Animus (The Midnight Series)

Chapter 6: Alone

I

Pinkie Pie. Her hair shadowed, covering her face, which streamed down like a grey and dirty waterfall. The darkened pink of her skin and her eyes no longer glowed happiness, but sadness and sorrow. She sat alone in her living room, unsure of what to do as far as helping anyone. Pinkie's heart was shattered, especially since she lied to them about sharing their secrets with each other. It was the only way for them to break away from hurting each other. Pinkie took their anger and pain away, by putting herself to be the enemy instead of each other. Although, it won't be long until they come back to tear each other apart, since they know each other's secret relationships. But, Pinkie was still alone. Pinkie cried, it hurt her inside, knowing her friends are now fighting against one another. She laid on the couch, and began to feel tired due to her emotional state, completely drained. Her energy was low, and could no longer keep her eyes open. She slept.

II

Pinkie thought of her friends, Applejack with Rarity, Rainbow Dash with Fluttershy, and Twilight with Sunset in front of them. They all walked down the hallways of Canterlot High School. Pinkie was behind each of them, they all continued to walk down the hallway, but Pinkie became more distant from them. Pinkie ran, but could not reach them. The entire place became a blank darkness that surrounded them. The girls looked back at Pinkie, Pinkie cried for them, but they kept walking away. Pinkie reached out her hand, but could not reach them. Pinkie sunk into the darkness.

Pinkie stared into the everlasting emptiness. It was until she felt a presence there with her. Pinkie looked, and it was Twilight. Pinkie was floating towards her without her control. Twilight turned to look at her, but she had no mouth or a nose to breathe. It then came to Pinkie that her dream was turning into a nightmare. It scared Pinkie, she tried to float away, but she came closer and closer towards the scary-looking Twilight. Pinkie screamed for help, but there was darkness and the thoughts of her cries were echoing, becoming ambient within the emptiness. Twilight reached out toward Pinkie, and Pinkie tried waking herself up by pinching herself and biting the tip of her finger. She came to her.

III

Pinkie woke up, screaming, but she was greeted by her sister Maud Pie.

"Pinkie, Pinkie... it's just me." Maud said, in a mildly calming voice.

"Maud?!" Pinkie yelled.

"What is wrong?" Maud asked.

"Oh Maud, I had a terrible nightmare..." Pinkie replied.

"Do you want to sleep with me tonight?" Maud asked.

"Yes!" Pinkie cried.

IV

Afterward, Pinkie was taken to Maud's room, with boulder sleeping on top of a dresser. Pinkie cuddled close to Maud, as she feared for her safety.

"I've noticed you've been a gloomy gus lately Pinkie. Are your friends being good to each other?" Maud asked while Pinkie held her close.

"Well... not really... I tried to help, but I made things worse." Pinkie responded.

"It's okay Pinkie, remember, their happiness is their own problem, don't get so caught up to where you feel emotionally drained." Maud continued.

"But, I love them... I don't want them to be unhappy." Pinkie replied.

"I understand, but I don't want you to not live your life. I would like for you to live it how you want, and everyone else will either be supportive of it or not. But, regardless, I am here for you Pinkie, five-ever, remember?"

"I know Maud... I know... I love you sis!"

"I love you too Pinkie." Maud and Pinkie fell asleep, with Maud at her side, Pinkie felt comforted and it had made the darkness go away.

V

Fluttershy. She returned home with tears coming down her face. She couldn't help Rainbow Dash, and Dash turned away from her when she tried. Rarity mocked their relationship, which made this whole situation worse, and Pinkie didn't keep her promise about it being a secret between them. Everything around her was falling apart, even little bunny Angel was being a little shit during his usual feeding time. While all the rest of the pets were compliant and quiet, because they felt the sadness in Fluttershy's heart.

VI

The day grew thin, as the darkness was spread over the horizon. Fluttershy was exhausted, and went to sleep almost immediately as she fell into bed.

VII

Fluttershy felt like she was being carried by a dark stream, and was not going to move or do anything to deter the flow. She felt herself falling deeper and deeper, to where she couldn't care if she woke up the next day. She somehow stopped moving, and felt something blocking her way. Fluttershy looked up, and saw Twilight standing, looking away from her. Fluttershy asked why she was here? Twilight turned around, and revealed her non-existent mouth or nose, but her huge eyes which Fluttershy could not get out of her mind. Fluttershy grew furious. Fluttershy went over to it, and beat the living shit out Twilight. She threw countless punches at her face, body, and made her fall to the ground, and she kicked her continuously. Fluttershy went down to her, laying on top of her, and looked back at her. Twilight did not change, but Fluttershy cried. Feeling guilty of her actions. She apologized, and wanted to take back what she did. The Twilight changed form, and turned to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash looked hurt and tainted with bruises and scars. Fluttershy screamed.

VIII

Fluttershy woke up, feeling the dread set into her. Fluttershy picked up the phone, and called Rainbow Dash as quickly as she could. It took Rainbow Dash a minute to answer it.

R: Hello?
F: Rainbow Dash... I'm sorry...
R: Slow down... what are you talking about?
F: I'm sorry Rainbow Dash... I'm so sorry...
Rainbow Dash paused.
R: Look... I don't know what you are talking about, but I should be the one to apologize, alright?
Fluttershy paused.
R: Okay, you know what? I think I'll just come over. Okay?
F: Okay, please hurry!
R: Alright!

Fluttershy hung up, and sat in her bedroom with the lamp on. Waiting for Rainbow Dash to arrive.

IX

Rainbow Dash. After her fight with Rarity and Applejack, she went home. She cleaned up the blood that became dried under her nose and mouth, with it stained all over her hands. She took a shower, allowing it all to sink into her skin, although she grew angry and restless to act out her rage into a pillow. Rainbow Dash beat it up, until she grew too tired to land another hand on it. Instead she laid in her bed, not wanting to get up, or move to eat anything for the rest of the day. She stood there until she felt her eyes becoming heavier, slowly shutting.

X

Rainbow Dash was laying in the center of a park, on a merry-go-round. The merry slowly shifted back and forth, with Rainbow Dash's foot on the sand, giving it a small push forward and back. Her arms rested on her stomach, she felt no motivation to play around with the children that she overheard at the park. She heard the children laughing and playing around. Rainbow Dash listened, until she heard screaming. Rainbow Dash got up, but the park was empty. The children's screams grew louder, sounding as if they were being tortured and suffering. Rainbow Dash looked around but couldn't see anyone in the park. It was ringing in her ear until she heard one child laugh behind her. Rainbow Dash turned around, and the park became silent. She turned around, and saw her younger self with her hand on the rails.

"Want to play?" Young Rainbow Dash said. "I can make this go fast!" Young Rainbow Dash then pulled the rails and had made the wheel spin quickly, as she ran. Rainbow Dash had a second to grab onto one of the rails to not fall off. It became almost impossible to hold on. Rainbow Dash asked her to stop. "Why did I think you liked to play, and go fast?" Young Rainbow Dash taunted her. Rainbow Dash cried and begged her to stop. The merry became too fast, and Rainbow Dash let go. She flew across the field, and skidded across the dirt. She was surprised the impact didn't wake her up from this nightmare. Rainbow Dash lifted her head up, and saw a familiar face.

"No, not you again!" Rainbow Dash said, as she looked up to see Twilight and her soul-gripping eyes, with no other facial features. "Just go away!" Rainbow Dash heard voices emanating around her.

"Weak... alone..." The voice spoke.

"I'm not weak!" Rainbow Dash cried. "I-I'm not a-alone!" Rainbow Dash kept feeling the pressure and guilt, on the way she acted toward Fluttershy and her friends. "I'm not alone..." Rainbow Dash felt the tears running down her cheek.

"Weak... alone..." The voice continued. Rainbow Dash lifted herself up on her knees, and yelled.

XI

Rainbow Dash lifted up from her bed, as she heard the phone in her room ring. The sound of it going off was somehow similar towards how she screamed inside her dream.

XII

Rainbow Dash ended her call with Fluttershy and decided to head over to her house because she wanted to apologize for her behavior. She also wanted to make sure she was still okay after everything. She worried. Rainbow Dash picked up a coat, and ran for it, through the chilling and wispy winds of the night. She came across a hooded figure walking through the night as well on the other side of the road. It seems there were a couple of them. She ran across and found Applejack's truck at Rarity's place as well. Rainbow Dash didn't stop until she reached Fluttershy.

XIII

Rainbow Dash walked in, and Fluttershy jumped to her, and gave her a hug. Rainbow Dash returned it by swinging her around.

"Fluttershy..." Rainbow Dash said softly.

"Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy said.

"I'm sorry..." Rainbow Dash said sincerely.

"Oh Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy said as she continued to wrap her arms around her and brush up her face against her chest. "It's okay. I'm not mad... I'm glad you came!"

"Yeah, me too!" Rainbow Dash enlightened.

As they looked into each other's eyes, Fluttershy caught in the corner of her eye, an intruder. The figure was a girl wearing all black, and hair was light blue hair with purple highlights. Fluttershy screamed. Rainbow Dash quickly turned around, and saw her at the door. Sonata had her locket in hand and focused it toward Rainbow Dash, but Fluttershy threw Rainbow Dash aside and allowed Sonata to take her instead. Rainbow Dash yelled. Sonata grabbed Fluttershy and with the locket, absorbed her life essence. Fluttershy fell, however, Rainbow Dash leaned forward and saved her from the impact.

"Fluttershy...?" Rainbow Dash cried, as she held her cold and lifeless body. "What did you do to her?!" Rainbow Dash yelled at Sonata. Sonata gave a sinister smile, and ran out to the darkness. Rainbow Dash ran after her. Rainbow Dash was completely knocked out by Demon Sunset's arm that swung across her as she ran outside the door. She was unconscious and was taken by Adagio.

XIV

Rarity. She walked home, and Applejack stood at a distance, she knew Rarity was still upset. Applejack couldn't help but feel bad about the way she was at Twilight. Applejack and Rarity came up to Rarity's house. Rarity stormed inside and slammed the door without looking to see if Applejack was going to come in. Applejack drew away from the door. She stood and looked away, then walked home. Rarity went to wash up all of the filth of the dirt and twigs from her hair, all thanks to Rainbow Dash.

XV

Applejack. She came home, even though she was tired from all the stress of fighting with friends, she was immediately put to work around the house. With all the drama circulating her friends, she was dodging all her chores. Applejack was actually a little relieved to have something to occupy her mind, away from the drama. Applejack went to sleep right after, as it was, both physically and emotionally, an exhausting day for her.

XVI

Rarity held onto a thing she made for their band, after they got back together, she made them all one to show that they were going to always be there together. Rarity was missing Applejack, even if they were all separated, she didn't want to be away from her. At the very least, be alone with her, forever. Rarity went to sleep, feeling this heavily dreaded evening finally weighing on her, as she shut her eyes.

XVII

Rarity awakened to the dream she had before. She was fighting along with the others, but a blast of flames came over, and she was alone. Why was she alone? She asked herself. But, it showed her the attitude she had with everyone. Her sour behavior, the fights she started, and never really apologizing or clearing it up with anyone. Where she went wrong... there was no one for her to save. They all left her, and no one came back. None stood a chance, and none stood together again.

XVIII

Rarity woke up, with tears in her eyes. Even if everyone hated her, or did not want to be there for her again, she at least wanted Applejack there. But, she needed to apologize to everyone, in which she wanted Applejack there with her for support. Rarity and Applejack.

R: Applejack? Are you there?
A: Yeah, are ya okay?
R: No, actually...
A: What's wrong, sugar?
R: Can you come over?
A: Well... I suppose I could.
R: Please...
A: Alright then, I'll be down in a sec.
R: Okay...

XIX

Applejack was not feeling good either, she felt like there was unfinished business to attend. Applejack got dressed, and was heading down the stairs as quietly as she could.

"Applejack?" Granny Smith asked. She was sitting in the corner, rocking in an old chair with one lamp on. Applejack was caught trying to leave again.

"Yes, Granny Smith?" Applejack asked.

"Ah think ah know what's been goin' on with ya?" Granny Smith continued.

"Uhh, it's nothing..." Applejack stuttered.

"With ya leavin' almost every evenin'." Granny Smith added.

"Oh, Granny... am sorry ah..."

"Ya found yerself a filly? Ain't ya?" Granny Smith interrupted, as she snickered.

"What?!" Applejack asked, shockingly. "Ya knew?"

"Well, of course, dear! Ah was once yer age too, ya know?" Granny answered.

"Are ya okay with it?" Applejack asked.

"Well... in this day in age, kids are more acceptable to things like this, but it's not like it was a new thing, even back then..." Granny said. "What am tryin' to say is, don't keep it a secret, share it, embrace it. Am just glad ya found someone yer close to."

"You accept it, even if it's with another woman?" Applejack continued.

"Of course! Ah can't control yer life, neither does anyone else!" Granny Smith added. "But listen, we've been talkin', Big Mac, and Apple Bloom are willin' to take over more of the responsibilities here..."

"What are ya sayin'?" Applejack questioned.

"It means, ya got to focus yer life somewhere else. Life's too short to miss out on things."

"Granny..."

"Don't ya worry about us, all of us understand. So, ya go on ahead, and be there for ya girl!"

"Granny, ah don't want to leave here..."

"Listen, wherever that girl goes, you go! Don't be wastin' it! Build yerself your own farm!" Applejack froze for a minute to think.

"A-ah will Granny, ah won't let'cha down!" Applejack said. Granny nodded. Applejack gave Granny a hug. "Am glad you've accepted us..."

"Ah do! So does Mac and Apple Bloom, they were just shocked to see ya moochin'!" Granny Smith said. "Well go on then!" Granny Smith let Applejack go, and Applejack went out to go see Rarity.

XX

Applejack headed out the door, but her phone rang again.

A: Rarity? What's up?
R: You are heading over right?
A: Yes ah am!
R: Can you stay on the line for me?
A: Ah got to drive though?
R: Please...
A: Fine. I'll put you on speaker!
R: Okay.

Applejack had her keys out, and was heading inside the barn, but before she could, she was bashed in the head with a blunt object. The phone in her pocket fell out. Applejack took a moment to endure the pain in her head, but she was tired, and felt dizzy. She slept. In the shadows, was Aria Blaze, chuckling. Aria held onto Applejack's arm, and absorbed her.

R: Applejack? Are you okay? I heard the phone drop! Applejack? Applejack?! Hello?!
Aria: She's not coming back!
R: Who is this?!! Hello?!!

Aria smashed Applejack's phone. Rarity on the other side, was shocked. She was breathing heavily and tears were streaming down her face.

"Applejack!!!" Rarity screamed.