The Royal Apple

Chapters

Chapter 1: The New Alicorn
Chapter 2: Where Does She Go Now?
Chapter 3: First Night in Equestria
Chapter 4: Magic Training: Strength with Applejack
Chapter 5: Swimming Hole Fun Time
Chapter 6: Sleepover
Chapter 7: Magic Training: Flight with Rainbow Dash
Chapter 9: Dress to Impress... Oh Boy...
Chapter 10: A Casual Royal Meeting and Secrets Revealed
Chapter 11: New School, New Friends, New Life
Chapter 12: Crystal Empire Field Trip
Chapter 13: The Equestria Games Disaster
Chapter 14: The Search for Apple Shine
Chapter 15: The Mare of the Dark Prison
Chapter 16: Blueblood's Twisted Punishment
Prologue: Ghost of a Nightmare
Chapter 8: Magic Training: Spells with Princess Twilight Sparkle

Chapter 1: The New Alicorn

Ponyville General Hospital... July 7th... 8:00 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Nurse Redheart was checking on Applejack, seeing if she was okay. The rest of the Mane 6, Big Mac, Granny Smith, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were watching over Applejack as she was recovering.

"Well, Applejack is okay," said Nurse Redheart. "Right now, all she needs is rest and a lot of nutrition so she'll be able to recover."

"So, let me get this straight," said Princess Celestia to Twilight. "The six of you were awoken early this morning by a mysterious shriek. You all saw a dark cloud over the forest. You went to explore it. Got ambushed by the ghost of my sister's darker self. She shot a beam towards you, but Applejack pushed you out of the way only for her to get hit by that blast. That blast made her pregnant, making the process go in seconds. Then Nightmare Moon tried taking that foal as her new body and then was rejected. Then she blew up when she was hit by sunlight."

"Yep," said Twilight. "That's all I can tell you, Princess."

"And you have no idea who's spirit is in that filly right now?" asked Princess Celestia.

"No clue," said Twilight. "We won't know until she wakes up."

"Well, Ah'm just gonna have ta wait here until Ah feel better," said Applejack. "Where is that filly, anyhow?"

"She's being checked up on until she wakes up," said Nurse Redheart. "As soon as she awakens, she'll be transferred to this room."

"Hopefully, whoever this filly is, she won't be a threat," said Princess Luna.

Another room in the Ponyville Hospital... 8:15 AM...

("Dylan's" Point of View)

I was waking up. I felt weird for a moment, but then I looked around. I saw that I was in a hospital. Regina must've called the hospital after what happened to me. Whatever happened to me. I decided to stretch my arms and then I started to rub the sleep out of my eyes. But I felt something hard pressed up against my face. I got confused.

I pulled my hand away to look at it, but instead of a hand, I saw a white hoof. I was shocked until I looked up the hoof, seeing that it was attached to me, but the rest of my body was basically a different color.

"What in tarnation?!" I said. But then I realized what I just said. It wasn't just what I said, but how I said it. "Mah voice! What has happened ta me?!" Then I realized how high my voice was.

I looked down at my body. I was clearly a small horse thing, and then I reached with my... hoof and felt around my crotch area, and I didn't feel my penis.

"What has happened ta me?" I whispered. "And why do Ah have a southern accent? Ah ain't from the south. What's Regina gonna say when she sees me like this?"

My ears twitched when I heard the door creak open. I didn't know what to do, but to pretend to be sleeping. I could hear two sets of hooves walking towards my bed. Is this a world full of horses? I'm so confused.

"Well, it looks like her vitals are okay," said a man's voice. "She seems to be really healthy. Nurse Sweetheart, you mind getting this filly ready for a bath when she wakes up."

"Of course, Doctor Horse," said a woman's voice.

I heard one set of hoofsteps leave the room. I then felt a sting in my right... foreleg? Whatever. Then I felt something cold rub on the spot where I felt stung. Then I felt a bandage put on it. I opened one eye and saw the horse, which was a unicorn. He then turned away, which gave me the chance to bolt out of there.

"Huh?" I heard the horse say. "Hey! Get back in bed!"

I had to run on two legs, but I was feeling a little unbalanced, so I had to go onto all fours. I stopped in front of a supply closet, and I had to go into it. I went in there and hid in a bottom shelf behind some toilet paper. I grabbed my newly formed tail to make sure no one sees me.

I then heard the supply closet open and saw that same horse from before was looking inside for me.

"Where are you, little filly?" asked the horse. "You shouldn't be in here. You need to be back in bed." I noticed that this horse had a horn on his head. I instantly knew that he was a unicorn. I then felt my forehead, and felt a unicorn's horn, which meant I was a unicorn as well. I then looked back at my body, a little sad that I was in a totally different place in a totally different body from my own. Then I noticed that I also had wings. I was a winged unicorn? I then heard the horse's voice. "Come out of here right now. You need your rest."

"Doctor Horse?" came the voice of that other pony. "What are you doing?"

"That filly's awake," said that horse, known as Doctor Horse. "I saw her come in here. She has to be in here somewhere."

I then looked behind me and saw an air vent. I somehow grabbed it, and ripped it off, and threw it towards the door, hitting Doctor Horse's hoof.

"Ow!" said Doctor Horse. I went wide eyed, and then I crawled into the vent system, and started crawling through it. I heard the doctor call out, "Hey! Get out of there! You'll hurt yourself!"

I didn't care. I had to get out of there, find a way to get back to normal, get home, and try never to come here again.

Applejack's Hospital Room... 8:25 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack was eating a lot of food so she could get her energy back. The others were waiting for her to finish up.

"Oh, boy," said Applejack. "That felt so good." She then belched. "Hoowee."

"I'm going to see where that filly is," said Twilight. "I hope she can answer some questions I have for her."

Then Doctor Horse came into the room, saying, "Okay. I got some good news and I got some bad news."

"What?!" asked Princess Celestia. "What news do you have?"

"Good news is the filly is awake," said Doctor Horse.

"What's the bad news?" asked Twilight.

"She's... somewhere in the ventilation system," said Doctor Horse.

"WHAT?!" shouted the Mane 6, Spike, the CMC, Big Mac, Granny Smith and the Princesses.

"We have to find her before she hurts herself!" said Twilight.

"Found her!" said Pinkie Pie. Everypony looked towards Pinkie and saw she was looking out the window. All of them, except for Applejack, looked out the window and saw the alicorn filly running away from the hospital, still wearing the hospital gown.

"We have to get her back," said Twilight.

"Let's get going," Applejack said, trying to get out of bed.

"No way, Applejack," said Princess Luna. "You still need to recover."

"Indeed," said Princess Celestia. "We shall go out there to find this filly before she gets lost. Although, that might be easy for her if she doesn't know where she is. Granny Smith, Big McIntosh, you two stay here with Applejack. The rest of us will try and find the filly. Wherever she went." Everyone but Applejack and Doctor Horse nodded. Then they all headed out the door to find the alicorn filly.

Sweet Apple Acres... 9:00 AM...

("Dylan's" Point of View)

I ran across the town, trying to keep out of sight from more of those horses. I eventually made it to an apple farm. For some strange reason, I wanted to go in there.

"Why do Ah wanna go into there?" I asked.

I then heard some hoof steps. I gasped, and ran into the entry of these orchards. I ran through the path, trying to find some place I could hide. I then came across a barn. Perhaps I could hide in there, but it looks like it was also a home. I then started looking around for somewhere to hide. My eyes then caught sight of a treehouse.

"That'll have ta do fer now," I said. I then sighed and said, "Ah hate this accent. Ah wanna speak normally." I then started running towards the treehouse. I started walking up the steps until I heard a dog growling. I turned around and saw a collie dog. I backed away from the dog nervously. "N-nice doggy. Good doggy." I got backed towards a tree. The dog was sniffing me when I was against that tree. The dog smiled and started licking my face. "H-Hey! Sto-stop it! Ha ha ha! That tickles! Ha ha ha ha!"

The dog kept licking me but the dog stopped when there were voices coming in.

"Ah'm tellin' ya, Ah thought Ah heard somepony comin' towards the farm. It could be her."

I then pushed the dog off of me and headed towards the tree house as quietly as I can. I walked up the stairs, and then I headed up the other set of steps into a lookout tower. Even had a telescope. I locked the door to make sure no one gets in. I had to stay hidden from anyone who was looking for me. I still heard the voice of that girl from before.

"Hello?! Ah know yer here! I heard ya runnin' towards here!"

"Apple Bloom," came a high squeaky voice. "I'm not too sure that we should be calling out for her. There might be a reason why she's running."

"Yeah," came a young raspy voice. "She might be hiding for a reason."

"Winona!" came the voice of that southern girl pony, Apple Bloom I believe her name was. "Com'ere girl. Winona, have ya seen another pony come through here? An alicorn younger than us." I heard the dog barking twice. Then I heard, "She's up there?" The dog barked twice.

I started to panic. Any time now, those three pony girls would find me and I would be caught. I just wanted to go back to Massachusetts. Then I heard the door trying to be pushed open.

"Hey! She locked the door!" came the voice of Apple Bloom. She then started pounding on the door. "Hey! C'mon outta there! Ya need ta come back ta the hospital!"

"I'll go get the others," said the raspy voiced girl pony.

"Go on, Scootaloo," came Apple Bloom's voice. She then continued pounding on the door. I had no choice but to push on the door before the other two bust the door in. "Ya can't lock yerself in there forever! Ya have ta come out eventually!"

She was right. Eventually, I would have to come out of here. But I just can't. I have to get back to Regina's Foster Home. Wherever I am, I need to get outta here.

9:30 AM...

I waited a while for them to go away. But they never did. It has been at least a half hour in here, but then, five minutes of no banging, I was starting to get suspicious. I then looked towards the window with the telescope. I was using the telescope to look if they had left. I didn't see anything, and then something came out of the scope. It was an eye with a blue iris.

"Hi!" came a peppy voice.

"Gaaah!" I shouted when that eye came out of the telescope. Then another eye came out, then a horse's face came out. She was smiling widely at me and then she pulled herself out of the telescope.

"Why would you run away from those who want to help you?" asked the pink horse. "C'mon, it's time for you to go back to the hospital."

I was backing up away from the pink horse. I looked towards the window, then I looked back at my wings. If I didn't know how to fly, I'm going to need a trip to the hospital. I then started running towards the window, just as the pink horse unlocked the door, she saw me and gasped.

"NO!!" she shouted. Just as I was about out of the window, my wings were grabbed, then pulled then that pink horse wrapped her legs around my body. I tried struggling out of her grip.

"No!! Let me go!!" I shouted.

She giggled and said, "Why would I do that? You don't know how to fly yet? Or do you? Well, anyway, you're not going anywhere but back to the hospital."

"N-No! Ah... wanna... go... home!" I said, trying to get out of the pink horse's grip.

"Silly filly! Not until you are A-OK with your check up," said the mare. She then carried me out of there where a bunch of horses were watching me being carried down.

I then struggled to get out of her grip, which I succeeded. I landed in a mud puddle, and started running, but then I felt some energy surrounding me, but then I couldn't feel anything from the neck down.

"Whoa!" I shouted, landing on my face. I then struggled, but all I could move was my head. "What's goin' on?! Ah can't move!"

"Luna," came a motherly voice. I then turned my head towards the voice and saw a tall winged unicorn looking down at a dark blue winged unicorn. "Did you use your magic to paralyze her from the neck down?"

"Sorry, sister," said the blue winged unicorn, "it was the only thing I could come up with so she wouldn't get away."

"Well, it worked," said a blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. She then picked me up. "Now, let's get her back to the hospital. And I'm guessing that she's going to need a new hospital gown."

"Indeed," said a white unicorn with a curly purple mane. "She is in desperate need of a new gown. And a bath."

"N-no! Stop! Ah... wanna... go... back... home...!" I shouted.

"Not until you answer some questions," said Princess Luna. "And you must answer."

I got nervous, wondering what they were going to do to me.

Applejack's Room in the Ponyville Hospital... 10:00 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

In the room, the alicorn filly was still trying to struggle her body to move while the others were watching her. A clear dome was surrounding her bed.

"This sound cancelling dome shall prevent the filly from hearing us," said Princess Celestia. "Although, we still don't know why she was doing this."

"She seemed to be... well... lost," said Scootaloo. "Like she was trying to get away from something."

"Perhaps we should ask her ourselves," said Twilight.

"Well, it's a good thing that Zecora gave me this potion," said Apple Bloom. "It'll force her ta tell the truth for about an hour. We'll be able ta know why she's been runnin' away from us." Apple Bloom held out a vial with a jade green liquid. Twilight took the potion in her magic.

"Good thinking, Apple Bloom," said Twilight. "Now, to get this filly to spill the beans."

Princess Celestia then used her magic to dissolve the bubble. Twilight then walked over to the gurney that the filly was in. She saw Twilight walking up to her and got angry.

"Stay away from me!" she shouted. She then went wide eyed when she saw Twilight remove the cork from the vial. She then put the vial into the filly's mouth, tilted the filly's head upward, and forced her to drink the potion. She then started coughing and said, "That was nasty! What are you trying to do?!"

"We need some answers out of you," said Twilight. "You've been evading us. We want to help you, but you refused to accept it. Right now, we want some answers. First off... who are you?"

The filly was about to speak, but she tried holding in her answer. She wanted to move her hooves to her mouth to prevent her from speaking, but she wasn't able to stop her mouth from moving. She then said, "My name is Dylan. Dylan Rider."

Twilight looked towards the others, who were all confused. She mouthed, "Dylan?" in confusion. She then turned back towards the filly and said, "Alright, Dylan. How old are you?"

"Ah turn 7 in October," said Dylan.

"Do you know how you got here?" asked Twilight.

"No idea," said Dylan. "All Ah remember is that Ah was in my world preparing for a camping trip, then Ah got really dizzy and passed out. The next thing Ah knew, Ah was here... like this."

"What do you mean?" asked Twilight.

"Ah was actually born human," said Dylan. That made Twilight and Spike gasp.

"Human?!" asked Twilight.

"And Ah was also a boy..." said Dylan. That made Twilight's face turn white.

"This is very unusual," said Princess Luna.

"Indeed," said Princess Celestia.

"Ah wanna go back to mah world," said Dylan. "Ah want to go back to mah own world. Mah old body. So Ah can wait for mah parents to come and pick me up from the Foster Home."

"A foster home?" asked Fluttershy. "You're an orphan?"

"No way," said Dylan. "Gah. This accent. It's preventing me from talking in mah normal accent."

"You spoke a different accent?" asked Twilight. "What accent have you been speaking?"

"Ah can tell ya, it's very close to yers," Dylan said to her.

"But that's..." came Applejack's voice, but it was cut off by Celestia's magic.

"We'll get to that later," said Princess Celestia.

"For now, I shall journey into your mind to see into your memories," said Princess Luna. "I might as well have you speaking in the accent you're used to speaking."

"Thank ya," said Dylan. "Ah really don't wanna speak like this. Wait... how are ya gonna get into mah mind?"

"I am the princess of the night," said Princess Luna. "It is my duty to go into the dreams of my subjects so they wouldn't have terrible nightmares."

Dylan got confused but then nodded. She then said, "Okay. Ah'm ready."

"Alright," said Princess Luna. "Relax. I shall put you to sleep."

"Ah can't move or feel anythin' from the neck down," said Dylan. "Ya still have me not able ta feel anythin'."

"Right," said Princess Luna. "It'll be removed whilst you sleep." Dylan nodded, then Princess Luna used her magic. Dylan then started nodding off, and then passed out. Princess Luna looked towards the others and said, "She will be fine. I will let you all know if I find anything else about her old life."

All of the other ponies nodded. Her eyes then started glowing white and then the world faded around her. Hopefully, she will see what is going on inside of Dylan's mind.

Author's Note

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Seriously, I'm hoping to have more followers... :pinkiehappy: :rainbowdetermined2: :raritywink:

Chapter 2: Where Does She Go Now?

"Dylan's" Mind... Time: Unknown...

Princess Luna has entered the mind of Dylan. She looked around and saw screens of Dylan's memories. She decided to look for certain memories of the kid's life before he/she woke up in Equestria. She saw Dylan's human boy form playing with some other kids.

She saw Dylan playing tag with some other kids around his age, going to the movies, even playing little league baseball. She was happy to see that Dylan was being raised happily. But she looked around, trying to find some memories of Dylan's birth parents. There weren't any in her sight. She then used her magic to find memories of Dylan's birth parents. One memory came in sight, where a human couple were at one building.

"What is this?" asked Princess Luna.

She watched the memory play. She heard the voices of the man and woman at the door where another woman opened up and saw the couple.

"Can I help you?" asked the woman to the couple.

"Ma'am, we're here to drop off our child here," said the mother. "We just can't take care of him."

"Are you serious?" asked the woman. "You can't just..."

"We're sorry, madam," said the father. "We just don't have the money or the time to have kids."

"What about in a few years?" asked the woman. "You can pick him up then."

"That's not possible," said the mother. "We just can't take care of the child." She then handed over the baby's paperwork. "Here's all of the information on him. When he's old enough, you can tell him why we did it." Then the couple walked away, leaving baby Dylan crying and reaching out.

Luna had tears coming out of the corners of her eyes. She then started getting angry and said to herself, "They just abandoned him? They didn't have time nor money for a baby? What horrible creatures those two."

She then looked back at the hall of memories. She then started walking back down the hall, trying to find memories to find out how Dylan ended up in Equestria. She then found a memory that lead before Dylan had been taken to Equestria. Basically, what she saw made her jaw drop.

In the memory, Dylan fainted down. In the ground, slithering from him was a copperhead snake. Dylan's friends from the foster home called out to the foster mother. They got him to the closest medical clinic.

"Please! This boy needs help!" said the foster mother, known as Regina.

"Just fill out this form, and a doctor will see you as soon as they can," said the receptionist, who was too busy reading a magazine.

"Are you serious?!" asked Regina. "This boy has been bitten by a copperhead snake. He needs a vaccine."

"Just fill out the form and a doctor will see you," said the receptionist.

Regina growled and shouted, "Help! Help! This boy was bitten by a venomous snake!"

Then one doctor came in and saw Regina carrying Dylan. He then took the boy and asked, "What happened?"

"We were getting prepared for a camping trip," Regina started, "but then he was bitten in the leg by a copperhead. We rushed him over here, but this woman wanted me to fill out a form before sending a doctor out here."

"Seriously?!" asked the doctor. He looked over at the receptionist and said, "You're fired."

"You still got to fill out the form," said the receptionist, not knowing who was talking to her.

"Wow. You really don't care about anything," said the doctor. "Let's take care of this boy." The doctor and Regina ran into one room, and the doctors started looking for some vaccine. He found it, but first, he checked for a heart beat. Sadly... "I'm... I'm sorry... It's too late... He's gone..."

"No! No! Not Dylan..." Regina said, crying.

Luna watched the memory as it played. She then growled and said, "That receptionist should've been fired from there a long time before that." Princess Luna then lit up her horn, and left the subconscious.

Real World... Applejack's Hospital Room... 10:15 AM...

Princess Luna came to reality to see the others looking at her with worry. She looked around to see the others looking worried about what she saw.

"What did you see?" Twilight asked.

"I saw two things that was really... bad..." Princess Luna said.

"What did you see?" asked Princess Celestia.

"First off... Dylan's parents aren't coming back for... him..." said Princess Luna. "They... abandoned him when he was a baby."

That made the others gasp.

"They... they just abandoned their own child?!" asked Applejack. "Those no good..."

"Those no good indeed," said Princess Luna. "They just left Dylan in Foster Care. He believed that they would come back to him. But they were never planning to."

"Well, it's gonna be a shame givin' birth to a filly without a soul," said Applejack. "After all, yer gonna send her back to where she came from."

Princess Luna sighed and said, "That is not possible, Applejack."

"WHAT?!" asked the Mane 6.

"But, wouldn't the ones takin' care of Dylan be worried?!" asked Apple Bloom.

Princess Luna looked away from the faces staring back at her and said, "Dylan was bitten by a copperhead snake in his world. The venom could be cured by a vaccine. But sadly, they were too late to inject it into him."

That made all of the other ponies gasp and Fluttershy covered her mouth and said, "You mean... that Dylan..."

"...Died..." said Princess Luna. "Which explained how Dylan's spirit became the main spirit of this body now."

"So... what are we going to do with her?" asked Twilight.

"Since it was Applejack that has given birth to the filly, it'll be her responsibility," said Princess Luna. "Hers and her family."

"WHAT?!" asked the Mane 6, the Apples and the CMC.

"Ah'm not sure Ah can handle takin' care of a foal," said Applejack. "Even if that foal is an alicorn."

"Applejack," said Princess Celestia. "You know that she cannot return to her old world. She needs somepony to take care of her."

"Ah... Ah just don't know if Ah should," said Applejack. "Ah don't know if Ah will be able ta take care of her."

"Applejack," came Granny Smith's voice. "A lot of ponies ain't ready to be first time parents. Not even yer own ma or pa when they were havin' Big Mac."

"R-really?" asked Applejack.

"Yeah," said Granny Smith. "But ya should understand that ya won't be takin' care of her all by yerself."

"She's right, Applejack," said Twilight. "We can even help you whenever you need it. Even if you won't admit it."

"Referring ta the time Ah had ta buck the entire orchard when Big Mac was injured?" asked Applejack.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"You'll be able to teach her how to use her new Earth Pony Strength," said Twilight. "I'd be happy to help her learn how to use her magic."

"And I can teach her how to fly," said Rainbow Dash. "I can handle that part for ya."

"Well, thanks girls," said Applejack. "Ah'm sure we'll all take good care of the young filly. Right now, she has nowhere ta go, 'cept with us."

"One more thing," Twilight said. "You did fix her accent problem, didn't you?"

"Ooh, right," said Princess Luna. She then lit up her horn, and put it to the tip of Dylan's horn. Dylan's horn then started glowing in a light orange aura. The aura came in around the forehead, the muzzle and the throat of Dylan. She then said, "There. Tis done."

"So, she'll be speaking in her normal accent from now on?" asked Twilight.

"Yes," said Princess Luna. She then looked towards Applejack and said, "Make sure she is well taken care of. We shall announce the new alicorn and make sure she will not be harmed in any way."

"Might... I make a suggestion?" Rarity asked, raising a hoof. "I know that she used to be a human boy, but I'm not sure that her name really suits her now. Might we have her name changed?"

Princess Luna looked over at Dylan and said, "I must agree. Since that Dylan has passed and his soul was transferred from his old body into an alicorn filly's body, she will need a new name. Applejack, I assume that you will choose the filly's name?"

"Ah'll... Ah'll try," said Applejack. She then looked over at the sleeping alicorn. She assumed that the filly should have something with Apple in the name. She then saw the sunlight coming in, shining through the window. She smiled and said, "Apple Shine."

"Apple Shine?" asked Rarity. "Hm. I like it."

"Indeed," said Princess Celestia. "We shall inform all of Equestria about this new alicorn, Apple Shine." Celestia then turned to Applejack and said, "Take good care of her."

"Of course, Princess," said Applejack. "Ah'll take care o' her."

"I know you will, Applejack," said Princess Celestia. She then walked up to Luna and said, "Let us go, sister."

Luna nodded, looked over at Applejack and said, "I shall check on her to see if she's adjusting well."

Applejack nodded towards Princess Luna with a smile. The two princesses teleported out of the hospital and back to Canterlot.

Canterlot Castle... 12:00 PM...

The Princesses had made the announcement about Apple Shine, and the announcement shall be taken to all across Equestria. But when they said that the young alicorn was staying at an apple farm in Ponyville, most of the nobles thought that the filly should just be taken from the Apples and be raised by high sophisticated ponies. Blueblood was one of them.

Blueblood walked up to the princesses and said, "Auntie, are you sure it's wise to have an alicorn filly be living in a podunk apple farm in a podunk town?"

"It's best for her to be with her family," said Princess Celestia.

"I thought that alicorns were supposed to stay in castles," said Prince Blueblood. "They shouldn't be living in a barn with any farmers. I insist on having that filly taken from there and be living here in Canterlot."

"No," said Princess Luna. "That filly shall stay in Ponyville. Nopony shall defy these orders."

"Besides, she won't be the only alicorn in Ponyville," said Princess Celestia. "My student turned princess, Twilight Sparkle, will be checking on her from time to time."

"What?!" asked Blueblood. "I thought that Twilight Sparkle was to stay living here in Canterlot for the rest of her life."

"Princess Twilight Sparkle chose to stay in Ponyville with her fellow Elements of Harmony bearers in case they are needed," said Princess Celestia. "And you can't decide where royals are supposed to stay."

"But..." Blueblood said.

"End. Of. Discussion," said Princess Celestia. Then she and Luna started walking away from Blueblood. He was irritated by how they wanted the alicorn filly to stay in Ponyville.

He then headed into his room and headed to a table, thinking of something. He then said, "That alicorn filly doesn't deserve to be living in a dump of a town. I'll show her that Canterlot is where Alicorns like her are supposed to stay."

Author's Note

Unlike Living Nightmare, there was no impostor of Blueblood, and he's a total jerk.

Chapter 3: First Night in Equestria

Applejack's Room in the Ponyville Hospital... 3:30 PM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

I was coming to. I stretched my arms and looked around. Then I remembered that I became one of these ponies in this world full of them. I looked around and saw that there were a lot less ponies in the room. All that was left of the ponies were Applejack and her family, Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom, along with Apple Bloom's two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom noticed me and said, "Hey! Yer awake!"

I saw that the others looked over at me with smiles on their faces. I heard Applejack say to me, "How ya doin', sugarcube?"

I thought about it, and just shrugged my shoulders, and I said, "I guess I'm alright." Then I realized the way I was talking. I got my normal accent back. "Yes. I'm talking normally."

"Well, talking with the accent yer used ta," said Granny Smith. "Nice ta have you back up and at 'em."

"Just ta let ya know," Applejack said to me, "yer gonna have ta go by another name as long as yer here."

"What?" I asked. "What do you mean?"

"Yer name ain't very natural here in Equestria," said Applejack. "From now on, as long as yer here, yer going by Apple Shine."

"Seriously?" I asked. "I have to go by a different name? Why?"

"Ah told ya," said Applejack. "Dylan ain't exactly a normal name here. So please, please go by Apple Shine."

I thought about it. Well, if I was gonna fit in this world, I might as well go by a name that suits well here.

"Fine," I said. "I'll go by that. For now. I'll stick by that until I go back to my world."

"Uhhhh..." said all six of them.

"Yeah," said Applejack. "About that. The thing is, about how ya ended up here, ya kinda..."

She was interrupted when Doctor Horse came in, saying, "Ah, good. You're awake. Well, it seems that both of you are healthy enough to leave the hospital. Applejack, I recommend you eat about twice as much you usually eat to get your strength up."

"Really?" asked Applejack.

"Don't worry," said Doctor Horse. "It'll only be for two weeks."

"Well, if it's only temporary," said Applejack. "Ah still have some Apple Bucking ta do."

"I suggest you not do anything too hard on your body," said Doctor Horse. "Right now, let's get you checked out and you'll be off to your home."

Sweet Apple Acres... 1:00 PM...

We left the hospital. I was riding on Big Mac's back the whole way. Applejack was going at a slow pace. Of course, we had to stop for lunch at a place called Sugarcube Corner. It turns out that the ponies who saw me were surprised to see me. Some even bowed to me. I was confused by that, and all I got from Applejack is, "Because you're an alicorn." I still don't know why that was the response.

Anyway, we arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, where I was going to hide earlier. Huh. I should've expected this from a family of apple farmers.

"So, this is where you all live?" I asked.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"It must take a while for you to get all of the apples," I said. "Speaking of, how do you get the apples down from the tree?"

Applejack chuckled and said, "Ya wanna show her, Big Mac?"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac. He then bit on the back of my neck, which didn't hurt at all, then put me down, and then he walked over to a tree, and used his back legs to kick that tree, and the apples fell from the tree.

"Whoa," I said. "That looked faster than how farmers pick their apples from my world. They had to climb up the tree and pick them down with their hands."

"Wow," said Applejack. "Must've took a lot of them humans ta get it done."

"Yep," I said. "I've been to an apple farm before on my world. It took a lot of people to do it."

"Well, we got apple farms across Equestria run by other branches of our family," said Apple Bloom. "Except Manehattan."

"Manehattan?" I asked.

"What is it?" asked Applejack.

"In my world, there's a city called Manhattan, big buildings, lots of businesses, fancy food, and a huge park," I explained.

"Wow," said Applejack. "That does sound like Manehattan. Ah know because Ah lived there for about a week. Thanks ta Rainbow Dash, before Ah even met her, she gave me the inspiration ta come back home, here."

"Applejack sure was homesick," said Apple Bloom.

"Alright, kids," said Granny Smith. "Let's get yer flanks inside."

We then started heading towards the barn. I then looked up towards the sky and said, "I just hope that I'll get back to my world. My friends and Regina must be worried of what's happened to me."

"Uhhh... Yeah," said Applejack. "About that. The thing is..." Applejack was then interrupted after she opened the barn door by something, surprising.

"Surprise!" came the voices of a bunch of ponies.

I was stunned by what just happened. A bunch of ponies had set up a party here. Then I saw that pink pony, Pinkie Pie, was bouncing up towards us. Literally.

"Hi!" said Pinkie Pie. "You remember me, right?! Pinkie Pie! Welcome to your "Welcome to Ponyville" Party! You're gonna have a lot of fun while you're here, and I'll make sure of it!"

I was very shocked by all of the ponies here. Who would've thought that a lot of ponies would come to see me. I was a little nervous about being here. I was going to be here for a little while. I know it might be heartbreaking for all of these ponies to see me leave when I'll be here for quite a while. I just hope my friends back home aren't too upset that I've been gone for a while.

"Excuse me," came a voice. I turned to see a magenta pony with a two tone pink mane and tail. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Cheerilee. I happen to be the school teacher at the Ponyville Schoolhouse."

"Oh," I said. "Well, it's nice to meet you."

"Well, I'm hoping to see you in class in mid August," said Cheerilee. "See you around."

I got confused on that. Why would I go to a school for ponies when I was going to be here temporarily? I just hope that I go back home to where I belong. I was then pulled by Apple Bloom.

"C'mon, Apple Shine," said Apple Bloom. "Let's go play some games."

Well, hopefully this day will go by in a flash.

9:15 PM...

Today was so much fun. I never had this much fun in my life. Pinkie Pie sure knows how to make a party. It might be one of the things I might regret when going back to the Foster Home so I can wait for my parents to come and get me.

"Alright, ev'rypony," said Applejack. "Time ta head on out. Party's over."

All of the ponies nodded. Some cleaned up the party, the rest headed off to their homes. I was just about to walk out of there when I was picked up.

"Hold up, sugarcube," came Applejack's voice. She was the one who picked me up. "And just where do ya think yer goin'?"

"I... was just... gonna camp out in that tree house," I told her.

"Ah don't think so," said Applejack. "Yer gonna be stayin' with me and mah family. We'll get a room set up fer ya as long as yer here. But fer tonight, ya are gonna be sleepin' with me in mah bed."

"N-no, I wouldn't want to..." I said, but was interrupted.

"Ah'm not gonna take no fer an answer," said Applejack. "Besides... ya are gonna need some comfort since yer here. Ah'd be happy ta give it ta ya."

I thought about it. She's being so nice to me. Why am I getting this feeling that... I should be with her? She's not my mom. But why am I getting the strange urge to be sleeping with her. Guess I have no choice.

"Fine," I said. "But I'm not gonna stay here forever."

Applejack sighed and said, "Listen, sugarcube. About that. Ya are kinda..."

"Applejack!" came Granny Smith's voice. "Ya gotta rest. Get yer flanks inta bed."

Applejack sighed, then picked me up, put me on her back, and headed into her living area. We went upstairs into one bedroom. It wasn't that big, but I wasn't too sure on staying with her, but something inside of me was wanting me to get into bed with her.

Applejack climbed into bed, looked over towards me and said, "Well? Ya comin'?"

"Uhhh..." I said.

"Don'tcha worry," said Applejack. "Ah won't let anythin' bad happen ta ya."

I then shrugged it off, and then gotten myself into the bed with Applejack. She pulled me into a hug. I wanted her to let go, but, it felt... nice. I was then starting to fall asleep. Hopefully, I would be back in the Foster Home when I wake up.

Apple Shine's Dream...

"Dylan...!"

That voice. I knew that voice. I opened my eyes and saw Regina, Peter and Jerry surrounding me in a hospital room. It was all a dream. Well, at least I'm back in my world.

Then a doctor came in, holding a clipboard, and walked up to Regina saying, "Well, here's the paperwork. I need you to sign right here." Regina took a pen and started signing it. "Alright. This... thing... is no longer in your custody."

"Wait, what?" I asked. But then I realized that I had that girl's voice I had as that pony I was. I looked down at my hands, only to see hooves instead. It came to a conclusion. I was back home, but I was still a pony.

Then some men in suits came running in.

"Target secured," said one of the men. "Time to take this thing away and see what she's made of."

The men grabbed me. I was struggling to get out of their grip, saying, "No! No!! Let me go! Regina, Peter, Jerry! It's still me! Please! It's me, Dylan! Help me!"

"Sorry," said Regina. "But I'm a foster mother to only human children. You're no longer welcome at my foster home."

"No! Peter, Jerry, make her reason with me! Please!" I begged to the others with pleading eyes.

"Sorry, Dylan," said Peter.

"We don't want to share a foster home with a freak like you," said Jerry. What both of them said really hurt. I then was pulled up and shoved into a dog carrier. I used my hooves to prevent myself from going in.

"Hey! Stop! Stop it!" I said. "Quit pushing me! Sto--!" One of them shoved an apple into my mouth. I wanted to spit it out, but my mouth automatically chewed it on its own, and I swallowed it. I then tried talking, but instead, I was neighing like a little pony. I wanted to speak normally, but nothing was working. I then was pushed into the dog carrier, and the men closed it.

"Alright, men," said one of the men. "Let's get this creature to Area 51 and see what she's made of."

They already loaded the dog cage I was in onto the back of a truck, and the men started driving on a bumpy road, shaking me left to right. I was trying to say "No!" multiple times, but all that came out of my mouth were whinnies. I closed my eyes, hoping this was a really bad dream.

Applejack's Bedroom... 1:01 AM...

I was being shaken. I woke up and saw Applejack, saying, "Wake up. Wake up, Apple Shine."

I sat up, and put a hoof to my chest. I had tears in my eyes, and I buried my head into Applejack's jest, and I began to cry.

"It's okay, Apple Shine," said Applejack. "It's okay. It was just a bad dream." She rubbed my back, saying, "Ya wanna talk about yer dream."

"I-I-It was awful," I said. "I-I-I woke up back in my world... but I was still a pony. Then... I was being taken away to be dissected."

"That will never happen, sugarcube," said Applejack, hugging me. "Ah won't let anythin' bad happen ta ya."

"I'm sorry that I woke you up with my crying," I said with my head buried in her chest.

"Oh, yer cryin' didn't wake me up," said Applejack. "Ya kinda... wet the bed..."

I looked down and saw a dark spot in the blanket. Applejack then grabbed me, pulled both of us out of the bed, then Applejack pulled off the bed sheets, and blanket, and then she took me to the bathroom, and started washing the both of us up to get the pee off of both of us. We then came back into Applejack's room, and Applejack grabbed a spare blanket, and got back into bed. I just hope I don't wet the bed again the rest of the night.

Author's Note

I was thinking of letting the characters of the story keep what happened to "Dylan" and "his" parents a secret. But I was thinking, what if they were going to tell "Dylan" but they kept getting interrupted by something or someone.

Chapter 4: Magic Training: Strength with Applejack

Sweet Apple Acres Kitchen... 6:30 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

I was sleeping peacefully, but I was awoken by the sound of a metal triangle. I sat up, along with Applejack. She looked down at me and said, "Well... time for some grub. Let's get downstairs."

I sighed, nodded and got out of bed. I was still trying to get used to walking like a pony. It was even harder for me going up or down a flight of stairs. I looked down the flight of stairs, worrying that I would slip and fall down the stairs.

Applejack looked back up the stairs and saw me standing there. She then called up and asked, "Are ya comin' down, Apple Shine?"

I was nervous. What if I tripped and hurt myself. But then I felt a hoof on my back. I looked to my right and saw Apple Bloom. She then asked, "Are ya okay?"

"I... I don't think I can go up or down a flight of stairs," I said. "I might trip."

"Well, ya did climb up the treehouse steps," said Apple Bloom. "But only up. Okay, Ah see yer problem. Ah can help ya. Just do it one leg at a time."

I nodded, and started off one hoof. Then another, then another, then another. Eventually, I safely went down the stairs. Apple Bloom was right beside me when coming down the stairs.

"There ya go," said Apple Bloom. "Now, c'mon. Let's get some grub." She then headed towards the kitchen with me following. Applejack helped me onto a seat and then Big Mac set down a plate of pancakes in front of me.

"Uhh... Thanks," I said to Big Mac.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"You don't talk much, do you?" I asked him again.

"Nnope," said Big Mac. He then went back to the stove, and got another plate, one with more pancakes than I had, and he put it in front of Applejack.

"Thank ya, bro," said Applejack.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac. He then sat in his seat, and then the four of them started eating. I was a little disgusted for them eating without any utensils. Why would they set them out if they weren't going to use them? I shrugged it off, and then started eating the food myself. These pancakes weren't too bad.

"Alright, y'all," said Granny Smith. "We got a lot of apple pickin ta do. So get as much food ya can, and then head on out ta the orchards. Big Mac, Apple Bloom, with what happened in the early morning yesterday, the two of ya are gonna have ta do Applejack's buckin'. Ya understand?"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"Aww," said Apple Bloom. "But Ah was gonna meet with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo later today. We were gonna go to the swimmin' hole together."

"Sorry, Apple Bloom," said Applejack. "Ya know what ya have ta do."

"Why not have Apple Shine do some apple buckin'?" asked Apple Bloom.

"What?" I asked. "M-Me? But I can't... I don't even know how to..."

"Actually," said Applejack, "that ain't a bad idea. Might as well train her on her new magical abilities. She happens to have the magic of all three types of ponies. Might as well start with Earth Pony Strength."

"Aww... Do I have to?" I asked.

"C'mon, Apple Shine," said Applejack. "Ya might as well try out yer new abilities."

I was thinking about it. If I was going to stay here, I might as well help around here.

"Okay," I said. "I'll try to help out as much as I can."

"Atta girl," said Applejack. "Don't worry. We'll start with the basics."

I nodded. Then I thought to myself, "I might as well show them how appreciate their hospitality. They're so nice to me. Might as well pay them back in a way."

We continued eating until it was time for us to get out there. As soon as I was finished with my plate, along with the others, I was thinking on how I was gonna take my plate to the sink. I was about to grab it with my hooves, but Applejack grabbed it.

"Ah got it, Apple Shine," said Applejack. "Why don'tcha head on out with Apple Bloom and Big Mac, and then Ah catch up on ya after Ah'm done with the dishes?"

"Um... okay," I said. I then got out of my seat and followed Apple Bloom and Big Mac.

West Orchards of Sweet Apple Acres... 7:15 AM...

We headed to the West Orchards to start off. Apple Bloom and Big Mac had some buckets and a cart ready. As soon as Apple Bloom was about to start, Applejack came up.

"Sorry Ah'm late," said Applejack. "Had to finish up the dishes. Alright, Apple Shine, ya ready to start off with yer new strength?"

"I... guess I can give it a try," I said. "How do I do it?"

"Alright," said Applejack. "First off, stand with yer flanks facin' towards the tree." I nodded and then I had my backside faced towards the tree. "Yer gonna have ta stand closer to the tree." I then stepped back until I waited for Applejack to tell me when to stop. "That's good." I then stopped. "Alright. Now, Ah want ya ta plant yer forelegs firmly." I then started getting a strong sense of gravity in my front legs. "Alright, now lift both yer back legs, and kick the tree as hard as ya can." I then lifted my back legs, and with a heavy kick from both my legs, I bucked the tree. What I didn't expect was that not only did the apples came down, but also all of the leaves and some large branches came down. Applejack was awestruck and said, "Hoowee! Yer stronger than Ah thought."

"Applejack, I'm sorry!" I said. "It was an accident! I didn't mean to..." I was interrupted when Applejack grabbed me in for a hug.

"Shh. Shh. It's okay," said Applejack. "Ah forgot that alicorns have a lot more power than any different type of pony."

"Your not mad?" I asked, confused and still sad.

"No, Ah'm not," said Applejack. "Perhaps ya should try toning it down a notch."

I nodded. Applejack, along with Apple Bloom and Big Mac, started grabbing the apples that weren't crushed, and put them into the buckets. The buckets were then loaded into the cart.

"This time, do it with only a little effort," Applejack said to me. I nodded with a sad smile.

10:30 AM...

I was exhausted from doing all of that apple bucking. I was sweating a lot. I wiped the sweat from my forehead. Although, I didn't get it all because of the horn on my head.

A towel was then tossed onto my head. I got it off and looked over and saw Applejack with a juice box, and said, "Thought ya needed something to cool off. Ya actually did a lot better than Ah thought ya would do."

"Thanks," I said, wiping my face with the towel. "Wow, it's hot."

"Yeah," said Applejack. "The weather team and Princess Celestia scheduled a heat wave for the week."

I nodded. But then, I got the urge. I tried crossing my legs, but it was hard to do it. I then said, "Uhh... Applejack. I gotta go."

"Go where?" asked Applejack.

"The bathroom," I said.

"Oh," said Applejack. She then bit down on the back of my neck, and took me to an outhouse. She then showed me how to go to the bathroom as a pony. Well, a female pony. This was humiliating, but I had to go. When I was done, I went back to apple bucking.

I was getting really used to apple bucking. Although, it was tiring me out. I was really getting tired. It then got way too hot for me to continue bucking. Applejack walked up to me and sat right next to me.

"Yeah," said Applejack. "It sure is a scorcher, ain't it?"

"Yeah," I said. She then handed me a juice box, and I took it and drank the juice. "Oh, yeah. That's refreshing."

"Ah believe ya done enough," said Applejack. "How 'bout ya go with Apple Bloom to the swimmin' hole? It'll cool ya off a lot more."

"Yeah, I guess," I said. "But, I might have to learn how to swim like a pony."

"Yeah, Ah guess that's true," said Applejack. "Hey, Apple Bloom!"

Apple Bloom came up to the both of us and asked, "Yeah, sis?"

"Ya don't mind if Apple Shine went with ya to the swimmin' hole, do ya?" asked Applejack.

"Sure," said Apple Bloom. "The more, the merrier!"

"Are you sure it'll be safe?" I asked.

"We're just goin' swimmin'," said Apple Bloom. "Nothin' more, nothin' less. Don'tcha worry. We'll be there ta help ya."

"Okay," I said.

"Well, the two of ya go on back inside, and get ready ta head to the swimmin' hole," said Applejack. "Be back by dinner time, both of ya."

"Okay," said Apple Bloom and I. Then we headed back towards the barn house.

Applejack's Home... 11:45 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack went into the kitchen where Granny Smith was preparing a picnic basket for Apple Bloom and Apple Shine to head to the swimming hole. Apple Bloom and Apple Shine were prepared to leave. Apple Bloom had her saddlebags on and full of things for swimming. Granny Smith handed Apple Bloom the picnic basket and the two fillies headed out.

Granny Smith walked over to Applejack and asked, "So, how did young Apple Shine take ta Apple Bucking?"

"She actually did a whole lot better than Ah thought," said Applejack. "Although, on her first try, not only did she got all of the apples on the tree, but all of the leaves and some branches fell off that same tree."

"Hoowee," said Granny Smith. "Sounds like she did a little too much effort."

"Yeah," said Applejack. "And that was just her first time. Ah told her ta take it down a notch. She did just about as good as Big Mac could."

"So, ya should probably get her room ready," said Granny Smith. "Let's head on over ta town and get some furniture for Apple Shine's new bedroom."

"Yeah, Ah guess yer right," said Applejack. Then Big Mac came in. Applejack turned her head towards Big Mac and asked, "Hey, Big Mac. Ya wanna help get some furniture for Apple Shine's room we're gonna set up fer?"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac. He then headed for the fridge, grabbed a glass jar of Apple Juice, and a cup from the cupboard and poured the apple juice into the cup. Then he started drinking it. Then the three of them headed on out. Big Mac got himself hooked up into a cart and then they headed off towards Ponyville.

Chapter 5: Swimming Hole Fun Time

Swimming Hole... 11:55 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Apple Bloom and I were walking towards the Swimming Hole. I might as well learn how to swim here and get out of the heat.

"So, Apple Shine," Apple Bloom said. "Ya ready ta cool off after a hard day of workin'?"

"Well, I have been working hard," I said. "It's just too bad that I might have to go back to my world. I really appreciate you guys helping me until the time comes."

Apple Bloom gave off a sad face. I was confused by that and then Apple Bloom said, "Yeah, about that. The thing is..."

"Hey! Apple Bloom!" came the voice of Scootaloo. We looked ahead and saw Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo waving towards us. We then started running towards them.

"Hey, Apple Shine!" said Sweetie Belle. "What are ya doing here?"

"Since Applejack was... unable ta do her chores today," Apple Bloom explained, "we thought that Apple Shine should do some of Applejack's chores. She actually did better than what Applejack thought."

"Really?" asked Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom then giggled and said, "Ya shoulda saw her first attempt at Apple Bucking. Not only did she got all of the apples down, but all of the leaves and some branches came down."

I blushed at that comment, making Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo laugh. Sweetie Belle then came up to my side and said, "Don't worry about it. You'll get used to it in time."

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, coming up to the other side. "We done some things that were complete accidents, and we always bounce back."

"C'mon, girls," came Apple Bloom's voice. "Time ta eat." We looked over and saw that she set up a picnic and had a huge umbrella to block out the sunlight. We walked towards it and sat on the blanket. It was weird sitting like a pony. It felt like I was sitting like a dog. Apple Bloom then set up paper plates with food. There were sandwiches, apple slices, cookies and juice boxes.

"I'm guessing that it was Granny Smith that prepared the food?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Yup," said Apple Bloom. "Now, eat up, ev'rypony." Then the three of them started eating. I shrugged it off, picked up my sandwich and started eating it. It tasted sweet, but there was something about it that was weird. I then picked up one piece of bread and inside the sandwich, there were white flowers. Apple Bloom said, "Aw, sweet. Ya got some daisy sandwiches."

"Daisy?" I asked. "Wait, how was I able to eat this without gagging? Humans can't digest flowers."

"Perhaps when ya were human," said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah," said Scootaloo. "I'm guessing that humans and ponies have different digestive systems."

I thought about it. I guess that makes sense. I might as well keep eating. It was better than I thought it was going to be. Back in my world, I accidentally swallowed a daffodil, and I was taken to the doctor after I threw it up to make sure I was okay. Guess here, I don't have to worry about that.

"So, Apple Shine," said Scootaloo, "are you a good swimmer?"

"I was when I was human," I told her. "But, in a body like this, I'm gonna have to relearn how to swim."

"Guess that makes sense," said Sweetie Belle. "Well, let's get swimming."

"Isn't there a rule where you can only swim half an hour after eating?" I asked.

"Oh, that explains the tummy ache I had that day," said Scootaloo. "Alright, we can wait."

"Let's just stay out of the sun," said Sweetie Belle. "That way, we won't get sun burnt. Speaking of which..." Sweetie Belle went to her saddle bags and brought out a bottle of sun block. She started spreading it on my body first.

"Ooh. That's cold," I said.

"It's good for you," said Sweetie Belle. "Just relax." She continued rubbing some sunscreen on my body.

Quills and Sofas... 1:05 PM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack, Big Mac and Granny Smith went into the store to look for furniture for Apple Shine's new room they're gonna have set up for her.

Davenport walked up to them and said, "Applejack and family. What brings the three of you here?"

"Howdy there, Davenport," said Applejack. "Ya know about that alicorn filly, right?"

"Oh, of course," said Davenport. "Let me guess, you're here to get some furniture for a bedroom you're gonna set up for her?"

"Eeyup," Big Mac said.

"Well, you're in luck. We just got some beds with ultra soft mattresses good enough for royalty. Wish that Princess Twilight would consider coming in here to get one for herself." Davenport then started leading the three apples towards the bedding area.

The three apples looked at the beds, wondering which bed to get for Apple Shine. Davenport showed them to the bed he thought it'd be best for the young Alicorn. Applejack checked the bed to see how soft it was.

"Hoowee," said Applejack. "This sure is a soft bed."

"Made for the best," said Davenport. "Tell you what. How about whatever you buy, I'll give you a 70% discount on the things needed for the filly."

"Well, if it's fer Apple Shine," Granny Smith said, "we might as well get them."

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

They eventually left the place with some ponies pulling some furniture on some carts. The apples got a bed, a wardrobe, a toy chest, a dresser with a mirror, and a bedside table with a lamp.

Swimming Hole... 2:30 PM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

It took me a while to do it, but I was eventually swimming like a pony. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were holding me at first, but as soon as they thought I was ready to swim alone, I actually did fine on my own.

"Ya did it, Apple Shine!" I heard Apple Bloom say. I looked back and saw that I was away from the other two crusaders. Apple Bloom swam up to me and said, "Ya're quite the fast learner."

"I was told that by Regina back in my world," I told her. "I really hope I can get back to her foster home so I can wait for my mom to come pick me up."

I saw Apple Bloom turn her head away, giving a sad look. She then looked back towards me and said, "Listen. There's something ya should know. It's just that..."

Then the voice of another girl came in, interrupting Apple Bloom. "Oh, look, Silver Spoon. It's the useless blank flanks." We turned our heads towards the voice and saw two earth pony fillies coming up to our picnic area. One was pink with a purple and white mane and tail, and on her flank was a mark that looks like a tiara, which matched the one that's in her mane. The other one was gray with a silver mane, which was braided in the back, and tail, she was wearing blue glasses, a blue pearl necklace, and had a mark of a fancy looking spoon. "What do we have here? A picnic for the biggest losers in Ponyville?" Then they kicked he picnic basket.

"Hey!" Apple Bloom shouted. "That's our picnic!" She then started swimming back to shore.

"Sorry, blank flanks, but this place is for ponies with cutie marks only," said the pink filly.

"You might as well get out of here," said the gray one.

"The Swimming Hole is a public place!" said Scootaloo. "And you know that."

The pink filly saw me, smirked at me and said, "Oh, look. Those blank flanks got a little foal in their group."

"So, pathetic," said the gray filly. "She doesn't even look older than Pipsqueak."

"Leave her alone!" said Apple Bloom.

I leaned towards Sweetie Belle and asked, "Who are those two?"

"Those are the school bullies," Sweetie Belle said. "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They think they're better than anypony just because they have rich families."

I frowned at that comment. Diamond Tiara looked towards me and said, "Such a pathetic group. Those useless blank flanks will never get their marks because they are useless."

I was getting angry at them, so I started swimming towards the beach, got out, and walked up to them. I wasn't paying at their expressions when I said, "You think it's fun to pick on other kids like that? You two will never get any respect from anyone if you keep up with that snarky attitude."

"Oh... my... gosh..." said Diamond Tiara. "You're... you're... you're..."

"Stop picking on other young ponies," I told her. "You're never going to be respected. You're not even worthy of that tiara."

"You're an alicorn!" said both of them. They then both grabbed me and pulled me away from the swimming hole.

"C'mon," said Diamond Tiara. "Let's get you away from these losers. You shouldn't let any lame blank flanks be trying to drag you down to their level."

"Let me go," I said.

"Sorry," said Silver Spoon. "But you are going to have to stay away from those pathetic blank flanks. If you stay with them, you'll never amount to anything."

I then felt a pinching on my tail, and was pulled back. I turned my head back and saw Apple Bloom pulling my tail with her mouth, who's tail was being pulled by Sweetie Belle, who's tail was being pulled by Scootaloo.

"Let... her... go!" Apple Bloom said with clenched teeth. The three of them then pulled me out of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's grip. They then pulled me, and they loaded me into a wagon, along with all of the picnic stuff, and then Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle got in with helmets on. Apple Bloom then put a helmet on my head, and then Scootaloo attached a scooter to the wagon, and then she got on it, buzzed her wings, and we went away from there with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon chasing us.

"Get away from her, you blank flanks!" said Diamond Tiara, still chasing us. I got confused.

I looked towards Apple Bloom and asked, "Blank... flanks?"

"Ya see," Apple Bloom explained, "as you saw the pictures on a pony's flanks. Those are Cutie Marks. They represent yer special talent. As ya can see, we don't have ours. We started this club, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, ta look for our special talents."

"We've been trying to find them for a while," said Sweetie Belle. "We've tried many things, but never gotten our marks yet."

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom called out. "Get us to Sweet Apple Acres!"

"On it!" said Scootaloo. She then turned sharply somewhere, heading off towards the farm. Hopefully, we would be left alone there.

Sweet Apple Acres... 3:00 PM...

We just arrived back at Sweet Apple Acres. Scootaloo drove us into the barn. We took off our helmets and went into the kitchen. We saw Granny Smith there.

"Well, howdy girls," said Granny Smith. She then got confused and asked, "Why are you four all wet?"

We looked at each other and saw that we were still soaking wet. Apple Bloom then walked up and said, "Granny, we had a little problem with Apple Shine being an alicorn. The two bullies from our school were trying ta take her away from us."

"What's so special about alicorns in the first place?" I asked.

"Oh, right," said Scootaloo. "You don't know, do you?"

"Apple Shine, besides you, Celestia, Luna and Twilight, how many other Alicorns have you seen?" asked Sweetie Belle.

I thought about it. At the party, I saw that there were a lot of ponies. But, none of them were alicorns. I looked back at her and said, "None."

"Alicorns are actually princesses," said Scootaloo.

I went wide eyed at that statement. I'm a... princess? Why would I be sent here, in the body of a young princess? No wonder all of the ponies were wanting to get closer to me.

"A princess?" I asked. "Out of all of the ponies I could've turned into... I ended up a princess pony? Why?"

"Hey, don't worry about it," said Apple Bloom. "Besides, it's you who chooses whatcha want ta do with yer life. Ya don't have ta do royal duties if ya don't want ta."

"I... guess that makes me feel better," I said. "But... a princess? It makes me sound... more girly. I mean, I'm only going to be here temporarily."

The others got a sad expression plastered on their faces. Apple Bloom then spoke to me, "Well... there's something ya need ta know. Yer kinda..."

She was then interrupted by a knocking on the door. We turned to the door. Granny Smith then walked towards it, opened it and we saw those two fillies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"Well, if it ain't Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon," said Granny Smith. "What are ya doin' here?"

"We actually came here to escort a friend of ours back home," said Diamond Tiara. "She's a filly alicorn and..."

"Nope!" said Granny Smith. "Ya probably didn't know, but that filly alicorn is actually staying here with us. Apple Shine ain't goin' with you."

"What?!" asked the two fillies.

Diamond Tiara looked towards me and asked, "You're an alicorn, and you're family with these... losers?! Why?! You should be living in a high-class place! Not some stupid, smelly barn!"

I got angry and said, "And what makes you think you know what is best for me? These ponies have been nothing but nice to me. You only want me to up your popularity. So, leave me alone."

Diamond Tiara then snarled and then tried coming up with a clever come back, but just groaned in frustration. She then said, "C'mon, Silver Spoon. We don't need this loser princess. We'll just make sure that she doesn't get any attention."

"That's... gonna be hard, Diamond," said Silver Spoon. "How are we going to make ponies lose interest in an alicorn princess?"

I heard them talking as they were walking away. It made me sad and I lowered my head. Why couldn't I have been turned into something besides an alicorn.

My chin was lifted so I was facing the one who was lifting it and saw Granny Smith. She smiled and said, "Don'tcha worry about those two fillies. They don't know what they're talkin' 'bout from time ta time."

"I don't belong here," I said. "I just..." I then started shedding some tears. Granny Smith then pulled me in for a hug. Her hug feels... nice. Is this how a grandmother's touch is? I never felt the experience myself since I've been in foster homes my whole life.

"It's okay," said Granny Smith. "It don't matter where ya came from. Ya'll always belong with the creatures that'll care for ya."

I felt Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo join the hug. I heard some hoofsteps come into the kitchen. We all turned towards the hoofsteps and saw Applejack and Big Mac. Applejack walked over to me and said, "Apple Shine, Ah wanna show ya something."

She escorted me up the stairs and I got lead into another room. In this room, there was a bedroom that was similar to Apple Bloom's room, but the bed was on the right side and the dresser was on the left side, a toy chest was right by the door, and a cabinet was standing right next to the dresser.

I was confused about that and asked, "Why would you set up a bedroom for me? I'm not gonna be here that long."

"Ah just thought ya should feel more at home while ya stay here," Applejack answered. "Go on. Lay on yer new bed."

I started walking up to the bed. I got up, and... it was actually very soft. I then said, "Is this how a cloud feels? This bed is so soft."

Scootaloo laughed and asked, "You do know your now able to walk on clouds, right?"

"Huh?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Pegasi are able to walk on clouds," said Scootaloo. "Alicorns, too." She then came over to the bed and got up on it. "Although, this bed really is soft. Not as soft as a cloud, but still very soft."

"But... what if I... you know...?" I asked Applejack, referring to last night's... incident.

"Don'tcha worry about it," Applejack said, walking up to me. She then sat on the bed and pulled me in for a hug. "We got some special bed sheets that'll help with that."

Scootaloo got off the bed and walked over to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. The three of them were discussing something. They all nodded and walked over to Applejack.

Apple Bloom then asked, "Hey, Applejack? Ya mind if the girls and I have a sleepover here in Apple Shine's room?"

"Well, as long as they have permission from their families," said Applejack.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo headed out of there. I wasn't too sure that I should be involved in a sleepover. I mean, I've been to sleepovers with other boys, but not with any girls.

Apple Bloom walked up to me and said, "Don't worry. We'll make ya feel right at home here."

"Do you think I'll ever belong?" I asked.

"Ya'll always belong," said Applejack, pulling me into a hug. "No matter where ya came from." Her hug felt... nice. I don't know why, but it feels like the hug of a loving mother. Is this what it feels like?

Chapter 6: Sleepover

Sweet Apple Acres... 6:00 PM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Well, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo got permission from their families to come over. I still wasn't too sure that I would want any girls staying with me. We were all having dinner, but I was nervous having other girls sleeping with me. I was a human boy in the body of an alicorn filly. I was sitting close to Applejack. For some reason, I felt safer around her.

"So, girls," said Apple Bloom, "whatcha wanna do later tonight?"

"How about we play some board games?" asked Sweetie Belle. "We should do something quite so we don't disturb anypony else and keep them from working on the farm."

"That sounds like a good idea," said Apple Bloom.

Scootaloo sighed and said, "Whatever. I just hope I don't pass out from boredom."

I was starting to get nervous, but then Applejack told me, "It's okay. Ya'll be fine."

I wasn't too sure on that. I just wanna go back to my world and wait for my parents to pick me up. I just hope it'll happen. I'm really hoping that I go back soon.

Canterlot Castle - Prince Blueblood's Quarters... 8:00 PM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Prince Blueblood came into his sleeping quarters, grumpy. He was thinking of something to himself after he shut the door.

"What are my aunties thinking of letting two alicorns staying in a worthless town of pathetic ponies?" He asked himself. "Princesses are supposed to stay in a high sophisticated place, like Canterlot or the Crystal Empire." He then put a hoof to his chin and said, "Perhaps I shall send some of my personal royal guards down there and bring her here. We'll be able to straighten her out."

He then went to a table, pulled out a piece of parchment, and started writing.

Sweet Apple Acres - Apple Shine's New Room... 8:30 PM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were in my room here. I still don't know why the Apples did this for me. I was only going to be here temporarily. They're acting like I'm going to be here for a long time. I really hope that I'll be sent home.

We were playing some board games. I wasn't really paying attention to what the other girls were saying. I was looking towards the window. I just hope Regina, Peter and Jerry weren't too worried about me being gone.

I then felt a hoof on my right shoulder, and I turned my head to the right seeing Apple Bloom. She told me, "It's yer turn."

"Oh, sorry," I said.

"Hey, is something wrong?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Oh, it's nothing," I said, picking up the dice with my hoof. It's weird being able to pick up something with a hoof. How are ponies able to pick things up with their hooves? It makes no sense.

"C'mon, Apple Shine," said Scootaloo. "What's on your mind?"

I sighed and said, "I was just thinking. My friends back home. I wonder if I'll ever go back home." I looked around at the three fillies. Apple Bloom was about to speak, but there was an interruption.

"Hey, girls!" came Applejack's voice from behind the door. "Ya'll gotta wash up."

"Okay, Applejack!" Apple Bloom said. "C'mon, girls. Let's put the games away, and then head to the tub." They then started putting the game away. I walked out of the room and saw Applejack.

"Hey, there Apple Shine," she said. "Let me wash ya off." She then picked me up and took me into the bathroom while Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo went off somewhere else. I was then put into the bathtub, and then Applejack started filling the bath tub with warm water. It felt nice. She washed my mane, scrubbed my body, and then dried me off after pulling me out of the tub. It was just about nine o'clock when I got out of the tub. Applejack then told me, "Alright, Apple Shine, it's time fer bed. See ya in the mornin'."

Applejack then pushed me back into my temporary room. There, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were setting up some sleeping bags by my bed. I was really tired. I walked over towards my bed, jumped up, got under the covers, and was about to fall asleep when I heard the other girls say good night. I responded, and fell asleep. Just once, I would like to wake up back in my world.

Apple Shine's Dream... Time: Unknown...

I was coming to. I felt that my limbs were spread apart. I opened my eyes and saw that I was in some kind of surgery room. I tried moving, but I felt my arms and legs strapped together, only to see that I was still a pony.

"What? No!" I tried saying, but all that came out were pony whinnies. I then tried struggling out of the straps, but it wasn't working. I then felt arms hold my legs down. I looked up and saw some doctors with some tools for surgery.

"Easy, girl," said one doctor. "You are quite a specimen, aren't you?" He then took a small knife, and was about to cut my body from right under my chin. "This'll be slow, but we'll see what makes you so magical."

I was still trying to get out of the straps and telling them to stop, but all I could do is whinny and my hooves are held down. I was crying from what they were gonna do to me. I wanted out of there.

Sweet Apple Acres - Apple Shine's Bedroom 2:30 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Apple Bloom was pulled awake to the sound of something. She looked around to see that she was in Apple Shine's new room. She saw that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were still asleep. But then she looked up on the bed, and she saw Apple Shine struggling in her sleep.

Apple Bloom got concerned for her. She quietly walked around Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to the other side of the bed, then climbed up into the bed, pulled the covers up so she could get under there, and then pulled herself closed to Apple Shine.

Apple Bloom then whispered into Apple Shine's ear and said, "Shh... Shh... It's okay. It's just a bad dream. Nothin's gonna hurt ya." Apple Shine turned her body towards Apple Bloom, face to face. Apple Bloom pulled Apple Shine into a hug, and started rubbing Apple Shine's back with her right hoof. It was helping. Apple Shine was then calming down. She then pulled herself closer to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom then fell back to sleep.

Meanwhile - Back in Apple Shine's Dream...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

I was still trying to get out of the surgeons hold. I tried calling out for help, but all I could do was whinny. I just wanted to get out of there. I needed help. But before I was cut, I fell down. I then landed on something soft. I looked around and saw that I was in a field full of flowers. I was confused. What did I land on?

I looked down and saw something dark blue. Something with wings. I turned my head towards somewhere and saw that blue princess pony that was in the hospital with all the other ponies.

"Do not worry, young Apple Shine," she said. "Twas nothing but a bad dream. It is over."

I tried asking her a question, but all that came out was a whinny. I couldn't believe I still had that. I then saw her horn light up. I got confused at that, and asked, "What was that supposed to do?" I then realized something. I actually spoke English again. "Hey! I'm talking again!"

"Yes," said the blue alicorn to me. "Now that that part of the dream is dealt with, you and I can have a talk."

"Thanks, uhh..." I then realized that I didn't know her name.

"Oh, right," said the blue princess. "I haven't introduced myself to thou. I haven't made a personal introduction. I am Princess Luna, the princess of the night. It is my duty to come into the dreams of my subjects, and prevent them from having nightmares."

I thought about it, then asked, "Why didn't you come last night?"

"You were awoken by Applejack," said Princess Luna. "I was about to go in, but I was too late. Good thing that Applejack was able to calm you down."

I then sighed and asked, "Princess Luna? May I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you think... I'll ever by reunited with my parents?" I lowered my head. Without raising my head, I looked up at Princess Luna, seeing her turn her head away from me.

She then told me, "The answer you seek tis not mine to answer. Now, let's give you a more peaceful dream. Probably something fun for you to do." She then lit up her horn, blinding me. The next thing I knew, I saw myself in a pony version of that amusement park in California, Disneyland.

I was then pushed on my rump. I turned around to see Apple Bloom's bow, which means she was pushing me, saying, "C'mon, Apple Shine. Let's go have some fun." I looked around and saw Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Applejack and her friends, and Spike all with me. Guess Princess Luna wanted me to have a fun dream. Hopefully, I'll be able to have dreams like this from now on.

Sweet Apple Acres... 5:30 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack came out of her bedroom. She let out a yawn, then walked over to Apple Bloom's bedroom, but then she remembered that she and her friends would be sleeping in Apple Shine's room. She then walked towards Apple Shine's room and peeked her head in. There, she saw something that melted her heart. Apple Bloom was sleeping with Apple Shine, probably to comfort her if she had a nightmare last night.

She then quietly walked into the room, then shook Apple Bloom awake. Apple Bloom woke up, then turned her head towards Applejack. Applejack then quietly asked, "Somethin' happen last night?"

"Apple Shine was struggling in her sleep a few hours ago," Apple Bloom whispered. "Ah thought she needed some comfort."

"Well, that was nice of ya," whispered Applejack. "Why don't you 'n' Ah prepare some breakfast for ev'rypony?" Apple Bloom nodded, and slowly got out of bed, or at least she tried. She uncovered the covers for a bit, and saw that Apple Shine's forelegs were wrapped around Apple Bloom's stomach.

Apple Bloom grinned sheepishly and whispered, "Guess she wanted something to hug throughout the night."

Applejack then got Apple Shine's hooves off of Apple Bloom, and then Apple Bloom climbed out of the bed. Then the two sisters quietly walked out of the room, and headed downstairs to prepare breakfast.

Chapter 7: Magic Training: Flight with Rainbow Dash

Sweet Apple Acres... July 16th, 9:30 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

It's been a little over a week since I came here to Equestria. I was hoping to be sent back to my world sooner, but I guess it takes time for the other princesses to find something that'll send me home. I really hope I can get home soon.

Anyway, two days ago, Applejack got back to her full strength and is back to bucking apple trees. She still let me help out around with doing some apple bucking. They were even giving me an allowance. I wasn't too sure I should take their money. I mean, six bits a week might be a good amount here, but I'm not too sure I should take it.

"Don'tcha fret 'bout it," said Granny Smith. "Ya deserve somethin' fer helpin' 'round the farm."

"But..." I tried saying, but I was cut off.

"We're not takin' no fer an answer," said Granny Smith. "Remember not ta spend it all at one place."

I was about to say something but I felt a hoof on my right shoulder. I looked towards my right and saw Applejack smiling down at me. She told me, "Just take it, sugarcube. It wouldn't be fair if ya didn't get paid for helpin' 'round the farm. Now, c'mon. Let's get back ta apple buckin'." She then pulled me back outside, and we went back to working the fields. I then walked over to one tree, prepared some buckets for the apples to fall into, and then I turned around, and I bucked the tree. What I didn't expect was a pony falling out of the tree.

"WAAAAAH!"

I turned my head towards the voice, and I saw Rainbow Dash, in a bucket, and her body buried in apples. I could hear Applejack laughing when she saw Rainbow Dash in the bucket.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Rainbow Dash said. She then pulled herself out of the bucket and most of the apples stayed in and some landed outside of the bucket. She then looked towards me and said, "I see you've been doing well around here."

"Yeah, I guess," I told her. She was looking at something on me. I looked to see what she was looking at. There was nothing different about me. I then turned my head back towards her and asked, "What? What is it?"

"Nothin'," said Rainbow Dash. "I was just thinking, you... haven't really flown yet, have ya?"

"What?" I asked. "Me? Fly?"

"Sure," said Rainbow Dash. "If you'd like, I can personally teach you how to fly. It might help ya if your legs are feeling sore." She turned her head towards Applejack and asked, "You don't mind if I teach her how ta fly, do you, AJ?"

Applejack then put a hoof to her chin and said, "Well, Ah guess she should learn how ta fly. She is an alicorn after all. Hmm. Perhaps one weekend, Ah could get Twi ta give her some lessons in magic."

"I'm... I'm not sure," I said. "I should really..." I was interrupted when two forelegs wrapped around my body, and I was lifted up. "Whoa!" I looked at who picked me up. Rainbow Dash was holding me while she was flying.

"Don't worry, AJ," said Rainbow Dash. "I'll have her back before dinner."

"Don't forget ta treat her ta lunch!" Applejack called out.

"You got it!" said Rainbow Dash said, before turning around, and taking me with her into the sky. I was screaming all the way since then.

Cloudsdale... 10:00 AM...

I've been carried by Rainbow Dash for a while. I felt the wind blowing in my face as we were flying. I was too scared to open my eyes.

I was saying, "Put me down!" multiple times as Rainbow Dash was taking me somewhere high up.

"Okay," said Rainbow Dash said. "Here we go." I was then set down on something soft. I was too scared to open my eyes. My head was then tapped by Rainbow Dash, saying, "You can open your eyes now."

I opened one eye to see that I was really high. I then backed up from the edge, but then I realized something. I looked on the ground I was sitting on, only not to see ground, but clouds. "Wha--? What's happening?"

"This is the magic of pegasi," said Rainbow Dash, flapping above me. "Pegasus ponies are able to walk on and touch clouds. Don't worry. As long as you're with me, you'll be safe. Now, c'mon. I got someplace to show you."

I didn't move. I just didn't want to be some place so high. It makes me so nervous.

Rainbow Dash came back towards me, waving a hoof in front of my eyes, saying, "Apple Shine? Hey, are you okay?"

I was too nervous to say anything. I looked at her, biting my lip. I then gulped, and got the guts to say, "I'm afraid of heights."

Rainbow Dash was shocked at what I just said. She then said, "Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me or Applejack before I took ya up here?"

"I was too nervous," I explained. "Back in my world, when I was four, a friend of mine thought it would be a good idea to celebrate his birthday by going to an airport. When I got on an airplane, I was a little excited at first, but when the pilot turned the plane, making the plane fly sideways, I looked out the window, and saw how high we were. I got worried that the door would fly off and I would be sucked out, and falling to my death. Ever since then, I've been afraid of heights. I've been avoiding everything that involves flying."

"Oh, man," said Rainbow Dash. "You know, that's a natural fear. But, with me with ya, you have nothing to worry about. I won't let anything bad happen to ya. Let's start with gliding. And I know the perfect place up here." I was then picked up, and I got taken somewhere. She flew me off somewhere. She took me to a park of some kind. She then told me, "This is where I learned to fly. We'll start off with the basics here. Next time I teach you, I'll bring come clouds over to the Acres for your own personal flying grounds."

I got nervous. Rainbow Dash escorted me to something that looks like a diving board that professional divers use for diving into pools. I was lifted onto that thing, still nervous about what was happening. I just wanted to get back down safely.

"Hey," said Rainbow Dash. "Don't worry. I'll be there to catch you. Listen to what I have to say. First, relax. Take in some deep breaths." I was taking in breaths, but way too fast. I then felt a hoof on my back. I turned to see Rainbow Dash. She was smiling at me. She then said, "Calm down. Slow down your breathing." She put a hoof to her chin and then got an idea. "I got an idea. Close your eyes, and think of something that relaxes you. Your own happy place."

I then closed my eyes, thinking of a place that makes me happy. Playing in a huge field with my friends, watching the fireworks on the 4th of July, and meeting the Boston Red Sox. I smiled at all of those things that make me happy.

"How do ya feel?" Rainbow asked me.

I opened my eyes, looked up at Rainbow and said, "Better."

"Alright," said Rainbow Dash. "Now, unfold your wings as wide as you can." I nodded. I then spread my wings, which felt weird having wings for over a week. "Great. Let me set you up with something." She then flew over somewhere. I watched her and she brought out a roll of red tape, and placed the tape across where she was standing. She then called out, "Alright. Before you start flapping your wings, I want you to glide from there to this line. This line is about 15 yards from that board. Remember, keep your wings spread out. No flapping."

I nodded. I closed my eyes, and took another deep breath. Then I prepared to jump. I then jumped, but I instantly plummeted. Good thing the clouds were soft. Rainbow Dash walked up to me and said, "Good effort. I know you'll do better next time. And it's also a good thing these clouds are thick. That way, you won't have ta see about two thousand feet of distance." She then realized what she said, then she told me, "Forget that last part."

I then got up. Rainbow then picked me up, and put me back on that platform. I then prepared to get ready for another jump. Hopefully, not only will I be able to fly, but maybe I'll be able to overcome my fear of heights. Hopefully.

Sweet Apple Acres... 5:30 PM...

Rainbow Dash then flew me back to Sweet Apple Acres. My wings were sore to be straight for so long when I was gliding for a few hours.

"Remember, Apple Shine," Rainbow told me, "put some ice on those wings for about 15 minutes. The cool ice will make the tenderness go away." I nodded, and headed towards the barn. I then heard Rainbow say, "I'll come back in two days by 3:30 for a training course for ya. We're gonna do that again. This time, an hour class. See ya!" She then flew off. I then entered the barn to see the Apples almost having dinner just about finished.

Applejack saw me and said, "There she is. How'd it go?"

"Well, let's just say I won't be getting lessons up in Cloudsdale," I said. "I have a fear of heights."

"Ooooh," said all four of them.

"Good thinking," said Applejack. "Well, Ah guess when ya get older, ya'll get over yer fear." She then put a hoof on my left wing, making me wince. "Whoa. Are ya wings sore? Ah'll get ya some ice packs." I nodded as Applejack walked over to the fridge. She opened it up, and pulled out some ice packs and some straps. She walked back towards me and said, "Alright. This is gonna be cold, but it'll all be fine after a while."

She then wrapped a couple ice packs around each wing I had, making me say, "Oooh. Cold."

"Yeah," she told me. "It'll be like that. Now, c'mon. Let's get some grub in yer stomach. Ya must be hungry after all that trainin'."

My stomach growled after she said that, and I nodded in agreement. After she finished wrapping the ice packs around my wings, I went to the table. They prepared a fruit salad with apple slices.

"So, what did ya learn when Rainbow was teaching ya?" Apple Bloom asked me.

"Well, I started off with gliding," I responded. "But, I wasn't too fond on taking flying lessons someplace high. So from now on, I'm gonna be training down here."

"Good call," said Applejack.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

We then started eating. As soon as I ate my first bite, Applejack then started talking to me. "Just ta let ya know, Apple Shine. Tomorrow, I got ya some magic training with Twi at the library. She'll teach ya some basic spells."

"Spells?" I asked.

"Every different pony has different kind of magic," said Applejack. "Us Earth Ponies have strength, Pegasi have flight and the ability ta walk on clouds, and unicorns are able to use their horns for various spells."

"Yeah," said Apple Bloom. "Usually, unicorns use their magic ta levitate things in a colorful aura."

I then looked up at my horn. I could levitate things with my horn? Like a cool super power?

"Now, ya eat up," said Applejack. "Ya got a big day tomorrow. Ah'll even take ya there mahself."

First strength, then flight, now actual magical spells? This world is a lot more complicated than I thought. It's too bad I won't be able to use this stuff when I get back to my world.

Chapter 9: Dress to Impress... Oh Boy...

Sweet Apple Acres... July 25th, 10:00 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Next week was the day Princess Celestia was going to see how I was doing in this world. When she comes, I'm gonna ask her if there was any progress of sending me back home. I was wondering for weeks now, but I guess things take time.

I just finished up bucking all of the apples from one tree. But then I was called over.

"Hey, Apple Shine! Come over here!"

"Coming, Applejack!" I responded. I then started walking towards her voice and when I reached her, I saw that one of her friends was standing right next to her. The white unicorn with a curly purple mane. I believe her name was Rarity, after hearing about her from Sweetie Belle.

"Apple Shine, you remember Rarity, right?" she asked.

"Uh... yeah," I said. "Just barely."

"Yes, yes," Rarity said. She then looked at Applejack. "True, we haven't made a proper introduction." She then turned back to me. "Anyway, Twilight told me that Princess Celestia is going to come to see how you have been adjusting. So, I'm here to prepare you in something... formal."

I was confused, yet nervous about this. "Wait, what?"

Applejack sighed and said, "Trust me, Apple Shine. When she's like this, there ain't no stopping it."

I then started running, but I was stopped. I was lifted into the air by light blue magic. I was struggling to get out of it when Rarity said, "I'll be sure to bring her back with the perfect ensemble for the occasion that's coming next week."

"Help me," I said.

"It's okay, Apple Shine," said Applejack. "You'll be just fine." That didn't make me feel better. Rarity then took me away from Sweet Apple Acres. This time, I didn't actually want to go anywhere, but I had no choice now. Why couldn't I've been sent home before this happened?

Carousel Boutique... 10:20 AM...

We eventually arrived at a place that looks like a carousel. I was confused about it until Rarity took me inside of it.

"Welcome, Apple Shine, to Carousel Boutique," she said to me.

I looked around the place and got nervous. This wasn't just an oddly shaped building. It's a fancy dress shop. She closed the door and locked it before I got put down. I tried running for the door, and tried opening it with my hooves.

"Don't be scared, Apple Shine," Rarity said. "I'm just going to make the perfect ensemble for you when Princess Celestia arrives to check on you."

"You're not going to put me in a dress, are you?" I asked her.

"Why, of course. Even a young alicorn must impress Princess Celestia with how good she looks. Let's get started."

I wasn't paying attention to her. I was looking for another way out of there. I went into a room, but there was no way out when I went through the door. This room was full of fabrics.

"Uh oh."

I then heard hoofsteps coming towards me. I had no choice but to hide. I hid behind some fabrics on a low shelf. Hopefully, Rarity won't find me here. I heard Rarity's hoofsteps coming this way.

"Found you," Rarity said. I was then lifted by my tail, and was hanging upside down in front of Rarity's face. "Now, Apple Shine, you really shouldn't run away like that. I must insist on giving you the perfect outfit for the occasion."

"Please don't," I said. "I'm a boy, remember?"

"Not at the moment, darling," Rarity said. She then looked at the fabrics I was hiding behind, then she looked back at me, and back at the fabrics, then back at me. She did that multiple times. She then smiled, got some twinkles in her eyes and said, "I-dee-a!" That made me a little more nervous.

"Please don't," I tried saying to her, but she ignored me, and grabbed the fabrics I was hiding behind. The colors of the fabrics were green, blue, two different colors of brown, red, white and yellow. I was getting a lot more nervous about what was happening.

11:55 AM...

"I'm almost done," Rarity said when she was braiding my mane and tail. "Just hold still for a little bit longer."

I was so embarrassed. If Jerry or Peter knew I was wearing a dress, they would never let me live it down. When I eventually go back home, I'll just say that I was still a boy here and not a girl. Even if I am a pony.

Rarity had me dressed up in a dress that almost looks like a cowgirl outfit. A yellow collar with a clip that looks like a red apple, a brown saddle strapped over a green torso that has holes for my wings, with a blue skirt, that almost looks like jeans, with red apples on it, and some green at the end of the skirt. She even had a cowgirl hat on my head with a crown on in the middle with an Apple Symbol on top.

"There," Rarity said. "You, are simply divine, darling." I looked in the mirrors I was standing in front of. I saw myself, but I looked... beautiful. I was amazed on how I looked. Rarity then said, "But, it needs... something." She looked down at my hooves, and then said, "Oh, I know the perfect thing." She then walked away, and came back with two small, brown cowgirl boots with a single apple on each of them. She levitated my legs and put the boots on my forehooves. Then she put me down. "Oh, it's perfect! Princess Celestia is going to be astonished by how you look." I then blushed embarrassingly. I didn't want to be in this outfit. Rarity saw me and asked, "What's the matter?"

"I'm feeling embarrassed," I told her. "I used to be a boy. If Jerry and Peter knew about this, they'll never let me live it down."

"Oh, darling," Rarity told me, "I'm sure those two will never find out. Besides, you should embrace on how lovely you look."

"It's supposed to be a casual visit," I told her. "Princess Twilight said that Princess Celestia would be coming to the Acres for a casual visit. She said nothing about it being a fancy meeting. I really don't like this." I was blushing having to be dressed up in a dress. Just then, my stomach growled.

"Oh, yes, it is about time, isn't it?" asked Rarity. "Here. Let me get you out of that outfit, then after lunch, I shall take you and this divine outfit back to Sweet Apple Acres. But first..." Rarity then levitated a camera and took a picture of me in the outfit. I was embarrassed about this. "Alright. Now to get that lovely outfit off of you." She then started taking the outfit off of me, starting with the saddle.

Sweet Apple Acres... 1:00 PM...

Rarity took me back to Sweet Apple Acres with the outfit on a small manikin that looked like a pony. I was really embarrassed about it. Just then, I saw Applejack coming out of a storage place that lead under the barn.

She saw us, walked over to us and asked, "So, how'd it go?"

"It was astonishing, darling," Rarity said. "Behold, the outfit I made for Apple Shine." She then showed the pony manikin with the outfit I was wearing.

Applejack smiled and said, "This outfit looks amazin', Rarity. However, this is a casual event. Not the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Oh, I know," Rarity said, "but I thought that Apple Shine's beauty should shine brightly." She then showed the picture of me in that outfit.

Applejack whistled and said, "Wow. She looks amazin' in that outfit." She looked over at me and said, "Apple Shine, why don't ya go on and do the rest o' yer chores. Ah'll be back ta see how ya've been doin'."

I then rushed back to the chores I've been doing, hopefully not to be forced to go through that again.

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack and Rarity went inside and headed towards Apple Shine's room.

"So, have you told her yet?" Rarity asked.

"Ah've tried," Applejack said. "We've all tried. But every time we tried tellin' her about her old body or... parents... we kept getting interrupted. Last time Ah tried, Ah was interrupted by Rainbow Dash doin' her Sonic Rainboom, again."

"Oh, I understand the feeling," Rarity said. "But still, I insist on telling her before it's too late."

"Ah'll try," Applejack said to her. "Hopefully, Ah won't get interrupted." The two of them stopped in front of the door to Apple Shine's room. "Well, here's her room."

The two of them then walked into the room. Rarity looked around, smiled and said, "This is quite lovely. A quaint little room for a little filly." She walked over to the bed, felt it and asked, "Is this a princess worthy mattress?"

"Davenport recommended it," Applejack said. "Even gave us a discount since Apple Shine is a princess." She then sighed. "Even though she ain't okay on being a princess."

"Do tell her soon, Applejack." Rarity put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder. "She must know."

"Ah know," she said. She then sighed. "Ah just don't know how she'll respond."

Rarity felt sorry for Applejack and said, "Yes. I'm sure she'll not respond well with this. Comfort her when you tell her."

Applejack nodded. Then she walked over to the window, looked out it and saw Apple Shine continuing her chores. Apple Bloom walked up to her with a juice box. Apple Shine then took it, and drank out of it.

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Apple Bloom just handed me a juice box. It was really hot out already. I really needed it.

"So, how did it go?" Apple Bloom asked me.

"It wasn't like I had a choice," I said. "I didn't want to be there, but did Rarity listen? No. Plus, this meeting with Princess Celestia is supposed to be casual."

"Guess when Rarity starts on something, it's hard ta get her ta stop," said Apple Bloom. "Ah'm sure ya'll get used ta things here."

"I don't wanna get use to it," I told her. "I just wanna go back to my world in my original body. I've been here for almost three weeks."

"Ah know," said Apple Bloom. "But, there had ta been some upsides for ya."

I thought about it. I then smiled. "Well, I guess it was fun learning magic and trying to fly." I then started flapping my wings, getting about two feet off the ground. "I still haven't gotten over my fear of heights. So I intend to fly up to 10 feet."

"Yeah, good call," said Apple Bloom. "Scoots is gonna be mighty jealous."

"Apple Bloom! Apple Shine!" Applejack called both of us. "It's a scorcher! Get ya flanks inside!"

We headed inside while Rarity was heading out. Somehow, she was prepared for a hot day. I really hope that I'll be going home soon.

Chapter 10: A Casual Royal Meeting and Secrets Revealed

Sweet Apple Acres... August 1st, 10:00 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Sweet Apple Acres was getting set up for the visit of Princess Celestia. Applejack, Granny Smith and Pinkie Pie had some sweets set up, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Big Mac were setting up picnic tables, and Twilight and the Crusaders setting up decorations around the area.

"Thanks fer helpin' us out, girls," Applejack said.

"Of course, Applejack!" Pinkie said, hugging her. "It's not everyday that the princess comes to town."

"Indeed," said Twilight. "It's nice to see Princess Celestia." She then looked around. "Where are Rarity and Apple Shine?"

"Rarity's preparing Apple Shine," said Applejack. "Apple Shine and Ah tried tellin' Rarity that this was casual. But she insisted that Apple Shine comes out fancy."

"Oh, Rarity," Twilight said. "Well, it's not her fault. I remembered the last time I prepared a fancy meeting with the princess when it was supposed to be a casual visit. There was that one time with the parasprites and let's not forget when Fluttershy accidentally stole Philomena."

Applejack chuckled and said, "Well, in her defense, Philomena was bein' a drama queen."

Twilight rolled her eyes and nodded. She then said, "I just hope that Rarity and Apple Shine come down soon. Princess Celestia could show up any minute."

Apple Shine's Room... 10:05 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Rarity was putting me into that outfit she made for me last week. I was really hoping not to get into this outfit again. I tried hiding the outfit last night, but Big Mac brought it back right before I went to bed. I was so embarrassed by this.

"Hold still, darling," Rarity told me. "I'm almost done."

"Rarity..." I said to her. "I keep telling you, this is a casual visit from her. It's not a fancy ball or something."

"I know," Rarity said, bringing out some cream. "But this is Princess Celestia we're talking about. Now, hold still so I can put this moisturizer on you. You must be prepared."

Rarity rubbed the cream all over my face. It's cold. I was trying to move my head away, but Rarity kept her magic on me to prevent me from even moving it.

"It's cold!" I said.

"It always is," Rarity told me. "Now, you're ready." She looked out the window, and saw something. "And just in the nick of time. Here comes the Princess's royal chariot. Put on those boots and let's head on out."

I was embarrassed. I really didn't want to wear this, but I guess I had no choice. I then put on the boots, then followed Rarity out of there.

Outside... 10:10 AM...

I followed Rarity outside. It seemed that Princess Celestia didn't come alone. She had her sister, Princess Luna, with her. The two of them saw me and Rarity coming out of the house. I was really embarrassed coming out of the house like this.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked up to us. Princess Celestia then said to me, "It's nice to see you again, Apple Shine. But, I'm pretty sure that I told Twilight to tell Applejack that this was meant to be a casual visit."

I looked up at Rarity and said, "Told you!"

"I was hoping that you would be expecting more divine," Rarity said.

"You thought wrong, Rarity," Princess Luna told her. "But, that outfit does look good on you."

"Let us start this picnic," said Princess Celestia. We then started walking over to the picnic tables.

I sat between Applejack and Apple Bloom near the end of one table, and Princess Celestia was sitting right next to Applejack at the end. Princess Luna was sitting right across from Applejack next to her sister. Twilight sat next to her. To Twilight's right was Spike, then Rarity, then Sweetie Belle, then Fluttershy, then Rainbow Dash, then Scootaloo at the end of the table, then Pinkie Pie, then Granny Smith, and Big Mac to the left of Apple Bloom.

"This is simply a beautiful day," Princess Celestia said. "I think that the temperature is perfect."

"You can thank me and the weather team for that," Rainbow Dash said. "I told them that we were going to have royal company, and we planned for today to have a perfect 88 degree day."

"I appreciate that, Rainbow Dash," said Princess Celestia. She then looked over at me and asked me, "So, Twilight has told me that you've been practicing magic and flight."

"I've been doing fine," I told her. "But, I don't see the point on me learning all of this. It's not like I'm gonna be using those skills when I go back to my world." Princess Celestia looked at me confused. I then asked, "What?"

Princess Celestia leaned over towards Applejack and whispered something. I couldn't hear what they were saying. Applejack then sighed then turned back to me.

"What's wrong, Applejack?" I asked her.

She then put her left forehoof on my right shoulder and said, "Apple Shine. Ah've been wanting to tell ya this. Heck, me, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom and Big Mac have been trying to tell ya, but we kept getting interrupted by somepony every time."

I looked over at Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith. They nodded towards me with sad faces.

"W-w-what do you mean?" I asked.

"It's just... there... there ain't no way to send ya back ta yer world," Applejack told me when I turned back to face her.

"What?!" I asked. "You mean there isn't any spell to send me back? You didn't find any?"

"Actually..." Applejack said, but then felt sad. "That's the thing. The way ya arrived here... ya... ya actually..." she then sighed. "...died..."

I went wide eyed at that. "W-what?" I asked.

"I searched your memories, young one," Princess Luna told me. "It seems that your old body was bitten by a venomous snake, known as a copperhead."

"A copperhead?!" I asked.

"Yes," said Princess Luna. "That woman who runs the foster home, Regina, took you to the nearest medical clinic in your world, but the receptionist was too lazy to even notice. She was fired for not getting you to immediate medical attention."

"So... so you all knew?" I asked, starting to get angry. "You all knew that I couldn't go back home?!"

"Apple Shine, please," Applejack said, putting both of her hooves on my shoulders. "Please listen ta me. Ah wanted ta..."

I swatted both of her hooves off of me and said, "Don't touch me! You're not my mom!" That made Applejack shocked, and she put a hoof to her chest. I then threw off the hat and boots, and ran back inside. I was crying when I was heading back to the room I was staying at. I pulled off the saddle on the outfit, and tried getting off the rest of the dress, but it was stuck. I gave up on trying to take it off, and just plopped my face into the pillow, and wailed. This wasn't fair! I can never go back to my world! No wonder they were treating me like I would be here forever! Because I will be! This isn't fair! This isn't fair!

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack still had her right hoof to her chest, and she started shedding tears. Her friends walked up to her, and comforted her.

"We're so sorry about that, Applejack," said Twilight.

"Guess we shoulda let you explain it to her," said Rainbow Dash. "Why is it that when we you or your family tried telling her, something or somepony interrupts you every time."

"I doubt even a party is gonna get you through this," Pinkie said before her hair deflated.

"We're so sorry, Applejack," Fluttershy said.

"Guess we all have a fault to accept," Rarity said.

Applejack then looked over at the hat that Apple Shine was wearing. She then reached over for it and said, "This is all mah fault. Ah shoulda just told her before we left the hospital." She then got out of the hug and walked towards the house and said, "Ah'm gonna go talk to her." Applejack then walked inside.

Upstairs Hallway... 10:20 AM...

Applejack walked towards Apple Shine's room. She leaned her head on the door to listen inside before entering. She could hear Apple Shine crying on the other side of the door.

Applejack knocked on the door and asked, "Apple Shine? May Ah come in?"

"GO AWAY!!" came Apple Shine's voice boomed on the other side of the door. Applejack put her hoof to her chest, feeling her heart clench.

"Apple Shine, Ah'm sorry!" Applejack said. "Ah really did want ta tell ya! Honestly! But, we all kept gettin' interrupted!"

"SHUT UP!!" Apple Shine boomed again.

Applejack sighed. She then walked in to see Apple Shine on her bed, face down in the pillow, and still crying. She was still wearing her dress, but without the saddle. Applejack walked over to her and patted her back.

"Ah know," said Applejack. "Ah know how it feels..."

"Don't give me that!" Apple Shine shouted, turning her head towards Applejack. "You don't know how I feel! I was waiting for my parents to come and get me at the foster home! How are they going to take it when they find out I'm dead back there?! You don't even know what that's like!"

Applejack sighed and said, "That's where ya're wrong. Mah parents went missing when Apple Bloom was just one year old. Ah was devastated when Ma 'n' Pa never came back. Ev'rypony thought that they died. Ah did, too after Apple Bloom started talkin'."

Apple Shine looked up at Applejack. She had eyes of curiosity, but still had tears in them. She then said, "I... I didn't know."

"Ya know," Applejack said, "ya remind me of both of them in that current body o' yers. Besides the white parts, ya actually have the same color coat as mah Ma. And them red streaks in yer mane are the same color as Pa's mane."

"But, what about my real parents?" asked Apple Shine. "They should be sad to know that I'm dead back in my world."

"About that," Applejack said, sitting on the bed. "Princess Luna looked into yer earliest memories. Turns out yer parents... they didn't give ya up because of money." That made Apple Shine raise an eyebrow, still with tears in her eyes. "They... they never wanted children. They abandoned ya."

"W-what?!" Apple Shine asked. Applejack then flipped her over so she could unzip the dress.

"Yer parents thought that it would be best for all of ya if they let some other family take care of ya..." said Applejack, trying to unzip the dress, but it wasn't moving. "Wow. This zipper is stuck. Ah'm gonna have ta get Rarity to fix it."

"So... nothing I was expecting back there was going to happen?" she asked.

"Sadly, no." She then stopped pulling on the zipper.

Apple Shine then started sobbing lightly. Then she opened her eyes and then asked, "Wait. If I died back there, how am I alive here? It doesn't make any sense."

Applejack sighed, then said, "That's another thing. Remember how ya said that Ah wasn't yer ma? The day ya arrived, it was... unexpected... for mah friends and Ah."

"What happened?" Apple Shine asked.

"Ya see. Earlier than Ah usually woke up, Ah was awoken by this loud shriek. When Ah came outside, Ah saw a dark cloud over the Everfree Forest. It seems that Ah wasn't the only one awoken by that shriek. After we got Fluttershy outta her cottage, we headed into the forest. When we reached the bottom of a cliff, we were ambushed by an evil spirit. The ghost of Nightmare Moon, Luna's dark side. She intended on making a new body fer her ta use and take over Equestria in an eternal night."

"How was she going to do that?" Apple Shine asked.

"She intended on using a spell ta make one o' us pregnant. But instead o' waitin' 11 months, it went by in a minute. She fired that spell, and it was headin' towards Twilight. But Ah pushed her out o' the way, havin' me take the hit. It was extremely painful when it was happenin'. Ah became bloated in seconds 'til mah water broke. The foal had no color, nor soul. It was intended ta be a vessel for Nightmare Moon. But before she could get inta the body, the soul of somethin' else entered it. Yer spirit."

"M-me?"

"Yeah. Nightmare Moon tried getting another shot in, but she was hit by sunlight. Her soul blew up, making it so we wouldn't have ta see her again. It aged to the age ya were when ya were alive. So, technically, Ah am yer mother now." Applejack sighed. "Hopefully, Ah can be a better parent than those last two who just abandoned ya when ya were a baby."

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

My parents abandoned me when I was a baby. I died in my world. And my spirit entered the vessel of a magically born pony that had no soul until one entered it. And Applejack gave birth to that foal which I now am. I guess she is my mom, now.

I could feel tears coming out of the corner of my eyes. I then felt tears coming out of my eyes. I then jumped onto Applejack, and I wrapped my forelegs around her body as best as I could.

"I'm sorry!" I cried into her chest. "I'm sorry for yelling at you!"

"It's okay," she told me, rubbing the back of my head. "Ah'm sorry fer not tellin' ya sooner. Ya had ev'ry right ta know. Ah'll do mah best ta take care o' ya."

I smiled and buried my head into her chest without piercing her with my horn and said, "Thank you."

"Fer what?" she asked.

"For saving me. I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for you." I felt Applejack wrap her forelegs around me. Then we heard a knocking at the door. Standing there were Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith.

"Well, ain't that the sweetest," Granny Smith said.

"Basically, everypony in Equestria knows that yer Applejack's daughter, Apple Shine," Apple Bloom told me. "Ah'm sure Ma and Pa would love ta meet ya if they were still here."

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"We haven't said this ta ya before, Apple Shine," Applejack said, "but we are honored ta officially welcome ya ta the Apple Family."

"Can't wait for the next Apple Family Reunion!" Apple Bloom said coming in before her hoof kicked the saddle from my dress. She picked it up, then looked over at me and said, "Wow. Ah woulda expected fer ya ta take that dress all the way off."

I then remembered. Looking down at the dress, I forgot that it was still on me. Applejack then said, "Apple Bloom, ya mind bringin' Rarity up here? The zipper on Apple Shine's dress is stuck."

"Okay," Apple Bloom said, running down the hall.

Outside... 4:00 PM...

After we all apologized to each other, we all went back outside to enjoy the picnic. I still felt sad for my old friends. Seeing me die must've been so sad for them. But I'm sure that they'll remember me in their hearts. Rarity got that dress off of me. She said that she'll fix the zipper so I won't get stuck in it again.

I was basically showing off my flying skills to the princesses at the moment. Rainbow Dash and Twilight were flying with me. We eventually landed back on the ground.

"I see that you've adjusted very well," said Princess Celestia.

"I have," I told her. I then sighed. "Wish I could've been told about what happened to me sooner. If it weren't for some interruptions."

"We can just count that up ta poor timin'," Applejack said.

"Agreed," said Applejack's friends.

"So, Apple Shine," Twilight said to me, "school will be starting soon. Perhaps we should get you registered."

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"It's probably the best," said Princess Celestia. "Besides. Fillies and colts your age should already be in school."

"I... guess I should," I told her. "I mean, I just finished the 1st grade back in my world. Guess I should prepare for a new school."

Applejack then pulled me into a hug and said, "Ah'm sure ya'll love bein' in school. Yer aunt Apple Bloom shall show ya the ropes."

I looked over towards Apple Bloom, who nodded at me. I smiled and then I looked up at Applejack and said, "Perhaps we should get some school supplies before school starts."

"Good call, sugarcube," Applejack said.

Princess Luna walked up to me with that hat that Rarity made for me. But it seemed that the crown on the hat looked more shiny. I then asked, "What are you doing?"

"I actually thought that you looked good in that hat with the crown. So, I decided to make an adjustment. The crown is now real, and the apple is actually a ruby, the apple step is a topaz, and the leaf on the apple is an emerald."

"Ooooh!" said Applejack.

I then sighed and said, "Guess I'm gonna have to get used to it." She then put the hat on my head. It felt a bit more heavier, but I guess I can get use to it.

"Welcome, Princess Apple Shine," said Princess Celestia. She then bowed, followed by Princess Luna, then Twilight, then the rest of Applejack's friends, Spike, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"But that, I'll never get used to," I said.

Twilight teleported over to me, and whispered into my ear, "I know the feeling. I'm still getting used to being referred to as a princess."

Princess Celestia then walked up to me and said, "It's your choice whether you want a coronation or not."

"Nah," I said. "I think I'll do fine without a coronation."

"In that case," Princess Celestia said, levitating a piece of paper. "With this, you are officially a princess of Equestria. Make sure you live your life proud and truthfully."

"I will," I told her. Princess Celestia smiled at me, and then Applejack, Apple Bloom, Granny Smith and Big Mac gave me a group hug. At least now, I have a real family. This is better than knowing that my human parents had no interest in having me. What matters is that I'm now with a loving family.

Author's Note

Well, it's official. Apple Shine (formerly known as Dylan Rider) is now a true Apple and a princess. At least she now knows. Hope that from now on, things will be better for her and her new family.

:applejackconfused: What in the hay is that supposed ta mean?

You'll find out soon enough.

:applejackunsure: Ah ain't so sure 'bout that. You agree with me, Big Mac?

:eeyup: Eeyup.

H'oh boy...

Chapter 11: New School, New Friends, New Life

Canterlot Castle... August 12th, 9:30 PM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Prince Blueblood was walking down the halls of Canterlot Castle. He was reading the newspaper.

"'Princess Celestia and Princess Luna announce that Apple Shine is officially Equestria's newest princess, along with Princess Twilight Sparkle. Princess Apple Shine will not be in charge of any royal duties. She will choose to stay with her family, the Apple family, and it'll be her choice whether to do royal duties or not when she's older.' No royal duties my flanks. Why would that filly choose to stay in a backwater family in a pathetic little town?!" He then looked up at the hall of stained glass windows and saw a new stained glass window. One of Apple Shine in a similar position to Twilight in her stained glass window. The background to Apple Shine's was of Sweet Apple Acres, and she was wearing her hat with the crown on it. Blueblood groaned and said, "I can't let some princess be living on a stupid apple farm. I'll have to find a way to get that little princess away from that pathetic little town."

He then started walking away, crumpling up the newspaper, and tossing it into a trashcan.

Ponyville Schoolhouse... August 13th, 8:00 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

For the past couple days, Applejack prepared me for a new school. Although, when we got a backpack, or how they call them, saddlebags, I was confused at first. They were just two bags on the sides with a strap. At least there was a snap on the bottom for me to get them off. We got some notebooks, pencils with pencil sharpeners, crayons, and erasers.

I got my... well, what would I call it? Hat? Crown? Whatever. I grabbed it and my saddlebags, then Apple Bloom and I headed out the door. Applejack... You know what? She's my mom now. I'm just gonna call her that. Anyway, Mom prepared me and Apple Bloom some school lunches, and we headed for the schoolhouse. Luckily, it was on the same road. I remembered seeing it when I first arrived in this world. Mom went with us to see us off.

We arrived there, and walked up to the door of the schoolhouse. Mom then said to us, "Alright, ya two. Ah'll see ya later this afternoon."

"Okay, Mom," I said to her. Mom walked up to me, and kissed me on the forehead by my horn. She then adjusted my hat-crown, and then she turned me around so I could start my first day of pony school.

Apple Bloom and I walked in and immediately, the school teacher, Miss Cheerilee, walked up to both of us.

"Nice to see you here, you two," said Miss Cheerilee. "And I see that that hat suits you. Wait, is that hat part crown?"

"It is," I told her. "I'm kinda getting used to it."

"I see," said Miss Cheerilee. "Casual, yet formal. Well, I want you to stand right here. Apple Bloom, get into your seat."

"Yes, Miss Cheerilee," said Apple Bloom. She was about to sit in her seat, but then came back to ask her something. "Miss Cheerilee, ya mind if Apple Shine sits close ta me? She is technically mah niece."

"Of course," said Miss Cheerilee. "I'll just have to make a few arrangements to the student sitting arrangements. Let's see here. Oh, yes. I'll be able to do it." She then turned to the class and said, "Alright, class. As you can see, we have a new student joining us. Her name is Apple Shine. But before we start class, we're gonna have to do a few seating arrangements. Let's see here."

Eventually, we had our seats. I was sitting up front with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and a unicorn filly names Liza Doolots on the far left side. In the second row from left to right, there was a vacant desk. Behind me was that one bully from the other day, Diamond Tiara. Behind Apple Bloom was Sweetie Belle, and behind Scootaloo was an old friend of Apple Bloom's, Twist. There were a lot of other ponies in the class. Like Silver Spoon, two different size and shaped unicorns, Snips and Snails, an earth pony filly named Aura, a small earth pony colt that almost looks like he's part cow, Pipsqueak, a light purple unicorn filly named Dinky, and an overweight earth pony colt named Truffle Shuffle.

Then the school bell rang, starting class.

"Alright class," said Miss Cheerilee. "It's time to get to work. Let's start with some basic mathematics."

10:00 AM...

The school was as good as my old school. Although, the history here was new to me. When I arrived here in this world, there was a lot of weird things that I didn't know. In my world, the planet moves around the sun while the moon moves around the planet. Here, Princess Celestia moves the sun with her magic while Princess Luna moves the moon. In my world, the weather moves on its own. Here, the weather is controlled by pegasi.

This world is really interesting in some ways. I learned a lot of things here. Good thing I was taught how to write using my magic thanks to the other princess in town, Twilight Sparkle. As soon as I was about to finish writing the last answer, I felt something poke me in my right flank.

"Ow," I said. That got the attention out of the other students and Miss Cheerilee.

"Are you okay, Apple Shine?" Miss Cheerilee asked me.

"I felt something poke me in the butt," I said.

"I believe you mean your flank," said Miss Cheerilee. "But still, let's see what happened." She then pulled me out of my seat and looked at where I was poked. Some of my new classmates were laughing, which was embarrassing me. "Oh, wait. I see something. It looks like somepony poked your flank with a pencil." She then looked at Diamond Tiara with an angry face.

"Why are you giving me that look?" asked Diamond Tiara.

"Did you poke Apple Shine's flank with your pencil?" Cheerilee asked her.

"Why should she even be here?!" asked Diamond Tiara. "Shouldn't she be in some fancy school in Canterlot or something? Besides, why should we have an alicorn in our class? She basically commanded you to rearrange our seats."

"Actually, she didn't," said Apple Bloom. "Ah suggested that Apple Shine be close ta me. She is a part of mah family, after all."

"Oh, just because she's your niece means you can get whatever you want?" Diamond Tiara asked in a mean tone.

"That's enough!" said Cheerilee. "Diamond Tiara, no picking on the new student. Besides, the Apples are not getting any special treatments. No schoolpony's getting any special treatment. Not even you. Now, everypony back to the test. Remember, this test isn't being graded. It's just to see how much you know."

We all headed back to our seats. Hopefully, I won't be disturbed in class again.

Ponyville Schoolhouse Playground... 11:30 AM...

We finished the lessons in that class. Right now, it was lunch time. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and I were sitting at one table.

"So, how are ya likin' school here, Apple Shine?" asked Apple Bloom.

"It's fine so far," I told her. "Thanks for sticking up for me."

"No problem, Apple Shine," she said, wrapping a foreleg around my shoulders. "Yer mah niece. And even though yer soul may be from a different world, yer still family. Ah'll help ya through it all."

I smiled at that. Just then, my hat was then taken off of my head. I turned to see that the school bullies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had taken it.

"Hey! Give that back!" I shouted.

"What kind of crown is this?" asked Diamond Tiara. "No crown should be like this."

"Yeah," said Silver Spoon. "It's pathetic."

I then focused my magic and I grabbed my hat/crown and tried taking it back. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon tried keeping a strong grip on it.

"Let go of my hat!" I shouted.

"You don't deserve to have a crown!" Diamond Tiara shouted back.

"What's going on here?!" came the voice of Miss Cheerilee. She then saw me and Diamond Tiara fighting over my hat. She then walked over towards us, grabbed my hat, and gave it back to me. She then looked at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, and said, "Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, you two have detention."

"WHAT?!" shouted Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"You should never mess with anypony, especially if that pony is a princess," said Miss Cheerilee.

"But she shouldn't even be here!" Diamond Tiara argued. "She should be in some prissy princess school in Canterlot."

"She would rather learn in a normal school here than in a high classed school in Canterlot," said Miss Cheerilee. "Even Applejack agreed with that."

"Well... well..." Diamond Tiara tried arguing. She then said, "Well, she doesn't deserve to have a crown. Especially one that looks like that!" That made all of the other fillies and colts gasp.

Miss Cheerilee then said, "That's it. For the next three months, you two have detention, and won't be in any school events." That made Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon gasp. "Now, inside. I shall be letting your parents know about your bad behavior towards Apple Shine when they come to pick you up."

Diamond Tiara and Silver spoon then started walking inside. Silver Spoon then said, "Nice going, Diamond. Now we're both in big trouble."

"Shut up, Silver," Diamond said.

Miss Cheerilee then turned back towards me and said, "I'm so sorry about Diamond Tiara's behavior. She just expects to be the most important pony in school."

"Ah'm sure that things'll get better," Apple Bloom said. "Let's get back to grubbin'."

I nodded, and headed back to the table. Apple Bloom grabbed my hat, and put it back on my head. "Thank you," I told her.

"No problem, Apple Shine," Apple Bloom told me. She then hugged me. We then returned to eating out lunches.

Sweet Apple Acres Entrance... 12:45 PM...

We arrived back at the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. Aunt Apple Bloom and her friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, were with me. We were heading towards the farm.

"So, who's ready for some Crusadin' today, y'all?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Me!" said Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"Crusading?" I asked.

"Remember what we talked about when we slept in your room that night, Apple Shine?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Not really," I said. "I was too busy wondering about how I was about to get home." I then sighed. "Not knowing that I was never going back." I then sighed again. "There, I had nothing to live for. My parents dumped me and I died there." I then started crying again. That was when Apple Bloom hugged me.

"Hey, hey," she said. "It's okay. Ya might not had a lovin' family back there, but ya have one here. Me, Applejack, Big Mac and Granny Smith. Yer soul may be from another world, but we'll still treat ya like family."

I smiled, and hugged her back. That was when we heard the sound of two sets of hooves running closer to us. We turned to see Mom and Rarity running towards us.

"Applejack? Rarity?" Apple Bloom asked. "What's up?"

"We'll explain it when we get ta the farm," Applejack said. "Ev'rypony, let's go."

Then all of us headed towards the barn.

Apple Family Living Room... 12:55 PM...

Applejack and Rarity were discussing something with Granny Smith and Big Mac. Me, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were told to wait in the living room.

Then Applejack and Rarity came back. Rarity walked up to Sweetie Belle and said to her, "Sweetie Belle, it appears that my friends and I are taking a trip. So, until I get back, I'm having you stay here."

"Okay, Rarity," Sweetie Belle said.

"Wait," I said. "What about your parents?"

"Oh, they're out on a trip across Equestria," Rarity said. "Won't be back until Hearth's Warming."

"What's that?" I asked.

"Ya don't know what Hearth's Warmin' is?" Apple Bloom asked me, making me more confused.

"Is that a holiday in this world?" I asked.

"Oh, that's right," Mom said. "Ah ain't told 'er 'bout Equestrian Holidays. Ah'm sure that Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Granny'll explain it ta ya." She then leaned in and kissed my forehead. "Ah'll be back. Don't know when, but Ah'll be back. Remember ta do yer chores."

She and Rarity then headed out the door. Apple Bloom then walked up to me, patted my back and said, "Don'tcha worry 'bout Applejack, Apple Shine. She'll be back. She and her friends always come back to Ponyville."

I nodded. I then headed up the stairs. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo followed. I then said, "I was a little confused that we didn't have any homework on the first day of school."

"Meh, it's like that," said Scootaloo. "Here, we don't get homework on the few days. It's the start of the following week that we start getting homework."

"This world is so confusing," I said.

"You'll get used to it," Sweetie Belle said. She then went wide eyed and said, "Oh, shoot! I should be heading back to Rarity's so I can prepare for the sleepover!" She then rushed back down the stairs and out the door.

I looked at Apple Bloom and asked, "She does know it's just until Applejack and Rarity get back, right?"

"Meh," said Apple Bloom. "Doesn't matter."

I then felt the urge. I then went into the bathroom and did my... business. I wonder why Mom and her friends had to go out of town for a few days. I'm sure she'll tell me when she gets home.

Author's Note

Well, Apple Shine just started her first day at school. And also, the reason why the Mane 6 is heading out of town is for the events of "Daring Don't".

Chapter 12: Crystal Empire Field Trip

Ponyville Schoolhouse... August 19th, 8:15 AM...

It took about three days that Mom and her friends to leave and come back. When I woke up that day, Mom was there to wake me up. I was happy to see her. I got up and hugged her. For the last four days, Mom, Apple Bloom and I did a lot of things together. Especially at the Summer Carnival on Saturday and Sunday.

Today, Miss Cheerilee said that we were going to have a guest come today.

"Alright class," said Miss Cheerilee. "Today, we have two special guests with a very special announcement! Everypony, welcome the head of the Equestria Games, Ms. Harshwhinny!"

Just then, an orange pony with a blonde mane and tail, wearing a purple blazer, a pink scarf, a coin necklace and a trophy cutie mark comes into the class. She reminded me of a strict substitute teacher back in my old world.

"Thank you," said Ms. Harshwhinny. She even sounded strict. "Now, I'm sure you all know about the Equestria Games, where ponies from all over the land compete for glory in various athletic pursuits. Well, now you littlest ones will have the chance to compete for a weighty responsibility of your very own."

"Oh, come on! Tell 'em the fun part!" we all heard a voice from behind us. We turned around to see Rainbow Dash flying in through the window. Making the other students go "Ooh" or "Aah". "That's right! All you gotta do is show Ms. Harshwhinny the coolest, most spectacular, most rocking routine and you're going to the Games! So who's going to be the lucky ponies?!"

"It's gotta be me!" Diamond Tiara said.

"Maybe it's me!" said that one classmate, Aura.

"Maybe it's us!" said Scootaloo. She, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were smiling. When they looked at me, I got a little nervous.

"Maybe it's us!" came the voices of Snips and Snails. We turned around to see Snips standing on his desk holding Snails above him with his forehooves. Snips lost balance, and the two of them fell onto the ground. That had to hurt.

Snips then said, "Hey! It could happen!"

Everypony then shook their heads and then looked towards the front of the class.

Rainbow Dash was flying excitedly, saying, "So, the winning team gets to carry the Ponyville flag at the Equestria Games! Oh, you are gonna love this!"

"Ms. Dash, will you please curb your over-enthusiastic outbursts?" Ms. Harshwhinny asked in a scolding tone. Now she reminds me a lot of that one substitute teacher from my world. "Now then, let me be clear on the rules. You ponies will form teams. Each team will create their own flag carrying routine." She then pointed at the chalkboard with three images. "Everypony will be judged on grace, style and originality." There were images of a young pegasus, Rarity's face and... I'm guessing that pony juggling rubber chickens balancing on a ball is something Pinkie would do. "There's a most complicated scoring system, which I will elaborate upon now. Firstly—"

"Aw, get to the nitty-gritty later," Rainbow Dash interrupted, making Ms. Harshwhinny angry. "Tell 'em the important stuff! Like who's the coach!" She then put on a baseball hat and a whistle around her neck. She then blew on the whistle. " That's right! Me! And you know why I'm qualified to coach you? Guess who carried the Cloudsdale flag in the Games when she was a little filly?" Me! I'll never forget it—" Rainbow Dash started flying, showing off her flag waving skills, making Scootaloo awestruck. "I burst into the stadium, spreading my wings, the flag flapping in the breeze. I did tricks with that flag the likes of which nopony saw before and nopony's seen since!"

Ms. Harshwhinny stomped her hoof and said, "Professionalism, Ms. Dash." She then got in Rainbow's face. "I must insist. If you want to keep your job as coach of these ponies, you must maintain a professional attitude and keep your emotions in check! Am I making myself absolutely, one hundred percent crystal clear?"

"Yes, Ms. Harshwhinny," said Rainbow Dash. "Y'know, 'professionalism' is my middle name. Rainbow Professionalism Dash." I smirked and shook my head.

Ms. Harshwhinny humphed and then said, "Well, in three days time, Ms. Dash will accompany anypony competing to the Crystal Empire, where you will demonstrate your routines for me and the other judges, who will judge you very professionally."

Rainbow cleared her throat and said, "Yes. Quite, quite correct." She then started getting excited. "In the meantime, get ready to train, and train hard, because I know this opening ceremony is the single most important thing that will ever happen in your young lives! But, I know you're up for the challenge. And so am I! Wooho—!" She was doing a back flip until Ms. Harshwhinny glared at her. She then stopped, cleared her throat again and said, "Meet me after school tomorrow at 1500 hours. Sharp. And show me your flag carrying skills." She was about to fly out of there until she looked back at Ms. Harshwhinny. She then said, "Professionally. See how professionally?" She then walked out of there.

I shook my head and giggled quietly.

"Ponies, the most important thing is this;" said Ms. Harshwhinny. "Your routine needs to show what your town means to you. So, do Ponyville proud. Work hard, be bold, wow me. That is all!" She then walked out of there.

Sweet Apple Acres... 1:15 PM...

We arrived back at Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo then started working on the routine.

"So, how are we going to do this?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"I was thinking," said Scootaloo. "If we're going to do this, we should do it that represents what Ponyville has?"

"A lot of open space?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"The best apples across Equestria?" Apple Bloom asked.

"No!" Scootaloo said. "We all have three different types of ponies." She then looked at me and said, "Correction. Four, since we now have two alicorns. Twilight and Apple Shine."

"Oh, yeah," said Apple Bloom. "That's a good point. Just imagine. Enterin' the stage for Ponyville, showin' off what makes us great, in front of thousands of ponies. We'll be showin' how much it makes us great." As Apple Bloom was explaining it, I was getting really nervous. I was imagining that I was being watched by lots of eyes surrounding me. I then bolted out of there, but not before leaving something. I wet myself before bolting.

Apple Shine's Bedroom... 1:17 PM...

I ran into my room, closed the door, and pressed my back up against it. I was remembering some old memories that I didn't want to haunt me. I started remembering my most embarrassing moment. I don't like to talk about it. I then walked up to my bed, and jumped onto it. I thought getting onto my bed prevented me from hyperventilating. It did not.

Just then, my bedroom door opened, and in came Mom, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"Apple Shine?" Mom asked. "The girls told me what happened. Ya wanna explain what's goin' on?"

"I... I don't wanna talk about it," I told them.

"Not even how ya wet yerself earlier before runnin' in here?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Ew!" said Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

I blushed deeply. I then sighed and said, "Okay. It went down like this. When I was still... Dylan Rider, in kindergarten, my class was put into a singing show for the Christmas play."

"Oh, is Christmas yer world's version of Hearth's Warming?" asked Applejack.

"Yes," I told them. "I was going to be okay. But when the curtains opened up, I saw a lot of eyes staring at me. I got so nervous, I wet myself and ran out of there. The foster mother taking care of me then took me home so I could be cleaned. Since then, I haven't been wanting to be in front of people where a lot of people weren't watching me. Just the thought of it makes me wet myself."

"Which means you aren't open to being a part of our act," said Scootaloo. "I guess we can manage. We'll just tell Rainbow Dash that you won't be participating."

"Okay," I told them.

"Ah know ya'll grow outta that phase," Mom told me. "Ah'll go tell Rainbow and Cheerilee that ya won't be able to compete. Ah'm sure they'll understand."

"I hope so, Mom," I said.

Crystal Empire... August 22nd, 12:00 PM...

For the past couple of days, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were working on their routine. Their routine was actually very good. That was until Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon got into Scootaloo's head. Scootaloo then tried changing the act and trying to fly. When they finished their new routine, they were too exhausted and Scootaloo still couldn't fly. Then today, Scootaloo said that she couldn't be able to do their routine and went home.

Applejack went with me and the girls, and Rainbow came up to us, admitting that the girl's first routine was the best one out of all the other ones. But when she heard that Scootaloo wasn't going to be in it, she stopped the train, then she, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle went back to Ponyville to try and convince Scootaloo not to give up and go back to their old routine.

We arrived at the Crystal Empire, and we headed to the arena where the Equestria Games are going to be held for the contest. I just then thought of something. I looked over at Ms. Harshwhinny talking to a unicorn stallion and... Wait. Is that a pink alicorn?

"Mom? Who is that?" I asked looking up to Mom, then pointing at the alicorn.

"Oh, that's right," Mom said. "That's Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. But she goes by Princess Cadance. She rules the Crystal Empire with her husband, Prince Shining Armor. He happens to be Twilight's older brother."

"I didn't know that Twilight had an older brother," I said.

"Tell me about it," Mom said. "We didn't know 'bout him until we got put in charge of their weddin' preparations. Then we found out that the princess was replaced by a changelin'. A bug like pony that can shape shift inta anypony then feed off their love fer them and their power. The real Cadance and Shining Armor stopped them. Haven't seen any fer a long time. Then they came here to be the rulers of the Crystal Empire after it came back and King Sombra was defeated after doin' some dark deeds of evil."

"Okay," I said.

"C'mon," Mom said. "Let's go 'n' meet 'em." Then we headed over towards the Princess, her husband and Ms. Harshwhinny.

The Princess looked over at us and smiled at us. She then said, "Ah. There they are. We were wondering when we were going to meet the new princess. I'm Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. But, I go by Cadance, usually. And this is my husband, Shining Armor."

"Ah already told her 'bout the two of ya," Mom said. "Anyway, it's always a pleasure ta see ya."

"Of course, Applejack," said Prince Shining Armor. "It's a pleasure to see you again. And meet the new princess."

"Yes, yes," said Ms. Harshwhinny. "Anyway, Rainbow Dash told me about your... well... your predicament. So, you don't have to do this."

"Okay," I said. I then motioned a foreleg so she would lean in so I can whisper into her ear. "I have a question. Is it allowed for one group to interfere with another group's performance or routine?"

"Actually," Ms. Harshwhinny said, "there is a rule where you can't interfere with the routines of other groups. It's an instant disqualification if one group messes up another."

I then said to her, "Two ponies in my class got into the head of one of my friends."

"Which ones?" asked Ms. Harshwhinny. I then pointed towards Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. She got angry and walked over towards Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They looked over at Ms. Harshwhinny. Then she said, "You two are not allowed to perform for interfering with another group."

"WHAT?!" shouted Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

Princess Cadance put her horn on the tip of my horn and said, "Don't worry. I learned this spell from Princess Luna. Ah, there it is." She then walked over to Ms. Harshwhinny, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Then she lit up her horn and a part of my memory appeared on a magical screen. Showing Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon mocking Scootaloo about her not being able to fly. "Because of that, you two are not allowed to perform in this competition."

Then the two of them looked over at me, growled and said, "You! You messed up out chances of winning this competition!"

"You'll pay for that," said Silver Spoon. They then ran up to me, and about to attack me, but Mom used her lasso, and then hogtied them together.

"Nopony messes with mah daughter!" Applejack said. "Ah have the right ta tell yer parents as soon as we get back ta Ponyville!"

Just then, right behind us, Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked up to us. Rainbow Dash then asked, "What happened while we were gone?"

"It would seem that these two fillies have been disqualified for messing up another group's routine," said Ms. Harshwhinny.

"Shoulda known," said Rainbow Dash. "I was pretty sure that I let out the rules of the competition before everypony started performing their routines."

"What?!" asked Diamond Tiara. "We didn't hear that! You never told us anything!"

"Oh, she did," said Sweetie Belle.

"The two of ya were late ta hear it," said Apple Bloom.

"I told you we shouldn't have gone for the fashionably late show up," said Silver Spoon, angry at Diamond Tiara.

"Oh, shut up!" said Diamond Tiara.

Crystal Castle Guest Room... 5:00...

Me, Mom, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were staying in the same room together. The Cutie Mark Crusaders won the competition, and will be waving the flag for Ponyville.

"This was the best day ever!" said Apple Bloom.

"Too bad that Apple Shine wasn't able to join us," said Scootaloo. "We woulda been a bigger hit having a princess on our team."

"It woulda helped," said Mom. "But, she couldn't handle havin' all them eyes lookin' at her and wettin' herself."

"I know that she'll grow out of that phase," said Sweetie Belle.

"I hope I do," I said. "I just don't like it when I'm being watched by more than a hundred eyes."

"What about them baseball games ya played in when ya were still human?" asked Mom.

"It was little league, and only one parent or guardian showed up to each game," I told her. "It wasn't that much."

"Well, hope ya get outta that phase," said Mom. "Wait. Everypony showed up fer yer welcome party, and ya didn't mind then."

"I didn't even eat anything all day before then," I said. Just then, my tummy growled. "Speaking of which..."

"Good idea," said Mom. "Let's get some grub. C'mon, girls." We then headed out of the room, and went to the dining area for some dinner. I heard that the Crystal Empire has amazing food, probably more delicious than the food back home. Probably not the apples, but still, it had to be good.

Chapter 13: The Equestria Games Disaster

The Crystal Empire Stadium... September 14th,10:00 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

We arrived at the Crystal Empire for the Equestria Games. This was the first major event I went to in my life. Well, lives. I didn't go to a major sporting event when I was back on my world. Anyway, Mom and I stayed together. Even when we were going to sit with the princesses. Before we entered the arena, we were stopped by somepony.

"Hello, there, little princess," came a stallion's voice. We looked over and saw a tall, buff unicorn stallion. His mane was colored amber, his cutie mark was something like the what you see on a map to tell you north, south, east and west, and he was wearing a black collar of a suit, with what looks like a button up shirt, a blue bow tie, and a white flower on his right flap. "Allow me to make your acquaintance."

"Who are you?" I asked. I was then pushed by Applejack.

"Ya might not wanna be close ta this stallion, Apple Shine," Mom told me. "This is Prince Blueblood."

"I can introduce myself to this filly, you filthy farmer," said the stallion. I didn't like how he treated Mom like that. "Anyway, I overheard that you were living on a farm. Wouldn't it be better for you if you came to live in Canterlot where you can have anything you want and be trained on being a proper princess?"

Mom then stood between me and him with an angry look, saying, "Listen. Mah daughter ain't interested in livin' in Canterlot. She has been havin' a lot of fun in Ponyville."

"Listen, peasant," said Blueblood. "You can't choose things for her." Then he got confused. "Wait. Your daughter? You honestly adopted this little princess? Do you know that an adoption like that would cost so much, your family would've lost the farm?"

"Who says Ah adopted her?" Mom asked. "Let's just say Ah got hit by a spell that make me give birth to a soulless foal, and a young soul entered that foal, makin' it grow up to the age that the soul was when it was alive."

"You honestly believe I would believe that?" asked Prince Blueblood. "Listen, a farm is no place for a princess to live in."

"Ya ain't... takin'... mah... daughter!" Mom shouted. She then used her head and pushed me towards the stadium entrance and said, "C'mon, Apple Shine. Let's get to our assigned seats."

We just entered the stadium, and Blueblood shouted, "That filly will not last long under your care!"

I heard Mom sigh as we were walking towards our seats. I then looked up at Mom and asked, "Mom? What does he want with me?"

"Apple Shine," Mom said to me, "that stallion thinks of nopony but himself. He just wants ya ta make his image more better. And accordin' ta Rarity, he was a pompous spoiled brat that thinks anypony below his level is worthless."

"Sounds more trouble than Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon," I said.

"Don't Ah know it," said Mom. "C'mon. Oh, hang on." She then adjusted my hat/crown, and then Rarity and some other ponies came to me, and they put on some fancy horseshoes and a necklace, all with an apple engraved on them in the middle.

"Uh, what's this all for?" I asked. Just then, I felt Rarity put some moisturizer on my face. "Gah! Cold!"

"Oh, don't worry, darling," Rarity said. "It's only for when princesses are called for important meetings with dignitaries. You'll get used to it."

"Alright," said Applejack. "C'mon. Let's get goin'."

We then walked over to where the other Princesses where they were sitting in their respectful seats. Applejack and I sat in the seat next to Twilight. We were sharing the same seat. Applejack sat in the back while I sat on her lap. Or at least I would if we weren't sitting on our butts. Technically, my back was against her belly.

"So, Apple Shine," Twilight said to me. "Are you excited for the Equestria Games?"

"This is my first major even I've been to," I told her. "Ever."

"Not even a major event in your old world?" asked Twilight.

"Nope," I told her.

"I just hope that this whole thing goes smoothly," said Mom. "This is one of the biggest events Equestria has."

We looked to our right and saw Prince Blueblood, and he was glaring at us. Wait. No. He wasn't glaring at me. He was glaring at Mom. Mom glared back at him. It would seem that what Mom said to him kinda upset him. He then looked at me and smirked. I don't like how he's looking at me like that.

Twilight saw what was up. She then asked, "Is something going on?"

"Ain't nothin' we couldn't handle, Twi," Applejack said. "Blueblood was tryin' ta convince Apple Shine ta move outta Ponyville and inta Canterlot."

"What?!" Twilight asked. "He can't do that. It's Apple Shine's choice whether she wants to live in Canterlot or at Sweet Apple Acres."

Princess Celestia came in between our seats and said, "I warned Blueblood that Apple Shine should stay in Ponyville to be with her close family. I'll make sure that he gets it in his head that Apple Shine must not be taken nor persuaded to leaving."

"I sure hope you do," I told her. "I like living like an Apple. Better than living across the state of Massachusetts."

"What does that mean?" Twilight asked.

"Apparently, a foster kid on Earth is a ward to the state of one of the fifty states of the country he lives in," said Princess Luna. "As a human, Dylan Rider has been placed in foster homes across the state."

"Oh," said Twilight. "So, I guess it was hard to keep friendships, huh?"

"Moving sucks," I told her. "Just when you get used to the place, you get relocated to another place. Surely, I'm not the only one who hates moving from place to place when you got used to the place already."

"Yeah, it does sound difficult," Mom said. "Well, at least ya don't have ta now. Ah promise that we'll never move to another place if it means that much ta ya."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, snuggling into her chest. I then heard trumpeting sounds.

"Sounds like the Equestrian Games are about to start," Twilight said. "Keep an eye out for Ponyville."

We then looked around to see when Ponyville came out of the tunnel. Just then, I felt a chill near me. I looked towards Blueblood. For a moment then, I thought that Blueblood was smirking towards me. I guess it was nothing.

September 15th... 4:10 PM...

The Equestria Games were going well. But Spike was messing up on his part. When he was about to light the torch yesterday, he was unable to blow a flame, so Twilight lit up her magic to light the torch for him. Then Spike asked to sing the victory song representing Cloudsdale. He messed that up big time. He tried to stay out of the rest of the Equestria Games, but Twilight pulled him out to watch the rest of the games.

It was now during, what they called, Ice Archery. None of the ponies of Ponyville were in this event. It was getting interesting. But today, anypony with a horn had their magic deactivated so they wouldn't interfere with the games. Just then, one archer trip and sent an ice arrow straight above, and hitting a cloud.

Everypony in the arena gasped when the cloud was coming down. Me, the other princesses, Mom and her friends went towards the athletic field, but with our unicorn magic disabled, we wouldn't be able to stop it. I wish I could do something to help.

The Pegasi tried preventing the frozen cloud from crashing into the middle of the arena. Spike then ran up, jumped on Shining Armor's back, and then jumped up, and blew the biggest fire I've ever seen from him.

"WHOA!!" I said.

"Stay here, Apple Shine," Mom said. I nodded before she headed off with her friends. I hoped that everything would be fine. But then, I felt something pressed up against my muzzle, and my backside was pressed up against another body.

I tried saying, "Hey! Let me go!" But with that stupid rag covering my muzzle, it all came out in muffles. Then for some reason I started getting really sleepy.

"Shush, little princess," said a stallion's voice. It was faded, so I couldn't remember who that voice belonged to. "You will soon be saved from that podunk life." I then fell unconscious.

Crystal Castle... 8:30 PM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack was looking all over the castle for Apple Shine. She was frantic when searching. She then saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom looked up and said, "Hey, big sis. What's up?"

"Apple Bloom, have ya seen Apple Shine?" asked Applejack.

"Apple Shine's missin'?!" asked Apple Bloom.

Then the sound of hoofsteps came from down the hall. The four ponies looked towards the sound and saw the rest of the Mane 6, the other three Princesses, and Shining Armor.

"Did I hear that Princess Apple Shine is missing?" asked Princess Celestia.

"Ah... Ah can't find her anywhere," said Applejack. "Ah looked all over the arena, then the entire Empire. Ah still can't find her."

"Apple Shine must be so scared," said Twilight. "Wherever she is."

"I looked at all of the nobles as they were leaving towards their homes," said Shining Armor. "But I didn't see any sign of Apple Shine with them."

"Where could she be?" Applejack asked. "Ah need to know where she is. Ah'm gonna go look fer her again!" She then started running, but her tail was pulled by Twilight's magic.

"Applejack," Twilight told her, "I know you're anxious to find Apple Shine, but we'll find her. I'm sure she'll be fine by tonight."

"Your highnesses!" came the voice of a guard. That guard was Flash Sentry. "I was checking the locker rooms of the arena to see if there were anypony was still in there, and look what I found in the stallion's locker room." He then held up Apple Shine's Hat/Crown and her royal regalia.

"That's... that's all the things that Apple Shine was wearing," said Rarity.

Applejack ran up to Flash and grabbed the hat/crown. She then started tearing up, hugged the hat/crown tight, and started letting out a few sobs.

"Who would do this?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know, Rainbow Dash," Twilight said. "But whoever did this is in big trouble."

"We better figure out who could have done this dastardly deed!" said Pinkie Pie. "Ooh! Ooh! Maybe it was King Sombra!"

"Pinkie, King Sombra would've been stopped by the barrier emmitting from the love of the competitions by all of the ponies in the arena," said Rainbow Dash.

"It would also keep out the Changelings," said Twilight.

"Well, it couldn't have been Discord," said Fluttershy. "He told me that he was at Apple Shine's old world to see how everything there was going."

"Well, it couldn't have been my darker counterpart," said Princess Luna. "Her spirit has been destroyed by sunlight as you girls told me."

"Trixie hasn't been around all that much," Twilight said, "Flim and Flam have been last seen on a train going somewhere and never showed up for the Equestria Games, and I don't think that this would be something that those two bullies would do."

Applejack started thinking for herself. She then remembered something that Blueblood said. "I overheard that you were living on a farm. Wouldn't it be better for you if you came to live in Canterlot where you can have anything you want and be trained on being a proper princess?" Then another saying from him. "That filly will not last long under your care!"

"Blueblood," Applejack whispered.

"What?" asked Twilight.

"It had ta be Blueblood!" Applejack snapped. "He waned ta convince Apple Shine ta move from Sweet Apple Acres ta Canterlot! Blueblood must've taken her!"

"But, how?!" asked Shining. "Apple Shine wasn't with him when he left the Crystal Empire."

Meanwhile... On a Private Train Car...

Blueblood had a private train car resided only for him when he was going back to Canterlot. He had shut the private room that nopony would go into without his permission. He levitated something off of his back that couldn't be seen. He put it down on the bed that was in there, smirked, and then used his magic to do something.

The thing he lifted was covered by an invisibility spell. He removed that spell, and what was invisible was actually a what, but a who. Apple Shine.

"Don't worry, little princess," said Prince Blueblood. "You shall be saved from that life that those podunk ponies wanted you to have, and you shall have the life you are meant to have. A life of a true princess."

Author's Note

So, Blueblood had taken Apple Shine away in secret. Hopefully, this won't end badly.

Anyway, we know that the Equestria Games came in before "Twilight's Kingdom", but I thought this would be something to do in a different order.

Chapter 14: The Search for Apple Shine

Canterlot Castle... September 14th, 11:00 AM...

(Third Person Point of View)

The Mane 6 entered Canterlot Castle to meet with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Applejack didn't get much sleep that night ever since she lost Apple Shine the previous day. She was still upset that she lost her daughter. They walked up to the Princesses.

"Are you all sure that Apple Shine has been abducted by Prince Blueblood?" asked Princess Celestia.

"Applejack wouldn't lie about anything," said Twilight. "Applejack loves Apple Shine with all her heart."

"That would be good enough evidence, but it's not enough," said Princess Luna. "You need a lot more evidence if you're going to have Blueblood locked up for foalnapping."

"Have you looked into his memories to see if he was responsible?" asked Applejack.

"It would seem that some of the nobles here in Canterlot had some special stones installed in their houses or bedrooms so their minds wouldn't be entered," said Princess Luna.

"The only way for you to get answers is to find out where Blueblood has been going," said Princess Celestia. "Just try not to be seen by him."

"Oh, no worries about that," said Pinkie Pie. "We'll have Apple Shine back with Applejack in no time."

"Pinkie, you search around the areas where ponies go to eat," Twilight said. Pinkie saluted, then ran out. "Rarity, you go search the shopping areas." Rarity nodded then headed out. "Rainbow Dash, you try searching for Blueblood from above." Rainbow Dash nodded and flew out. "Fluttershy, you check out the gardens and the library. I'll stay here to see if I can find something around here." Fluttershy nodded.

"What do ya want me ta do, Twi?" Applejack asked.

"You are going to go into an unoccupied guest room, and go to sleep," Twilight said to Applejack.

"What?!" Applejack shouted. "No! No way! Ah'm goin' ta find Apple Shine, and ya ain't gonna stop me!"

"Applejack!" Twilight shouted. "Look at yourself. You haven't gotten any sleep last night. You have the bags under your eyes to prove it."

"How could any mother sleep if they found out that a foal of theirs was foalnapped?!" Applejack protested. "Ah need ta... ta..." She then fell asleep standing up.

"Poor Applejack," Twilight said. "She hasn't been this tired ever since she was trying to buck all of Sweet Apple Acres all by herself."

Princess Luna walked up to Applejack, levitated the sleeping mare into her own magic aura. She then said, "I shall take Applejack to a room and have guards posted around her room."

"Thank you, Princess Luna," said Twilight. "I'll make sure that Apple Shine is found."

Blueblood's Room... 6:00 AM... (Earlier that Same Day)

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

I was coming around. What happened to me yesterday? I remember being at the Equestria Games, but then it just faded. I looked around to see where I was. I was in some sort of bedroom. I don't think it was a bedroom in the Crystal Empire.

"About time you woke up, my dear," came a stallion's voice. I followed the voice to see Prince Blueblood. Wait a minute. Why was I with him and not with mom? "I'm so glad I was able to save you."

"Save me?" I asked. "Save me from what?"

"From living in a podunk town for the rest of your life," said Prince Blueblood. "From now on, you're staying here with me, and you shall be trained to be a proper princess."

Did he just say what I think he just said? Did he just take me from my Mom and expects me to learn to be something that I don't want to be?

"What?" I asked, angrily. "Do you honestly expect me to follow in your hoofsteps and be a snarky princess that wants to get whatever she wants just because she's a princess? That's not who I wanna be. I'm going home!" I then headed towards the door. I tried opening the door with my magic, but then I felt a stinging sensation around my neck. "Ow!" That really hurt. I then looked down at my neck and saw some kind of brace around my neck. "What is this?!"

"Sorry, little princess," said Prince Blueblood, "but I'm afraid that you aren't leaving this room."

"W-what?" I asked. I then started to push the door open, but it was locked. "Hey! Let me out! Mommy! Mommy!"

"You're not leaving this room, little Star Shine," said Prince Blueblood. "Oh, and by the way, I'm changing your name to Star Shine, and you are going to stick to it from now on."

"NO!!" I shouted. But, I tried using that Royal Canterlot Voice that Twilight told me about, but it didn't work. Was this brace cancelling out all of my magic? "Why are you doing this?!"

"You are going to stay here in Canterlot, and you are going to learn to be a proper princess," said Prince Blueblood.

"No... I'm... NOT!!" I shouted at Blueblood. I then headed over to the balcony door, but then I saw that the door was padlocked. "Oh, no!" I was then lifted up by a magical aura. I turned to see Blueblood's horn glowing in a light green aura.

"That does it," said Prince Blueblood. "You are a selfish, little brat that cares for nopony but herself. You think it's best to live in a stupid, smelly farm where nopony will ever respect you? You're nothing but a naive little filly who doesn't know what's best for her." He then started walking off towards a mirror hanging on the wall. There was a pony's head emblem on the top of the mirror. It was then surrounded in a green aura and then the eyes started glowing red. Then the mirror started rippling.

"Hey!" I said, struggling. "What are you doing?! Let me go!"

The two of us then went into the mirror, and we ended up in a dark place where there was a light in the center of the room. I was then thrown into the light, and landed with a thump.

"Oof!" I said. I then looked back towards Blueblood with an angry look.

"You're grounded, little filly," said Prince Blueblood. "You may come out until you start thinking of somepony but yourself." He then started walking back. There was another mirror, and the frame was white and glowing. He then went through the mirror and then the mirror stopped glowing. I then ran towards that mirror, but it stopped glowing and when I tried to go through it, I bounced right off of it.

"Ow!!" I shouted. I then started pounding on the mirror. Usually, a mirror breaks if you pound on it. But it wasn't breaking at all. I then started getting tears in my eyes, and then I started sobbing lightly. I then laid on the floor, grabbed my tail, and hugged it like it was a blanket. I quietly said, "Mommy. Please. Help me."

I stayed there for a little while. Little did I know that I wasn't alone in this place. I heard hoofsteps walking towards me. I didn't move. But then I was grabbed by somepony, and pulled into a hug.

"Shh... Shh... It's okay." It was the sound of a mare. She hugged me tightly, and rubbed my back. "Everythin' will be alright."

I buried my face into her chest, and cried as hard as I could. She continued rubbing my back, trying to calm me down.

Canterlot Castle Guest Room... 3:30 PM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Applejack was waking up from the room she was in. She looked around and saw that she was in a guest room. She looked over to her right and saw her hat and Apple Shine's Hat/Crown on a coat rack. As she was looking at Apple Shine's Hat/Crown, she then started getting tears in her eyes. She reached to it, grabbed it, and hugged it like it was her own daughter. She quietly sobbed.

She was then interrupted by the sound of knocking on the door. She walked over towards the door and opened it up. Outside, there were two guards at her door.

"Miss Applejack, we were told that when you awoken, you are to meet with the Princesses," said one of the guards.

"Alright," Applejack told them. "Hang on just a sec." She then walked back towards the coat rack, and grabbed her hat, and headed out the door to follow the guards to the throne room.

Canterlot Castle Throne Room... 3:40 PM...

Applejack was led towards the Throne Room. As soon as she got in, her friends were there, along with the Princesses and Blueblood. She glared at Blueblood.

"You," Applejack said. She then started charging at Blueblood, but was stopped by the guards that were leading her there.

"Easy, Miss Applejack," said one of the two guards. "Take it easy."

"Where's mah daughter, ya snobbish jerk?!" Applejack shouted.

"Why, I have no idea what you're talking about," said Blueblood.

"Applejack," Twilight said. "We looked all over Canterlot. We even followed Blueblood on where he usually goes. We couldn't find Apple Shine anywhere."

"No..." Applejack said. "No, he has ta have Apple Shine somewhere! Ah know he has her locked up somewhere!"

"Hey, don't accuse me of anything," said Blueblood. "It's not my fault that young Apple Shine probably ran away. You probably didn't do a good enough job at parenting."

That made the rest of the Mane 6 gasp. Some in disgust, some in shock. Applejack then tried lunging herself at Blueblood again, but the guards kept her from attacking Blueblood.

"Boy, for a mare at this size, she sure is strong," said one of the guards.

"I know," said the other guard. "What has this mare been doing all her life?"

"Ah live on an Apple Farm!" said Applejack. "Apple Shine has been lovin' bein' apart of our family! She's happy in mah family!"

"That little princess? Your daughter?" asked Prince Blueblood. "You do know an adoption of a royal pony would be really expensive, you know that?"

"Ah did not adopt her!" Applejack shouted. "Ah gave birth ta that foal!"

"It's true," said Twilight. "Applejack gave birth to that foal after she got hit by the ghost of Nightmare Moon so her soul can enter the soulless foal and have a body of her own. The current soul that is now known as Apple Shine has been happy to have a family in this world than having no real family in the world she used to be from."

"You really believe that is believable?" asked Prince Blueblood.

"It's true," said Princess Luna. "I looked into the memories of that foal, and it's true. Apple Shine is truly a filly who has been happy off with a loving family."

"You honestly believe this farmer is that young princess's biological mother?" asked Prince Blueblood. "You all got caught up in her lies."

"Lies?!" Applejack asked.

"Applejack represents one of the Elements of Harmony," said Rarity.

"Yeah!" said Rainbow Dash. "And that Element of Harmony she represents is Honesty."

"Oh, yeah?" asked Blueblood. "What about the time when that monster, Discord, escaped?"

"She was corrupted by Discord," said Twilight.

"And Discord is reforming," said Fluttershy.

"And what about the time those two unicorns, and those elixirs they were selling to your grandmother?" asked Blueblood.

"Ah fessed up!" said Applejack. "Ah haven't lied since then!"

"Well, I can tell that the part of you giving birth to that little princess isn't true at all," said Blueblood.

"Blueblood!" said Princess Celestia. "Apple Shine is Applejack's biological daughter. A DNA test was placed between the two. It was a match."

"A DNA test?!" asked Blueblood. "No way. I won't believe that the newest princess I took is related to a worthless country bumpkin!" He then realized what he just said and covered his mouth.

"AH KNEW IT!" shouted Applejack. She then got out of the grip of the two guards and jumped on Blueblood with a very angry look on her face. "WHERE IS MAH DAUGHTER?!"

"Get off me or I'll have you beheaded!" said Prince Blueblood.

"That isn't allowed here, Blueblood!" said Princess Celestia. "Now, answer her question!"

"Never!" said Blueblood, hitting Applejack in the chin, and pushing her off of him. He then used his magic and teleported away.

"After him!" said Twilight. Rainbow and Rarity helped Applejack recover. Then they started chasing Blueblood.

Author's Note

This was getting more and more interesting. Blueblood kidnapped Apple Shine and is keeping her away from Applejack because he thinks she's not good enough to be the young princess's mother.

Also, who do you think that mare in that dark place is where Apple Shine was being locked up at? Stay tuned for more.

Chapter 15: The Mare of the Dark Prison

The Dark Prison... 7:00 AM... (Earlier that Same Day)

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

I stayed in that mare's hug for a while. I eventually cried myself out.

"Are ya feeling better?" the mare asked. She spoke in a southern accent, just like Mom and the rest of my family here. I nodded when I leaned my left cheek against her chest. "That's good." She then noticed both my horn and my wings. She gasped and asked, "Wait. You're an alicorn?"

"Yeah," I told her. "I know what you're thinking. I know I'm a princess."

"C'mon, little one," said the mare. She led me to the light in the center of the room. I then looked up at her, and I couldn't believe who I was seeing.

I knew this mare. I remember seeing a picture with her in it during my first week of being in this world.

Flashback... Sweet Apple Acres Family Room... July 11th, 12:30 PM...

I was done with my lunch and I was walking out of the kitchen. I looked at all of the photos of the Apple Family that were all hanging on one wall. It was the Apple Family Tree. Then Applejack and Apple Bloom came up to me.

"Ah see ya found our family wall," said Applejack.

"Wow," I said. "Your family reunion must've been a handful."

Applejack chuckled and said, "Don't Ah know it. We couldn't get all of the apples most of the time, but the last reunion, we invited them all."

"Applejack got so worked up ta make the reunion so fun, it messed everythin' up, and we had ta rebuild the barn," said Apple Bloom. "Again."

"Again?" I asked.

"Ya don't know how many times we had ta rebuild it fer some reason," said Applejack.

I then looked at one photo, and saw a picture of Applejack, Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Granny Smith and two other ponies. I then pointed at the two ponies in the photo and asked, "Who are these two?"

Applejack saw who I was pointing at, then gave a sad look. Apple Bloom followed. Applejack then said, "They're... they're our Ma and Pa. The stallion is Bright Mac. And the mare is Buttercup. They're... currently not with us."

"Oh," I said, understanding. "Sorry. I didn't mean to pull it up."

"It's okay," said Applejack, pulling me into a hug. "Now, how about ya go cool off in the wadin' pool outside? It sure is a scorcher out there." I nodded and ran off.

Back to the Dark Prison...

I muttered, "You're... you're..."

"Hm?" Buttercup hummed, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"You're... You're Buttercup?" I finally asked.

"Ya know me?" she asked. "Ah don't remember ever meeting you."

"Okay, okay," I said. "Let me start over. Before I tell you who I am, how did you end up here? And how long ago was that?"

"Okay," said Buttercup. "Ah understand. It was... well... It was at least when my youngest daughter Apple Bloom was one year old. My husband, Bright Mac, and Ah were going on a special delivery ta Canterlot, bringing sweets made with the best apples in Equestria to a competition. My husband and Ah left ta bring the best homemade apple pies so our family will be known across Equestria. Princess Celestia and Princess Cadenza got called away for a proposition in Saddle Arabia, but there was that snarky prince of theirs. Blueblood. He took hold of the head judging. We were about to win the competition, but when he saw us coming to the winning stage, and found out we were from Ponyville, he claimed that this was supposed to be a competition for high class ponies. Not country bumpkins from a town that should never have existed. He disqualified us and that made Bright Mac angry, and he punched Blueblood in the muzzle. Blueblood then locked us up. He then said that punching a royal is punishable by death. Bright Mac said he would take death on one condition. Ah would be sent home. Blueblood lied. He did take the offer on only letting Bright Mac deal with death. He then made sure that Ah was locked up in a place where Ah would never be found. And here we are, today."

"Blueblood... killed..." I asked, starting to get tears in my eyes.

"He did," said Buttercup. "Ah wished that one day, Ah would finally get out of here, see my family again. Granny Smith, Lil' McIntosh, Apple Bloom, and the last member of mah family that Ah saw that day we left. Applejack."

I then nodded. I then said, "You've been here this whole time, and Blueblood went back on his deal to let you go? He's... he's a villain."

"Ah just hope that one day, Blueblood will get what he truly deserves," said Buttercup. She then looked down at me and said, "Now, Ah told ya how Ah ended up here. Now, what's yer life story?"

"Well..." I said, starting to tell... both of my life stories. This was going to be shocking for her, not only that I was once a human being from another world, but also that I was her granddaughter now.

Royal Archives of Canterlot Castle... 3:45 PM...

(Third Person Point of View)

The Mane 6, the Princesses and four royal guards teleported to where Blueblood teleported to. They ended up in the Royal Archives.

"The Royal Archives?!" asked Twilight. "Why would Blueblood be here?"

"Ah don't know," said Applejack. "But Ah know one thin'. He's gonna regret tryin' ta take mah daughter away from me and mah family."

"I'll make sure that he'll get a proper punishment," said Princess Celestia. "You better come out here and face judgement, Blueblood! Now!"

"Why are you even taking their side?!" asked Blueblood. "Those pathetic farmers don't deserve to take care of a princess! She's better off here in Canterlot so she'll get some real princess training!"

"She needs to be with her family!" said Princess Celestia. "Once we've caught you, you're going to be stripped of your royal status!"

"No!" said Prince Blueblood. "You are so weak! In fact, I don't think you should be leading this country, anymore!"

"Oh, he is so selfish!" said Rarity. "Cares for nopony but himself!"

"I'm selfish?!" asked Blueblood. "Your dress was trying to be an attention hog, you selfish fashion designer! All you care about is your attention and bits!"

"Hey, I represent the Element of Generosity!" Rarity said. "Now, come out and fight like a pony!"

Then there was the sound of books falling off some shelves. They looked towards the sound and saw some books on the floor.

"He's in the Star Swirl wing!" said Twilight. They ran into the room, searching for Blueblood. They split up, and started looking for Blueblood. "If anypony finds him, tackle him to the ground."

They searched high and low for Blueblood. Applejack then saw something go past a row she was about to pass on the other side. She then ran down the row, and turned to follow what she thought she saw. She saw Blueblood.

"HEY!" she shouted before chasing after him. "Ah found him, everypony!"

"Quickly!" Twilight called out. "Everypony head towards Applejack!"

Applejack chased Blueblood through the archives. He was about to go through an exit, but then Applejack got out her lasso and lassoed Blueblood's tail. He then fell down, and then Applejack jumped on him.

"Gotcha!" said Applejack. But that victory was short lived when he lit up his horn. "Oh no!" Blueblood teleported away, not knowing that he took Applejack with him. The others saw the two of them disappear.

"Where did they go?!" Pinkie asked.

"I don't know," said Rainbow Dash, "but it doesn't matter. Blueblood is gonna be known as a criminal by sunset."

"Indeed," said Princess Luna. "For now, let's find him and Applejack before it's too late."

The rest of them nodded and then went back out to find Blueblood and Applejack.

The Dark Prison... 3:50 PM...

I just finished telling Grandma Buttercup about my life. Technically lives leading up to this.

"And that's basically how I ended up here," I told her.

"Ah can't believe it," Grandma Buttercup told me. "The tale of the Mare in the Moon was real, ya were once a human of the opposite gender, the spirit of Nightmare Moon fired a magical blast and made mah daughter pregnant to a foal without a soul, yer soul is now host to that body, and ya have been livin' in Sweet Apple Acres, not just as a young princess, but as the family's newest Apple?"

"Yeah," I told her. "I guess you can think of me as a royal apple."

"Ah can't believe it," said Grandma Buttercup. "Ah'm a grandmare." She then pulled me into another hug and said, "Ah never thought I would see the day." Then she let go of the hug. We then looked up towards the light and said, "We have ta find a way out of here." She then looked down at me and asked, "Can ya try ta fly up and see where we are?"

I then tried unfolding my wings, but they wouldn't move. I then said, "My wings won't unfold! My magic, my strength, and my flight?! What are we going to do?"

Grandma Buttercup then looked over at the mirror and then said, "We're gonna have ta wait until Blueblood opens that portal. Once he opens it, we're gonna have ta jump in after he passes through."

"Are you sure that's gonna work?" I asked,

"We won't know until we try," said Grandma Buttercup. Just then, a light green flash went over the light from the center of the dark prison. "What was that?"

I shrugged my shoulders.

Blueblood's Bedroom... 3:52 PM...

Blueblood teleported to his room, but found out too little too late that Applejack was teleported there with him. She had him pinned to the floor.

"What?!" Blueblood asked. "How did you get teleported with me?!"

"Ya be surprised when ya're messin' with an angry mother!" Applejack said. She then started punching him. Blueblood teleported out from under Applejack, but he was too exhausted to cast another spell.

"No, no! Not now!" Blueblood said.

"This one's for Apple Shine!" Applejack said, when she got into Apple Bucking position. She bucked Blueblood towards one wall that had a shelf full of snow globes. And one of them was surrounded in black carbon paper with a hole on the top of the paper. But what Applejack didn't know was that that one snow globe... was actually where Blueblood was keeping Apple Shine and Buttercup.

When Blueblood made contact with the wall, the shelf started shaking, and inside that one snow globe, it felt like an earthquake to Apple Shine and Buttercup.

Blueblood looked up at that one snow globe and he smirked. He levitated that one mirror, and held it in front of both him and Applejack. He then said, "Don't move, or I'll break this snow globe."

Applejack scoffed and asked, "Is that supposed ta be a threat?"

"Oh, this is more than just a snow globe," said Blueblood. He then used his magic to remove the carbon paper, and reveal what was inside it. Applejack got surprised when he saw not just her daughter, but her own mother as well.

"Apple Shine?! Ma?!" Applejack asked.

From inside, Apple Shine and Buttercup got temporarily blinded when the carbon paper was removed. When they recovered, they saw where they were. They were inside a snow globe in Blueblood's room. When they saw Applejack, they ran towards the side and knocked on the glass.

Applejack then got angry and said, "Release them! Now!"

"Oh, and if I don't?" Blueblood asked.

"Ah guess Ah'll just have ta break that snow globe and set them free!" Applejack said.

"Oh, but if you do that, the shards of glass will kill them," said Blueblood. "Let's make a deal. You let me go, and you'll have your worthless mother back."

"And Apple Shine?" asked Applejack.

"She'll stay with me, go by Star Shine, and will never see you ever again," said Blueblood.

Applejack's right eye twitched in anger, then she got ready to pounce and shouted, "NEVER!!" She then pushed Blueblood back towards the wall, and the snow globe went flying up in the air. Blueblood went unconscious, then Applejack noticed the snow globe in the air. To her, everything went in slow motion, even when Buttercup and Apple Shine were holding each other while they were off the ground in there. Applejack quickly grabbed a pillow and threw it towards the ground where the snow globe was about to hit the ground. But the snow globe landed on the pillow. Applejack exhaled in relief, knowing that her mother and daughter were safe.

Just then, the door to Blueblood's room broke in and confetti came in. Applejack looked towards the door and saw her friends and the princesses and some guards came in. Pinkie Pie had her party cannon and said, "A battering ram is good, but nothing's better than my party cannon."

The group of ponies surrounded the unconscious Blueblood.

"Great," said Twilight. "Now we won't know where he put Apple Shine."

"Actually, Twi," Applejack said. "Look inside this snow globe." She picked up the snow globe and Twilight looked inside. She was surprised to see Apple Shine with another mare in there with her.

"Apple Shine's in that snow globe?" Twilight asked. "Wait. Who's that mare that's with her?"

Rarity looked inside that snow globe, went wide eyed, put a hoof to her mouth and said, "Wait. That's Applejack's mother! I haven't seen her since Applejack and I were fillies!"

"But how are we going to get them out?" Fluttershy asked.

Twilight was thinking of it, then Rarity noticed that Apple Shine and Buttercup were trying to get their attention. And when she saw that they were motioning towards the mirror in the room, she looked towards it. Then got confused and looked back at the snow globe. Apple Shine ran towards the mirror inside the snow globe, and then pointed at both mirrors, back and forth.

"The mirror!" Rarity said.

"The what?!" asked the rest of the Mane 6 and the Princesses.

"Twilight, remember that mirror that took you and Spike to that other world?" Rarity asked. "I think that that mirror and the mirror in this snow globe are connected. A portal."

"Of course!" said Twilight. Twilight then walked over to the mirror, and used her magic on it. Then the mirror started glowing.

Inside the snow globe, Apple Shine and Buttercup ran towards the mirror, jumped through, and came out of the mirror in Blueblood's bedroom.

"Mom!" Apple Shine said as she ran towards Applejack with Buttercup soon following. Apple Shine jumped into Applejack's chest, and then Buttercup came up and hugged the both of them.

"Applejack," Buttercup said. She looked her all over and said, "Yer so big."

"Ah take after the best, Ma," Applejack said, then pulled her mother in for a hug.

"Oh, Applejack," Rarity said. "Family truly is a fantastic thing to have."

"I agree," said Twilight. "Let's get out of here."

"But what are we going to do about Blueblood?" asked Rainbow Dash. "I mean, he foalnapped Apple Shine."

"That's not all that he did," Buttercup said.

"What did he do?" asked Princess Celestia.

"We were entering that pie baking contest that ya got us into, Princess," Buttercup said. "But since you and Princess Cadenza were both called away on business, Blueblood took charge. He disqualified us just for being country ponies."

"I told him not to do that," said Princess Celestia.

"Mah husband got mad, punched him, and then he tried sentencing us to death," said Buttercup. That made the others gasp, except for Apple Shine. "Bright Mac wanted to take the punishment alone and he wanted me ta be sent back home. But he lied, killed Bright Mac anyway, and I've been trapped in there since then."

"He killed Pa!!" Applejack shouted. "That no good! If only he had been taught better when he was a foal!"

Princess Luna then got a sneering look and said, "Actually... I believe I know of a proper way to punish Blueblood, and you just gave me the perfect idea on how to do it."

"What are you gonna do?" asked Apple Shine. All she got in response was another sneer from Luna.

Author's Note

Well, Blueblood is getting what he deserves. Wait until you see what punishment that Blueblood has got. It's going to be a lot more crazy than what any other punishment should be.

Chapter 16: Blueblood's Twisted Punishment

Canterlot's Royal Courthouse... September 15th, 10:00 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

In Canterlot's Royal Courthouse, we were all waiting for the judge to come up. After waiting a while, a judge then came in. A brown Earth Pony wearing a black robe and a wig that looks like Thomas Jefferson's hair.

The bailiff then said, "All rise for the honorable, Judge Gavel." We all stood up.

The judge then took to his seat and said, "You may all be seated." We then all sat down.

Then a prosecutor came in and said, "This court is now in session. This is a trial between the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Miss Buttercup Apple and Princess Apple Shine against the unicorn stallion known as Blueblood."

"That's Prince Blueblood!" shouted Blueblood.

"Not once we're done with this trial!" shouted Rainbow Dash.

"Order! Order in the court!" shouted Judge Gavel. Rainbow then took her seat again, crossing her forelegs. "Now, this court is now in session. Now, what are the charges of the one accused."

"Murder, foalnapping, and ignoring royal decrees," said Princess Celestia.

"Oooh," said the prosecutor. "That's gonna be tough for anypony to get out of."

"Indeed," said Judge Gavel. "Blueblood, do you have anything to say in your own defense?"

"First off, it's 'Prince' Blueblood!" Blueblood stated. "Second, those bumpkins weren't even supposed to be in that pie baking contest. I requested it by my aunt, but I never got a response."

"Blueblood," said Princess Celestia. "I invited those two to take place in the pie baking contest personally. Since the mother of the stallion is a friend of mine when the two of us were younger."

"WHAT?!" Blueblood asked. "Why?! You know how much those stupid bumpkins make my skin crawl!"

"Order! Order!" stated Judge Gavel.

"How about your charge of foalnapping?" asked the prosecutor.

"I was trying to save her from being a low leveled bumpkin!" said Blueblood. "She deserves better!"

"She's just a little filly, you know that?" asked the prosecutor. "She's the biological daughter of this, so called, country bumpkin you wanted to take away from. It's not wise to take a filly away from her family unless the family abuses her. Which they never had."

"I object!" Blueblood stated.

"Overruled," said Judge Gavel. "Now, the last accusation. Ignorance of Royal Decrees."

"My aunt doesn't know what she's doing!" said Blueblood. "She doesn't know what's good for the country of Equestria!"

The jury then booed. One of them stood up and said, "We find Blueblood guilty of all charges."

"WHAT?!" shouted Blueblood. "NO!!"

"Sadly, we don't know such a punishment that's worthy enough for you," said Judge Gavel.

"Do not threat, dear Judge Gavel," said Princess Luna. "I know of the perfect punishment."

Interrogation Room...10:30 AM...

Blueblood was taken into an interrogation room, where his forelegs were chained to the table. He had a magic cancelling collar around his neck. He was struggling to get out of there. We were watching from outside.

"Release me at once!" said Blueblood. "You're justifying my royal status!"

Princess Luna walked into the room and said, "You no longer have royal status. That is your first punishment."

"How dare you?!" asked Blueblood. "That princess doesn't deserve to be living with such filthy Earth Ponies."

"Hm," said Princess Luna. "So, you don't like Earth Ponies, huh? Well then, how about this?"

Princess Luna then lit up her horn, and then Blueblood started losing his broad body and his unicorn horn, leaving him in the body of a scrawny Earth Pony.

"What have you done to me?!" shouted Blueblood. "This isn't what I deserve!"

"I also heard from Rarity that you have no respect towards the mares you come across. That's why... you're no longer going to be a male pony."

"WHAT?!" Blueblood went wide eyed. Just then, Princess Luna lit up her horn which surrounded Blueblood, and then he started groaning in pain. He then started changing. His face changed into a mare's face, his voice changed, his body then became one of a females, even his private area, officially making him a her. She looked down at her own body and said in an elegant voice, "What have you done to me?! You've turned me into a disgusting mare!"

"And since you don't understand foals, you're going to have to start life all over." Luna glared at Blueblood.

"WHAT?!" asked Blueblood. "You can't de-age me like that!" She then rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, wait. You won't be able to stop me. Eventually, I will grow up and then take you down and have your royal status stripped and I'll be back on top."

"Not unless you will be doing nothing while an actual foal's consciousness takes over your body while you watch from within. And that foal will never be able to hear your voice from within, or be able to see your memories."

"What?!"

We were watching from outside. I couldn't believe that Blueblood was going to get a really big punishment. Being turned into a baby earth pony filly while he watches from within.

"That is what he deserves for treating all of those ponies he has been mean to," Rarity said.

"Ah agree," said Buttercup. "But, where does the foal go when the process is done?"

"Since Blueblood has disrespected Ponyville, he'll be there for the rest of the foal's life," said Princess Celestia. "Although, it's gonna be hard to find somepony who wants a foal, and is good with young ones."

My eyes then widened. I had an idea. I looked up at Princess Celestia and said, "I think I know just the pony who would be able to take care of the foal."

Ponyville... September 22nd, 2:30 PM...

It's been a week since the punishment of Blueblood, now known as Blue Belle. Right now, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and myself were having some ice cream. Grandma Buttercup was watching us. Since she has a lot of time to catch up with her children.

"So, what ever happened to Blueblood?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Oh, Blueblood got a proper punishment and won't be able to do a thing about it," I told them.

Just then, Cheerilee came walking past us and she had a stroller with a foal inside. Mrs. Cake walked up to her with Pound and Pumpkin in a stroller.

"Oh, hello there, Cheerilee," said Mrs. Cake. "I didn't know you were with foal."

"Oh, I wasn't," said Cheerilee. "Last week, somepony just left this little foal on my doorstep in a basket full of baby toys. All I know that this little foal's name is Blue Belle, and she's going to be living with me. I've never told anypony this, but I've always wanted a little foal of my own."

Inside the stroller that Cheerilee had, it was the baby female Blueblood, and as I recalled, now known as Blue Belle.

"Oh, she is such a cutie, isn't she?" asked Mrs. Cake. "Well, I hope that the two of you will be happy."

"Oh, we will," Cheerilee said. "I'll make sure that she'll be fed, happy, and will grow up to be a very nice pony."

"I'm sure you'll be a good mother," said Mrs. Cake. "Well, I hope that one day, we could have our little foals do a play date."

"I hope so," said Cheerilee. "Right now, tomorrow I gotta get ready for class."

Then the five of us walked up to the stroller and saw Blue Belle looking at us. I wonder what she's thinking.

Blue Belle's Subconscious... 2:32 PM...

(Third Person Point of View)

Blueblood couldn't believe that he was trapped in the body of a foal. He couldn't believe that his body was now being controlled by an actual foal, and he couldn't do anything but watch. And he was wearing what the foal was wearing.

"It's that little princess that ruined my life!" he said. "Give me back control of my body you worthless foal! This is my body! I need to have revenge on that no good princess and take my kingdom back! He then looked at the outfit that the foal was wearing. A pink shirt with a diaper, and pink baby hat that matched the shirt. But then he heard the foal start crying. "No! I did not command you to cry! Stop it! It makes us look pathetic!"

"Oh, what's wrong, little Blue Belle?" Cheerilee's voice said. "Oh, I smell it. You made yourself a little stinky. Let's get you cleaned up." He didn't want that to happen.

"No! Don't you touch me, you pathetic mare!" Blueblood shouted, but all Cheerilee heard was the baby crying. "I am Prince Blueblood! Don't you are not allowed to..." He was then cut off when a pacifier was put into the baby's mouth, which also popped into his mouth. While the baby was suckling on the pacifier, Blueblood had no control, and he was also suckling on it with no way to stop it.

"Now, let's take care of that diaper problem," Cheerilee's voice came.

Sweet Apple Acres... 7:30 PM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Mom and her friends had to go out of town and back to the Crystal Empire for some reason. Since Grandma Buttercup moved back in, Mom and I are going to have to share the same room while Grandma was moving into Applejack's room.

"Do you really have to go, Mom?" I asked.

"Ah do, Apple Shine," said Mom. "Don't worry. Ah'll be back as soon as Ah can."

"Okay, Mom," I said before hugging her. "I love you."

"Ah love ya, too, Apple Shine," Mom said. She then saw the clock and said, "Oh, applesauce. Ah'm gonna be late. Ah'll see ya when Ah get back." She then ran out the room. I walked out of the room, and watched as Mom headed down the stairs, and then closed the front door behind her as she left.

Just then, Grandma Buttercup walked up to me and said, "Don't worry. She'll be back. She always came back, hasn't she?"

I thought about it and said, "Yeah. I guess she has."

"How about I make you some of my sweetest Apple Pie?" asked Grandma Buttercup.

"That sounds nice," I said. We then headed downstairs and to the kitchen. From now on, I hope that nothing bad will happen.

THE END...

Author's Note

Blueblood has gotten what he truly deserves. Applejack's mother has returned. And Apple Shine will no longer have any trouble with any other dignitaries that think she deserves better.

No sequels to this story.

Prologue: Ghost of a Nightmare

The Royal Apple

Prologue: Ghost of a Nightmare

Williamstown, Massachusetts... July 1st, 1992...

(Dylan's Point of View)

This was a big day for me and the other foster kids in the foster care system. My name is Dylan Rider, and today was the day we were about to go on a camping trip for a 4th of July camp out in Andover, Massachusetts. I was finished packing up my stuff when my foster mother, Regina, came in.

"Hello, Dylan," she said. "Are you, Peter and Jerry ready to go?"

"I'm almost ready," I said. I then sighed.

"Still thinking on when your parents will come to pick you up?" asked Regina.

"Yeah," I said. "I know they'll come to get me. I just know it. They wouldn't just leave me at a Foster Home, and not come back for me." I looked up at Regina, and just in a flash, I thought I saw sadness in her eyes, but she tried hiding it.

"You know, we got a long trip," said Regina. "I'm gonna see if the other boys are loading up. You better finish packing."

"Yes, Regina," I said. I eventually finished packing up, and I brought my bags outside to the car where Peter and Jerry were putting their bags into the car. But then I felt an itch on my leg.

Peter looked down at me then he saw something below me, saying, "Holy smokes! Regina!"

I then felt really dizzy. Everything was going dark, and I felt so cold. I looked towards the foster home and saw Regina running towards me, but I passed out.

Golden Oaks Library... The Day after the Events of "Castle Mane-ia"...

(Third Person Point of View)

Princess Twilight Sparkle was awoken by a shrieking noise really early, before the sun even rose. She looked around her room in the Golden Oaks Library. She looked around the room and saw that Spike was still asleep in his basket. She was confused. She decided to go for a little walk, but when she looked out the window, she saw some purple and dark blue cloud over the Everfree Forest.

"What?" Twilight asked. She then looked over at Spike and woke him up.

"Mmm... Five more minutes, Twilight..." Spike mumbled, before pulling the blanket over his head.

"Spike, wake up," said Twilight. "There's something happening in the Everfree Forest."

Spike uncovered his face, opened his eyes and said, "Well, take care of it in the morning. It's the middle of the night."

"Spike, I have a feeling that something bad is about to happen," said Twilight. "We gotta alert the princesses about what's happening."

Spike grumbled, got out of his basket, and headed towards the window. He looked out of it and saw the purple and dark blue cloud over the forest. He went wide eyed.

"What's happening?!" asked Spike.

"I don't know," said Twilight. "But we better head out there before something bad happens."

Twilight and Spike headed downstairs and headed towards the front door. Right as they headed outside, Twilight almost ran into four of her five friends. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

"What are you girls doing here?" asked Twilight.

"Ah'm guessin' ya saw that weird cloud over the Forest, huh?" Applejack asked.

"We all saw it," said Rainbow Dash. "We all came here right after we saw it. Me, AJ, Pinkie, Rarity... Wait. Where's Fluttershy?!"

The five mares and young dragon looked around. There was no sight of Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy must've been startled by that cloud and is probably at home, hiding under her bed," said Rarity.

"Well, we should go get her, then figure out this problem," said Twilight. "Let's go."

Fluttershy's Cottage... 5:20 AM...

The five mares and young dragon arrived at Fluttershy's cottage, and Twilight was knocking at the door.

"Fluttershy!" Twilight called out. "Are you in there?!"

The door opened, and instead of Fluttershy, there was her pet bunny, Angel. He was grumpy and rubbing one eye with a paw.

"Sorry to wake you, Angel, but something has happened," said Twilight. "We need to see Fluttershy. Can we please see her?"

Angel sighed, then he motioned to the others to stay right there. He then headed up the stairs to Fluttershy's bedroom, and coming out from the bottom of the bed was Fluttershy's tail. Angel hopped up to Fluttershy's tail, grabbed it, and pulled on it.

"Aaaah!" Fluttershy yelped before banging her head on the bottom of the bed. She then turned around and saw Angel out from under there. "Oh, Angel! Guess I've been jumpy ever since I heard that shriek. What's going on?"

Angel then motioned to Fluttershy, telling her that her friends are outside.

"So my friends are right outside?" Fluttershy asked, which got a nod out of Angel. "Oh... I guess they need me..." She then got nervous. "But... I'm scared... What if what caused that shrieking comes after me?" She was then being pushed by Angel, heading towards the stairs. "Angel... wait. Don't..."

She was then pushed out the door, and the door was shut.

"Fluttershy, what were you doing up there?" asked Rainbow Dash. "You're acting like it's Nightmare Night."

"I'm sorry," said Fluttershy. "It's just... ever since I heard that shriek and saw that cloud, I've been hiding underneath my bed."

"Wait, you heard that shriek, too?" Twilight asked.

"We all did," said Pinkie Pie. "That was when we looked out to see that dark cloud."

"Well, what are we waiting for?!" asked Rainbow Dash. "Let's see what's going on in the forest."

Fluttershy was about to run back into her cottage, but was lifted by Twilight's magic, and all seven of them headed into the forest.

Cliff Bottom in the Everfree Forest... 5:30 AM...

The Mane 6 and Spike arrived at the bottom of the cliff where Nightmare Moon made that avalanche. The girls kept looking around, then looked up at the dark cloud in the sky.

"Sheesh," said Rainbow Dash. "That thing is more darker when you get closer to it."

"It actually does," said Rarity.

"M-Maybe we should deal with this tomorrow," Fluttershy said, trying to get out of there. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Fluttershy!!" said the other girls and Spike, making her stop.

"I'm... I'm sorry... It's just too scary for me to..." Fluttershy was cut off when a wall of dark blue and purple clouds cut off her path. Then the cloud started creating a huge cylinder around the seven of them.

"What's going on?!" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Oooooooooooohhh!" Pinkie Pie said, her whole body shuttering. "I don't know... but it's a doozy!"

The girls and Spike then looked up and saw a black figure above them. Applejack then shouted, "What is that?!"

"Is that... the Pony of Shadows?!" asked Rainbow Dash.

The black figure descended and landed in front of the Mane 6 and Spike. The figure then emerged and transformed. It was a ghost, but of a pony they all recognized all too well.

"NIGHTMARE MOON?!" asked the Mane 6 and Spike.

"That's right, you fools!" said the ghost of Nightmare Moon. "You all fell into my trap! Tonight, I shall retake Equestria... in a new body for my own!"

"You'll never take over any of our bodies," said Twilight. "We'll stop you like we have before."

"Who says I'll be taking over a body?" asked the ghost of Nightmare Moon, giving a smirk. Her horn then started glowing and fired a beam towards Twilight. Twilight was standing there in shock, but then Twilight was pushed out of the way by Applejack, but she took the blow.

"GAAAAH!" Applejack called out.

"Applejack!" called out the others.

The Ghost of Nightmare Moon was cackling, then said, "Oh, she will do nicely."

"What did you do to her?!" Twilight shouted. "If you are planning on taking over Applejack's body..."

"You misunderstand, Twilight Sparkle," said the ghost of Nightmare Moon. "That blast was to give me a body of my own. That magical blast was an instant maternity spell."

"Maternity?!" asked the others.

"GAAAAH!" Applejack shouted. "Wh-What's happenin'?! GAAAAH!" Applejack's stomach then started grumbling, then started getting bigger. Applejack looked down at her stomach and went wide eyed. "What did ya do ta me?!"

"That spell gives the mare who it hits a little... how do you put it? Bun in the oven?" asked the Ghost of Nightmare Moon.

"What?!" Applejack asked. "Ya made me pregnant?!"

"But sadly, when the foal is born, it'll have no soul," said the Ghost of Nightmare Moon. "But as soon as it's born, I shall take it over, and it'll grow up and be my new vessel."

"But an Alicorn can't be born!" said Twilight. "That's never happened."

"Oh, but this one will be born an alicorn, and I shall take over Equestria!" said the Ghost of Nightmare Moon. "And nothing will be able to stop me!"

"GAAAAAAH!" Applejack cried out as her stomach stretched out to make her look like she's 11 months pregnant. Then her water broke. "GAAAAAAH! N-no!!"

"Oooh... Looks like it's time..." said Nightmare Moon.

"Applejack!" called out Twilight. The other girls surrounded her, and then Twilight asked, "What do we do?!"

"We're going to have to support her," said Fluttershy. The girls put Applejack on her back. Rainbow Dash and Rarity were holding her down.

"GAAAAH!" shouted Applejack. "It's coming!"

Then a small sack started coming out of Applejack, and then Twilight used her magic to cut open the sack, and out came a baby pony, an alicorn with no colors, and not moving at all.

"Perfect," said the Ghost of Nightmare Moon. "That body is now mine!"

"NOOOO!!" shouted the Mane 6 and Spike. Then a bright light emerged from the sky, landing on the baby pony, and blocking out Nightmare Moon's spirit, preventing her from getting near the baby.

"What?! NOOOO!! That is my Vessel!!" shouted the Ghost of Nightmare Moon. "Without that, I'll..." Then a small speck of blue light came down from the light, and entering the baby pony. Then sunlight started piercing through the dark clouds, and a beam of sunlight made contact with Nightmare Moon, and she started smoking. "GAAAAH! NO!! THIS... ISN'T... OVER!!!" She then blew up, leaving out some blue and black smoke.

"What... just... happened?" Rarity asked.

"I don't know," said Spike.

"The foal!" said Twilight. All seven of them started looking at the foal. The foal then started aging up to a filly younger than he Cutie Mark Crusaders. Her coat and mane started gaining some color. Her mane and tail started turning blonde with two red streaks down the middle, her coat turned to a pale gamboge with freckles on her cheeks and in between her eyes in a triangle. The tips of her wings had blonde tipped feathers, and the hooves on the filly were white.

"What... in tarnation... just happened?" asked Applejack, trying to catch her breath.

"I... I don't know," said Twilight. "C'mon, we gotta get you to the hospital. You and that foal." Twilight then started using her magic to hold up Spike, Applejack and the foal, then she started flying up. Rainbow Dash grabbed Pinkie Pie and started flying up. Fluttershy did the same with Rarity. Then they started heading back to town. They landed, and Twilight still had Applejack and the foal in her magic. Twilight levitated the foal over to Applejack so she could carry it.

"Ah... Ah don't know if Ah should hold it, Twi," said Applejack. "Ah... Ah don't think..."

"Applejack," said Twilight. "Even though it was an unnatural birth, it's still your foal. You should carry her. Just... be gentle."

"Okay," said Applejack. "But... shouldn't she be cleaned off first?"

"Hang on a sec," said Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy, do you have any towels hanging on your clothesline?"

"Oh, yes," said Fluttershy. "Grab two. One wet, one dry."

"Oh, good call," said Rainbow Dash. She then rushed from there, and came back with two towels, one wet, one dry. Rarity then took the foal in her magic, and the wet towel, and started cleaning the foal.

"Do not worry," said Rarity. "We shall get the foal cleaned up on the way to the hospital. You're going to have to stay off your hooves."

"Yeah, good call," said Applejack. "Ah'm not feeling too good." Her stomach then rumbled, which hurt her. "Feels like Ah haven't eaten for two weeks."

"Well, we better hurry," said Twilight. "Let's go. I'll write a letter to the princesses about what happened." Then they all started running to the exit of the Everfree Forest, and then kept running till they reached the Ponyville Hospital.

Author's Note

To repeat myself, this story is based on Living Nightmare by Autum Breeze, and it's a lot more complicated than what was going on. Hopefully, that this adventure shall be as interesting at it can get.

Chapter 8: Magic Training: Spells with Princess Twilight Sparkle

Golden Oaks Library... July 17th, 8:00 AM...

(Apple Shine's Point of View)

Applejack woke me up at a decent hour. She took me through town, and when some ponies saw me, they were, I think they were, bowing to me. It was making me uncomfortable. I'm not really a princess. I'm just a boy trapped in the body of an alicorn filly.

We eventually stopped at a library. I looked up at Applejack and asked, "Why are we at a library?"

"This'll be where ya'll be learning magic spells," Applejack answered. "Twi'll help ya learn how ta use that horn of yours." The two of us then walked into the library. Applejack then called out, "Twi! We're here!"

"Coming!" came a voice. We looked towards the stairs, and then a purple pony started coming down. I recognized her. It was the purple alicorn I met at the hospital. "I'm glad you could make it. A good start to a day will make a good day of learning."

"Hey!" I said. "It's you!"

"Hello, Apple Shine," she said to me. "You might recognize me. Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"You're a...?" I asked, stunned. "But I thought you would be back in that Canterlot place."

"Oh, no," she told me. "I chose to stay here in Ponyville in case me or my friends are needed. We're stronger together."

"Well," I said, "too bad I won't be able to use this when I eventually go back to my world." I saw that Applejack and Twilight were giving off a sad look while looking at each other. They looked back at me and then Applejack took a step towards me.

"Listen, sugarcube. There's something ya have ta know. The thing is..."

"TWILIGHT!" came a voice from upstairs. Looking up the stairs, we saw the baby dragon from the hospital. He had a rolled up piece of paper in his right claw, and he ran down to the princess. "A letter from Princess Celestia."

Twilight's horn then started glowing in a magenta aura. The aura then surrounded the note in the dragon's claw, and brought it to her. She then unrolled the letter and started reading it out loud.

"Dear Twilight, I was wondering if you had found any of the keys to that chest. Also, I am curious. How has the progress of the young alicorn going? I would like to see how young Apple Shine is adjusting to this world. Please inform Applejack and her family that I will be coming to visit and see the progress of Apple Shine on the beginning of the new month. Signed, Princess Celestia." Twilight then went wide eyed after reading the letter.

Applejack whistled and said, "Wow. Guess we have plenty of time til she arrives."

"Applejack!" Twilight shouted. "The princess will be here to check on Apple Shine. She should learn a lot more than just levitation spells!"

"Twi," Applejack said. "This is just a casual visit. Not an entrance exam into her School for Gifted Unicorns."

"I know!" Twilight said. "But Princess Celestia is gonna expect a lot out of Apple Shine! She must learn..." Applejack walked up to her and grabbed Twilight's face with her hooves.

"Listen, Twi. Apple Shine is still new to here. Ya can't make her learn ev'rythin' in two weeks. Just start with the basics."

Twilight then started hyperventilating. She tried taking deep breaths, then said, "Basic?! How can an alicorn start with something basic?!"

"Hey," Applejack said, getting Twilight's attention. "Ah started with basics when teaching Apple Shine about her strength. And Rainbow Dash is starting with basics on teaching her how to fly by starting with gliding up in Cloudsdale. Decided to move her teaching to near the ground because of Apple Shine's fear of heights."

Twilight went wide eyed and said, "Okay. I guess that makes sense. Besides, a fear of heights is very natural." She then took a breath and said, "Okay. Let's start with levitation. A natural spell for beginning magic lessons." She then looked towards a bookshelf, lit up her horn, then a book flew off from that bookshelf. She levitated it over to me and I took it in my hooves. The book was titled "Unicorn Magic for Beginners".

"Unicorn Magic for Beginners?" I asked.

"It'll help out a lot," Twilight said, taking the book out of my hooves with her magic. She then levitated it towards the table in the room. "Spike, you mind getting a stool for Apple Shine?"

"Sure thing, Twilight," said the dragon. I guess his name is Spike. He then came back with a stool. I then went over to the table where that book was. I was having trouble keeping balance on the stool. But Twilight helped me adjust myself so I would be able to sit more comfortable on the stool.

"There you go," said Twilight. She then opened up the book saying, "Now, let's start with the basics. Let's start with lighting up your horn, then move on to levitation."

I nodded. I then looked at the first chapter of the book that was set in front of me.

"Now, you see, baby unicorns have some knowledge on how to use their horns," said Twilight. "Some even have magical surges from time to time. Various unicorns each have different levels of magic. First off, to activate the magic in your horn, I want you to clear your mind." I nodded. I exhaled and closed my eyes. "Next, focus inside yourself and embrace the magic inside you. Then focus on your horn, and magic will flow into your horn."

I nodded. I had my eyes closed. I then felt something. It was coming from my forehead. I then opened my eyes and looked at my horn. It was glowing in a light orange aura.

"Not bad," said Twilight. "You're a natural. Maybe it's because alicorn magic is a lot more powerful than unicorn magic."

"Yeah, that could be true," said Applejack. "Anyway, Ah gotta head back ta the farm. Ah'll see ya tonight, Apple Shine." She then headed out of the library.

"Alright, Apple Shine," said Twilight. "Let's get started on levitation." She then went into the kitchen, then came back out with an apple in her right hoof. "I want you to focus your magic around this apple, then bring it over to you."

"I'm... not sure I can do this," I said.

"It's okay," Twilight said to me. "You'll get used to it. Let me tell you a story. When I was a filly, I had some trouble trying to focus my magic. I wasn't an alicorn at the time, but I still had trouble even lifting something with my magic. But as I got older, it got more easier to me."

"But this isn't even my world," I said. "What good is it for me to learn this stuff when I'm not going to be using it when I get back to my world."

Twilight gave me a sad look. She then smiled, giggled and said, "Oh, I know the feeling. I even walked a mile in your shoes when I went to another dimension where there are human versions of everypony in Equestria."

I looked at her confused. "Huh?"

"Long story," said Twilight.

"Yeah," said Spike. "There's a magical mirror that can take you to another dimension. If a pony from Equestria goes in, that pony turns into a human. The opposite happens when a human goes through."

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "What about dragons?"

"Oh, I wasn't supposed to go, but I went anyway," Spike answered.

Twilight was laughing when remembering something from then and said, "Haha. He... Hahahaha! He got turned into a dog!" That made me start laughing and I tried holding it in by covering my mouth with a hoof. "A little purple and green dog, hahahaha!" That made me laugh harder and fall out of my seat.

Spike then crossed his arms angrily and grumbled. He then said, "Out of everything that involved Equestrian Magic in that world, the talking dog was the only thing that was weird about all of that. One girl there, that was actually Princess Celestia's star pupil before Twilight, in this world, stole Twilight's Element of Harmony, and wanted to take over the minds of all of the humans that were in the school on the other side of that portal, bring them to Equestria, and then dethrone Princess Celestia."

Twilight stopped laughing, and then she said, "Luckily, there were human versions of my friends there. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash. I could tell it was them because of their skin color, hair color, even their eye colors."

"Wait, they have colored skin?" I asked. "That's not normal on my world."

"Really?" asked Spike. "What colors of skin do humans have?"

"All human skin are usually somewhere in the brown skin," I said. "Whether it's really light shade or darker."

"Huh," said Twilight. "Wish I could see your memories when Luna went into your mind." Twilight then shook her head and said, "Alright. Let's focus back on levitation." She then picked up the apple with her hoof and said, "As I was saying, I want you to focus your magic surrounding around this apple, and lift it into the air."

I nodded. I focused my magic and the magical aura surrounded my horn. I then focused on the apple in Twilight's hoof. The aura I had around my horn then surrounded the apple.

"Not bad," said Twilight. "Now, try levitating it in the air." I nodded. I then focused my magic. The apple was then levitated high into the air. Twilight laughed a bit and said, "You're a natural. You keep this up, you might be ready for intermediate magic. Now, let's try something more interesting."

4:00 PM...

I was learning a lot. Twilight taught me levitation, teleportation, even a force field spell. When I was learning levitation spells, Twilight taught me how to lift multiple items at once.

"You're doing very well, Apple Shine," Twilight told me. "Princess Celestia is going to be impressed when she sees how much you're doing well in magic training."

"Too bad I won't be able to use it when I go home," I said.

Twilight turned away from me, then said, "Oh, you'll never know. It might take you a while." She then sighed. "When you were human, have you ever wondered about your parents? Ever wonder why they left you in the foster homes?"

I thought about it. As I thought about it, I often did wonder why I was left in a foster home by my parents. I just hope my parents would wonder where I've gone.

"I just thought that my parents didn't have enough to take care of me," I told her. "But I know one day they'll have enough and come back for me. I just know it."

"Wow," said Twilight. "You really have hope, don't you?"

I looked up at Twilight and said, "Well, yeah. It's all I can rely on. The bullies of my school believe that I will never be reunited with my family. But, I know they're just saying that to get under my skin."

"Wow," said Twilight. "You really know how to ignore bullies. I bet Apple Bloom and her friends will learn a thing or two from you."

"Wish ya could've gotten here a lot sooner," Spike said, sweeping the floor with a broom.

"Alright, Apple Shine," Twilight said to me, "let's get you back to the farm." She then levitated the book over to me. I got confused.

"Why are you giving me this book?" I asked.

"It's for you to study magic back at the farm," Twilight said to me. "Keep learning basic unicorn magic, and you'll be able to impress Princess Celestia in no time."

I was confused, but I nodded. Twilight turned around to look at Spike and said to him, "Spike, I'm gonna be dropping off Apple Shine back at Applejack's. I'll be back soon."

"Alright, Twilight," said Spike.

"Don't spend your time reading your comics instead of doing your chores!" Twilight called out, making Spike groan. Twilight giggled at Spike's groan.

Sweet Apple Acres... 4:30 PM...

Twilight walked me all the way back to Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight then flew back towards town after dropping me off. On the front porch, Granny Smith was sleeping in her rocking chair. I didn't want to disturb her, so I quietly walked inside, and I went upstairs to the room I was staying at.

I then picked up the book Twilight gave me and started reading, trying to read some more spells I can learn. I was about to read one spell, but then I heard a knocking at my door. I looked towards it and saw Applejack standing there.

"So, how'd it go?" she asked.

"Pretty good," I told her. "Twilight said I was a fast learner."

Applejack chuckled, and said, "Yeah, Ah suppose ya would. Well, Ah'm gonna finish up on Apple Buckin' for today. Ah'll come back ta tell ya when it's supper time." She then headed down the hall. I then continued reading the book. It's too bad I won't be able to use all of this when I go back home.