Accepting One's Limitations
Accepting One’s Limitations
The ground trembled, the very earth cracked, as a vicious roar pierce the woods. Trees littered the ground several areas of scorched grass showed the trail of destruction nearing the center. In the middle of the thunderous cracks and ear splitting roars. Six ponies fought with all their might trying to once again save Equestria from destruction.
A beam of light shot straight from the cyclop's eye. Its target to quick to catch. The blue blur taunted the savage beast. “Is that all you got, come on! I've dealt with storm-clouds tougher than you,” the beam once again scorched the earth missing its mark. The monster’s height was impressive its head almost touched clouds. The cyclop thrashed around, trying to swat Rainbow Dash away like a fly.
A orange mare ran out from cover, her lasso swung expertly from her mouth. With careful aim she ensnared one of the cyclop’s arms. “Rainbow! Ah don't think it’s a good idea to tick it off more, with your gosh darn teasing,” Applejack’s lesson was cut short, as the cyclop's pulled the rope with ease. Applejack bared her teeth, digging her hooves into the ground. It was all for not, as she was lifted up like a yoyo.
Applejack held on, her stomach turned as she was swung around. Soon her grip faulted sending the poor mare soaring across the woods. A white unicorn step forth, her horn glowed causing Applejack's rope to glow. Tying itself into a fine knot around both arms. “Really girls, fighting while fighting? A proper lady knows when it’s time to argue.”
The cyclop wasted no time, snapping the rope with ease. It’s gaze turned to Rarity. His one eye glowed once more, preparing to fire it’s deathly beam. Rarity went to scream, but was stopped. A pink ball of fluff, tackled her off to the side, just missing the beam's path.
“Wowie cerplowie, that was super fun. I think we should hold off on playing red rover, Rarity. Even I know this isn't time for party games,” Pinkie Pie smiled hoping off the stunned unicorn. Rarity gulped glancing at the now charred circle where she once stood. Her shock had to be rushed, as the cyclop turned its gaze once more. Centering on the two mares. The eye glowed once more, preparing its next volley.
The monster was halted. A purple aura engulfed his entire form. The cyclop roared pushing against its new prison. While it tried to free itself, Twilight screamed, “Rainbow! Hit him now while he can't move,” Rainbow Dash wasted no time, bolting up toward the sky. Soon she hit the proper height to release her attack. Closing her eyes, Rainbow Dash tilted diving back down.
The other’s barely had time to close their eyes. An explosion of light and color erupted around the trapped beast. Twilight groaned trying to hold her spell steady. Even after the rainboom she could still feel the beast struggle. When the dust settled it revealed the cyclop pron in the center of a newly formed crater. Rainbow Dash was just a few feet to the side, not able to move.
Twilight hurried as she called toward her ace, “Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash might die if you dont help. I can't hold the monster much longer!” A yellow mare who had hidden from sight bolted toward the air. With surprising speed she darted toward the downed monster.
The cyclop’s eye glowed as the yellow mare came into view. Only to quiver at the terrifying sight in front of it, “How dare you! You should be ashamed of yourself,” Fluttershy’s eyes held no room for argument, she leaned in close placing herself a mere inches away from the giant eye. No fear showed as she continued to berate the beast, “You could have really hurt somepony. Why I have half a mind to go find your parents and tell them how you’re behaving.”
No matter how many times ponies would see it. They still found it hard to believe how quickly Fluttershy could change a rampaging beast behavior. The cyclop’s lower lip trembled, a massive tear started to form. “Please don't tell my ma! I was mad at those other ponies for destroying my play area,” The creatures angry roar turned to sobs as it pleaded. The purple aura around it disrupting.
Fluttershy smiled, stroking the top of the crying beast,”Shh it’s okay. You were just mad somepony destroyed your cave. You're not a bad cyclops you just made a bad decision.” As the all too familiar scene played out. A certain orange farmer kicked the dirt in anger.
Applejack tried to calm herself, as she walked over to her two friends. “Y'all okay, you took a pretty good tackle there, Rares.” Rarity humphed as she tried to shake the dirt and grass from her coat. Only to grumble noticing several blades of grass refused to leave her once perfect main.
“We're just fine darling. I oh so love being tossed around like a rag doll. Thank you for asking, and Pinkie!” Pinkie Pie smiled as she leaned in. Rarity smiled nuzzling against her friend, “Thank you for saving me.” Pinkie only smiled hoping away. Rarity’s own smile faltered now seeing her other friend’s distress. “Applejack, if I may be so bold to ask. You don't look all to happy about our victory?”
Applejack cursed under her breath, giving the dirt another good kick, “Now don't you fret about me. Ah’m just being a sore loser Ah guess. Still we should probably go meet up with the others.”
Pinkie spoke as she appeared right beside Rarity once more, “ We should definitely play party games together more often. You know when we're not in mortal peril. It was real fun playing with you Rarity!” A blush appeared on Rarity’s face, smiling as Pinkie bounced away once more. Her gaze turned once more toward her other friend. Rarity wasn't psychic, but she could easily see something was bothering Applejack. Mark her words she would figure it out.
The excitement died rather quickly. Fluttershy ended up promising the cyclop that Twilight would do her best to move the construction sight. The monster took off, heading back to it’s home. Thanks were given and a small feast, but soon the main six found themselves heading back home.
Almost all the mares slept, the peaceful train ride going well into the silent night. One mare couldn't find rest sitting alone. Applejack sighed glancing out the window, the night’s beauty would calm her most nights. Tonight how ever didn't seem to want the poor mare to sleep. Applejack yelped as a voice spoke behind her.
“Come now, Applejack. Even a farmer needs her beauty sleep.” Applejack didn't budge, Rarity sighed as she sat down beside her friend, ”Applejack, darling. We’re all friends here. Care to tell me what's bothering you?” Applejack hung her head, she knew Rarity wouldn't let up. Right as she went to speak another voice broke through.
“Oh are we having a late night party? I love those!” Pinkie seemed to just appear, placing herself on the other side of Applejack. Rarity just shook her head, of course Pinkie would just appear.
“Pinkie dear, Applejack was just about to tell me what's bothering her. This is not a party or a get together. I am just worried about her. Now Applejack, you were just about to say something?” Rarity leaned in batting her eyes, causing Applejack to chuckle. She might as well get it over with.
“Y’all probably think Ah’m being dumb.” Applejack closed her eyes, her inner turmoil getting to her. Two reassuring hooves wrapped around her. She smiled opening her eyes to see both mares smiling at her. “Fine, y’all won't let this go if Ah don't speak”
She didn't need to see the nods to know her friends wouldn't judge.”Ah just felt so useless today. Ah didn't do anything to help. Ah know it’s silly, Ah just hate feeling powerless.”
Rarity let out a small chuckle, nuzzling her friend, “Applejack, that's not dumb in the least bit. You are not the only pony who feels like a third wheel. Let's be honest, my magic isn't all powerful like Twilight’s. If it wasn't for the elements I wouldn't have any power what's so ever. Unless you consider an eye for detail a power.” Applejack went to speak, but paused when a sad voice spoke.
“Yeah Applejack. You at least have your super awesome strength, me? I’m just a simple party pony with no real skill. Well except my pinkie sense, but I can't really control it.” Applejack couldn't help but pull Pinkie Pie into a hug. It surprised her how quick Pinkie’s hair fell flat. The group all hated seeing Pinkie Pie sad, it wasn't natural. Another pair of hooves appeared from behind Pinkie, as Rarity joined in the hug. The train continued down its path, as the three mares shared a moment of understanding.
After a few minutes passed, Applejack pulled away. Her eyes set in determination. “ So we stop beating ourselves up and get stronger. If ya’ll feel the same then join me in not being some side pony. We need to get stronger not just for us, but for equestria!”
Rarity pulled herself away, a sad smile graced her lips. “Not to rain on your parade. Just how are we going to do that? We can't just wish to be stronger. I don't think we’re talking about physical powers, it can't be that simple.” Applejack’s demeanor fell. Rarity’s words rang true. It was easy demanding for something. Getting it was a whole nother matter.
A a gasp broke the silence. As Pinkie Pie’s hair refilled, “I know, I know. Its simple girls, who do we know that knows everything about equestria?” Applejack and Rarity both sat silent. They both knew Pinkie would tell them without guessing. Pinkie huffed,” Ahh, you guys are no fun. We need to go talk to princess Celestia. I’m sure if we tell her our problems she would be glad to help us. Besides we could easily explain how it would benefit equestria if we grew stronger.”
The two mare’s jaws hang opened as Pinkie’s words hit home. It would never cease to amaze ponies how Pinkie could pull the perfect ideas out of thin air. Applejack smiled spitting into both her hooves and held them out. “ Great plan Pinkie Pie, Ah sat we should go for. So are we all up for talking to the princess?” Pinkie wasted no time spitting into her own hoof and grabbing Applejack's own. They both turned to the white unicorn and raised their brow.
Rarity stared at the spit covered hoof and sighed, ‘Fine, why do we always have to be barbaric about these things,” Rarity shivered as she spat in her own hoof and connected with Applejack’s.
Applejack smiled shaking both hooves, “No more being side ponies. From this day forward we will grow stronger. For ourselves, our friends and for Equestria!” A pact was formed that night, a pact that would unfold a grand adventure. Soon the little pony’s would face tough times, but would only grow. Many trials awaited them first being a certain sun god.
