The Stalker (The Midnight Series)

Chapter 3: Irredeemable

1

The next morning, Apple Bloom awakened. It was still cloudy, with some of the residue still dropping all around the area of last night's storm. She had seen Big Mac already out of bed, with his side of the bed empty, still slightly sweaty. The amount of sweat was a little too much for Apple Bloom, which prompted her to get out of it.

Apple Boom entered her room, and realized her closet door was stuck from the dirty laundry lying around the door. She squinted, as if there was really nothing to worry about, but just her imagination of her recent discoveries. That gave her the idea that maybe things may not be as they seem. What if they are people who just need help? She thought. She wondered if they may seem creepy and weird, doesn't mean they are. She can't just blame anyone for being like that, Apple Bloom thought. What if she could help people, talk some sense into them, and help them become better?

Apple Bloom was dressed into a white shirt with red jean overalls, then made her way to the living room. She saw Big Mac in the living room with a bowl of cereal in his hands, as she went into the kitchen and waited. He got up, as he took the last bite and headed into the kitchen.

Big Mac rinsed the bowl, and placed it in a strainer next to the sink. He turned around, and saw Apple Bloom sitting at the kitchen table. Seeing her sitting quietly at the table freaked him out.

"Ya scared me again!" Big Mac shouted, as he didn't expect to see her up this early. He held his chest, as he felt his heart jumping right out of it.

"Oh, sorry!" Apple Bloom smiled and chuckled. Apple Bloom was feeling a little more intuitive and wanted to make the day seem less gloomy.

"Ya feelin' alright?" Big Mac asked, considering what happened last night.

"Yeah, there was really nothin' to worry about!" Apple Bloom admitted, as she was kicking and waving her feet from being off the floor on a high chair.

"That's good. Glad ta hear!" Big Mac enlightened, he smiled, and was relieved that she was okay after everything he said.

Apple Bloom was a little too impatient to ask Big Mac about her little epiphany about helping strangers, because she felt there was a way to help them out of that mindset. To her surprise, Big Mac disagreed.

"But what if it was possible to help those who are troubled, Big Mac?" Apple Bloom asked, as she looked up to him.

"I'm sorry Apple Bloom, but there are people who are reluctant to change." Big Mac said plainly.

"But why?" Apple Bloom continued. She shrugged and wanted to know the reason.

"Because..." Big Mac thought of a way to tell her, that was easy enough for her to understand. "Once you go down that path, it's hard to get out of it. Sometimes, people who have traveled that far, are not going to turn back. The sad thing is, it's an endless path they are traveling into. They don't remember how it starts, or care how it ends." Big Mac responded. Apple Bloom was a little upset. The way Big Mac explained it was easy enough for her to understand. "There are just some people who are irredeemable. That's why, most people call it trespassin. They walk into it, until it gets to the point of no return."

"But Big Mac... if there was a way..." Apple Bloom cried, as she stopped moving her feet, and sat them down on a rest.

"Now, ah don't want you to worry about that." Big Mac said, as he went down on one knee, and held Apple Bloom's shoulders. Seeing eye to eye, to hopefully get through to her. "Whatever people plan on doin, is between them and God." Big Mac suggested. "Don't go lookin for those people, you will just be lookin for trouble. Might even fall into it yourself... and ah don't want that."

"Big Mac..." Apple Bloom begged.

"Now, that's the last of what I will hear from this, okay?" Big Mac pleaded, as he was starting to head back into the living room, not feeling too good on stomping on her efforts to see the good in everything.

"Big Mac." Apple Bloom said, as she turned towards him leaving the kitchen.

"Eenope." Big Mac ignored.

"Big Mac." Apple Bloom continued.

"No!" Big Mac shouted, as he quickly turned back to look at her dead in the eyes, which scared Apple Bloom. She looked up at him, stunned, unable to move as she blinked her teary eyes. Big Mac realized he raised his voice at her, and looked away. "A-am so sorry..." Big Mac said, as he tried to save the conversation, but Apple Bloom picked herself up and left the kitchen. She ran back upstairs, and shut her room door. Big Mac was upset at himself, but she needed to know that not everyone would listen. He worried for her, and what she might try to do.

Apple Bloom was saddened by Big Mac yelling her again about the same subject, maybe it was a subject that not everyone was comfortable sharing. If only there was a way to help those people, Apple Bloom thought, if she found a way, maybe there would be less scary things to worry about. However, even the thought of her optimistic values, it still pained her to be yelled at by her older brother. Maybe he was still upset about last night? Apple Bloom thought.

She decided to take it easy, and just rest some more in her room. Maybe Big Mac will be cooled off by then, Apple Bloom thought. He doesn't get mad often, especially when it comes to his little sister.

2

About a couple of hours later, Big Mac headed up the stairs to bring Apple Bloom something to eat. He made her a bowl of soup, given it was still a bit of a gloomy day. He knocked on the door, and walked into her bedroom. Apple Bloom was asleep, and he thought of how sweet she looked. He slightly tapped her shoulder to wake her up. She slowly opened her eyes, and saw that Big Mac was there to see her.

"Hey baby sis, ah came to make sure ya eat somethin." Big Mac delighted. Apple Bloom sat up, and yawned to finally open her eyes. She was happy to see a bowl of soup sitting on her nightstand beside her bed.

"Thank ya Big Mac!" Apple Bloom said, as she rubbed her eye. Big Mac smiled. "Am sorry for earlier. Ah was just thinkin..."

"Ah know, and am glad that you have heart for everyone, but ah just want ya to be safe." Big Mac said, as he sat on the bed.

"Thanks." Apple Bloom said, as she started to eat the soup.

Big Mac decided to leave, as Apple Bloom continued to eat. She was looking through her phone, and it appeared that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo texted Apple Bloom about an hour ago. Asked if she would like to hang out at the park today. Even though they told about the dangers of the outside world, they went on like nothing happened. Apple Bloom agreed, but asked if it was going to storm. They both replied to just take a jacket regardless. Apple Bloom was looking forward to going on another adventure with them.

Apple Bloom finished her soup, and went down to the kitchen to wash it. Big Mac appeared to be in the living room, watching TV like he was earlier. As she was cleaning her bowl, and drying it, she wanted to ask if Big Mac would like to join them at the park. Apple Bloom was still a bit wary about the dangers, so she would like to have her big brother join her at the park for their safety.

"Hey Big Mac!" Apple Bloom shouted, as she went into the living room.

"What's up, sis?" Big Mac asked.

"Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle want to go to the park, and ah was wonderin if you would like to come with?" Apple Bloom requested.

"Come with?" Big Mac questioned. "Are ya sure?"

"Yeah! Well, ah just wanted to make sure that we are safe an everythin." Apple Bloom continued.

"Okay, sure." Big Mac agreed, as he saw that she was starting to change. To alleviate the stress of being fearful of place that contain more people, he agreed to watch over them.

3

Upon arrival, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were already inside the gates, and were surprised that Big Mac was with her this time. They asked about what he was up to. Apple Bloom convinced them about taking safety precautions for the time being. They were alright with it, as Big Mac took a seat at the park bench to keep an eye out for them.

About a few moments, they all were talking and trying to come up with a plan for their next mission on finding magic as Diamond Tiara requested. They were also discussing what could be possible areas to search, but also contemplating the idea of what she will be using magic for. Of course, Scootaloo requested they should ask the Rainbooms about such things, and make sure they were aware of possible misuse of magic.

They were having a blast, Scootaloo was teasing Sweetie Belle whenever she found a worm out on the sidewalks, and would toss them to her when she wasn't looking. Apple Bloom thought of how funny it was to watch them as they always had to start something crazy. Scootaloo would try it on Apple Bloom, but she loved worms and it would not freak her out as it would with Sweetie Belle. So, she asked Apple Bloom to side with her on chasing Sweetie Belle around the park with the worms.

They became tired, and decided to rest from running around on the grass. They looked up to the skies and saw the clouds passing over, as a slight wind blew. The trees ruffled, and the animals took shelter inside. As they all were settled, they sat up to talk to each other. Apple Bloom mentioned her talk with Big Mac about what she learned. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle figured that was why she asked Big Mac to taggle along with them to the park. It was pretty clear that she was taking more of a precaution, and it may take a little while to get used to her new surroundings once again.

However, as Apple Bloom saw the dangers, she was curious to know if they would be delighted in finding ways in helping those people to see into a new light as they come around. Both of them were against it because it would not work, and they will be endangering themselves for that matter. They sat closer to make sure they were alone to talk to her about it. Scootaloo laid on the grass, not really wanting to talk more about the particular topic. Sweetie Belle curled up, holding her shins, crossing them as comfortable as she could. While Apple Bloom sat criss-cross, firmly, taking up the position of announcing her idea.

"Big Mac said they won't change, but what if they can? What if they needed our help?" Apple Bloom suggested.

"I think it's out of our hands, Apple Bloom..." Sweetie Belle replied. "Even for the Crusaders."

"So you think that too?" Apple Bloom questioned.

"Of course. People can't just change easily." Sweetie Belle responded.

"Yeah, especially if it gets to the point when children become the victims of their sick, twisted fantasies!" Scootaloo said blatantly. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes, as if Apple Bloom needed more of a reason to be scared.

"Big Mac said the same thing. Like when he told me when people travel down that path, they cannot or will not try to come back." Apple Bloom admitted.

"It's true. Hardly anyone awakens from that nightmare." Scootaloo said.

"Yeah, that's why you shouldn't meddle in certain places, don't go trying to search for them either. They won't hesitate!" Sweetie Belle added, trying to make her see reason.

"They will kill you." Scootaloo said blatantly. Sweetie Belle gave her a mean look on her face because she knew Scootaloo was not wanting to continue the conversation, but to say that sort of thing will make Apple Bloom much more fearful of the world.

"Hmmm... I still think there's a way." Apple Bloom admitted, as she looked out to the park, full of people.

"Apple Bloom, no! Don't try it!" Sweetie Belle pleaded, as she stood up. The other two stood up. Apple Bloom looked at them.

"Please Apple Bloom, promise us! Promise us that you won't go looking for people who do!" Scootaloo demanded. They both held up their hands in making Apple Bloom pinkie swear.

"Ah... ah promise." Apple Bloom said, as she pinkie promised to them.

"So?" Scootaloo awkwardly interjected, having settled and slowly peering away from the previous conversation. "Should we get back to our game?" Scootaloo suggested, as Sweetie Belle gave her a slight tap on the shoulder. They both laughed.

4

Meanwhile, Big Mac kept an eye on them as she requested. He watched as they ran around, chasing Sweetie Belle with a worm on a stick. It made him chuckle as she would tumble down, exhausted as they came to her. He was also playing on his phone, just watching videos, waiting half the time for it to buffer to a grainy playable video. It was exhausting in and of itself, as he was getting tired.

Moments later, Big Mac saw a lady that was talking to them. She appeared to be a little concerned for them, but Big Mac was not wanting for them to be getting into trouble. The girls looked like they were not okay with her being there, so Big Mac walked over to see what was up.

"Who are you?!" The lady asked, as she jumped in front of the girls, confronting Big Mac as he approached them.

"Big Mac, who are you?" Big Mac asked.

"Why are you watching these little girls?!" The lady continued, pointing at them as if they were victims. "Are you waiting to see when it's time, when no one's looking?!"

"What?!" Big Mac questioned, as he was confused. "That's my little sister, with her friends. Am supervising them."

"Where's their mothers?!" The lady continued, as she would voluntarily stand against Big Mac and make a scene of herself protecting the girls. The girls were shocked, and didn't move a muscle, as things were taking a turn. The winds began to pick up, the girls started to feel it as the chills ran down their spines. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both held each other, unsure of what may come and to battle the cold, but Scootaloo stood straight, her brows angled downward, and crossed her arms, watching the argument unfold before her.

"They're not present." Big Mac admitted, confused by the whole matter.

"You see, how can I believe you?!" The lady squandered.

"Please, quit harassin my sister and her friends." Big Mac requested.

"Oh, I'm harassing them?! I'm not the one looking like a creeper at the park!" The lady flustered, as her head would bobble between her words.

"Just stop, you're scaring my sister!" Big Mac demanded.

"I'm not the one they should be afraid of!" The lady said, as she stood looking proudly at the crowd appearing before them. Big Mac saw them approaching, he didn't want this conversation to be public.

"C'mon Apple Bloom!" Big Mac demanded. The girls walked slowly, trying to avoid the lady ahead of them, and keeping an eye on her in case she was about to grab them and run off with them. Scootaloo stuck her tongue, hoping she would see it. Thanks to that lady, she was having less of a good day.

"But..." Apple Bloom cried.

"Now! Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo!" Big Mac interrupted, demanding they flee out of there as quickly as possible.

"Did you just cat-call a little girl?!" The lady questioned, raising her voice. Stopping them in their tracks.

"What?!" Big Mac responded, as he was utterly shocked by what she said.

"You called her sweetie!!!" The lady continued, pointing her finger at him.

"That's her name! As if it's any of your business!" Big Mac said, having become tired of her nonsense.

"Oh it's not, huh?! What kind of name is Sweetie Belle?! Sounds like the name of a stripper!" The lady admitted, as Sweetie Belle opened her mouth widely, feeling offended and embarrassed as was ready to slap her in the face, but Scootaloo was already wanting to unleash her wrath upon her.

"C'mon, let's go!" Big Mac said, as he walked away. Apple Bloom feeling confused, Sweetie Belle turned away and let her hair slap that woman in the face, and Scootaloo looked as if she were to spat in her general direction. The lady wouldn't let up, and followed them.

"You're not leaving! I just phoned the police! You're going to jail, you sick freak!!!" The lady lied, trying to lock them inside the gates.

"What the hell is wrong with you?! Ah don't even know you! Why are doin this?!" Big Mac questioned, as he waved his arms around completely devastated.

"Okay, if she is what you claim to be, prove it! I would like to see if they'll respond?!" The lady continued as pointed fingers at him, as if she was clawing up her way into his head.

"Why would ah do that?!" Big Mac stood against her.

"You're scared! I knew you were guilty of something!" The lady refused to let go.

"Guilty of what?! Ah haven't even done anythin!" Big Mac admitted.

"Yet! But you will! You will! And when you do, I'll be there, I'll be there!!!" The lady continued.

"You are soundin more like the predator to me!" Big Mac backfired.

"How dare you speak to me like that! I'll have you know, I'm president of the recreational parks association, I can have you permanently banned from permitting into this park!" The lady screamed.

"Ya have proof of that statement?!" Big Mac questioned her, making her lose her grip.

"I don't need to prove anything to you!" The lady refused. Apple Bloom was feeling the intense heat in the both of them, even Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were pissed off at her. She placed her hands up to her ears, hoping to avoid the constant bantering, she couldn't take it anymore and ran up to her and pleaded.

"Please... please just stop! He is my brother! These are my friends!" Apple Bloom cried, having tears in her eyes, her voice cracking, and feeling weak against their rage. Big Mac was not pleased for Apple Bloom to be caught up in the middle of the argument. "Ah asked my brother to watch over us because ah was afraid of..."

"Afraid?! Of him?!" The lady interrupted, looking down at her and pointed at Big Mac. "Well, you don't need to worry! The authorities will take him, then you won't have to be afraid anymore." The lady enlightened.

"The hell is wrong with you?!" Sweetie Belle yelled, growing tired of her misuse of power.

"Yeah! Because of this bitch, I don't even care if we come back to this park!" Scootaloo added, adding salt into the wounds, as she pointed at the lady.

"Such disrespectful children! I'm trying to save you, from creeps like him!" The lady continued, and tossed her arms around trying to sabotage a supposed kidnapping.

Not long after, the park's security came by to conduct their business. The lady went up to them and told them everything she thought was correct. They talked with both Big Mac and the lady, and none of the stories added up, but in order to get over the dispute, Big Mac called in Applejack to confirm his case, as the lady rejected them taking his side.

Applejack came by, getting out of the truck, and having to clear things up. In which, the lady was unwilling to give up, but they released them.

"Big Mac! Ah heard what happened!" Applejack confessed, as she saw Big Mac laying his head down, sitting in a position where he regrets ever coming and saying stuff he didn't mean.

"Applejack!" Apple Bloom said, as she ran up to her to give her a hug.

"You girls are safe... good." Applejack said, as she wrapped her arms around the girls. "Sweetie Belle, Rarity wants you back home! Ah'll take you guys!" They all got in the truck, and continued a slow and quiet ride back. Applejack took Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle home, and decided to head back with Big Mac and Apple Bloom to discuss this matter in full.

The lady went down in agony. Saying the patriarchy was still continuing to overthrow her, and was still causing a scene even after everyone left.

5

They arrived home, and they all took a seat in the living room, exhausted and feeling sick from the inside.

"Big Mac... am so sorry..." Apple Bloom confessed, as she cried.

"It's alright. It wasn't yer fault, or any of yer friends in that manner. She was crazy, but am just glad we are home now." Big Mac admitted, feeling relieved, but not okay.

"Big Mac, why didn't you call me earlier?! Ah could have handled the situation myself!" Applejack asked, as she sat up on the couch.

"Hey, don't take it out on Big Mac! He was the one that protected us from them kiddie-fiddlers!" Apple Bloom yelled, feeling angry.

"Sugarcube?! Wha..."Applejack was not expecting at all what Apple Bloom said, and she saw Big Mac look away, as he got up to the kitchen. "Big Mac?!"

"Applejack! Stop!" Apple Bloom continued, as she was becoming even more unhinged.

"This has nothin to do with you!" Applejack stated.

"Yes it does, it has everythin to do with me! Because of you, ah have no one to protect me!" Apple Bloom yelled, as she ran up to her room, and slammed the door.

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack said, as it was too late to reach her. Applejack sighed.

6

Applejack walked into the kitchen to see Big Mac sitting down looking away from the door. She walked in, to see Big Mac feeling regretful of everything he had done, in which he felt like he knew it was going to come up eventually. But, after everything that happened, he just wanted it all to stop.

"Can ya believe this?!" Applejack yelled, not looking into Big Mac's state of regret. "Talk to me! Why is she all the sudden talking about that?! Huh?!" Applejack slammed herself into an argument, in which Big Mac didn't want. She raised her voice, and crossed her arms, hoping to get something out of him.

"I did what I had to." Big Mac admitted, feeling sick and tired emotionally.

"So what?! You threw me under the bus like that?! She blames me!!!" Applejack responded, as she waved her arms as she spoke.

"Am sorry sis, it was yer decision..." Big Mac said, making Applejack see his reasoning was her own request.

"You were in on it too!" Applejack slammed. "Makin me the bad guy when all ah wanted was to be there for her!"

"And it was, but after you decided to spend more time with Rarity... she's been alone..." Big Mac, about ready to just give up.

"Where are you then?!" Applejack placed her hands on her hips.

"Ah had to stay back to care for Granny Smith!"

"Granny Smith does not need that much care!"

"How can you say that?! She's old, she can barely remember what she had for breakfast this mornin!" Big Mac yelled, as he started to let it out.

"She's tough! She's fine! When you should be the one lookin out for Apple Bloom when am not around!" Applejack countered. Not giving any sense of herself at fault.

"No, Granny Smith does need me to be there for her! Ya wouldn't know because ya are always out with yer friends!!!" Big Mac admitted, out of his emotions becoming unhinged.

"How can you say that to me?! After all ah've done, ah practically save this world multiple times from danger!" Applejack boasted.

"That may be true, but by doing that, ya miss out on everything happenin at home!" Big Mac trying any last efforts to calm the situation.

"We wouldn't even have a home if it weren't for me!" Applejack brought down her best argument.

"She's been having trouble Applejack! She's been havin to go to the doctor multiple times this year! Ah just try to be there for her!!!" Big Mac yelled, finally letting out his anger. "When ya were here, it was a trade off between who's turn it is to work on the farm, clean up the house, and watch over Apple Bloom!!! But since you've left, you left me with everythin!!! Where is Granny Smith right now, Applejack?!!!

Applejack was stunned, she couldn't say a thing because she didn't realize. She stood silently, as Big Mac was crying.

"She at the hospital... she's been havin trouble with her heart... a-am worried!" Big Mac cried. "Am not mad that ya are in a relationship... it's just... ya chose friends over family... and ah can't always be there for Apple Bloom... ya know how upset she will be when she's gone?! Who has to deal with that?! It's been more difficult since you've taken the truck!!!" Big Mac continued, as his heart sank as did Applejack's. "Ya may have made a lot of sacrifices, but there's absolutely nothing left for me to have time... now am looked at as some sort of criminal! Because the whole world just can't seem to think am not capable of caring for my family!!!

"Big Mac a-ah... ah..." Applejack couldn't say anything, she was saddened by Big Mac. She never seen him this overstressed and miserable. It broke her seeing him fall into tears. The rarest moments was seeing each other cry, in which they hated.

"She's still a child... she doesn't get it... she's still fragile... and she needs us..." Big Mac continued, his voice was cracking. "Am sorry if she felt that way with ya... ya just weren't there like ya used to be. She's upset at herself for not saying she was happy for you, but she didn't know it was going to turn out this way.... she's just upset... she doesn't hate ya... ya know she won't..."

"Am so sorry Big Mac..." Applejack cried. "Why didn't ya tell me?"

"Ah figure ah could do it... part of a man's job is to provide... regardless... you've had yer hands full with Rarity... ah didn't want ya to bite off more than ya can chew..." Big Mac said, as he looked away from Applejack. Feeling ashamed, not being the man he needed to be.

Applejack cleared up her eyes, and took a seat next to Big Mac. He was not wanting to look in her direction. Applejack held out her arms and gave him a hug. She held him tight, and felt his sadness overflow. She calmed him down, but after everything he said, she felt that she was not helping in the slightest.

7

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom curled up in her bed. She overheard their argument, and she tried desperately to block it out, but she felt helpless. Her first encounter with a stranger was silent, stealthy even. But, the woman they encountered, she figured they only meant men were the ones that did stuff like that. However, even Apple Bloom couldn't feel any sympathy for that lady, as she turned against her older brother like that. Apple Bloom felt like she never wanted to leave the house ever again.

8

Applejack and Big Mac moved into the living room. Applejack received a text from Rarity, asking about where she was. They both sat down, as she ignored that text for now, to talk about what will be their next step in dealing with their current issues.

"What if we bring Apple Bloom to live with me an Rarity?" Applejack suggested, her voice was calm, slow and steady.

"What would Rarity say?" Big Mac questioned, as he would ask her first.

"She would be okay with it!" Applejack convinced, as Big Mac was unsure.

"Have ya asked?" Big Mac continued, and it made Applejack a little drawback, but she only thought of what was best for Apple Bloom.

"Look, she trusts me, and bringing in another will be alright. That way, she'll be safe and I'll watch over for her." Applejack suggested. "Ah just want her to be safe, and for you to not feel so overworked."

"Ah don't know... it's her choice." Big Mac responded, in which Applejack was not wanting to let go.

"What choice?! You said it yourself, she's a child. We make decisions for her, for her benefit of her safety and livelihood!"

"Ya know what, fine. You go tell her then."

"Ya know damn well she won't listen to me!" Applejack quietly yelled. "Not right now anyway."

"One way or another, we both will have to break it to her. She will only do it if we both believe it will be the right choice for her." Big Mac requested. To Applejack's surprise, he was right on point with that. If she went on her own, she will in no way be convincing enough for her.

"You're right." Applejack admitted. "We both will need to... Big Mac... about earlier..."

"It's alright Applejack, ah just want this day to be over, in all honesty." Big Mac admitted, having his face covered with his hand in wanting to just let this go.

"Ah know, and ah keep bringin it up, but ah am truly sorry. Ah guess ah just didn't see it, being with Rarity an all. Ah still feel bad about not being there when she went through a heat stroke. If anything were to happen to our baby..." Applejack cried. "An Granny..."

"Ah know..." Big Mac said, as he held her hand. "Am worried too." Applejack gripped tightly, remembering the strength they had to have, growing up to raise Apple Bloom.

9

It was a quiet evening. The darkness covered the skies, no rain, no wind, just the calmness, but even the calmness was worrisome.

Apple Bloom stood up, not sure of what to feel. Too exhausted to fall asleep, and unsure of how to go about the rest of the night. She laid in bed, not going to move a single inch, or closing her eyes for a second.

Not much later, Applejack and Big Mac walked inside, slow-like to not frightened her. Apple Bloom saw them walk in, only her pupils moved to the sight of movement from the door. Applejack turned on the light, and sat beside her. She placed her hand down to her head, and would lightly stroke her hair, to give a sense of comfort, but it only made Apple Bloom a little more irritated.

Apple Bloom got up, just to stop her from continuing to nonsensically comfort her. She didn't feel like being comforted.

"Apple Bloom, we have something we need to discuss." Applejack said calmly, as she knew Apple Bloom was still upset at her.

"Like what?" Apple Bloom said, her voice was deep and not wanting to talk. She looked away, trying to hide her face, just as they did.

"Well, we figured..." Applejack signaled for Big Mac to step in. He cautiously came to her side.

"How would ya feel about movin in with sis an Rarity?" Big Mac suggested. Apple Bloom's face lit up, and looked up at both of them.

"What?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Why would ah do that?"

"Because, we want ya to be safe, Apple Bloom!" Applejack argued.

"Am fine stayin here, with Big Mac an Granny!" Apple Bloom countered.

"Apple Bloom?" Big Mac questioned. "It will be okay, we both would like to just make sure you're safe."

"Ah am safe with you though!" Apple Bloom argued.

"Apple Bloom, this isn't up for debate." Applejack said. "Big Mac and ah believe this is what's best for ya."

"What?!" Apple Bloom yelled. "Is that true?!" Apple Bloom looked into Big Mac's eyes. He couldn't bear to see Apple Bloom upset, but he had to for both of them.

"It is." Big Mac said.

"Why can ah just stay home?" Apple Bloom complained.

"So ah can watch over for you." Applejack stated. "Ah can take you to school, pick ya up, and have time to spend with Sweetie Belle. You'll be fine!"

"But, what about Big Mac?" Apple Bloom continued, as she got up from her bed, and paced herself from the door to Applejack. "He needs my help!"

"Ah'll be fine." Big Mac assured.

"But, what about Granny?!" Apple Bloom kept thinking of ways to not leave.

"Apple Bloom, this is not your choice to make." Applejack said. "We both agreed."

"But, why?! Am fine bein' here!" Apple Bloom argued.

"It's not your decision to make!" Applejack yelled. Both of the girls were arguing. Big Mac was just tired of all the fighting, and had to lay down his foot on the wooden floor.

"Enough!" Big Mac yelled. "Enough with yer fightin,' am sick an tired of the both of ya!"

Applejack and Apple Bloom looked away from each other, and didn't say anything.

"Look, it is gettin late." Big Mac admitted, feeling too tired to carry this any further. "Can we just, figure it all out tomorrow?"

"Big Mac?!" Applejack interjected. Not looking too pleased with that answer.

"Am serious sis, ah am tired." Big Mac admitted, feeling his emotional state deteriorate. Giving his last efforts. "Please?"

"Fine." Applejack said, as she looked down, and she looked at Apple Bloom, who was also tired and miserable, but she had a smug look on her face, which Applejack was not pleased to see. She rolled her eyes.

10

Later that evening, Applejack received a call from Rarity. She walked out into the barn, she reminisce the old days when she would be there for them, helping with the animals, smashing apples into cider, and rolling in hay stacks. She smiled, as she took the call.

R: Darling, where are you?! Why haven't you called or texted back?!
A: Am sorry, ah got caught up in a family matter...
R: I know, Sweetie Belle told me everything that's happened earlier!
A: She did... great!
R: Listen, I know... I understand, but please tell me when you are going to include me!
A: Sorry babe, it's personal.
R: Excuse me?! What did we both say about that?!
A: Ah know, ah know! It's just... it's complicated.
R: And?
A: Ah don't want to bring ya into this because there's a lot ya already have to deal with. Just a heads up that am bringin Apple Bloom to live with us.
R: Apple Bloom? Why? Not that am not willing, it's just for why?
A: Ah'll have to tell ya later.
R: Don't hang up on me! Are not coming back?!
A: Not until we figure this out.
R: Applejack?!
A: Goodnight darlin.
R: Appleja-

Applejack ended the call, and was exhausted. Applejack got up, and walked up to her old room. It was left untouched as the dust particles rested on her dresser. She left it as it were. She laid on the bed, and was just as firm and broken as before. But, it's been awhile since she laid by herself, as she took one glance to the side of her. Rarity always laid on the right, and with her on the left. But, it was just her, on a small mattress. She looked to the side of her, and it was an empty wall, with no one laying by her side.

She felt bad for leaving Rarity out of this, but she was stubborn and didn't want more drama dumped on her. It's bad enough having to face her family and their unwillingness to let Rarity be with someone she loves. But, this was a matter Applejack thought she could handle on her own.

11

Just as it got closer to midnight, Apple Bloom snuck out of her bedroom again. She was afraid to sleep alone again, and with all the frustrations of the day, she just needed to rest.

She went into a room, and crawled her way into the bed. She felt the similar presence the day before, and just laid still.

Big Mac turned around, and saw that Apple Bloom was once again at his side. Even though Apple Bloom chose to stay with him, he was not in the mood to celebrate that fact. Since she was in there with him, he was silent. The pain he felt all throughout the night, he couldn't get out, as it would upset her as well. Big Mac turned away from her, and tried to silently let out his tears. He would sometimes have a feeling in his throat, and some of his snot filling up in his nostrils, but he did nothing about it besides clear it up without suspicion. He figured Apple Bloom had already been through a lot today, so he remained silent.

12

Meanwhile, Rarity stood up, punching the pillow next to her's, where Applejack would lay her head. Not being involved in their matter was pissing her off, because after all they've been through, why does she continue to be selfish? Rarity thought to herself. She stopped, and hugged the pillow, as she couldn't bear to sleep alone. For some reason, it felt... colder without her. Empty even. Having to sleep in the darkness alone.

"Tomorrow, she's going to get it!" Rarity determined.