The Darkening

Applejack slowed to a halt, her ears up and alert. Scanning the dead forest around her for signs of a threat, she cautiously unhitched herself from the covered wagon and stepped away. The familiar weight of her halberd shifting on her back eased her nerves, and she reached up and adjusted her hat as she moved further into the clearing.

Her ear flicked as she heard the sound again; the soft rustling of a wing that was often the only warning of a vampony attack. The clear night sky gave no indication of danger, but she'd seen this ruse many times before.

The attack was silent and came from behind, but Applejack was expecting it. Diving to the ground, she felt the vampony soar over her, its hooves finding nothing but empty air. Tucking in her head and forelegs, she hit the ground, rolled, and was back on her hooves in an instant, her halberd freed and ready.

Applejack snorted as the dark creature landed several yards away. "Ya'll really need to learn some new tricks."

The vampony hissed in response as it began to pace back and forth, its eerie red eyes narrowing as it searched for a way past her blade. In life, she must have been a beautiful mare, but now her ragged mane was caked with dirt and the fur around her throat was soaked with blood. Saliva continuously dripped from her fangs as she erratically shook her head and dug at the ground with obvious irritation.

It was clear by the still seeping wound on her neck that this vampony was a newly turned. The recently turned ones were often so afflicted with bloodlust that they were incapable of forming even the simplest of strategies, and when faced with an armed opponent, they became easily frustrated. With this in mind, Applejack lowered her weapon, but her body was tense and ready to react.

The moment the vampony saw the opening, she launched herself straight at Applejack with an inequine shriek.
With the long shaft of the weapon braced along the side of her body, Applejack lifted the halberd in front of her and allowed the vampony to impale herself upon the spear. Loosening her grip, she quickly stepped back out of the reach of the creature's grasping hooves before rearing up and grabbing the end of the shaft with both forelegs.

The vampony gnashed her teeth and hissed, spraying Applejack's face with spittle as she attempted to pull herself further up the blade toward her.

Applejack frowned at her wildly determined glare. "Rest in peace," she whispered.

In one fluid motion, she pulled the spear end free, reversed her grip, and swung the halberd in a deadly arc. The crescent blade sliced through the vampony's neck effortlessly, sending her head tumbling across the hard, cracked ground as her convulsing body collapsed in a heap.

Applejack took a moment to wipe the blade clean on the fur of the corpse, then turned her attention to her approaching companion.

"And where the hay have you been?" she called. What was the point of him scouting ahead if he's going to let me get ambushed?

"Busy," Spike's deep voice replied. The soft moonlight gleamed on the edge of his broadsword as he returned it to the sheath strapped to his back and tossed the pair of fangs toward Applejack.

Catching them with ease, she opened her saddlebags and removed a small, leather pouch. She set the pouch and the teeth aside, and pulling free the dagger that was strapped to her right foreleg, bent over the head of the vampony and cut out the fangs. Finished, she straightened and dropped both pair of fangs into the leather pouch before cinching the drawstrings shut.

"Zecora's gonna be happy when we get back," Spike commented as he watched her return the pouch to her saddlebag.

Applejack smiled her agreement, then wiped her dagger clean and returned it to its sheath. "Was your vampony a newly turned?"

Spike nodded.

"Yeah, mine too." Applejack adjusted her hat, then headed back toward the wagon. "I don't like it, Spike. We seem to be findin' more newly turns than anythin' else."

"Maybe travelers haven't been as careful lately."

"Maybe." Applejack shook her head. "But I can't shake the feelin' that somethin' ain't right."

"You're just tired, Applejack," Spike said. "We both are."

Applejack sighed and strapped her harness back on. "Can't argue with ya there." She started off, pulling the heavily laden wagon behind her. "It's goin' to be nice to sleep without worryin' ‘bout an attack for once."

"It's going to be nice sleeping in a real bed again," Spike replied. "What's it been? A month?"

Casting a quick glance at the constellations, Applejack affirmed, "A little over."

As they resumed their trek home, Spike rested a hand on her back and began to absentmindedly scratch in a small circle. Allowing herself a small smile, Applejack glanced up at her constant companion, now a full head taller than she.

Although the two of them had been nearly inseparable for the twelve years since their escape from Ponyville, Applejack still sometimes marveled at how much he had changed. The short, stubby, and sometimes cute little baby dragon was gone, and in his place was a tall, slender, and well-muscled adolescent. His head was slowly becoming more triangular as his snout grew, and was now full of wickedly sharp, curved teeth. The spines along his back were more firm and pointed, his tail was as thick as both of her forelegs put together, and the spike at the end had formed into a deadly weapon.

But despite his ferocious features, Spike was still the same kindhearted, and sometimes snarky dragon that Applejack had always known and loved. More endearing still, he thought of himself as a pony, and possessed a seemingly unbreakable moral code—one that had, on several occasions, helped keep Applejack on the right path.

"I miss the sun," Spike said, snapping Applejack from her thoughts. He gazed up at the shining moon. "I miss the day. And the light and the warmth...and..."

"Don't," Applejack growled.

"...them."

She shot him a dark look as she halted and shook his hand from her back. Once the suddenly unwanted physical contact was removed, she quickened her pace, leaving him to stand and stare at the ground.

After a few minutes, Spike jogged up beside her, and she reflexively slowed her pace to match his. He cast a couple of furtive glances at her, looking as though he wanted to say something, but remained silent as he began to wring his hands.

It took every ounce of willpower she possessed to not glance back at him. She hated seeing him like this, and wanted to say something, but she was just too frustrated. He knew that bringing them up always angered her, so why had he done it?

"We're almost there," Spike said, pointing at a familiar rock formation.

"Eeyup," she replied.

Spike was quiet for a moment longer, then said, "Applejack, I'm sorry, alright? I wasn't trying to make you mad, I just wanted to talk about them." He watched her scowl as she determinedly gazed straight ahead. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. "I just wish I knew how it happened."

"This again?" Applejack snapped. "What could knowin' possibly do? I don't know why Mistress turned the others, or why she didn't get me. I don't know where she came from or why she started her invasion in Ponyville." She stomped a hoof on the ground with a growl of frustration. "All I know is that our friends are gone, and talkin' ‘bout them ain't gonna do either of us any good."

Spike hesitated, then spoke barely above a whisper. "I just don't want us to forget them...forget who they were."

"What's the point in rememberin' them? They're not comin' back, no matter how much we want them to." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and in a much calmer tone, said, "Who they were ain't nothin' more than memories, Spike, and we ain't ever gonna have that life again."

"I know..."

Hearing him sniffle, Applejack felt her remaining anger melt away. She was all he had, and he needed her to be his friend right now. It didn't matter if it was too painful for her to think of the others...of her sister...she needed to be there for him. Just as he had always been there for her.

She waited for him to finish wiping his eyes, and then asked, "Remember when the dragon migration came by Ponyville, and it made ya question who you really were?" She waited for him to nod before continuing. "Then you decided that you needed to join the migration, and Twilight, Rainbow, and Rarity all followed you?"

The smallest hint of a smile crept across his face. "Yeah, I can't believe Rarity's costume fooled all those dragons." Spike suddenly chuckled. "The looks on those dragons' faces when they revealed themselves was priceless."

Applejack smiled. "And you learned somethin' mighty important that day too, didn't ya?"

Spike nodded vigorously, his eyes aglow with the memory. "I learned that who I am is more important than what I am."

"Because they cared enough to follow you into dragon territory," Applejack concluded. "Their love has changed us both for the better, and that's why we ain't ever gonna forget them."

Returning her smile, Spike threw an arm around her shoulder and squeezed. "Thanks, Applejack."

Applejack leaned into him and nuzzled his cheek. "You're welcome, sugar."

They continued to walk in silence for several long minutes before Spike said, "I wish they were dead. Like...like Fluttershy." His breath seemed to hitch in his throat. "It would be so much easier that way."

Swallowing hard past the sudden lump in her throat, Applejack's mind grudgingly replayed the last time they had encountered one of their friends.

A couple of years ago, they had witnessed Pinkie Pie attack a group of five armed soldiers that had been delivering a shipment of much needed food to some of the outlying towns. She had laughed maniacally as she brutally murdered them, only pausing to feed on the last stallion standing. As they reached her, weapons drawn and ready, Pinkie had taken to the air, and with a large, ghastly grin, she had used a severed foreleg to wave goodbye before soaring away, her echoing laughter seeming to last forever.

With a shudder, Applejack forced her thoughts away from the memory. "Yeah," she replied, struggling to keep her voice steady, "it would."

Lost in their dark thoughts, the two of them didn't realize how close they were to their destination until they crested the rise and found the tall, wooden walls of Sanctuary looming before them.

On the morning following the vamponies’ attack on Ponyville, Applejack had rounded up the survivors and led them into the White Tail Woods. Leaving the other ponies within the shelter of a large cave, Applejack and Spike had hurried to Canterlot at the summons of Princess Celestia, but encountered a regiment of troops, many of whom were injured, accompanied by a grievously small number of Canterlot residents descending the mountain. The soldiers had told them that Canterlot Castle had fallen and the city was no longer safe, and the fate of the princesses was unknown.

Nearly overwhelmed with despair, the two of them had led the group back to the cave, where the other survivors helped to care for the injured. The soldiers immediately began to fortify the entrance of the cave, but after several days with no sign of vamponies, the ponies grew more bold and began to build shelters while the troops started to erect a wall. Not long after, more refugees from Appleloosa, Trottingham, and Dodge City began trickling in.

Now, surrounded by a thick, ten foot wall and numerous watchtowers, as well as being home to some of the most well trained fighters around, Sanctuary was the most secure settlement to be found. It was also the most prominent supplier of food, water, and weapons for all of Equestria.

The two guards posted outside the gate straightened as they approached. "Applejack, Spike, welcome home," one of them called out. "It's great to have you back!"

Applejack bit back her retort and tipped her hat at the two as Spike waved his greeting. "It's great to be back," she said with a forced smile.

The second guard indicated the wagon. "Is that the ore?" When she nodded, he broke out in a grin. "Lance is gonna be thrilled!"

"Well, good for him." As she watched the large, wooden gate begin to slowly swing open, she asked, "Ya'll been seein' much vampony activity?"

Both guards nodded. "Some, but none have directly attacked the town," said the first.

"But several travelers have been killed recently," the second added.

"Yeah, we were attacked by two just a little while ago," Spike told them. "There might be more around, you'd better keep a close eye out."

"Be safe, you two," Applejack said as she passed through the gate. Noticing them salute her, she rolled her eyes but said nothing as the gate began closing once again.

"Why do you think there's been so much vampony activity around here?" Spike asked as they passed a second pair of guards that saluted and greeted them warmly. "Could they be planning an attack on Sanctuary?"

"I don't think so." Applejack frowned. "I'm pretty sure they know that we're the only food source, and we're not exactly plentiful these days. I've always reckoned that the higher-ups must be reining in the others. It's the only thing I can think of that explains why they haven't swarmed us yet."

"So, why do they seem so interested now?" Spike mused. "What's changed?"

"I've got no idea," Applejack replied as her eyes landed on the large forge standing just behind the barracks, "but we can talk ‘bout it later. Right now, I just want to get this visit with Big Mac over with."

"You think he'll even be there?"

Applejack nodded sullenly. "I'm sure he will."

Lowering his gaze to the ground, Spike nodded solemnly, and followed Applejack as she led the way.

Beyond the gate was a large clearing that the guards used for drills and training. As they watched, several groups of soldiers sparred with one another while others practiced advanced tactical formations. A narrow trough had been dug through the center of the field and filled with dried wood that could be quickly ignited if the vamponies were to attack. On the far side of the clearing were the simple, single story homes standing in neat rows that housed Sanctuary's residents.

Trotting past the barracks, Applejack found herself staring at several raw recruits awkwardly swinging their weapons at a row of wooden ponies. Reminds me of the first time I picked up a weapon. I couldn't figure out how to properly hold the blasted thing, much less swing it. I reckon I've changed a lot since then...I'm just not so sure it was for the better.

"You okay?" Spike asked, his face etched with concern.

Applejack offered him a brief smile. "Yeah. Just reminiscin'."

As they drew near the forge, Farrier, an aged stallion from Appleloosa who was Sanctuary's resident blacksmith, slowly rose from his bench and waved.

Spike placed a claw on Applejack's shoulder, causing her to come to a halt. "I can handle this if you want," he offered, "you could go on to Zecora's and I'll meet you there."

"That's mighty generous of ya, sugar, but I think it'd be better if I stayed."

Spike studied her for a moment. "Are you sure? You're tired and on edge right now, I'd rather nothing happen to upset you."

This time, she gave him a much warmer smile. "Thanks for carin', Spike, but I'll be just fine." As they watched Farrier approach, she added, "Besides, he's the only family I've got left, whether I like it or not."

"You've still got Braeburn."

"Fine. He's the only immediate family I got left. Better?"

"Howdy, you two, good to see y'all are safe," Farrier said as he hobbled past them to inspect the contents of the wagon. "This the Elementium? We've been needin' this somethin' fierce lately." He shook his head, causing his long, grizzled mane to sway from side to side. "Completely ran out, we did. ‘Bout two weeks ago. Had to go back to makin' the weapons out of steel, and ya know how ineffective that is against them vamponies."

Elementium was an ore discovered by the crystal ponies deep within the Crystal Caverns six years ago that was much lighter than steel, but more durable. More importantly, it was found that vamponies wounded by weapons created with this metal were unable to heal as rapidly as wounds dealt by steel blades.

As a result, weapons crafted from Elementium ore were possibly the most important commodity in Equestria, and were highly sought after by vampony hunters—both Spike's sword and Applejack's own halberd were forged from the ore—as well as mercenaries hired to protect towns or trading routes. So, when the team of pegasi tasked with delivering the much needed ore to Sanctuary was ambushed by vamponies, Applejack and Spike had immediately volunteered to retrieve the lost cargo.

Applejack unhitched herself from the wagon. "Well, hopefully this here load will help." She unstrapped her harness and shrugged it off, then rolled her shoulder until she heard a satisfying pop. "Hoo-wee, am I glad to get this thing off. I think I got some chafin' on my underside."

Farrier blinked as Spike began to snicker, then shook his head and turned toward the barracks. "Big McIntosh, come on out here! I got some work for ya!" Catching the look on Applejack's face, he said, "My arthritis has been actin' up worse than ever, and I've finally decided it was time to step aside and let your brother take over." He smiled as Big Mac stepped outside. "I've taught him everythin' I know. He's gonna be a mighty fine blacksmith."

Big Mac smiled as he approached. "I'm glad you're safe, Li'l Sis. Welcome home."

It felt as though a shadow fell over Applejack, smothering any warm greeting she may have intended. "This ain't my home, Big Mac, and it ain't yours either."

"Uh..." Farrier took several quick steps back. "I reckon I’ll go tell Lance the Elementium is here."

As Farrier hurriedly wobbled away, Big Mac said, "It could be, if you'd let it."

Applejack's eyes narrowed. "And what about our real home?"

"It's gone, Applejack." Big Mac's ears drooped as he hung his head. "I don't like it anymore than you, but it's the truth. Sanctuary is our home now. It's safe, and it has everything we need."

"Y'all might be happy with settlin' down here, hidin' behind your big walls and fancy weapons, but it ain't enough for me." Applejack walked around to the back of the wagon and kicked the latch, causing it to drop a good quarter of the load on the ground. "And it ain't any safer here than it is out there."

Big Mac scowled. "These walls have protected us for years."

"They don't keep you protected," Applejack retorted, "they keep ya corralled."

Shaking his head, Big Mac admonished, "You can't keep thinking like that, Applejack. I know this ain't the Equestria any of us wanted, but we have to plan for the future."

Applejack cocked an eyebrow. "What's with you all of a sudden?"

As if on cue, a sweet voice from behind her spoke, "Applejack, Spike! So good to see you!"

"Cheerilee, you know I don't like you visiting me here," Big Mac said sternly. "It's too busy with all these training soldiers, and I don't like you breathing the fumes from the forge. It can't be good for—" he paused and cast a quick glance toward Applejack "—your...condition."

Condition?

"But, Sweetums, you've been so busy lately." Cheerilee smiled and her whole face seemed to glow. "And I really wanted to see you."

It only took a moment for Applejack's gaze to run along Cheerilee's frame and notice her stretched belly. Her eyes widening, she rounded on Big Mac. "You're expectin'?!"

"I was going to tell you before," Big Mac began, "but I knew you'd be mad—"

"You're darn tootin' I'm mad," Applejack snapped. "What the hay is wrong with you?"

Spike hastily stepped forward and placed a claw on her back. "Applejack, calm down."

Applejack shook off Spike's claw and advanced on Big Mac. "You're goin' to bring a foal into this world? Into this never endin' night where it'll never see the sun and be in constant danger of bein' snatched up by a vampony?"

"Yes, we are," Cheerilee answered simply as she moved to stand beside Big Mac. "Applejack, we can't keep living in fear. We can't keep believing that ponykind is doomed to an eventual extinction. If we do, then the vamponies have already won."

"We have to keep hope," Big Mac said. "Starting a family and continuing our lives are all we can do to fight back."

Her anger tightening in her chest, Applejack gritted her teeth. "I just hope the vamponies don't attack. You sure ain't gonna be able to escape with a pregnant mare slowin' ya down." She turned her back on them and began to trot away. "And I really doubt you're gonna sucker punch her."

Cheerilee gasped as Big Mac's whole body appeared to sag, but Applejack ignored them as she started across the clearing and toward the town.

How can he do this? We both lost the same family...the same home. How can he just start a new life? Didn't he care about what they'd lost? Didn't any of it matter to him?

"Applejack, wait," she heard Spike call from behind. "I can't keep up."

Realizing that she had increased her pace to a canter, she slowed and allowed Spike to catch her.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Eeyup."

“Hmph.” Spike gripped her by the tail and tugged hard. Crossing his arms as she stopped and turned a scathing look his way, he said, "Talk to me."

"I'd rather not," she replied briskly as she snapped her tail free of his hand and started off.

"This is about Apple Bloom, isn't it?" Spike stated.

She froze mid-step and hung her head. "How can he do it, Spike? Apple Bloom is out there somewhere, sufferin' right this very moment, and he's startin' a new life."

Spike gently scratched a small circle on her back and softly said, "He's moving on, Applejack. It's been a long time and he's finally accepted that she's gone. Maybe it's time that you do the same." When she did nothing more than simply shake her head, he added, “What happened to her isn't Big Mac's fault, and it wasn't yours either."

"But you're wrong," Applejack whispered as she removed her hat and hugged it to her chest. "A little while after Ma and Pa died, I vowed to them that I would take care of Apple Bloom." She squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip as she fought against the tears. "But I didn't. I...I failed them. I failed her...failed everypony."

Spike lightly stroked her cheek. "You haven't failed me."

She stared at him for a long moment, then chuckled faintly. "I've come pretty darn close."

"Maybe." Spike shrugged. "But you always pull through. That's what you do. I've lost count of the number of times you've saved my hide. Even when I'd given up hope, you somehow found a way for us to survive." He gave her a huge grin, displaying his curved, sharp teeth. "Heck, I'm a dragon, and I'm not even half as tough as you!"

When Applejack smiled but said nothing, Spike continued. "You've also never failed Sanctuary." He waved a claw toward the first of the houses standing on the far side of the clearing. "Just look at what you've done for this town. You led that first team out from the safety of these walls to get the stone needed for the forge and oven. You were the one that snuck back into Ponyville for baking supplies and rescued Diamond Tiara in the process. Thanks to your bravery, we not only welcomed one more into Sanctuary, but we enjoyed bread for the first time in nearly a month."

Applejack shuffled her hooves. "I'm sure if I hadn't, somepony else—"

"No." Spike shook his head determinedly. "Everypony was too frightened. It was you that first gave everypony hope. It was you that helped Lance get over his guilt and become the great leader that Sanctuary needed." Applejack blushed and lowered her gaze to the ground, but Spike lifted her chin to meet his eyes. "There's a reason why every guard in this town salutes you. They don't just respect you, Applejack, they admire you. They admire you because you've always done whatever it takes to help and protect us."

As Applejack sniffled and wiped her eyes, Spike took her hat and placed it back atop her head. "Now, does that sound like a pony who's failed everyone?" he asked.

"No," she answered with a watery smile, "I reckon it doesn't." The smile quickly faded as memories of her sister assailed her mind. "But none of that can make up for my failure to protect my sister."

Spike placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a sympathetic squeeze. "Then you need to keep trying until it does."

Applejack contemplated this for a moment, then turned and started toward the town with renewed vigor. "I need to find Lance and warn him that somethin' ain’t right, and that doublin' the patrols outside of town wouldn't be a bad idea. Then I want to get to Zecora's and see how she's gettin' along with that cure."

"Applejack?"

"Hmm?" Applejack glanced over and found that Spike was jogging to keep up with her. With a sheepish grin, she slowed her pace. "Sorry, sugar."

The two of them moved swiftly across the clearing, weaving around the sporadic groups of training soldiers. Several of them noticed her passing by and gave a hasty salute before returning to their drills.

Finally, the two of them reached the rows of houses and headed toward the center of Sanctuary.

At first, the homes in Sanctuary had been hardly more than lean-tos, but when several of the settler ponies from Appleloosa had arrived, they had brought with them extensive knowledge of carpentry and masonry. With their mastery combined with the magic of the surviving Canterlot residents, they were able to build houses for all of the survivors, a forge, an oven, and much later, a well.

Unlike most other towns, the streets of Sanctuary were bustling. Everypony had a job to do; whether it was repairing homes, collecting mushrooms from the nearby cave, or watching over the foals, each pony was expected to complete the tasks given to them for the greater good of the town.

Applejack smiled and nodded at Daisy and Rose as they pulled wagons from home to home collecting trash, then turned her attention to a group of foals playing with a large red ball while the two stallions looking after them eyed the sky warily. Rounding a corner, she veered around the long line of ponies waiting outside of Mr. Cake's bakery for their rations of bread, and as she neared the center of town, she spotted a gloomy Bon Bon filling her bucket from the well.

Feeling as though she'd been kicked in the gut, Applejack quickly lowered her gaze to the ground as she trotted the remaining distance to Lance's office. There was only one reason for a pony to look that upset these days, and the last thing Applejack wanted was to get stuck consoling somepony for their loss.

"Oh no," Spike said softly, "you don't think Lyra—"

"I don't know, Spike." Applejack sighed. "And I'm not sure I want to."

When they were still several yards from the door, it swung open unexpectedly and Lance stepped into the moonlight. A silver earth stallion with a gray blue mane and an exceptionally large lance that always seemed to be strapped to his back, Lance moved with a confidence and pride born from years of military discipline. With his deep booming voice, intense icy blue raptor's gaze, and the small chunk missing from his left ear, he had no trouble intimidating even the largest of stallions.

Despite his formidable exterior, Applejack had felt an instant kinship toward him after learning that it had been he who had made the impossibly difficult decision to retreat from Canterlot, and leave the citizens that they could not reach to a grisly fate at the hooves of the vamponies. Seeing the guilt and anguish that clearly plagued him, she had felt drawn to the captain, and they had become fast friends.

Upon noticing them, Lance paused mid-step and turned their direction. "Applejack, Spike! You've been sorely missed."

"I'll bet she has," Spike remarked with a sly grin.

"Spike!" Applejack hissed.

Lance's embarrassment only shone through for a brief moment before it was covered by a stern mask. Straightening his shoulders and holding his head high, he addressed Spike, "As I'm sure you are aware, the two of you are paramount to the continued success of Sanctuary." His hard gaze met hers. "Farrier informed me that you have successfully retrieved the Elementium. Once again, you've come through for us." His features softened slightly. "What would I do without you?"

Lowering her eyes to the ground, Applejack rubbed her foreleg with a hoof and smiled in spite of herself. "It was the right thing to do."

"Always so modest." His eyes seemed to drink her in. "That's the best part about you."

Desperate to shift the topic away from herself, Applejack glanced past Lance and caught sight of Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Diamond Tiara coming through the door.

The three little fillies had grown into quite the productive young mares. There was never a day that the three of them couldn't be found dutifully performing whatever tasks Lance had given them. Having volunteered to raise the fillies, Applejack had fretted over them often, especially when Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had reached adulthood and still hadn't received their cutie marks, but these worries were put to rest when she learned that it was becoming strangely common for young adults to be sporting blank flanks. Nowadays, Applejack felt nothing but a radiant pride whenever she laid eyes on the three.

"Howdy ya'll." Applejack beamed. "Did ya miss me?"

"Applejack!" the three mares shouted as they rushed forward and hugged her fiercely.

With a grunt, Applejack stumbled, then returned the hug. "I missed you girls too."

The three of them released her and turned their attention to Spike, who threw his hands out in front of him. "No, no. You know the rule."

Laughing, the three of them charged forward and threw their forelegs around him, and they all fell to the ground in a tangled heap. Applejack couldn't help but join in the laughter herself, but it quickly died as she caught sight of the weapons strapped to the mares' backs.

"Lance," Applejack growled, "are you trainin' the girls?"

"I am," he affirmed.

A seething anger began to rise within her. "We've talked 'bout this before, Lance! I told you—"

"We went to him, Applejack," Diamond Tiara interrupted, "we asked to be trained."

"Yeah," Scootaloo chimed in. "We're sick of relying on others to protect us, we wanna be able to defend ourselves."

Applejack scowled, but just as she opened her mouth to retort, Sweetie Belle stepped forward with her beautiful smile. "We know you've always got our best interest in mind, but we're not foals anymore, and if we want to learn to use weapons, then that's our right."

There was nothing she wanted more than to make them turn over their weapons and give up this absurd notion, but she couldn't. They were right; they weren't foals anymore, no matter how much she wished otherwise, and whether she liked it or not, it was only right that she respect their wishes.

She rounded on Lance and prodded him hard in the chest with a hoof. "You should have waited for me to get back before acceptin' their request."

"Why," he asked, undaunted, "so you could tell them no?"

"I would not have told them no."

"You totally would have," Scootaloo interjected.

"You've done a great job raising them, Applejack," Lance said. "Now let me prepare them for the harsher side of life, as I did for you and Spike."

"They'll be fine," Spike urged. "They're in very capable hooves."

Applejack gazed at the three mares that, not long ago, had been three heartbroken and terrified orphans, and smiled. "Okay, but only if you use what you learn to protect yourself and others." She gave them a stern look. "No goin' out and lookin' for a fight, got it?" After they nodded, she added, "And don't ya'll ever sneak around behind my back like this again, ya hear?"

"Yes, Applejack," the three of them said in unison as they turned their heads to the ground.

"Aww, shucks." Applejack smiled affectionately. "You know I can't stay mad at ya. Come here."

With grins of their own, the three embraced her again, each whispering words of endearment before releasing her.

Feeling relieved, she turned back to Lance. "You're gonna want to double up patrols round the perimeter. Those vamponies are more active than a hive of bees, and it's givin' me a bad feelin'. Somethin' ain't right out there."

Lance's eyes narrowed. "Are you expecting an attack?"

"I don't know." She readjusted her hat. "I think we ought to play it safe. Double up the patrols and have them keep an eye peeled for any recent activity around the wall. Anythin' unusual needs to be reported immediately."

"Right." Lance nodded. "And just to be safe, I'm going to open the weapons cache and make sure every adult capable of fighting has an Elementium blade within easy reach." He glanced over at the three younger mares and gave each of them instructions, then watched them gallop off in different directions. "I'll hold a town meeting in a few hours and explain what is happening."

Spike cocked an eyebrow. "You don't think that will cause ponies to panic?"

"These ponies have proven on more than one occasion that they are steadfast and resilient." His sharp gaze met Spike's. "No, I do not think they will panic."

Spike held his gaze for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I think you're right." He glanced back at the well with a frown and asked, "So, any good news lately?"

"Actually, yes," Lance answered. "You just missed Princess Cadance; she visited here..." he gazed up at the constellations for a brief moment, "...nearly twenty four hours ago."

Spike snorted. "You could just say 'yesterday,' you know."

"Really ain't any use callin' them 'days' without the sun," Applejack said, giving Spike a warning glance before turning her full attention to Lance. "How's Cadance been holdin' up? And is Cloudsdale still doin' fine?"

"The princess is well, as is Cloudsdale."

"Of course they are," Spike said. "The vamponies don't have the ability to cloud walk, so the pegasi can simply disappear into the clouds whenever danger comes their way." He glanced up at the night sky and mumbled, “Must be nice."

"The pegasi are constantly placing themselves in danger,” Lance reminded him. "They risk their lives every day providing communications between towns as well as water to the outlying settlements."

"Yeah, yeah." Spike waved a claw indifferently. "I know all that. I just mean I envy their ability to sleep in their own beds without worry."

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Anyway, what did Cadance have to say?"

"She was concerned because the last two weapon shipments from here were made of steel, but she was heartened to learn that you and Spike had gone to retrieve the Elementium," Lance said. "She also said that the pegasi have discovered another underground river in a cave several miles west of Fillydelphia, and asked for volunteers to help them secure and fortify the area. If everything goes smoothly, we shouldn't have to worry about that upcoming drought that everypony has been dreading."

"Awesome!" Spike exclaimed. "That will save us from having to make water runs all over Equestria."

"It will be nice to have one less thing to worry about," Applejack agreed.

"Unfortunately, I have some bad news as well," Lance said, almost apologetically.

"Of course you do." Applejack sighed. "Let's have it."

"I sent a group of five volunteers to Appleloosa to gather more baking supplies, and the sole survivor returned just a couple hours ago."

Spike groaned. "Anypony we know?"

"Three of them were soldiers that you've probably never met, but the fourth..." Lance paused as his ears drooped. "It was Lyra."

"Dagnabbit!" Applejack spat as she struck the ground with her hoof. She closed her eyes as she took a deep breath, then looked at Lance with firm resolve. "Do ya need me to retrieve the supplies?"

"That won't be necessary. The surviving member managed to secure the supplies after the assault and transport them here. He also brought some disturbing news."

"And what's that?" Spike asked.

Lance hesitated for a moment. "The other four were taken alive."

Exchanging an uneasy look with Spike, Applejack swallowed hard. "That can only mean one thing..."

"Gifts for the Ascended," Spike finished.

Gifts to our friends. The friends who have destroyed Equestria and taken everything from me.

"Trixie rushed off to rescue them the moment she learned they were still alive." Lance shook his head. "I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen."

Spike glanced her way. "You think she'll be okay?"

"Trixie's one of the best vampony hunters around." Applejack answered. "If anypony can save them, I reckon it'd be her."

Lance placed a hoof on her shoulder. "You okay?"

Applejack lowered her gaze to the ground. "I think so. It's just..." She cleared her throat and straightened. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Spike?"

With a deep breath, Spike gave him a thumbs up. "I'm cool."

"I know what will cheer you up." Lance pulled his lance free and whirled it in the air expertly. "Why don't you two come over after the town meeting? I'd like to see if you've gotten any better."

Spike grinned. "Oh, you are so on!"

Emboldened by Spike's enthusiasm, a smile crept across Applejack's face. "I reckon this time the master is gonna get schooled by his students."

Lance laughed, and Applejack's smile widened upon hearing it. After having trekked halfway across Equestria's ravaged landscape, the sound of her friend's mirth was as welcoming as the thought of her soft bed.

"Well, we've still got to stop by Zecora's," Applejack said, "so we'll see you at the meetin'."

The smile faded from Lance's face. "Make sure you get some rest," he admonished. "You deserve it. And you'll want to be at your finest if the vamponies try anything."

"Will do," Applejack promised with a final wave before setting off.

The moment they were out of earshot, Spike asked, "So, why didn't the two of you hook up?"

Applejack scowled. "How many times have we gone over this?"

"More than I care to count." Spike shrugged. "But I'll keep at it until you finally give him a chance."

"Ain't gonna happen, sugar."

"Which is dumb because all the chemistry is there," Spike grumbled. "I mean, you helped him overcome his guilt of leaving those Canterlot citizens to die, and he would help you with your guilt if you'd let him."

"He's got nothin' to do with my problems," Applejack retorted. "That's between Apple Bloom and myself."

"Whatever," Spike grunted. "I just remember the two of you talking for hours and hours." He kicked a stone and watched it bounce into the side of a house. "You were perfect together."

"I've got too much to do," she said. "Bein' 'perfect together' ain't a reason to stop. I'm not Big Mac."

"First of all, ouch." Spike made a face. "And secondly, hooking up with Lance doesn't mean that you'd have to stop anything."

Applejack huffed. "I just don't want any distractions, alright? Now can ya please drop it?"

"Fine..."

The two of them remained silent until they reached Zecora's house, then Spike said, "As soon as we're done here, I'm going straight to bed."

"Is that all you can think about?" Applejack asked with a smirk.

"Well, I just spent a little over a month sleeping on nothing but hard, lumpy dirt, so, yeah, it is all I'm thinking about."

Applejack chuckled. "Are you aware that dragons tend to sleep in caves?" She raised an eyebrow. "You know? On hard, cold rock?"

"Yeah, yeah," Spike rolled his eyes, but Applejack could see the hint of a smile. "It's not my fault that you ponies pampered me. And now I want a nice, warm bed." He reached Zecora's door and knocked. "Deal with it."

As Applejack smiled and shook her head, Zecora's muffled voice called to them from further inside. "You may enter."

Despite the lack of her native decor, Zecora's small, one room home looked nearly identical to her old hut. Bottles containing mosses and lichen as well as some less identifiable ingredients crowded the shelves and tabletops, piles of books and hastily scrawled notes lay haphazardly around the room and on the small bed occupying the back corner, and a large, bubbling cauldron sat in the center of the room.

"Spike, Applejack!" Zecora carefully poured two liquids into a large beaker, then set the smoking concoction aside and beamed at the two of them. "So glad to see you back."

"It's great to be back," Applejack replied as the familiar scent of brewing potions wafted over her. "How ya been holdin' up?"

"Life in Sanctuary has been no less bleak." Zecora stepped up to the cauldron and motioned them closer. "Did you find the Moon Blossom I requested you seek?"

"Sure did," Applejack answered as she reached into her saddlebag. "Up on a high ridge directly below the moon and tucked between two rocks as snugly as a newborn to its mother."

Spike scratched his head. "I still don't get how you knew exactly where we would find it."

"It's Zecora, Spike," Applejack said. "She just knows."

Zecora chuckled at this, then took the dark purple flower from her with almost reverent care. "Yes, this is just what I need. Perhaps, to the first steps of a cure it will lead."

Applejack watched Zecora delicately removed three of the petals, then said, "We've got somethin' else for ya."

"Fangs?" Zecora asked as she reared up to remove a jar from a high shelf and dump its contents into an empty beaker.

Pulling the small leather pouch from her saddlebag and setting it on a nearby table, Applejack confirmed, "Eighteen."

"So nine slain vamponies on your trip to the north," Zecora said as she poured a green liquid into the beaker. "It's good to hear that it will be that much safer for ponies to travel forth."

Spike grinned. "She means eighteen pairs."

"Eighteen pairs?!" Zecora rounded on them. "What, did you venture into a vampony lair?"

Applejack couldn't help but smile at her friend's surprise. "Nope. The vamponies have just been really aggressive here lately." She adjusted her hat as her smile died. "I reckon somethin' changed, but I don't know what, or what it will mean for us."

With a frown, Zecora began to grind the petals in a mortar and pestle. "In times of unknowing, it is best to prepare for the worst, but the ponies of this town are known for showing that they can stand strongly together when forced." She lifted a jar containing a powdered substance and poured it into the mortar, then stirred them together. "But perhaps your worries will be for naught if I can create a cure with the flower you've brought."

Spike stepped close and gazed into the mortar. "So, is this that memory potion you've been trying to make? The one that will help vamponies remember their previous life?"

Zecora nodded. "If they can remember the life they used to lead, perhaps they will be more reluctant to feed."

"And maybe...just maybe, they might want that life back," Applejack continued.

"And with a vampony that's willing to help, the cure might be easier to find," Spike finished.

"It may be a long shot," Zecora said, "but it's the only plan I've got."

"Well, until then, I'm gonna need some more of your Vampony's Bane," Applejack said.

Vampony's Bane was a powdered concoction that Zecora had created that used vampony fangs as the main ingredient. While completely harmless to the living, Vampony's Bane burned a vampony upon contact, and would kill with prolonged exposure.

"For thirty six fangs, you can have anything you desire." Zecora opened a hidden drawer and removed four pouches. "This is all of my Bane, I hope it helps if your journeys turn dire."

"It's helped plenty in the past," Applejack told her as she placed the pouches in her saddlebag, "and I reckon they'll help again."

Zecora smiled and then turned back to her work. Raising the mortar to the lip of the beaker, she said, "If I have done everything correctly, the green fluid should turn blue." She gave Applejack an even look. "Then I would like to entrust the potion to you."

Applejack blinked. "Um, sure. I'd be happy to test it for ya."

"Celestia knows we won't have any trouble finding a vampony to try it on," Spike added.

Her ears flattening against her head, Applejack scowled. “Spike, I’ve asked ya before, stop usin’ that name. She’s dead, and she ain’t any good to anypony.”

“I don’t believe that,” Spike said. “Not for a second. And neither should you.”

Applejack looked all around Zecora’s house. “Then where is she?”

“In the last letter she sent us, she said not to worry. That she would be fine. I'm sure wherever she is, she is doing all she can for us.”

Applejack bit off her retort as Zecora finished pouring the powdered mixture into the beaker. She stepped closer and watched with bated breath as Zecora stirred the mixture, and then shouted out in elation with the others as the fluid turned dark blue.

But their celebration was cut short when the potion began to billow a thick dark smoke, and a moment later, the blue had turned an ugly black. With a string of curses in her native language, Zecora threw the beaker against the far wall. The dark potion seemed to implode upon itself, leaving nothing more than a thin wisp of smoke and broken glass.

Applejack closed her eyes and fell back onto her rump. She suddenly felt as if she couldn't catch her breath as a hard knot formed in the pit of her stomach. We're never gonna find a cure. I'll never be able to save Apple Bloom. She's going to be a vampony forever and it's all my fault.

With a shuddering sigh, Zecora grabbed a broom from the corner and began to sweep up the glass.

"It's hopeless..." Spike whispered from beside her.

Zecora let the broom fall as she rounded on him, her eyes aglow with an unfaltering inner strength. "No, all ailments can be remedied and all diseases can be healed. We must keep trying until positive results are revealed."

Spike ran a claw over his face. "Zecora, we've been at this for twelve years! We haven't even come close to reaching 'the first step' as you always call it, and we've yet to find a single mention of anything like this disease in any of the books we've read."

"With these thoughts, no good can come. There is still hope yet, let us not be glum."

He took a deep breath and turned away from them. "I've never said it before because I've always respected the decision you and Applejack made, but I'm going to say it now: I agree with Lance. You should stop searching for a cure and start working on ways to kill them. Quit wasting your time and focus your abilities on protecting the living."

Zecora's ears flattened as she lowered her head as if she were about to charge. "You think I waste my—"

"I'm gonna take a walk round the perimeter," Applejack interrupted as she quickly stood and headed toward the door.

"Applejack?" Spike called. When she didn't answer, he blurted, "Applejack, I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking—"

"It's okay, sugar." Applejack sighed as she opened the door. "I'm not mad at you...I just need to be alone." She stepped outside and closed the door without waiting for a response, and started off toward the back entrance of Sanctuary.

It didn't surprise her that Spike agreed with Lance; with all of the horrors that they had witnessed in their travels it was sometimes difficult even for her to believe a cure was possible, and after this latest failure, she realized that they were right. Whatever kind of disease this vampirism was, it sure wasn't anything natural to Equestria, and Zecora's efforts were doomed to fail.

Which meant her hopes of curing Apple Bloom were equally doomed.

Big McIntosh had come to terms with Apple Bloom's fate and moved on, and Spike had suggested that she should as well, but that just wasn't possible. She had been caring for her little sister since she herself was a little filly, and Apple Bloom an infant. Even after she had become old enough to start helping Big Mac with running the farm and Granny Smith took over raising Apple Bloom, Applejack had still felt responsible for her little sister and had fretted often.

She vividly remembered lying awake in bed worrying herself sick on the night before Apple Bloom's first day of school, and her anxiety over her first sleepover with her friends at Rarity's. But clearer still, she remembered walking into her parents' room and staring at the brand new foal in her beaming mother's hooves, and the sense of wonderment she had felt as the infant's eyes had traveled to hers and locked on, as if she somehow already knew who she was.

But now, that precious little filly was a monster, a grotesque perversion of the pony she was meant to be. She didn't know Applejack from Chancellor Puddinghead, and certainly didn't remember any of their old life together. Apple Bloom was suffering, and it was Applejack's obligation to end it. And if helping Zecora create a cure was no longer an option, then there was only one alternative.

She hadn't returned to Ponyville since the sun had failed, but she knew that it was a gathering place for vamponies. She also knew that Apple Bloom had been spotted there numerous times.

Although Apple Bloom was an Ascended, Applejack felt certain that she could kill her with four pouches of Bane. She would certainly be swarmed by vamponies in the process and harbored no doubt that she would die in Ponyville, but that didn't matter. If she could put Apple Bloom to rest, then she could face her end in peace. As for her fear of becoming a vampony herself, she could avoid that with a trick that every vampony hunter knew; she would sprinkle some Bane into her mane so that the powder would kill her as soon as she began to turn.

With a heavy heart and a grimly determined design, Applejack approached the gate and stared ahead as the two guards saluted.

"Didn't you just get back?" one of the stallions asked in surprise.

Applejack scowled at the gate. "I'm doin' a perimeter check."

"Wow...any other pony would be resting by now," said the other guard, gazing at her with evident admiration as the gate began to swing toward them. "You're an inspiration to us all, Applejack."

"I'm a hunter," Applejack replied in a monotonous voice. "I find vamponies and I kill them. That's my job."

The two guards shared a look as she passed through the gate and completely ignored the other pair of guards that greeted her outside. She trotted through the dead forest at a brisk pace toward the cave, intending to fill her canteen at the underground river before heading for Ponyville.

As she glanced at the standing corpses of the trees and the skeletal remains of brush, she was suddenly struck by the disturbing sensation that Equestria was already dead, and was just waiting on them to join it.

"You ain't gonna have to wait long for me," Applejack mumbled as the cave came into view.

Applejack came to a halt as an unexpected tear ran down her cheek. Recalling all the times that she had brought Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Diamond Tiara here to play and explore, she sat back on her haunches and removed her hat with a sniffle.

It was a stab to the heart to realize that she would never see their smiling faces again. The three of them had played a crucial role in preventing her from falling into despair during that first year without Apple Bloom. Her fierce desire to protect those fillies had been the only thing that had kept her going, and had been the primary incentive for her and Spike becoming hunters.

She swallowed hard at the memories. She wished that she could have told them goodbye. She knew that Spike would eventually forgive her for this sudden decision, but she wasn't so sure about the other three...or Lance, for that matter.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," she said to the cave as she hung her hat on a rocky outcropping the fillies used to climb and swing from. She blinked and shook her head as she felt a brief moment of vertigo, then continued. "I wish I could have said it to ya'll personally, but hopefully you'll know how I was feelin' right at this moment when you find my hat here. And Spike...I guess I'm finally lettin' you down, but this is somethin' that I just gotta do. Sorry, sugar."

"Poor honest Applejack," said a soft voice from behind. With a start, Applejack whirled around to find a cloaked pony standing several yards away. "Always so true to everypony else, but she can't help but lie to herself."

"What do ya mean?" Applejack asked, slowly pulling her halberd free.

"Leaving everypony behind with nothing more than your hat to explain your decision, what a selfish choice." Despite standing in direct moonlight that shrouded her in an eerie glow, the mysterious pony's face was somehow hidden within her hood. "You will undoubtedly hurt everypony who has ever cared about you."

Applejack's eyes narrowed. "What could a vampony like you possibly understand? You've got no idea what I've been through."

"I know that you blame yourself for what happened to Apple Bloom," the figure said, "and I know that you'd do anything to save her."

Her breath catching in her throat, Applejack nearly dropped the halberd. "How do ya know that?! Who are you?"

"Who I am is unimportant," the cloaked pony said as Applejack's hat lifted into the air and floated over to her. "All you need to know is that I wish to help."

Quickly snatching the hat out of the air and placing it on her head, Applejack gripped her weapon with both forelegs. "I ain't ever heard of any vampony other than Mistress havin' dark magic." She strained to see the face concealed within the hood, but could discern nothing more than a vague outline. "I don't know what you are, but your powers make you a threat to Sanctuary." She braced herself. "And I mean to end it."

"Fighting me won't help your sister," the figure replied calmly. "But I know what can. Something that could even bring her back among the living."

Applejack stiffened. "Bring...her back?" She stared at the vampony before her with wide eyes. "How...how can that be possible?"

The figure turned away, her long cloak sweeping up a small cloud of dirt around her hooves, and tilted her head in the general direction of Canterlot Mountain. "Within the ruins of the royal castle of Canterlot lies a rare treasure called The Phoenix Heart. It is the crystallization of the literal heart of a phoenix that gave its life to protect one it held most dear.”

Applejack cocked an eyebrow. “Are ya talkin’ ‘bout Philomena?”

“Yes.” The cloaked pony nodded. “Such a noble act performed by such a majestic creature creates a special kind of magic, a magic that can heal any wound." The mysterious mare glanced back over her shoulder, and even though Applejack couldn't see the vampony's eyes, she knew that they were gazing deeply into her own. "Or any sickness."

Could it be true? Could there really be a crystal of some sort that could cure Apple Bloom? But why was this vampony willing to give such valuable information so freely?

"Why are you tellin' me all this?" Applejack asked, eyeing the figure closely. "What could you gain by savin' my sister?"

"You," came her quick reply, "as an ally. Once you have saved your sister, you will be indebted to me, and I require your help."

Applejack frowned. "With what?"

"The elimination of the Ascended, and the death of Mistress."

Slowly nodding, Applejack said, "Makes sense...ya'll want to take Mistress's position and power for yourself, but how could I possibly help?"

"I have a plan, and you will be key."

"If I'm so important to your cause, then why are you hidin' your face from me?"

The figure turned to face her once more. "I'm not taking any chances. Mistress can be very...unforgiving."

Applejack smirked. "Scared, huh?" When the vampony simply stood there, she lowered her halberd, but only slightly. "Canterlot is Luna's territory, and it's bound to be swarmin' with vamponies, and I got nothin' more than the word of a vampony that the Phoenix Heart even exists." She cocked an eyebrow. "How do I know that you're not sendin' me to my doom?"

"The choice to believe me is yours alone to make." The figure stepped closer. "But if you fall in Canterlot, then you were no good to me anyway."

"That's a bit harsh, but I gotta admire your honesty." Applejack mulled over what she had learned. "Let's say I listen to you and retrieve the Phoenix Heart, how do I use it to save Apple Bloom?"

"The moment the Phoenix Heart touches Apple Bloom, she will become incapacitated. Then simply press the crystal to her bite and hold it there until she is cured."

"This is an Ascended we're talkin' bout here. It ain't gonna be that easy."

"I will draw her away from the other vamponies and out into the open, and if you wish, I can assist in subduing her as well."

"Fair enough," Applejack said with a nod. It seemed like a reasonably sound plan, assuming she could survive Canterlot, of course. Still, it beat her plan of a reckless suicidal attack on her sister, but there was one thing left that worried her.

Applejack raised her halberd so that the blade was inches from the vampony's face. "Ya'll know that if ya harm anypony in Sanctuary from this point on, I will make it my personal mission to kill you, right?"

"I have no intention of harming anypony from your town," the figure said, seemingly unfazed by the deadly weapon. "As long as you hold to your end of the deal."

Applejack hesitated briefly, then replaced the halberd and spat on her hoof before holding it out. "If, and only if the Phoenix Heart cures Apple Bloom, we've got ourselves a deal."

Although the vampony didn't move, Applejack felt a hoof painfully grip her own and shake. "Good luck in Canterlot," she whispered.

Unnerved, Applejack stumbled back and shook her stinging hoof. Inspecting it for any damage, she asked, "How did you do that?" But when she glanced back up she was shocked to find that she was alone. "What...how...huh?" She spun in a quick circle, but saw no trace of the cloaked figure.

Applejack shook her head. What had just happened? Had any of that been real? She felt as though she had just awoken from a dream, but her hat was back atop her head and her hoof was still throbbing.

Whatever she had been, Applejack was certain that she wasn't your typical vampony, nor was she an Ascended. But it didn't matter what she was; she had given her renewed hope.

She knew that the odds of surviving Canterlot were extremely low, but if there was a chance to cure Apple Bloom, then she had no choice but to try. She needed to return to Sanctuary and gather supplies, and then she would set off at once. She would have to be quick, she really didn't want to lie to Lance or the girls about why she was leaving. At least Spike was certain to be asleep by now, she knew that he would never let her leave Sanctuary without him.

As she started back for the gate, a little voice in her head began to question why she was taking direction from a vampony, but another voice, the much more stubborn one that had always refused to give Apple Bloom up for dead, told the first to go swallow its bit.

The guards stared at her in confusion as she approached, and as she came to a halt before them, one asked, "That was quick. So is it all clear?"

"Say what?"

The second guard cocked his head. "The perimeter check. Is it all clear?"

"Oh! Ah..." She couldn't give the all clear, not after running into that vampony, but then, Applejack didn't believe that she was a threat to the town and didn't want guards sent out to hunt her down. "I'm not sure, just keep a close eye out and be vigilant."

"Uh...okay." The guards shared a look as the gate began to open and Applejack hurried through. "That poor mare needs some rest," she heard one of them mutter behind her.

She hastily made her way to Mr. Cake's bakery, and trotted past the line of waiting ponies. Whenever she needed to resupply in a hurry, the Cake twins always let her in through the back and gave her whatever she needed. Then she would have to refill her canteens at the well, since she had been too distracted to remember to fill them in the cave, and finally she wanted to make a quick stop at Snips and Snail's shop and hopefully empty out her bags a bit.

"Applejack!" came a voice from behind, interrupting her planning.

Turning, she inwardly groaned. "Oh, hey there, Spike. I figured you'd be asleep by now."

"I was worried about you," he said, but then he frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh...I was just..." Applejack fidgeted as her eyes darted everywhere but her friend's stare. "I was just gettin' some bread before hittin' the hay." She laughed nervously. "I'm mighty hungry after that long trip, ya know." She cleared her throat and pointed to the small house the two of them shared. "Why don't ya get on to bed, and I'll be there in just a bit."

Spike glowered and crossed his arms. "You don't use the back door unless you've got a job." She opened her mouth to protest, but he interrupted her. "You've always said that it's dishonest to use the backdoor if you're not in a hurry. So why aren't you standing in line?"

"I...umm..."

"You're leaving, aren't you?" The anger in his voice was apparent, and it was rising. "And without even resting. How well are you going to be able to fend off vamponies if you're exhausted? Especially now that they're so much more aggressive?" His upper lip raised, revealing his teeth. "I know what I said at Zecora's upset you, but I would never forgive you if you went off on your own and got yourself killed because you were too angry to get some sleep."

"Spike, I..." She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. "I'm sorry. I'm not upset about what you said, and that's the honest truth. But you're right, I am leavin', and you can't come with me."

"What?" Spike blinked. "Why?"

"I can't tell you that, sugar," Applejack said. "You're just gonna have to trust me."

"But you're not mad at me?" When she shook her head, he grimaced. "You're about to do something really stupid, aren't you?"

"N-no," she stammered. "I-I just think you should stay in town and rest up. You definitely earned it."

Spike emitted a low growl. "I know you, Applejack. You're about to do something reckless and dangerous, and you're trying to leave me behind to keep me safe. Now stop lying and tell me what's going on."

"Okay. Ya got me." Applejack gazed down at her hooves. "I'm goin' to Canterlot."

"What?!" Spike exclaimed. "Canterlot? Are you nuts?! That's suicide! What in the hay are you going there for?!"

Applejack rolled a rock underneath her hoof. "There is a crystal in the castle that can cure Apple Bloom. If I can get in there and get it, I can save her." She forced herself to look into his eyes. "I can bring her back, Spike!"

Her heart sank as she watched the anger on his face melt away, to be replaced with sadness. "Applejack, I know you want to save Apple Bloom, and I do too, but there isn't a magic stone just lying around that can bring her back. Let's just keep trying to help Zecora, all right?"

"No." She shook her head. "It isn't some 'magic stone,' it's Philomena's crystallized heart, and it's magic can cure anythin'."

"Philomena's..." Spike studied her for a long moment. "How did you suddenly find out about this?"

"It's a long and confusin' story, but—"

"You were gone for like fifteen minutes."

Her ears flattened against her head. "Fine. Then it was a long and confusin' fifteen minutes. But the point is, I believe it's there."

Spike frowned. "I don't like it. You want to risk everything to sneak into Canterlot for a crystallized heart that may not even exist." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Are you hearing yourself right now? Are you hearing how absolutely crazy you sound?"

She held his gaze resolutely. "Spike, there are some things that you can just feel in your heart and know it's true. This is one of those things. Ya don't have to believe me, but you've got to trust me. I know the Phoenix Heart is there, and I won't be able to live with myself if I don't try to retrieve it."

Spike seemed to go limp. "I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this one, am I?"

"Nope," Applejack said firmly.

"Then I'm going with you."

"Oh no, you're not," Applejack protested. "I couldn't—"

His grip tightened on her shoulders and he leaned forward and placed his forehead on her own. "Let me do this, Applejack," he said. "This isn't about how many times you've saved my life, or what I feel like I owe you. This is about our friendship. If you're going to risk your life, I want to be there with you. I'd never forgive myself otherwise."

A warmth ignited within her as he released her and she met his watery gaze. "I reckon I can't talk ya out of this one, huh?"

"Nope," Spike answered with an affectionate grin.

She chuckled softly even as her tears began to spill down her cheeks. "I wouldn't have it any other way, sugar." Wiping her eyes, she turned toward the back entrance of the bakery.

"Applejack?"

"Hmm?"

"I know you're anxious to leave, but I really think it's for the best if we got some sleep. We've both been pushing ourselves pretty hard."

Applejack wanted nothing more than to argue with him, to tell him that they needed to leave now, but she couldn't deny the weariness in her legs, or her sore back. She wouldn't be doing Apple Bloom any good if she didn't take the time to rest, and besides, the Phoenix Heart wasn't going anywhere. There was no reason not to get a bit of shut eye in before they headed out.

"You're right, Spike," Applejack said. "As usual."

With a relieved expression, Spike led the way to their small cottage that consisted of one room dominated by their two beds. Although little more than a shack, this tiny home was all the two of them needed. Lance had ordered it built specifically for them just a couple of years ago after they had left their previous house to the now grown Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Diamond Tiara.

As soon as she pushed through the front door, Applejack felt as if she had been hit by a sack of apples, and barely took the time to remove her halberd and place her hat on the bedpost before falling atop the covers.

As she nuzzled up to her pillow, she heard Spike wishing her pleasant dreams, and responded in kind before drifting off into a deep, dreamless sleep.