What in Celestia's name is going on?
Starlight Glimmer was smart but she was not wise. The difference between the two is subtle but important. A smart pony has a lot of knowledge and an above average intellect. A wise pony knows what to do with the knowledge they have. While Starlight was certainly the former when it came to the latter results varied.
A wise pony wouldn't mess with a dangerous spell for instance. To be fair there was a method to her madness. The spell in question did not have much in the way of countermeasures. Sure Celestia could counter it, but unicorn of average magic power was out of luck. What Starlight was hoping to do was cast the spell, examine its make, and reverse engineer a counter spell that the average unicorn could cast.
The spell in question was known as the 'want it need it' spell. In a recent friendship lesson Twilight had told her of the time she had used the spell and the disastrous results. It was the first time she had heard of such a spell. This was good because her mind had immediately thought of a number of ways she could have used the spell in her village. It was the knowledge of what a powerful unicorn with ill intent could do with the spell that had spurred her to create a counter.
Starlight just needed to find something to cast a spell on.Her eyes landed on scarf hanging on the door to her room. That would work. Starlight tended to act on the first idea she had without thinking about the repercussions. So it was that without a second thought she aimed at the scarf and cast the spell. Mere inches from the scarf the door opened. Starlight had less than a second to realize her error before the inevitable happened. The spell hit Applejack.
Silently berating herself Starlight quickly ran to Applejack helping her up. Applejack tried to steady herself.
"I feel like a critter that been ran over by a wagon. What happened?"
"I'm so sorry Applejack! I was just doing an experiment. I didn't know you'd enter my room!"
Starlight had been careful not to lie. Applejack was pretty good at telling when people lied. Even so Starlight was sweating ,her eyes couldn't look straight at Applejack's ,and her ears were switching. All of which were obvious signs she was hiding something.
"Jus' be more careful." Applejack said shortly.
"I'm over here " Well at least Applejack was out of it. "Why are you in my room anyway?"
"Well Twilight wanted ta talk to me An' I got lost on the way to the map room."
Starlight sighed, curse this castle and it's number of rooms! "It's at the end of the hall, turn left, go to the of that hall turn right and you should get there."
As Applejack left Starlight panicked. She had to get working on that counter spell! Who knew what kind of effect the 'want it need it' spell would have on a pony?!
Applejack walked towards the map room still a bit dazed. She reached the door and stood for a bit, waiting for her head to clear. Twilight wanted to talk to her and it was her duty to listen, something she needed to be focused to do. Once she felt ready she entered.
Twilight was standing with her back to her. The atmosphere of the room felt off, like when one has forgotten something but they didn't know what. It made her a bit tense.
"Twilight ya said ya wanted ta talk ta me?"
"Yes Applejack there's a friendship problem." Twilight said turning to face her. Something about the way she emphasized the words friendship problem sent a shiver down her spine. This was not helped by the look on Twilight's face which she felt she'd seen before she just couldn't place it.
"Friendship problem?" Applejack replied her voice not revealing her anxiousness.
"Yes, you and I have a friendship problem."
Applejack was confused. "But Twilight we're good friends."
"That's the problem we're friends." Twilight said lowly beginning to walk towards her.
Applejack began walking backwards. She didn't like this. The look in Twilight's eyes had grown darker. "What do ya mean? We've been friends for years. Why would you suddenly-"
"I want to be more than friends Applejack. " Twilight almost purred.
Applejack swallowed, her heart beating faster as she felt her haunches hit the wall behind her. "What are you-"
"Kiss me!" Twilight interrupted. It was then Applejack realized where she'd seen that look before. It was similar to the way Mr. Cake looked at Mrs. Cake but there was something off about it. It wasn't a look of love but look of something more primal.
"Twilight yer not actin' like yerself!"
"I've been patient up until now. I don't want to wait anymore."
Something was wrong with Twilight. Normally Applejack wouldn't even think about what she was about to do. Using her strength she pushed Twilight away. Spotting a jump rope she quickly grabbed it lassoing Twilight and tying her up.
"So it's gonna be like that huh? I'm okay with it."
Applejack ran from the room before she could think of what Twilight meant by that. What was wrong with her? Was it a spell? If it was a spell there was only one pony to ask about it. She ran to what she hoped was Starlight's room knocking on the door. No one answered. Maybe it was the wrong room? She tried the door, locked. She didn't have time for this. Maybe Rarity would know something.
She ran out the castle rushing towards the boutique. She wasn't paying attention to where she was going. With a crash Applejack ran into two mares she was acquainted with. One was a mint green unicorn the other a tanish earth pony with a blue and pink mane.
"Sorry Lyra, Bon-Bon." She said trying to run off.
"Oh don't be sorry Applejack we were just thinking about you." Lyra teased brushing her tail against Applejack's face.
Applejack froze Lyra was staring at her similar to Twilight ,Bon-Bon had a matching look on her face.
"But I thought you two-" Applejack trailed off technically it was one of those things everypony knew but wasn't really out in the open.
"We are." Bon-Bon replied brushing her tail across her neck.
"But that doesn't mean-" Lyra continued brushing her front legs.
"We wouldn't be willing-" a brush to her side.
"To add a third." They finished brushing their tails against her cutie mark.
Shaking herself from her stupor Applejack ran. She could hear the two ponies running after her but she was faster and managed to escape. She opened the door to the boutique slamming it shut and breathing a sigh of relief.
"Applejack what are you doing here?" Rarity asked, causing Applejack to jump out of her skin.
"Rarity! Twilight was actin' weird so I went to ask Starlight for help hut she wasn't there, then I ran into Lyra and Bon-Bon. They were actin' weird too an' I think it's some kind of spell. Do ya know anything about it?"
"Not really darling." Applejack could not believe how nonchalantly she said these words.
"You having good timing. I was just thinking. We fight a lot don't we?"
Applejack frowned they hadn't really fought in a good while. More importantly what did any of this have to do with the problem?
"Rarity something is wrong with our friends!"
"Sure, anyway you know what they say about two ponies fighting." Rariy's voice was coy. Applejack felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Rarity have you-"
"It means they're perfect for each other!" Rarity beamed.
"First off, how does that make any sense? Second you've been affected by whatever this is too?!"
"Well firstly, we wouldn't have fought so much if we didn't care about each other, and secondly, I've never felt better in my life!"
Rarity was getting close and Applejack didn't see any way to restrain her like Twilight. She could hear Lyra and Bon-Bon outside so that wasn't an option. Quickly, she thought up a plan. 'Here's hoping whatever this is didn't affect Rarity's standards.'
"Ya know what you are right." Applejack said stiltedly. "We are perfect for each other I just need to freshen up first."
Rarity beamed. "Of course darling you know where the bathroom is."
Applejack walked calmly to the bathroom still waiting for her ploy to fall through. Giving an unconvincing wink to Rarity she shut the door. Yes there was a window. As she opened it she realized it would be a tight squeeze but she had no choice. Careful not to alert Rarity she slipped out.
Maybe it was a spell but she didn't know. It could be a plant with special priorities like poison joke, or some kind of creature. Maybe Cheerlie had a book? She'd go to the library but Twilight was there. This seemed like he best option she had. So she headed off.
She reached the schoolhouse without attracting unwanted attention.Slowly, looking every direction just in case, she made her way inside. Cheerlie was at her desk. Applejack didn't let her guard down...Nothing happened.
"Applejack what can I do for you?" Cheerlie said stiffly. Her grin was nervous, there was a tense feeling in the air.
"Jus' wonderin' if I could look at yer books." She replied just as stiffly.
"Of course." The tense atmosphere thickened settling over them like a blanket. Applejack didn't dare move. This whole situation was off. Cheerlie almost seemed to be restraining herself. A few moments passed something was going to happen and they both knew it.
" I can't take it anymore!" Within seconds Applejack found herself pressed up against the wall Cheerlie's front hooves on either side of her. " I know it's wrong. It'll affect my professionalism. That's why I've resisted this long, but I can't-" Cheerlie seemed about to cry. "I want this so badly Applejack. I don't know why but I do. I know it's wrong, you're related to one of my students."
Applejack was trapped how could she get out of this. "Well I could leave. If that'd help?"
"Yes, I think you'd better before I do something I'll regret." It seemed to be take all of Cheerlie's focus to let her go.
Exiting the schoolhouse Applejack saw Rainbow Dash flying towards her. "Applejack I was wondering where you might be."
Sweet Celestia they were seeking her out now! Applejack could already tell Rainbow was affected. There was something about the eyes that was just off. It was like there was love and care in them but it was manufactured, it was creepy.
"So I've been thinking. We're always competing with each other. When we do I feel energized and alive. There's burning passion, a drive that makes me want to challenge you over and over. That kind of passion has to mean something right?"
Applejack rolled her eyes, of course whatever this was would turn their rivalry into something more. She supposed Rainbow was gonna start talking about how much she wanted her now.
"So why don't we go somewhere private." Rainbow whispered her eyes half lidded in facsimile of longing.
Applejack winced that was not a look Rainbow should ever have. How was she going to get out of this? She couldn't go back into the schoolhouse. There was no way Rainbow was going to let her run. At this thought Applejack paused. An idea popped into her head. It was risky but it might work.
"If ya want me yer gonna have to catch me!" She yelled using the brief moment of shock to get a head start on Rainbow. She heard a chuckle behind her.
"Oh I'll catch you."
On the ground Applejack was the fastest pony in ponyville. She and Rainbow were fairly well matched. There was just one problem; Rainbow wasn't traveling by ground. She guessed she should've thought of that. She was no match for Rainbow flying so even with the head start she could hear the wing flaps of her friend getting closer. Panicking she did something dumb. She ran into the nearest building. Luckily it seemed Rainbow was so focused on the impromptu race she didn't notice.
Taking a deep breath Applejack looked around the building she'd run to. It was dark for some reason but she could make out small tables and display case. As she thought about what building it could be she froze. Somepony was watching her. She could feel their eyes staring into her. Taking a deep breath she turned. No pony was there. Applejack could still feel the eyes on her, boring into her skull. Once again she turned. Nothing was there. It was then Applejack felt hot breath on her neck.
With a jump she turned to face her assailant. It was Pinkie, connecting the dots she realized she was in Sugar Cube Corner. The look on Pinkie's face nearly made her heart stop. Her eyes were wide open, and it looked as though she had not blinked in a while. Her had a smile on her face so large it looked as though it might swallow her head.
"Hey, Applejack." Pinkie said in the same tone of voice she used when she was having one of her meltdowns.
"H-hey Pinkie..." Applejack trailed nervously.
"I have something to show you." She still hadn't blinked.
"C-can't wait until later?"
"You mean you don't want to see it?" Pinkie said, her cheerful voice going dangerously high.
"N-no I'll see it."
Pinkie took her to the staircase. "P-pinkie why are the lights out?"
Pinkie chuckled maniacally. "It's easier to sneak up on you in the dark."
Applejack shuddered," So uh, what did ya wanna show me?"
"You go first."
Shakily Applejack climbed the stairs towards Pinkie's room. She could still feel those large unblinking eyes on her. Slowly she opened the door. She froze in horror as she realized what she was looking at. The walls of Pinkie's room were covered in pictures of her. Some in town, some on the farm, and some in her house. She wasn't looking at the camera in any of them. In the center of one of the walls was a childish crayon drawing of Pinkie in a wedding dress and her in suit, they were surrounded by a heart and the words together forever. Somehow the childishness of the drawing made it worse.
"Well what do you think?" Pinkie said her eye twitching.
Applejack swallowed. "It's great." she said cursing her inability to lie with a straight face. She had to find a way out of this. Pinkie was not so easily escapeable , she couldn't run, she couldn't hide, the only she could do is distract her.
"In fact I know just the wedding cake you should make." She said, hoping to Celestia this worked.
"Really what cake?" Pinkie asked curiously.
"You know the one ya told me about with the ganache and all them layers."
"You mean Mrs.Cakes special cake, the one that takes a whole day to make?"
"Yep, that one."
"That's a great idea! I'll get started right away!" Pinkie enthused as she bounded out the door. Applejack cursed as she heard Pinkie lock the door behind her. Now what? Looking about the room Applejack realized there was a balcony. Walking over she lightly pushed on the doors sighing with relief as she saw they were unlocked. She stepped onto the balcony and looked down.
It was a long drop but she had jumped larger. She just had to hope Pinkie didn't hear her hooves hitting the ground. She jumped, landed on her hooves,and began to run again. Maybe there was an area of effect? Maybe it was just ponyville that was under this thing. If she went to the outer limits maybe she could find somepony to help.
She turned and ran straight into Maud.
"Hello Applejack beautiful day isn't it?" Maud seemed normal. Her voice was as monotone as usual, her face expressionless, and yet Applejack could tell something was off.
"Yep, it sure is, but I thought you'd be studying rocks?" Applejack tested.
"You're more interesting than rocks." There it was.
"Well I think rocks are great. So maybe you should get back to that?"
Maud simply blinked. There was a moment of silence. "I'd rather study you." Her voice and face remained the same.
Applejack did not have a clever way out of this so she turned and started to run. To her surprise Maud didn't follow her. Her farm was too far to reach. Fluttershy lived on the outskirts of town so maybe she'd be okay? As she ran to the cottage Applejack realized she was getting desperate. Even if it turned out Fluttershy was affected she'd rather deal with just one pony over the whole town.
She knocked on the door, her heart in her mouth. Would Fluttershy be affected?
"Applejack come in you look exhausted." Applejack wasn't sure. On the one hoof ,good Fluttershy would definitely say that normally, on the other well she couldn't afford to let her guard down.
"Just rest on the couch and tell me what's wrong."
"Well every pony I come across today is actin' like a rabbit durin' mating season. "
Fluttershy put a hoof on her shoulder. "That must be stressful."
"You have no idea, I've been runnin' my hooves off fer at least an hour now."
"You poor thing." Fluttershy soothed moving her hoof in circles on her back.
"An' I don't even know what's causing it!"
"That's confusing." Fluttershy whispered her hoof tracing lower.
"Fluttershy what are ya doing?" Applejack asked.
"Don't worry I'll make all that stress go away." Fluttershy said lowly.
Applejack couldn't escape, Fluttershy already had a hoof on her, and though she was strong enough to escape she didn't want to hurt Fluttershy. More than anything she was tired. She was out of plans, out of energy,and out of willpower. She closed her eyes.
There was a knock at the door and ,much like Rarity, Fluttershy still had some of her manners. Grumbling she walked to the door and opened it. A sea of ponies were outside every one of them looking at Applejack.
"I'm here for Applejack." Octavia proclaimed.
"No I'm here for her!" Golden Harvest retorted.
"Guys, can't we all like, share her." Tree Hugger suggested.
"The great and powerful Trixie does not share!"
"None of you are getting her, I got her fair and square!" Fluttershy yelled.
While the crowd argued Applejack took the opportunity to the sneak out the back window. She began to run for what felt like the millionth time. It wouldn't be long before they knew she was missing. Soon enough Applejack could hear the sound of hundreds of hooves running after her. The adrenaline rushed through her, making her run faster than she had ever before. She had to get to the farm. If she got there, she could lock herself in the cellar until this went away. She ran through the orchard twisting and turning to buy herself time. Then she ran into a large stallion.
It was Big Mac. Applejack paused in shock. Would Big Mac hand her in?'
"Applejack why in the hay is all of Ponyville after you?"
Thank Celestia it didn't affect family members. With no time to explain Applejack kept running Big Mac beside her. She could hear the crowd getting closer. She ran as fast as the was able her labored breaths a small price to pay. She reached the cellar door. She opened the doors and ran in Big Mac jumping in after. She had just enough time to bar the doors shut.
"I don't know." She gasped continuing their conversation. "Everything was fine this morning."
"I'm afraid it's my fault." A voice said from the shadows.
Applejack jumped, Big Mac stood in front of her, and Starlight emerged from the shadows.
"What did you do?!" Applejack growled.
"I was trying to make a counter for the 'want it, need it' spell but I accidentally cast it on you."
"Why would you mess with that spell!"
"I already told you, to make a counter. I understand you being mad but don't worry I came because I've made that counter." With a bright glow of magic she cast the spell on Applejack. Outside she could hear the ponies stop pounding on the door. Applejack fell over in relief.
"They should all be their old selves by tomorrow. I'm sorry, I used magic without thinking just like I always seem to. I don't expect you to forgive me now. I just hope that in time you will."
"Right now I just wanna sleep." Applejack groaned.
Author's Note
So I wanted to write something horror related for Valentines day. Seeing as everyone is going to be posting romance I thought I'd offer something different.
The story is meant to evoke a feeling of claustrophobia and tension.
Epilogue
There were a lot of apologies the next day. Everypony seemed sheepish about the whole thing. Applejack decided to check on her friends starting with Twilight. As she made her way there she ran into Lyra and Bon-Bon
"We just wanted to say thanks for stopping us." Lyra began.
"We don't know what came over us, but we were about to betray everything our relationship is." Bon-Bon continued.
"Sorry for chasing you..."
"No problem ya didn't know." Applejack replied.
The two left and Applejack finished walking to Twilight's. Twilight was by the door as if she'd been expecting her. There was silence as the two thought over what had happened. Applejack attempted to speak but Twilight interrupted.
"I'm so sorry Applejack. We're friends who trust each other and I betrayed that trust. That's something a friend should never do."
"Twilight ya weren't yerself. It's not yer fault. Speaking of what's Starlight doing?"
"Writing an apology letter to every pony in town. Followed by a ten page essay on magic and what precautions to take when trying to make a counter spell." Twilight said firmly. "She needs to understand the dangers of what she did."
"Yeah... well I've gotta check on the others." Applejack finished.
"Let me know if there's anything you need."
With a nod Applejack left. She walked towards the boutique receiving numerous apologies on her way. Eventually she entered the building. Rarity looked nervous. Applejack guessed she was embarrassed about the way she had acted.
"Applejack now darling don't take this the wrong way but I just don't like you that way and I'm sorry I acted like I did."
Applejack was confused, why exactly would she take that wrong way? It took her a few moments to realize Rarity was worried she liked her and that saying these words would break her heart.
Rolling her eyes Applejack replied, "Rarity it's fine I'm not into you either."
Rarity looked relieved. " Regardless I must apologize for my behavior yesterday."
"It's fine nothing happened so we're good."
"Be that as it may I made you something to make up for it."
Applejack shook her head. "You didn't have to."
"But I wanted to." With those words Rarity pulled out her gift. It was a water bottle holder with a strap. It was green with a red apple pattern on it."I figured you'd want something practical and you do work in the orchard a lot so you need to stay hydrated "
Applejack was amazed. "It's great! You've gotten a lot better at practical gifts."
"I hope that makes up for it."
"It more than makes up for it. Anyway I've gotta make sure the others are okay."
With a that Applejack headed towards the schoolhouse. Cheerlie had worried her yesterday. It was on the way that Rainbow flew to her.
"I just wanna say I think your a great friend and rival. There's nopony I'd rather race with. You push me to be better and I couldn't ask for more, but I don't think you're dateable." Rainbow said.
With a smirk Applejack replied. " Don't worry I don' think yer dateable either."
"Good I was worried- wait what do you I'm not dateable?"
"Exactly what I said." Applejack continued to walk to the schoolhouse. Behind her she could hear Rainbow yell. "There are plenty of ponies who would love to date me!" With a chuckle Applejack made her way to the schoolhouse.
Cheerlie was at her desk grading papers in silence. Applejack wasn't sure where to begin. Of all the ponies who had approached her Cheerlie had seemed most aware of what she was doing. Deciding it would be best to greet her first, Applejack cleared her throat.
Cheerliee jumped having been completely absorbed in her work. When she saw who it was she looked relieved if a bit sheepish. "Applejack I've been meaning to apologize. That was very unprofessional of me. The worst part is that I knew it was and I still did it."
Applejack shook her head. "Honestly you seemed less affected than everypony else."
"I have a theory on that actually. Do you remember when your brother and I were under that love poison?"
How could she forget? Big Mac still had the occasional night terror about it. "I'm still sorry 'bout that."
"It's in the past and you had nothing to do with it anyway. I was thinking maybe 'love' magic gets less effective the more it's used on somepony. So since I'd been through something similar I was able to resist It better this time."
"That makes sense. Maybe next time you'll be able ta resist completely." Applejack joked attempting to lighten the mood.
"I'm hoping there won't be a next time. " Cheerlie smiled.
"No promises ya live in Ponyville after all."
"There are days when I wonder why. Then I look at my students and remember."
"Now there's a nice thought ta end the conversation."
"Yes, Applejack remember -." Cheerliee started.
"Parents teacher conference is next Thursday at 11 o'clock I know." Applejack finished.
"Good to see this hasn't effected your pragmatism." Cheerliee snarked.
With that Applejack headed towards Sugar Cube Corner. As she approached she was surprised to see a line long enough it went out the door. Not wanting to push through the crowd Applejack went in the kitchen entrance. She was friends with Pinkie so it was fine. As she entered she saw what the fuss was about. An enormous cake filled the room and Pinkie was giving customers pieces in exchange for bits.
"Applejack!" Pinkie exclaimed, continuing her work. "I was wondering when you'd stop by! I'm sorry for being so creepy. I dunno what came over me! Anyway when I snapped out of it I was in the middle of baking this cake! So of course I had to finish it. The Cakes are making a huge profit too! So that all worked out!"
It took Applejack a moment to register Pinkie's words. When she did she smiled. "I'm glad it worked out for you." Something was niggling at her brain though...
"Yep! Thanks to your quick thinking!" Pinkie replied now doing her job without looking. Oddly enough she was still doing everything right.
Applejack finally realized what it was. "Pinkie ya don't seem too worried about yer actions." Everpony else had seemed embarrassed by the way they acted.
"Of course not silly! I really do like you and I'd totally marry you if you asked! I mean we're already best friends. and being married is like being extra best friends! "
Applejack blinked. It often surprised her how childish Pinkie was. "Uh, thanks, I think?"
"Although I probably shouldn't have locked you in my room, so I guess I'm sorry about that too."
"Well I'll let ya get back ta work." Applejack smiled."
"Sure thing!" Pinkie yelled as she left.
Applejack started as she turned. Maud had been standing just outside the door.
"Hey Applejack." Maud said flatly.
"Hi, Maud." Applejack replied.
"About what I said yesterday. I don't know why I thought you were more interesting than rocks. It seems weird now."
Applejack smirked. "That's okay Maud I understand. "
"Thank you, sorry for the misunderstanding. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get back to my rocks."
Applejack nodded as Maud left. She had one more pony to check on and it was the one she was most worried about. As she walked to Fluttershy's she tried to figure out what to say. Of her friends she felt Fluttershy would have the worst reaction. Maybe she was worried for nothing.
She knocked on the door. "Fluttershy it's me!" The silence that followed did nothing to alleviate her fears, "I just came ta see if you were alright." No reply followed. "I mean after yesterday I thought-"
"Go away. " A meek voice interrupted.
"Not until I know yer okay!" Applejack replied stubbornly.
"I'll be okay... just leave." Fluttershy said shakily.
Applejack had not wanted to intrude if she didn't have to but it was pretty clear Fluttershy needed help. "Fluttershy so help me if ya don't open this door I'll buck it down and come in anyway."
Silence, then the sound of the door being unlocked. Fluttershy stood in the doorway looking as though she was trying to disappear into her hair. Her face was wet and it was obvious she'd been crying. Applejack let herself in looking Fluttershy in the eyes.
"Sugarcube how are ya-"
"I'm sorry!" Fluttershy cut her off. "I did something terrible, I tried to take advantage of you. I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't want to see me ever again!" These words followed by more tears.
"Of course I want to see you. We're best friends!" Applejack said firmly.
"You mean you don't hate me?" Fluttershy whispered.
"Sugarcube I could never hate you." Applejack comforted.
Fluttershy did not respond, she wouldn't even look her in the eye. Applejack put a hoof on both shoulders making Fluttershy look her in the eyes. "What happened was not yer fault. You were under a spell. Yer actions were not yer own. I'm still yer friend."
With these words Fluttershy collapsed into Applejack crying into her shoulder. Applejack made soothing circles across her back. She had considered heading home after this and bucking some apples to relieve stress. That could wait, right now her friend needed her.
Author's Note
Just tying up loose ends. The epilogue is so tonally different it didn't make sense to include it in the overall story and it's long enough to stand on its own.
