for her. As I felt my life force ebbing, I heard distant shouts from afar, but drawing steadily nearer. Bon-bon paused and looked up, obviously contemplating something. Finally she glared down at me, back in control of her body. “I will have to finish you another time, your cursed friends are drawing nearer.” She bent over me again and I whimpered in pain as I felt a chilling sensation over my throat, as if my skin was freezing over. “However.” She continued, slowly breaking my fingers and adding them to my list of injuries. “I will not give you the satisfaction of an easy death. I’m going to ensure you live through this, as hated and feared as I am.” Standing up, she continued. “When you come to again, come seek me out. I will look forward to ending this with you again, A.J” With that, she was gone in a blur. I moaned as my pains caught up with me, as my vision faded, I glimpsed a pool of my blood, rapidly growing and flowing out of me. As I faded, my last conscious memory was of my friends voices drawing nearer. Too late… Chapter 5When I was a kid, I climbed the tallest tree in the orchard, on a dare from Big Mac. I slipped and fell from the top, snapping my arm clean in half. fourteen years ago, I watched my house burn from the safety of a fire-fighter’s arms, as he carried me away from my parents, who were burned alive in that fire. I bit and clawed that fireman until he bled, because I didn’t want to live life, as an orphan. About two years back, my steady boyfriend Soaren had revealed to me that he had been cheating on me for months and he left me for the other girl. I had thought by now, with Pain as my constant companion almost from birth, that I had come to understand it. As I floated in the murky darkness between life and death, I realised that up until now, I hadn;t even known the concept of it. I wanted to scream but my mouth and voice refused to obey me as I lost control of my own body. I felt the ice-cold touch on my throat, well what was left of the mangled flesh, spread downwards, throughout my wrecked and paralysed body, slowly healing me but bringing with it, an unforgiving cold that leeched the warmth and kindness from my bones, leaving nothing but coldness and emptiness. As my body changed, memories flooded through my conscious. Loving memories of my brother and sister, whom I’d die before anything happened to them. Sad memories of my parents, proudly watching me take my first step as a baby. I missed them so badly, it was a constant ache in my already pain-ridden body. Joyful memories of my friends, hanging out, having fun and sharing hugs. I felt a sharp regret as I realized that they could be my friends no longer. Because of what I was now, what I was becoming. Rage blossomed in the place where my heart once beat. An overwhelming feeling of hate and anger fed the pain as I flashbacked to the previous moments of my life and I watched Bon-bon kill me and infect me with her curse. As everything around me faded and lost their meaning, I nurtured that ball of hate, eagerly anticipating the moment when I’d finally face her and make her pay for what she had done to me. I watched as every word, every feeling and every gesture I had ever made, faded away into darkness, bringing with it a chance to start afresh. As the old Applejack faded away, a new A.J rose from the ashes. A harder, faster, tougher, colder A.J A more powerful A.J I revelled in my new found power, surging through my veins as the venom neared the end of its hateful work. It felt like I could travel the world in a single day, and do it again the next, and the next without exhaustion. The old memories, once flowing fast and thick had dwindled to a slow trickle, and finally I witnessed my very last memory. It was of me, standing in front of the Canterlot High School. I was surrounded by 6 other smiling girls in a big hug, each one of us bearing a bright and warm smile. As I gazed upon this last memory, I decided to lock it away, in the deepest recesses of my dead heart, in memory of the friendships I now had to shun. I had to get away from this place. Get away from my friends and family, before I could hurt them.
Chapter 1 (Edited!!!)Today looked like being a pretty good day. The sun had just risen into the sky, yet there was still a fresh crispness to the air. Perfect for a round of Apple-bucking! I paused for a moment and wafted my old Stetson across my face and hair, puffing from exertion. Beside me, Big Macintosh was just collecting up the apples that had missed the buckets. We had been out for about twenty minutes already, and both of us were kept plenty warm in the chilly sunrise. I placed my hat atop my head again and reached my arms around the tree. There was a great shiver in the tree as I shook the thick trunk, and a cloud of soft, crimson apples fell into the buckets I had carefully placed around the tree’s circumference. Standing back and admiring my handiwork, I couldn’t help but feel smug as after watching Big Mac collect up his fallen apples, I was greeted by the satisfying sight of all my apples evenly filling up the buckets, with not a single one touching upon the ground. “Darn it!” Cursed B.M, stretching out his back as he loaded up with buckets. “Ah swear yeh’ve got some kind o’ talent fer this. Ah’ve been doin’ it fer years, yet ah still can’t tell where them apples’re gonna fall each time!” “Aw shucks, bro.” I replied, turning and flashing a grin up at him. “Ah may be able to land em in all in t’buckets, but it takes real skill to carry that many bucket loads, all at the same time!” He shrugged and hoisted a basket of apples over his back, while picking up two more. “Ehh, strength’s all this is, when y’all been buckin’ apples long as ah have, it’s nothing to lift this many.” We walked the short distance to the storage room in silence and dropped off our cargo. “Besides.” He continued, punching me playfully on the shoulder. “That bucket load yeh carried here t’aint nothin’ to sniff at!” We carried on bucking apples for a couple of hours, and by the time we finally called it quits, the sun had well and truly risen in to the sky. “Weel, ‘bout time ah got off to school ah guess.” I mumbled, wiping the sweat from my brow as we stood by the storage room and admired our hard work. “Make sure yeh grab a shower ‘fore y’all go.” B.M. replied, pretending to recoil from me. “Y’all are pollutin’ the air ah’m breathin’ with yer sweaty stink!” I gave him a good natured shove and together we headed up the hill towards our home. “So.” Big Mac said, an amused smile upon his face. “Y’all gonna hang out with ol’ Flutters in ya free period again?” I flushed faintly and growled at him, as he smiled knowingly. “Y’all know that’s not why ah’m headed to school!” I cried hotly, knowing that he was just messing around, but mad all the same. “Believe it or not, but ah have a B grade average to uphold!” “In everything, except Drama, which y’all only have a D+ in.” Chuckled Mac “Well ah ain’t never seen the point in horsin’ around, pretendin’ to be what we’re not!” I fired back, glaring up at him. “That stuff’s for Pinkie, she gets a kick out of it.” Even though I was kind of in a rush to get to school to hang out with Fluttershy and the others, (Shut up!) somethings just cannot be rushed. I sighed in pleasure as the hot water ran over my bare skin and swirled through my hair, relaxing my joints and releasing tension. After I got out of the shower, I wasted another couple of minutes debating whether to braid my blonde mane of hair, but decided to wear it long, slipping my trusty Stetson on top. Besides, Flutters had told me she preferred it down. When I had got to school, my friends were all hanging out in our usual spot, the equestrian horse statue/portal thing. Drawing nearer, I notified them of my presence by calling out a cheerful greeting. “Mornin’ Y’all!” Squealing, Pinkie skipped over to me and threw her arms about me, enveloping me in a warm hug. Rainbow nodded at me from where she was lounged against the statue, head-bopping a soccer ball. Rarity was busy on top of the foundation block, hastily scrawling bourgeoning fashion ideas into a small and un-necessarily elegant notebook. My heart leapt with joy as I found Fluttershy, who was busy studying with Sunset, or at least trying as a small and irate bunny kept jumping onto her work. “Now Angel,” I heard her gentle voice as I broke out of Pinkie’s strangle hold and walked into the group circle. ‘I know that you want a carrot from my backpack, but I’m afraid that you’ll need to wait just a few more minutes. This 1000-word essay on the roosting habits of Eurasian Eagle owls simply needs to be done before first period!” Crouching beside her, I slipped my arms around her and rested my cheek on her shoulder. “How’s mah favourite little Fluttershy?” She smiled and putting down her pen, she pulled off my hat and ran her fingers through my hair. “I spent the morning helping out at the animal shelter.” She replied, standing up and hugging me back. “I’ve been so busy these past couple of days that I simply haven’t had the time to focus on my homework.” “You’re not alone there sister.” Replied Rainbow, expertly flipping her soccer ball from her head to her foot, not breaking her rhythm. “Between soccer try-out and volleyball practices, I’m getting way behind on my subjects.” “Well dear, I would imagine that the best way to get up to date would be to actually study, instead of messing around with that ball of yours!” Rarity huffed impatiently, still scribbling away at her notebook. “What, and ruin my reputation as the King Jock?” Rainbow replied, incredulous. “Uh thanks, but no thanks.” She lost her concentration and the ball slipped off her foot and hit the ground. Rubbing her neck in reluctant agreement, she added in a rueful tone. “Though, I guess you’re right. I’ve got nothing on tonight, so it would be….” Here she paused and took a deep breath, looking nauseated before continuing. “….A good idea to put in an hour or two of study.” “Rainbow, if you want, I could always swing by your house after school and help you out.” Sunset offered, looking up from her homework. “A problem shared is a problem halved after all.” “Or even thirded!” Pinkie cheerfully snag, scarfing a cupcake that God alone knows where she got from. “If that’s a word!” “Sounds like a good plan.” I agreed, sitting back down and holding Flutters. “We could meet up at mah house for a bit o’ studyin’ and mebbe even have a sleepover!” “That does sound like a good idea.” Fluttershy replied, resting her head on my shoulder. “Just as long as there’s snacks and video games for afters.” Rainbow added, smirking at me. “Y’know, so I can beat Applejack at her own games.” Too comfortable to get up, I contented myself with tossing a pebble at her, which she neatly dodged. “Ooh, ooh, ooh!” Squealed Pinkie jumping up in excitement. “I’ll bring some snacks along and we can make it into a sorta party! I’ll bring chips, dip….and.” She continued, drooling and staring vacantly, lost in her own world. “Sweet, delicious and moist and sweet cupcakes.” “And ah’ll provide the beverages, this is turnin’ into a mighty fine plan, ah do declare!” I replied. “Oh….well…” Stammered Sunset. “Yeah sounds….great, you should totally have a sleepover study party!” “Ah really shouldn’t hafta say this, but Sunset, y’all are comin’ too!” I told her. Even though the events at the fall formal happened a year ago, Sunset still had trouble adjusting to the fact that she no longer had to rely on herself anymore and that she had six other friends to count on. That and she also had to endure daily taunting and teasing from the other school kids that hadn’t forgiven her. Well she only had to endure them when none of us were around her, basically very little. I know she's changed. It's just.... I just feel like I need to be cautious around her, like I can't be myself as naturally as I could around the others. I know that Sunset knows how I feel about her, and I feel really guilty, because I know how it makes her feel, like even among her closest friends, she still had trouble with friendship. I try to get over these feelings and I've told her that I've forgiven her for bullying me. All that's water under the bridge now. I think she thinks that I'm not very friendly to her because along with the rest of the school, my brother and little sister were brainwashed when she went she-demon, about a year back. Honestly, I wasn't impressed and still aren't, but then we've all done things we're not proud of. Shit, I know I have. But it's hard, trying to push aside my gut feelings. I can't help but think, what if she goes demon again? I figured that it would be a good idea to host a studying/party thing at mine, so I could maybe talk to her and get to know her a little better. Her face lit up and she smiled joyfully. “Thank you A.J.” She responded, then her smile faded as she looked away. “I keep forgetting that I have you guys now.” She continued softly, lost in her own world. “I keep fearing that one day, you will all turn your backs on me and kick me back to the gutter, where I belong and should be.” “Now really, dear.” Rarity said, pulling off her glasses and sitting up so that she could better see us. “You really must stop fretting about us abandoning you at the drop of a hat.” “Sunset, we accepted you because we knew, deep down, in our hearts that you’re a changed person.” Fluttershy added on. “Since last year, you have really begun changing your school reputation and recast your image in the school.” “Fluttershy’s right!” Replied Rainbow, twirling her ball upon her finger. “You have definitely changed. Heh, besides, it sure is nice to have a girlfriend who can give me a run for my money in athletics for a change.” “You’re a completely different person now.” Chimed in Pinkie. “Take last year, for example. Back then you were a mean and backstabbing and incredibly nasty person who dedicated her schooling career towards breaking up friendships and relationships!” Sunset winced and I shot a frown at the bubbly pink girl. “Pinkie! Ah don’t think Sunset here needs a reminder ‘bout the person she was before she understood friendship.” Pinkie apologized, seriously and I continued, addressing Sunset directly. “In the time, we’ve gotten to know ya, y’all have been a kind, generous, loyal, honest girl, always keen to share a laugh or two. Anyway, it’s not like any of us haven’t done something in their life that we ain’t proud of.” She brightened and a smile crossed her face once more. “Thanks girls, you are the greatest people I could ever have asked for as friends.” Just then the bell went, and amid mutterings and groaning’s, we packed up and got ready for first period. “So, just to recap.” Rainbow commented, sliding her bag over her shoulder. “After school today, we all meet up at yours, and study for a couple of hours.” “Then the night is ours!” I agreed, enthusiastically and helped Fluttershy up. Then we headed our separate ways, each cheerfully thinking hours ahead of the plan for that night. Little aware of how drastically our lives were to change in a matter of hours.
Chapter 2With the plan securely in place, we all headed to our classes, each of us eagerly anticipating the end of this school day. Fortunately, school sped by without a hitch and before long, we had all met up in my barn and with books open before us, we began studying. “If X is equal to P, and G is half of Y times 5B, then what is A7G over XYB?” Rainbow asked, eyebrows furrowed as she death-stared her algebra quiz sheet. “Why darling, I do believe the answer is PQZY, or the same as E equals MC squared.” Rarity replied as she squinted through her glasses over her history revision paper. “However, I can’t for the life of me remember who the chancellor of Germany was, during World War Two.” “Uh, Rarity.” I said to her, rolling my eyes. “The chancellor of Germany was that crazy Adolf Hitler or somethin’, y’know the guy what cause WWII in the first place.” Suddenly Rainbow angrily crushed her algebra into a small paper ball and threw it at the wall. “Alright, damn this, I am officialy done with study!” “Oh Rainbow, I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Replied Fluttershy, anxiously looking up from her essay. “What’s the problem? Maybe I could help?” Rainbow merely shook her head and laughed. “Ha! Fluttershy, I seriously doubt that even you could help me here, unless you can somehow find a way to miraculously make studying less mind-numbingly and soul-destroyingly boring!” “Y’know what, Ah have to admit, ah agree with you there, Rainbow.” I tell her and she initially looks surprised, but almost immediately her face becomes pleased that someone agrees with her. She looks like she’s about to say something, but I quickly cut her off, smirking as I steal her catchphrase. “Eeyup, studying could definitely be about 20% cooler!” Amidst the chuckles from the others, R.D merely rolls her eyes at me and blows a raspberry. “Hey, A.J, shouldn’t you be outside, helping your big bro out with ‘dem apples’?” She fires back, in a drawl so exaggerated that it makes my slight accent seem neat and tidy. After a round of giggling, Pinkie sighs and grabs a cupcake from her bag. “All that said and done, I agree with Dashy! Much study study and little party party makes Pinkie very saddy saddy!” We all agree, Rainbow and Pinkie enthusiastically, that we had done enough study for one night and after we packed up our stationary, Rainbow broke out the games, Pinkie the snacks and I, the drinks. Surprisingly, Sunset proved to be a skilled gamer, after destroying Pinkie, Rarity and I, she fought Rainbow to a well-deserved tie, much to the consternation of Rainbow. “Sunset dear. How is it that you are so talented at this?” Rarity exclaimed, throwing down the controller after her 19th consecutive loss. “It’s a wonder that you don’t spend all of your free time locked away in your house and wearing out your poor thumbs on this infernal contraption!” Sunset shrugs and smiles innocently. “Actually, I don’t own a gaming console at home. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever played a videogame before.” Her smile fades, as she looks around the room at us and sees the open mouths and staring eyes at her. “What?” She asks, a little defensively. After a few seconds of silence, Rainbow finally manages to close her gaping mouth and form a coherent sentence. “Uh, t-there’s no way that this…. that this is your f-first time playing! Your j-just...too good for that t-to be true!” “Well I truly don’t have a console at my house.” Sunset replied, looking down at the ground. “I can’t really...afford one. Finances are a little...tight. Blushing faintly, she stares past us, out of the barn window and continues. “And I never had any friends before you guys, so I couldn’t exactly compete against anybody.” Here her tone becomes harsh and sneering, contemptuous. “Besides, at that point in my life, I guess I was more focused on other things, like turning the entire school population into mindless, will-less zombies and world domination!” When she had finished speaking, there was still a silence in the air, only of a different kind. “Oh Sunset, dear none of that matters now!” Rarity exclaimed, dropping her glasses into her pocket carelessly. “What matters now is that you’re a changed person and have begun putting your best foot forward.” “Rarity’s right.” Rainbow replied, casually flipping a marshmallow into the air and catching it between her teeth. “Besides, we’ve all done stuff in our pasts that we’re not quite proud of.” “Sunset, when I look at you now, I don’t think of the negative person you were before, I think about our friend who is both loyal and honest, kind and generous and always ready to share a laugh among her close friends.” Fluttershy chimed in from where she was sitting, head against my knees. Pinkie Pie said nothing, just jumped up from the snack table and wrapped her arms around Sunset, enveloping her in a warm hug. The rest of us lost no time in joining her and pretty soon, Sunset was being fiercely embraced by her five best friends. Sunset sighed happily. “Sometimes I don’t know what I’d do without you guys, it’s nice being able to rely upon people other than myself and it makes me feel good, knowing that no matter what, you guys will always stick by my side.” “As we would do for each other, and as we know you would do for us.” I replied, patting her shoulder. “Friendship is mutual, each person brings something to the table.” Once the happy, feel-good vibes had been restored, I walked outside and sat by the barn door, gazing out at the bright stars in the sky. Breathing in the crisp, clean farm air, I sighed and twisted my stetson between my hands and gazed up at the bright night. “Heya Mom, hey Dad, ah know it’s been awhile since I last talked to you guys, but you wouldn’t believe how busy ah’ve been, runnin’ the farm and whatnot.” I say, imagining that somewhere up there, shining brightly amongst all the other stars, stood my parents, looking down at the farm proudly. “Yea, don’t worry, ah’ve been taking care of little Applebloom and ah make sure to encourage Big Mac to take it easy and not over-strain himself with the loads he takes on, but y’all know it ain’t never easy.” I paused and took a deep breath, steadying myself and fighting back the sudden wave of emotion, threatening to overwhelm me. “Ah have to confess, ah’m not doing as well as ah tell mah friends.” I ran a hand through my hair and take a sip from the cider I brought out with me. “Even though it’s been what five, six years, ah still miss you guys.” A stray tear rolls down my face as I continue. “Sometimes, it feels like life jest gets too hard all of a sudden, and that I’d really rather jest stay in bed the whole day. Like when the bills pile up, or Applebloom gets picked on at school, or when Big Mac pulls a muscle and has to skip a day of apple-buckin’, meaning ah have to take up the strain.” My stetson falls to the ground as tears blurred my vision. “ I jest can’t help it, sometimes, ah get so tired of life and yearn to fall into an eternal sleep, forever resting in your embraces, but ah know that I have to stay here and take up your roles and help out Applebloom and pick up Big Mac’s slack and make sure the bills are paid, because if ah didn’t, who would?” I nurse my cider in the silence that follows, trying to stop the tears building up. I feel a gentle hand upon my shoulder, followed by the cool, sweet voice of the only person I would trust with this part of me. “It’s alright Jackie, only me.” Fluttershy’s voice sounded as she sat down beside me. We sit in silence again for a few moments, before the silence is broken. “H-how much….?” I trail off hoarsely. I feel her hand clasping mine as she replied. “How much did I hear? All of it.” I look back up at the skies. “Well now yeh know, ah guess.” I reply soberly, raising my bottle.
Chapter 3“So now yeh know.” I replied soberly, raising my bottle for another slug. “Applejack.” She puts her hand over mine, and lowers the bottle. She pulls me closer to her and wraps her arms around me. I rest my head on her shoulder and close my eyes, seeking the strength to go on. We sat there in silence, for maybe an hour or two, neither one of us feeling the need to do anything else but just sit together. Finally we were roused by the sudden arrival of the others as they came out of the barn, Pinkie and Rainbow, nudging each other and trading insults half-heartedly. I lifted my head from flutters’ shoulder, pausing to kiss her soft, sweet lips and then quickly rose to my feet. “Eeeyup guys.” I called out to the group, a warm smile developing over my face. “What’s up?” “This silly filly drank the last of our ciders, A.J.” Rainbow Dash replied, poking Pinkie Pie in the stomach, to which she hastily replied.” “Yes well, the matter still stands.” Rarity continued, interrupting the duo before they could come to blows. “We seem to be fresh out of drinks dear.” “Yeah, so A.J, we were kinda hoping that maybe you could grab a couple more batches of cider.” Sunset chimed in, shuffling around and digging the toe of her boot into the ground. “What, a 40-pack already gone this early!?” I exclaimed, eyebrows raised. “Ah don’t think so, it sounds like y’all had enough tonight!” Naturally, this did not sit well with both Pinks and Dash, but surprisingly, it was Rarity who kicked up the biggest fuss. “But darling!” She cried, elbowing the duo out of her way. “You’re just punishing me and Sunset here, for the silly and immature antics of the terrible two behind me!” “Hey!” Chroused Rainbow and Pinkie, outraged. “Welp, matter is, we’ve all had a few drinks tonight, despite the quantity those two guzzled, and if’n ah bring out any more, y’all be cryin’ and moanin’ tomorrow f’sure.” So saying I stooped over and picked up my shabby old Stetson. “Well now, A.J, we’ve got the whole weekend ahead of us to adjust.” Dash protested, while Pinkie nodded enthusiastically behind her. “Last time we all hung out together as a group, we all like, had like, a 40-pack each and we were hardly out of it the next day.” She chimed in, bouncing around the group. A coy smile grew upon her face as she continued. “Besides, as far as I can remember, we were all steady, except for Flutters there!” Fluttershy blushed as a quiet chuckle went around the group. Indeed, last time we had all hung out, including Princess Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy’s inhibitions had been significantly lowered by the cider, and she had came clean about her feelings for me. Funnily enough, that was the reason we started going out. “That’s exactly why we don’t need anymore cider tonight!” She cried, the flush fading from her cheeks. “Horrible, nasty stuff, makes you blurt out your deepest and darkest secrets!” “Weel now, sugarcube. Is that really a bad thing.” I ask her, pulling her close and whispering slowly into her ear. “I mean, thanks to mah cider, you and ah are now a thing.” She flushed a darker colour, but remained silent. “But guys!”: Rainbow pleaded, falling upon her knees in front of me. “Besides, there’s a rare showcase of shooting stars at midnight tonight.’ Sunset replied, matter-of-factly. “This sort of event only happens like every 4 decades.” I looked over at her, trying to see whether she was being honest or not. “Weel, ah guess we will need another round of cider, if’n we wanna stay up for the occasion.” I relented with a smile, as Pinkie and Rainbow let loose some loud cheers. “Ah’ll jest hafta go down now.” I paused to grab a lantern from inside the barn and was about to head off, when I felt a restraining hand upon my shoulder. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Fluttershy asked me, concern clear in her voice. “Going down, at this time of night, in pitch black darkness with only a dim lantern to guide your way, on your own?” Turning, I slid my hands over her sides and rested my forehead against her own. “Relax, Fu-fu.” She blushed again as I used my special pet name for her. “It’s nothin’ more’n a quick stroll down t’the storage room and back up, bout ten minutes.” I continued, murmuring softly. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come down with you, maybe give you company?” Flutters squeaked back, quivering violently. Ever since we had started going out, Fu-fu had become a lot brave and self-confident. But well, at the end of the day, Fluttershy was still Fluttershy. “Naw, thanks but no thanks.” I console her, holding her tightly against me. “B’sides, some girl’s gotta stay up here and keep t’peace, and ain’t nobody else as good at it as y’all are.” To prove my point, a scuffle broke out behind us, between Rarity and Rainbow, leaving a frazzled Sunset trying to calm things down and an amused Pinkie Pie watching the show. “See what ah mean sugarcube?.” I responded, patting her hair. “They need ya to put ‘em in their place. Ah’ll be fine, seriously.” Fu-fu seemed to be pondering the matter, her adorable blue eyes fluttering between worry for me and annoyance towards the others, who were now fiercely arm-wrestling. Suddenly she pecked me on the cheek. “Oh all right.” She relied in my ear, embracing me again. “But I want you to promise me that you’ll be careful out there, Jackie.” “Flutters, ah promise with the bottom of my heart, that ah, yore special somebody, will stay safe and come back to you.” I replied solemnly. I took a moment to kiss her passionately upon the lips and we stood there, caught up in the moment. Our tongues swam backwards and forwards, each seeking the sweet taste of the other. Finally, gasping, we broke off and after one last gentler kiss, I quickly set off with lantern in hand down the beaten track. I had just reached the steps down the hill when I stopped and, remembering something, ran back to Fluttershy, calling out her name. As I got back to the barn, I saw that she had managed to calm everyone down and they were heading back into the barn, where someone, Pinkie presumably, had already turned on the sound system, filling the old building with pumping beats. “Flutters, wait!” I cried, jogging towards the barn. She stopped and turned, confusion etched upon her brow. “Fluttershy, ah was jest thinking.” I mumbled, embarrassed at my undignified arrival. “Ah mean, even though ah;ll only be, what, ten minutes, ah was jest wonderin’, would y’all wear my stetson and keep it warm for when ah return?” “Ah mean, you don’t have ta if’n ye don’t wanna…” My blustering was cut short as she kissed me upon the cheek and lifted my hat atop her head. “I’d be honoured to wear your hat, Jackie.” She replied. “Now go forth and bring back that cider, my noble farmer and hurry back to your princess!” “Tide life, tide death, ah’ll come without delay!” I said and galloped off down the hill again. Sunset’s P.O.V. “C’mon guys you’re embarrassing!” I chided Rarity and Rainbow. They looked pretty abashed, heads low, eyes searching the ground and feet kicking the dirt. “We actually managed to convince A,J, to bring us up some more cider, and just as she was leaving, you two think it’s funny to act up!” “Hey now, Sun, that’s not entirely fair.” Rarity protested. “This little shit…” “Ho, what did you just call me, you bitch?” Exclaimed Rainbow, grabbing her in a headlock. “Imma make you eat dirt, fashion mule!” So saying, she tripped Rarity into the dirt and the duo began happily wrestling, grunting and snorting, smearing each other in dirt. Pinkie, chuckled and sat back to enjoy the show, scarfing cupcakes she got from God know’s where. I was just about to tell Rares and Dash to quit it, when it hit me suddenly. Who am I to say or do anything to two, almost life-long friends, who have shared laughs together, experienced tragedies together. Who was I, some silly little girl who had delusions of grandeur and bullied those two girls, along with the rest of them mercilessly. I winced and backed down, retreating over to the snack bar, feeling empty inside. Finally Fluttershy walked in and fixed the rising tensions. Strangely, she was wearing A.J’s hat, something she doesn’t really allow the others to do. A.J., Applejack. Just hearing her name in my mind made me quail. Even 2 years after my defeat at the Canterlot High school Fall Formal, even after the other girls had accepted me and considered me their friend, even though Princess Twilight believed I had changed, A.J was the most wary about trusting me, though she kept it to herself now. Everytime she voiced her concerns, the others would tell her off, including Fluttershy, my biggest champion. I’m surprised she even invited me here, but then again, she might have had to , to stop the others from throwing a fit. I thought sourly to myself. I resented her hesitant and wary acceptance of me, resented the careful tone she used whenever she talked to me in front of the others. I especially resented that way she had of narrowing her eyes and tightening her lips whenever she had to look at me. I hated it more than anything in the world. I was changed, for God’s sake! I beat the Sirens at the Battle of the Bands a couple of months back when the other girls had been defeated! Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Principal Celestia, Vice-Principal Luna, Flash Sentry, even Princess Twilight all think I’ve changed for the better. Hell, even I think I’ve changed for the better. At least, I hope so. Being evil is kinda lonely. [Sunset.] a tiny voice whispered in my head. [Applejack has her reasons for being wary to trust you, remember?] When I didn’t acknowledge the voice, it carried on. [Well, firstly, out of all the girls you bullied, you bullied her the most, for her thick accent, the way she acted, the way she talked, the way she looked, the fact that her parents were dead, the fact that she lived on a small, backwoods farm with her stupid brother and idiotic sister.] That’s enough, please stop! I begged my subconscious, but still that dark voice continued, relentlessly tormenting me with memories of my past misdeeds. I watched Fluttershy sort out the fight and calm everybody down, wishing I could tell her what was happening to me. [When you became me.] The voice continued. [You enslaved the entire school population, including said brother and sister, when you know she prides herself on being able to protect and look after her family. It’s no wonder she doesn’t like you.] [In fact, I’m surprised that everyone pretends to like you, because you and I both know, they’re only pretending.] SHUT UP! I told the demon in my head. It’s not true! Rarity and Pinkie and Rainbow, they realy do like me! The demon just chuckled darkly and replied. [Oh really. Then why do none of them invite you to their house after school?] She asked me. Uh, they're p-probably busy with other t-things. I lamely replied. The voice laughed harder. [You will be forever alone. Unloved, unwanted, friendless forever.] Shut up, shut up, “SHUT UP” I yelled, the last one aloud, as I felt the demon inside of me attempting to take control of me again. Silence reigned in the barn, and everyone looked at me concerned. Or was it suspicion? I wondered darkly, thoughts plagued by the demon’s evil interference. Maybe they couldn’t wait for me to lose my marbles, so they could lock me away, forever. Gasping, I sprinted out of the barn and punched the door as I left, leaving behind a noticeable crack in the thick wood. Once outside, I knelt on the ground, my face in my hands as my heart thumped and sweat poured off me and I fought the voice for control of my body. [They want you gone, Sunset.] The demon voice echoed through my head, louder. [Let’s face it, who’d wanna be friends with a girl who was a demon once, only defeated by them, who could prove to backstab them again?] ‘Please, please stop.” I whimpered pathetically. ‘S-s-surely, somebody o-out t-t-there w-wants me.” Unbidden, my demon counterpart rose into my subconscious, chuckling softly, yet evily. [Who?] It asked me mockingly. [Who likes a short, skinny girl, once a bully, a traitor and a backstabber?] ‘No.” I whispered, clawing the ground with clenched fingers, as I felt myself drift away. “I a-am loved.” “Sunset! Ohmigosh, are you ok!?” A voice cried out from behind me. Suddenly the demon-me disappeared and I was able to open my eyes to see four wide and pale faces crowded around me. Rainbow and Pinkie gently helped me to my feet. “Thank you, girls.” I say to them, a trifle shakily after my ordeal. “You will never know how much that simple gesture means to me.” “Any time Sunset.” Replied Rainbow, anxiously. “But...what the fuck was that?” I started to reply, but was cut short by a terrified scream echoing from the middle of A.J’s paddocks. “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!” There was only one girl that voice could belong to. Watching Fluttershy, I saw the colour drain from her face, leaving it the colour of old milk, and her eyes shrank to pinpricks. I felt my heartbeat pick up again as adrenalin coursed through my veins. “APPLEJACK!” We all shouted and took off in a mad rush, down the hill to find her.
Chapter 4Applejack’s P.O.V I left the others arsing around up top while I trotted down the well-worn path to the cider storage room. “She’ll be coming round the mountains when she comes, yeeha!” I sang aloud as my lantern dimly lighted the path against the inky black darkness of the night. “She’ll be coming round the mountains when she comes, yeeha. She’ll be coming round the mountains, she’ll be coming round the mountains, she’ll be coming round the mountains when she comes, yeeha!” Luckily, that morning, me and Big Mac had made up a couple of caskets and had left them to ripen during the day in the warm sun. They’ll be about ready to open and drank. “Ah don’t know what crap Rainbow says, ah’m definitely good enough to sing more’n backup in t’band.” Grumbling to myself, I hoisted about 4 casks and was about to head on up the hill, when the peaceful night time was split by a shrill cry. “Help me please, somebody, anybody! Please help me!” It sounded like a scared little girl. I dropped my caskets and ran outside. “Where are ya!” I yelled, raising my lantern aloft. “Help me please, I’m in the apple orchard!” I’ve never been one to ignore a cry for help, not even for a moment. Never have, never will. So instead of pausing a couple of minutes to grab my friends and have them search the orchard with me, I yelled, “Hold on, ah’ma comin’!” and alone, charged into the deep and dense orchard. It never once occured to me to stop and think, just why the hell a helpless little girl would be skulking around in my orchard, at midnight. After crashing around for about five minutes, I stopped moving and stood still, trying to get my bearings. It wasn’t until I stopped, that I became aware of the deafening silence. “Hey, little girl, gimme a shout!” I hollered desperately, hoping that I wasn’t too late to help her from whatever had happened to her. “Ah’m almost there.” I heard nothing else, except for a muffled slithering sound seeming to draw nearer to me all the time. For the first time, I became aware of where I was. Lost in the middle of my apple trees, in darkness and apparently alone now with whatever had silenced the girl. I smacked my own forehead with my hand. “A.J, sometimes, y’all are one dumb girl.” I chided myself. I froze suddenly, heart kicking into overdrive and blood chilled to ice as I heard a girlish giggle a few trees to my left. I decided that agression was the best form of defense. “Who in the hell are y’all!” I shouted, bracing my muscles for a fight. “Show yerselves, afore ah find yeh, or ah swear ah won’t be playin’ nice!” The giggling stopped abruptly, only to recommence right behind me. I wheeled about, my entire system braced for fight or flight, more likely fight, and saw… “Bon-bon!” I cried in relief, muscles untensing, I shakily chuckled as I reliazed how ready I had been to fight her a few seconds ago. “Jeez, girl yeh scared the livin’ daylights outta me!” “I happen to have that effect upon people, Applejack.” She replied, nodding her head and stepping forth into the lanterns dim light. “What the heck’re y’all doin’ down here so late? Come up to the barn with me, ah’ve jest gotta get some cider for the girls up top, we’re having a kinda get-together , y’know.” I realized that I was babbling, for while the figure in front of me resembled Bon-bon the sweet seller, there were a few things kinda off about her. Maybe it was the fact that she had been giggling like a lunatic. Maybe it was the fact that she was in my orchard at midnight, where that little girl had been silenced. Maybe it was her pale skin, like the colour had been leeched right out. Or maybe, nah it was definitely the fact that instead if her normal sweet blue eyes, Her irises now glowed with an unnatural red tint. “Oh, A.J!” She giggled, somewhat menacingly. “Ever the simple, yet adorably aggresive farm girl we’ve all come to know and love!.” Maybe now was a bad time to regret not calling my friends. I gulped nervously and backed up a couple of steps. “So, what brings you here, uh Bon?” I calmly asked, fighting my body’s instinct to run. Don’t look at her eyes, I thought to myself. Do not look at her eyes. Unlike me, she seemed perfectly at ease, leaning back against a tree and casually looking me up and down as she spoke. “Oh y’know, faking a defenceless girls voice, to lure unwary victims like yourself, into a dark and deep forest, where no-one will ever find you. The usual.” Ok, my body was definitely set to flight now. “O-oh w-well, aint that n-nice.” I stammered. “W-weel, I’d b-better be getting b-back now, the other w-will wonder w-where ah’ve g-got to.” I took another couple of steps backward, only to feel a thick and unyielding tree trunk hit my back. “Oh no, I don’t think so.” She murmurred, stifling a bored yawn as her soul less eyes bored a hole in me. “I haven’t finished playing with you yet. She drew nearer, visibly sniffing the air. “My my, Applejack. You smell, simply mouthwatering. And, there it is. It’s definitely time to get the fuck out of there. I sidestepped the tree and sprinted off, only to stop as Bon-bon suddenly appeared in front of me. “Where you going, sugarcube?” She mocked me, using my phrase. “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!” I screamed, losing my head and backing away. She stood in front of me smiling. “Oh, don’t go yet. She taunted me, suddenly standing right before me and running an icy cold finger down my neck. “I think your friends can wait, while I feast upon the sweet nectar of your blood.” It was then that I gave up hope of getting away from her. Here I was, as I’ ve said before, in the middle of my orchard which might as well be in the middle of nowhere, at midnight, with a vampire far stronger and far faster than me, thirsting for my blood. “So yeh wanna kill me.” I wearily retorted. Slumping to the ground. “Weel, what are y’all waiting for, an invitation? Git it over with, so’s ah can join my Mom and Pop’s in heaven.” “No I don’t think so, not just yet.” She purred looking down at me. “I think this one’s got a little fight in her. Maybe when I’m done here, I might find you little sister and she if she tastes as good as you smell, hmm?” That did it. I may no longer care about my own life, but so help me, if anybody threatens my family in front of me, while I still had breath left in my body, then boy were they gonna pay for it. I pushed myself up and taken unawares, Bon-bon reeled as my fist caught her in the face, knocking a couple of her teeth loose. She spat them into her hand and stared speechlessly at them. “You bitch.” She snarled at me. Suddenly I was flying through the air, as she had picked me up and thrown me. I saw the tree coming towards me and closed my eyes, realizing it was going to be painful. The tree stopped my motion as I crashed into it, leaving a sizeable dent in the tough bark, and I slid to the ground, paralysed and wheezing through a punctured lung. I knew almost immediately that my wounds were fatal but my only regret in life was not hurting the vampire more. “How fucking dare you touch me with your dirty fucking human hands!” She screamed at me. She seemed about to say more, but suddenly her nostrils widened and her crimson eyes glinted brightly. She had caught scent of my blood and was going to end it now, whether she like it or not. “Hehe.” I croaked raspily, coughing up blood. “Jokes on you, bitch.” She kneeled over me and I let out a faint cry of pain as her sharp teeth ripped open my throat, bearing my steaming blood for her. As I felt my life force ebbing, I heard distant shouts from afar, but drawing steadily nearer. Bon-bon paused and looked up, obviously contemplating something. Finally she glared down at me, back in control of her body. “I will have to finish you another time, your cursed friends are drawing nearer.” She bent over me again and I whimpered in pain as I felt a chilling sensation over my throat, as if my skin was freezing over. “However.” She continued, slowly breaking my fingers and adding them to my list of injuries. “I will not give you the satisfaction of an easy death. I’m going to ensure you live through this, as hated and feared as I am.” Standing up, she continued. “When you come to again, come seek me out. I will look forward to ending this with you again, A.J” With that, she was gone in a blur. I moaned as my pains caught up with me, as my vision faded, I glimpsed a pool of my blood, rapidly growing and flowing out of me. As I faded, my last conscious memory was of my friends voices drawing nearer. Too late…
Chapter 5When I was a kid, I climbed the tallest tree in the orchard, on a dare from Big Mac. I slipped and fell from the top, snapping my arm clean in half. fourteen years ago, I watched my house burn from the safety of a fire-fighter’s arms, as he carried me away from my parents, who were burned alive in that fire. I bit and clawed that fireman until he bled, because I didn’t want to live life, as an orphan. About two years back, my steady boyfriend Soaren had revealed to me that he had been cheating on me for months and he left me for the other girl. I had thought by now, with Pain as my constant companion almost from birth, that I had come to understand it. As I floated in the murky darkness between life and death, I realised that up until now, I hadn;t even known the concept of it. I wanted to scream but my mouth and voice refused to obey me as I lost control of my own body. I felt the ice-cold touch on my throat, well what was left of the mangled flesh, spread downwards, throughout my wrecked and paralysed body, slowly healing me but bringing with it, an unforgiving cold that leeched the warmth and kindness from my bones, leaving nothing but coldness and emptiness. As my body changed, memories flooded through my conscious. Loving memories of my brother and sister, whom I’d die before anything happened to them. Sad memories of my parents, proudly watching me take my first step as a baby. I missed them so badly, it was a constant ache in my already pain-ridden body. Joyful memories of my friends, hanging out, having fun and sharing hugs. I felt a sharp regret as I realized that they could be my friends no longer. Because of what I was now, what I was becoming. Rage blossomed in the place where my heart once beat. An overwhelming feeling of hate and anger fed the pain as I flashbacked to the previous moments of my life and I watched Bon-bon kill me and infect me with her curse. As everything around me faded and lost their meaning, I nurtured that ball of hate, eagerly anticipating the moment when I’d finally face her and make her pay for what she had done to me. I watched as every word, every feeling and every gesture I had ever made, faded away into darkness, bringing with it a chance to start afresh. As the old Applejack faded away, a new A.J rose from the ashes. A harder, faster, tougher, colder A.J A more powerful A.J I revelled in my new found power, surging through my veins as the venom neared the end of its hateful work. It felt like I could travel the world in a single day, and do it again the next, and the next without exhaustion. The old memories, once flowing fast and thick had dwindled to a slow trickle, and finally I witnessed my very last memory. It was of me, standing in front of the Canterlot High School. I was surrounded by 6 other smiling girls in a big hug, each one of us bearing a bright and warm smile. As I gazed upon this last memory, I decided to lock it away, in the deepest recesses of my dead heart, in memory of the friendships I now had to shun. I had to get away from this place. Get away from my friends and family, before I could hurt them.
