Shadow of an Elder World

Chapters

Six lives...
Friends and Enemies
Relics of the Past
The Gentleman
Deep Places

Six lives...

The ship was catching up fast and there was no time to avoid it, even less so in a storm. The crewmembers ran onto the deck, getting ready for a fight. The night sky was covered in dark clouds and flashing lightning, following rolling thunder. “Whatever you do! Do not let them below deck!” Shouted one of the crewmen, grasping a sword at his side. “The Princess must be protected at all times!”
The ship drew closer and closer and soon came side by side with the Godiva, the royal ship of Equestria’s own Princess Celestia. It was always a risk for her to make trips to other continents and this was one of those reasons. Both ships rocked violently in the blinding storm, the masts almost cracking with the harsh winds. The other ship was much larger, more massive then the Godiva, which was a small ship, made for better maneuvering. From the deck of the other ship, dark figures stood in rows. When the lightning flashed, they could be seen briefly. Dozens of men ready to fight and die to claim the princess. They were but men and yet in the eyes of the Godiva’s crew, they looked like demons. Monsters of another plane. Their hands began to shiver as they grasped their blades. They were scared and with good reason for pirates seldom showed mercy on those they prey upon..
A man stepped forward, wearing a long black coat, his long grime-covered hair blowing in the wind. He grinned and drew his sword, a large cutlass, bringing it to the air so that the lightning could be seen flashing off of it. With the swing of their leader’s sword the men let forth a horrific shout and jumped over the side of their ship, landing on the Godiva. Swords immediately clashed, thrusting and slashing about. The Godiva’s crew pressed the attack, killing off as many as they could. But there were too few. The pirates overwhelmed the crew, cutting them down or forcing them into the merciless sea.
From below deck, a dark hooded figure kicked the door open, looking upon the battle for a moment. Drawing a rapier, the figure charged into battle…

Magic…

The tides of battle turned quickly as the hooded man charged along the rain-soaked deck, fighting off the pirates. But there were too few of the Godiva’s crew left. He fought alone, yet even being overwhelmed, cut down his enemies almost effortlessly. With each swing the pirates fell. The man in the long coat was not pleased, finally joining the battle. Again he put his sword in the air and the other men stopped, backing away from their enemy.
“Good form, lad. I was wondering when the real fight would begin.” The man said. He talked in a refined way, very different from most pirates. “I could use someone like you in my crew. Someone with your skill would be appreciated here more then some palace mercenary. What say you, lad?”
He stayed silent, glaring under his hood at the salty haired captain with sword in hand.

“Come now, lad. No need to give me the silent treatment. A simple yes or no would do. But I would highly consider. For your health, savvy?”
Still no response came. The man’s face fell, becoming angry.
“You think this is a game, boy!?” with a mighty swing, he cut the lad’s hood, letting it fly off into the wind. The sight took the captain back.
“I’m no boy” the woman who now stood before him said, long purple hair blowing in the wind. Slightly covered by her hair was a broken alicorn, mostly shattered on its side.
“A woman!? This cannot be!” He looked to his crew in disgust. “A woman! A woman! This woman!” with anger he ran at her, sword aimed at her gut. She simply stood a side, dodging the attack only to thrust her rapier into him instead.
“Enough out of you”. She said, taking the sword out and kicking him toward the edge of the deck. He gasped for breath and finally, after a moment or two, fell into the sea. She turned to the rest of the crew who backed off. What little was left of the Godiva’s crew quickly relieved the pirates of their weapons and began bringing them into the brig.
The young woman looked to the ship beside them and with an angry look a surge of energy sparked from the broken alicorn. The power grew more and more, gathering as she kneeled onto the soaked deck. The sky lit up as a gigantic jolt of lightning split the ship in half, setting what was left on fire and leaving it behind to burn.
But the spell did not stop there. Smaller bolts started hitting near the ship. The shattered alicorn surged uncontrollably, unable to handle the intensity of the spell that was just cast. This continued for a few moments before another spell intervened, throwing the woman face first into the deck.
She gasped for breath as she regained control of herself, looking back near the door that lead to the lower deck.
“Thank… You…” she said to a beautiful woman who stood behind her. She had milky white skin and hair that flowed with every color of the rainbow. At the center of her forehead, a long alicorn shined more beautifully then any star.
“Twilight… You used your magic”. The woman said with disappointment.
“I was angry…” Twilight muttered, finally catching her breath.
“I know, my faithful student. Good people died today”.
The princess removed her long white coat and covered her apprentice. “Come inside. You’ll catch a cold”.
Twilight smiled and followed the princess.

^^^^^^^^^
“Get her!” the guard shouted down the streets as the rainbow haired woman ran with a pouch clasped in her hand. She ran down the streets, pushing through the crowds of Port Sunrise. Men dressed in red coats chased after her, musket rifles ready to fire at any moment.
The rainbow haired maiden was fast but not fast enough to get away from the men who relentlessly chased her throughout the streets.
“Come on! Give it up already! It’s only a few bits!” she said as she ran into an alleyway. She looked around and saw it was a dead end. She sighed and threw the cape on her back to the ground, spreading a pair of blue feathered wings and taking to the sky and onto one of the rooftops.
“Up there!” they shouted, both firing a shot at her, scaring a poor woman who was hanging up clothes on a long rope, causing her to faint. The men sighed. The blue winged woman ran roof to roof, using her wings to make sure she landed safely. This alerted other guards.
“Hey! Flying within city limits is not allowed!”
But she did not listen, keeping to the rooftops and away from her chasers. She laughed as she watched them try to follow her along the streets. Finally she came to the town square, and across the way, a large fountain, surrounded by buildings and the town hall bell tower could be seen.
“This is it!” she said, jumping and flying toward the bell tower. But as she made her way over, one of the guards appeared from the cover of the bell tower, taking a shot and hitting her wing, sending her spiraling to the ground. She landed in a group of people, startling them as she fell to the door of the town hall. Within moment, guards were all around her, rifles pinning her to the ground. She wasn’t going anywhere.
One of the guards broke through the crowd and looked down at her. She smiled innocently.
“Hi!” she shouted. The man only scowled, taking the end of his rifle and smacking it into her face, knocking her out.
“Take her away”. He said, letting them drag her off.

Loyalty...

She finally awoke to find herself in a jail cell of stone and iron. No one was around her except a dog that kept snarling as it patrolled.
“Yeah, well I don’t like you either!” she said. She looked at her wings which were patched up but also bound, making it impossible to fly. As if it mattered since there was nowhere to fly to. The only window was a small hole in the wall with bars that faced another building, letting little light in.
She laughed a little. “Finally got yourself caught, Dash. You finally did it. Wait till the guys hear about this”. She ran her fingers through her rainbow hair, realizing it was a lot shorter now, no longer going down to her shoulders.
“What the…?” she gasped. “They cut my hair!? Those bastards!”
As she companied, the sound of a heavy metal door creaking open could be heard in the distance. In moments, three men approached Dash’s cell. Two were normal looking guards, dressed in red coats. By the man they escorted looked to be more official. He wore a hat and a suit that made him look silly in Dash’s eyes.
“Well, well, well” he said. “We’ve been after you for sometime, Dash. I must say, you were surprisingly easy to catch this time”.
“Tell that to half of your men I left in the dust” she said smiling. The man seemed unimpressed.
“You are a rather skillful young lady, I do admit. But your time of thievery is at an end. I hope you get to know this place well because you will be spending quite a bit of time in here”.
Those words rang in Dash’s head. The thought of spending even a day in a cell was enough to drive her crazy. She looked to the dimly lit window and sighed a deep sigh.
“Of course… There is a way to avoid this fate”.
Dash turned back to the man with hopeful eyes. “You’re seriously going to let me go?”
“At a price of course”. He smiled. “In addition to turning away from your criminal ways, I would also want a bit of information. You are a part of a… unscrupulous group of people we want to find. Tell me where they are and you are free to go. All charges will be dropped as long as you keep yourself out of people’s pockets”.
The thought crossed her mind for a minute. The chance of freedom was at hand. She knew she would go crazy if she spent even another second in that hole. She had no choice. She had to tell them.
“Go to hell” she said, smiling. “You don’t have anything to offer that would make me tell you a thing.”
The man’s face grew red with anger. “You would rather spend the next few years in jail rather then give the location of a bunch of thieves who would probably turn YOU in?”

Dash yawned. “Sorry. I stopped listening.” She scratched her dirt-covered cheek. “I’ll have to talk to someone who gives a crap.”
The man slammed the bars. “You’ll regret this, Dash… You’ll regret this. You know the punishment for thievery. You just wait.”
“Yeah! I’ll be here if ya need me!” she said, laying down in the corner. The men marched out, leaving her alone. She was strong in front of them but knew that she was going to go bonkers staying in this cage. All she had ever known was freedom and now it was gone just beyond the bars of a cage. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep, only to have a brick fall on her head.
“Ouch! What the…?” She looked up to see a hole in the roof of her cell. Looking down were a pair of googly eyes. As another brick fell, Dash moved to dodge it. Soon there was a hole big enough for Dash to fit. She looked into it and saw another girl looking down at her.
“Ditzy!” she shouted, covering her mouth so that the guards wouldn’t hear. “Ditzy… What are you doing here?”
Ditzy smiled as her long blonde air hung down. She lazily stretched her hands down to help Dash climb out of the cell. There looked to be a small tunnel that they could escape from.
“Man, I’ve never been so happy to see you! Lets get out of here!”
Ditzy nodded and they both crawled through the tunnel. They made their way toward a light at the end which lead them to an outside cliff.
“Ditzy! I can’t fly! They shot out one of my…” without a seconds notice, Ditzy quickly grabbed Dash arms and jumped out of the hole. The guards patrolling the large stonewall of the prison took notice.
“Hey! Over there!” one of them pointed. “Don’t let them get away!”
They began to fire at the two girls, Dash yelling as they fell. Ditzy just smiled widely, letting her tongue hang out as they crashed into the water, the guards losing sight of them.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

At a cemetery, a young light pink haired maiden prayed to a small makeshift grave. Compared to all the other headstones it was pretty much a clump of dirt with twigs. Tears rolled down her face as she sat on her knees, her hands folded together.
“Happy Birthday, mother”. She said as she prayed. “I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you the usual flowers this year. I just couldn’t afford them this year. But I picked some from my own garden. I hope you like them”. She said as she opened her hands, placing a few lilies onto the dirt patch. “Tomorrow I’m losing my home. I just can’t afford to live there anymore…”
She opened her eyes slowly, tears running down even faster. “The money you left me was not spent very wisely… I’ll admit… But your Fluttershy will be okay. I’ll think of something.”
She smiled in sorrow, standing to her feet to see that the lower half of her dress was covered in dirt. “Goodbye, mother. Until next year.” She turned to walk away but stopped in her tracks, rubbing her eyes of her tears. It was useless. The tears only came harder. “I guess you couldn’t be here right now could you? If I turn around, will you be standing there?” She took her hands from her eyes and looked at the grave, which had not changed. The flowers still stood there flat against the clumpy dirt. “No one even came… When you left me”. She turned and left the cemetery.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Back at the place she knew as home, at least for today, she looked around the now bare house. She had sold everything she owned in order to keep the house she grew up in. Whatever wasn’t sold was robbed long ago by desperate people and what angered her the most was she could never bring herself to hate them. To resent the people who hurt her.

Kindness…

At the corner of the room, a crude wooden cage held a rabbit, thumping around where it could move. Fluttershy opened the cage and hugged her little friend.
“It’s going to be okay, Angel. You don’t have to be sad”. She said, starting to cry again. “We’ll find a new place in no time.” The rabbit stood still, only moving its little nose up and down.
A knock came at the door suddenly, startling Fluttershy. She quickly put Angel back into his cage and dried her eyes.
“Coming!” she said, running to the door. She opened it slowly to see a young man standing there. He had short brown hair was tall, a lot taller then she was.
“C…Can I help you?” she said nervously.
“Hello. Would your name happen to be Flora?”
She gulped and nodded slowly. “F…Flutter…shy…”
“Hmm?”
“Call me Fluttershy… Everyone does…”
He smiled. “Alright. Fluttershy then. I have something for you.” He said, reaching into his pocket. “It came to me by courier. I had no idea what it was but it had an address on it. Flora Dowsley. Is that you?”
Again she nodded. He took a small amulet out of his pocket and handed it to her. It was a crescent moon engraved with the name Flora Dowsley. Her name. Examining it further, it looked like another piece went to it.
“Does it look familiar?” he asked.
She thought long and hard, knowing she had seen this before. It was not long when she finally remembered where. She had sold a precious painting of her mother and father, the last thing she had to sell. In the portrait, her mother wore the moon amulet while her father held an amulet of the sun, both split in half.
“I do… Thank you… But who sent it? Did the courier know?”
“He handed me a note along with it”. He gave her the note.
PORT SUNRISE
“Port Sunrise?” she thought to herself. She had been their once before. It was a days journey from Port Canterlot where she made her home. She grasped the amulet tightly. “Thank you… But who are you? Why did this come to you and not me?”
“That’s actually a long story… Please let me escort you to Port Sunrise. I’ll explain everything on the way”.
Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you… I don’t know how I can repay you”.
She grabbed Angel’s cage and pocketed the amulet, heading off with the young man.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Night had fallen when the pair reached the docks. No one was around that Fluttershy and the man could see. Ships sat at their posts, each one holding a different name and style.
“So… You never gave me your name”. Fluttershy said. But the man was quiet as they walked along the empty docks.
“Um… Sir… It is getting pretty late… I don’t think any ships will sail at this hour”.
The man stopped in his tracks, not turning to face her. “You’re right. No ship will sail at this hour”. He turned to her now, holding a flintlock pistol in his hand. He aimed it at her, causing her to back up slowly.
“I…I don’t understand… What’s going on?”
“I never did tell you how I obtained that little trinket. It was indeed from your father, Ms. Flora Dowsley.”
“My father…?” she put her hand to her lips, quivering with fear. “But my father… You met my father…?”
“Oh not only did I meet him… He and I had quite the talk. Made me quite an offer. 10,000 bits for whoever kills you. It was easy to lure you out with that amulet. This place is the perfect place to do it. They’ll find your body in the water and it’ll just be another unfortunate murder. Meanwhile, I’ll be in Coastequestria living like a king”. He pulled back the jaw screw, aiming it straight for her chest. But before he could fire, a faint laugh could be heard in the distance.
He turned around to see who it was, giving Fluttershy a chance to run.
“Hey! Get back here!” he yelled but before he could chase her down, a shot fired off from the distance, hitting the man in leg and sending him to the ground. He cried out in pain as he held his bleeding leg.
“Well now, ain’t that just o bit’ a bad luck, chap?.” Said a giggling woman who stepped from the shadows. She wore a dress that hung from her shoulders, fancy and ruffled, pink and puffy at the legs. In her hand was a similar pistol.
“Well, come now. Smile! Laugh! Ain’t it just a laugh?” she said stepping on his chest as he struggled with the pain he was already in. She aimed the gun down at him. “Oh how them tables do turn, fellow, how them tables turn.”

Laughter…

She giggled again, about to fire off a shot. But in a moment, Fluttershy grabbed her hand, pointing the pistol to the sky. The strange girl didn’t turn to face her at all, keeping her eye on the scum below her foot.
“Eh, now. You bout ta tell me this rat dung’s worth livin? Mind you he just bout pulled the trigger on ya!”
Fluttershy looked at the man then back at the woman. “No one needs to die. No one deserves to die. Please just let him go!”
The woman kept her foot on him a little more, the man looking up at her pathetically. She pondered for a moment then sighed. “How them tables turn…” she said again, stomping the man in the stomach to make him wince. “Get’ is pistol, why don’tcha? I’m gonna walk ya home, I will and I wantcha ta keep that there pistol close.”
Fluttershy did as she asked, taking the pistol from the man and backing away. Finally they were on their way, leaving the man to suffer alone.
“Now where’s ya home, Lilytop?”
“A…W…Who…?” Fluttershy asked softly.
“Lilytop! That’s what ya remind me of! Lilies! The light pink ones wit ta dots! Cuz yar hair!”
“Oh… I…” Fluttershy thought to herself. “I actually don’t live anywhere… My house is being taken away tomorrow…” she looked at Angel who was still caged up.
“Well that won’t do! Come… You stayin wit me, Lilytop!”
“F…Fluttershy… My name is Fluttershy. And this is Angel”.
The woman laughed, her puffy pink hair dropping out of place. “Now ain’t that the name o names! Fluttahshy! I like it!”
“Its not my real name but…”

“Oh don’t ya worry wit the details. We all got our little names and all that. People call me Pinkie! Cuz my hair, savvy? All pink n puffy. They should call me Pinkie Puff!” she laughed, leading the way out of town.

Pinkie led Fluttershy to a huge manor just at the edge of town. Large gates and huge ferns blocked the way inside. As Pinkie approached, the gates slowly opened.
“This is… Where you live?”
“As sure’s sugar!” she said as they walked town the thin pathways. At every corner Fluttershy saw bushes shaped like different animals but not as they would appear in real life. A giraffe had large wings and a hawk walked with four legs. She even saw a turtle with doglegs. It was bizarre to say the least. They approached the door and it opened as soon as they stopped on the welcome mat. A handsome man stood holding the door open for them.
“Welcome home, Countess. Another long night?” he said, allowing them in.
“Wouldn’t’ ya know it, Nathan! That Lady Junebelle got’ erself all pink on the wine again! Made a mess’ of the whole evenin!”
“How dreadful, Countess. And who might our new guest be?” He asked, looking toward the little peasant girl.
“Oh… M… My name is…”
“Fluttahshy! My new friend, she is! Get a room ready for’ er. No way we lettin’ er out into the cold!”
“As you wish, Countess”. He bowed and left to prepare a guest room.
“Come! Come! Come ta my room fer now! Get you dressin in a nightie an all that”. She said, grabbing Fluttershy’s delicate hand and pulling her up the stairs. Fluttershy was able to get a brief look around. The grand hall was huge and full of party favors. It looked as if she had a grand ball right here in the manor.
She pulled her down a long hallway, the walls full of pictures of old men and women of all kind. But once again, the hall was decorated in party favors much like the entrance. Finally she was pulled into a large and beautiful pink room with a large window door that lead to a balcony. The room was fixed up and was the only place that didn’t have party décor.
“Sit anywhere ya rump would feel comfy! I’m gonna go through mah wardrobe”. The exuberant woman opened a large closet big enough for her to go inside and look around.
Fluttershy sat on the bed, almost sinking into it. It was the softest bed she had ever felt, the sheets pink and puffy with pictures of cakes sewn into it.
“So… Um… Did you just have a party here?”
For a moment, no response came and she had wondered if the closet was so big that Pinkie was now far from earshot. But soon an answer finally came.
“Not’ ere!” she said. “I host’ a party at the Town Hall! That’s what I do, savvy?”
“But… Around your house I…”
“Don’t mind’ ta mess!” she shouted. “I’m’ a always making sure my décor’s proper! Never use the same thing twice or’ll get borin!”
“Oh…” Now she understood, or at least somewhat understood. She thought no more of it, taking her alone time to slightly bounce on the soft bed, giggling as she did.
“I’ eard that!” the muffled voice from the closet said. “Ya giggled!”
Pinkie finally came out of the wardrobe with a beautiful light pink nightgown. She, herself, now wore a brighter pink nightgown that hung from her shoulders like the previous dress did. Fluttershy couldn’t help but notice she was well endowed, making her blush slightly.
“Feelin better then?”
Fluttershy nodded and smiled. “Y… Yes…” she said, looking down at Angel in her cage then back at Pinkie. “I feel a lot better. But I don’t understand… You don’t know me at all. Why are you doing all of this?”
Pinkie laid the gown by Fluttershy, hopping on the bed and putting an arm around her. “Yer one ‘a’ o kind, Fluttahshy! Any old bloke woulda let me kill that scum. But not you, Fluttahshy. Yah I kinda wanted’ ta end the poor basst! But I’mma glad there are people kind like ya who’d think life’s precious, savvy?”.
“But… But I’m not… I mean… Anyone would have done the same. I’m nothing special. I’m even less then special. I’m worthless”. She looked down at the pink rug that stood under her feet.
Pinkie suddenly just laughed. “What’d’ a buncha foolery!” she said, the remake making no sense to Fluttershy. “Look, I seen worthless, darlin! That man’ ho try and hurt ya was worthless. You! You’re somethin special! Now stop all’ heh loathin and give me a smile!”
Fluttershy tried to smile, showing her teeth a bit. She tried so hard that she made a funny face, making Pinkie laugh some more.
“Now there ya have a smile!” she said, laughing. Fluttershy joined in the laughter, feeling happier then ever.
^^^^^^^^^^^
“Father!” The young woman said with indigo curls cried, running to a tall, strong looking man who stood at the door of the Veirtio Manor. The Veirtio was the second richest family in Canterlot, owning almost all of the land down to the northern shore. The family lived in prosperity but was not known so much for their wealth, but for their willingness to give.
The young indigo haired girl jumped into her father’s arms after running down the long stone path leading to the manor.
“Rarity! My sweet girl… Welcome home”. He smiled. “How was Ravenwold?” he asked, still giving the gentle girl a big hug, almost poking himself with the small alicorn that was hidden by her hair. Still she could not help but snuggle into his embrace.
“It was a real mess, father. Truly. Pirates truly are brutes. But the money and food you have sent will help a great many people.”
He smiled, taking his daughter by the shoulders and taking a good look at her. She wore a long beautiful dress, encrusted with pure diamonds onto the side. The dress was mostly magically held together, using lesser enchantments. A dress she had made herself.

Generosity…

“You are becoming more and more like your mother and not only in looks. Years before I met her I would have never given a single bit to anyone.” He laughed. “Your mother would never have that!”
“Nor would I, father! Nor would I!” she smiled, her beautiful dimples lighting up along with the beauty mark that sat on her cheek. “It has been a whole week since I have been home…”
“That is why we are celebrating tomorrow night! A big party, and I’ll take yes for an answer only.” He said with a wide smile. “That should give you time to rest up.”
“Party? W…What’s going on?”
“My goodness, sweetheart, it’s your birthday!”
Rarity thought to herself for a moment or two, her eyes widening. “Why, you’re absolutely right, father! Oh how could I have forgotten? Oh my… I… I must make myself a new dress. And make sure that everything is…”
“Not to worry, my sweet. Montague insisted he get you a new dress. It is waiting upstairs for you.”
Rarity blushed hearing that name. “Montague… Montague was here?”
“He was. And he will be tomorrow. He and I had a long talk the other day. But enough about that! I am sure your mother wants to see you as much as you want to see her!” he laughed. “Go on or she’ll be rather disappointed.”
“Thank you, father” she gave him another hug and ran inside, her beautiful heel shoes echoing throughout the main hall as servants washed and dusted everywhere. Each one gave her a kind greeting as she went on her way, making sure she acknowledged each of them before passing.
She finally made it up to her mother’s room where the tall, milky skinned woman stood combing her hair at the mirror. She turned instantly, seeing the sight of her daughter.
“Rarity! You’re home. So that was what all the fuss was about. I would have gone downstairs to greet you myself had I known.”
Rarity ran into her mothers embrace, nuzzling against her bosom. “Mother, I missed you so much. I thought about you each day I was gone.”
“And not a moment past where you weren’t on my mind, my dear. I’m sorry we didn’t have your party set up by now.”
“Father already told me, mother. Don’t worry about that, I’m just happy to be home.” Rarity took a step back and smiled at her mother
She had long, indigo hair, straightened unlike her own curls. To Rarity, she was the perfect woman, tall, beautiful, smart, and giving. She was everything Rarity wanted to be and strived to be.
After visiting her mother, Rarity took time to look around her home, spending time out in the beautiful gardens and overlooking the fields where the Pegasi worked. As time passed, night fell and Rarity retreated to her room.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Rarity sat upon a stool, facing a tall mirror as she combed her hair. Thoughts of her mother doing the same earlier made her giggle. For this moment, she wasn’t Rarity. She was her mother. Her sweet, loving mother who, in Rarity’s eyes, could do no wrong. It was an obsession but she cared little. She smiled at herself, or her mother, in the reflection, pleased with her looks.
The moment was suddenly ruined by tap at the window, shocking Rarity back to reality. She turned to the window, seeing a silhouette atop the tree near her window. Only moments before screaming she thankfully took a second look, seeing a young man kneeling atop a branch. She ran to the window and opened it with haste.
“Montague!” she cried softly, excited but smart enough to keep quiet. “What are you doing here? We were to meet at tomorrow’s party.”
“I couldn’t wait. I was so tied up at the estate that I could not welcome you home.”

Rarity blushed. “It is such a long way from home… Did you run all the way over here? You look absolutely exhausted.”
“I did.” Montague replied. “Please, may I come in?”
Rarity nodded. “Please, do.”
Montague tried his best not to snap the wobbly branch that was only just strong enough to hold his weight. He took on step onto the windowsill, Rarity grabbing his hands to help him over. Finally with a kick of his other leg he came through the window, landing on his knees. He laughed.
“Almost too close.” He snickered.
He didn’t have enough time to say another word when he got to his feet, Rarity already pressing her lips against his own. Usually he would make the first move but tonight was different. Since the day they met as children they had never been apart so long as they had been when Rarity left for Ravenwold. Her family was always on her mind but nothing made her long more then the touch of Montague’s lips and his strong arms. It was something out of a bad romance novel that she had read but she did not care. All that mattered was this moment.
Finally their kiss broke and she cuddled in his arms, which were wrapped tightly around her.
“Montague…” she whispered. “I missed you so much…”
Montague kissed the tip of Rarity’s horn.
“I wanted to wait to give you this but… Just the thought running through my head is driving me crazy.”
Rarity looked up at him as he slipped a small box into her hand. Without looking at it her eyes widened. She felt the shape of the soft leather cube that sat in her hand. She looked at it and opened it slowly, revealing a ring.
“Rarity Veirtio… Will you marry me?”
Rarity’s eyes began to quiver as a tear ran down her face. She had waited to hear those words for so long.
“Yes…” she said. “Of course I will marry you!” she said with excitement, yet trying to keep her posture.
Montague smiled with relief. “Rarity, you have just made me the happiest man in Equestria.”
Rarity laughed. “Well then you better make me the happiest woman in Equestria.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The evening went on and Rarity laid next to Montague who held her close on the soft sheets. They gazed at each other lovingly.
“I think I learned something about myself in Ravenwold.” Rarity said suddenly.
“Oh? What would that be, my dear?”
Rarity sighed softly. “Pirates attack harbors all the time. Bandits ravage town’s inland. The world is in such chaos with people only wanting to do harm to others. Yet, here I remain under the careful watch of my father and mother. I know it might sound crazy but…” She looked deep into Montague’s eyes. “I think I want to devote my life to helping people. To travel Equestria in search of people in need. To give what I can.”
Montague was silent for a moment then laughed. “To any other man you might sound crazy. But you, my dear, are the most amazing woman. If this is what you wish, let us travel together. Let me help your dream come true.”
The couple’s lips met again, their arms wrapped around each other. Rarity knew without a doubt that this was the man she was meant to be with. A man willing to sacrifice his comfortable life to help others. He was her dream come true.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The entire next day was spent getting ready for the party. Rarity had put on the beautiful dress Montague had bought for her and made sure her hair was perfect. She looked out the window where the guests were already mingling in the garden that had been decorated. People laughed and danced, most of them distant relatives she hardly knew. Tonight she would suffer them for she knew that out there, Montague was waiting. By the end of the evening he planned to announce their plans of marriage. Rarity was nervous but she knew her father and mother already approved of Montague. Her horn began to glow and another ribbon tied into her beautiful dress. Finally, she was ready.
When she came into the garden, everyone stared in amazement. Her long white dress and glass heels made her look like a princess out of a fairytale. Her long indigo curls hung down just above her chest. She curtsied as everyone welcomed her.
It wasn’t long before every man asked for a dance, all turned down when her father suddenly took her hand. “Now, now. You’ll dance with me first, young lady.” He laughed. “It may be sometime before we’re able to dance again if some man happens to sweep you off your feet this evening.”
“Oh father…” Rarity rolled her eyes.
“Come now!” he said as they began to dance. “You see how they all look at you. I might have to ask the servants to form a firing squad to keep them off.”
“Your flattery will get you in trouble, father, I know it. Besides, won’t you even have a dance with mother?”
“Ooh she’s so tied up with your grandmother. The demands of that woman are outrageous.”
Rarity laughed as he twirled her. “Please, father you’re going to embarrass me at my own party.”
“Oh the shame! My daughter won’t even indulge her own father! Perhaps this will cheer you up.” He said as he spun her around again, this time facing Montague he stood there with a rose in his hand. He handed it to her and with a quiet smile she turned to her father with a gleam of happiness, turning back to the handsome young man. Her father watched as they both began to dance.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Rarity spent the entire evening with Montague, dancing and chatting with friends. They never left each others side and to Rarity it was the greatest present she was given. Finally, main course came and wine was served. Montague took one of the wine glasses and knew it was time. The big announcement.
“Attention, everyone! May I have your attention, please?”
The band stopped playing and everyone faced Montague. He could feel a sense of nervousness as he took Rarity’s hand. “As you all know, Rarity and I have been together for as long as I remember. Our families have been friends because of our friendship and have remained so for years. I believe I have waited long enough to ask this…”
He got on one knee, pretending he had not asked her the night before. He slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box he had presented last night.
What happened next, Rarity could not describe. It was as if all time had frozen. A loud sound like fireworks exploded in Rarity’s ears and she heard nothing else. She looked down on Montague who now laid at her feet, blood all over the back of his head. It wasn’t real. It couldn’t have been. It all happened so fast. She almost expected him to jump up as a joke, that this was all a jest but as she saw the crowd begin to run, she knew this was no ruse.
Gunfire blasted from the shrubs that surrounded the garden, picking off the fleeing guests. Even the ones who reached the garden’s exit were only met with more gunfire, men pouring out of the estate. Rarity watched as friends and family piled the bloodstained grass. She dropped to her knees and with shivering hands, touched Montague’s hair, smearing blood on her fingers.
“Montague…?” she said with a shivering voice. Her father suddenly ran by, grabbing her by the arm.
“Rarity! Come on! We have to get out of here!”
“No!!” Rarity yelled, trying to stay at Montague’s side. “Please, no!!”
Her father dragged her away, trying to find the safest route away from the men who shot from the shrubs. Before he could get away, two Pegasi flew in and cut him off.
“Sorry. You’re needed alive. Captain’s orders.”
One of the men came from behind Rarity, grabbing her and holding her at gunpoint. They were both forced to their knees as someone approached, escorted by younger unicorns. A woman with light sliver cyan hair stepped forward. She was tall and beautiful yet had a dangerous look in her eyes. An alicorn stood on her head, piercing through her hair.
“That’s the one.” The taller of the two young unicorns said, pointing to Rarity. “She’s the one from Ravenwold.”
“She’s pretty.” The tall, beautiful unicorn said. “But nothing compared to the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Rarity shivered as she tried to look up at the woman. “Why… Why are you doing this?”
The smaller, pudgier unicorn by Trixie’s side stepped forward. “You and your family were the ones who helped the people in Ravenwold. Snails saw you! He saw everything!”
“We were the pirates that torn that town apart!” Snails said. “You fixin everything was an insult to the Great and Powerful Trixie!”
Tears began to run down Rarity’s cheeks. “I… I don’t understand… Why would you care?”
Trixie smiled. “I ordered the town burned as a lesion. The people came to us for help when we docked. It seemed as if they were being harassed by some local thugs who raided often. We took care of them for a price. And when the time came, they decided that they couldn’t pay. And so my men taught them a lesson. Snails, however, stayed behind to see how the town would recover. That’s when the Great and Powerful Trixie got the report that YOU came into town with supplies and money and workers to help repair their homes. Well Trixie purged the entire town this time. And for all your trouble, Trixie is going to let you watch as your world burns around you.”
She turned to the pudgy unicorn. “Snips! Give the order.”
“Aye, aye!” Snips’ horn began to glow and with a struggle, a tiny flare shot into the air. Within moments the estate started to burn. The man began burning the garden and the property all around them.
“No!!” Rarity yelled as she watched it all burn away. Her father suddenly stood up and knocked his captor down. He pushed the Pegasus holding Rarity and turned to her, yelling for her to run. She did as she was told, running as fast and as far as she could, not looking back. She could hear gunshots in the distance as she ran into the nearby woods. Her father, her mother, Montague and the rest of both families were gone. She turned only for a moment to see the estate burning. She also saw men running to pursue her, giving her more incentive to run.
She had no plans or money. Only the dress that her sweet Montague had bought her.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“Hey… Come on now… Can’t we just talk ‘bout this?” the red haired young man said, following a tall blonde haired woman with freckles who carried a long silver rifle. A little girl with cherry hair almost like the young man followed her, trying to keep up as they scaled a nearby hill where a long fence stood. The little girl dragged a bag up a hill, following the blonde woman who didn’t say a word until they got to the top.
The woman cocked the rifle and looked back at the red haired man. “You ain’t never gonna learn your lesson, Mac. So looks like I gotta teach ya.” She turned to the little girl and nodded toward the fence. “Set’ em up, Bloom.”
The little girl laughed. “Kay, big sis!” she said with excitement as she reached into the bag, pulling out three bottles of wine and balancing them on the fence.
The blonde woman took aim at one of the bottles. “Now tell me, Mac. Where’d you get this wine and how much did it cost?”
Mac gulped, shifting his eyes as he said “Old man Lynch down in Ponyville! He gave me a good price, I swear!”
The woman grunted in disappointment. “Here’s lesson number one…”
“Nobody…”
“Lies…”
“To Applejack!”
She took a shot, shattering the middle bottle on the fence, watching it splatter everywhere.

Honesty...

“Wanna tell me’ nother one? Cuz I know that the Lynches went outta town. Plus, you know he don’t sell nothing but swill. So where’d it come from?”
“Jinkens! Jinkens sold them to me! It was the good stuff and I…”
“How much?” Applejack asked, taking aim again.
“Two hundred bits…”
“For eight bottles!?” Applejack yelled, firing again to hit another bottle.
“Jack! Come on now! It was a deal! This stuffs great! And we ain’t gett’n a refund…”
“No kiddin!” she said, hitting the last bottle with another shot. “You don’t seem to understand that this farm is goin downhill and spending money we don’t have ain’t helping. I expect better from my older brother! What kinda example are you setting for Bloom?”
Bloom jumped up and down, her big red bow bouncing a long with her. “Yeah! What kinda example you tryin to set for me?”
“Stay outta this, Bloom.” Jack said, receiving a quick ‘Yes, ma’am!’ in return.
Applejack sighed and laid her rifle against the fence, reaching into the bag. “Mac, you know Granny ain’t getting better. She could go any day now… And when she does the deed goes to you as well as all the money. It’s gonna be your responsibility to take care of the land. Not to drink every bit away. Now I love you and you know that…” She took one of the bottles and passed it over to Mac. “But if you drive this farm into the ground you’ll be in the ground with it. Got me?”
He sighed and nodded. “I’m sorry, Jack. Sorry, Bloom. I screwed up.”
“I know.” Applejack took a bottle for herself, opening it and taking a sip. “Just learn from it, bro.”
“I wanna have some too!” Apple Bloom cried out.
“No!” Mac and Jack yelled before they took another sip.
“Awww…” Bloom pouted before jumping up onto the wooden fence, kicking her legs as she watched her brother and sister gulp down the wine. She looked into the distance toward Ponyville that sat just over the horizon of the farm. Along the road, some dust kicked, rolling toward the farm. She kept her eye on it as it came closer, finally making it out to be a carriage.
“We expectin anyone?” Bloom asked, catching Jack’s attention.
“Not that I know of.” She said, standing to her feet and looking toward the dust. As the carriage came closer Applejack’s eyes widened.
“Dang it! Today of all days…” Applejack stomped the ground.
“What’s up, Jack?” Mac asked as he stood up to see the carriage approaching the farmhouse over the hills. “Ah dang… The mayor. Probably’ er bout the land tax.”
“The money you spent was goin toward that, Mac! Dang it! Come on… We better get on over there to meet’ er.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By the time the three siblings reached the farmhouse, the Mayor was just leaving the carriage. Applejack always knew the mayor to be a generous woman but it ha been a month overdue on the land tax and the thought of possibly losing the farm scared her. She approached the mayor and shook her hand.

“Howdy, mayor. How can I do ya for?” Applejack said, taking her hat off and letting her golden hair fall.
“Greetings, Applejack. And greetings for you as well, Bloom.” She shot a look at Mac but passed over him. Mac didn’t expect anything less. With his history of drunkenness he wasn’t exactly the most loved in Ponyville.
“I am here to see if you have acquired the money we discussed.”
“O…Of course!” Jack said nervously. “Well ya see… I… I’m’ fraid we’re a bit short… But… I…”
The mayor sighed. “How Applejack… I know things are hard for you but if you cannot afford to pay your taxes perhaps you should consider selling the farm. I know a lot of buyers who would be happy to take it off your hands. You can make a lot of money. Live in town. It’s a lot cheaper.”
“I can’t do that, mayor. This is the last farm owned by the Apple family. I can’t just pack up and leave it. I’ll have your money.”
“This is the last extension I can give you. If you don’t have the money by the end of this month I’m afraid I’ll have to insist you sell… Or be evicted.” The mayor fixed the glasses on her face. “I’m sorry if I seem cold…”
“Not at all. Thank you for the extension.” Applejack put her hat back on.
The mayor turned to her carriage and got in, the driver at the head whipping the reins to make the horses go. Applejack tipped her hat, hiding her eyes.
“I wanna be by myself for’ while. I’ll be back before sunset.”
“Jack…” Mac said as she began to walk away. “Jack… I…”
“Save it, Mac! Just save it.”
Mac and Bloom watched as Applejack walked off toward one of the hills. Bloom gave Mac a kick to the shin, causing him to wince.
“Its yur fault!” she said before running off into the house. Mac just winced.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jack sat atop the fence again watching the sun go down over the Everfree forest just beyond Ponyville. She spent most of her evenings here reminiscing. One memory in particular always stuck with her the most when she looked over Ponyville. Memories of an old friend she had. Her very best friend. Memories of how she looked started to fade with time. Jack could remember purple hair and wide purple eyes, a unicorn that lived in the village. They had been friends for years until one fateful day when she was taken away to a faraway place, never to be seen again. Jack’s reasoning for hanging onto her memory was simple, because she never had another friend besides this one girl. Learning to care for the farm as a child she never had time to make a lot of friends. Her life was devoted to learning to care for the farm, tending the land and protecting it from danger. Applejack began to wonder if there was ever a real childhood experience outside of the adventures she had with her dear friend. She had to be honest with herself, she hated the fact that her life would be spent on this farm. Her entire life was bound to this land and it was becoming painfully clear that she would be buried in it one day like her parents.

The sun lit up the sky in a faint orange color as it set over the trees. Jack knew it was late and it was time to go home.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jack walked in through the farmhouse door, seeing granny in her chair at the far corner of the room. Bloom set some tea in front of her before waving to Jack.
“Welcome home, sis!” Bloom said.
“Howdy, Bloom. Granny Smith.”
Granny Smith, was the eldest of the Apple family and the only Apple left to own farmland. She had been sick for the last few days and the doctors said it would be any day now she would pass on. Applejack knew that Mac would get the farm and things would go to hell but she respected tradition and tradition called for the eldest child to take the deed.
Applejack walked over to Granny Smith, sitting by her feet. “How ya feelin, granny?”
Granny Smith puckered her lips and gave a soft cough. “Better today, child. Better today.”
“That’s good. You’ll be better in no time, you’ll see.”
Granny laughed. “Why of course I will be. Then I’m gonna get out there and find me a man to work’ round here.” She coughed again, a little heavier this time and took another sip of tea. “Ya know, Apples… You really are startin to look like your mother. Almost the spitting image of her… With those looks you should be lookin for a man yourself.”
“Granny! I ain’t got time for that sorta thing.”
“Oh come now… Your mother and father, God rest their souls, worked on this farm. Made it their love. If they had loved each other more then the farm… I wonder if they’d still be’ round.”
Applejack took her hat off, laying it beside her before laying her head on granny’s lap. She could feel granny Smith’s hand running through her golden hair, humming a sweet tune.
“Granny Smith…” Applejack said.
“Yes, dear?”
"Ma and Pa worked themselves to an early grave. I know I’ll be workin a lot harder on this land soon to make sure it grows. I know that would make them proud… Make you proud… But part of me wishes that I could just…” Applejack sighed. “Just live a different life. I can still remember Pa’s face when we found him out in the field, his heart given out from all the work. He was graspin the land as if it was his own child. His own love, like you said granny. After he passed, Ma just couldn’t go on anymore… I think she died rememberin too. He loved this land more then her. More then any of us. I know I’ll have to do the same. I’ll have to be the same way. I just don’t have time for love when my heart already belongs to the land.”
Granny didn’t respond.
“Do you know what I mean, granny?” Applejack asked, cuddling against her lap. Still, no response came.
“Granny?” Applejack looked up to see her grandmothers face hanging down. She didn’t move at all.
“Granny? Granny! Granny no! Please!” Applejack shouted until she hear a small sound. Listening closely she could hear it was her dear old granny snoring. Applejack almost threw a fit but simply calmed down and smiled. “Sleep tight, granny.” She said before moving a blanket over her and walking off. When Applejack was out of sight, granny opened her eyes.
“Most honest girl I ever met. If only I could be like you, child. If only I could tell you how much I want you to go far from here… To make your own life. Find what you really want.” Granny shut her eyes again. “Marigold… You left one strong willed child behind. When I see you up in heaven one day, I’m gonna tell you all’ bout her.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Applejack stretched her arms into the air, yawning as she watched the sun rise. She knew her agenda for the day, milking the cows early then gathering the chicken eggs followed by checking the apple harvest as well as their prize winning horses that earned the nearby town its name. Mac and Bloom were still asleep and she knew that the work would fall completely on her again. She wasn’t looking forward to it but knew it had to be done.
But along the road she could see something approaching the town…

It was a carriage coming up the hillside road, heading closer to the farm.

After some time, the carriage stopped near the house. The driver looked unfamiliar.
“Howdy. Can I ask who’s visitin at this hour?” Applejack asked. The driver said nothing.
The door to the carriage opened slowly and out stepped a robed figure, long purple hair going down her back. Applejack was taken back, her body almost shivering at the sight. It was like looking at a ghost.
“It couldn’t be…”

“Twilight…?”

Friends and Enemies

"Twilight...? Is that really you?" Jack asked, standing before the long robed unicorn.
"Long time, Jack." Twilight smiled, walking toward Jack. Applejack just stood there, unsure what to do. It took her a few moments to realize she was staring, noticing all the changes. Twilight was taller than she remembered, though still not as tall as Jack and her hair was a lot longer, enough to cover her alicorn. A long purple strip of hair ran down her face, covering her left eye slightly.
"Gosh, Twi... It really is you. W...Where are my manners? Won't ya come in?"
"That would be nice." Twilight laughed. Applejack, lead the way, entering the house with Twilight close behind. Twilight was amazed how little the farmhouse had changed since they were young. She could see the fireplace where they would swap stories during sleep over’s and having Mac try and scare them with shadow puppets in the fire light. She remembered granny Smith's rocking chair in the same corner not too far from the fireplace where she would watch them play. It was nice to see that not much had changed.
"Go on and have yourself a seat in the dining room. I'll put some water to boil for tea." Applejack said, grabbing the old iron kennel. Twilight nodded and sat down at the table.
"You look well, Applejack." Twilight said while Jack filled the kettle and put it over the fire.
"You don't look too bad yourself. All that fine Canterlot food I ‘spose?" Applejack said, sounding a little condescending.
"Jack... Look. I guess I should get this out of the way right now. I know we didn't part on the greatest of terms. But you have to understand that..."
"Twi, don't worry. It's all in the past. You made the right choice. I mean... Who could pass up a personal invitation from the Princess herself, right?" Applejack didn't turn to face her. "You had great potential in magic even back then. I can only imagine how you are now."
Twilight tapped her hands against the dusty wooden table, closing her eyes. "Yeah... I guess I am a little better then I was. Studying under the princess herself was an honor... Until she was gone."
"So it's true then." Applejack asked, finally turning to face Twilight. "The princess really is gone?"
Twilight didn't answer. "Applejack... I..."
"Why are you here?" Applejack cut Twilight off, shooting a harsh glance at her. "Now that the princess is gone you lookin to continue where things left off as if you never left?”
"Applejack, that's not it. You have to understand that..."
"Twelve years... And you didn't even write me a single letter. Not one reply to one of the hundreds I sent you. Why, Twi? Where you so busy you couldn't even pick up a quill?"
"Applejack, please I..."
"Or maybe the royal 'letter openers' didn't find my letters to be important enough. Just tell me why... Why did you come back to my farm? To Ponyville?"
"I..." Twilight looked down at her fingers, not wanting to look Jack in the eyes. She bit her lip as tears began to fill her eyes. "I'm sorry..."
"Sorry?" Jack said, taking a seat across from Twilight. "Sorry bout what exactly?"
"You're right. I was so caught up on becoming Celestia's apprentice I forgot about everything I left behind. My friends, my family. I regret it every day and I truly am sorry. Jack if I could reset time I would answer every single letter you sent me. It... It hurt to read them. It hurt because I wanted to come back and be with you so badly. But I was scared..."
Jack sighed, folding her hands together. "I'm... Sorry, Twi. I think I came off a little harsh on ya there. I know you only did what you thought was best. I guess I just... Missed ya. Missed ya lots. And it hurt when you left. I never thought you'd never come back."
The kettle began to whistle, catching Jack's attention. "Water's done. 'scuse me for a sec. Just a warnin, tea's gonna be a mite bit strong."
"That's okay. I like it that way." Twilight said, wiping her eyes while Jack wasn't looking.
Jack poured two cups, letting the teabags sit for a while before bringing them over. "So what made you come back? I mean... This is a bit sudden for you to just turn up like a pair of missin underwear."
Twilight took a sip as well, closing her eyes and taking her time to swallow. She opened her eyes and gave Jack a serious look. "There's something I need to show you, Jack... Something important."
"Is this like... Official royal business or somethin?"
"You can say that I guess... But not in a way you would expect. This has nothing to do with the royal council."
"Sounds dangerous. Nothin outside the law, I hope?" Jack said.
Twilight looked around, leaning over the table. "I want you to escort me into the Everfree Forest. There's something there I need. And someone there waits for us."
"Everfree? That death trap? What in the name of Equestria do you need from there? That place ain't exactly tranquil. Look I ain't no cowerd or anything... But you gotta understand that a lot changed since you moved away. Granny's been sick... Doctor says she doesn't have long. Once she passes, Mac gets the farm. You know that spells disaster and if I'm dead I can't be here to stop him from destroying what's left of Sweet Apple Acres."
"I'll make it worth your time." Twilight said as she reached into her robe, pulling out a large pouch. "Ten thousand bits. Take me into the forest and it's all yours to do what you wish. If the farm's struggling this is your chance to help. All you have to do is take me for a little stroll in the woods. What do you say?"
Jack looked at the pouch, hearing the jingle of bits within. She wasn't one for money hording but with Mac's little mistake it had been a costly month. If she didn't come up with money soon she was going to lose the farm. She knew this yet something felt wrong. There was more to this then just a stroll and Jack knew it.
"What exactly are we lookin for?" Jack asked.
"I'm sorry... I can't tell you here. You'll just have to trust me. I know this all seems really weird but please... I wouldn't ask so much of you if it wasn't important."
"Well then... I guess I'll have to take your word for it. I can't exactly afford not to. Show me where to go and I'll get ya there. Not sure why you can't just get some royal guard or somethin... When do we leave?"
"As soon as possible." Twilight said.
Jack nodded, taking another sip of tea. "Right..." she sighed.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Fluttershy yawned as she awoke from her sleep, feeling refreshed from her long slumber. It was probably the best sleep she’d had in a long time. Never had she known such luxury in her life and she almost thought she was in a dream until she looked up to realize she wasn't alone. Pinkie held Fluttershy close as she slept next to her, keeping Fluttershy warm between her bosoms. Fluttershy began to panic, her heart racing from seeing the beautiful countess right next to her. She didn't recall when Pinkie could have slipped into bed with her, only that she felt a warm feeling all night, a subconscious safety. She slowly tried to pull away, only to be pulled back into Pinkie's embrace.
"Morning, Fluttahshy!" Pinkie suddenly yelled. "Surprised? Hope you don't mind me creeping up like a bed bug! I heard you moaning and rolling so I kept you company, I did. Hoping that got rid of all the bad dreamies!"
"G...Good Morning... My Lady..." Fluttershy said, her voice shaking.
"Now, now, none of that formal stuff. Ya call me Pinkie! Like the color! Or the finger... Either way, its Pinkie to you. Did you sleep well, lassy?"
Fluttershy smiled and nodded as Pinkie released her. "Oh, yes. It was the most wonderful sleep I had since... Well... Ever."
"So glad to hear ya say that! Still, sounded like you were having quite bit of a nightmare there. Bad dreams?" Pinkie asked, opening the curtains to let the sunlight in. The view was wonderful, Pinkie could see all the way across to Port Canterlot.
"Well... I... I guess a little bit of a bad dream... I saw him again. The man from yesterday. And the things he said... About my father..."
"Your father, huh? What'd he say about him?" Pinkie turned back to face Fluttershy.
"Well... I... He said..." Fluttershy's heart began to race, her thoughts in a bundle.
"Calm down, Fluttahshy. If you feel too stressed about it don't worry about telling me now. Right now lets get you dressed in something different and have some breakfast. Nathan should have put a new outfit for ya."
Pinkie giggled and grabbed Fluttershy from behind. "Now let’s get you outta this and into some nice going out clothes!"
"No! Ms. Pinkie! Please, stop... I can... Dress and undress myself...!" Fluttershy tried to pull away and in her struggle, tore the beautiful silk nightgown down her back. From the tear, a pair of tattered wings could be seen hidden and bound by bandaging.
"Hm? Wings? Fluttahshy... You're a...?"
"I'm sorry..." Fluttershy said, backing away into a wall to hide her wings. "I know... I should have told you... But if I did I... I thought you would hate me and... I mean..."
"Fluttahshy... Now why would you ever think I thing like that?" Pinkie asked, walking closer to her.
"Because... Because of what people say about us... Pegasus... How... How we're..."
"Bad? Ne'er do wells? I know all the prejudice remarks people make about pegasi..." Pinkie stepped closer. "Let me tell ya something, Fluttahshy. There ain't a single bad bone in your body that I could tell and I got a knack for reading people. You, lassy, are the kindest person I ever did meet and don't let anyone tell ya different, savvy?"
Fluttershy could feel tears coming to her eyes, wanting to cry at her new friend’s kind words. Pinkie suddenly hugged her tightly which set the fragile girl over the edge, tears starting to roll down her face. It was a moment they shared only briefly before a loud sound came from downstairs. Fluttershy jumped at the loud popping sound, unsure what it was. Pinkie on the other hand, knew exactly what it was. The sound of a gun.
"Fluttahshy..." Pinkie said. "Get in the closet..."
Fluttershy began to shiver. "B...But... What's going...."
"What'd I just say? In with ya!" Pinkie pushed her toward the closet, going over to the nightstand and pulled a flintlock pistol out, making sure it was loaded. Pinkie ran over toward the main hall, looking down from the stair railing to see three men standing over Nathan. Each had a gun. The man in the middle had his shoulder wrapped. It was the man from last night.
"There she is! The bitch shot me!"
"Now, now... Let Nathan go. He’s got nothing to do with this." Pinkie said, hiding the pistol behind her.
"He might not have anything to do with this but you do. If you care about this man's life I think you better hand over the girl. She's all we want."
"No chance." Pinkie said.
"Thought you'd say that." He aimed the pistol at Nathan. "But I don't think you're in a position to argue. One more time... " He put his thumb on the jaw screw and cranked the hammer on the pistol. "Give me the girl..."
Pinkie looked down at Nathan who was hurt yet showed no fear. He shot a look at Pinkie and shook his head... Pinkie nodded, feeling sad but understanding what he wanted.
"Go ta hell..." Pinkie said.
The man's face grew red with anger before he pulled the trigger, shooting Nathan right between the eyes. As soon as he did she whipped out her pistol, dealing the same to him in kind, the bullet hitting him in the chest. The other two men reacted, firing back. Pinkie ran for cover, only suffering a graze from one of the bullets that skid past the flesh of her arm. She winced but tried her best to ignore the pain. She could hear the men pursuing her as she tried to reload. No doubt they were doing the same.
From down the hall, the men emerged to find Pinkie running. One of the men took a shot at her, hitting only a strange bust that stood in the hall. Pinkie hid behind the corner, finally loading up another shot. She turned the corner and took aim, firing only to miss.
"Of all the time..." She said, running down the corner. The hallway would only lead to a dead end and she knew that. If she ran into another one of the rooms and hid she might have a chance but she feared for Fluttershy's safety. If they happened to stumble upon her, she wouldn't stand a chance. Pinkie had to think of something. She tried reloading quickly as she ran, reaching the last corner before the end of the hall. She had to take a stand here. She reloaded and waited. The two men turned the corner and Pinkie fired again, hitting one of the men and sending him to the ground, hoping it was a killing shot. Pinkie knew there wouldn't be time to reload. She threw the gun aside and tried to run down the hallway, only to be grabbed from behind. The man shoved her against the wall, putting the gun under her chin.
"Shame, really... Such a pretty lass goin to waste. No worries though. After I collect on that bounty I'm going to have me every whore from here to Canterlot. I'm going to live like a king!"
A shot fired and Pinkie closed her eyes, waiting to feel the embrace of death. A moment passed and nothing came. She opened her eyes slowly to feel the man’s grip around her loosen as he fell to the ground, Fluttershy standing behind him with the pistol she had taken from the assassin last night. She stood there, aiming and shaking violently. Pinkie walked over to Fluttershy, taking the pistol away gently and throwing it to the ground. Pinkie hugged Fluttershy, feeling her shaking from head to toe.
"It's okay... Ya did the right thing. You saved my life." She took Fluttershy's hand. "Come now." Pinkie said, leading her into the main hall. Pinkie stood before Nathan, his eyes open, fearless but now lifeless. Pinkie knelt before him, running her fingers over his face, shutting his eyelids. "Sleep well, friend. Have a coin on me and have a safe trip across them seas where the ferryman takes you." She didn't fight her tears.
Fluttershy looked at the man next to Nathan, recognizing him right away. "No... He... He came back for me... Because of me he... Your friend... I... I'm to blame..."
Pinkie looked up at Fluttershy who was crying as well.
"Because of me... It was all because of me... I... I should have just let him kill me last night... My life was meaningless... The life of your friend... He..."
Pinkie slapped Fluttershy across the face, causing her to recoil. Fluttershy stumbled back. Pinkie simple smiled as tears ran down her face.
"So yer life is meaningless, eh? Is that why Nathan died? Because he felt you were trash to the thrown away? You got lots of learnin to do, Fluttahshy."
"But..."
"No more 'buts'!" Pinkie yelled. "Nathan died because he refused to let them take ya. Don't you dare disgrace his sacrifice by saying you aren’t worth anything. Because like me, this man thought you were worth dying for."
Fluttershy gasped. She had not thought of it that way. "I'm sorry... You're right..." Fluttershy wiped her tears. "He was a great man... I didn't have time to know him but..."
"Fluttahshy... Why are ya being chased? I need to know."
Fluttershy shook her head. "I don't know... All that I know is that... This man told me my father was alive... Not only that, but he wants me killed. Something about a bounty..."
"I figured... That man upstairs said something about a bounty. Do ya know where yer father is?"
"I... I might... Port Sunrise. It was in a note he showed me. Along with a strange trinket my mother owned." Fluttershy took a deep breath. "I... I have to go... To Port Sunrise. I have to find him. I know... It might mean my death but... I have to know why. Why he's after me."
Pinkie nodded, looking down at Nathan. "Yeah... He sounds like quite a fella. I think I'm gonna pay' im a visit too. What say you?"
"You're going to come with me?" Fluttershy asked.
"You know it! First I need to give my friend proper respect and bury him. The garden... He was always out in that garden. Now he can sleep there forever." Pinkie smiled. "Then we leave for Port Sunrise... And see to yer father."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Judging by the sun... It's about late afternoon, Twi. We have been in these woods for hours. How long are we walkin?" Jack asked, holding tightly to her rifle. She looked at every tree and listened to every sound. The Everfree Forest was never known for being safe and Jack was taking no chances.
"Not too much longer. If I remember, we're almost there."
"If you remember'? You sure you know where ya goin?"
Twilight didn't answer which made Jack nervous. They soon came to a rickety old bridge leading across a great gorge.
"There..." Twilight said. "Just across this bridge. Walk carefully. Take it slow. Don't look down."
"I know how to cross a bridge, Twi... Just lead the way."
Twilight nodded, stepping onto the bridge. It creaked and rocked gently as they both walked slowly and carefully, watching each step. Jack avoided looking down, trying to show that she wasn't scared. It wasn't working. She began to sweat with each step and the closer they got the further the end of the seemed to be. It was as if she would be on it forever. She swallowed her fear, keeping her eyes on Twilight who seemed to be as nervous as she was.
They finally made it across the bridge, Jack and Twilight sighing simultaneously. Jack laughed nervously. "Heh... Piece of cake..."
Twilight laughed as well, holding her hand against her chest. "Yeah... Piece of cake."
Both faced forward and not too far from where they stood they could see a large ruin ahead. It looked to be an old cathedral or castle.
"That's it." Twilight said. "That's what we're looking for."
"This? This old ruin's what all the fuss' about?" Applejack gritted her teeth. "So what's so great bout it?"
Twilight didn't respond, simply walking toward the ruin. She approached the double wooden doors, opening them slowly and walking inside.
Applejack followed, seeing a large room. It looked to have been some sort of chamber before it crumbled. At the end of the long room, stones sat upon a large statue.
"What is this?" Applejack asked.
"These, my friend, were known as the Elements of Harmony. And this is the reason I brought you here." Twilight turned to Applejack. From behind the statue, a white hooded figure appeared, standing next to Twilight.
"Welcome, Applejack." The figure said. "I've been waiting for you. It was I who asked Twilight to bring you here."
"W...Who are you? And what do you want with me...?"
The woman lowered her hood, prismatic hair releasing and flowing as if wind was hitting it, yet not a breeze could be felt.
"I am Princess Celestia. And you, my dear friend have come to begin a very important puzzle."

Relics of the Past

Applejack stood before the princess, speechless. She couldn't believe the princess was right here in front of her. Princess Celestia herself. There she stood by the statue, smiling kindly at Jack. Applejack quickly came to her senses and took her hat off, kneeling before the princess.

"Y...Your highness!" Applejack yelled. "I... I'm sorry for the disrespect, ma'am. I truly am!"

Celestia giggled, walking over to Jack and offered her hand. "Please, Applejack, none of these formalities will be necessary."

"But... But you're the..." Applejack looked up, slowly putting her hat back on. She took Celestia's hand, feeling an unnaturally warm touch overcome her, causing her body to tingle. The princess helped Jack to her feet.

"For now, don't think of me as your princess. Besides, we have much work to do."

"Work...?" Applejack asked. "What are we gonna do? What work ya talkin about?"

Twilight walked over to Jack. "I'll explain everything. Let’s find a place to sit. It's going to be a long story."

Jack sighed, not in the mood for a story but she didn't seem to have a choice. She followed Twilight over to a pile of stone that sat in the corner of the room. Celestia stood near the statue, closing her eye and lifting her arms before it. The stones began to glow.

"What's she doin?" Applejack asked.

"Those stones are going to lead us to a great power. These are the Elements of Harmony, the very essence of balance in our world, or at least it was. That was centuries ago and the balance has been tipped. Our world has only felt the beginning of what harm would happen if that balance is not restored."

"What are you talkin about, Twi? None of that makes sense."

"Then I guess I better start at the beginning... You see, centuries ago, humans didn't rule the land of Equestria. Actually, as far as we know, humans didn't exist at all. Another race of horse-like creatures ruled the land, all bound by harmony. Like us, they possessed the power and will to shape the world, a freedom given by none other than our very own Princess Celestia. Some of these horses had wings, the pegasus from legend as well as the mystical unicorns."

"Wait... You said this was centuries ago. How long has the princess been alive?" Applejack asked.

"Since before recorded history. Her looks might have changed over the years but she's always been our princess. For all we know, her name probably wasn't even Celestia back then. She's had to take on many looks and names to hide her age. Until now, I might be the only one who knows about it.”

"A-huh... Twi, I don't mean to sound rude but this is soundin a mite bit crazy."

"It did for me too. There are times when I hardly even believe it. But I trust in the princesses words. I'm not asking you to believe, just hear me out."
Jack nodded, putting her leg up on one of the stones. "Go on, then."

"What most people don't know is that the only reason we have sunlight is because of the Princess. She raises the sun every morning, her blessing to the world. The Princess didn't always rule alone, however. She had a sister, Luna, who was in charge of raising the moon at night. Both sisters continued this cycle for years until one day... Luna began to change. She started to become resentful of her sister who got to watch over the peopl... I mean... Ponies that stayed awake during her glorious sunrise, while Luna only saw empty fields and stillness during her beautiful nights. One night, Luna simply refused to lower the moon."

"Guessin Celestia was not too happy bout that." Jack said, leaning back on one of the rocks.

"Not in the least. Celestia was powerful and even older then Luna, but at this point Luna was no longer herself. She had changed into a powerful mare, Nightmare Moon, the bringer of everlasting night. She matched Celestia in power and they fought endlessly for seven whole years. The world suffered as they battled, the pony creatures slowly slipping into insanity over the endless night. Some began to worship Nightmare Moon as a deity while others prayed for their sun to return. For the first time in history, blood had been shed upon Equestrian soil."

Twilight looked over at the princess who was still caught in a trance under the statue. "Finally, Celestia defeated Nightmare Moon, ending the endless night. But Celestia was far too weak after the battle, or perhaps she just couldn't bring herself to slay her younger sister. Instead, she locked Nightmare Moon in six stones known as the Elements of Harmony, the pillar of peace in our world. But in doing so, the stones shattered, leaving Equestria to suffer a great imbalance. When the sun rose for the first time in seven years, Celestia saw what her ponies had become. What sinister things they had become, murderous, uncaring, and fearful. Without the Elements of Harmony she was powerless to stop it. She wept for them. I'm not quite sure how it happened and Celestia seems to keep it to herself but as time went on, the ponies began to change. Soon they started walking on two legs instead of four. Their bone structures changed completely, a kind of metamorphosis that no one could explain. They started to become what we call "human". Sure, we still keep qualities from the past like our alicorns for unicorns and wings for pegasi but we're nothing like we used to be otherwise.

"So your sayin that these 'pony' people were actual us? We TAME horses. Heck, Ponyville got its name from our prize winnin horses! Why don't they talk to us? And why haven't they changed? And it’s not like THEY have alicorns or wings." Applejack crossed her arms. "I'm sorry but this is all too hard to swallow."

"I don't know everything, Jack. I'm sure time will explain it all... But for now please consider what I've said."
"Well here's what I don't understand... What does this all have to do with me? Obviously you didn't only want an escort through the forest. So spit it out... What's my role in this?"

A powerful surge of energy suddenly struck around Celesita, causing her to stumble back. The temple began to rumble like an earthquake. It came to a sudden stop when Celestia placed her hands on the ground, her alicorn glowing with magic.

"Princess! What's wrong?" Twilight said, running over to the princess’s side, helping her to her feet.

"Twilight... We're too late... She's here..." Celestia said, a sorrowful look filling her eyes.

"Oh no..." Twilight looked toward the sky and darkness started to surround the area. Small bits of light like stars could be seen over the shadowy cloak that now engulfed the castle. The cloak began to swirl into a black hole, sucking all the stars in and from the center of the hole, someone came forth. A large black horse fell from the engulfing darkness, landing across the room.

"Celestia... I've been looking for you, dear sister." the mare said, stretching her long black wings. Her Alicorn began to glow and the stones that Celestia stood before began to float, coming to the dark mare’s side."

"Luna..." Celestia said.

"Don't call me that! Luna is gone. All that is left is my hatred for you." The stones began to rotate around Nightmare Moon. "I see you were planning your old tricks. This won't work for you a second time, sister. These stones lost their power long ago. I made sure of that..."

Nightmare Moon took to the sky, flying over to another tower in the distance, the stones close behind.

"Luna!!" Celestia shouted. "Don't you turn away from me!" Celestia began to run and in a flash of prismatic light, changed into a beautiful white mare, taking to the sky after Nightmare."

Twilight grabbed the rapier that stood at her side, running toward the tower. "Jack! Stay here!" she yelled before leaving.
Jack stood there for a moment, her eyes wide open and her mind filled with disbelief. Still she shook her head, regaining herself. She grabbed her rifle and followed Twilight, despite being ordered not to follow.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Nightmare Moon landed by a large throne near a set of broken stain glass windows, Celestia landed across the room from her.

"Luna! Stop this! You don't need to be like this anymore." Celestia shouted. "Let me help you. Let US help you."

"I told you..." Nightmare Moon said softly, her Alicorn glowing with powerful black magic. "Not to call me LUNA!!!" From her horn dark shadows shot out, surrounding Celestia, a crushing feeling coming over her as if the shadows itself was closing in. Celestia simply stomped her hooves against the ground, shattering the shadows.

"I don't want to fight you, Luna. Not again. Our world can't handle another conflict like this! If you care about Equestria even in the slightest bit... Please..."

"Enough!" Nightmare's eyes lit up with a horrifyingly black glow. "There was a time I cared about Equestria. Those days have passed, sister!" She stomped her hooves against the ground, sending a shockwave under the stone toward her sister. Celestia took to the sky, avoiding a large explosion that shot from the ground. In doing this she didn't see Nightmare take flight, coming behind Celestia and casting another spell, four spikes stabbing into the princess and sending her to the ground, crashing hard into the floor. The spikes vanished upon impact, leaving Celestia lying upon the ground motionless. Nightmare Moon laughed as her hooves touched the ground, cracks in the floor lighting in a black fire with sparks that looked like tiny stars.

"You've gone soft, sister! Is this really the best you could do! This was too easy..." The mare began to draw closer to the princess, stopping in her tracks as Twilight suddenly leaped over Celestia, her sword pointed at Nightmare Moon.
Nightmare Moon grinned, almost amused at the young woman's bravery. "You're kidding..." Nightmare said. "You're kidding, right?"

Twilight didn't flinch. She was ready to fight and die for the princess though fear sweep over her. She could feel herself shaking with doubt.

"If this is the way you feel I will indulge you." A black cloud surrounded the mare and once it cleared a tall woman stood there, her long raven hair sparkling with stars and her eyes only a purple black color. A black mist formed around her hand, a sword appearing.

Twilight ran at Nightmare, their swords clashing together, causing a large spark of energy to surge. Twilight was skilled at swordplay but Nightmare seemed to parry her attacks almost effortlessly.

"You're boring..." Nightmare Moon stopped defending and went on the attack, clashing hard blows against Twilight's sword. "Come now! Why don't you use a bit of magic, unicorn? Why hide your linage behind these steel toys?"
Twilight began to lose her edge, unable to keep up with Nightmare's attack. Each hit was strong and fast, threatening to disarm her.

"Come now! Use your magic! Show me what Celestia has taught you!" Nightmare yelled, becoming impatient. Nightmare's eyes lit up in anger, cutting heavily into Twilight's wrist, causing her to drop the sword. Twilight dropped to the ground, holding the wound.

"You little fool... Did you hope to actually defeat me?" Nightmare lifted her sword. Before the final blow could come down, Nightmare drew back as a shot came into her back, a bullet pricing her dark skin. She didn't flinch, only twitched with annoyance as she turned to see Applejack taking aim at her, smoke coming from the end of the barrel of her rifle.
"Step away from my friend, you devil." Applejack said.

The human form melted away, taking the horrific mare look once again. "I'm sick of this. I am going to kill every single one of you right here and now..."

Nightmare's alicorn began to glow, a surge of energy blasting toward Applejack. The attack was deflected by a strange barrier that suddenly appeared in front of Jack.

"Stop it... Sister..." Celestia said, standing on her four legs. "You would never take someone’s life. That isn't you..."
"So you're awake..." Nightmare Moon said, turning to her sister. "Good... I wanted to see your eyes for the last time... Before I..."

Celestia's horn began to flow, lifting one of the stones that Nightmare had taken with her.

"This again? I told you these stones are useless. How long will you hold on to this fledging hope?"

The stone flew forth toward Nightmare Moon, almost hitting her. She moved to dodge it.

"Was that seriously all you had left? Now I'm truly disappointed." Nightmare Moon said, stepping closer to her sister. The stone kept flying, heading right toward Applejack. She flinched as it shot right at her face. Before the stone could hit her it started to slow down, the stone peeling away by light, causing Applejack to shield her eyes from the blinding flash. This caught Nightmare Moon's attention.

"What is this...? It can't be..."

The light engulfed Applejack, swirling around her. Finally the light gathered around her neck, creating a chain that held a large citrine. "What in the hell...?" Applejack said, looking at the new piece of jewelry. Nightmare Moon drew back slowly.
"No! It's using her as a substitute...!" Nightmare shook her head, looking to be in pain. "That noise... That horrid ringing noise! What is it?! Stop!" Nightmare Moon’s eyes flashed dark red,suddenly going from curious to fearful.

Celestia put on a sad look as she saw her sister in pain, turning back into a human. Nightmare Moon stretched her wings and took flight, flying out of sight.

"What in Equestria's goin on here!?" Applejack yelled. "Did this little thing just do that...?" She looked at the necklace.
"This is why you were brought here." Celestia said. "We were attacked before Twilight could explain. You, Applejack hold the power of Honesty, one of the six elements of Harmony. It has awakened within you. You are but one of many important pieces."

"Me...? But... But I don't understand... Why me? Just cuz I'm honest? I bet there are tons more people out there who are honest!"

"It doesn't work that way, Jack." Twilight said. "The stone chose, just like it chose you the first time."
"The first time...?" Applejack looked at the necklace. "This has all happened before...?" As she looked into the shiny citrine, a face appeared for a moment. It didn't look human. The face looked to be smiling as it appeared, some kind of pony. It vanished before jack could get a better look and the neckless sank into Jack's skin.

"Don't panic." The Princess said. "The Element used a lot of power. It's resting within you."

"I still don't understand any of this... I mean... I got enough problems as is. I have a farm to worry about! And my granny and Bloom... My future... Somethin tells me you want more from me but I simply can't."

"If Nightmare Moon continues to gain power there won't be a farm left to go home to." Twilight said. "We got lucky this time... Nightmare Moon has only just awoken and one Element was enough to drive her back for now but she'll soon have enough power to resist that. We need your help, Jack. If we don't stop her, everlasting night will return..."
Jack stomped the ground. "I can't believe this. I just can't. You show up after twelve years and get me into this mess!?" Jack took a deep breath...

"Give me some time to think at least... A day... Can I at least have that with my family?"
Celestia nodded. "It is more than fair. Though time is against us, I cannot bring myself to tear you away from your family without some kind of closure."

"Thanks... Thanks a bunch." Applejack grabbed her rifle. "Come on... Lets get on out of here. I'm sick of the sight."

"Agreed" Twilight said, heading toward the door.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Rarity had been walking nonstop through the woods, hoping she was far enough from the place she called home. Thoughts of what they might have done to her beautiful mother ran through her head, darkened with the memories of shots being fired as he father tried to help her escape. Fatigue came over her as well as hunger. She had not found so much as a cottage to ask for help or food. She feared the pirates might catch up with her and so she kept moving. Through a cut in the thick woods, in the distance Rarity saw a town by the sea. It was a beautiful sight. She made her way toward it as fast as her feet could take her.

"Port Canterlot..." She said to herself, reading a painted sign that pointed toward the town. "Perhaps I could find help here..." she held her stomach as it grumbled. "I'll surely die if I do not eat..." She began her way toward town again, moving down a dirt path.

Upon reaching town she could already smell an aroma of fresh bread in the air. A bridge leading into the town had food stands set up, showing many simple but filling dishes. To her, most of the food would be nothing compared to what she usually ate at home but right now anything would be a blessing. She felt around her once beautiful white dress now stained with dirt and blood, trying to find even one bit. She could find none, leaving her to the torture of the treats beyond her grasp. Wicked thoughts ran through her head, thinking about stealing an apple. "No one would miss one apple, would they...?" Rarity shook her head. "No! I won't resort to such measures. How could I even think about something like that?"

She wandered into town, looking at the tall houses. For a port town it was rather fancy and well guarded. Port Canterlot was the main shipping town for the towns in Canterlot. Pirates would be crazy to attack here which was a relief. Rarity wandered around for what seemed like hours, trying to find a place to stay for the night. Down one of the long streets there was a small shop with a child standing at the front yelling.

"Dressmakers needed! Looking to make some extra bits? Twenty bits per dress! If you know a bit about stitching this is the place for you!"

Rarity was in luck. Dressmaking was a passion for her and she could easily make enough dresses to buy some food. She didn't waste a moment running up to the child.

"Excuse me. I know quite a bit about dressmaking. I would happy to lend you my services."

"You came to the right place, lady! Step on in! You'll want to speak with the boss!"

Rarity nodded and went in, hoping that this would be the start to her luck turning around, even for just a little bit. With this money she would at least be able to get by.

The Gentleman

"Work faster!" The plump lady yelled as she walked up and down, observing each tables of dresses. Over a dozen women stood in rows stitching and sewing dresses together as fast as they could, a lot of them come out ragged and ugly. The woman didn't seem to care, throwing them into baskets and sending them off into another room. Rarity sat in one of the rows, taking her sweet time with each dress that came to her.

"What's all this? It's been three hours and ya only done two dresses!?" The woman shouted at Rarity.

"Well, ma’am, you see... I..."

"No excuses! So far ya only earned forty bits! You'll be lucky if I gave ya that much! Work faster!" the bulky woman shouted in Rarity's face, spewing fowl breath that almost made poor Rarity give up what little she had in her stomach. Knowing she needed more than just forty bits she tried to work faster, at least until the overseer was out of sight. It was a horrid job, stitching the patchwork dresses together. They were ugly, hardly fit for a commoner. She looked to her own dress, the last memento she had of Montague and saw that it had turned no different now then these abominations, a reminder of her reduced status in the world.

By the end of the day she had a hundred-twenty bits, enough to buy food and a place to sleep for the night. Dragging herself from the dreaded dressmakers shop she started to look for an inn, finding one down the street from the dressmakers. She bought a room for the night, a small, dirty cube yet finest she could afford.

"What a dreadful day..." She said to herself, taking a bite on a small piece of bread she had bought on the way. "I miss my home... My family..." She sighed, eating another piece of bread then wrapping it up to save for tomorrow.

"It cannot be all bad!" She told herself. "This is what I have been waiting for, right? To travel? Help people around the world? That's what I'll do... Travel the world”. She forced a smile as tears began to roll down her cheek. “Travel the world with you, Montague”. She kept a smile on her face. "Oh, the places we'll see. The things we'll do. We will help the needy and after a hard day’s work you will take me into your arms and tell me how much I mean to you. And I will tell you how much you mean to me. Then we will kiss and talk about our next... Next destination... Who to help next..." Tears fell faster and she could no longer keep the smile. "That's what we'll do, Montague. That's what... We'll do..."

Rarity buried her face into the dusty pillow on her bed, trying to hide her sobs. "Mother... Father... Montague..." She hugged her pillow as she cried herself to sleep.

XXXXXX

The next morning Rarity started her day by finishing the last of the bread. She looked at the rags she had on, a substitute for Montague’s dress. Trying to avoid getting it even dirtier, she folded the stained white dress and hid it under the bed, hoping no one would find it. Rarity looked herself over in the small mirror that hung from the wall just across from her bed. Bags formed under her eyes heavy with tears and lack of sleep and the only thing she could say to herself is that a pretty girl once looked back at her from the mirror.

She knew that if she wanted to continue living she had to go back to that horrid dressmaking shop. She fixed the rags as best she could and left the Inn, spending the rest of her money to keep the room for another night before leaving.

XXXXX

"No more room for ya!" The plump woman said to Rarity before she could make it inside.

"E...Excuse me?" Rarity said, backing away.

"You’re too slow! Ain't any more room for ya here! Get ye gone!"

"You don't understand!" Rarity said. "I need this job! I..."

"I said get ye gone before I call the guard you street rodent! You’re young and pretty... Could probably make money sellin that body of yurs. But you ain't makin it in here. Go!"

Tears began to gather in Rarity's eyes but her sadness soon turn to rage. Her alicorn began to glow with rage but she soon calmed down, seeing the town guard walk by. She sighed and walked away, the woman simply laughing at her as she did.
Rarity wandered the streets again, looking for a job. No one seemed willing to help her. No one would even give her a glance. She went down by the docks, watching the ships go by as she lay against a crate.

"What am I going to do?" she asked herself, burying her face into her arms. "I have one more night at that horrid Inn then.... I'm out on the street..." She sat there, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep, feeling too tired to do anything else.

XXXXXX

When Rarity awoke she found that she was no longer at the harbor. She felt groggy and weak, also unable to move. As she slowly shook off the effects of sleep she saw that she was tied down to a wooden bed, ropes knotted and digging into her skin. Some rope was tied around her mouth, preventing her from screaming loud enough for anyone to hear. The room she was in was completely dark and the horrid smell made Rarity want to vomit what little food she had left. She struggled to get out of her restraints, only to find the rope digging into her more. After sometime, she could hear footsteps coming from somewhere. At the corner of her eyes, a door slowly opened, a man with a candle walking in. He wore a fancy black coat and a top hat. His eyes looked blank, as if he were only a husk.

"Hello, my dear. Welcome to the Asylum." He said with a deep voice, smiling a wickedly. "I hope you find your room to be... Suitable. You will be here for some time. I am surprised really... To find such a beautiful young lady in the streets. You are perfect." He placed the candle on a nearby desk, letting the man get a better look.

"So many places to cut..." He said. "Yes, you are perfect. So perfect. I want to start right now..." He looked at a tray of rusty tools, picking one up and sliding his finger against it. "I can't wait... I need you right now. I need to feel this blade cutting deep into you, my dear... I need it so badly... You will enjoy it too, yes?"

He started to come closer and Rarity began to scream as loud as she could. It wasn't enough, the ropes were too tight. He placed the knife blade against her face, his eyes quivering with excitement, a moment that ended when a loud knock came to the door.

"At this hour? Right now?" He said. "Maybe I should ignore it, yes? Why should I let unexpected company ruin our fun, my dear?"
Another knock came, the man's eyes almost shifting to the back of his head. He threw the knife down in rage and grabbed the candle. "I won't be long, my flower. Stay there..." He closed the door, Rarity hearing a clicking sound as he locked the door. Warm tears fell down her face, feeling helpless.
The man came to the front door, hearing rain and thunder on the other side. He opened the door slowly, peeking out.

"Hello?"

"Uncle Horton!" someone yelled, the man opening the door all the way.

"Little Fiona? Is that you?"

"Now, now, uncle! I told ya to call me Pinkie. Everyone does, ya know." Pinkie said covered in a thick blanket along with Fluttershy. "Sorry to impose, uncle but we were wondering if we could trouble you for a bed tonight. We’re leavin Port Canterlot in the morning. Makin for Port Sunrise, we are. Me and my friend Fluttahshy that is."

Horton looked at the young lady, seeing she was beautiful. There was a sudden twinkle in his eye, a longing. He fought it back. "Yes... Yes there is a room available if you don't mind sleeping in your aunt’s room. It hasn't been used since the day she pasted."

"Truly? That's wonderful! Thank you, Uncle!"

"Come in... Come in... You'll catch a cold out there..."

Both girls walked in, getting rid of the blanket. Fluttershy looked around the house. It was a large home, each corner of covered with a picture. They walked along a dirty red carpet that looked as if it were never cleaned.

"I'll serve us something to drink. Tea? Perhaps something a little stronger?"

"Tea would be lovely. Thank you." Fluttershy said.

"So polite... You have a good taste in friends, Fiona."

"Stuff the 'Fiona' stuff, uncle! It's Pinkie!"

"Right, right, of course. I'll be right back." Horton stepped into the other room, leaving the girls along.

"Glad we came here, I am. Uncle's always been a wee bit strange but always good to me. I used to spend my childhood 'er. That was till Auntie Sofia passed away. Been livin alone since then."

"Oh..." Fluttershy said, looking around nervously. She held Angel's cage tightly against her. The house was dark, lit only by two or three candles. "Now don't be scared. Uncle Horton's gonna treat us right, he will. You'll see. Then tomorrow it's off to Port Sunrise. At sunrise!" Pinkie laughed.

Fluttershy forced a giggle, still feeling anxious of her surroundings. "Maybe I'm just nervous... About my father." Fluttershy fiddled with her thumbs, trying to calm down. Pinkie walked over and sat down next to her, putting an arm around her.
"Eh there... It's gonna be fine. You gonna be all right. I won't let anything happen to ya. I promise."

Fluttershy laid her head on Pinkie, a warm feeling overcoming her. It had been so long she since she found trust in someone like this. There was a sense of safety, a comfort when Pinkie was around. Almost as if she wanted to smile all the time and she did.

"Eh... I hope this won't be too personal of a question but... Where's ya mum?" Pinkie asked.
Fluttershy looked up at Pinkie's kind wide eyes. "She passed away nearly two years ago. She was all I had left besides Angel."

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Fluttahshy, I am."

"No, it's all right. She always said that even though we never had much, she lived a wonderful life. She said it was because I was her daughter but I think I only made things harder on her. When she got sick I was so helpless... We did not have the money for proper medicine. If only I could have made some money maybe mother would have..."
"Don't go blaming yourself, Fluttahshy. You can't just take all life’s problems onto yourself. When your mum said she live a wonderful life cuz of ya so you should be proud. I know it was honest."

Fluttershy smiled. "Thank you, Pinkie."

The two girls hugged as Horton watched from a little hole in the kitchen wall. His eye twitched uncontrollably as he looked at Fluttershy. Never had he seen so much kindness, so much loving. He dug his nails into his legs, wanting to cut it all out from her skin. He took a moment to take control of himself, hearing the tea begin to boil. He pours three cups; his hands shaking violently as perverted thoughts of Fluttershy ran rampant through his mind. Tea in hand, he left the kitchen.

"Tea is all ready, girls. I hope you enjoy it... It was Sofia's favorite brew." He said, taking up a cup for himself.
Fluttershy took a whiff of the tea. "It smells lovely." Fluttershy said with a smile, taking a sip. Pinkie did the same.

"So why the sudden trip to Sunrise, 'Pinkie'?" Horton asked, placing the tea on a small cup and onto the table.

"Visiting some' a Fluttahshy's family's all. She hired me to throw a party for them."

Horton smiled. "You have made quite a business with these parties. I am thrilled for you."

Pinkie sipped the tea again as thunder rolled over, rain pouring harder.
"Nasty storm out there... So glad you decided to stay. No telling how long it will last, no... No telling at all." Horton smiled.
The three talked for a while, Pinkie and Horton catching up on old times and family matters before Pinkie realized that Fluttershy had fallen asleep on her shoulder.

"It's getting late... I'm sure you will want to leave as early as possible. Boats can get crowded fast..." Horton said. "There are two rooms. You may have Sofia’s room. It might be a little dusty since I had not dared go in after her passing. Your friend can have the guest room."
"Sounds peachy. Thank you again, uncle." Pinkie said, nudging Fluttershy. "Come on, Fluttahshy. Time to get some sleep.”

Fluttershy simply moaned, blinking her eyes as she awoke just enough to walk to bed. Pinkie helped her to her room upstairs, Horton following behind. Fluttershy regained herself and after saying good night to Pinkie and Horton, opened the door to the guest room and vanished beyond the door. As Pinkie went into her own room, Horton idled in the hall. Horton looked at the knob Fluttershy had touched, crawling over to it slowly. He could almost see where her hand had been against the brass handle knob. He closed his eyes and began to lick it softly, evil thoughts running through his mind. It was then he remembered his new guest in the 'Asylum' as he called it.

"No... no, no, no... This one is much better. Why have one? I must have both. I have to have her. So soft. So innocent. I want her... I want her..."

He pushed himself away from the door. "No, not yet... Have to wait... Pinkie must not know. Have to make preparations. Have to be patient. Yes. Patient."

He crept down the stairs, going back into the parlor to wait. It wouldn't be long before Fluttershy was asleep. That is when he would strike.

XXXXXX

"There ain’t no way!" Mac yelled, leaning over the table. "Look, I know ya’ll’re old friends and all but I won't just let you drag my sister off to some far off place. I'm her older brother. If someone's gotta do this let me go."

"This ain't up for debate, Mac. You need to stay and watch the farm. There's just something’s I need to do and you need to man up and do your duty while I do mine, you hear me? Jack said, slamming her hands against the wooden table.

"Jack...?" Granny Smith said, looking at her from where Mac sat. "Is this what you really want, my dear?"
Applejack's eyes softened, looking at her fragile granny. "I don't know, granny... I guess I never thought about what I want. To be honest I always feared I would be on this farm forever. It scared me to know that this'll be the only life I ever lived. But now the opportunity to go far away has come up and... Somehow I can only think of how much I'm gonna miss the sunrises here on the farm. How much I'm miss you and Mac and little Bloom..." Tears began to roll down her face. "But I gotta be honest with myself... I know there's somethin I need to do. Somethin only I can do. I have to go, granny."

"No!" Bloom yelled, running over to her sister. "Applejack, don't go! I...It's gonna be my birthday next month. You gotta be there, you just gotta!"

Applejack's heart broke, seeing her darling little sister's face wet with tears.

"Bloom... I want you to be strong... You gotta be the man around the house for' while, kay?"

"Hey!" Mac yelled.

"You, mister, need to earn that title." Applejack said, shooting a look at Mac. "When I get back there better be a farm, Mac. If I hear you spent everything on booze..."

Mac's face became serious, shooting a harsh glance at Applejack. Somehow, Jack could see something in his eyes. A sort of sparkle. It made her want to smile. She stood up.

"I have to go. Twi is waitin for me outside." Applejack grabbed her rifle and hat, putting it on as she headed towards the door. When she stepped outside, everyone followed her. It was almost dawn, the sky a deep, dark blue. Applejack turned to face her family.

"You all take care now..." She said sadly. Mac gave her a big hug, trying not to cry as he did. Granny walked over, limping on a walking stick as she gave her granddaughter a hug. Bloom, who was still crying, crossed her arms and looked away. Jack looked down, understanding Bloom not wanting to say goodbye. She turned and walked toward the carriage, only taking a few steps before she felt tiny Bloom latch onto her, giving her a big hug. Jack knelt down and embraced her, petting her hair softly. "When I get back I'm gonna bring the best present back ever, you'll see."

"If ya bring yourself back... That's mite good enough for me, sis. I love you."

"I love you too, Bloom. I love you so much." Applejack hugged her tighter. Finally Applejack got into the carriage where Twilight and the Princess sat. The driver whipped the horse and they started down the road. Bloom began to walk toward the carriage, slowly picking up speed. She started to run.

"Jack! JACK!"
Applejack could hear Bloom yelling, looking at the window to see her running after them.

"JACK! Please! Don't go! Don't go! Jack!!" Bloom tripped and fell, her dress getting dirty. "Don't go..." Her years stained the dusty path as she cried.

Mac came over and hugged her, both watching the carriage move into the distance and out of sight.

Deep Places

Author's Note

Hello, readers! Sorry for the delay between chapters. My editor has been sick so I have done my own editing for this chapter. Even if you find any errors I hope you enjoy and thank you for reading! Also, leave a comment and let me know how I'm doing with this story. Constructive criticism is always welcome :) Enjoy!

Rain poured down from the deep black sky as the young rainbow-haired woman ran through the streets of Port Sunrise, watching for the town guard. Dash was able to avoid them as she moved swiftly from alley to alley. She took pride in her cunning, grinning as rain splashed against a pair of goggles she wore, almost blinding but making it more of a challenge in maneuvering, something she welcomed as she tested her skill against the guards. Her little game came to an end as she finally came to an old wooden door at the end of one of the alleyways. She knocked three times, whispering the word 'Cloudsdale'. For a moment nothing happened, leaving Dash in the soaking rain until the door finally swung open, three women waiting at the door, holding crossbows aimed at her. They lowered them when they saw Dash's face, nodded and letting her pass.

Dash shrugged off a thick coat she wore, hanging it on a hook to letting it drip. The house she had entered was filled with gruff and dirty looking pegasus, each chatting of the spoils they had “recovered”.

"Dash!" A slightly older woman shouted, running over and hugging the tiny Rainbow Dash. "Guess Dizty's done it again. I'm telling ya, that pegasus knows her way around those stockades better then the guards do." The woman laughed.

"Well besides dragging me into the sea, it was a pretty easy escape. Sorry it took me so long to get back. Had to lay low... Nice to see ya, Spitfire."

"And you my young little Wonderbolt. Where's Ditzy, anyway? Wasn't she with you?" Spitfire asked, walking along side Dash with her arm around her.

"Getting some intel on our next BIG target! I hear she's got something awesome for the Wonderbolts this time. Soon, we'll be the number one outpost in all Equestria!"

"That big, eh? Don’t get a head of yourself. Ditzy has been known to be a little... Ditzy." Spitfire laughed. "Either way, I'll be waiting on that report. For now I want you resting up. You did a great job laying low. Following the code to the letter. "

"Yeah, I'm pretty awesome like that." Dash bragged, making Spitfire laugh. "Hey, I'm gonna head up to my room."

"Sleepy all ready? I thought you'd at least have a few drinks; just got a new shipment in from some pirates who docked earlier. Or as they called themselves, 'delivery ships' for the guard’s ear."

"Not sleepy, just wanna hang out on my own for a bit." Dash said. "I might be asleep or... Something... So don’t bother me till morning!"

Dash ran upstairs, Spitfire watching with a curious look on her face...

XXXXXXXX

Dash stepped into her room, taking her clothes off until she was down to only undergarments. Sitting on her bed, she tried to move her wing but couldn't, the gunshot wound still hurting. "I hope she didn't notice..." Dash said, wincing in pain.

"Notice that you were lying to me?" Spitfire said, standing at the doorway. Dash turned quickly, wincing again at the pain.

"S...Spitfire!" Dash yelled.

Spitfire simply shook her head in disappointment. “So when were you going to tell?”

Dash turned her head, trying to hide her shame. "I was careless... It was like I failed at everything you taught me."

"Everyone slips up sometime, Dash, but do you think I would have sent Ditzy to get you if I didn't care about you? Or if I felt like you're a failure? In fact... I'll have you know that I didn't even get a chance to ask... Ditzy wanted to rescue you right when she heard the news of your capture. She loves you and I love you, Dash and I want you to open up to me. When are you going to understand? You're a Wonderbolt now. I know what your family did to you, Dash and why you're scared to show weakness. But you have to understand that WE are your family now. And we'll never hurt you."

"Spitfire..." Dash rubbed her eyes and smiled. "Geez your such a... a softy, Spitfire!" Dash laughed, trying to hide her tears.

"Okay, okay, Dashie. Why don't we save the jokes and let me have a look at that wing? It's going to get infected. I'll send for the Doc too. She'll patch you up after I examine this."

"Yeah..." Dash said softly.
Spitfire started looking over the wing, being as gentle as she could. Dash peek over her shoulder and looked toward Spitfire

"Hey, Sis..."

"Yeah, Dash?"

"...Thanks." Dash said softly.

Spitfire nodded and smiled, pressing hard against the wound by mistake, causing Dash to yelp.
"Sorry! Sorry!" Spitfire yelled, going back to examining the wound.

XXXXXXXX
Fluttershy lay in the guest room, her eyes searching every corner of the room. The last thing she wanted was to be alone in this dusty old, well decorated but poorly managed bed chamber. It wasn't the decor that worried her as much as the darkness in the corners, shadows dancing as her imagination ran wild. The lightning outside barely pieced it the darkness and the dark drape hanging down didn’t help eases her. It was the complete opposite of Pinkie's room and she wondered how they could ever be related. She began to take comfort in thoughts of her companion who was just next door. If she became too scared, Fluttershy knew that she could run to Pinkie. That thought helped the anxiety fade, allowing her to curl up under the thick red quilted sheets.

From outside her door, a soft creeping sound could be heard dragging across the floor on the other side. Not too long after, a soft, quiet knock came at the door.

"Pinkie?" She said softly. "You can come in, Pinkie. I'm not asleep yet."

The door did not open, only silence stood for a few moments. Soon, the dragging sound began to move away from the door after hearing her voice.

"P...Pinkie...?" she said softly. She got out of bed and head toward the door, grasping the door handle and pulling it slowly, opening the door... And stepping into the hall...

XXXXXXXX

Pinkie had not crawled into bed at all, instead looking into her aunt's large mirror. She remembered not being allowed to enter this room when he was a child, her aunt Sofia always very cautious of losing things. She opened the drawer of the dresser that held the mirror, finding an assortment of hair brushes. She picked one up and examined it closely, seeing an engraved picture of a woman on her knees, her face pressed into her hands as if she were weeping. She knew it right away; this brush was the design of Sofia who made a hobby out of crafting fancy brushes and she could remember seeing some of Sofia’s work as a child. Pinkie never quite understood the obsession. Though an eerie feeling came over her, Pinkie simply smiled, combing her hair with the brush. "Hope you don't mind, Auntie." She said to herself, feeling the gentle bristles against slide through her hair as she began to sing...

"She's an evil enchantress... And she does evil dances... And if you look into her eyes she'll put you in trances..."

Pinkie heard a small thump from the hallway, looking over at her door. She sat wondering for a moment. Soon she decided that it must be Uncle Horton wandering still up and about. She simply continued to sing.

"And what would she do? She'll mix up an evil brew..."

Pinkie looked over at the door again, hearing nothing yet feeling uneasy.

"Then she'll gobble you up in a big tasty stew...” Pinkie kept her eyes on the door...

"So... Watch... Out..." She muttered..."

"Might be kind o me to check on Fluttahshy..." She stood up and began to walk toward the door, stopping before she could make her way out. "But what if I just wake that poor little girl up? That would be rude! I best just let her sleep, I should." Pinkie walked over to her bed, laying down and blowing out a candle that sat on the nightstand by her bed.

XXXXXXXX

Rarity's eyes shifted around the pitch black room, so dark her eyes couldn't adjust. She was scared; her mind in dozens of different thoughts of what the man might do when he got back. The strong smell in the room made her sick but she held back vomiting as much as she could, scared she might choke if she did. Finally, an idea came. If she could find something sharp enough, she could use her magic to pick it up and cut herself free. She thought up a 'Light' spell, her alicorn illuminating the room. In the far corner of the room, dismembered and decaying bodies piled up, some looking fresh and others old and decayed to the bone, corpses of girls both young and old, some looking no older than eight years old. That set Rarity over the edge, putting out the light and turning her head, vomiting what little food was in her stomach onto the rope so that it seeped out the side of her cheek. Thankfully it wasn't a lot or she might have choked.

It wasn't long after she began to hear footsteps coming down stairs. With the click of a key, the door swung open, the man carrying a young, pink haired girl. He put her against the wall, tying her hands to some rope that hung there. His mouth salivated with hunger, his eyes wild and excited. He finished binding her to the wall, pressing his face into her neck and taking in her sweet aroma. He was intoxicated, but not with the kind of sexual impulse most would have but with something darker.

Rarity could see the girl from the candle the man held. She looked to be out cold, unaware of the perverted and deadly things he wanted.

"Stop it... Stop it, Horton..." He said, talking to himself. "Have to wait until she's awake... Have to wait... Can't be selfish... Have to share this with her. I can't rob her of this, no I can't. Have to wait... She will wake up soon..? Oh, please open your eyes for me, goddess. Open your eyes so I can dig my knife into them. I want to bleed your every emotion."

With almost inhuman speed, his head turned to face Rarity. "But perhaps... Perhaps I can... I can treat myself to this one..." He said, his voice quivering. Rarity held her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. A normal, more stable mind would have seen past the ruse but the man was far gone, still excited about Fluttershy. He ran his hand over Rarity's face, Rarity taking in the smell of rusty metal.

"Sleep... You will sleep forever with me." He grabbed the candle and made for the door, shutting it behind him and locking it.

“I have to stay my hand for now... Pinkie will know. I can’t stand it. Pinkie will have to be dealt with.”

Rarity opened her eyes to the pitch blackness, tears running down her face when she thought of the sight she had seen, what horrors lay silent in the corner of the room but now her life was not the only one on the line. She had to be brave. She lit her alicorn up again, searching the room for any sharp objects.

XXXXXXX

Pinkie slowly crept out of her room, looking down both ends of the hall. Everything was dark, letting her only see what little light came from the windows. With caution she made her way next door to the guest room where Fluttershy was.
"Fluttahshy...?" she whispered as she knocked gently on the door. "Fluttahshy, you awake?"

No answer came, leaving Pinkie to assume she was simply asleep. Still, Pinkie cracked the door open, looking inside. The sheets of the bed were disturbed and Fluttershy was nowhere to be found. Pinkie entered the room, looking at every corner. "Fluttahshy!" Pinkie yelled. "Oh no... Where could she..." Pinkie turned to the door which was now blocked by Horton who stood there as still as a statue. Pinkie's heart jumped, almost falling backward in surprise.

"Uncle! Fluttahshy... Have you seen..."

Horton smiled. "She is fine, my dear niece. She is only sleeping." He said, revealing a bone saw in hand. "I didn't want you to get involved. I was hoping you would never know. Most would not be so excepting... My dear, dear, girl. I cannot let you leave with that young woman. I must have her with me forever. Just as the others are with me forever, engraved into my skin."
"Others...?" Pinkie asked. "Uncle, what blabbery are ya talkin about? Where's my friend?"

"The Asylum... The Asylum calls for them. It calls for me... And it calls for you too." He reached his hand out. "Let’s go to the Asylum together."

"No!" Pinkie yelled. "Uncle, have you lost your marbles!? This isn't you, it ain't! Snap out of it!"
He shook his head. "After my dear Sofia passed on I found myself alone. No one came for me after the wake. After her body sunk into the earth. I am scared, Fiona. I am scared to be alone. So I made sure my guests never left. They are here... In the Asylum... The Asylum can never be taken away. Can never be torn from me. I missed my chance to save Sofia... But I can save you."

He began to laugh, Pinkie stepping backward. She was not sure if she was happy or sad that she left her pistol in her room. Either way she was unarmed.

"CAN YOU HEAR THEM!?" He yelled. "THEY CHEER ME ON! EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! THEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU, FIONA!" He raised his hands into the air slowly. "THEY CHEER MY NAME! THEY LOVE ME! THEY LOVE ME, FIONA!" And with that he charged at her, swinging the saw hard enough to cut one of the bed posts in half as Pinkie dodged the attack, running out of the door behind him. She didn't look back but she could hear him in close pursue, trampling along the dirty red carpet.

"Uncle, stop!! Stop this!!" She screamed, hearing him close behind. He caught up and grabbed her puffy pink hair, pulling it hard. She reacted quick, elbowing him in the stomach, causing him to let go. She ran toward the stairs, tripping and rolling to the bottom. She could feel her arm dislocate but she did not stop to indulge the pain. Horton was already standing at the top of the steps. She ran into the dining room, hearing him yell out again.

"Don't do this, Fiona! Don't run! This is the best for you! For us!"

Horton came running in, seeing that Pinkie was nowhere to be found. He carefully searched the room, quietly walking around the long dining room table that stood at the center of room. He saw the tall pantry closet at the end, large enough to fit someone Pinkie's size. He slowly came over and opened the door, seeing that it was empty as it had been for years. He stalked along the table, slowly passing up the chairs. He quickly looked under the table, finding nothing but carpet and dust. He slowly stood back up, looking at the table itself. Something was wrong... One of the candles was missing.

As lightning flashed, a silhouette could be seen behind the thin drapes of the window behind him. With a loud cry, Pinkie came out and hit Horton as hard as she could, knocking him out over the table. She stood there for a moment, his hat tumbling along the table. His head was bleeding but she couldn't tell if he survived the blow or not. Right now it didn't matter; she had to find Fluttershy and fast.

She searched the hallway at the bottom floor, looking through the closets and guest rooms, no luck in finding her friend. She finally found a door that lead down a dusty staircase that lead to a door. She tried to open the door only to find it locked.

"Fluttahshy! You in there?!" She yelled, banging on the door. She put her ear to the door and could hear someone from the otherside.

"Help me! Please, whoever you are let me out!"

"Hold on there! Who the heck are you?" Pinkie asked.

"M...My name is Rarity! I was brought here by some horrid man! I managed to cut myself free but the door is locked. That man, he had a key! You must find the key!"

"Right!" Pinkie yelled. "Is there another girl in there? One with pink hair? Kinda looks like lilies?"

"Yes, she was just brought in not too long ago. She is not hurt but she is uncurious. I will keep her safe... Just please, let us out!"

"I'm gonna get that key!”

Pinkie ran upstairs, moving into the dining room. Horton was gone. She looked around franticly until hearing a creaking sound coming from upstairs. The last thing she wanted to do was confront her uncle but she knew she had no choice. Slowly she made her way upstairs, the candlestick close in hand.

There was a sound coming from his room that sat at the end of the top floor hallway. Stepping into the room, she found it was empty. The only room he could be in was the bathroom attached to the room. She made her way in that direction, seeing the door half open. She pressed her hand onto the door, letting it swing open. It was empty.

From behind, Horton grabbed Pinkie, causing her to struggle. She slipped and fell on her back, Horton getting atop of her with bone saw in hand, inching slowly toward her face. She struggled to keep it away, trying to force him back. It was no use, he was too strong.

"I love you, Fiona. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you." He said in a gentler voice than usual. Her eyes dimmed, forcing against him more.

"I told you..." She said, suddenly kneeing him to the stomach. "Call me Pinkie!" She kicked him off, running toward of the door. Horton grabbed her foot as she tried to get away, causing her to trip. Pinkie go up enough to grab the door handle, shutting it on his arm and causing him to cry in pain. He pulled himself toward her, Pinkie slamming the door again, this time on his head, causing him to bleed. She repeated over and over, slamming the door on his head until his body began to twitch. She finally stopped as she saw blood pour out all over, crawling away backward...

She looked at her uncle, sure he was dead now. She didn't want to touch him, realizing that her beloved uncle Horton was now dead by her own hands. It took her a while to process. Finally she regained herself, remembering that she had two people stuck in the basement. Thunder crashed in the sky as she reached into Horton's bloodstained coat pocket and found a set of keys. She made her way to the basement again...

XXXXXXXXX

Morning came and Fluttershy woke up in comfortable bed with Pinkie sitting up next to her. Fluttershy blinked her eyes, seeing the sun coming in through the window and realizing she was no longer in the dark residence.

"Pinkie...? I had such a strange dream..."

Fluttershy looked over Pinkie's face, seeing sadness in her eyes. Her hair hung straight rather than her usual puffy hairdo. She fiddled with a brush in her hand, holding it tightly.

“Yeah...” Pinkie finally said, looking out the window over the port... And toward Horton’s estate.