The Applejack of My Eye

Chapters

The Applejack of My Eye
Confessions
Cutie Mark Surprise
Sour Apples
The Calm Before The Storm
Schoolyard Troubles
Just Desserts (edited)
Hivemind
What's Gonna Work? Chaos!

The Applejack of My Eye

This was the day. This was the day that she would finally do it. Applebloom was doing her best to motivate herself but she couldn't get rid of how nervous she was. For the past few months she had developed a huge crush on her sister Applejack and had been trying to get the guts to tell her but whenever she was near her sister her voice escaped her, her legs felt like jelly, butterflies flew frantically in her stomach, and time seemed to stand still. But no matter who much pep talk she gave herself she couldn't get the courage to tell Applejack how she felt. Will she like me back? Will she just want to be friends? Will she hate me and never want to see me again?

"Hey Applebloom. Earth to Applebloom," Scootaloo said trying to get the earth pony's attention.

Applebloom had completely forgotten that she was walking with her two best friends who had somewhat annoyed but understanding looks. "Oh sorry girls I was just lost in thought is all."

"Still haven't told her yet?" Sweetie asked.

Applebloom simply shook her head. Her friends were the only ones that knew about her feelings for her older sister. "No. I still don't know how I should tell her. I don't even know if I should tell her even."

"Of course you should tell her. You'll never know what she thinks until you tell her how you really feel. I say that you should just flat out tell her. It's what Rainbow Dash would do," Scootaloo said.

"But I'm not Rainbow Dash. I'm not even really scared of telling her, I'm afraid of how she'll take it. Plus don't you remember the time we tried to get Ms. Cheerilee and my brother together?"

The three shuddered remembering all of the nicknames that the two had given each other while under the love poison.

"Maybe my sister could help you. She knows a thing or two about romance. I bet she could totally help you tell Applejack," Sweetie said.

"I don't know. I really don't want anypony else knowing about this."

"You don't have to tell her who you like. Just say that you like some colt in class or something. Anyway while you're doing that, me and Sweetie Belle are going to try and get our cutie marks in boxing," Scootaloo said dragging Sweetie with her as she ran off to who knows where leaving Applebloom alone.

Applebloom let out a sigh as she headed off to Rarity's house hoping that the fashion pony would be able to help her.

How did I get roped into this? Applebloom thought to herself as she stood still while Rarity was making her try on a dress. "How much longer do I have to do this?"

"Stop moving so much Applebloom, i need you to stand still so I can put the final touches on this design. Now what did you want to ask me?"

"Well, I need your advice on something," Applebloom said nervously. "You see I have a crush on... a pony that I know but I'm not sure how to tell them."

"I see but why do you need my help with this? Why not ask your sister instead?"

Applebloom wasn't sure what to say. She hadn't come up with an excuse in case Rarity asked something like that. "Um well because I uh don't want my sister to be overprotective of me about it," She lied.

Rarity didn't look impressed. "Applebloom you're as bad of a liar as your sister. Now why are you really not asking her for help instead of me?"

Applebloom knew that she was cornered. She knew that she was bad when it came to lying. "Do you promise not to tell anypony?"

"Of course."

"Pinkie Pie promise?"

Rarity rolled her eyes with a smile. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," She said copying the movements.

Applebloom took a deep breath before quickly saying, "I didn't ask her for help because the pony I like is actually her and I came to you since you know about romance and stuff and I don't how to tell her how I feel and I really need your help."

Rarity stood dumbfounded at the information that Applebloom had just given. "You have a crush on Applejack?"

Applebloom nodded her head while looking at the ground ashamed. "I know what you're thinking, I'm a freak because I like my older sister."

"A freak? By all means, you are not a freak Applebloom. Nopony chooses who they fall in love with so how could I call you a freak just because the pony that you did fall in love with is your older sister? Plus you two would be quite adorable."

"You really think so?" Applebloom asked surprised.

"Absolutely. Now as for telling her, you'll want to give her a small gift to show how much she means to you like her favorite flower. Take her out to a nice dinner with just the two of you or go star gazing at night. Just be yourself and everything will turn out alright. And done." Rarity finally finished with the dress freeing Applebloom as she teleported it onto a bare mannequin.

"Thanks for the help Rarity."

"Of course good luck," Rarity said as Applebloom headed off letting out a small giggle. "Applebloom is going to be in for quite a surprise."

Applebloom felt so overjoyed finally getting rid of that dress and getting advice from Rarity. She immediately went to Rose's flower shop and got a blue daisy to give to Applejack. She began heading back to the farm once again giving herself a pep talk. This is it Applebloom. You're finally going to tell her how you feel. You can do this. Once she got to the farm she noticed Applejack still bucking a few trees as Applebloom approached. As usual she was breathless seeing her older sister.

"Oh howdy sis," Applejack said noticing her little sister who started to tense up.

"Hey Applejack," Applebloom said nervously. Stop being nervous you can do this. "Um while I was going through town I got a blue daisy from Rose for you." She took the flower out of the saddlebag that Rose had lent her and gave it to AJ who smiled warmly as she put it in her mane.

"Applebloom that's so sweet of you." She thinks I'm sweet. "I think I have something for you too." Is this going where I hope it's going?! Applejack slowly got closer and closer to Applebloom until she put her hoof around her and gave her a playful noogie causing the little filly to laugh.

"Applejack stop," She said between giggles but her pleas were ignored.

"Sorry I can't hear you, you're laughing too much," Applejack remarked.

"Please stop," She yelled out finally causing her to stop while they both laughed. Well I guess that was better than nothing. "Hey sis?"

"Yeah?"

"I was just wondering if you," Applebloom spoke the last part out in an inaudible whisper.

"If I what?" AJ asked curious.

"If you wanted to maybe," Applebloom breathed in to try and get rid of her nerves. "If you might want to go out to dinner together just the two of us."

"Sure"

Applebloom wasn't sure that she had heard right but did AJ say yes? "Really?"

"Well sure. I think it would be really nice to spend some quality time with my little sis," Applejack said with a smile that made Applebloom's legs start to grow weak again. Well upside is that she wants to go but the downside is she sees it as us just spending time together. It's okay Applebloom, things might change by the end of the night. "Where do you want to go?"

"Um how about The Clover House? I heard that they have really good food there," Applebloom suggested.

"Alright then why don't you help me with these last few trees so we can go to our date," She joked causing Applebloom to blush madly.

"Date?!" Does she really see this as a date?

"I'm just teasing you sugarcube," AJ said giggling at her little sisters reaction as they finished with the last tree.

"Oh right," Applebloom said doing her best to hide her disappointment. I guess she doesn't see this as a date after all.

Once the two got to the Clover House which appeared to be an outside restraunt with tables scattered under a draping , Applebloom was starting to get even more nervous than before. The two went over to an empty table where they sat in silence. "Are you alright Applebloom? You don't look too good."

Applebloom had never been more thankful in her life once the waitress came over. "Welcome to the Clover House, what would you like to order?" She asked politely.

Applebloom looked at the menu seeing several delicious looking foods to choose from but before she could choose she heard Applejack say, "I'll have a daisy sandwich with hay fries while my grumpy little fillyfriend over here will have a small salad."

"Sis," Applebloom said in embarrassment trying to hide her blush with her menu.

"I'm just kidding," Applejack said giggling.

"Will that be all?" The waitress asked giggling a bit too.

"Yes thank you," Applejack said as the waitress left leaving the two alone while Applebloom continued to use her menu to hide her face. " Come on sis I was just joking. You don't have to take everything so seriously. Look if it bugs you that much I promise that I won't joke like that okay?"

Applebloom slowly moved her menu away but still had an annoyed look on her face, "Okay." Why does she keep joking about this? I guess she really does see me as just her little sister.

The rest of the dinner was spent mostly in silence except for the occasional joke Applejack used to try and cheer Applebloom up but to no avail. Once they were finished eating they started their way back to the farm with Applebloom looking disappointed. It broke Applejack's heart seeing her little sister like this and she was determined to cheer her up somehow. "Applebloom there's something I want to show you on a special part of the farm if you want to see it," She offered only getting a shrug in response. "In fact you will be the only one who I would have shown it to."

That seemed to catch Applebloom's interest as she looked curiously at her, "What is it?"

"You'll see when we get there but I promise it will be amazing."

For the remainder of the walk to wherever Applejack was leading her, Applebloom was debating with herself on what she should do. Should I tell her about how I feel or should I just forget it? She did see the whole 'date' thing as a joke. She looked up at the sky and saw that it was already nighttime and that many stars were coming out. She remembered Rarity's suggestion of stargazing and wondered if she should try it after Applejack showed her the place she was talking about.

"Ready sis?" Applejack asked Applebloom as they passed through a few bushes and Appblebloom saw one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen in her life. There were roses, daisies, lilies, and many other gorgeous flowers blooming all around the field. There were also hundreds of fireflies swarming around illuminating the night. Applebloom was awestruck while Applejack smiled.

"What do you think?"

Applebloom wasn't sure what to think as she took in what she was seeing trying to think of a word that matched it. "It's incredible."

"I found this field a few days after I got my cutie mark and once a week since I would come here and enjoy the beauty of it. But you're the first one that I've ever shown it to."

Applebloom was amazed. She was the only one who knew about this beautiful place? Applejack sat down in the middle of the field and looked up at the stars. Applebloom looked up as well and was amazed even more. The fireflies were slowly flying around above them making the stars and moonlight gleam even more. She sat down next to her sister as they gazed at the stars together.

Applebloom felt more tempted to tell Applejack her feelings than ever before. The moment was perfect, they were both in a beautiful place that only they knew about. Well here goes.

"I need to tell you something," They said in unison. "No you first."

"How about you go fist little sis," Applejack remarked with a small laugh.

Applebloom took a deep breath. There was no turning back. "I wanted to tell you the real reason why I wanted to spend time together today. The truth is that... I really like you. More than a sister. I've liked you for a while now and I finally decided to try and impress you with a dinner together and when you showed me this I just couldn't stand not telling you the truth. I love you." Applebloom was silent as she looked at the ground away from her sister's gaze.

"Applebloom... you love me?"

Applebloom looked at her sister's face and saw that she had a look of surprise over anything. She simply nodded her head afraid of what Applejack would do. "That's really funny sis because I was just about to say the same thing."

Applebloom looked at her sister in shock. Had she said what she thought she had said?

"I've always thought that you were really cute and sweet but a few weeks ago is when I started to feel something more. Why do you think I showed you this over anypony else?"

Applebloom wasn't sure what to do at the moment. Her older sister that she had fell in love with had just admitted to liking her back. Before she had a chance to do anything Applejack gently brought her lips onto Applebloom's making the little filly go stiff. She couldn't believe that this was really happening. She finally got over her surprise and pressed her lips to Applejack's with a little force as they both closed their eyes.

After what felt like years for the two, they finally separated looking lovingly into each other's eyes. "So does this mean that we're dating now?" Applebloom asked.

Instead of an answer, Applejack smiled and kissed her little sister once again but for less time than before. "Of course."

Applebloom couldn't be any happier than she was at that moment. But there was one thing that was still in her mind. "Sis, what will other ponies think of us?"

"Honestly no matter what they say, I won't care. I love you too much to let you go. Plus I did tell Rarity about how I felt and she didn't seem to mind at all."

Applejack wrapped her hooves around Applebloom pulling her closer to her as she nuzzled her. The two stayed like this for the rest of the night falling asleep in each other's hooves. No matter what they faced, no matter what anypony said to them, they loved each other more than anything, and that was all they needed.

Confessions

AN: What is this? A new chapter?! What kind of witchcraft is this? Just kidding but after reading through the comments and getting a great story idea from Braveheart106 I have decided to change this one-shot into a multi chapter story. I hope that my pacing has greatly improved in this chapter and that you all enjoy this story and please point out any grammar or spelling issues i made. This takes place three months after the first chapter.

Applejack was walking through the streets of Ponyville with a saddlebag on looking frantically around for something. Nice going there AJ. How could I have forgotten that Applebloom's birthday is tomorrow? What kind of big sister am I? Applejack was trying to think of something meaningful that she could get Applebloom for her birthday but couldn't come up with anything. What should I get her? A new bow? A kite? Soap? She resisted the urge to facehoof at the last thought. Yeah that's exactly what I should get my fillyfriend for her birthday. She ultimately decided that she could get a new bow for her as she started her way over to Rarity's workshop.

After three months since that fateful night, the two sisters had been dating secretly not telling anypony except for Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. There were a few close calls whenever they tried to have another nice date like the first one that they had but every week since then they would go back to the gorgeous place that Applejack had shown Applebloom and would have a nice picnic followed by watching the stars as they cuddled together. Applejack smiled warmly thinking back to that first night when they had revealed their feelings for each other and how special it was to her.

Once she got to the door she knocked several times as she waited for the unicorn to let her in. After a few minutes the door opened granting her access. Walking in, Applejack noticed all of her friends standing still near the middle of the workroom while Rarity was redesigning what looked like all of their Gala dresses.

"Hurry up I have to go work on some new moves to show to the Wonderbolts. The next auditions are in a week," Rainbow Dash said impatiently gaining a quick poke of a needle from Rarity.

"Well if you would be patient then maybe this would go quicker," Rarity remarked as she continued working on the dress until she heard a small cough from behind her. She turned around to see Applejack standing with a bit of a confused look.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh hello there Applejack. Well since the next Gala is coming up soon, I thought that I could make everyone's dresses more gorgeous. If you like, I could work on your dress as well," Rarity offered.

"Thanks but I'm fine. I just came to see if you could make something for me but it looks like your hooves are pretty busy at the time so maybe I'll come back later."

"Oh nonsense Applejack, if I can make six brand new dresses from scratch in just one day then I think I can fix up five dresses and do a small side favor. Now what is it that you needed?"

"Ug come on," Rainbow complained once again causing Twilight to nudge her.

"Stop complaining Rainbow or I'll never let you borrow anymore Daring Doo books," Twilight said causing Rainbow to stop complaining as she stood still with a pout.

"Well I just wanted to get a nice new bow for Applebloom for her birthday tomorrow," Applejack explained.

"Is that it? Well that's no problem at all dear Applejack. Now how has Applebloom been doing lately?" Rarity asked with a wink that only Applejack saw causing her to slightly blush.

"She's been doing pretty good."

"Ooh speaking of Applebloom did you girls know that she has a very special somepony?" Pinkie Pie asked excitedly wanting to join in the conversation.

"How do you know that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"A couple days ago she, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo came to Sugar Cube Corner to try out my newest cupcake recipe and Applebloom seemed a lot more cheerful than usual and that's saying something considering how happy she's been for the past few months. Anyway she said that she was super excited because her birthday is coming up soon and she said she couldn't wait to get something from her special somepony," Pinkie explained quickly.

"Isn't Applebloom a little bit young to have a special somepony?" Twilight asked.

"Of course not, anypony can fall in love even as a kid. But seeing her so happy talking about her own special somepony makes me want to have one. What about you Dashie?" Pinkie asked with a big smile.

Everypony knew about the crush that Pinkie had on the daredevil for over a year, well everypony except for the oblivious Rainbow Dash herself who never once picked up on her hints. Rainbow simply shrugged, "Maybe if I find the right pony. What about you Applejack? Do you have a coltfriend?"

"No I don't have one and I'm really not looking to have one anytime soon," Applejack said honestly but a bit nervous now that they were all talking about special someponies.

"Um are you okay Applejack?" Fluttershy asked with concern. "You seem sort of nervous for some reason."

"Oh I'm fine Shy, but how could I be nervous if there's nothing to be nervous about? I just need a bow from Rarity for Applebloom's birthday and I can go on my way."

"Okay now I know that you're hiding something. You do know how bad of a liar you are right AJ?" Rainbow asked not buying what the farmer was saying.

"Ooh do you have a secret coltfriend? Cause if you do I can throw you both a huge party with cake, streamers, a piñata, cupcakes, pin the tail on the pony, and punch" Pinkie said giddy to have a reason to throw a party.

"No I really don't have a coltfriend but I appreciate the offer anyway."

"Okay then do you have a marefriend?" Pinkie asked getting strange looks from Twilight and Rainbow. "What, it's just a question. So do you AJ?"

Applejack was now beyond nervous. The door is only a little bit behind me. If I walk slowly enough then maybe I can avoid having to answer.

"I don't think that it's any of our business to know who Applejack fancies, whether it be a stallion or a mare. And if she has a special somepony then she can tell us when she sees fit" Rarity said trying to cover up for her friend who now felt a bit guilty.

These are my best friends and I can't trust them with this? If Applebloom's friends were supportive of her then my friends should too. "Thanks Rarity but they're all my friends and I shouldn't have to lie to them."

"Are you sure?" Rarity asked concerned.

Applejack simply nodded as she mentally prepared herself for what she was about to do. "Yes Pinkie, I do have a marefriend."

"Aww that's so sweet. So who is it? Is it Firefly? Surprise? Wind Whistler? Minty?" Pinkie asked curious.

"Sweet?" Rainbow asked. "Applejack is dating another mare and you think it's sweet?"

"Rainbow I'll admit that it's a bit strange but it's her decision not ours. So who is it?" Twilight asked.

Applejack gulped loudly as she began to get cold hooves. Maybe I shouldn't do this. Rainbow Dash is already against it and Twilight seems somewhere in the middle and neither of them even know who it is yet. No you can do this AJ, they're still your friends and they'll support you. After what felt like years to the farm pony, she finally managed to say just two words, "It's Applebloom."

For a moment nopony said anything as they processed what Applejack had just said. She looked at each of their faces to try and see what they were thinking; Fluttershy seemed to mostly just have a very surprised look on her face, Pinkie had the same thoughtful look that she had whenever she was planning a party, Twilight seemed to be shocked with a small bit of disgust, but Rainbow looked like she had been smashed by a boulder before she started to laugh.

"Haha that's a good one Applejack. Dating your little sister, that's probably one of the best pranks I've ever seen. You got us all good." Her laughter was only met by a glare from the farmer who was showing that she was dead serious.

"Wait just one flying feathered minute," Rainbow Dash said angrily. "You actually are dating Applebloom? Your little sister? What in the hay is wrong with you? You're like twice her age and you're sisters!"

"Rainbow Dash, it's her decision of what she does in her life not yours. If she cares about her sister in that way, then there is nothing we can do except for support her as friends," Rarity said only getting a scoff from the pegasus.

"Well maybe I would support her if it wasn't for the fact that it's her little sister that she's dating. Applebloom is just a little kid and Applejack is a full grown mare and her sister. Why would I support her dating a little kid?" Rainbow asked with venom in her tone.

"Because you're one of my best friends and because of that I thought that I could trust you with it and that you would support me and be there for me as a friend. I care about her and that's that," Applejack said matching Rainbow's glare.

"Yeah come on everypony, we shouldn't be arguing. What we should be doing is planning a party for them to celebrate," Pinkie said only to be met by a still angry Rainbow.

"Celebrate what? That Applejack is dating a kid? I think I'll pass," Rainbow said as she ditched her dress. "Go ahead and make all the excuses that you want Applejack but I will never support something disgusting like this. I'm going to be practicing my new tricks, when you need some sense knocked into you then you'll know where to find me." And with that Rainbow Dash opened the door and soared swiftly into the sky.

"Applejack I'm sorry but I have to agree with Rainbow on this one. It's just not right, she's only a child AJ" Twilight said as she headed out of the boutique herself.

Applejack let out a sigh already regretting having told her friends the truth. "If it means anything Applejack, even though it is a bit strange I'll still be there for you. If that's okay with you that is," Fluttershy said.

"Thanks Shy," AJ said still upset that two of her best friends hadn't supported her.

Rarity used her hoof to pat her on the back. "Don't worry about Rainbow, she's just being stubborn."

"Yeah I'm sure that she and Twilight will come around eventually. But in the mean time how about we start planning your party," Pinkie exclaimed while Applejack put on her best smile.

"Thanks Pinkie but I don't think I'm in the mood for a party right now."

"Oki doki loki, but I'm still going to throw you a huge party once you feel better. Ooh speaking of parties, I should throw Applebloom a huge birthday party tomorrow. I could have lots of yummy cupcakes and invite everypony in town. Could you come please?" She asked giving her best puppy dog face.

"Alright we'll be there," Applejack said knowing Pinkie wouldn't give up until she agreed; plus how could anypony say no to Pinkie when she made that face?

"Yes. Don't worry Applejack, I'll make it the best birthday party that she's ever had."

"Alright now just wait here while I make that bow you wanted," The fashion pony said before heading off to find materials in her room.

"So how long have you and Applebloom been together?" Fluttershy asked.

"About three months. I'm still not sure if the bow will be good enough of a present to give Applebloom though."

"I'm sure she'll love it. It is from her special somepony after all," Fluttershy assured.

"Yeah but if you wanted to get her another present then maybe you should try and get her something that you know that she wants," Pinkie offered.

Applejack thought for a few moments until an idea formed in her head. Something that she really wants. Of course.

After a few more minutes Rarity walked back into the room with a small wrapped box levitating in front of her. "Alright I have put the finishing touches on it and I'm absolutely sure that she'll love it."

"Thanks Rarity, I owe you one." Applejack placed the box inside her saddlebag as she headed back to the farm taking note of the time as she looked at the clock tower. Alright I have a couple hours before she gets out of school. That should be enough time to get this ready. I really hope that this works.

AN: I was going to have this chapter include the present but I'm going to put it in the next chapter because I am just too lazy right now. Anyways question time: What is Applejack's idea? Will Rainbow Dash and Twilight ever accept AJ and Applebloom's relationship? Will the party Pinkie throws for Applebloom be a success? The answers to these questions will be revealed...

Right now. She's going to destroy the CMC clubhouse, sometime during the last half of the story, and OH MY NO!

Cutie Mark Surprise

Applebloom glanced over at her older sister once again as they made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres while Applejack looked excited but upset at the same time. It really worried Applebloom and she couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong with her. Right now Applejack was leading Applebloom through the trees for her surprise AJ had called it. That was all that the young crusader knew so she could safely assume that it was an early birthday present for her. Many different ideas had popped into her head of what the surprise could be. Maybe it’s a football, or the new Haylo 4 game, or another really nice picnic for just the two of us. Looking at her sister again she saw that she had the same conflicting look in her eyes.

“Are you okay sis?” Applebloom asked concerned.

“I’m fine it’s just,” Applejack let out a sigh as she hesitated in telling Applebloom what had happened with the others. “I told the others about us.”

“What did they say? Do they hate us?”

“Well Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were fine with it but Twilight and Rainbow Dash weren’t so keen on us being together,” Applejack explained causing the little filly to look at the ground.

“Oh”

Applejack put a hoof around her little sister in comfort, “Hey don’t worry sugar, I’m sure they’ll come around eventually. Rainbow might be really stubborn but she is the element of loyalty after all.”

This seemed to at least cheer her up a little bit as she looked back at Applejack and asked, “So what’s the surprise you’re showing me?”

Applejack let out a chuckle at the change in subject. “Sorry sis but you’ll have to wait until we get there to find out. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you knew.”

“Aw come on please. Can’t I at least have a hint?” She asked giving her best puppy dog face much like the one that she had given Twilight when she had come to Ponyville for the first time.

It was the one thing about Applebloom that she dreaded, she could never say no to her with that face. She turned her head away in an attempt to avoid it, “Sorry sis but no means no.”

“Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease,” Applebloom said now in front of her sister forcing her to look at her begging expression.

Applejack let out a sigh of defeat, “Fine, your hint is that to get the surprise you’ll have to do something.”

This got Applebloom excited as she started thinking of multiple possibilities. “Will I have to buck down some apples to get it? Or maybe get rid of any rotten apples? Whatever it is I can do it.”

Applebloom was now sitting and staring slack jawed and buggy eyed looking at the remains of what used to be the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ clubhouse. "But, how, I, but, wha?" What had happened to the clubhouse?

Applejack let out a small chuckle as she put a hoof on Applebloom's shoulder. “To get your surprise all you have to do is fix this here clubhouse and make it better than ever.” She pushed a small toolbox towards her little sister.

Applebloom looked at her sister in shock and a bit of betrayal, “You destroyed the clubhouse?! How could you?”

“Don’t worry you’re cute little head about it, you’ll understand once it’s finished now get to work cutie,” Applejack said as she lay down under an apple tree where beside her there was lots of wood and paint.

Applebloom looked back at the destroyed clubhouse. What am I supposed to do? When I fixed it up the first time at least it was standing up and in one piece. But now I have to rebuild the entire thing from scratch without any kind of blueprint or schematic to help me? Ugh, this is gonna be a really long day.

Applebloom immediately got to work starting on making some stairs so that she could get back to where the clubhouse would be, then using a hammer and some nails from the toolbox she began reconstructing the floor and afterwards the walls but left a few small openings to use as windows along with a narrow place to put a door, then she started working on the roof by making the design similar to a pyramid, and then finally she began working on the lookout post that she had made a while ago. After painting the clubhouse she walked over to her sister exhausted from all of the work.

“I’m… done…” She said between breathes as she laid down herself.

“Hm… I don’t know; it doesn’t seem to have the same pizazz as the old clubhouse.” Although she did think it was really good, but it hadn’t accomplished what she had hoped but what could she do? Taking a glimpse at the toolbox gave her an idea; Applebloom had only used paint, a hammer, and nails in order to build the clubhouse and looking back at it, it seemed that some of the wood wasn’t leveled correctly. “Why don’t you try using more of these tools to get it done better?”

Applebloom opened up the toolbox looking unsure, “But I don’t even know what these kinds of tools are. How am I supposed to use them?”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure that you’ll figure it out,” AJ said. “But remember that you can’t get that surprise unless you fix the clubhouse just right.”

Applebloom sighed as she grabbed the handle of the toolbox with her teeth and headed back over to the clubhouse. As she set it down she examined the work that she had done so far and was actually a bit disappointed with herself. She had missed several cracks in the walls, she hadn’t painted it properly, and the roof wasn’t aligned correctly. She looked back into the toolbox to see what tools were inside and pulled out what looked like some kind of ruler so she assumed that it was for measuring better. She pulled out a few more tools and was surprised to find that she was figuring out what each of them did quite quickly. After what seemed to be hours, she was able to fix the rest of the clubhouse though it left her exhausted.

Applejack looked up to see the progress and her jaw was now agape for two different reasons. The first was from seeing the amazing clubhouse that Applebloom had just finished which looked amazing. The second reason was because looking at Applebloom her idea had worked although the filly was extremely tired from working so much so she got up and walked over to the filly that was now lying down on her back breathing heavily.

“Are you alright sugar?” AJ asked.

“I’m… fine… I’m… just… tired” Applebloom managed to say between her breaths while she noticed her sister smiling down at her. “What? Do I have some paint on me?”

“Applebloom, look at your flank”

For a moment she was confused about her sister’s request until she sat up and looked at her flank where she couldn’t believe what her eyes were seeing. On her flank was what appeared to be an apple with a hammer imprinted in front of it. “My cutie mark! I have my cutie mark?!” Applebloom began hoping around overjoyed and hugged her sister tightly. “Thank you thank you thank you thank you.”

“You’re welcome sugar, now could you please let go? You’re squeezing me pretty hard right now." Once Applebloom softened her grip, AJ gave her a small kiss. “You really like your surprise don’t you?”

“Like it? It’s the best thing anypony has ever gotten me. I finally have my cutie mark,” Applebloom said still happy until a thought crossed her mind. “But what about Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo? We can’t be the Cutie Mark Crusaders if I have my cutie mark.”

“Of course you can. Isn’t the CMC’s goal to get each of you your cutie marks? As far as I can see only one of the three of you have your cutie marks.”

“I guess so”

“Well with that attitude maybe I shouldn’t give you your other present early," AJ said pretending to scold her.

“Another present? What is it?!” Applebloom asked curious but still ecstatic.

“Well while I was at the Boutique, I got Rarity to make something just for you but you have to close your eyes”

Applebloom didn’t say anything as she closed her eyes excited to get something else from Applejack, hopefully another kiss. Applejack pulled out the box from her saddle and started to take out the bow that was already in Applebloom’s mane. “What are you doing?”

“Just trust me okay.” After she took it out, she placed the new bow carefully into the filly’s mane. “Alright now open your eyes.”

Applebloom opened her eyes looking in a mirror that Applejack had borrowed from Rarity. In her hair was a new bright blue bow that had beautiful floral stitching along the sides, and was encrusted with a few rubies. “This is amazing, thank you sis.”

“You’re welcome sugar, now why don’t we go show the family your brand new cutie mark and your new bow?” Applejack offered making Applebloom excited.

“Yeah I want to see the look on their faces when they see them," Applebloom said starting to run off to the house before calling out behind her. "Come on sis."

Applejack immediately began chasing after the filly while thinking of what had happened with the others earlier that day. Why didn't Rainbow Dash and Twilight support me about this? I thought that they of all ponies would be there for me considering that they're two of my best friends and Rainbow being the element of loyalty for pete's sake. How could both of them say that what I feel is wrong? How can something that feels so wonderful and perfect possibly be wrong?

Applejack looked beside her as she caught up to Applebloom who had the most cutest expression of happiness and eagerness that she had ever seen. It filled her heart with joy seeing Applebloom so happy especially when she was the one to provide that happiness. Don't think about that stuff now. The only thing that matters right now is keeping Applebloom safe and happy. As long as she's happy then I don't care if Celestia herself doesn't approve of us.

"Come on slowpoke," AJ said as she picked up the filly by her mane and put her on her back. "You need to rest a bit after all of that hard work."

"Okay sis and thanks. I love you." Applebloom said as she hugged her sister from behind causing her to blush.

"I love you too sugar"

Applejack had now abandoned all of her bad thoughts. She would change Twilight and Rainbow's minds someday but right now she was ready to show off her little sister's brand new cutie mark to her family and make them as proud of Applebloom as she was. But little did she know that this was the calm before the storm.

AN: Sorry for the wait, I've been a bit lazy lately but the wait for chapter four will not be as long for it will be up by tomorrow or the next day. I would have added more detail to Applebloom building the clubhouse but I don't know anything about that kind of stuff.

Sour Apples

Granny Smith was rocking back in forth in her chair after a long day thinking of what to do with what she had been told earlier in the market while she had been getting a few groceries. Was what that rainbow pony said about my two granddaughters true? She desperately hoped that it wasn't. There was no way that they would do such a vile and disgusting thing like that. Would they? In the blink of an eye Applebloom came running into the house hopping up and down with joy.

"Granny look what Applejack helped me get for an early birthday present," She said showing off her cutie mark.

"Well I'll be a possom soaked in honey, you finally did it," She said in as proud of a tone as she could. "I see you have a new bow there too."

"Yeah, she got Rarity to make it just for me, isn't it great?"

"Alright Applebloom how about you go and show off your brand new cutie mark to Big Mac," Applejack said chuckling a bit from her little sister's excitement.

"Okay sis," Applebloom said as she excitingly ran off to find their brother.

Granny looked over at Applejack who was looking out the front door where Applebloom had just gone through with a smile that she had only seen with ponies that were in love. So it is true. Just as Applejack was about to head into the kitchen to get something to eat, she heard Granny speak to her.

"Not so fast there Applejack I need to talk to you about something," Granny said in a surprisingly angry but calm tone that startled Applejack a bit.

"What about Granny?" She asked curious but a bit fearful.

"How long?" She asked confusing Applejack.

"How long what? Since she got her cutie mark? Well she got it just about half an hour ago but-"

"I'm not talking about her cutie mark," Granny interrupted. "What I mean is how long have you been fooling around with her?"

"W-what do you mean?" Applejack asked having a small suspicion. There's no way that she knows about us. We haven't told anypony except for the others and they said that they wouldn't tell anypony.

"You know exactly what I mean. I may be old but I ain't blind. I've seen the way that you two always look at each other and your rainbow friend told me about it as well. So I'm going to ask again, how long have you two been going on like this?" She asked with clear disgust in her voice.

Applejack gulped nervously while cursing Rainbow Dash under her breath. This was it, the cat was out of the bag. "Th...three months."

"I'll admit that I'm impressed you managed to keep it a secret for so long but that doesn't make it any less disgusting and wrong."

Now Applejack was getting angry herself. "And what's wrong with two ponies loving each other?"

"Everything is wrong with it if they are both mares and especially if they're sisters. Plus Applebloom is only a small filly. Colts are meant to love mares and mares are meant to love colts. Ain't nothing else to it."

"And who's the one that decided that? Nopony chooses to fall in love with anypony especially a little filly. But I care about Applebloom more than anything in the whole world and nothing you say or do will ever change that," Applejack said now returning the glare Granny Smith was giving her. She thought she had seen a brief smirk on her face but ignored it as she heard Applebloom and Big Mac come in a couple minutes later.

"Granny, sis, what's going on?" Applebloom asked seeing the two still glaring at each other.

Without turning away Applejack as calmly as she could said, "Applebloom go up to your room."

"But why?" Applebloom asked confused.

"Trust me sis please just go up to your room."

Applebloom usually would have hated being treated like a kid by not being told when something was happening but she could tell that something serious was going on between her sister and her granny. Plus she didn't want to upset her sister so she quickly went to the stairs but stopped when she heard Granny call out to her.

"Applebloom stay downstairs. I don't think that you'll want to be away from your marefriend now would you?" Granny Smith asked causing Applebloom to freeze up in fear and Big Mac to gain a look of utter confusion.

"Applebloom has a marefriend?"

"That's right but not just any mare though, but our dear Applejack"

Big Mac looked back and forth between both of his sisters in confusion and a bit of disgust. "You two are..."

Applejack turned toward him with a glare still on her face. "Yes, we are. Is there a problem with that?"

"Look AJ... I'm sorry but you and Applebloom being together like this is just... wrong"

At this point Applebloom was trying her best to hide behind her sister now realizing what was happening. Both Big Mac and Granny Smith knew about her and Applejack and neither of them approved of them being together.

"Look AJ you can't do something like this. You know that ponies won't take kindly to something like this," Big Mac said trying to convince his sister that what she was doing was wrong.

"I don't care what either of you say but I love Applebloom more than anything in the world and I won't let you take her away from me," Applejack said.

"Then get out," Granny said. "I won't have any fillyfoolers on my farm."

"Granny I admit that what they're doing is wrong but you can't kick them off of the farm. This is their home just as much as it is yours and mine," Big Mac said a bit surprised by what Granny Smith was saying.

"Don't get your mane in a twist I'm not kicking them both out, only Applejack. Applebloom is just a little foal who is starting to grow into a teenager, she's just going through hormones. While Applejack on the other hoof should be able to control her emotions to not do something like this. She's brought shame and disgrace to the Apple family name and I won't let an abomination like this on my farm," Granny accused Applejack who stood her ground.

"No."

Everypony even Applejack was surprised to hear Applebloom speak up as she glared at her Granny.

"What did you just say to me?" Granny asked angrily.

"I said no. I'm not going through hormones, I love her just as much as she loves me and if you send her away then you have to send me with her."

For a moment Granny Smith simply glared at them both until she finally spoke with pure venom in her voice, "Then what are you two waiting for? Get the buck off of this farm and never come back."

"Granny you can't do this," Big Mac said.

"Darn tootin' I can do this, I am the owner of this farm aren't I? And I'm the eldest so what I say goes and I say that I want both of these two fillyfoolers off of my farm," Granny said giving the two sisters a look that could disinigrate them on the spot if looks could kill.

Applebloom felt a hoof turn her around and lead her outside of the barn. Once they were out of earshot Granny let out a pleased sigh while Big Mac looked over at her with dissapointment. "Did you really have to do that?"

"Yes I did, I'm not going to allow two fillyfoolers to be on this farm."

"What about what's best for the farm? I can't do everything all by myself, I'll need help."

"Don't worry, your marefriend Flutterfly said that she would help whenever she wasn't taking care of her animals."

"Her name is Fluttershy. And are you sure that she'll be able to help with apple bucking? No offense to her but she isn't the strongest pony."

"True but she is a resilient one that mare. I remember her helping us in that race we had against those no good cider sales ponies, so I'm sure she'll do fine."

"Alright then," Big Mac said as he started up to his room but not before looking back where his two sisters had left. "I'm sorry you two."

Once Applebloom and Applejack reached the edge of the farm, Applebloom's tears began to fall while Applejack was doing her best to comfort the poor filly as much as she could. "It'll be okay sugar, everything will turn out alright."

"Why was Granny mad at us? Is us loving each other really wrong like she said?" Applebloom asked tears still pouring from her eyes.

"Granny has always been raised in the old ways and I guess some things never change but don't listen to her alright? Loving somepony isn't wrong, it's like when you read a book. It might seem like a strange story from the cover and title but if you take the time to look at what's inside then you just might find something pretty wonderful. And I can't think of anything more wonderful then seeing you happy so can I please see that adorable smile of yours?" Applejack asked.

Applebloom whipped a few tears out of her eyes as best as she could and gave a small faltering smile that went away quickly. "Where are we going to go now?"

"We'll probably have to stay at someone's house until we can try and change Granny's mind about this, if we can. Want to stay over at Rarity's for now?" She asked hoping that Applebloom would at least like to be able to hang out with Sweetie Belle.

"Sure." Was the only response that she got which hurt her a bit.

"Applebloom trust me, everything will work out you'll see."

"How did she find out?" Applebloom asked curiously.

"Well she noticed how we looked at each other occasionally but always brushed it off as nothing. But what made her suspicions correct were when Rainbow Dash told her about us," AJ explained causing the filly to look upset.

"Rainbow told her?! But why would she do that?"

"I'm not sure but what I do know is that I will make things better for us, for you."

"Do you promise?"

"Pinkie Promise," Applejack said placing Applebloom on her back once again. "Now try to get some sleep alright? It's been a long day and you need your rest."

Applebloom simply nodded as she curled up and shut her eyes, drifting off to sleep. After close to half an hour Applejack finally reached the Boutique and knocked on the door several times. Once the door opened, Rarity looked at the two sisters in confusion, "Oh hello Applejack darling. Is everything alright? Why are you both here at such a late hour? Not to be rude but I was just about to get my beauty sleep before I heard you knock."

"Well we... we need a place to stay," Applejack said straight to the point. Rarity though confused said nothing as she let the two in noticing Applebloom's cutie mark.

"So I take it that was your idea for her then huh?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, I had to demolish her clubhouse so that she could fix it though but I couldn't be more proud of her for it."

"I see, well I can say that I'm quite proud of her too. She finally figured out what her talent is. If only Sweetie Belle could do the same. Anyway why do you two need somewhere to stay?" Rarity asked confused.

"Well, Granny Smith found out about us thanks to Rainbow Dash and she didn't exactly have anything nice to say about it. We can't stay at the farm anymore."

"Well there isn't much room for you both but I can't turn away a friend who needs help. Are you sure that Rainbow Dash told her?"

"Granny even said it herself."

"Well don't worry about her, she really needs to grow up and stop being so immature. You two can stay here as long as you need to."

"Thanks Rarity."

"But of course dear. You'll both have to sleep in the guest room that is down the hall from my room for now but I'll try and talk some sense into both of them tomorrow."

"Rarity I've been wondering for a while now but, why is it that you don't care about me and Applebloom's relationship?" Applejack asked.

"Well I do have quite the similar situation considering I do have feelings for a baby dragon but all in all it is your choice not mine or anypony else's."

"So when are you planning on telling Spike? You already know that he loves you."

"I know but like you and Applebloom's relationship, not many ponies would approve of us. I am much older than him even by pony years and we are completely different species."

"I don't think anypony would really mind you two together, after all everyone knows how Spike feels about you and they act like its a normal thing," Applejack said.

"I guess you do have a point. What are you going to do about Granny and Rainbow?"

"I don't know yet but there has to be someway that I can change their minds."

"I'm sure that you'll figure out something. Now like I said earlier it is quite late and I desperately need my beauty sleep from such a long work day. Good night Applejack and I hope that things work out for both of you," Rarity said as she headed back up to her room with Applejack following behind.

Once inside the small guest room, Applejack carefully placed Applebloom underneath the covers of the bed. Just as she got into the bed herself she heard Applebloom whimper in her sleep with a few tears escaping her closed eyes. Applejack placed a protecting hoof around her little sister and pulled her close to her. I promise that I won't let you get hurt sugar. She gave Applebloom a quick peck on her cheek before shutting her eyes and drifting off into a deep sleep.

AN: .... Gosh dang it Rainbow, why are you doing this to them? Wait why am I asking that when I know? Hope you all enjoyed this chapter although I feel like something's missing in it, I don't really know how to explain it. Also if anyone saw any grammar errors please show them to me so that I can fix them. Thank you.

The Calm Before The Storm

Applejack slowly opened her eyes to see Applebloom curled up with her muzzle on her shoulder. She smiled at the cute sight as she kissed her on the forehead gently and quietly got out of bed. Once she was up, she felt something wet on the shoulder that Applebloom had been laying on and frowned as she recalled yesterday’s events. Up side; my little sis has finally gotten her cutie mark and three of my friends are supportive of us. Down side; Twilight and especially Rainbow Dash are against me and Applebloom caring for each other like this, plus Granny won’t let us go back to the farm. What are we going to do?

She heard Applebloom start to mumble something while moving her hooves almost like she was running. Applejack placed a hoof on the side of her face which gradually caused the filly to calm down a bit she continued to mumble coherently. The only words that she was able to pick up were, “Please stop.”

“Everything will turn out okay little sis, I won’t let anything happen to you,” She whispered to her as she started waking up.

“Promise?”

“I promise sugarcube, now what were you dreaming about?” She asked concerned as she sat on the bed.

“I… I was dreaming that everyone in school knew about us and was calling me names and hitting and kicking me. I tried to run away but they all followed after me. I was looking everywhere trying to find you but no matter where I went there were more ponies that started to chase me too. They kept saying that they were going to get rid of me like they did to you.”

Tears threatened to fall again as Applejack hugged her tightly, letting the filly loose. “It’s alright sugarcube, it was just a dream.

I’m right here, no one is gonna hurt you,” She said reassuringly, running a hoof through the filly’s mane as she started to sing.

Come stop you’re crying it will be alright

Just take my hoof, hold it tight

I will protect you from all around you

I will be here don’t you cry

For one so small, you seem so strong

My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm

This bond between us, can’t be broken

I will be here, don’t you cry

Cause you’ll be in my heart

Yes you’ll be in my heart

From this day on, now and forever more

You’ll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You’ll be here in my heart, always.

She finished as Applebloom still sniffed a few times but seemed to be much calmer than before. “Now can I please see that adorable smile of yours?”

Applebloom wiped the tears off her face and gave the best smile she could. “How’s this?”

"Good, but I want to see that wonderful smile that I fell in love with. But if you aren’t up to it then I guess…”Applejack grinned devilishly as she looked at her sister’s stomach.

Within seconds, Applebloom’s eyes widened in fear knowing what her sister was about to do. “Sis, don’t you dare-“

She didn’t get to finish as Applejack began tickling the poor filly senselessly making her giggle and squirm uncontrollably. “Sis, stop,” She begged to no avail as Applejack only tickled her even faster.

“What was that? I can’t tell what you’re saying when you’re laughing so much,” She teased as the filly tried to pull away.

“Sis I can’t take it, please stop it.”

“Don’t stop? Alright if you insist,” She said as she managed to tickle her even faster. “Say you’re sorry for making me worry and I’ll stop.”

“Okay I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Much to her joy, Applejack finally let the filly catch her breath. “See? That wasn’t so hard now was it?” She gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “No matter what happens I’ll be there to keep you safe. Now how about we get you to school, birthday girl?”

“Okay.” After one more hug, the two headed downstairs where she was greeted by her fellow crusaders who were bouncing in excitement.

“What’s up Applebloom? What are you and Applejack doing here at Rarity’s? When did you get your cutie mark? How’d you get your cutie mark? Why is your face wet?”

“Calm down you two. She just woke up, so save your questions for school alright?” Applejack instructed.

“Okay Applejack. Come on Applebloom, you just gotta tell us how you got your cutie mark,” Scootaloo said as the three headed out. Applejack rolled her eyes as she noticed Rarity looking around the Boutique frantically for something.

“Oh where is it, where is it?”

“Where’s what?” Applejack asked with a yawn.

“Oh good morning Applejack, I think that I’ve run out of a special fabric for a fashion line for one of my clients but I don’t have the time to go out and buy more. I have far too many other orders to fill out. I wanted to ask if you could go out for me but I didn’t want to wake you or Applebloom up so early.”

Applejack looked over at the closest clock. “Early? It’s almost eight, Applebloom’s already on her way to school.”

“Sorry, I’m just very stressed at the moment. I need to get these orders filled out by tomorrow and losing needed materials isn’t helping.”

“It’s alright Rarity; I’m used to getting up early remember? I can run on down to the market for you, it really isn’t any trouble.”

“Thank you so much Applejack. This should be enough to cover the cost for all the fabric I need,” She said as she levitated a bag filled with bits to Applejack. “And if there’s anything extra, you can buy a little something for yourself and Applebloom.”

“Are you sure? I really don’t want to keep any of your money.”

“It’s quite alright my dear, I think that you need some money a little more than I do right now. Also after you’re done I’m sure that Pinkie Pie will want some help setting up Applebloom’s birthday party at Sugarcube Corner. I’m sure that Applebloom would love it if you did.

Applejack was now walking down the street after giving the fabric that Rarity needed with about 12 bits leftover, although the pony at the stand had seemed in a very big rush to get rid of her. She looked around noticing Berry Punch and her little sister Berry Pinch helping Rose and Lily in a garden. Applejack smiled and waved to them but to her confusion, Berry Punch picked up her little sister saying, “Stay away from her,” as all three mares ran into the flower shop.

“What in tarnation?”

As she continued to Sugarcube Corner, she constantly had ponies run away from her in fear the instant they noticed her. It was starting to really irritate her. “Oh for goodness sake, what is wrong with everypony today?”

“Maybe they’re busy,” Pinkie said coming out of nowhere startling Applejack.

“Busy? Some of the ponies were doing things like gardening, shopping, or just walking.”

“Hmm, maybe they think that you’re part of an evil corporation with an unfortunate acronym that teams up with coyotes to blow up a fast bird,” Pinkie guessed making Applejack put a hoof to her face.

“I don’t think that’s why… never mind. Anyways, what are you doing out here Pinks?”

"I'm just getting some of the stuff I need to make Applebloom a super rare awesome chocolaty fudge coated mega super party. What about you?"

"I was actually on my way to Sugarcube Corner to help with the party."

"Perfect. With my setting-up-parties skills and your apples, this will be the best birthday party ever in the history of birthday parties. Let's go," Pinkie said excited as she ran towards the shop, dragging the farm pony with her. Once there, Applejack observed the preparations that had been set up thus far and was really impressed though felt that Pinkie had went a bit overboard making everything relate to apples; hats, napkins, balloons, food, everything except for the piñata which was an orange.

"Well? What do you think? Isn't it just like I said?"

"Other than being chocolaty fudge coated, yes."

"What did you think the last thing I needed to pick up was?" Pinkie remarked rhetorically as she pulled out a jar of chocolate from nowhere. "Now the apples can be 47% better."

“Not that I’m not grateful Pinkie, but do you think you went a bit overboard with this apple theme?”

“Well I thought for a while about what I should have the parties theme be and the first thing that came to mind is the thing she loves,” She winked slyly causing the farmer to blush.

“So, is anyone else coming to the party?”

“Now that you mention it, I think only Rarity, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo accepted the invitations. Everyone else that I tried to ask to come either slammed the door in my face or said they would never want to go anywhere near disgusting ponies and then slammed a door in my face. How mean is that?”

Applejack wasn’t sure that she liked the sound of that. Ponies didn’t want to go to Applebloom’s party because they didn’t want to be around disgusting ponies? But, if that really was why they didn’t come then how could they have… No. No… Rainbow Dash wouldn’t do that… Would she? She did tell Granny Smith but… she wouldn’t tell anyone else… right?

Just at that moment, Applejack felt a sharp pain in her shoulder like someone had tried to smash it with their hoof. “You okay Applejack? What’s wrong?”

“It’s my shoulder, it…” Stopped. The pain left as quick as it had started. But why? She felt a new strange feeling in her gut, one she always hated. The feeling where you knew that something really bad was about to happen, but you could never know when or where or why or how. All she could do was hope that it didn’t have anything to do with Applebloom. “Never mind, it stopped.”

“Well if you’re sure then let’s drown this place in chocolate,” Pinkie yelled out now having ten big jars of cocoa on her back. How…?

“O-kay.” For the next few minutes all the two did was put chocolate on nearly all of the apples and mostly on the piñata that Applejack was trying her best to resist breaking open herself. After setting up a few more balloons, the party was set and Applejack was ecstatic.

“So?” Pinkie asked expectantly.

“You outdid yourself again Pinks, thanks a ton for everything.”

“No problem, it’s what friends are for, to help each other when they need it and to make them happy when they’re down. Now all we need to do is go and find Applebloom and bring her here so we can have ourselves an awesome party.”

And with that the two proceeded outside where Applejack was met with a sight that she wished that she never had to see. She saw Applebloom in the distance running though the street towards her, seeming to have tears pouring down her face more than a tsunami, and she seemed to have a massive bruise on the same shoulder that Applejack had felt pain in a few minutes ago. “Applebloom?!”

Schoolyard Troubles

“Did that really happen?” Scootaloo asked in shock as the three fillies walked to the school. Applebloom had explained everything that had happened since yesterday; Applejack telling the rest of her friends the truth, getting her cutie mark, Granny kicking her and sis off of the farm, everything. Neither of her friends could believe it. “I don’t believe it. Your granny is super nice.”

“Yeah she is, but I guess not to ponies like me and Applejack.”

“But what’s so bad about having a relationship with your sister?” Sweetie Belle asked confused. “Cheerilee said that you should always have a strong relationship with your family.”

“I don’t think that she meant it like that Sweetie. Two sisters liking each other isn’t something anypony usually approves of. They think that it’s disgusting, wrong, against nature, and lots of other stuff,” Applebloom explained gloomy.

“But did Rainbow Dash actually tell her about the two of you?” Scootaloo asked still in disbelief that her idol would do anything like that. “She’s always loyal to her friends no matter what happens. Why would she abandon Applejack just because she cares about you in a different way?”

“Cuz just like Granny, she thinks it’s disgusting and wrong for sisters to like each other, especially when one of them is only a filly.”

“Maybe she’ll eventually change her mind when she realizes how much you two really care about each other,” Sweetie offered optimistically. “So you actually got your cutie mark?” Sweetie added trying to change the sour mood.

“Yeah, it was a lot of hard work and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I almost fainted when I saw it, though I’m not sure if it was from getting it or from fixing the club house. You two aren’t mad about it are you?”

“Why would we be mad?” Scootaloo asked giving her a nudge. “Isn’t getting our cutie marks the reason we became friends in the first place? Now that you have your cutie mark, we have somepony in our group who’s experienced. Once a crusader, always a crusader.”

Hearing this cheered the bow wearing filly up a bit. She actually already knew what both of her friends special talents were but she didn’t want to spoil it for them. She wanted the two of them to discover it for themselves, though it was kinda weird how neither of them could figure it out when their names made it pretty obvious. “Thanks.”

Eventually, the three fillies found themselves standing in front of the schoolhouse. Applebloom didn’t share as much enthusiasm as the others as they headed into the classroom to be greeted by their teacher. To their slight confusion, Cheerilee looked a bit uncomfortable around them and spoke a bit awkwardly. “Hello girls, glad that you all made it. I hope you’ve had a good morning so far.”

“Yeah, great,” Applebloom said as cheerfully as she could.

“Is something wrong?”

“She’s just having some uh, family issues right now,” Scootaloo explained.

“Well, I hope that whatever is wrong with her and her family will be better soon,” She said in a tone they couldn’t pin down. Regardless, the fillies all went to their designated seats but for some reason when Applebloom sat down, everypony around her scooted away. When she looked at them for an explanation, they all looked away trying to avoid any eye contact. She tried to ignore them as she focused on the lesson that was now starting.

Lunchtime couldn’t have taken any longer to arrive for the crusaders, Applebloom the most. Everyone, even Ms. Cheerilee, seemed to be treating her differently than usual. Even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon hadn’t done or said anything to her, yet. As she sat down eating her hay sandwich, she saw out of the corner of her eye a small group of ponies looking at her strangely. But when she moved her head towards them, they looked away minding their own business.

“What’s wrong with everyone today?” Scootaloo wondered what all three were thinking as they looked around at other colts and fillies that were glimpsing at them.

“Do we have anything on our faces?” Sweetie asked trying to rub an imaginary object off her face.

“Maybe they’re noticing your cutie mark,” Scootaloo guessed.

“I don’t think everypony in class is going to look at me weird just because I finally have my cutie mark.”

“Maybe it’s because of how you smell.”

And there was the yet. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were now standing near them, eyeing Applebloom with disgust. “When’s the last time you took a shower?”

“Yeah, you do smell just a little Applebloom,” Sweetie admitted sheepishly.

“What do you two want?” Applebloom asked.

“Well I guess to say congratulations for finally getting a cutie mark. Though I don’t think a pony like you deserves one.”

“A pony like me?” Applebloom questioned with a glare.

“Of course; I mean anypony as sick in the head as you shouldn’t be allowed to have the wondrousness that is a cutie mark.”

“What are you talking about?” She asked a bit worried. They couldn’t possibly know about her and Applejack.

“Oh don’t play innocent, everyone knows what you are. Though if you change your ways for the better then maybe we all can have things be how they’re supposed to be.”

“W-what do you mean?” Applebloom didn’t like this one bit. It sounded like Diamond Tiara actually knew about her. But how could she possibly have found out?

“Again with playing innocent, when will you learn? Since you’re too stupid to figure it out on your own, I’ll explain it to you nice and simple. Everyone in Ponyville knows that you’re dating your sister.”

…No. This was just another nightmare, it had to be. There was no way that they could know this. Unless… “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Are you seriously going to keep playing the innocent card or are you going to be honest like your sis? Rainbow Dash made sure to have everyone know about the two of you so it’s not like lying will do you any good,” Diamond said smugly.

Applebloom couldn’t believe what she was hearing at all as she instinctively started to slowly back away from the duo. Luckily, Sweetie and Scootaloo stood in front of her in defense. “So what if she is? If they care about each other that way, then why does it matter?” Scootaloo stated.

“Why does it matter? She’s a freak. For one, they’re both girls. Two, they’re not even the same age. And most importantly, they’re sisters. If that’s not enough to deem her as a disgusting reject of nature then I don’t know what would. But don’t worry Applebloom; I know how to make this all go away.”

“H-how?” She asked now cowering against the side of the school.

“All you really have to do is break up with your sister and abandon your two friends,” She explained with a smirk. “Nothing major,” She added making it grow.

“Leave her alone Tiara,” Sweetie demanded.

“Or what? Are you gonna try and squeak me to death? What are you going to do to stop me Wimpy Belle?”

“Hey, no one talks to Sweetie like that,” Scootaloo stated angrily as she got in the bully’s face.

“Ooh, I’m so scared of the flightless pegasus. You wouldn’t want your parents to know that you got in a fight. Oh wait, that’s right, you don’t have any.”

It took the combined strength of her friends to stop Scootaloo from causing a massacre. “Let me go, I’m tearing her to shreds.”

“Looks like someone can’t control that little temper of theirs, just like her ‘big sister’,” She taunted making Scootaloo even madder.

“I’m gonna beat her down to a pulp,” She yelled still unable to get past her friends.

Diamond simply rolled her eyes and looked back to Applebloom. “Well former blank flank, what do ya say?”

What do I say? Applebloom looked to Sweetie Belle who was doing her best to calm Scootaloo down. They were there for me when I told them the truth, they didn’t just abandon me. “Thanks for the offer, but no.”

Diamond looked at her baffled with her mouth hung open. “Did you just say no? Don’t you realize that nopony in this town is going to respect you or treat you with any decency for being a freak? I’m offering you a safe haven and you say no?!”

“That’s right. I’m not abandoning my best friends just because others think that I’m doing something wrong. Unless this is actually hurting you in some way, then you shouldn’t have any problems with it. And you’re one to talk about having no family when all you have is your dad who’s always working, so if you think about it, you don’t have parents either.”

This was the last straw for her. Diamond Tiara tackled Applebloom and began stomping on her right shoulder repeatedly as hard as she could. “I’ll teach you to disrespect me you little freak.”

“Get off her.” Scootaloo managed to tackle Tiara as well, pining her on the ground while Sweetie ran over to Applebloom whose shoulder was now bruised.

“Come on Applebloom, I’ll get you to the hospital,” Sweetie tried to lift her up but Applebloom swatted her away as she ran as fast as she could, ignoring the searing pain in her shoulder. “Applebloom wait.”

She didn’t show any signs that she heard her friend as she ran all over town trying to find her sister while avoiding as many ponies as she could who were thankfully keeping their distance from her. She looked around every street but didn’t see her anywhere. Maybe she’s at the farm bucking the apple trees, or maybe she’s still at Rarity’s.

“Applebloom?!”

Was that? Applebloom looked and saw her sister and Pinkie Pie standing outside of Sugarcube Corner looking at her with shock and worry. Applebloom ran straight for Applejack and hugged her tighter than she ever had. “Applebloom, what happened? Why aren’t you in school and why’s your shoulder like this?”

“I… it… my dream…” She managed to say through her painful sobs.

“Come on, we need to get you some help.”

“I think Fluttershy’s close by. She’ll know what to do,” Pinkie said.

“Don’t bother,” A voice said behind them. Applejack turned to see none other than the one who had abandoned her, and now the one who was looking satisfied that Applebloom was hurt. “Don't you love that moment when you give someone advice, they don’t listen to you, then you sit back and watch everything you predicted happen?” Rainbow asked with a grin.

Just Desserts (edited)

“What do you want Rainbow?” Applejack demanded the pegasus who tried to look as innocent as possible.

“Why so serious AJ? I’m just enjoying the fact that I was right. I told you that it was wrong that you two were together and now the whole town knows it as well.”

“Why do you hate it so much? What effect does me caring for my little sister have on you?”

“Many things; for a start, one of my best friends, the element of honesty, kept something like this a secret from us for three months. I simply made it so that you didn’t have to keep it a secret any longer. And as for the other reasons; I think I already told you, didn’t I? So am I really all that bad?”

“You are if you’re enjoying seeing a filly in pain.”

“Ah yes, that. Is it wrong for those who do terrible things get what they deserve, Applejack? Is it?”

“She hasn’t does anything to deserve this, you’re sick.”

“I’m sick? May I remind you of the one who’s dating their little sister? I’ll give you a hint; her name rhymes with Applesmack.”

For a moment, Applejack simply glared at the smug pegasus, keeping herself as calm as possible. “…Pinkie.”

“Yeah?” She asked uncertainly.

“Take Applebloom to Fluttershy and get that bruise patched up.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“Whatever it takes to keep her safe.”

Apparently Rainbow Dash thought this was funny as she started laughing manically. “Yes, have her leave. After all, you do want her to be as safe as possible don’t you? I guess having her out of your sights is the safest place,” She taunted still cackling.

It stopped the moment Applejack’s front hoof hit her face, causing her to fall back several yards, body sprawled out on the road. Rainbow Dash groaned as she sat up and rubbed her hoof to her mouth, wiping away the trickle of blood coming from her lip. “So that’s how it’s going to be.” With a quick flap, she soared straight for the farm pony. The two collided, becoming a ball of chaos, as they rolled around on the ground, punching, kicking, and slamming each other into the ground.

Applejack was able to get to her hooves first, as Rainbow Dash tried to rise, the earth pony mare charged for the cyan pegasus mare! Applejack lowered her head, striking Rainbow Dash in the side with a head-butt. Luckily Rainbow’s wing was raised up, so Applejack only struck her side and not her precious wing.

Rainbow Dash soon found it to be a bit of a mistake, feeling the air leave her lungs. Instead of fighting against it, and allowing herself to be T-boned, she rolled with it, absorbing it. This gave Rainbow Dash the momentum needed to roll to the left side of

Applejack, with a sadistic grin, the prismatic mare punched Applejack in the face.

The orange earth pony rolled on the ground for a few seconds. This time it was Applejack’s turn to wipe blood from her muzzle. The left side of her face throbbed with pain, making it hard to keep her left eye open and focused. Still, her eyes never left the image of the mare she once called friend. Applejack stood up, shakily, but she still rose up, staring daggers at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash flapped her wings once again, propelling herself right towards Applejack. She could feel it, the adrenaline rushing through her veins, her rose colored eyes blazing with cruel pleasure. Dash prepared to slam her right hoof into Applejack’s face once again, full force. But that wasn’t the case.

Applejack didn’t make a move, not yet, waiting for the right moment, the perfect opening. The moment that Rainbow Dash came into range Applejack stood on her hind legs, hooking her left foreleg and effectively clotheslining the rainbow maned mare. The orange earth pony then brought Rainbow Dash forward, hitting her with a knee to the stomach, making her fall on the ground once again. “You’re predictable RD, I’ve seen all your moves.”

“Have you?” With a grin, Rainbow Dash shot and spun in a circle, hitting Applejack with her tail over and over. Applejack was thrown off balance by the assault, stumbling about from the multiple hits. Finally stopping, RD kicked Applejack in the face, sending the blonde maned pony back to the ground. “Predictable am I? Why don’t you just give up?”

Applejack tried to stand up but Rainbow simply stomped on her back, repeatedly, over and over again. Rainbow Dash stopped her assault for a moment, surveying her handy work. Applejack lied there in a heap, gasping and wheezing from the stomping blows of the pegasus, struggling to get back on her hooves.

“What’s the matter farm girl? I thought you wanted a fight. I wonder what your parents would think of you if they were alive. I doubt that they would be impressed or proud.” Her eyes seemed to give off a malicious aura, almost reveling in the mare’s pain.

“Er… this… ugh…”

“What’s that Applejack? I couldn’t hear you through your gasping breaths.” Rainbow Dash watched, curiously, as the earth pony mare started to rise up, shaking, but not with fear.

“This… is for Applebloom!!!” With a speed that matched Dash’s, Applejack elbowed the pegasus in the face! Rainbow Dash eyes went wide, pain surging through her as AJ’s elbow dug into her muzzle. The rainbow maned mare stumbled backwards on her hind legs, covering her face with her forehooves as she screamed in pain!

This was her chance; it was time to pay back her former friend! Applejack threw herself at Rainbow Dash, tackling her to the ground, and pinning both of Dash’s forelegs! Everything was in slow motion, Applejack’s emerald eyes burned with rage! The blonde maned mare began hitting Rainbow in the face without pause or rhythm, just rage, all of her rage! “This is for me!!” One hit across the left cheek, crimson blood flying from her mouth and nose. “For Applebloom!!” She threw another punch, harder than the last, across the right cheek, making even more blood fly out. Applejack paused for a brief second, looking over Rainbow’s face before she decided it wasn’t enough. “For everything else!!!” Applejack raised both her forehooves overhead, ready to bring down like a hammer! One more blow, one more, then Applebloom and herself would be safe from her.

“Applejack stop,” Pinkie cried out just before Applejack could make impact to the pegasus who was now the one needing breath. With reluctance, she removed herself from Rainbow Dash who called out to her as she starting walking towards Applebloom.

“Is that all you’ve got? Get over here and finish this! I know you want to, I can feel your hate for me!”

“…No. You’re not worth the energy to hate.” With that she stood in front of Applebloom who hugged her instantly, tears falling down her face.

“How are you going to protect her?”

She looked back at the pegasus who was struggling to stay on her hooves. “You can’t keep her safe here, Applejack! You know that! I won’t stop until you’ve gotten what you deserve for being this sick! You don’t have what it takes to stop me, so how are you going to keep her safe?!”

She looked at Applebloom who looked back with soaked eyes, filled with pain and fear. She’s right; I promised that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her. And then she’s out of my sight for a few hours and this happens. If I stay here then Rainbow Dash will just keep hurting us. I have to keep Applebloom safe. Applejack continued on towards Fluttershy’s cottage much to Dash’s anger.

“You’re just walking away?! Come and finish this you coward!” She got no response. She turned to Pinkie Pie who looked at her sadly and followed after the two sisters. “You too?!” She tried to stretch her wings as much as possible but pain seared through her as the earth ponies continued walking. “Alright then…!” Ignoring the pain in her body, she glided forward as fast as she could, ready to take out Applejack. What she didn’t expect was for Pinkie to see and jump in the way, causing her to hit the party pony instead.

"Pinkie, are you okay?” Applejack leaned down next to her as she looked back with a weak smile.

“I’m fine.”

Turning to the pegasus with a pleading voice, “Please stop this Dashie, they’re happy together. Isn’t that enough? Don’t you want them to be happy?”

For a moment Rainbow looked like she was considering what Pinkie was telling her. “Alright Pinkie, I’ll stop.”

She sighed in relief before Rainbow added, “If you can answer of question of mine.”

“What?”

“You said I should support them because they’re happy; does that apply to anyone who does anything that makes them happy no matter what they’re doing? If a pony was happy for stealing from others, or kidnapping; should they be accepted just because they enjoy it?”

“…I…”

“That’s what I thought. So what makes these two so special that they can abide from this while others can’t? Just because they’re are friends? Sorry but that’s not how life goes. Now where was I? Ah yes,” Rainbow looked toward Applejack who was slowly backing away.

“What will it take for you to stop this? Whatever you want, I’ll do it, and you’ll leave us alone,” She offered.

“What do I want? I simply want to keep others from being in any way contaminated by your filthy ways. Even if that means that you leave Ponyville, I think that sounds fair, don’t you?”

Leave Ponyville? With one look at Applebloom, she knew what needed to be done. No matter what it takes, I have to make sure she stays safe. “And you’ll leave both of us alone?”

“Until my heart stops, I won’t harm a single hair in either of your manes,” Dash promised sincerely. “Pinkie Promise.”

“Applejack, are you sure about this?” Pinkie asked holding a hoof to her blackened eye.

“I need to keep her safe, and I can’t do that here, not anymore.” Applejack looked around now noticing the crowd that had formed. Had they seen everything? At least half of the town was standing in the street, looking between the two. Most were looking between them in conflict, unsure of whom they agreed with. Some looked at her with guilt and compassion while some looked at Rainbow with pride, happy that she was giving them what they deserved. Even the rest of her friends were now arriving with confusion and horror seeing the state of all four ponies.

“Oh goodness, what happened?” Fluttershy asked frightened to see her friends in pain.

“Nothing, just dishing out just desserts,” Rainbow said glaring at Applejack once again.

“Just desserts?” Twilight asked confused. “What do you mean by that?”

“Simple. I’m just giving these two freaks what they deserve for their disgusting freaks.”

“You still can’t accept that they care about each other? Why are you so stubborn?” Rarity asked disappointed.

“Exactly, sisters aren’t supposed to like each other this way, especially when one of them is underage. You understand don’t you Twilight? You agree with me right?” She asked the librarian who surprisingly was glaring at her as much as Applejack was.

“No, I’m not.”

“What are you talking about? You said yourself that it wasn’t right yesterday.”

“And I still think it’s strange and different but so what? Being different doesn’t make someone a freak, it makes them unique. What would they gain from being like everyone else? Originals are worth a lot more than copies.””

“Have you all lost your minds? It’s disgusting, it isn’t right whatsoever.” Rainbow prepared to charge at the sisters once again but was stopped by a purple aura enveloping her and hitting her on the ground.

“Rainbow Dash, it isn’t our place to decide what they decide to do. If they want to be together, then let them. No matter how strange it is, they’re still the friends that we’ve come to know and care for. And if you can’t understand that maybe a few hits on the ground will convince you.”

Rainbow looked at the ground as Twilight spun her upside down. “…Fine.”

Smack.

“OW. I said fine.”

“And how do I know that you’ll accept them being happy and leaving them alone? And I expect you to give them an apology.”

Smack.

“OWWWW. I Pinkie Promise that I’ll never harm a single hair on them, happy?” She yelled out.

Satisfied, Twilight dropped the pegasus one more time. Rainbow glared at her in spite before getting smacked in the back of the head by Rarity. “Fine. I’m sorry.”

Fluttershy flew over to the bruised filly. “What happened? Did Rainbow do this to her?”

“No, I’m not sure who did this to her but they wouldn’t have if it weren’t for her.”

“It looks pretty bad; it might get infected if it doesn’t get treated soon. Let’s go to my house and get her fixed up.”

“Thanks Fluttershy.”

“Glad to help.”

Rarity and Fluttershy helped Pinkie and the two sisters to the cottage as Twilight stayed behind to be sure. “You won’t hurt them or try to break them up?”

“I won’t harm a single hair on either of them.”

“Which hair?” She asked seeing through the loophole.

“…Fine. I won’t hurt them in any way and I won’t try to break them up. Is that good enough for you?”

“Yes it is.” And with that Twilight followed the rest of her friends as Rainbow glared at them from behind.

“I won’t hurt them at all.”

A figure watched the scene with a smirk. “You really messed up this time, missy. She isn’t gonna be happy about this.”

“Don’t remind me,” Another figure said having joined the first.

“So what happened?” The first figure asked holding in a laugh but got a glare from the other.

“Don’t act like you didn’t watch it.”

“Watch what? You getting your flank kicked?”

“Exactly… Wait a minute,” The second figure realized as the first could no longer contain his laughter. Angrily, she kicked him in the stomach. “Like you would have done any better Scattershot.”

Scattershot sat up in pain but continued laughing. “How could I not laugh at that?”

“I can think of a few ways,” She threatened darkly.

Scattershot sobered up quickly as he asked his companion, “So now what? She won’t be very pleased that you failed.”

“You think that I don’t know that? She’ll probably scrape my face against the walls for weeks.”

“Can I watch while she does it?”

“I swear if I have to deal with this the whole way back, then you’re going to be missing your wings tomorrow,” She threatened once again.

“Alright, alright, sheesh. Why do you have to be such a killjoy?”

“Because some of us actually take our orders seriously, Scattershot.”

“Yeah, yeah. So what do you think he’ll say about this?”

The thought made her shudder. “I don’t want to imagine that. I probably won’t have a head to scrape against the wall.”

“…Can I watch?”

“Say one more word that insults me Scattershot, say one more word. I dare you.”

“Sorry,” Scattershot said. “Why’d I have to get paired up with the bossy girl?” He mumbled.

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” He said as he buzzed away followed by his companion.

Hivemind

The blazing, harsh rays shone on her as she flew through the deserted and lifeless valley, her wings feeling like they would burst into flames in the blink of an eye. She flew through this route to her home every day no matter what her subjects told her, at least the ones that were still left. After her defeat in Canterlot, most of her minions had abandoned her to live on their own, hoping to find joy and happiness around others. They were all traitors in her eyes. She only had a few hundred soldiers left and they weren’t the most adequate ones at that. Most of them were either strong but stupid or smart but weak, and they hardly ever worked together when they needed to. She wouldn’t be surprised if they turned on her too. She had gone from a powerful queen that ruled over tens of thousands, to a miserable creature ruling over few. One day, she would have her revenge on the ones who had stopped her and take the throne that belonged to the weak goddess of the sun.

As she ventured through the harsh valley, she finally spotted the new location of her hive. It wasn’t much, just a hole in the side of a large cliff that they had dug through for a home. It wasn’t the best place to live, but with the harsh conditions of the outside heat no one would find or bother them. As safely as possible, she buzzed into the entrance and looked around. The hive was divided into many different pathways that mostly just led to sleeping areas for her minions. As usual, at least half of her changelings were sleeping instead of collecting food as she had ordered in her short absence. Even the three guards weren’t at their positions keeping their only prisoner in check. She also noticed that two specific changelings were nowhere to be seen. “Shrapnel and Scattershot aren’t back?” Chrysalis wondered to herself. She had sent Shrapnel out on an important mission nearly a week ago and had sent Scattershot yesterday to check on her to see what was taking so long.

Bored, Chrysalis flew down to the cell where the prisoner was held. It, like the hive, wasn’t much; simply a hole that her stronger servants had dug and had later created bars thick enough to prevent escape but thin enough to give her needed essentials for living after they had captured the pegasus. The pathetic pony had been found searching through the valley and had stumbled on the hive. She was no match for the combined strength of her strongest soldiers. After six days, this pony still talked back, insulted them, cracked jokes at their expense, and even tried to attack them. Looking in, the pony was simply lying down and staring at the former queen with a blank stare. Cyan fur and multicolored hairs from the pegasus’ mane lie scattered across the floor. “How are you doing Dash?” She asked the still blank faced pegasus.

When she didn’t get a response, her horn started to glow its sickening green, creating static to envelop her causing pain to sear through the pegasus’ body. “When someone asks a question, it’s common courtesy to give them an answer.”

“…Fine. I’ll answer your question, if you’ll answer one of mine,” Rainbow remarked as the pain subsided and she breathed slowly.

“I’m listening,” Chrysalis said hesitantly, sure that the pegasus wouldn’t make a serious question; she never did.

“I’ve got a problem with the customer service around here. Can I speak to the manager?” She asked with a smirk that the queen didn’t appreciate as her horn regained its green glow, causing another wave of electrical pain to envelop the daredevil.

“Apparently no one has told you that I’m not a fan of pony humor,” She replied with a smirk of her own seeing the pony fall to the floor gasping for breath. “Why do you refuse to cooperate? You know that all that will befall you is more pain unless you serve me, and what I ask of you isn’t that much. Your friends will never find you here; they won’t even look for you.”

“Because they think I’m still in Ponyville right?”

“Nothing passes you does it?” Chrysalis noted with an amused chuckle.

“You’re pretty crazy if you think that my friends, especially Twilight and Applejack, won’t be able to sniff out an imposter,” Rainbow countered only making the queen laugh more.

“Oh I don’t think it matters. Shrapnel is very good at keeping up appearances. All she has to do is find some way to get rid of the other elements and my army will be able to take over that little town of yours, then Equestria, and the world.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, “An army of like, what, a few hundred? You know what your problem is? You monologue too much. If you didn’t do it so much, then no one would know what your plans are and have enough time to figure out how to stop it. My friends will figure out that the me at Ponyville is a fake, and then they’ll come to the place that I was investigating a possible changeling spotting. Then what will you do, Chrys?”

Just for saying that cursed nickname once again, Chrysalis zapped Rainbow with more effort than before. At this point, Dash’s coat was a mix of darkness and sky, like a dark and stormy day. Her wings had been bashed multiple times, rendering them almost useless if they didn’t get enough rest. Her eyes were bloodshot from the lack of sleep that she had gotten since being taken prisoner in the hive. The only thing keeping her alive was the occasional bit of cactus or tumbleweeds, eugh.

“You truly don’t understand your predicament do you? The only reason that you’re still even breathing is because I’m a bit considerate. Shrapnel is especially good at bringing the emotions of others, either negative or positive, and using it against them. I have full confidence that she was able to succeed in her task.”

She heard the sound of wings flapping approaching the entrance to the hive. Chrysalis looked expectantly to see Rainbow look-a-like fly in looking extremely nervous, frightened, and exhausted. “Shrapnel, I hope that you had a good flight back.”

In a flash of green, Shrapnel shifted into her normal form. She looked just about like every other changeling except for her violet back and light pink irises instead of light blue. She bowed awkwardly to her queen, “The heat was a bit unsettling but the trip was decent enough.”

“Where is Scattershot? Did he not send for you?”

“I’m… ugh… here… gasp…” Scattershot said crawling through the entrance, dragging each foreleg in front of the other in a desperate attempt to reach his queen. Like his partner, he looked the same as every other changeling, except his back was a dark green. “She was… too fast… left me…”

Chrysalis looked back at Shrapnel who shrugged sheepishly. “What can I say; he’s the most annoying creature to ever exist.”

“I resent that,” Scattershot glared at Shrapnel who blew him a raspberry.

“Maybe you should actually try and get smart or else we wouldn’t call you Scattershot,” She taunted.

“I’m smarter than you.”

“You can’t even figure out what two plus two is.”

“Well you’re the one who got her flank kicked earlier.”

“What does that have to be with being smart?”

“You were stupid for thinking you could take on an athlete, that’s what.”

“Yeah well at least I’m not-“

“Would you two just shut up, make up, and kiss already?” Rainbow yelled out annoyed the two’s arguing.

This made Scattershot mad as he buzzed in front of the cell. “You listen here you worthless pony; I will never like that insufferable changeling and… why are you grinning?”

Rainbow raised her left back leg and kicked him in the face causing him to slam on the wall across the small room. Both Shrapnel and Chrysalis brought a hoof to their faces. “I’m not even mad at her for that,” The queen said before turning her attention to the two bumbling minions. “So; how did your mission go Shrapnel?”

This brought back the fearful expression to her face as she looked back at her queen trying to keep her cool. “Oh that, um, yeah it, uh, it went good.”

“Didn’t you get your flank whooped by that one farmer?” Scattershot asked confused and dazed getting a smack in the head from Shrapnel, who got a look of frustration and patience, or attempt of from Chrysalis.

“You mean the element of Honesty? Did you at least get rid of one of the elements?” She asked to the frightened changeling how was cowering against the wall from the queen’s gaze.

“I-I tried your majesty, I swear I tried my best. But that one unicorn, the sister to the ones who defeated you at Canterlot, her magic was too strong for me to do anything.”

“Wow, a simple changeling couldn’t defeat a unicorn whose specialty is magic. What a surprise,” Rainbow remarked sarcastically resulting in another shock.

Chrysalis kept her horn lit up as she aimed it toward Shrapnel with fury. “So in other words, you didn’t get rid of any of them? You had one job, just one job to get rid of them and you couldn’t do it.” Shrapnel brought both of her front legs in front of her eyes to shield herself. “Even if they are missing one of their elements, they still have strength and magic much more powerful than any we possess. How can you expect us to defeat them when their numbers, resources, and power towers over ours? They have two immortal alicorns capable of raising the sun and moon, the element of Magic, and two ponies that combined could send us across all of Equestria. Please enlighten me on how we can stop them, Shrapnel.”

Still cowering, she wasn’t sure what kind of response to give her enraged queen as every part of her body shook. “I… I don’t know. There has to be something though, I’m sure.”

“Like what? Do you know of anything powerful enough to stop all of those ponies? You better think of something fast though, or else the walls won’t be as bland and colorless anymore.” The green on Chrysalis’ horn became even brighter as Shrapnel thought of anything she could. There had to be something, anything that could do the job her queen wanted done.

“I think I know about something that could help us, or rather someone,” She pleaded as one idea came to mind. “While I was at Ponyville, I heard about a creature that the elements had fought with power beyond any other creature in all of Equestria, maybe even the world. If we could find it and release it then it might help us to defeat them.”

Chrysalis dimmed her horn in intrigue. “Really?”

Rainbow listening in, laughed. “If you’re talking about who I think you’re talking about, then good luck. There’s no way that he would take orders from you. You’re weaker, dumber, and overall more annoying than him. Didn’t know him for long, but I know that order is not something he likes. Even if you somehow released him from stone, he’d probably turn you into a frog and squish you while playing on a flute.”

With a glare, Chrysalis yelled out, “Hardshell.”

With a loud stomp, a changeling flew in next to them causing Scattershot and Shrapnel to back out of the tiny chamber as fast as they could. This changeling was much different from any other; its eyes were a dark red, it was bulkier, bigger than Chrysalis herself by a few feet, and on its front hooves were claws made out of a dragon’s bones. His horn permanently lit, giving the claws full motion and use to attack anything that went in its way. “Yes my queen?” It said bowing.

“Our prisoner needs to be taught a lesson in respect again. Would you mind?” She asked kindly while Rainbow backed up as far as she could to keep away from this creature.

“I don’t think we need to do that, it was just a joke. Ha ha, see?” She nervously said as Chrysalis used her magic to move the stone bars enough for Hardshell to get through, to which he smiled maliciously.

“Have fun Hardshell; when you think she’s learned her lesson, then replace the bars and follow us. I have somewhere to go.”

“Where your highness?” He asked.

“If the one we’re looking for is in stone, then I think we’ll find him in the Canterlot Gardens. Don’t make a mess Hardshell.” With that, she flew out of the hive along with a dozen other soldiers while the two lackeys simply hid from the brute changeling.

I have to warn the others about this, but how?

“Ready to relearn your lesson, vermin?” Hardshell asked rhetorically as he made his way into the cell, blocking all possible routes of escape. All she could do was sit where she was and take the beating. Hardshell raised a claw and, with a terrifying shriek, brought its sharp edges to her face.

What's Gonna Work? Chaos!

3,864,950 blades of grass.

There was nothing else to do while he stood motionless in the dark garden. He was once again simply a tourist attraction for little fillies and colts to gawk at and hit with spit wads and for pigeons to leave their droppings. He stood there with his paw and claw in front of him in protection and a look of absolute terror on his face. Usually he would love attention and praises but all he got was ridicule; called an evil monster that deserved worse than what he had gotten. Worse than being forced to stand still forever while being aware of his surroundings? The worst thing that could possibly befall an immortal was boredom and that was what he had every day in this pitiful place.

As usual, several of Princess Luna’s guards patrolled the area for whatever reason he couldn’t figure out. No one would bother trying to help him so why bother looking after him? In fact, one of the guards seemed to be starting a conversation with another.

“Why do we have to keep looking after this statue? It’s not like anyone could get him out or even want to.”

EXACTLY!

“Luna and Celestia’s orders; they want to be sure that he can’t try and escape on his own somehow, which is why they have us stand guard, ready in case he starts to release himself.”

“How’s he supposed to do that? The princesses made sure to enchant him with as many binding spells as they could think of to prevent that.”

“He’s a being that could turn the world upside down. He could make us walk on the sky with the ground above us. Eventually, I think that he’ll probably be able to bust out of some rock.”

Why would I do that? That would take an immense amount of power that even I couldn’t pull off. Though it is a very interesting idea, vertigo everywhere.

“But it’s way too boring, isn’t there anything else we can do?”

“I can help with that,” A voice said somewhere in the dark causing the two guards to ready their spears in case of a fight.

“Who’s there? Show yourself.”

“I was simply strolling along when I heard about your little conversation. What else can you tell me about this creature with that kind of power?” The voice asked still out of sight.

“Who wants to know?” One guard questioned as he searched around carefully.

“Just a wanderer; I’ve been one for quite a while. Now please tell me what I wish to know.”

“Ask him yourself.”

“Hm, not a bad idea but how would I go about doing something like that?”

“You can’t possibly be thinking of trying to release Discord are you?” He remarked still on guard.

The voice chuckled evilly. “Perhaps; from what I’ve heard he sounds like a very interesting individual and I wish to learn more about him. What he likes, what he dislikes, where he’s from, and how he can help me to conquer Equestria.”

Alert rose as he tried to follow the sound of the mare’s voice. “Yeah, good luck with that. He isn’t the kind of guy who would team up with someone, so you’re better off trying to get a can opener to help you. And you should realize that we can get either of the princesses’ in a matter of minutes.”

“You’d have to leave in order to do that though, and we can’t let you do that now can we?” The owner of the voice finally stepped out of the shadows, something between a bug and a pony, a bugny or ponug.

What is with those holes in her legs? I don’t know what is up with them, but they give me cravings for cheese. Discord watched intrigued by this newcomer though the guard didn’t seem to be fascinated by her.

“Chrysalis, bout time you showed your disgusting face around here. Must be pretty desperate to have to go to him for help, what happened to your proud army?” The guard remarked with venom and sarcasm galore.

Ooo, I don’t know who I should root for now. Creepy bug lady who wants to free me or sarcastic and fun guard who will make sure I’m stuck like this. Oh who am I kidding? GO BUG LADY!

“I admit that many thought that I no longer deserved to rule the changelings and abandoned me but that won’t matter once I have teamed up with a creature that the elements themselves could barely defeat. He’ll be an excellent sl- I mean partner.”

“Forget it, you want to get to him then you’ll have to go through me,” He said ready to defend himself with honor but only got a laugh.

“Oh I don’t need to do anything,” She replied before adding, “Hardshell.”

With a large boom, the bulking changeling landed behind the guard and grabbed hold of him. “Release me at once vermin.”

“You’re one to talk pony,” Hardshell said before slamming him into the ground. “You are weak while I am strong. I can crush you without any effort.”

“Leave him to the others Hardshell; I have more important things for you to do.” Chrysalis motioned him to the statue of the still intrigued spirit as a swarm of changelings surrounded the guard. She attempted to use her magic but was stopped by a shield. “Hardshell; you’re up.”

He grinned as he stepped in front of the barrier. With his horrifying screech, he slammed into the shield relentlessly, one hit after another until it had no choice but to shatter into pieces. “It is done my queen,” He said bowing to his delighted ruler.

“Excellent work.”

“Don’t do this,” The guard warned. “He won’t listen to you; you’re nothing compared to him. He’ll do whatever he pleases if you release him. Stop this madness at once.”

Chrysalis ignored him as she focused all of her magic into her horn, engulfing the statue with green light. “If you can hear me, then you had better lend a helping hand, or paw.”

Oh I can hear you perfectly fine bug.

After a few moments, the sound of cracking stone filled the air as the prison slowly started to become vulnerable. Hardshell was now focusing his own magic to strengthen the process, resulting in Discord’s chicken claw to be freed. And with a simply snap, the stone prison ceased to be. Lightning flashed in the night sky above as the spirit rose up with a roar before grabbing his neck in pain. “Ow; ten thousand hours can give you such a crick in the neck.” With ease, he removed his head and spun it in his lion paw like a basketball, even throwing it into a custom hoop.

“So you’re the one that she said had untold powers,” She assumed.

“Yes I am Discord; the spirit of spectacular, the chaotic charisma, the prince of power, the king of cool, the lord of laughs, etc.”

He said all while bouncing his head and leaning against a hedge. “Does this bug you?” He asked noticing the queen and changelings following the head’s movement. He sat it back in its rightful spot as he laid down in a Jacuzzi filled with orange juice.

“Are you going to be serious?” Chrysalis questioned with a brow raised.

“Have you done any research on me whatsoever my dear? What do you know about me?” He asked now in a scientist robe with a sheet in paw.

“I know enough that you can help me conquer Equestria and eliminate those who would oppose me.”

“Eliminate? You have the wrong spirit of chaos missy; I don’t eliminate others. I’ll mess with their heads, I’ll turn them into something else but I don’t kill or hurt anyone. And there is no way that I would ever become your slave.”

“Slave?”

“Being turned to stone doesn’t keep me from hearing what anyone around me says, got it? I’d suggest looking somewhere else if you want someone who is willing to be barbaric enough to end another’s life but I’m not looking for employment at the moment, so good night ma’am.” A snap gave him shades and turned the juice into chocolate.

“Wouldn’t it benefit both of us to work together?”

“And why would I need your help in order to take over Equestria?” He asked not even bothering to look at her. “I can take away every unicorn’s horn and every pegasi’s wings with a snap of my talon. I fail to see the reason that I would need the help of the Cheese-legged Bugs.”

“You will do what I say or I’ll—“

“You’ll do what? Bug me to death? Imitate me? Try and use your minions to suck my powers away?” One more snap brought him, Chrysalis, and the rest of the changelings to Ghastly Gorge; the latter having no wings or horns. “I can do whatever I want whenever I want and there’s nothing you can do about it,” He finished smugly.

“You will not disrespect our queen,” Hardshell warned as he charged the spirit who yawned and changed him into a baby, causing all of the changelings to back away.

“Anyone else care to try and attack a being who can make chocolate explode?”

“You can’t get away with something like this,” Chrysalis said readying her horn to electrocute the draconequus.

“You never learn do you?” A rubber ball appeared in his paw, took all of the electricity, and tossed it towards the hiding changelings. “3 points for chaos, 0 for the termites.”

“Stop this at once! Turn my officer back to normal now.”

“Ooo, I’m so scared of the wittle bug. It’s just too adowable,” He fawned pinching her cheek before feeling a pain in his tail. He turned to see one of the changelings had bitten him as he glared at it with a black collar appearing in his paw. “You know what this is you little satanic pile of dung? This is a shock collar that I’m going to put in your mouth if you ever put your disgusting teeth into me ever again.”

His threat flew past the changeling as it simply hissed at him and attempted another bite. “By the satanic powers of ham you will be silenced,” He decreed in an incredibly deep and loud voice as he turned it into a baby pig. “HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!” He added while pumping and shaking his paw in the air for emphasis.

Chrysalis had just about had it with this creature and its nonsense. How could something this annoying and pretentious be feared by so many ponies? She took in a few deep breaths to calm herself down as she readied her horn. “What will it take to reach a deal?”

“Did I ever say that I wasn’t going to help you?” He asked confused. A sheet of caramel paper appeared in his claw as he examined it closely. “Hm, I seem to recall simply asking why I should help you; I never said that I wouldn’t,” He stated with a large smirk across his deformed face at the flabbergasted queen. With just a single snap; all of the changelings were given their wings and horns back, Hardshell was turned back, but the pig still remained rolling in mud.

“Discord,” Chrysalis warned as her horn grew brighter.

“Ham?”

“No.”

“…Ham?”

“No ham.”

“…………………Ham,” He stated with his head lowered as he changed the pig back into a changeling who ran back to its fellow bugs. “You bugs are all just like those ponies, no sense of humor.”

“And what will you do first Discord?”

“Rule number one: do not call me Discord. You will only address me as my liege or any other suited title.”

“Fine. What will we do first my liege?” She asked with venom in her last words.

“Well you and your minions will go to Ponyville tomorrow morning and take it over while I attend to a business meeting,” He replied before vanishing, leaving only a note behind which read only one word while Chrysalis felt something fall on her head.

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!

Another long night Celestia thought to herself as she walked through the castle halls after having once again brought the sun up for her subjects. She didn’t show it but it took a tremendous amount of her energy to do such a task. It didn’t help either that she had felt something wrong ever since the previous night, something horrible. She was sure that it wasn’t anything major or else the guards would have reported it by now.

She reached the door to her throne room where one of her guards stood waiting for her. “Your majesty,” He started while bowing. “I feel it is important to inform you that Luna’s guards have not reported back from their patrol last night.”

That feeling started to grow back. “Gather up the other guards and send out a search party.”

“Yes your highness.”

Celestia used her magic to open her throne room door as she was greeted by a startling and frightful sight. Sitting in her throne reading through law books was none other than Discord. She slowly walked forward, seeing that he seemed to have not noticed her presence yet. She readied a spell to at least stun the spirit before he turned his head towards her with a delighted grin. “Celestia it’s wonderful to see you again. How about a big hug?” He asked resting his legs in the air.