Morning

Twilight was currently on her way to school when she heard someone running up to her. “Hey Twilight!” Pinkie said, catching up to her. “So did you watch the news last night? I felt kinda bad for the poor woman… Oh right, we're doing that thing today after school huh? Are you nervous?”

“Of course I'm nervous,” Twilight replied. “We better make sure we go in prepared.”

“I feel weird not telling the other girls but...oh well…” Pinkie sighed. “Let's make sure we get through the school day first!”

Afternoon

If Twilight thought all teachers at CHS were saints compared to those at Crystal Prep, she was in for a rude awakening.

“Shut the hell up!” Her physics teacher, Grumpy Cakes (no relation to Mr. and Mrs. Cake who owned the Sweet Shop), snapped at them. “So we got a new transfer student huh? From Crystal Prep? Well good for you, though I don't know why you'd wanna transfer to this shithole. Anyway, since you're supposedly so smart I'll start off with a question for you and you other assholes better be listening. What are the four fundamental forces that apply to our universe?”

“Gravity, Electromagnetism, and strong and weak nuclear forces,” Twilight said simply.

“Huh...guess someone's been reading the textbook. Did you get all that? Hey Rainbow Dash!”

Twilight happened to be sitting next to her who unfortunately had been sleeping. “Wha- yeah I got it!”

“You wanna play ball in college, sure thing but you gotta have a good education too. I swear you jock types are all the same...dumb as a doorknob.”

“Fucking asshole…” Rainbow muttered.

After School

Once school was done for the day, Twilight grabbed her things and went to the locker room. Pinkie was already waiting for her by the large mirror. “So...were we supposed to bring anything?” Twilight asked.

“Nope, Applejack has it all covered!” Pinkie said. “At least, that's what she said.”

About five minutes later, Applejack showed up with a large duffle bag. “Phew...this is heavier than Ah thought.”

“W-What is all this!?” Twilight asked.

“Just taking precautionary measures,” Applejack winked as she opened the bag. Inside there was rope, clips, a sword and-

“Is that...a rifle?” Twilight gaped.

“Yeah, Granny says Ah can't touch Pa's shotgun so Ah took his .22 instead.”

“You brought...a gun...to school!?” Twilight whispered loudly.

“Hey, we don't know what's on the other side and personally Ah’m a pretty good shot.”

“I don't see the big deal,” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie! It's a weapon!”

“Y'all will thank me later... besides no one will notice us anyway.” Applejack then got out the rope and after tying one end around one of the clips, attached it to a loop on Twilight's blouse. “Just in case something happens and we need to git the hell out of dodge. Pinkie, I'm sorry, but yer gonna have to stay here.”

“Aw... why me?” Pinkie whined.

“Because we need someone on this side to pull us back,” Applejack explained. “Now no offense but... Ah'm probably the most suited to handle whatever happens to come out at us...if something comes out at us…”

“And I get a sword?” Twilight said somewhat sourly.

“It's technically a prop but it's the best Ah could find...it's from drama club so try not to break it.”

The sword definitely looked real and once Twilight picked it up it felt real as well. “I think this should work out…”

Applejack then clipped the rope to her belt side before putting the weapons back into the bag. “Ah guess we're ready then. Remember Pinkie, if ya feel a sharp tug, pull us back immediately.”

“Okie-dokie!”

“Wait a minute...I know I can pass through the mirror but...how do we know you'll go through it too?” Twilight asked.

Applejack was silent. “...Well we won't know until we try! And if it's just you well...never mind let's get going!”

Twilight took a deep breath and once again put her hand to the mirror. To no surprise, it went through almost like water. She braced herself and put her foot through. “...You know this isn't so baADDD!” She realized too late there was no ground to step upon and fell through, also taking Applejack with her.

Pinkie managed to grab the rope and tried to pull them back but for whatever reason the rope broke and Pinkie fell backwards. Staring at both the mirror and now torn rope, all Pinkie could say was, “Uh oh…”

Twilight wasn't sure how long she fell but eventually she hit ground. Luckily, all it did was take the breath out of her...until Applejack fell on top of her. She always thought Applejack had a small figure but now she knew she was hiding a lot of muscle.

“Ugh...sorry sugarcube…” Applejack groaned as she got off. “Didn't break anything right?”

“No... I'm fine…” Twilight replied as she got up. “What in the…?”

The first thing that came to mind was that they somehow ended up in some fairy tale world. It looked like it was nighttime and while there were stars in the sky there were white silhouettes nearby, like windows to a house. “Ah don't think we're in Canterlot anymore…”

“No kidding…” Suddenly Twilight started giggling.

“... Don't tell me you've lost it.”

“Applejack look where we are! We just crossed into another world! Too bad I didn't bring a camera…” She looked around. “It's actually kinda hazy here...but I don't see where we dropped in.”

“Yeah...about that…” Applejack then showed her the rope, or what was left of it. “Ah don't think we're going back that way…”

“Okay...well surely there has to be another way out...I hope.” As far as she could see, there were two paths. “And we better find it fast.”

Suddenly they froze as they heard footsteps coming from ahead of them. “Someone's here?” Twilight whispered.

The footsteps got closer. “The hell with this!” Applejack snapped, opening the bag and grabbing her rifle. “Now whoever the hell ya are better identify yerself right now or Ah promise y'all get a headful of lead!”

There was a sudden “Eep!” and the stranger went in the opposite direction. With the fog it was hard to see. “...I think you scared it.” Twilight said.

“Good!”

“W-Wait I don't mean any harm...please don't… 'give me a headful of lead.’”

“It's okay, we won't hurt you...can you help us?” Twilight asked. There was no response. “Um... please?”

“Alright...I'm coming out…” They heard the figure approaching and as Twilight listened she noticed the footsteps sounded...off. They then saw the figure and both of them just stared.

“It's...a horse.” Twilight said.

“Technically it's a pony,” Applejack corrected her. “And it's pink…with one of those weird hats.”

“What, you've never seen a pink pony before?”

“It...it talks too!?” Applejack stammered.

“Ahem, you mean 'she’,” the pony said. “And look who's talking, I've never seen creatures like you before!”

“You've...never seen a human being before?” Twilight asked.

“Nope... though to be honest I haven't seen many things here other than Shadows.”

“Shadows?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah they're- actually you'll know when you see them trust me...but who are you and how did you get here?”

“To be honest, we found this place by accident,” Twilight explained. “We were going to explore but we got cut off from where we entered and… we're kinda stuck.”

“I see...so I can trust you two?” the pony asked.

“Sure but...this is really weird,” Applejack said. “Just what is this place?”

“It's...well...I can't remember.”

“Say what now?”

“I'm sorry...when I first found myself here I couldn't remember much about myself except my name.”

“Oh! Speaking of which, we should introduce ourselves. I'm Twilight and this is Applejack.”

“Howdy,” Applejack said. “I'm glad yer not some alien monster thing.”

“I'm pretty sure I'm not the alien here…”

“So...what's your name?” Twilight asked.

The pony then looked uncomfortable. “Um... promise not to laugh if I tell you?”

“Promise,” Applejack said, taking off her hat and nodding her head.

“It's um... Screwball.”

There was a long pause. “Screwball?” Twilight clarified.

“Yes...I didn't give myself that name by the way.”

“I'd believe that,” Applejack said with a slight smirk.

“Well... Screwball...can you help us get out of here?” Twilight asked.

“Perhaps...but there's two things…”

“And what's that?” Applejack replied, looking suspicious.

Screwball's expression then turned serious. “Are you the ones who sent that woman here the other day?”

“What woman?” Twilight asked.

“I felt a presence the other day...she seemed human like yourselves. I wanted to help her but the Shadows got to her first…”

“Ya mean...they killed her?” Applejack asked.

“I wanted to help her...but I'm defenseless against the Shadows…” Screwball frowned. “So...it wasn't you two then?”

“We had no idea we weren't the first ones here,” Twilight replied.

“Well... I suppose I can trust you...but there's one other thing... something appeared near here before you showed up. I think we should check it out.”

“Oh for crying out loud…” Applejack grumbled.

“Applejack...we need to give her a reason to trust us,” Twilight said.

“Alright, alright...lead the way.”

At first, it was only a row of windows, but as they continued along, Twilight and Applejack noticed the scenery changed slightly as they were now on a road and there were some buildings here and there. “This place don't make one lick of sense,” Applejack muttered. “Ah guess we're not gonna get any answers.”

“I really am sorry…” Screwball said. “It does sound like this world and yours are connected somehow but-” She suddenly stopped.

“What's wrong?” Twilight asked.

“This can't be right... they're not supposed to...the shadows, they're coming!”

“What? Where!?” Applejack shouted.

“They usually reside in secluded places but why...oh no...they must have sensed your presence!”

Suddenly, it was as if the stars in the sky disappeared as three puddles of what looked like black tar approached from in front of them. Each one had a mask on it and then they changed as the creatures turned into black blobs as hands formed, reaching towards them.

“Aren't you going to shoot them!?” Screwball cried out.

“A-And how am Ah supposed to kill something like that!?” Applejack yelled.

For some reason, even as she stared at the horrifying creatures, Twilight was calm, partly because she could hear a voice inside her head. It was almost as if it was reassuring her. She then stepped forward, the sword in her hand.

“No, it's too dangerous!”

“Twilight git the hell back here!”

But the voice told her she was fine. She then saw a blue card appear and as she grabbed it, a word formed in her head, begging her to speak it. “Persona…!”

The card suddenly shattered as a blue aura surrounded her. Suddenly a figure appeared above her, clad in blue armor.

“I am thou...and thou art I… I am the Valkyrie Lenneth. Your heart called to me and I shall protect you to the very end!”

“What in the world…?” Applejack couldn't help but stare. The shadows suddenly seemed afraid of her but were not backing down. Twilight wasn't quite sure what was happening but now she safe and much more confident.

She gave her Persona a command and Lenneth raised her arm as one of the shadows became frozen in ice. The ice then shattered, killing it instantly. One of the remaining shadows tried to grab her but she jumped away just in time. She repeated the same command, killing the second shadow. Finally, Lenneth raised her sword, cutting down the shadow easily.

The aura then disappeared and Twilight fell to her knees. “Whoa sugarcube you okay?” Applejack asked as she helped her up.

“Yeah...just a little light-headed…” Twilight replied.

“Golly...Ah don't know what happened there but…”

“That was amazing!” Screwball said, prancing around happily. “You went through those shadows like it was nothing!” She then looked down sadly. “You saved us...and I was the one who didn't trust you...I'm sorry. For doing all that, you can't be bad people.”

“Ah'm glad we got that out of the way,” Applejack said. “So...this thing ya wanted to show us?”

“It's not far now.” They continued on until they reached a large building. “Here...for whatever reason this building wasn't here before.”

“What the…?” Applejack stared for a long moment. “This looks just like the barn at Sweet Apple Acres...but why is it here?”

“Should we go inside?” Twilight asked.

“Ah guess...but Ah got a bad feeling about this…” Applejack then went over and pulled the door open and the three of them went inside. It was empty and it certainly didn't invite a feeling of welcome.

“On second thought...maybe it was best just to leave this place alone…” Screwball whimpered slightly.

“What's wrong... don't wanna stay for dinner?”

The three of them turned around and were startled to see- “Applejack!?” Twilight couldn't believe her eyes.

“There's...two of them?” Screwball said.

“Ah was wondering when you'd show up,” Other Applejack said. “Here in the ol’ barn...eh who am Ah kidding Ah'm sick of this damn place.” What was unnerving about this Applejack was that her eyes were yellow and her voice sounded altered.

“Don't... don't ya put words in my mouth!” Applejack yelled. “Ah was younger and didn't appreciate what Ah had at the time! But Ah wouldn't trade it for anything in the world now.”

“So what happens when Granny goes? Does Big Mac inherit the farm? Someday Ah’ll have to inherit it and then one day pass the burden to Apple Bloom. It'll just be easier to sell it all and live a more simple life.”

“There's no way we could afford anything without the farm, without the business!”

“But what if Apple Bloom don't want it…? Face it, ya have anxieties about what to do. Ya don't want to let Granny down but ya also wanna give Apple Bloom a normal life. You and me are one and the same!”

“No that's a buncha bullshit! You... you're not me!”

Other Applejack started laughing as a dark aura appeared around her. “Y'all such a horrible liar...but you'll see soon enough!”

Suddenly Other Applejack transformed and her slim form became taller and more muscular. She looked like one of those Titans from that popular neighponese anime show. Applejack was in a state of shock unfortunately.

“We need to help her!” Screwball said. “I can't really fight but I'll give you support.”

“Ah am a shadow...the true self. Ah hope yer ready for a real ho-down sister!” Shadow Applejack then attacked, hitting Twilight hard and almost sending her back.

“Help me Lenneth!” Twilight summoned the card and as it shattered. Lenneth appeared as she used the spell Bufu which froze Shadow Applejack and caused damage.

“This one's strong so be careful!” Screwball advised.

“So...wanna play rough huh?” Shadow Applejack smashed the ground with her boot which caused a seismic tremor and knocked Twilight on her butt.

“Ugh...now you're just becoming a pain!” Twilight summoned Lenneth again and she used her sword to strike the shadow in the head.

“Damn it… Ah'm supposed to be stronger than this!” There was pain and a tinge of sadness but the shadow wasn't going to relent. Unfortunately Twilight was at her limit as well. Shadow Applejack yelled as her aura darkened further.

“Oh no… I think she's preparing for a big attack! Brace yourself!”

Shadow Applejack then attacked again, bringing Twilight to her knees. “I can't lose...I have to protect my friends…” She stood up unsteadily and panted hard. “One more attack…” Through her will, Lenneth attacked and landed a critical hit.

“No way...how did…!?” The shadow collapsed and started to fade away.

“...It's over?” Screwball asked. “Way to go Twilight!”

Applejack finally seemed to recover and she got up shakily. “Ah’m sorry Twi…” she said softly. “Ah should've been there to help but...Ah freaked out. Never thought Ah would face mahself like this…”

She then stared at her shadow who stared back. “Y'all were right about some things...Ah have been anxious about what happens when Granny goes. To be honest Ah didn't think Ah’d have to worry about such things til I was older but after Ma and Pa…” She sighed sadly. “Ah know someday Ah'll be taking over the farm...but Ah won't force Apple Bloom to bear the burden if she don't want it...is this what ya wanted to hear?”

Her shadow nodded and suddenly it changed again, this time to a man carrying a sword and shield.

“Huh...so this is the same power you have right?” Applejack then dusted off her shirt as her new Persona disappeared. “Ah think it's time we head back...you look exhausted.”

“I'm probably going to sleep well tonight…” Twilight smiled weakly.

“Screwball, you know a way out of here?” Applejack asked.

“Well...if you really must go then I suppose I can help.” Screwball then led them back to where they first entered. “Give me a second…” She closed her eyes and suddenly a doorway appeared.

“Wait...that was it? That's all ya had to do!?” Applejack looked furious.

“I told you I didn't trust you two!” Screwball snapped. “But...now I know better. I appreciate what you two did so…”

“Screwball... I'm not sure why I have this power...but I have no doubts that it's connected to this place so...if I can I'll be willing to help you regain your lost memories.”

“R-Really?” Screwball asked.

“Aw shucks Ah'm involved whether Ah like it or not so Ah'll help too...but honestly where do we start?”

“This place...it's connection to our world... shadows...I wonder if shadows represent our inner selves?” Twilight said. “There's so much we don't know though…”

“Right now Ah need a shower and a nap,” Applejack said. “We'll be back soon sugarcube so don't fret.”

“Alright...see you again next time!”

The two girls nodded to one another and went through the doorway.

It was as if night had turned to day and both girls had to shield their eyes. “The locker room...guess we made it back after all,” Applejack said.

“There you two are!” They suddenly looked over as they saw an emotional Pinkie. “I thought you guys got stuck and I almost had a breakdown! I didn't know who to go to cause they'd think I'm crazy! And now you just pop back out of nowhere!?”

“Look Pinkie we didn't mean to-”

“Save it! I...don't pull that stunt on me again!” Pinkie then stomped out of the locker room.

“She looked rather upset…” Twilight felt rather guilty.

“It's not your fault,” Applejack said, sighing. “I'll give her a call tonight and try to explain. She has a right to know.”

“Something's been nagging me for a while…” Twilight said. “Screwball said there was a woman who was killed...you don't think…?”

“It was the reporter?” Applejack finished. “That would be insane...but she did say she wound up in there...so she must have had a power like yours…”

“Maybe...or maybe she ended up there against her will. It doesn't matter now. All we can do now is try to help Screwball remember and then maybe she can explain.”

“Sounds good. Gosh it must be late so I...what in tarnation?” Applejack was staring at her phone. “...How long would you say we were in there?”

“Uh...maybe close to an hour?”

“And when we first go here it was about a quarter after three?”

“Yeah?”

Applejack showed her the time. It was only three thirty. Fifteen minutes had passed by. Twilight pulled out her phone and saw it had the same time. “So we spent an hour there...and fifteen minutes passed here... interesting.”

“Well...guess Ah can't complain but Ah better head back home…”

“Me too...Spike will be wanting his dinner.”

“Spike?”

“My dog. I'm sure you'll meet him eventually.”

“Alright...and we're still not mentioning this to the other girls?”

“For now…”

“Well in that case Ah'm outta here. See ya tomorrow then!”

After saying goodbye to Applejack, Twilight made her way home.

Evening

After feeding an insistent Spike and eating a somewhat carb-heavy dinner, Twilight decided to go to bed early. However, before she fell asleep she could only think of the power she now wielded. “Persona” she had said.

She smiled slightly. Twilight understood the significance of the word...and she felt humbled that her true strength was in the form of a Valkyrie.

Author's Note

Twilight has unleashed her power and has gained the Persona Lenneth, Bringer of Souls!
Applejack has faced her inner truth and gained the power of Perseus, Monster Slayer!