Facing Your Demons

Chapters

Sometimes Life can be Dangerous
An End to Energy
The Discovery of Flight Pt. 1
The Discovery of Flight Pt. 2
The Breaking of Friendships
Finding Family
Epilogue: Reunion

Sometimes Life can be Dangerous

“The subconscious is a strange place, a vast emptiness where lost memories can be found and hidden evils come to light.”

Fluttershy had always been the quiet pony her entire life. The ponies she talked to were her five friends besides her animals. She never knew her parents and her earliest memory was being in an orphanage before they sent her to flight school. Although her experience in flight school was short she had learned a lot about what having a family could be like.

Rainbow Dash showed her what it felt like to have a friend on the day she got her cutie mark. Of course after falling from the clouds and learning she had a deep connection with animals, Fluttershy had finally found her “family”. Angel always seemed like a brother to her and although he was stubborn she loved him very much.

It was because of him that Fluttershy was climbing the mountain outside of Ponyville. He wanted her to make him a special salad again but this time one of the ingredients was hard to come by. This herb was very rare and only grows in a cave that has residuals of dragon fire ash. Fluttershy knew that it might grow in the cave at the top of the mountain, because she had helped move a dragon out of it some weeks earlier.

Halfway up the mountain a vulture swooped down from seemingly nowhere and snatched up a wandering bunny in front of her. Screaming from surprise Fluttershy jumped back and heard a deep rumble. The ground beneath her shook as boulders falling from above started to strike the earth. Panicking her wings stuck fast to her sides as she tried to avoid the falling rocks. Try as she may she didn’t see the hoof sized rock, and couldn’t avoid it as it came down and smacked her head hard. A flash of white and a blinding pain was all she felt before everything faded into black.

Groaning, Fluttershy opened her eyes and rolled onto her stomach. All around her was just a vast gray emptiness, confused and slightly scared she stood up on wobbly legs. Finding herself unable to speak she thought to herself, W-what’s going on? where am I? Her head ached and she tried to keep her balance but her knees wouldn’t cooperate and she collapsed back onto the ground.

Voiced floated through the grayness and she recognized them to be her friends. Twilight, “What happened?”

Pinkie Pie “Why her?”

Applejack “Come back to us sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash “I-I found her...”

Rarity wasn’t saying anything at all, Fluttershy could only hear her crying. The voices faded through the void but a new voice boomed into her head. “Be calm Fluttershy, there are things we must discuss.” Again she tried to speak but it felt like her voice box was bound in chains.

Oh dear Celestia I can’t speak! I want to see my friends! The voice came back into her head only this time softer.

“Yes while you are here you will not be able to talk, but I can hear your thoughts, allowing us to communicate.”

Where are you? Why can’t I see anything but gray? After this thought a bunny hopped into view and she recognized it as Angel. Angel? What are you doing here?

“I am not Angel but I am here to help you through this Fluttershy.”

If you aren’t Angel then who are you? I just want to go home!

“I am a thought form brought into existence from your troubled past. At this moment you are not able to go home because of the head injury you sustained on the mountainside.”

Head injury? What are you talking about?

“Watch and you will see.” the Angel look-alike said as he hopped over to her and the entire world around her bloomed into color. She recognized the mountainside and saw herself dodging falling rocks. Watching in horror she saw one fall onto her head and her body collapse. A few minutes passed, her body lying motionless, when Rainbow Dash came rapidly into view and landed next to her. “Fluttershy? Are you alright?” She nudged her body with her nose and seeing no reaction she picked up her friend and flew off.

The colors drained and everything returned to the void. B-but if Rainbow Dash grabbed me then where am I now? A tear trailed down her cheek as Angel replied.

“You are in the hospital surrounded by your friends.. The void you are currently in is your subconscious. It can show you anything from your past whether you remember it or not.”

“Please don’t go away Fluttershy.” She heard Rarity’s voice echo quietly through the emptiness,.

I won’t Rarity, I will get out of here. Turning her attention back at Angel she thought to him, If this place can show me my past then I would like to see what happened to my parents.

“So be it, but I warn you some things you see in here might not be what you expect.” The void shifted again and this time she was in a Cloudsdale hospital room. A young pink pegasus was laying on the bed screaming in pain as she gave birth to Fluttershy. The doctor carried her out of the room as a nurse pulled a sheet up over her mother’s head. The world dissolved back into gray as Fluttershy sat there, tears flowing freely.

She died? That vision didn’t tell me anything! Only that my mother died! What happened to my father? What were their names?

“I can’t stand to see her like this.” Applejack’s voice broke in before Angel could reply.

“Her name was Elegant River, and yes she died in childbirth. As to your father the doctors only knew a name, Heart Throb, not where he was or why he wasn’t at your birth.”

Heart Throb? Do you know where my mother is buried so I can at least visit her grave?

“Yes, she is buried in the Cloudsdale cemetery that is all the knowledge I have on your parents.” Angel hopped away from her and started to fade away.

Wait! Where are you going? I have more questions! Fluttershy thought as loud as she could trying to stand on her still unstable legs.

“It is time for you to be on your own, there is nothing I can contribute to what comes next.” Fading completely Fluttershy was all alone again in the void. Feeling helpless she sobbed quietly with no one to comfort her.

“I’m so sorry Fluttershy, its all my fault.” Rainbow Dash’s voice came through sounding choked with tears. No its not it is my fault, I should have told Angel he couldn’t have that salad. I made the choices that brought me here.

Suddenly a voice boomed through the entire void and shook the ground beneath her. “Yes it is all your fault dear Fluttershy.” A grotesque figure shrouded in darkness rose out of the ground in front of her. The darkness faded into a cloak around the figure’s neck and revealed a sight that nearly pushed Fluttershy to insanity.

The figure before her was disfigured beyond all reason. Bleached white bones forced themselves from legs and body. The ears were torn apart and bleeding, its eyes were missing completely. Fangs poked out from its mouth, and the wings were mangled and hanging limp. Worst of all the thing looked like her.

W-who are you? Fluttershy thought in fear that it might hurt her if she said anything to offend it.

“I? I am the evil that courses through your mind. I am what drives you to do bad things. I am your 'stare', and I want OUT!”

O-out? I don’t understand what you mean.

“I want out! To do this I must consume your feeble mind and finally take permanent control!” The thing moved closer and closer the more it talked.

Where did you come from? What do you mean permanent? Fluttershy slowly crawled backwards afraid of what the thing will do if it gets close enough.

“I was created by you! Every time the kids at the orphanage would pick on you, you wished there would be someone to protect you. I came in your time of need but you shunned me! I almost got out during the Gala and if you wouldn’t have come across the Princess I would have!”

Suddenly the thing rushed at her with blinding speed. the fear drove her to stand and jump to the side, narrowly evading her evil. For the first time in fear Fluttershy managed to open her wings and take off. The thing looked up and screamed as it lifted its own wings and followed her into the sky. Shocked she stared at it, how can it fly on wings like those? It shouldn’t be possible!

It continued to scream, but not from pain that it should be feeling from its wings, but with hatred. Fluttershy’s mind raced as she tried to think of a way to kill the thing. She flew faster than she ever had before trying to outrun her own evil. It finally came to her, I can change the void to see memories, what’s to say I can’t create objects as well?

Taking a quick dive, the thing whipped past her, and she concentrated on building her weapon. It appeared out of nowhere, a razor sharp sword with flames flowing over it like water. It moved to her every thought fluidly and without error. The evil turned around and started back towards her faster than ever.

Waiting until the last moment Fluttershy quickly moved to the side and brought the blade down slicing into the things back. It screamed in pain and fell rapidly before recovering and continued its quest in destroying her.

It had slowed from the pain but was relentless in the pursuit. She waited again and dove bringing the blade down onto it right wing, slicing it off neatly. This time it fell all the way and struck the ground hard.

Fluttershy landed near it still holding the blade in her thoughts. The evil struggled to stand not taking its empty eye sockets off of her. It started to speak incoherently as Fluttershy drove the sword into its head splitting it in half. The thing collapsed as black fluid ran from what was left of its head.

She let the sword go and it vanished quickly, the flames dying off in the air. She sat down and breathed deeply trying to catch her breath as everything faded to black.

Fluttershy groaned as she opened her eyes being blinded by the bright light. She held her hoof up in front of her face and saw various tubes sticking out. Looking around she saw her friends laying around the room fast asleep. All except for Rainbow Dash who was sitting next to her just staring. “Hey Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash leaned forward quickly and hugged Fluttershy as hard as she could. “I’m so sorry its all my fault, I couldn’t get to you fast enough.”

“It isn’t your fault, I’m glad you got to me before I got even more hurt. How long was I asleep for?” Her friends all looked older and Pinkie Pie had cut her hair into a straightened layered look, which was unusual to see on the party pony.

“You were asleep for three months, we are all here because the doctor said you were showing improvement and might wake up soon.”

“Three months? It seemed a lot shorter than that. But I guess I really didn’t keep track of time. Thanks Rainbow Dash, your voice kept me going through some tough times.”

“Whuzzat? Fluttershy?” Applejack said coming out of her own sleep. “Fluttershy! You’re awake! I’m glad I didn’t lose you too.” AJ rushed forward and joined the hug. all of her friends woke up from the noise and realizing she was awake started talking excitedly.

“Wait,” Fluttershy said, “What do you mean ‘too’ Applejack?”

“Granny Smith died in her sleep last month. I couldn’t bear it if you died too.” AJ said sniffling quietly.

Fluttershy hugged her friend tightly, “I’m so sorry Applejack.”

“It’s alright Fluttershy, you’re fine and that’s all that matter right now.”

As the excitement died down and everyone was calmly chatting Fluttershy spoke up, “When do you think they will release me? I have something I need to do.”

Twilight Sparkle looked curious, “ The doctor said you can leave tomorrow. Do you mind me asking what you need to do?”

“I’m going to go visit my mother’s grave then go look for my dad.”

Pinkie Pie broke in, “But Fluttershy I thought you grew up in an orphanage, how do you know what happened to your parents now?” One of the biggest changes Fluttershy noticed was how calm Pinkie had become, instead of the excitable pony she used to know.

“I learned a lot while I was asleep, the only thing I didn’t learn was where my dad is I just know his name.”

Pinkie just frowned and sat back thinking it over. Everyone else looked shocked, they all knew Fluttershy’s past but didn’t expect anything like this to happen.

“I’m sorry guys, it’s getting late and I want to get some sleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Her friends all said their goodbyes and left but Rainbow Dash stayed behind. “Hey RD there is something I would like to ask you if you don’t mind.”

“Sure anything you want Fluttershy.”

“Um...I was wondering if you’ll come with me tomorrow, I would like some company.”

“Alright Fluttershy you got a deal, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night.” She said as her friend closed the door. She smiled and closed her eyes, she had some more memories to look through.

An End to Energy

“Questions build who we are. They define the choices we take, which in turn can make or break us.”

“Why are you always so damned cheerful all the time?” Applejack screamed into Pinkie Pie’s face. Tears streamed down her face as she yelled at her energetic friend for the first time since they’ve known each other. It has been two months since Fluttershy’s accident and they were at Granny Smith’s funeral. Pinkie Pie had just commented on how great the reception was going to be with an ear to ear grin. Applejack had snapped and instantly regretted it, seeing Pinkie’s grin slowly fade to nothing. Not being able to bear the look on her friend’s face, Applejack turned and started running.

Pinkie stared after her friend as she ran away. The question hit home but Pinkie couldn’t answer it. I’ve always been like this, I can’t help it. I see someone sad and I want to cheer them up but parties are the only way I know how. Shaking her head she walked to the door and headed home.

That night as Pinkie Pie laid in bed her thoughts were running wild trying to answer the question. Why did Applejack yell at me? She has never done that before. She has always been the nicest pony I know. I wonder if a party would cheer her up?

No no that is what caused the problem in the first place.

Maybe she’s right, maybe I am too energetic and cheerful. Ever since Rainbow Dash’s first sonic rainboom I always want to make everyone smile and be happy. Pinkie Pie frowned and rolled onto her side, This is very confusing my friends never complained about my energy before, why bring it up now?

You're right Pinkie, your friends never complained, but maybe it has always been on their minds they just couldn’t bring it up.

No I’m sure they would have if it was really a problem. I think they are still upset because of Fluttershy. Sure it was a horrible accident and she still hasn’t woken up but I’m sure she will soon.

She might wake up then what? She brings it up as well and then everyone will start to accuse you of being too cheerful.

No! I refuse to believe they all think the same thing, there has to be another reason for it all!

And what if there isn’t? What will you do then? Try to pretend to be normal or calm? Sure it might work for a little bit but eventually they will see through your ruse.

Pinkie started to sob, It’s true! I wouldn’t be able to control myself for very long! They will start to hate me and I’ll be all alone again. I don’t want to be alone, it’s a terrible life to go through.

Yes it is, but what if it doesn’t have to be that way?

What do you mean? There is nothing that I can do that will let me keep my friends.

You just need to actually change, not pretend to be something you’re not. If it happens right you can keep your friends and be a changed pony.

But what about parties? Will I have to stop partying too? That doesn’t seem like a very fun lifestyle.

Oh you can keep the party going but it will be different.

How will it be different? A party is a party no matter who throws it.

If you were to become an event planner you could still throw parties, but only to the requirements of those who hired you. The party would be different but you would get paid for it. Also with your baking skills there would be no need to hire a catering service.

Sniffling Pinkie cheered up, That sounds like a great idea, I could have my own business just like my dad. I don’t like the thought of having to throw parties that I don’t normally do, but I can deal with it, if it means I can keep partying.

Now to handle the energy problem, do you remember the rainboom that made you who you are?

Of course I do, it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. What about it?

When that happened it fired off a wrong synapse in your brain, shutting down the rational side. The effect of this caused an over abundance of energy and a short attention span. To reverse this you must let me return and fix what has been undone.

Wait, so you aren’t me? I thought I was talking to myself. Who are you?

I am you Pinkie. I am who you were always meant to be, until the rainboom locked me away inside your mind.

So if I let you fix me then will I be locked away like you were?

No I do not blame you for what happened. You will still be you just a more calm, collected, and intelligent you. I just want to be part of your life again and I want to help make it better than it is now.

That sounds like fun! I would like to be more intelligent and not be locked away. I’m all for you fixing me, how soon can you do it?

Great! I’ll be able to do it tonight while you are sleeping. You will wake up tomorrow and notice the changes. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new take on life.

Sweet! Good night other me!

Good night Pinkie Pie this will be the last time we talk to each other.

What? Why? I really like you!

After the process is finished we will be together as one, so I will always be with you but we won’t be able to speak with each other.

Oh...well good bye, I will miss you.

Good bye Pinkie Pie, and sweet dreams.

The next morning was wonderful for Pinkie Pie. Waking up she felt more balanced than she usually did. She was right, I’m still me, just a better me. Smiling she stepped into the shower to wash what was left of her old self away. As she dried herself off she noticed that her mane and tail didn’t immediately explode into the tangled mess it usually was. Wow I like this look but it does seem a little long, I’ll have to get it fixed later.

Walking down the stairs she saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake getting ready to open the shop. “Good morning Cakes! I have an announcement to make.”

Mrs. Cake turned and gawked, “Pinkie! What have you done with your mane? You look like a completely different pony!”

“Do you like it? I’m going to go get it trimmed later. Anyways my announcement, I’m going to be moving out this week.”

“Moving out? Dear are you sure? You have been living upstairs for a long time why move now?”

“I want to give you guys some more room now that you have babies. I also want to start my own business, so living in a bakery won’t give me a very good image.”

“Well we support you in your decision Pinkie, what will you be doing?” Mr. Cake joined in, curious of the sudden change.

Pinkie headed for the door, “I’m going to be a professional event planner, now if you’ll excuse me I have some things to take care of.” With that she left the couple standing there with open mouths.

Breathing in the morning air she thought to herself, now first things first I need a haircut. Cheerfully she pranced to the salon noticing that all her extra energy was gone. Wow I feel so much better now! Things are going to be a whole lot better from here on out.

The Discovery of Flight Pt. 1

“The unnatural advancement of evolution is a destructive force that corrupts the minds it touches.”

“What are we going to do? If we can’t sell enough apples this month we are going to lose the farm.” Applejack was in the kitchen with Big Mac looking over the bill for the farm. “Since Granny Smith didn’t pass on her recipe for zap-apple jam, we lost our business with Filthy Rich. Now we have to come up with ten-thousand bits to keep our home.” She started crying and Big Mac put his hoof around her shoulders with a grim look on his face.

“Eeyup.”

The door burst inward and Apple Bloom rushed in holding a flier. “Applejack! Big Mac! Y’all have got to see this! Our problem is solved!” She placed the flier down over the bill and the three Apples looked over it.

Written in what appeared to be gold ink was the message, “Attention! Earth pony volunteer needed for study. Required to be in good shape with no health problems. Best candidate will receive fifty-thousand bits upon acceptance.” Beneath the message was a phone number and basic info required for volunteering.

Applejack wiped her eyes, “fifty-thousand bits and the only requirements are to be in good shape and health? Sounds like the perfect opportunity for me, what do y’all think?”

Immediately Apple Bloom responded, “You’re perfect for it Applejack, you should make the call an’ apply so we can keep the farm.”

“Eeyup.”

“Well then it looks like it’s settled, I’ll make the call now.” Applejack picked up the flier and went over to the phone and pressed the only button it had.

The phone rang once before it was answered, “Hello how may I connect you?”

“Yes could y’all put me through to 549135?”

“Just a moment.” The phone clicked and went silent for a couple of seconds before it started ringing.

“Hello thanks for calling the Laboratory for the Advancement of Living, how may I help you today?”

“Howdy, I’m callin’ about the flier I saw and I would like to volunteer for the study.”

“Great now there are a few requirements, first, are you an earth pony?”

“Yes.”

“Great are you in good shape and health?”

“I would like to think so.”

“Alright and finally what is your name and birthdate?”

“Mah name is Applejack and mah birthday is September 5th 981.”

“Alright well you seem like the perfect candidate, somepony will be by your farm later today to pick you up.”

“What about the bits? When will I get those?””

“Yes, the fifty-thousand bits will be delivered to the head of your household upon pick up.”

“That’s fine, I’ll be waiting.” Applejack pushed the button and hung up. Turning around she saw Big Mac and Apple Bloom with big smiles, “Well it looks like our problems are indeed solved.” She walked over and gave them both a big hug.

“What do you think the study is for? They really didn’t give out that much information.” Apple Bloom said after the hug was finished.

“I ain’t sure, just be happy we won’t lose our farm. Now, let’s get some lunch.”

“Eeyup.”

The Apple family were done eating and Applejack was cleaning up the dishes when there came a knock on the front door. She heard it open and Apple Bloom start talking to somepony. “Applejack they are here to pick you up!” Drying off her hooves she headed into the foyer. Standing in the entranceway were two unicorns and a large bag.

“Ah, you must be Miss Applejack, how are you today?” The lime green pony said.

“I’m fine how are y’all doin’?” Applejack held out a hoof as she greeted them.

After shaking her hoof the yellow unicorn replied, “We are good, are you ready to leave?”

“Yes I am, did y’all bring the bits?”

“Right here in this bag, now if you’ll follow us to the wagon.”

“Right behind you,” Applejack said as she trailed behind them as they walked outside. Sitting in the driveway was the most detailed wagon she ever laid eyes on. The green unicorn opened the door and ushered her in where she took a seat and waited for them to follow suit.

The wagon jolted forward and the yellow unicorn started talking, “Now we have a few things to discuss so you understand what will happen. We are taking you to our lab for a procedure that two of our scientists came up with.”

“What kind of procedure?” Applejack said curiously.

“A surgical procedure, the surgeons will be grafting artificial wings onto your sides.”

“What?! Who came up with this?! Most importantly is it safe?”

“Calm down Miss Applejack, this is very safe if it is done with earth ponies. The brothers Flim and Flam built the wings so they are highly reliable.”

“Flim and Flam tried to put us out of business, why should I trust them?”

“According to them it was Apple Bloom that got your family into that mess. All they wanted to do was work with you to satisfy everypony.”

“I guess y’all are right, so how is this operation goin’ to work?”

“Basically the surgeons will put you to sleep and graft the wings onto the same muscle groups that pegasi use for theirs, allowing you to have full control over them. The recovery time is relatively short allowing you plenty of time to get used to them.”

“Well that seems pretty simple, when would I be able to go home?”

“One week is the normal time it takes for a pony to have fully functional wings.”

Applejack relaxed, one week isn’t very long and this might help me out with apple bucking. “That’s reasonable, so does this happen when we arrive?”

The green unicorn handed her a clipboard and a pen, “As long as you sign this waiver we can. If you decide not to then we will take you home and take back the fifty-thousand bits no questions asked.”

Applejack quickly read the paper over and scrawled her signature down. “I don’t think I could change my mind even if I wanted to, let’s do this.”

“Good it seems like everything is in order, you will be prepped for surgery when we have arrived.” The unicorn said as he took back the clipboard.

Around an hour later Applejack felt the wagon slow to a stop and the unicorns opened the door. Stepping out she saw the largest building outside of Canterlot. The brick walls were a stark white with no stains on them. Surrounding the area around the building was a tall electric fence topped with razor wire.

Noticing Applejack staring at the fence the yellow unicorn told her, “That, Miss Applejack, is a safety precaution. We have activists that try to break in all the time, so we built the fence to keep them out.”

“Oh...alright then.” She said as they continued forward into the building. Entering into a massive reception area the two unicorns walked off, so she took a seat and waited.

After a couple minutes passed a nurse walked in and greeted her, “Hello Miss Applejack, if you’ll follow me into the operating room we can get started.”

“Alright then,” she said as she stood up and walked after her down a long sterile hallway. The nurse stopped in front of a large door labeled “OR 2” and showed her inside. The room was quite large and smelled like rubbing alcohol. There was a polished steel table sitting in the middle with all types of medical equipment surrounding it.

The nurse turned to her, “Now Miss Applejack would you like to see the wings before we get you ready?”

“Yep, I would like that very much.”

Walking over to a table Applejack didn’t see before, the nurse started explaining, “These are your wings, they have been built to perfectly emulate the movement of a pegasus’ wings.” The wings looked intricately detailed and very complicated. The nurse pointed to some tube-like objects trailing from the base, “These are the artificial ligaments that will be attached to the unused ones in your body, giving you full control over them.”

“Well I’m not one for all that technical mumbo jumbo, Let’s just get this over with.”

Nodding the nurse moved her over to the operating table, “Now if you’ll just lay down on your stomach I’ll get you ready.”

Following the nurse’s instructions Applejack laid down on the table feeling the ice cold metal against her stomach. The nurse pony started attaching wires to her head and legs before rubbing a patch of skin with alcohol.

“Alright you are going to feel a slight pinch before falling asleep.” The nurse said before pushing a needle into Applejack’s leg. She started feeling light-headed almost instantly before everything went dark.

The Discovery of Flight Pt. 2

Blinking, Applejack’s vision slowly started to come into focus. She saw that she was in what looked to be a hospital room with a doctor standing next to her. She felt an extra weight just behind her shoulders and was about to look when the doctor spoke up, “Good morning Miss Applejack, I think you’ll be happy to know that the operation was a success.”

Sitting up she turned her head and looked at her new wings protruding from her sides with no noticeable scars. “This is unbelievable, there are no marks, it’s like I always had them.”

“Yes, we have some medical unicorns that are very good in healing magic, they closed the incisions very neatly with no scars.”

Focusing Applejack tried to stretch out the metal, feeling muscles she had never felt before, moving the wings slightly. A flash went through her mind and she relaxed, placing a hoof against her head. Noticing this the doctor told her, “Now now Miss Applejack, it’s best if you don’t overexert yourself, let’s get you something to eat first before we start the training.”

Nodding Applejack responded, “Yes, I could use somethin’ to eat, I am quite hungry.” Turning over she hopped out of bed and walked to the door, “Well what are y’all waiting for? Let’s go to the cafeteria.”

Applejack welcomed the food gratefully and felt completely refreshed. Now in an empty room a blue pegasus was teaching her how to use her wings. “Now I want you to stretch out your wings, just remember it’s like extending legs that are on your sides.” He demonstrated and she tried to copy him with some success. It started to feel more natural and the flashes had slowed in occurrences.

“I’m startin’ to get the hang of this, can we move on to the basics of flyin’ now?” Impatient on how slow he was going, she started to stamp her hoof on the floor.

“Sure I guess that’s fine, you are learning faster than other ponies did. So the first thing you need to know is if you want to stay in one place just flap up and down. If you want to fly forward you have to flap in a small circular motion.” Again he demonstrated both movements before allowing her to try.

Now used to the movement of the wings she started to flap. The air caught the underside of the metal and lifted her slowly off the ground. “Wow! I’m flyin’! I never thought I would ever be able to fly in my life!”

“Good!” the pegasus smiled, “I haven’t see this much improvement before, much less on the first day after the surgery.”

Applejack flew around the room getting more and more used to the sensation. A knock came at the door before it opened, and two familiar unicorns walked in smiling as they looked at her. “Well brother of mine it looks like dear Applejack here is enjoying her new wings.”

“Indeed Flam it does appear so.” The brothers looked at each other while they talked, giving the appearance that they forgot she was there.

The largest flash yet passed through her mind and something spoke up from it, Kill them! Applejack lost control, her mind clouded with a deep rage, as she flew at them. Crashing into the brothers they screamed, scared of what was happening. She slammed her hoof into Flim’s head, knocking him out, and turned to Flam, “How dare y’all blame the cider incident on mah sister!” Strands of spittle landed on his face while she screamed.

“Applejack stop, please stop! It’s all a misunderstanding!”

She ignored him turning his head onto the side and brought down her hoof. A loud cracking sound echoed through the room as Flam’s horn was broken off. He didn't scream, he just stared at his horn on the ground before the blood loss made him pass out.

The pegasus started shouting, now free from the shock of what he just witnessed, and tried running to the door. Applejack moved in front of him blocking his path. “Where do y'all think you're going sugarcube?” she said taking a step towards him. Not replying the pegasus attempted to get past her but she extended one wing and it cut into his neck severing an artery.

As he fell to the ground Applejack heard Flim groaning behind her, she whipped around in time to see him noticing his brother. “Oh dear Celestia! Why Applejack! Why would you do this to us?” he said looking at her with teary eyes.

Taking a step forward she responded, "Y'all tried to take my family's livelihood away! So now I'm takin' your magic!"

Flim broke down completely and sobbed uncontrollably while saying "no" repeatedly as she approached him. Swinging her hoof there was a sickening crack, followed by Flim screaming loudly, as his horn snapped off. Blood ran freely down his face, and Applejack giggled madly as she picked up the horns.

She threw them at the window shattering it, and taking one last look at the bloody mess of the brothers, she took off and flew outside. As she flew the madness subsided and her mind cleared. Oh Celestia what have I done? I never meant to hurt them!

Yes you did.

No! It wasn't supposed to be this way!

You were supposed to kill them.

I...I couldn't. What am I going to do now?

You're going to kill that silly mare Rarity.

The madness overtook her again, stronger than before, Yes she does deserve to die. Applejack picked up speed and approached Ponyville quickly.

Rarity and Twilight Sparkle were sitting at a cafe in Ponyville enjoying a nice tea time together when Applejack landed heavily next to the table. Rarity turned her head and started, "Applejack dear, what happened to you? Why are you covered in blood? and what is with those awful things on your side? They look sort of like...wings."

Applejack didn't say anything. Her eyes were full of rage as she ran into the table spilling everything onto the ground. She grabbed at Rarity and flew off the extra weight holding her close to the ground. Struggling to keep her grasp on the squirming Rarity, she ended up dropping her and crashing into the dirt. "Applejack! What are you doing!" Rarity said pulling herself off the ground.

"I'm here to kill you silly foal."

"But why? What could I have possibly done to make you want to kill me?" Rarity couldn't believe that she was actually having this conversation.

"You are a selfish, disgusting, pitiful, and ugly little mare. You think you are high class because you make dresses, when in reality you are just a low-life like everyone else in this horrible town." Applejack took slow steps towards her one time friend, closing the gap to catch her by surprise.

"Why are you saying these hurtful things Applejack? I thought I was your friend!"

"Applejack stop! Think about what you are doing!" Twilight had suddenly appeared between the two of them, her horn glowing from the teleportation spell. "You can't do this Applejack she is your friend! You're my friend!"

Growling Applejack rushed forward and using her wings to leap over Twilight. She tackled Rarity to the ground and pressed her hooves against the white unicorn's throat. "You will die! You deserve to die! You all deserve to die!" She screamed into the struggling unicorns face. Rarity struggled to get her friend off of her but the mare was too strong, her vision started to fade from the lack of oxygen.

"Applejack please stop! Don't make me hurt you! Why can't you see that she did nothing wrong!" Twilight shouted, mind racing to try and find a solution to stop her friend.

Applejack ignored her, Rarity's eyes had closed, and she could feel her heartbeat slowing through her hooves. Her job was almost done when everything went red and she felt an extreme pain in her ribcage. Losing all strength, she collapsed atop the white unicorn, feeling her life drain from her body. Why did it turn out this way? It should have been simple, but Twilight stopped me. Thank you Twilight, I am so sorry for everything I have done.

The Breaking of Friendships

“Friendship can never be measured through physical means. They can be as strong as diamonds or as fragile as rice paper. The only constant is that eventually all friendships come to an end.”

“Why Applejack? Why did you force me to take action? I have always thought of you as one of my greatest friends.” Twilight Sparkle was standing in front of the headstone that marked her friend’s grave, “You made me take you away from Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom. What were you thinking?!” There was only silence, “I’m so sorry Applejack, how did all of this happen?” again there was only silence.

The tears started to flow down Twilight’s face as she stood there, she laid the flowers she brought onto the grave and walked away. What do I do now? she thought to herself as she walked, Apple Bloom blames me for what happened even after I tried to explain. I can no longer live in this town surrounded by the guilt of what I did. I guess I have some good byes to make and one last letter to write.

As she moved down the road that lead into town she came across Pinkie Pie pulling a covered cart. "Hey Twilight, you visiting Applejack again?" she said as she stopped, "You have to stop blaming yourself for what happened. I'm sure in the same position any other pony would have done the same thing."

Twilight was still not used to the new Pinkie, she seemed to have gone through a drastic change overnight a few months ago. "Yeah I'm sure you're right, but I just can't get over it. I'm going to leave Pinkie...forever."

"Forever? You can't do that! What will everyone do without your magic? Furthermore what would Celestia do if she finds out the element of magic just up and left?"

"The elements are already broken. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are still gone, and Applejack is dead. Even if they needed to be used again it wouldn't work."

Tears welled up in Pinkie's eyes, "So you're just going to leave me and Rarity here alone? What happened to the magic of friendship? Does that not matter to you anymore?"

"As soon as I had to take action against Applejack, I lost all faith in friendship." Twilight moved forward and hugged Pinkie, "Good bye, I'll never forget you." Breaking the hug she held back her tears as she walked away from the now sobbing Pinkie Pie.

Traveling slowly into town Twilight had some time to think before reaching Rarity's boutique. I can't believe it has come down to this, saying good bye to my friends after all they've done for me. Spike is going to take it the hardest, he has been with me his entire life.

She stopped at Rarity's door and knocked before entering. Turning from her latest dress Rarity pulled off her glasses, "Why hello Twilight, what are you doing her?" Her voice was still raspy from the damage Applejack inflicted.

Twilight couldn't help but to cringe when she looked at the still visible bruises, "Hi Rarity, I have something I need to talk to you about."

"What is it dear? Is something wrong?"

"Yes there is, I can't stand living with the guilt of what happened so I've decided to leave Ponyville." She felt tears running down her face, "I...I was just wondering if you could take care of Spike fore me."

Rarity looked shocked as tears of her own appeared, "What are you talking about Twilight?" She started to yell, "You can't leave! We have been through so much! How can you even think of leaving?!"

Twilight started sobbing, "I'm scared! I'm scared of leaving, of Apple Bloom, of...of myself! Will you just please take care of Spike?"

"Y-yes Twilight I will, I just don't want you to leave!" Rarity hugged her friend, "Please don't leave me."

"I'm so sorry Rarity but I have to." she broke the hug and kissed Rarity on the nose, "Good bye, dear friend, I will always love you." And so she left another friend behind as she walked out the door. Now to write one last letter to the Celestia and say good bye to Spike, she thought to herself as she worked her way to the library.

She arrived, pausing at the door before entering the library to see Spike organizing books and papers. Moving over to him she pulled him into a big hug, startling the little dragon.

"Twilight? What are you doing?" Spike said, not sure if he should return the hug or not.

She didn't respond at first, Twilight just cried while she hugged her life-long companion. "Spike...I'm leaving."

"What? Where are we going?"

"No Spike just me...I'm leaving Ponyville forever, you are going to stay with Rarity."

"Why? Why can't I come with you?" He started to cry, now returning the hug. His tears were hot on Twilight's skin.

"I...just don't know if I can take care of you anymore. The guilt of killing Applejack is tearing me apart. I'm not sure if I can take care of anypony now."

"T-Twilight what's going to happen to me?"

She broke the hug and looked at him with a false smile, "Rarity will take good care of you. Now, I have one last task for you before I leave, do you think you can do it?"

"Sure I can Twilight, whatever you want."

"Good. I'm going to write a letter but I don't want you to send it until I leave and you get to Rarity's. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes...yes I can."

"That is why you will always be my number one assistant." Spike continued to cry as she walked to her desk, his tears steaming on his scales.

Dear Princess Celestia,

For a long time I have always thought friendship was something that could never be broken no matter how hard you try. However, during the last week I learned that friendships will always end, even if you don't want them to. I had to learn this the hard way...by killing Applejack. I know that she was trying to kill Rarity and I was trying to stop her, but even with all of that it filled me with guilt. Now her little sister is blaming me for what happened and I'm afraid of what she might do. The Apple family has always been some of the strongest ponies in Ponyville.

I'm scared Princess, I don't want to live a life of fear. My friends have all changed since Fluttershy's accident and most were for the better. I am afraid that if I continue to live in Ponyville I might one day have to kill the rest of my friends for some insane reason. Bringing me to why I am writing this letter. I am leaving Ponyville forever. I don't know where I am going or what I will do but this will be my last letter I write to you.

Please do not be mad at me Princess I am doing this for my own good and the welfare of others. I know you might not understand right now but in time I hope you will forgive me. I will be leaving Spike with Rarity so you can always keep in contact with him and keep him happy. The elements have broken and I am truly sorry about that, but there is nothing that can be done to repair the damage that has been dealt. I hope that someday I might speak to you and my friends again.

Your Former Student,

Twilight Sparkle

Finding Family

“The bond of family is the strongest known throughout the universe. Even through the hardest of times a family’s love will not break apart easily.”

“Fluttershy are you ready to go?” Rainbow Dash said to her friend, “Let’s hope we can find him here.” The two pegasi were standing outside of Las Pegasus. The last lead they had gotten on Heart Throb, Fluttershy’s father, brought them here. After two months of searching for him Rainbow Dash was starting to get homesick but Fluttershy would not give up.

“Yes Rainbow Dash I’m ready albeit a little nervous. What if we don’t find him here?”

"Then we keep searching I’m sure we will find him soon.”

“But we have been looking for two months I’m starting to think we will never find him.”

“We will Fluttershy, there aren’t very many places we haven’t looked so keep your hopes up.”

“I will, let’s get started.” Fluttershy said before starting the town. Rainbow Dash looked after her, please let him be here, I don’t think she can keep this up for very long. Shaking her head she ran after Fluttershy to start their usual methods of searching.

The process they had used was to go into local businesses of whatever town they were in at the time and ask everyone if they had ever met Heart Throb. This usually didn’t work but occasionally they would find a pony who had run into him at one point. While they did this Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy would joke around and keep each other happy.

The first several buildings they stopped at in Las Pegasus had no results but when they entered the hotel, Radiant Spectrum, they hit the jackpot. “Sure I know Heart Throb.” the pony at the reception desk said, “He owns this hotel.”

Fluttershy instantly burst into a massive smile, “He does? Can we see him?”

“I’m sorry but Mr. Heart Throb won’t be in until Monday but you are welcome to stay until then for only twenty bits a night.”

Fluttershy’s smile faded a little but she didn’t say anything. Rainbow Dash looked at her friend and grinned, “Come on Shy it’s only three days, let’s stay and have some fun.”

“You’re right! We don’t have to look anymore!” and with that she pulled sixty bits from her saddle bag and handed it to the receptionist. “When he gets here can you call us and let us know?”

“Sure,” the receptionist pushed two keys across the desk, “here are your keys and enjoy your stay.”

“Thanks.” they both said in unison, grabbing their keys and heading to their room. "Can you believe it Rainbow Dash? I'm finally going to meet my father!" Fluttershy walked excitedly a little bounce in her step, "After all this time searching we actually found him, I'm so glad I'm not really an orphan."

"It's wonderful Fluttershy I am so happy for you. We should celebrate, how about we go out on the town and just let loose?"

Fluttershy smiled, "Sounds good maybe we can get a little gambling in too. I have always wanted to try my hoof at it in an actual casino."

"Sounds like a plan to me let's go after we put our stuff in our room."

Two nights later Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were sitting in their room looking at a sizable stack of bits on the table. "I still cannot believe you won five-thousand bits at the poker table!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed for the sixth time that night. "I mean you were playing against professionals! Did you see the look on their faces when you cleaned them out? It was priceless."

"Yes I did Dash, I guess I'm just gifted at the game." Fluttershy blushed.

"No buck you're gifted! I'm surprised your cutie mark isn't for poker instead of animals!"

Fluttershy yawned, "I guess animals came first, now can we get some sleep? I want to make sure I'm well rested for when I meet my dad tomorrow."

"Yeah I guess you're right it is getting pretty late and tomorrow is going to be a big day." With one last look at the coins they both got into their respective beds and fell asleep.

A tapping on the door woke them up the next morning with headaches from the previous night's escapades. Dash groaned and rolled out of bed, "Hold on! I'll be there in a second!" She nudged Fluttershy, "Wake up I think he's here Shy." The yellow pegasus' eyes flew open and she ran into the bathroom. She came out a few seconds later looking like she normally does. "You really gotta teach me how you do that Shy." Dash said before pulling the door open.

A deep blue pegasus with a flowing tri-colored mane stood on the other side of the doorway. His eyes widened as he looked at her and he took a few steps backward. Dash hardly noticed this though and asked, "Are you Heart Throb?"

"R-Rainbow Dash is that really you?" He asked before backing all the way into the wall opposite of the room. He glanced quickly down the hallway noticeably nervous.

Dash narrowed her eyes, "How do you know my name? Have you been spying on me?"

"N-no I have not. I'm so sorry, yes I am Heart Throb and I know your name because I...gave you that name."

Dash's mouth fell open and she slammed the door shut before falling heavily on her rump. She started shaking her head in disbelief while Fluttershy just stood there with no expression on her face. Tapping came from the door once more and Fluttershy hesitated before opening it.

Heart Throb glanced at Fluttershy before looking and Rainbow Dash, "I'm sorry Rainbow Dash this must be such a shock for you but I haven't seen you since you were born"

Dash stood up, "A shock?! I'm not even here because you're my father! I didn't even know that! I'm here because she is your daughter!" She pointed at Fluttershy.

She blushed when he looked at her, "I-I'm Fluttershy, It's nice to finally meet you."

Heart Throb stared, "No...no it can't be, they told me you died in birth with your mother. After all this time I finally get to see my long lost daughter again and not only that, I find out the baby I thought I lost is actually alive and traveling with her sister?

The reality of the situation finally hit Fluttershy and she gasped, "Rainbow Dash and I are sisters? He didn't tell me I had a sister! He only told me who my parents were, not that Dash is my sister!"

He nodded, "You two are actually non-identical twins, when Rainbow Dash was born I didn't know your mother was carrying twins. I left the room with her and was later told that you and your mother died."

Dash frowned, "If that's true how come you left me in an orphanage?"

"I was so broken up over your mother's death that I was deemed unfit to take care of you. You have to understand that I didn't want this for you but I had no say in the mater." He moved forward and pulled his daughters in for a hug with tears in his eyes. "We can finally be a family like it was always meant to be."

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash started to cry as well as they hugged their new found family. Breaking the hug Dash wiped her eyes, "We have a lot to catch up on so I'll go make some tea."

As the day went on they told each other all about their lives and the things they had done. When the moon started to rise and the daylight faded, they had decided that they would all live in Ponyville together and that they would leave the next day.

Epilogue: Reunion

Five years have passed since Fluttershy's accident and Ponyville is back to its old ways. The town folk continued their lives with the events of the past a faint memory in the back of their minds. Most of them tried to forget what is now known as the "Applejack betrayal", while most of them succeeded, her friends and family would never forget that fateful day.

Apple Bloom would not allow herself to forget what Twilight did to her sister and grew stronger everyday fueled by hatred and the thought of revenge. Although she had become a beautiful young mare that all the stallions lusted after, she rejected their advances only interested in getting back at Twilight. She pushed away her friends when they tried to help her and now lived a life of solitude on the farm only leaving to get supplies and sell apples.

Rarity had also stopped speaking to others because her voice box had been permanently damaged by Applejack, resulting in what she deemed as an "ugly voice". She only spoke to her friends now because she knew they wouldn't judge her about it. When it came to customers, Rarity had Spike take the orders and pass them on to her. She still went to her weekly spa visits with Fluttershy and ritualistically had seaweed wraps put around her throat in hopes that she might one day speak normally again.

Spike spent most of his time helping Rarity around her boutique and moonlighting at the Library. He had gone through school but finished early due to his teachings from Twilight before she left. As he grew older he lost his childish crush on Rarity and saw her more as a parental figure and mentor. She taught him everything she knew so he could help her with the larger orders she couldn't fill on time by herself. Spike missed Twilight and he even wrote her letters every week but she never responded. He knew that even if they were going to her that she didn't want to risk being found by replying.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash enjoyed their life with their new found family but were devastated when they returned to find out what had happened. Rainbow Dash had gotten married to Thunderlane after he moved into town and they were expecting a foal soon. Heart Throb opened a new hotel and ran it along side Fluttershy causing the tourist population in Ponyville to explode, boosting the towns coffers to a previously unimaginable level.

Pinkie Pie had always tried not seem affected by Applejack's death and Twilight's disappearance but it cut her deep inside nonetheless. With her party planning business booming she became the most sought after planner in Equestria and became very good at putting together weddings and other professional arrangements. She eventually moved into a large house on the outskirts of Ponyville and was known for donating large amounts of bits to various organizations around Ponyville and Canterlot. Every week she would visit Applejack's grave and leave flowers for her so there would always be something there to keep her spirit happy.

"Spike are those cloaks ready yet? Our anonymous customer is expecting them today." Rarity said peaking her head out of the kitchen.

"Yes ma'am, I'm wrapping them up for delivery now. Do you have any idea who this customer is? I mean these orders started coming in last year but we have never met her."

Rarity sighed, "No dear, but as long as we are getting paid for our work I don't care who it is."

"Oh," Spike said as he swung the bundle over his shoulder, "I'm going to go deliver them now so I"ll be back in a few." He headed towards the door waving his paw as Rarity told him to be careful. I still think it's strange that we haven't met this mare yet, but I guess Rarity is right as long as we keep getting paid it doesn't matter, he thought to himself as he walked to the usual drop-off location in the Everfree Forest. Approaching the tree that served as the drop-off he opened the hidden hatch and pulled out the pouch of bits and replaced them with the bundle and receipt for the order.

As he closed the hatch he heard a rustling of leaves as the door clicked shut. He whipped around and saw a hooded figure step out of the shadows and approach him slowly. Spike backed into the tree from surprise and sputtered, "W-who are you?" The pony didn't say anything and kept coming towards him slowly until stopping in front of him. "P-please don't hurt me," he said glancing to the side trying to find a way out of the corner he backed himself into. The pony moved quickly wrapping its front legs around him and Spike heard quiet crying coming from the hood. He felt the pony trembling as she held him and not knowing what to do he pushed back the hood and gasped.

The teary eyed face that looked back at him belonged to the pony he hadn't seen in years and loved like a sister. "Twilight?" Spike whispered and fiercely hugged her back feeling his own tears start to well up but he held them back. "Where have you been all this time? Did you get any of my letters? I missed you so much." The questions flowed out of his mouth before he could stop them and Twilight pushed her hoof softly against his mouth to quiet him down.

"I've been traveling Spike, to get away from my past, but I couldn't stay away forever. I had to come back but I haven't had the courage to go into town and see everyone again, that's why I ordered the cloaks from Rarity so I could at least see you to help me be stronger." Twilight lowered her hoof and hugged Spike again, "I think it's about time I go into town and face what I've been running from for all this time but I need someone next to me to keep me strong."

"B-b-but Twilight!" Spike stammered, "What about Apple Bloom? All she thinks about is getting back at you for what happened to Applejack!."

"I know Spike, but I'll try to explain things to her one more time to try and put her at ease. If it gets bad I'll just leave again. I have an escape teleportation spell ready at all times." Twilight wiped the tears from Spike's eyes, "So don't worry, nothing bad will happen to me today."

Spike glanced down, "If you say so Twilight, but if you want to see everypony again then we should get going before Rainbow Dash goes to the hospital for a check up."

Smiling Twilight said, "Typical Rainbow Dash going to the hospital again. What did she do this time? Crash into a tree? Or maybe she fell out of her house?"

Spike shook his head, "No, she's pregnant, she is going in for a check-up to make sure there won't be any complications when she finally does give birth, which should be really soon."

"Oh," Twilight said, a slightly jealous look on her face, "Well it has been quite a long time since I was last here so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Anyways shall we get going?" With that she started walking in the direction of the town not waiting for Spike to respond.

Twilight had her hood back on, as the pair walked through town, to prevent the townsfolk from recognizing her and starting a ruckus. While they walked in the direction of Rarity's boutique neither of them realized that Apple Bloom was following behind them. They chatted quietly to each other about what they were going to say when Apple Bloom ran in front of them. "Hey Spike, who's your friend in the cloak? I don't think I've seen anyone wear a cloak like this in town since Zecora would visit."

Growing nervous at the sudden appearance of the one pony neither of them wanted to see first, he swallowed loudly and replied, "Oh she is new in town and I'm just showing her around town so she doesn't get lost."

Apple Bloom frowned, "Oh really? Then why doesn't she take off the hood? If she is new in town she shouldn't have anything to hide from anypony."

"Um...well you see," Spike struggled to think of an excuse but before he could he heard Twilight whisper.

"It's fine Spike I have nothing to be afraid of." She lifted a hoof and dragged back the hood revealing her identity to the ponies around her.

Apple Bloom smiled and her eyes narrowed, "I knew it, I knew you couldn't stay away forever. Oh how I have waited for this day for so long, preparing myself for the day I finally get to avenge my sister." After the words left her mouth the ponies that had stopped to look at Twilight started whispering to each other trying to figure out what might happen.

Twilight shook her head, "No Apple Bloom, I have already tried explaining to you what happened but if you can't accept that then your mind is as far gone as her's was that day." The whispering around the two mares stopped and everything grew eerily silent until finally a visibly furious Apple Bloom broke it.

"My sister was not crazy! She didn't do anything wrong and you killed her! Do you know how hard it was for Big Mac to cope with the loss? Of course you don't, you were hiding from the world because you couldn't face the music." The young mare's face grew red with the building rage, "Big Mac committed suicide last year because he couldn't handle the grief you caused! With me being the only Apple left in Ponyville I vowed on both of their graves that I would make you pay for tearing apart our family."

Twilight started to become angry at the ignorance of Apple Bloom, "What do you mean 'she didn't do anything wrong'? She tried to kill Rarity while we were having tea! I had no choice but to act in a way that tore me up inside. What would you do in a situation like that huh? What would you do if Sweetie Belle suddenly tried to kill Scootaloo and you had to make a choice of one of them dying or both?"

Apple Bloom shook with fury at this point, "I could care less what either of them do they aren't my friends anymore. They held me back from getting my cutie mark and preparing for our final confrontation. Which is right now!" She suddenly bolted forward, with a speed Twilight had previously thought impossible for an earth pony, and slammed into the purple mare knocking her to the ground. Twilight's horn started to glow and Apple Bloom pushed her hoof against the back of her neck until the glow went away.

Twilight's eyes widened, "What did you do to me?!" she screamed at the yellow mare standing over her.

Laughing Apple Bloom replied, "It's a pressure point I discovered that prevents a unicorn from using any magic for a short period of time. It is very useful when it comes to fighting a unicorn, making it a more manageable scuffle." Removing her hoof from Twilight's neck she moved it onto her horn, "Now to remove your ability to perform any spells permanently." She applied slow pressure to the horn smiling as the sound of it cracking started to grow before Twilight started to scream in pain.

The screaming snapped Spike out of his shocked gaze and he rushed forward to push Apple Bloom off his friend. This proved to be fruitless as the red maned mare just swatted him away and continued her work. Spike's head banged into the cobblestone road knocking him unconscious and the townsfolk surrounded him confused as to what they should do about the situation.

"It's time for you to see what it's like living as an earth pony without all that fancy magic to make life easier for you." Apple Bloom said and pushed down hard on Twilight's horn snapping it off with a loud crack. The purple mare's screaming stopped as the shock of the sudden removal settled in. Apple Bloom stepped off of Twilight and smiled, "Now the fight can be done fairly so get up! Let's end this right now!"

Twilight struggled to stand and when she finally did her legs almost collapsed from the blood loss. "I don't know what happened to you while I was gone but it seems that this can only end in another death. I can tell you this right now Apple Bloom, It won't be me!" She stumbled forward and swung a hoof as hard as she could, the vibrations from the impact knocked her to the ground again.

Apple Bloom wiped a hoof across her mouth and looked at the blood that came off, "You actually hit me, I didn't think you had it in you to try and kill off the last of the Apple family. I guess this will make it more interesting."

Twilight trembled on the ground as she looked up blood dripped into her right eye, "You don't have to do this Apple Bloom you are better than this." She slowly stood up trying not to fall again, "You are a sweet young mare who used to go adventuring with your friends to get your cutie marks, not a heartless killer."

Apple Bloom chuckled, "You have been gone far too long Twilight, what was left of the Apple Bloom you knew died with her sister. Now it's just me, an orphan with no brother and no sister." She sneered at the unsteady and bloodied purple mare, "I have no reason to go on in this world because of you and if I have to be punished to see my family's killer dead on the ground then so be it." She moved forward and swung her hoof into Twilight's ribcage making an audible crack as a rib broke and punctured one of the purple mare's lungs.

Twilight fell to the earth once more wheezing in pain from the snapped rib and significantly lower intake of oxygen. She coughed and screamed as the vibrations ground the separate pieces of bone into each other. Her vision started to fade as the pain became to great to bear all she could do to stay awake was to repeatedly say sorry as her attacker laughed.

"Stupid foal, do you really think that apologizing will help you now? You really are pathetic, just look at you wheezing as though you just ran a couple miles."

A spectator overcoming the shock of the events moved forward to stop Apple Bloom from doing anymore harm to old librarian and swung at the mares face. Apple Bloom saw this and ducked at the last moment before turning quickly and bucking her hind legs. She felt her hooves connect and heard a sickening crunch along with something warm splattering onto her flank. She turned to look at the stallion and saw half of his head caved in as he spasmed on the ground. She glared at the other onlookers who backed off in horror at what they had just witnessed.

Turning back to the barely conscious Twilight she yelled, "Do you see how much pain you cause everypony around you Twilight!? Even if you don't know them personally they will still end up getting hurt or killed if they are around you! This has gone on long enough it is time I end your miserable little life and free everypony from the suffering you bring about with your presence."

"I think not! What you have done here is unforgivable Apple Bloom!" A gold glow surrounded the young mare and prevented her from moving before royal guards circled around her and placed her in shackles. Princess Celestia stepped between Twilight and Apple Bloom, "For living your life full of hatred, murder, and attempting to kill my student, I am hereby sentencing you to life imprisonment in the dungeon beneath Canterlot." The princess looked at the guards, "Take her away, I don't want to see this filth anymore."

"Yes, your highness." The guards responded before leading the struggling young mare away.

Twilight lifted her head and looked at her old mentor, "Princess? W-what are you doing here?" Celestia's magic flowed around the area where her student's horn used to be and where the rib had been broken ridding the pain from her body and slowing the bleeding.

"Spike sent for me." the regal pony said as she knelt down next to her old student.

Spike came forward and hugged Twilight, "I wrote her a letter and sent it off as soon as I woke up after getting knocked out by Apple Bloom. I couldn't think of anything else to do and something had to be done quickly."

The purple mare's eyes started to close slowly, "Thank you." she said before passing out into a deep sleep.

Celestia turned to Spike, "Take her to the hospital she'll be fine in time but for now she needs her rest. It's time she lives a normal life without stress and without fear so write this down Spike. 'I, Princess Celestia, hereby relinquish Twilight Sparkle from her duties as my student. From this point forward she will live her life as she wants and only as she wants with no outside influence from anypony." She nodded to Spike and he rolled up the paper, placing it in one of the pockets of Twilight's cloak. "Well Spike it seems I am no longer needed here. Please look after Twilight and make sure nothing bad ever happens to her again." Without waiting for a response she spread her wings and took off into the sky and disappeared.

Spike nodded to himself and picked up Twilight, "I will Princess Celestia, I will." and walked off in the direction of the hospital.