Luna’s moon hung high in the evening sky, symbolizing the change that had occurred hours ago. A simple transition, from day to night, allowing those whose days had been tiring to rest. Not many stayed awake long enough to appreciate the beauty the night brings. It actions almost silent, giving the appearence of a sad song, sung slowly as it sweeps across the fields, like a gentle breeze. Swirling around, every which direction. Although almost fluid, this dance so elegant, almost goes unnoticed. Save for one pony…
Applejack was torn. She loved watching the night creep by, a beauty she enjoyed in earnest. But it came at a price, lack of sleep. She knew, in a way, that it wasn’t her fault. Sleep had not come easily for some time now, tossing and turning for hours on end. Night after night, week after week, month after month. No matter what she had tried, nothing worked. Sleep just would not allow her the sweet embrace so easily.
She sighed and turned away from the window, walking slowly towards her bed. She had acquired this habit of watching the night as a way to pass the sleepless hours. Something that couldn’t be seen during the hustle and bustle daytime. She reminded herself again to thank Princess Luna for the experience the next time they meet, whenever that happens.
She crawled into bed, grunting. She hated this, being unable to sleep easily. While her body ached from a days hard work, her mind was always restless. Soon though, even her thoughts would become exhausted. Only then was she able to squeeze a few hours of rest in before dawn. A tiresome cycle.
She turned onto her side, closing her eyes. Sleep was close, the warm feeling slowly spreading across her body. She longed for this feeling. It assured her that her night of mental anguish was over. As she nestled herself in, a small smile crept across her face,. No one saw this little smile, sometimes she wasn’t even aware it came. This smile was not forced, like almost all the others she was used though out the day. False smiles, for ponies in town, her family, and even her friends. She hated using them, but it was easier than having them worry.
“Maybe Ah’ll dream tonight.“ She chuckled to herself. As much as she hated to admit it, she knew the answer wasn’t hopeful. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had actually, truly dreamt. She sighed again. Most nights the only thing she could picture were memories. In fact, if it weren’t for her memories, she wouldn’t have anything close to a dream. She turned onto her other side. In these memories, it was the only time she was truly happy.
The trees were whipping by at blinding speeds. Two ponies racing along the forest floor, each hoping to vanquish the other in this test of endurance. They had long ago gained a large lead on the other ponies. But it was necessary, this was a grudge match that did not include them.
Faster! Applejack thought to her self as they rounded a corner. She slowly began inching ahead of rainbow dash. Yes! YES! She was going to win this, she could feel it. She turned to see how far ahead she was, and was shocked to find nopony beside her. She skidded to a halt and spun around, almost tumbling over. She looked back behind her. Dash was sitting a ways back, just staring at her. Applejack began trotting over, the worst flashing to her mind. Oh no what happened?! Is she ok is she just tired what is she broke something I just dunn-
“Rainbow Dash! Are ya alright?” Applejack shouted as she got closer, trying to hide the sound of worry in her voice. Rainbow closed her eyes slowly, nodding. She opened them as applejack came to a halt in front of her.
“Why’d ya stop in yer tracks for? Are ya hurt? I thought something happened.” Applejack asked looking Rainbow up and down, inspecting for injuries. But seeing none.
“I’m fine AJ, I just needed a moment, it’s important” Dash responded. She motioned for Applejack to sit down. Seeing the tense look on Applejacks face she added, “Relax, I just want to tell you something.”
Unsure, Applejack lowered her flank to the ground, a small cloud of dust shot up, but settled back down just as fast.
“What are ya goin on about now?” She asked, a little heated. What was so important that it couldn’t wait till the end of the race she mused to herself. She sat staring into Dash’s eyes, waiting anxiously for a reply.
A tiny smile appeared on Dash’s lips, “I just want you to know…” she paused. Applejack leaned forward a little, instantly glad she did. As what came out of Dash’s mouth was barely above a whisper. “…that you can always talk to me.” Dash finished, looking to the ground. A single tear followed the gaze.
What.
For a few seconds, it was the only thing though in her mind.Though soon followed by many others. Eventually her mind was racing, but one thought nagged the most. It was unlike Dash to act this was, especially in the middle of a race. She was always so brash, not one for seriousness. More time ticked by seeming like an eternity. Applejack realized she was staring at a silently crying Rainbow Dash. She shook head vigorously.,
“Of course Ah know that Rainbow, it’s was good friends are for.” She extended a hoof and rested it upon Dash’s shoulder. Dash lifted her head to meet Applejacks gaze. But instead of a smile, dash bore an expression of pain. Not quite angry, but almost strained.
She pushed Aj’s hoof away, standing up as her face hardened. “Then why wont you!” she bellowed causing Applejack to fall back. Stunned Applejack watched as Dash raised her front legs, and jumped over her. Running down the path, leaving a bewildered pony in her wake. Applejack could only stare at the spot her friend had just stood, confused. Around her, the world crumbled, leaving only Applejack sitting there, staring at a small patch of dirt. Though her mind was a fury of thoughts, one remained prominent.
Why.
Applejack bolted up in her bed, eyes wide and brow dripping sweat. She was panting slightly, and trembling something fierce. She took a moment to try to calm herself. Closing her eyes she took slow, deep breathes, attempting to regain control of her breathing. It took some concentration, but she managed to collect herself completely. She opened her eyes and glanced towards the window, sunlight just starting to show over the horizon. She didn't know how long she sat there, feeling the warm sunlight creep over her. Hoping against all else the warmth would cleanse her in body and mind. That feeling never came. She hung her head and sighed, letting a single word escape her lips.
“No.“ Although coming out just above a whisper, the word seemed to echo in her bedroom. Without another word or thought she tossed aside her sheets and climbed out of bed. She walked towards her door, pausing in the entryway. She turned and looked back at her bed. There was a small puddle of sweat pooled around where her back was. Silently she turned back around and trotted downstairs.
She passed through the kitchen, pausing long enough grab an apple before heading out the front door. She munched on her apple and trotted along the path down the orchard. Making sure to keep rhythm. She had fallen only once before, but the jester of a certain red stallion had been enough of reason to make sure to never fall again. She finished her apple as she rounded the bend and entered the orchard.
She picked the closest tree and began her daily routine. Everypony knew that Applejack enjoyed apple bucking, but she had never really told them why. She was so used to the practice and was skilled enough that the process was easy. Easy enough that she could just shut down part of her mind and just work. Simple as that. She enjoyed every minute of it. Mindlessly going about the work day, no need to really concentrate. It was nice. The only thing she had to worry about was bucking. It helped to keep her thoughts from wandering too far off, something that frightened Applejack. If her mind wandered off she would get tired of working and just quit for the day. Something she couldn’t afford to do, financially speaking. She would just leave the orchard, walking aimlessly around, thinking. She knew it would worry other ponies, so she stayed.
Today though, was putting that to the test. Her dream last night, had actually been just that, a dream. She had not had a true dream in a while, and though she was glad she had one, the dream itself scared her. She knew what it meant, although she didn't want to admit it. Things certainly hadn't been getting any bet...
“Stop it.” She berated herself as she shivered a little. She picked up some apples that had just fallen. “You have work to worry about now. Just buck an pick. Buck an pick. Buck an pick…” Applejacks voice filtered upward, but was lost among the trees. Birds chirped as they flew by, a gentle breeze carrying them toward whatever awaited them. Overhead, Celestia’s sun shone down upon all of ponyville, basking everypony in it’s warmth. Everypony, it seemed, save for an certain orange farmer.
“Oomph!” Applejack looked around to see what had knocked her down, only to find Rainbow Dash laying on top of her. Applejack grunted as she crawled out from underneath Dash.
“What in tarnation are ya doing Rainbow?!” She scolded. She knew as soon as the words left her mouth they sounded a lot more harsh than she had meant them too.
Dash picked herself off the ground, turning to face Applejack. “Well I was trying to nap but apparently that’s not allowed here.” She shot back, grumpy after being jostled awake during a premiere nap session. “It was an awesome dream, I was flying with Spitfire." She turned her attention back to Applejack. "Couldn’t just skip that tree for a little bit huh?“ Dash, now fully awake, was starting to calm down.
Applejack took a deep breath, looked down, and sighed. Friends are more important. she thought to herself. She looked back up to Dash. She smiled. “Ah’ve told ya countless times, not ta sleep in mah trees. But Ah’m sorry ta wake ya.”
Dash shifted a little and sighed, “It’s alright, I should know better. I’ll just find a tree farther in the orchard.” She chuckled as she jump in the air, sprouting her wings. Using them to hover a few feet off the ground. "Sorry She turned to leave, looking back over her shoulder. “Well, I’ll see ya later Applejack!” She began to fly away.
Applejack frowned, shoot, she thought to herself. Now’s the chance. “WAIT!” she shouted from below. Dash stopped in her tracks. She turned around and started floating back down.
“What’s up, I figured you’d want me out of your way so you can work.” Dash said as she touched down in front of applejack. Applejack looked up at the sun, then turned her attention back to Dash.
“Ah reckon Ah’ve done enough work today.” She said as she wiped her brow. “Mighty tired of workin anyhow.” She finished. But that wasn’t all of it, despite all her efforts today, she just couldn’t get into work mode. Despite her best efforts, the dream just wouldn't leave her thoughts. Maybe a small break would do her some good.
She shuffled a little, “Ah was actually hopin we could, you know, talk….maybe?” she finally manage to finish. Dash just stared at her for a minute, Applejack was about to retract the offer when Dash fell back on her hunches and started laughing uncontrollably. Applejack’s brow narrowed and she let out a huff, she turned around and started walking away. “ Forget it, Ah was tryin ta be serious for a minute. But I guess you just can’t be serious for even just a second!” She shouted over her shoulder. The rainbow peagasi stopped laughing, and stared after her.
Dash scrambled to her feet and ran after Applejack. “I didn’t know you were serious.” She said as she got close to the orange mare. “I thought you were joking, I mean you, talk? Your always about fun and mud and stuff.” Applejack looked up and met Dash’s gaze, but a smile did not break through her face. Dash’s smile faltered, she sped up and got in front of Applejack. She turned and sat down, forcing Applejack to stop.
“Look, I'm sorry, but if you wanna talk, you know, more serious stuff? I’ll gladly listen.” Dash sat there, smiling a small comforting smile. Applejack stood there, measuring Dash up.
Finally she sighed, “If ya promise to take it seriously, ya hear?” She stared at Dash. “Pinkie Pie promise?” Dash groaned and rolled her eyes, but she did the chant and went trough all the motions. Satisfied, Applejack started walking again, Dash fell in line next to her. For a few minutes, silence was the only sound other that the clopping of their hooves.
“Have you ever flown at night Rainbow?” Applejack asked, turning to look at her colorful friend. “Not for a race, or to do tricks, just a nice slow, flight?”
Dash shook her head slowly, thinking. “Honestly no, I’m usually sleeping, like normal ponies.” She chuckled, jabbing Applejack in the side. “Why do you ask?’
“Ah was just curious. See, Ah’m actually a little jealous Rainbow.” She saw Dash’s mouth drop as the words hit her ears. Applejack smiled, “Ah figured you’d like to hear that.” she said as they continued walking along. “It’s just that Ah’d love to have wings. Ta just be able to take off, fly through the trees and sky. Leave any worries behind, leave, everything behind.” She dropped her head a little, but kept walking. “Ah’ve been having trouble sleeping, so ah take to watching the night. It’s beautiful Rainbow, it really is. And Ah reckon ah’d give anything to be a part of it, just once.”
“I never knew.” Dash responded, looking toward the sky. She thought for a minute.“I've always enjoyed flying fast, I mean, it is how I got my cutie mark. But I can see what you mean. And to be honest, sometimes, when nopony else is around, I'll fly out of town a little. I'll find a small hill, and watch Celestia lower the sun before heading home Kind of my own little peaceful moment if you will”
Applejack smiled. "I appreciate it Rainbow. Glad to see there is more to you than your ego." Rainbow Dash scoffed, throwing a look of mild resent on her face, before breaking into a chuckle. but before Rainbow Dash could respond, a pink blur tackled them both to the ground. The blur quickly giggled and let them up. As they got to their feet, they glanced over and saw Pinkie Pie bouncing back and forth in front of them.
“There you are Dashie, I’ve been looking all over for you. You said you’d come by the shop and help today but when you didn’t show up I didn’t know what happened so I had to go looking for you and I couldn’t find you but then I got a feeling you might be out here so I came out here and saw you talking to Applejack so I ran over and tackled-” A cyan hoof was placed her mouth before she could finish her story.
“Ah’m sorry Pinkie, that’d be mah fault. Ah asked Rainbow to hang for a minute before she shot off” Applejack said looking over at her pink friend. She reached down and grabbed her stetson, dusting it off before placing it back upon her head.
“Not totally her fault.” Dash added, “ I was kinda sleeping in a tree.” She laughed and rubbed the back of her head.
“Oh it’s alright, I’m sure you guys were having loads of fun!” Pinkie stated, bouncing up and down a softly. “But I was wondering if you could help me now, the shops gotten a little behind while I’ve been looking for you.” She added looking at Dash.
Dash glanced over at applejack, a look of apology on her face. Applejack just shook her head, “Don’t apologize sugarcube, we can finish another time.” Applejack threw a smile in for added comfort, it was just enough.
Dash turned back to pinkie. A look of determination on her face. She pumped her fist in the air, “Lets go bake!” she shouted. Her and Pinkie both bid their goodbyes to Applejack before racing off into town. Leaving her behind. As soon as her two friend were out of sight, Applejack let her smile fall right of. Back to mah regular mood. she thought to herself as she hung her head a little. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. Sighing, she began to slowly walk into town.
A couple of filly’s ran across the street, playing tag. Other ponies were walking about. Running errands or meeting friends. Applejack couldn’t help but notice the smiles on the other ponies faces. They all looked honest and true, something she couldn’t do lately.
“Some Element of Honesty Ah am. Ah can't even be honest with mah friends”
She hadn’t even realized that had slipped out, she looked up to see if anypony had heard her, but no one had. She sighed, just another day about town. The thought remained. creeping across her mind. She lowered her head back down and kept walking. She didn’t mind that nopony was stopping to talk to her, it gave her time to think. She really didn’t want too, but there was no denying it. She was getting worse.
At least Rainbow Dash showed some interest in hanging out today. A nice change of pace, but it rarely happened at all anymore. Everypony was always so busy, not that Applejack made too much effort to hang out with her friends. That is what stuck in her head, gnawing at her, day after day, night after night. It was hard to force so many smiles sometimes. Solitude did have its perks. That’s why she so enjoyed her memories, always full of happiness and good times. Some of the best she’s ever had. Living in these memories was better than what was happening now.
“At least the memories are still here, their all Ah have now.” She whispered to herself, letting her mind wandering. Tell Them. The thought drifted to the front of her mind. No she thought, it's not important The thought didn’t let up, rearing its head every few minutes. Applejack shook her head to rid herself of the thought. It only shifted around until it came to a central point.
Just admit it.
“Shut it.” Applejack said, closing her eyes. Now was not the time to think about this.
You think this is just about you?
“I said be quiet.” She replied through gritted teeth. Just wait till your back in the orchard, then you let it all out, alone.
Do you even care about your friends at all?
“ I said enough!” She shouted. She stopped and opened her eyes, looking around in a panic. Everypony had stopped what they were doing, and were staring right at her. Nopony moved. Applejack started to tremble. Sweat broke out on her forehead. “Ah…Ah….“ She stammered, unable to bring herself to speak. She looked ahead and saw an opening. She broke out in a full gallop away from the crowd of onlookers. Tears starting to well in her eyes she pushed herself harder and harder, wanting to escape the situation. She ran and ran until buildings were no longer beside her, but she couldn’t stop, not yet.
Although the tears had stopped flowing awhile ago, she could still feel dampness on her face. Applejack pushed her Stetson up a little, leaning back against the tree. She didn’t know how long she had been running, but she found herself close to the Everfree Forest. She had chosen a nice tree some distance away and trotted over, sitting down. It was here she now sat, watching the sun set over the horizon. The light was basking the field she sat in, and even the tree she leaned against. It was pleasant, slightly warm, with a cool breeze flowing, as if to counter the warm sunset.
She still couldn’t believe what had happened in town earlier. She had slipped up, badly. Her breakdown did not go unnoticed, she knew that, but it was sure to draw questions. These questions were why she was still out here. She need some sort of explanation, her friends at least deserved that. She sighed, she knew the issue, just not how to convey it.
Ah’m depressed.
In its most basic form, that’s all it was. But her mind kept manifesting it in different ways. This made it hard to describe to anypony who hasn’t gone through it. Applejack knew Pinkie was the closest to being able to understand. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to make Pinkie think about that side of herself again. Applejack couldn’t force Pinkie to do that, she already beats herself up over it, it would only hurt her more.
She sighed, it was to much to think of now. She pulled her hat down over her eyes, and put her hooves behind her head. Whistling softly she let her mind drift away, to a nice memory. One to get lost in, to forget about this headache for now.
All Ah want is inner peace. She thought as she let her mind plunge into darkness. The sun still shone over the ridges, light stopping just short of the Everfree Forest. A mythical place, full of creatures and wonders. Some enchanted, and some downright evil. Hence why no one ever goes in there, especially at night. But if somepony had simple walked close enough, they may have seen the bush rustle. They may have seen the red eyes looking out, changing between the setting sun, and an orange mare sleeping against a tree some ways away. Soon, the eyes thought to themselves. They were merely waiting for nightfall, it would be safe then. The eyes chuckled, startling a rabbit sniffing at the bush. The rabbit turned and fled, ripping through the trees at breakneck speed. After a few minutes, the rabbit stopped and turned, ensuring it wasn’t being followed. It then tilted its head upward; the birds had stopped singing. He hurried on, it would be night soon.
“Is she asleep?” Fluttershy asked quietly. She turned to Rarity, who was waving a hoof in front of Applejacks face, she nodded. They both turned and trotted back over to the others, who were sitting on a picnic blanket. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the approach of the two ponies, who merely nodded in return. Nodding herself, twilight closed her eyes and sighed as the other sat around her.
“Alright Everypony, I hate this secrecy but this is a matter that cannot be ignored much longer.” Twilight stated just above a whisper, looking each pony in the eye. “Things appear to have gotten worse, she doesn’t talk much anymore. Rarely joins in activities. Has anyone been able to talk to her?” She asked, almost pleaded with the others. Her gaze darted around the group, only to be met with nervous shuffling and shaking heads. “We're terrible friends.” Twilight finally said, brings her hooves to her faces, slouching.
“It’s not our fault!” Rainbow said loudly, in anger, following a few shushes from the others. Realizing her mistake she lowered her voice. “We’ve tried everything but she wont talk to anypony. She just shuts herself away or changes the subject.” She crossed her hooves across her chest and huffed. “I’ve tried so hard to help, I think I’ve almost gotten through.” She said, looking down. “But its hard to tell.” She finished softly, tears starting to well up in her eyes. Fluttershy put an arm around Dash’s neck and pulled her into a hug, comforting the cyan mare.
“Its not your fault darling.” Rarity added, a look of understanding on her face. “I’ve tried to talk to her as well, but she just pushes me away when I get to close.” Rarity had gone to lengths to try and reach the apple mare. Asking her to help model at the boutique numerous times. “Fluttershy and I have even taken her out to lunch a few times. But as soon as the conversations turns she pays her bits and excuses herself. Always saying she's needed back on the farm”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement. ‘It was hard enough to get her to come out for todays picnic.” She said quietly, releasing rainbow from her arms. She settled back into her sitting position. “I’m just so worried about her.” Her voice cracked, this time it was pinkie who gave the hug. Fluttershy latched on and cried softly into Pinkies shoulder.
Pinkie smiled softly, “I’ve tried talking to her when I can get her to help out around the shop.” Pinkie had been the first to notice something wrong, and for a while was the only one Applejack had let get close. Then Pinkie had told the others, thinking it would help Applejack to share her problem with everypony. Unfortunately, Applejack just closed up, never uttering another word about the subject. “I know it’s not my fault, but I can’t help but wonder. If I had just waited on telling the rest of you, would she have trusted me enough?” Her voice cracked as tears started to flow down her face.
“Its not your fault.” Twilight said instantly, she got up ad walked over to the pink mare, wrapping her arms round the two crying ponies. “Nopony here thinks you did the wrong thing. In fact, were happy you told us when you did.” As if to drive the statement home. Rarity and Dash joined in on the hug. Each with a few tears to add to the growing collection.
“Thanks guys.” Was all Pinkie could muster, smiling a little. After about a minute the ponies broke apart, wiping their own tears from their eyes. Each pony settled back into the original positions in the circle.
It was silent for about a minute before Twilight spoke. “So what do we do now?” Her voice was soft, the question as much for herself as for the rest of the group. Each pony looked down, not sure how to answer. Dash pawed the ground softly, Fluttershy was drying some fresh tears.
“Ah’ll tell ya what ya can do, stop worrying. I’m fine, and I always have been.” The sudden voice caused each ponies head to shoot upwards. Eyes wide they stared at each other, before turning to the voices source. Applejack was still leaning against the tree. But instead of looking down with her Stetson over her eyes, she was staring right at the rest of the group. Her expression not quite that of anger, more of annoyance.
Twilight was the first to try and speak, “ But Applejack, your not we-”
“Ah’m fine!” Applejack interrupted. Slamming her hoof on the ground. “There is nothing you need to worry about.” She slowly got to her feet, shaking off the dirt and twigs that stuck to her. She looked back over at the group. “There is no reason to worry yourselves silly over nothing.” She repeated, turning away. “Besides, no pony should waste their time worrying about me” She said as she started walking away.
It was Pinkie who responded first. Her eyes went wide as her body began to shake. She jumped up and ran over to Applejack. “Applejack!” She yelled as she got close.
Applejack turned and met the pink mare. “What is it Pinkie?” She asked, a tone of exasperation in her voice. “Ah really am not in the mood right now”
“But Applejack, you need to wake up. Right Now!” Pinkie’s voice was quivering. Her body still shaking slightly.
“But Ah am awake.” Applejack replied, a look of confusion crossing her face. “Ah was awake the whole time ya’ll were havin your private meetin over there.” She gestured to the blanket that still had four stunned ponies sitting on it, watching the whole ordeal.
“No no nonnono you don‘t understand!” Pinkie started, shaking her head. “You really need to wake up now!”
“But-” Applejack tried to rebut.
“NOW!” Pinkie screamed at the top of her voice. As applejack fell back from the sudden force of the yell, the world crumbled around her. First to go were the trees, followed closely by her friends. Each with a look of worry on their faces. The last thing Applejack saw was Pinkies face, tears streaming down it as she screamed again. Then, everything went black.
Applejacks eyes shot open. She could of sworn she had heard a noise. It had been night for some time now. Luna’s moon hung high in the sky, nay a cloud in sight. The stars all shown bright, illuminating the ground beneath them. It was quiet, quiet enough to hear everything. Like the sound that had woken her. She didn’t move a muscle, there it was again, closer this time. She took a deep breath, and launched herself from the tree, tumbling forwards before coming to a top about 10 feet away. She quickly regained her balance and turned around. There, standing next to the tree she was just sleeping at, was a Timber Wolf. Applejack just stared at the spot where she was just sleeping, mind racing. All her thoughts had a centralized message, What if Ah hadn’t woken up in time?
The Timber Wolf stood up on his hind legs, grunting as he rested his back against the tree. His height would have roughly been six feet, his features prominent. Broad shoulders, probably packed with muscle. Claws about 8 inches long apiece, sharp enough to slice through a ponies flesh with ease. A long snout full of sharpened teeth, right now it bore a smile, small, but almost wicked in nature. His body was covered in scars, some long healed,, some a little more recent. His best feature though, were his eyes. Glowing a deep red, concentrating on this little pony. Almost as if they could stare right though her.
Applejack shook her head, regaining her composure. She kept her gaze locked on the Timber Wolf, ready for anything. But her mind just couldn’t follow suit. It kept going back to the dream; It had been a dream right?; trying to make sense of it. It felt so real, like she had already lived through it. Could it have been a mem-. Her thoughts came to a halt as the Timber Wolf lifted his arm up, she tensed up her body, ready for anything.
The Timber Wolf brought his claw down, and slowly raped it on the tree. “I can see why you chose this particular tree, quite comfy to lean on if I do say so myself.” The Timber Wolf stated, his voice sounded deep, but with no tone of anger or hatred. He sounded almost, pleasant, as if talking to a friend.
Applejack's mouth dropped. Did this Timber Wolf just…..talk? Granny Smith had never told her that Timber Wolfs could speak the same language. Not only speak, but this particular Timber Wolf sounded, almost classy. Like the fancy types up there in Canterlot.
As if reading her thoughts, the Timber Wolf spoke again. “I take it you’ve never heard a Timber Wolf speak before, have you?” He raised his eyebrow, waiting for an answer. Applejack closed her mouth, and shook her head. The Timber Wolf nodded, “I see. Well I can assure you we are quite cultured in the art of language. As well as intelligent to boot.” He chuckled, closing his eyes for a second. He opened them and surveyed the orange pony standing in front of him. Not moving not saying anything, just concentrating on him with all her power. “Did you know that you talk in your sleep little pony?” He asked, again raising his eyebrow slightly.
Applejacks concentration faltered, her eyes went a little wide before she forced herself to regain control. She lowered her head and scowled. “What do ya mean Ah talk in my sleep?” She asked slowly, If Ah can keep him talking, maybe somepony will find us, might have a better chance, she gulped, Ah hope.
A gentle breeze rolled through, swaying the leaves in the trees. The Timber Wolf sighed, “Well I probably would have attacked sooner but I was intrigued at what you were saying. It sounded, deep and personal.” The Wolf threw a sympathetic look on his face. “Something about how your friends? How you shut them away? How selfish” He gestured to the orange pony, claws gleaming in the moonlight.
Applejack's eye widened as the realization started to dawn on her. She took a step back, trembling.Desperately she tried to deny it to herself. She closed her eyes and hung her head. It’s true. She thought to herself. It is all mah fault. I pushed mahself away. Ah was just tired of them worrying. Applejack shuddered. So long she had convinced herself that she was fine, that she didn't need anyponies help. She had convinced herself it was nothing.
It was easier to be alone, she didn't have to see the worry on their faces. But that wasn't enough, she had to stop caring. So she stopped caring about anything. Over working herself, not eating, and the lack of sleep. The thought of living seemed dull, no longer having any allure. She would never take her own life, but on more than one occasion she was disappointed to wake up in the morning. She didn't care about what happened to her, she didn't care at all.
Tears now flowing down her face, she opened her mouth, what came out barely above a whisper. “Ah’m sorry Twi, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and especially you Dash.” She remembered how much Rainbow Dash had tried to talk to her. How they all had tried. Only now did Applejack realize how much she really cared for her friends. As well as what she had done to them. Pushing them away, growing angry when they tried to get too close. Now she wanted nothing more than to hold everypony close. Close enough to hear her now. She shook her head, shaking off a few tears. “Ah’m so sorry Everypony.” she said aloud.
The Timber Wolf yawned, stretching his arm toward the night sky. “I’m so sorry to seem tired, but this all seems rather boring. I’m glad you’ve finally…realized the errors of your ways.” The wolf twirled his claw around to sarcastically emphasize the point. “ But I have more pressing matters to attend too, and I do not want to be late.” He lowered his arm and glanced back over at the sulking pony before him.
Applejack wiped her tears away with her arm, shook herself to regain composure. Looking back at the Timber Wolf, she stared directly back into his eyes. “And just what are ya’ll fixin to do that so urgent?” She emphasized heavily on the last word.
“Why to feed of course.” The Timber Wolf stated almost as is it was obvious. “You see I used to be the leader of a pleasant pack of Timber Wolfs.” He carried on. “Used to being the key word. I’m rather old per say and not as strong as I was in my youth. Another wolf saw this as an opportunity and fought me for the title, sadly, he won.” He closed his eyes, lowering his head a little, the subject was still a little sore with him. He returned his gaze back to Applejack. “One nasty downside of being de-throne’d is that your banished from the tribe. So feeding in the forest has become a hassle, those wolfs being everywhere. And the small game it to annoying to try and catch, and I barely become full. So I think I'll visit your little village to curb my needs.” His wicked smile returned, making Applejack shudder.
Applejack Spread her legs out, lowering her head slightly. “You’ll have ta go though me if ya wanna get to that village.” She replied. She knew that she had little chance of beating him, but if she could just kept him busy for long enough he’d lose interest. Take his chances in the forest.
The Timber Wolf laughed, clutching his sides. “You-” he said in-between laughs. “You think you can beat me? Even with my age I’m more than able to handle a simple pony.” He finished, straitening himself. “I’ll get to that village, through you in I have to.” He lowered himself to all fours, taking a fighting stance.
Before Applejack could reply the Timber Wolf lunged toward her. She jumped to the side in surprise, but not fast enough. The Timber Wolf managed to catch her in the side, sending her down to the ground. She lifter her head an shook herself, scrambling to her feet. As she stood at full height, she grimaced in pain. She looked on the side of her that had been hit, and saw three deeps cuts running along together. She turned her head back around and scowled at the Timber Wolf, still flashing his wicked grin.
“Not fast enough little pony.” He teased. He readied himself again, and broke into a charge. Applejack fought through the dull ach on her side and charge forward, hoping to repay the timber wolf her pain. As they drew near Applejack lunged. Holding her hoof out in front of her, she dove at the timber wolf.
The Timber Wolf saw the orange mare coming at him. With reaction time hardened over years of fighting for power, he jumped slightly to the side. Just enough for the surprised pony to miss him, but close enough for him to still inflict damage.
Applejack screamed in pain as the Timber Wolf’s claws made contact with her face. She tumbled to the ground, rolling to a heap farther down. She lay there, clutching her torn face. Her hat laying a few yards away. The damage was grave. Deep gashes ran down her muzzle, but the worst was her eye. Blood oozed from the closed eyelid, running down her face. Applejack couldn’t move, the pain was too much. After a long minute the Timber Wolf couldn't help but savor, she sat up trembling. Holding a hoof to her eye she stood back her remaining legs, swaying only slightly. She wiped her head around until her mane flowed in front of her, carefully removing her bloodied hoof from the eye.
She slowly raised her hoof and pulled her hair tie out. Then using both hooves she untangles it. With a grimace she stretched and slid the hair tie over her left eye. It would have to act as a bandage till she could get some real help. Slowly she lifted herself back to a standing position. The pain was fierce, she almost could't bear it. She faced the timber wolf and hardened her face, fighting through the pain.
“Come now little pony,” The Timber Wolf mused. “Surely you can’t keep getting up forever can you? It took a few minutes for you to do so now. I don’t mind too much, your prolonged pain is pleasant entertainment to me. Your corpse will make a nice appetizer as well” He flashed his wicked grin and started slowly walking toward Applejack. “Surely though you can't do this forever” He stopped a few feet from Applejack.
She leaned forward a little, sway slightly, trying to look intimidating. “What these?” She gestured to her face. “It ai’nt nothing, just a scratch.” She stated, trying to play it off as better than it was. Truth was, she was bad, the bleeding wasn’t stopping, if she didn’t get help soon, it would only get worse.
“Well then.” Replied the Timber Wolf, lowering himself to a crouching position. He began to circle around the pony. “I’ll just have try harder.” He continued to circle around her. Slowly picking up speed.
Applejack couldn’t turn fast enough to keep pace, but she was able to keep her remaining eye locked onto his. Suddenly, he lunged, his pure speed able to put Rainbows to the test. Before Applejack could rear up and counter, the Timber Wolf caught her square in the side. The force of his attack sent Applejack flying. She landed against a tree a few meters away when a sickening crunch. She fell to the ground, where she lay, bleeding head to flank, with several ribs broken, and unable to muster the strength to move. She just lay there, moaning softly in pain.
The Timber Wolf surveyed the fallen pony. He took a few steps towards her and sat down, looking at one of his claws in mock interest. “You know, I don’t why you keep trying.” He asked. “It seems futile, this task of yours to beat me. I honestly don’t why you don’t just give up, it will be much easier for you in the end.” He set his claw back on the ground, turning his gaze to the beaten pony. He was expecting to still hear sobs of pain, but he actually heard, was laughter. This small pony was laughing at him!
His ears turned flat, “Why are you laughing?” He snapped at her, “How dare you mock me, or….is it that you’ve finally snapped?” He finished, calming his demeanor. “You finally realize your efforts or in vain? Splendid. I’ll make this quick.” He slowly began to saunter over the pony, but paused when she spoke.
“Ya’ll just don’t get it.” She spoke slowly. She rolled over and tried to get up. “Just don’t get it.” she continued. Now on her knees she staggered to her hooves, swaying heavily. Her head hung low, a mane spattered with blond flowed around it. “Ah didn’t get is till just now.” She went right along, not bothering to give the timber wolf a chance to reply. “Ah don’t care, Ah just don’t care” She began to laugh again, though since all her strength was being used to hold herself up, it came out as a rough wheezing.
“Then why get up?’ The Timber Wolf finally interjected. “Why not just stay down if you don’t care?” He asked. He stared at this pony, waiting for a response. The night wind blew by, gently twirling a few stray hairs in Applejacks mane. She staggered slightly but kept her composure.
Her wheezing laugh died down to a cough, which hung for a minute before leaving itself. She took a few deep breathes. “Because’….” She started, gasping. “Ah mean, Ah don’t care for mah’self.” She finished. Slowly raising her head, “Ah don’t care if Ah live or die, Ah have no worth in mah’self.” She opened her good eye, tears slowly streaming from it. As her head came up, she met the Timber Wolf’s gaze. “But mah friends are the world to mah. Even though Ah been a fool to push them away, they still care about me. Now more then ever.” A small grin crept across her face. “Ah would gladly give mah life to protect them, Same for mah family, and Everypony else in the village.“ Her grin faded, a scowl took it’s place. “And Ah will be damned if you think Ah gonna abandon my them all now!” Her nostrils flared, she stood fast, newfound strength growing inside of her. She stood fast, ready to take on anything.
The Timber Wolf studied the pony. “How interesting a creature.” He said to himself, rubbing his chin. He gestured toward Applejack. “Bravo, really bravo. You've decided to die with gusto.” He clapped slowly, letting the moment linger. “But this game has gone on rather long, and I’m getting quite hungry, so lets hurry this up shall we? I know you don’t’ have much strength left, but good show none the less. This final blow will be your last, I can promise you that.” He finished, lowering himself to a crouching stance.
He was right, and Applejack knew it. She didn’t have any strength left at all. Just enough, more one more attack, and she had only one shot. She gulped. He was sure fast, but Ah think Ah saw something last time ah can used to mah advantage. She too crouched down, grimacing slightly.
Not waiting for the Timber Wolf Applejack broke out in a full charge. He quickly followed suit. As they neared the Timber Wolf leapt into the air, ready to fulfill his promise of a final blow. Applejack threw her back legs out and slid on her back, the Timber Wolf’s claws missing her by centimeters. As she slid underneath the Wolf she reached her neck up, and grabbed his tail in her mouth. Using that connection as a pivot point she swung her body around, putting all the momentum into her back legs. As they came around she pulled them in. Then drove the hardest buck she could muster into the back of the timber wolf’s neck.
A sound that resembled that of lightning echoed over the hills. Birds, awoken, took flight to escape the hidden dangers. Animals, running in all directions. Hoping to get away from the source of noise in their proximity. One bunny ventured opposite the others, toward the noise. Ever curious this rabbit approached a mass just hidden from the moonlight by a tree. It was a pony, pinned underneath a timber wolf, only one was moving. The rabbit turned and fled, not wanting to be the next victim for the victor. As it disappeared into the brush a strong breeze came by, carrying the sound all the way to ponyville.
“Have you seen Applejack?”
“Have you seen Applejack?”
“Have you seen Applejack?”
Dash moved through the crowd, asking everypony she came too. After hours of searching, Rainbow Dash hadn’t been able to get any new information out of anypony. Everypony’s stories were the same. Dash sat down and used her hooves to compile the mental list once again. All the same, Applejack freaks out, panics, then runs away, no one follows or knows were she went. Dash sighed, she had been looking since they found out from Twilight earlier.
They had all been sitting in Sugarcube corner planning a party to try and cheer Applejack up. Warm her up so maybe she would divulge what was bothering her. Everything had been going well but Twilight was late. Dash had been about to suggest someone find her when she had bust through the door, yelling about Applejack. They had all dropped what they were doing and gathered around as Twilight recounted what she had heard happen just a bit ago father into town. It was getting later in the day, almost night, but they quickly organized a small search party to try to find her. Everypony set out, hoping for the best.
Dash looked up at the sky, now dark, and recalled her conversation with Applejack earlier that day. “I hope your watching tonight AJ.” She sighed, and brushed a tear from her eye. “Cause I’m doing this for you.” With out a seconds hesitation she took to the sky, hoping to be able to find an orange mare staring up at her.
Applejack groaned, this new pain in her stomach was the worst yet. The hit had been perfect, it had snapped the Timber Wolf’s neck. Unfortunately due to the momentum they both carried they had tumbled on top of each other, and came to a halt under a tree. Applejack cried in pain as she pushed to Timber Wolf off of her. The Wolf didn’t roll off far though, as it’s claw was anchored in Applejacks chest. She grimaced, looking down at her new wound. She grabbed the Timber Wolf’s claw with both hooves, slowly counted to three, then yank as hard as she could. She screamed bloody murder. The claw pulled free, but left severe holes in their place, each digging deep into her insides. She heaved the Timber Wolf to the side, who rolled on a slight hill away from her. Applejack leaned her back against the tree, closing her remaining eye.
A breeze blew gently across her face, she could feel it lifting what strands of her mane that weren’t held down by blood. She opened her good eye and looked upwards, watching her hair dance. She smiled. She was finally a part of the dance she had so enjoyed every night for months. A tear rolled down her face, followed by another. Soon they were flowing freely. She brought her head back down and closed her eye, wiping away the tears with a hoof. She laughed, it didn’t sound like much, her breathing fading, but it was a laugh none the less.
She let her smile fad, the strength to hold it disappearing. She slowed her breathing to a gentle, constant motion. Not yet. She thought to herself, recalling a particular image to her head. It was the first on they’d ever taken. It was Applejacks favorite, they were all so happy. She tried to smile again, trying to push through the pain it caused, the energy it drained. But she did not have the strength. The picture of her and her friends stayed at the front of her mind, she felt...at peace.
“Ah love you girls.” It came out barely above a whisper, but a breeze caught it, lifting it upward into the night.
The breeze carried itself across the night sky. Whistling through trees and clouds, graceful touching everything but only lingering for a second. The breeze flew upward, as if straight for the moon. It came to the peak of it's accent and took off in different directions. Carrying the message with them. As the wind was one it’s way one watchful eye hoped they’d reach her friends.
Applejacks eyelid dropped unable to hold itself up any longer. Applejack had used all her reserves of energy, she had nothing left. So she sat there waiting, holding the image of her friends in her mind. A harsh gust of wind worked Applejacks hair into a small frenzy. It settled a few seconds later, dangling limply. The wind lessened up a little before settling down completely. In the still of the night, nothing made a sound. Up above, Luna’s moon hung in the sky, a witness to it all.
Fin