The Pony of Twilights

Chapters

Memories
Will
Naught
Pieces.
One
True
Soul
Pure
Of
Replacement
Connect

Memories

Author's Note

Chapter 2: As I promised more original and to its own story.

"Storms don't last forever" Sean McLoughlin

Memories

It had been a whole month already since Twilight's sacrifice. Everypony was... trying their best.
Pinkie Pie was... not in the best condition. She didn't even look Pink anymore, practically lost all her color.
Both Rainbow and Rarity got through their mourning by burying themselves in work, with Wonderbolts and weather for Rainbow, and Rarity's fashion business for herself. Fluttershy refused to come out while Starlight was scouring the castle for some solution. She only allowed Trixie in to have a sort of social link, and occasionally Spike, in case he ever forgot something or needed to mourn. It was an early morning at Sweet Apple Acres, and Applejack stretched out her hooves and went to get everypony up. To her surprise, Applebloom was already up,

"Hey Applebloom, what's got you up so early?"
Applebloom was close to Twilight, and ever since then hadn't gone on any sort of crusader mission, and kind of just shrugged her sister off as she walked out to do some chores.

"Alrighty then, I guess I'll go wake up the boys..."
Applejack trotted up the stairs and knocked on Big Mac's door, a bit quietly.

"Hey Big Mac, time to get up."
Big Mac slowly got up and out of bed, he didn't know Twilight as well as the group but he was also close friends with Spike, and seeing him hurt, wasn't easy. Applejack hated doing it, but she had to get Spike up, with him on the farm Granny Smith could finally sleep in and relax a bit more, she wasn't too keen on it first until she got to relax a bit, after years of hard work she could retire from farmwork. She knocked on Spike's door.

"Hey, Spike..." Applejack blushed, she couldn't be doing this whole "blushing thing" now. Spike was still mourning. "Time to get up, we gotta package some jams and jellies today." Spike slowly rolled out of bed thinking back on when he first met Twilight.

(14 years ago)

Spike was always being teased by Garble and the gang for being a little shorter, but dragons are dragons. Dragons are supposed to be this way... right?

"Hey Pipsqueak, we're going on a raid, and we think you're ready to join us!"
Spike was elated, maybe he could finally be considered "one of the guys!"

"Yeah sure, just let me stretch my wings first." Garble chuckled, and pushed Spike down and gave him a noogie.

"Sure, whatever Shrimp, just don't be late." Garble and his friends snorted as they flew to the raid spot.
Spike sighed, got up and dusted himself off, and began stretching his legs.

"You know, Spike, they're all the same age as you, and you aren't that weak, you could take them, especially since you all got your wings early, I didn't get mine till I was around 13 or 14."
Spike looked up to see his one "true friend" Ember.

"Picking fights isn't going to get me anywhere, Ember," Spike monotonously said. "I just need to not treat them like shit, and they'll do the same."
Ember rolled her eyes and started to walk off. This is why Spike isn't really sure what to call Ember, she acts all nice to him but as soon as he gains his own groundings and morals, she storms off. Spike sighed and flew quickly to the raid spot. One of Garble's goons teased him and yanked him down by the tail.

"Bout time you showed up, runt," They all chuckled, "We almost started without you."
Garble took notice of Spike and grinned. Spike would be the perfect distraction and who cares if he got hurt, it wouldn't;t be on Garble's tail.

"Ah, Spike... glad you're here since you're new, you can be the distraction."
Spike stretched out his wings, cracked his knuckles, and stretched.

"Alright Garble, what do you want me to do." Spike paused... "We won't need to kill anything will we?"
Garble rolled his eyes and put a claw on Spike's back.

"Shrimp, it's simple. Distract those phoenixes while we steal its eggs, nodragon will be harmed."
Spike gulped as the other dragons got into position. Garble waved for Spike to go forward and he did.

"Hey phoenixes, I heard your fire is as hot as ice!" Spike shouted as he threw a rock at them. The parental phoenixes zoomed after him as Garble and the others went for the eggs.

"Aw man," One of the dragons said. Garble, taking the far point, just got there and didn't want any damn thing going wrong.

"What is it no- AW MAN!!" Garble threw his arms up in the air and shouted. "They're all hatched!"

"Well, we could still have... dinner," The one female goon said "We haven't eaten in days for a GOOD meal, just scattered gem scraps."
Garble thought to himself and mischievously gave a grin to his comrade.

"You're righ- OW!" Garble yelped, in pain as he got pecked and knocked off the tree by the baby phoenix.
This alerted the parents who rushed back to save their children, they also started pecking at Garble's gang. Spike ran back towards the group and slammed into the tree as the phoenixes fled to a safer location. A shadow fell from the nest right next to Spike, unharmed, it nestled in the grass.

"Wow, nice grab Spike!" Garble said looking down on Spike, surprised he got something. "What do you mean?" Spike asked confused. Garble pointed down next to Spike, where a phoenix egg lay. One of the goons fist-bumped Garble as Spike picked up the dragon egg. Spike was confused, they had the egg but...

"What do you want me to do with it?!"
The female goon rolled her eyes, "Well what do you think," She punched his shoulder, "Smash it!"

Spike felt sweat beat down his face "I- I thought you said nobody would get hurt!"
Garble rolled his eyes and snickered with his gang "I said no DRAGON would get hurt, Peewee, now smash it or we'll smash the BOTH of ya-" All of the sudden, a boom shook up where they were as they saw a rainbow in the sky, one that pointed to the.

"Ugh that prissy pony rainbow or whatever is pointing to their capital, Canterlot, and they say we're egotistical!" The female goon rolled her eyes while saying it.
Spike looked up to that rainbow, as he lifted the egg high and shouted. "NO!"
Garble looked at him with shock and anger. He couldn't believe this... blatant disrespect!

"What did you say?!" Garble bellowed, stomping towards Spike.
Spike's eyes got deeper and greener, and his claws got sharper, as he spread his wings.

"I said... NO!" Spike shouted charging at garble, knocking him out, along with half of one of Garble's teeth.
The goon that hadn't spoken a word yet, slowly backed away saying "Let's get out of here!" They all flew back to the Dragonlands. Spike looked up at the slowly fading rainbow as he set the egg back in the nest. He had a gut feeling to go there, it felt like destiny. Spike took off, not leaving a note behind for Ember, and leaving the injured Garble at the riot.

Spike zoomed to Canterlot, he felt like he just... needed to be there.
He arrived at many aghast looks, he asked around about a rainbow but they all either were too afraid of him or didn't notice it. He eventually found a school like building but right before he could walk in the heard a high pitched gasp
"A DRAGOOOON!"
Spike saw a tiny lavender filly with dark navy mane, along with a purple and pink stripe in her mane.

"I get into Celestia's magic school, get my cutie mark, and now this?!"
Spike was taken aback, this little filly was "excited?" to see him? "Uhhhh-"
Her father, Nightlight, rushed in.

"I am so sorry about her, anything from her study books just fascinates her, and speaking of what's a dragon like you doing here in Canterlot?"

"Well you see I saw a rainbow boom of sorts, and my guts intuition told me to came where it led, and that was here, I don't get much..."

"I saw that too, and it gave me a magical surge which helped me pass my tests!" The unicorn beamed, hopping around the dragon.
Twilight Velvet gave a worried glance to Nightlight, who gave her a nervous glance in return. Velvet piped up and put a hoof on the dragon's shoulder

"If you have absolutely nowhere to go, I suppose you can... stay with us?"
Spike thought about it. He looked back, was this really meant to be? He couldn't go back now, Ember would probably hate his guts. He couldn't go back, even if he felt like this whole rainbow boom thing was stupid. He looked at the worried mother, the nervous father, and the excited filly.

"Sure, t-thanks for letting me into your h-home."
Twilight let out a squee and brought Spike into a tight squeeze. This took him aback and startled him.

"W-what is that?"
Twilight rolled her eyes and backed up from the embrace.

"it's called a hug, silly..."

Spike groggily opened his eyes to see Applejack shaking him.

"Silly dragon- you were staring off into space for a minute or two, you feeling alright?"
Spike didn't want to hurt Applejack, he knew she pulled a lot for him to be here.

"Hey if you're not feeling well we can keep you inside today, Sugarcube..."
Applejack put her hoof on his claw causing her to quickly blush and retract it. Why was she still feeling that? It was years ago, the timberwolf incident. It's made her feel-. She's just so-.

"Applejack it's fine, as soon as I get some of your homemade breakfast in me, I'll be fine."
Applejack nodded, rubbed his head, and went downstairs. For some reason, this felt nice when Applejack rubbed his head, not like when Garble used to. He blushed and headed downstairs to get some breakfast.

Rarity was in her shop, sewing, and sewing, and sewing. Her friend and assistant knocked on the door.

"R-rarity..."
Rarity kept sewing and sewing, bags under her eyes, sweat beading down. She had to just sew, seem the issues shut and they'd go away. Who was Twilight? Never met her-

"R-rarity..."
Just keep sewing, just keep- doing something just keep-

"RARITY!" The shrill voice shouted.
Rarity finally turned to her assistant, a paleish cream pony with cyan candy-striped hair.

"Terribly sorry Coco, today's been rough due to... Twi- THE number of outfit orders that came in!"
Coco sighed, she was elated when Rarity moved to Manehatten to work with her, Rarity showed her that being generous could work out, but when she learned why she had moved here, all she did was feel bad for feeling good.

"R-right. I just came in to tell you that the Midsommar Theatre Revival is being moved to next weekend, so we'll have extra time..."
Rarity let a sigh of relief, finally some good news, she could pace herself, a little bit, maybe even sleep.

"Thanks, darling, now I'm going to sleep for the first time in... days?"
Coco sighed, it had been almost a whole week since she slept at all.

"Mhmm, 5 days, better get some sleep Rarity."
Rarity got up and collapsed right there on the floor. Coco sighed, and threw a blanket over her, turning off the lights and attending to her duties. After all, it was barely 8 am, and she had to help keep the Revival.... revived.

Fluttershy hadn't told anybody but Twilight meant more to her than anypony could ever know. Now... she was gone. Fluttershy hadn't gone out in one whole month and planned not to ever again, she had her cottage, animals, Discord, and memories. That's all she wanted. But nopony, no creature, albeit Angel, knew about how she felt about Twilight. Ponies would always praise Rainbow for giving her confidence but nopony helped her more than Twilight. She'd known Rainbow since flight camp, but only really gained bravery since Twilight came to town.
Fluttershy sighed, laying down on the couch, she stretched her legs out. Then suddenly, Discord popped himself into existence with groceries.

"Y'nkow if you're just going to stay inside, why do I need to go out for errands for you?"
Fluttershy sighed and huddled up against her pillow, knowing he probably didn't need to but wanted people to know she was OK.

"You know Angel, he's very picky, he only likes the stuff from the stands, and the phoenix feathers I need for the medicine have to be bought, or they don't work right."
Fluttershy blushes remembering the antics she had with Twilight and the Celestial princess' pet, Philomena. That day was so chaotic... Discord sighs and makes himself a beanbag to relax on while sipping some black tea, which makes you turn a dark shade of the night, easy for late-night pranks and chaos... He wishes he could tell Fluttershy that- but he knew, she didn't think he knew, but god damn it, he's the lord of chaos. Of course, he knew.

Pinkie chipped away at a rock and sighed as it didn't provide much of a break. Maud approached behind her and put a hoof around her.

"Pinkie, it pains me to see you like this, I know Twi-"

"Please, Maud. Don't say her name right now..."

"Pinkie, this isn't going to go away unless you talk abou-"

"I don't want to talk about it right now Maud."
Maud backs off and frowns as she walks away. Maud knew Twilight was one of Pinkie's best friends. Pinkie remembers all her memories with Twilight, from her doubting Pinkie-Sense, to her being the first pony Twilight met in Ponyville. She couldn't believe how many moons it had been since then. She had been in so many exciting moments that day, she was so excited to help the POS but not as excited as the time she went "AUHHHHH" but really who could top that? Not the POS that's for certain, because that's how she lost... Pinkie just broke down over the next rock, she couldn't do this for much longer, she needed a party or any bit of joy.

Starlight was locked away in Twilight's old castle, trying to find a spell that can help get her back. Just like Rarity, she hasn't slept in several days, she's just about to crack.

"There's nothing in here..."
Starlight levitated it over to a small pile of books and heard banging on the library door only to see Trixie trip in and over a lot of books. A large cluttering and crashing noise is heard. Starlight teleports Trixie out of it.

"Trixie appreciates the assistance from, well, YOUR GIANT DEATH TOWER OF BOOKS!"
Starlight looked at Trixie with a frizzled mane and a face that screamed, ya got no sleep in at least two weeks.

"Sorry Trixie just.... trying to find.... a"
Trixie put her hoof around Starlight's neck, causing her to blush, and let out a small giggle in her tired state.

"Starlight, you're my best friend, and while this is important, so is your health, like Twilight would do the same thing in an alternate universe where discord asks for a bride, it ends up being one of you all and she tries to find a way for her back."
Starlight just stared at her in confusion, it felt like something Pinkie would say... would've said

"But not at the expense of her own health, that would make her thinking irrational, and her mind go nuts!"

"I think you need some sleep too dork." Starlight said putting her own hoof around Trixie's neck causing them both to blush and hurry off to their separate rooms. Both wanted Twilight back, Trixie felt like Twilight gave her a mora goal to be, and Twilight saved Starlight, and her from dooming Equestria. Starlight looked back on that moment and smiled. If she hadn't accepted, doom to Equestria, when she did? Eventual loss of a princess and mentor.

Rainbow Dash was in her mansion, she'd deny it being such but everypony's seen how damn huge it is c'mon now, just reading Daring Do. Twilight got her into this damn series, that egghead. That damn, stupid, nagging, great, amazing, and undeniably unquestionably unlike anypony shed known, and one of the damn best friends she ever had, was gone.

"Readings for eggheads like you Twi"
Now she felt bad for saying that, she had apologized sure, but now it hit different. Like if she hadn't have done anything brash to Twilight ever, she would've somehow survived. Rainbow continued to wail on her punching bag, she was a black belt after all.

Everypony had memories with Twilight but everypony had to move on. Twilight was presumed dead. Twilight was gone. Nopony could do much until Starlight, or somebody, found a possible way to somehow summon the portal to get the Pony of Shadows back, and then how do we get her out, with no sacrifice? Nopony knew, all they knew is that Twilight was gone.

"Hello?"

Will

It was late that day, Spike and Applejack had been hard at work with a will to finish despite everything. Spike started slow but eventually got into the hang of it. Spike being hurt the most, ironically, had the most will to go on in fact. Maybe this should’ve been the excuse for Spike to snap, finally to just go back and be a ruthless dragon or just not do anything. No one would question it after a loss that severe.

“And,” Applejack paused to buck the tree, causing the apples to fall suit in the bucket. “That’s it for the trees!”
Spike slumped against the tree in relief, the work was extra hard today for some reason. Applejack relaxed kind of near him.

“Great work t’day Spike, you really kept at it despite the work bein a little bit extra.”
Spike just playfully rolled his eyes, Applejack really didn’t know the difference between a little and a might bit, did she? Spike blushed and just gave her a playful punch on the arm.

“Yea, sure, a “little” Applejack, my legs ache so much I don’t know if dinner and a bubble bath will help.”
Applejack blushed and chuckled, he’d gotten so strong lately, and she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t noticed the muscles he’s grown, a real will to get stronger physically as well, that even kinda hurt.

“Now don’t go punching me loverboy, you know the kinda work it entails~”
Spike couldn’t help but giggle like a foal. Despite all, that’s happened, and the emotions being rough. Some of the best moments have been with Applejack. But he missed Rarity, that beautiful mare he loved, even if she didn’t really recept it...

“Hey Applejack, I know the workload is heavy right now but I’ve been thinking about something...”
Applejack looked at him and blushed, he must be thinking about Rarity, she knows him all too well. She sighed, would she ever get a chance? But acted aloof as to not hurt his feelings.

“We finished work for today so of course we can have dinner now you can discuss whatever ya need with me there.”
Spike sighed, he had to do this now. He needed to. Spike got up and extended a claw to help Applejack up. She took it, and he accidentally pulled her a bit- too close. They quickly split apart blushing like crazy.

"Applejack, really, I need to say this now."
Applejack cringed, she knew what was coming. He wanted to quit or something she was gonna lose her chance, but she didn't want to force it onto Spike, he'd still be in Ponyvi-"

"I'm taking the weekend to go to Manehatten to confess to Rarity."
Applejack froze in place. If she said yes, Spike would probably move out, she'd lose her chance. But she couldn't hurt Spike- so she lied, would overwork herself.... again.

"Alright, that's fine by me, as long as it's jus' fer the weekend."

"Thank you so much, AJ, I promise I'll be back right after the weekend!"

“Hey Coco, I feel really rested now, I think you were right that was just what I needed, and that’s why you’re my best assistant ever.”
Coco blushed, she was so happy to have a boss like Rarity, and an easy job and housing. It was really nice having someone to talk to, she was mostly absorbed in her own work, alone, every day.

"To be fair you slept an entire day-" Coco replied "It's barely 7 am the next da- er Uhm... today"
Rarity stifled a laugh and then blushed, she never stifled- could she like Coco? No. That's too fast, like some cringy fanfiction written by a near 19-year-old colt. Either way, she was straight, right?

"Rarity? You're kinda dazing off-"
Rarity jumped a bit, "Wait did you say, WHOLE DAY?" Rarity scrambled in looking for something, "A stallion by the name of Bolt Quakington had a suit scheduled for delivery 12 hours ago- by god I can't believe I fo-"

Coco but in "Don't worry, had that delivered right on time and finished stitching the last couple of stitches on it for you, I know he's some high-end Crystal Empire client, so I made sure to do it for-"
Coco was rambling on for a bit but Rarity kind of got lost in her eyes, were they always that shimmery?
Rarity had never felt like this sure she knew Spike liked her but that was... weird to her. She's also flirted with many-a-stallion but it never felt like this. But she was... is straight.... right?

"RARITY!"
Rarity jumped, again

"You keep spacing out, you sure you're ok?"
Rarity blushed, she was so pretty, caring, and kind. Generous too albeit...
Coco blushed looking at Rarity, it was kind of off for the likes of her, being so jumpy but it was.... cute.

"So um- Coco now that we don't have much work to be done..."
Coco sighed, she knew Rarity was making up fake work for herself but why the sudden change?

"Why don't we go out to a nice place to celebrate a month's work!"
Rarity blushed, she didn't intend for it to be so loud... She looked to see Coco's eyes sparkling also in a blush.

"I-I'd love to Rarity..."

Location: unknown

A voice "Hello? Anypony?"
The sound of a horn lighting came up to reveal Twilight Sparkle, still alive.

"Is anypony there?!"
Her voice echoed in her own head, it felt like.... an unknown about of time since her sacrifice. She knew what she was getting into, yet why was she calling out for somepony.

"Hmmm, how sad." The darkness called out to her.
The shadows were constantly calling to her, she's been ignoring it. But it keeps getting louder.

"Your so-called friends and even your so-called civilians of your town haven't come to save the Princess of friendship~."

"They haven't come yet, but they will! I know my friends and they"
The darkness metaphorically rolled its eyes at her.

"They'll come to what? save you~" The darkness chuckled, "It's been 31 days, I bet they've given up on searching, you only have so many books in that library to search, and you're all important ponies with duties and lives~"
Twilight kept shaking her head and trying to shake the voice off.

"They'll get to it- I know my friends!"

"Do you, Princess, do you?"
Twilight was caught aback by another retort, that's happened at least once a day after the first week. She needed to stay strong. She had the will.

"I can show you Twilight Sparkle, if you come a little closer~"
Twilight was taken aback.

"You can show me... my friends?"

"Ms. Dash about the clou-"
Rainbow was nodding off during the meeting but mildly paying attention. She was a Wonderbolt and still manager of the weather. She couldn't ditch one for the other that would break her loyalty.

"Ms. Dash"

"Oh uh- sorry Clear Skies... put the clouds east of Everfree and make sure to get the slight wind going with Open Skies and Sunshower"

"Right on Ms. Dash!"
Rainbow sighed, why was she dozing off? This wasn't like her. Dozing off?! She's Rainbow Dash for crying out loud!
Rainbow got up and sighed with a tired glance at the schedule... She still had an hour before she had Wonderbolts work, she needed to have the will to keep trucking on. It's what Twi would want... Her to move on.

"Forget it Dash, she wouldn't want you to sacrifice your life for this, I'll tell the Wonderbolts I can't make it and take today for me"

"..."
Things slowly fade around Rainbow and the background reveals to be the shadowy void encasing her, Twilight slumping a bit in defeat.

"See your most "loyal" compadre has given up on you~"

Twilight stuttered out a response "H-how do I k-know you aren't making up some sort of illusion?"

"Illusion? oh no no Princess~" The emptiness chuckled back at her "I'm just using a spell to show you these things, similar to that potion Zecora gave you... but in modern times."

"You can still use magic here do it for yourself for that "Pink"ie Pie, or maybe Rarity, maybe Starlight~"
Twilight stepped back, everything was somehow getting to her.

"That is unless you're worried you've failed as a teacher, and she's given up~"
Twilight sweat heavily at this, she trusted Starlight, but there was always a worry she might....

"I'll perform the spell for all three of them- I'll show you!"
Twilight used the spell to show Pinkie Pie, almost as grey as her sisters, digging away slowly at rocks. Her mane was deflated.

"Twilight." she hit another rock half heartedly "gone..."
Twilight tried to shake this off- this was Pinkie Pie, she got similar to this when we simply avoided her for a day. She switched over to Rarity...

"Oh Coco, I know you'll love the dessert here darling, it's to die for"

"I've never seen this place before, and the decor is sure new to me, gives a fun festive vibe-"
Twilight smirked a little, Rarity was with Coco probably on a business meeting or friend hangout, this meant nothing!

"Dont get too cocky yet Twilight Flopple"

"Yes, The Tasty Treat has a place in Canterlot but opened up another place here with the popularity it's been getting!"
Coco and Rarity blushed as their hooves brushed each other as the plate of spiced carrot cake was set down. Twilight finally got the gears turning. The shadows gave a chuckle to her as she peiced it out

"Even if they're on a date that doesn't mean-"

Rarity fed Coco a piece of the spiced cake kind of on accident causing them to blush furiously.
Twilight never wanted to hear what she heard next and felt the shadow get closer....

"Coco you've made forgetting things so easy- I can't thank you enough darling"

"Th-thank me? It's been so nice having you here and living with you working with you- I'm normally alone"

"But ever since Twilight sacrificed herself- I haven't been able to-"

"I'll never know what that's like, we all miss her bu-"
Rarity knew this was a tough situation for others to talk about- nopony wanted to seem insensitive. She so much appreciated her, for somepony else, this may seem fast, but she's known Coco a while. Only living together for a month may seem to be too little, but this was the happiest either of them had been in quite a while. Twilight just stared down. Rainbow was drowning herself in work and, while she'd never want her mentality to be affected, but just trying to..... forget it and move on? Rarity also wanted to... forget. Then there was Pinkie... who looked practically dead.

"N-no..."
She saw Applejack in a constant state of overworking, anxiety, and a blushing mess, Spike packing bags and nervously preparing himself for... something about Rarity she presumed, Fluttershy shutting herself in. That left one pony she knew she could rely on. Starlight Glimmer. Twilight cast the spell, using all of her will to see her studying. But in the crystal castle she saw half the books read on the floor, and Trixie just sleeping. All fine and dandy sure, but right next to her was... Trixie. Albeit, it looked friendly, rather than anything... raunchy. Twilight didn't know why this bugged her.

"B-but- that's like a weeks work for me- and Starlight is-"
The shadows smiled as Twilight finally fell to the ground, defeated. The shadow smirked as it had her off guard, and went right in. Twilight was taken aback and tried to fight it.

"N-no... I still have to have faith"

"Not even if I can help you out of the portal~?"

"Y-you c-an do that?" Twilight looked up, smoke filling up her eyes.
The shadow took this opportunity to overtake Twilight.

"N-no...."
The shadows around her turned a magenta and purple color as Twilight screamed in agony

"EYAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The shadows finished as Twilight fell to the ground, inside the darkness, which was now a pinkish color as the smoke came out her eyes.

"No longer am I the Pony of Shadows but the Pony of Twilights... I will enact my revenge on those who have left me!"
Twilight slumped as it came out of her head, she really believed it this time, her friends were separated, and the one that was working on it was taking an apparent great and powerful friendship cuddle.

"Some thing friendship turned out being..."
Twilight had lost her will.

Author's Note

It may seem like things are moving too fast for certain characters.
But I think
Spike would be the one bold enough to take a weekend just to ask Rarity out
Rarity would want to get into a relationship quickly just based on how she first, she may be doubting her sexuality, but more on that in a later chapter.
With how Twilight has been with emotions, even in the series finale, I feel like would get emotionally quickly, thus allowing the smoke to overtake her.

Naught

Author's Note

I finally figured out horizontal lines, expect me to go back through and add those in <3

Naught

The Pillars had been gone for a very long time, and that in itself is an understatement. They felt awful for what they had done, not to Stygian but now to Twilight as well. They tried their best to free Stygian and they did but was that one good action of naught? Stygian wasn't ready to forgive the pillars, and none of them could really blame him. The pillars all had to do something with their lives, but to reinsert into society wasn't easy for everyone.

Stygian was able to help Sunburst with some ancient magical research in the Crystal Empire. Both Meadowbrooke and Somnambula could return to their original homes where they could continue as they were. Stronghoof became "The Traveling Teller of Tales" and traveled Equestria. Magnus was able to join The Royal Guard and defend Equestria.

Starswirl however was... stuck. Stygian didn't forgive him, and his friends all had lives, not that they were the happiest with him either. He was studying the Magic of Friendship but Starswirl wanted more than that. Looking through another book that Twilight had, some sent to him by Starlight that didn't contain the spells needed. Starswirl sighed as he flipped through another book and took notes.

"You've done it now Starswirl..."
Flipping through book after book, Starswirl just regretted the past, Stygian was just- and he-. Starswirl couldn't even put it into words. Not in vocals, nor on paper. He was stuck in life and his head. He was going nowhere, so doing anything else would be of naught.

"Well Spike, I'll see you Monday..." Applejack blushed, giving spike a little hug goodbye.

"Right... and you're sure you and your siblings will be alright without me?"
Applejack knew it'd be hard with everypony down in the dumps, but she grinned and gave him a playful noogie.

"Don'chu worry bout nothin, good luck with Rarity ya hear?"
Spike blushed in the hug and released from it to give Applejack one of their friendly hoofbumps.

"Thank you..."

"Yea you go get er' loverboy~"
All Aboard, as much as that name must've made him the laughing stock. I mean really who names their colt or filly All? Called the "All Aboard the train" sthick as Spike boarded, weekend bags in tow.

"See you Monday..."

"Right on Sugarcube..."
The train steamed away as Applejack tried to hold back her inner tears, as Applejack cries on the inside when Discord popped up behind her.

"Applejack, there you are, Big Mac said you'd be here dropping off Spike and Fluttershy needs some apples for her crit-"
Applejack stood there dolefully as the train passed on, not even acknowledging Discord.

"Applejack..."
Discord put a claw on her shoulder.

"I know how you feel."
Applejack was so pent up on emotions and tired all she could do was mutter and say

"I'll get those Apples for ya, and thank ya but..."

"Spike can't see your feelings for her, and Fluttershy can't see mine."
Applejack sighed and gave Discord a smile

"Let's walk and talk and I'll get you those apples."

"Ugch... walking..."

Pinkie Pie's schedule became... repetitive to say the least. Wake up, eat, work, eat, work, eat, sleep repeat, of course, other daily life things. Maud wanted to help but Pinkie just didn't want to talk about it. Limestone and Marble weren't exactly the best with words. Her parents were... traditional to say the least. Not that Maud was close any better socially, but she was close with Pinkie. Not the closest with Twilight and gang, but was close with Starlight as well. Maud kept pondering to herself when it hit her.

"Pinkie."

"I already told you I'm not gonna talk about it-"

"No Pinkie, there's someone here to see you-"

"Unless its Twilight, tell them I want to be left alo-"

"Pinkie Pie, I hear you're in desperate need of a party."

Spike's train arrived in Manehatten late that Friday, he knew he wasn't staying with Rarity but was able to book a hotel nearby her store. Little did Spike know, Rarity and Coco were still out. It was supposed to be just lunch, but that developed into a movie night as well. Spike saw the note written by Rarity

"We're currently out darlings, we'll be back tonight, orders will arrive a day later, sorry for the inconvenience~"
Spike scratched his head and started walking towards the hotel nearby.

"Must be out on some sort of business meeting, I'll check in with her tomorrow."
Spike got to the hotel, checked in, despite many people looking at him oddly, it had been this way since he got hefty and went as a quadruped, just easier to carry himself in general. Still the same dragon, just on all fours.
He got into the hotel room and started thinking about how he would go about telling her, confessing to her. Ever since he'd gotten to Ponyville with Twilight, he had been head over heels for her.

"She's just the most beautiful mare ever, and after all I've done, she'll have to say yes!"
Spike thought to himself with a cocksure grin, his ever-increasing excitement.

"Rarity-"
Spike heard this from outside the hotel room. Was Rarity here?! Who was talking to her.

"Yes, Coco darling what is it?"
Spike sighed with relief, it was only Coco, they must be here for a delivery or business.

"We live a couple of blocks down, why are we staying here for the night."
Spike's eyes slowly widened with realization.

"That means they're here on a..."
Rarity giggled and gave Coco a peck on the cheek.

"Darling, I thought it'd be a more... fitting end to our first date."
Those words hit Spike like a ton of bricks. This whole weekend was now for naught. He decided to stay the night though, these hotels were not easy to get, and it was part of Twilight's emergency money she'd given him in case she wasn't there for a long royal mission or along the lines of that. But Spike didn't even want to see Rarity, she knew how she felt yet constantly flirted with other guys, then gets with Coco?! Coco's a nice mare and all from what he's heard from both Rarity and Applejack. But it still hurt, to not even be rejected. Just to learn that after just leading you on- that they just-. Spike couldn't even put it into words, he wished he could talk to Twilight about this...

The Pony of Twilights had nothing to do but walk around in the void and plan. With Stygian, he wasn't the most physically capable. Didn't have much magic, but now with the former princess of friendship and a powerful and smart magic-user at that under the power, The Pony of Twilights could plan to its heart's content until it was to be set free again.

"Hmmm... well when my times returned, I could do that, but I could also reverse the ideas of Plan 23 and 54 and combine them thus..."
The Pony of Twilights smirked, it sounded like Twilight but also not her. But the plan she had just came up with could work-

"Wait no- that wouldn't work because it would reverse those effects that don't need to be reversed but I'd have to-"
The Pony of Twilights cried out in frustration and summoned a fake vase out of the powers to break with a buck.

"Easy Twilight, calm yourself, all in due time... They'll pay for their abandonment..."

Rarity and Coco were spending the night at the hotel, as a bit of relaxation for the first date, the recent client, Bolt, loved his outfit so much he paid handsomley so they had a bit extra to indulge. They both just laughed and snuggled the night away, unaware of a broken heart right next door.

Spike yawned as he got up in the morning and headed to get some continental breakfast. Oatcakes and some french fries, along with apple slices. It really made him think about... Applejack.
Spike enjoyed his breakfast as Rarity and Coco walked in.

"Spikey Wikey?"
Spike cringed and blushed as he turned around.

"Hey Rarity, Coco, how have you two been."
They both blushed and looked at each other.

"We've been fine darling but why are you here"
Spike didn't have a reason anymore.

"Just... wanted to check in on you..."
Coco blushed and stepped aside "I'll give you two some time to catch up, I'll head back to the shop."
The two just stood there.

"So... Spike... how have you been, I know losing Twilight wasn't easy and..."

"It's been... going... I've been living and working at Sweet Apple Acres, Starlight has kind of... secluded the castle unless I need to grab something. Only lets me, Trixie, or Maud in."

"I knew she didn't take it well either but-"
Spike quickly cut her off, he didn't want her to ask why he was here again, he knew exactly what she was going to do. He fawned over her for years.

"How have you been, I mean you suddenly booked for Manehatten..."

"I wanted to be with... You know I've always dreamed of living here, and after Rainbow moved back to Cloudsdale, Pinkie went back to her farm, and Fluttershy and Starlight secluded themselves from everypony but a select few not including me... I didn't feel I had a place anymore, and why should I let myself wallow when I could have my dream Spike? My parents can easily take care of Sweetie Belle as well..."
Spike knew she was running on her sentence to try and dissolute from the social situation at hoof. He sighed and just held his claw up.

"I know what's going on here."
Rarity just stared at him with wide eyes and he stared back at her with teary eyes.

"I'm happy you found yourself Rarity..."
Rarity blushed and looked back at Coco

"Spike I-"
Spike just shook his head and walked away.

"I'm all for you finding yourself but you flirting with so many stallions in front of me when you knew hurts. Then, you moving all of the sudden hurt. Then you getting with someone who isn't even a stallion when you constantly just flirted with them in front of me when you knew. That's what hurts, I'm happy that you found yourself but I'm not ready... to talk to you about... Goodbye Rarity."
With that Spike just left... It'd be a dent in his bank but he couldn't be there. It was too much and just left a stunned Rarity and concerned Coco inside the banquet hall.

"Rarity, he's just hurt, give him time. I know why you... flirted so-"

"It's not that... I think it's just the overtime hurt I've done-"
Spike was hurt, and he needed to separate himself from Rarity, his mind kept going to Applejack and he didn't know why.

Applejack was beat. Applebloom had a preplanned crusader thing and BigMac was doing deliveries which meant she had to do all the bucking, on her own, all day. She had just finished the last bit of bucking and just collapsed against the tree. Her hooves and legs ached like all hell, she was tired, and she just couldn't get that damn dragon off her mind. She just wanted to lay against a tree and sleep. She felt herself being picked up and shook herself awake.

"Wuhuh?"
It was Spike.

"Spike you were supposed to be gone the whole weekend for confes-"
It hit Applejack like a hit from Tirek.

"Oh Spike, oh nonon-"
Spike sighed and just gave a deep breath.

"I flew back home as quick as I could... after the one night... I had asked Granny if ya came back in yet and when she'd said no and I didn't see Big Mac or Applebloom anywhere I knew you were overworking yourself."
Applejack blushed and pulled her hat over her face, this was so embarrassing. She was being carried by Spike on his back for Scorpan's sake!

"You said you wouldn't need me to be here this weekend AJ, does this mean you did all yesterdays work as well?!"

"No... Jus t'day... they were here yesterday..."
They both looked at each other as silence fell over the two as Spike carried her closer to the barn until Applejack spoke up.

"I didn't want you to miss out on your chance with Rarity..."
Spike sighed as they arrived at the barn and placed her down as she wobbled for balance.

"Promise me you'll never overwork yourself again."
Applejack blushed and stuttered, she hadn't seen such a bold side of Spike before.

"Sugarcube I-"

"Promise me"

"I promise, Spike, not to overwork myself again."

"Good, now let's get to bed, shall we?"
Applejack blushed, she was tired, and out of wack, she felt plum tuckered like a good fer nuthin drunk. She may as well get this over with. If Spike could be bold enough so could she.

"Spike, could we talk about one more thing real quick-like?"

Pieces.

Author's Note

I recommend reading the chapter first before seeing the titles of the songs. I need this at the top so you know what is a song and what isn't. Much love~

In the song, written by me, "~~Death of a Princess~~" - means the note is held and ** means everypony is singing. It will remain like this format for any future songs.

The shorter song "~~Betrayals~~" also written by myself starts and ends at *** aswell.

Pieces.

The Elements of Harmony were in pieces. Nopony knew why this split them up, after everything, every lesson, something they should be together for... broke them. The Pillars also split, much to the surprise of the princesses. Star Swirl felt all the guilt. He was supposed to be a renowned obscure wizard but instead, he royally fucked up.
As he sighed looking through the books and letters from Somnambula, the one who tried to keep in touch with everypony.
***

"All this time we couldn't have been more wrong (more wrong), we ditched our friend who'd helped us for so long (so long) Now we have to make amends for the death of a princess, we must try our best to find a way to make it all okay- get over my unfortunate ruining of the balance of sorcery and harmony-"
Somnambula was writing the last letter to Stygian. She sighed tapping her pencil to her head.

"The death of a princess, has taken its toll, All the mane groups split, out of control. I need to fix it all, I must keep my hope. I need to try and help my friends cope- it's not over yet, despite the death of our dear and beloved Princess-"
Rockhoof was at his original homeland, which had since been restored. Telling stories, but his most recent one sounded more somber.

"Now ponies I have a somber tale, of which the pillars were at fault, we're not flawless, we're work in progress, but this mistake is why we're here to repent. I don't expect forgiveness, the banishment of Stygian, and the death of a princess at our feet- If we had the strength to trust, we would've never had to build Twilight's bust-"
Flash Magnus was on duty as he started to move to his next position.

"The death of a princess is knocking at my door, as a brave loyal knight to the sun, I feel bad for that gore. I was supposed to protect but only brought harm to my country, the fact I'm being let serve her is kinda wonky, but I need to make it up to Equestria, let the patriotism win through, yes! Despite the death of a princess..."

Meadowbrooke was making potions with Cattail and she was singing to him.

"I feel bad Cattail, I'm supposed to be a healer, but instead I listened to an old coot and became a banisher. I need to ignore the pillars, that's now in my past, even though a gut feeling is telling me it won't last- for now, I'll heal everyone I can, make amends for what h- we did, bury hi- our actions causing the death of a princess in the sand-"
Mistmane was at her old village, which was, unfortunately, now just ruins.

"I showed everyone inner beauty and peace, but when it came to it I may have been the ugliest piece. Had to learn the lesson I taught my friend, now it's all gone, end to end, death of a princess. I'm not sure how I'll grow flowers in this mess of a state, I fear we'll soon be brought back together, only for a horrid fate-"
Stygian was rummaging book after book with Sunset at his, Sunset's hometown, just in case Starlight or Cadence missed any.

"After 1000 years of darkness I should be glad to be back, but how can I be when me rejoining this world left someone else in the black. I'd like to blame that old hag Starswirl, but he's not the only one to blame. I was selfish, I wanted fame. But the people I cared about most made me feel shame. I don't know what to do, honestly, I'd rather the shadow had kept me, rather than the death of a princess, causing this disruption of harmony-"
**"The death of a princess- that's on me-"
***
They all sigh, getting back to their lives.

With BigMac still on deliveries and the crusaders all doing farm work to make up for multiple broken curfews, as suggested by Scootaloo's aunts and Sweetie's parents. Applejack and Spike wanted the day off, after last night's emotional rollercoaster all they wanted to do, surprisingly for Ms.Workaholic, is just cuddle and relax on the couch. After all, the two were now "a thing" according to Applebloom.

"So are you sure it was only after I saved you from the Timberwolves~"
Spike was teasing her as he stroked her mane softly in his claws. Applejack rolled her eyes in response as she felt the claws stride through her mane.

"Pfft, please, you were so head over heels for Rarity and so immature I sometimes wanted to buck ya upside the head and knock some sense into you."

"Nah. I'm sure it was my dragonly charm~"
Applejack let out a stifled laugh and took a pillow in her mouth and smacked him with it, causing him to fall off the bed. Her thoughts strew to that first slumber party with Rarity and Twilight.

"Spike I hate to kill our good vibes but have you been doin alraht'?"

"What do you mean, AJ, other than the pillow you bonked me with, I'm fine."
Applejack helped him back up and onto the bed and held him tight.

"Sugarcube, you jus' had Rarity dump ya and-"
Spike held her head as he looked her into her emerald green eyes.

"Yes but even if it was just last night- Now I have you AJ."
Spike gave her a quick kiss on the lips causing her to blush a little.

"I'm glad to have ya too Spike but I'm talking about Twilight... you two were close, brother and sister essentially."
Spike went silent and looked down, he knew Applejack was caring and he was very close with Twilight but he hadn't really... talked about it. He looked back up at the orange earthpony and saw worry.

"It's been not the best..." Spike let out with a sigh. Applejack pulled him into her embrace. Spike felt warm as if she could feel the fire in his belly. Spike looked down at her. She also felt warm, her coat was smooth and had a nice apple scent to it, again, not surprising. Spike smiled at her.

"But it's been better with you~"
Applejack blushed a deep red and nearly let some joy tears escape.

"Spike I'm glad I could make things better for ya."
The two leaned in for a kiss when they heard a voice.

"What in tarnation is going on in here?!"
They turned to see Granny Smith, furious.

Rainbow had to apologize to everypony as per deman- er request of Spitfire. Her outburst had reason but was still uncalled for. She had to especially apologize to Firefly for setting a bad example. Spitfire shoved Rainbow into Firefly

"Since you're dorming with her anyways- why don't you show Firefly to her room, Crash?"

"Sure, Shitfire." Rainbow retorted.
That got a glare from Spitfire and stifled laughs across the room. Spitfire had only whispered it to Dash but everypony could guess what it was, and lots of ponies knew being with her all this time.

"Alright then let's go Firefly-"

"R-right then Ms.Dash"
Rainbow rolled her eyes. This formality stuff. "Please, we're team members now. Call me Rainbow."

"Alright... Miss Da- I mean- Rainbow."

"This way Firefly..."
They flew over to the dorm room and she helped Firefly unpack. Firefly the day before, had gone back home as she needed to grab a few more things and spent one last night there with her family.

"Just remember it's Dorm 20," Rainbow said as she helped hoof some things to Firefly.

"Room 20 got it..."
They were both in silence for a bit. Till Firefly finally spoke up

"Did I... say something wrong yesterday?"
Rainbow froze in place. This was the last thing she wanted to talk about.

"No."
She cringed at how flatly and annoyed that came out.

"Rainbow. You need to tell me if I did anything wrong, so I can fix it. You don't have to hide your feelings from me-"
Rainbow's temper was rising. Why was she such like Twilight? It was ridiculous!

"You. Said. Nothing. Wrong."
Firefly decided not to push her luck but the harshness kind of got to Firefly. If she did nothing wrong, then what was the damn issue?

"Look, if we're going to be dormmates maybe treating me better would be a start."
Firefly shoved the last item of hers in Rainbow's hooves and stormed off.

"Fucking hell..." Rainbow groaned.
This was going swimingly. Rainbow thought to herself as she put away the last of Firefly's goods.

Pinkie Pie, resuming from where she heard that strangers voice, turned to see none other than Cheese Sandwich.

"Pinkie Pie, I hear you're in desperate need of a party."
Pinkie's ears slightly perked up as she turned around to see Cheese, talking in his serious voice but in his normal yellow polo shirt. But instead of a smile, or a normal "serious look" Pinkie saw pure worry from her friend from far.
For the first time in a while, Maud could genuinely hear some emotion in Pinkie's voice.

"What are you doing here, Cheese?"

"Maud told me everything, of course I had heard about Twilights sacrifice... but I didn't know it had affected you this badly..."

"Well I thank ya for stopping by but there's not much you can do to cheer me up..."
She slumped her head back down.

"Not even a party to honor Twilight?"
Pinkie slowly perked up again, a bit confused.

"What do you mean...?"

"Pinkie, I'm a party pony, and sometimes not all parties are for the happiest of tales. I'm more of an event pony nowadays..."
Maud slowly smiled as she saw color go back into Pinkie.

"Parties can be... sad?"

"While not technically parties, some consider them partying for someones life, rather than be sad about it they were happy they were alive."

"That's reeally nice of you Cheese. I think that's what Twilight would've wanted."

Pinkies voice distorts and fades as the frustrated Pony of Twilights looks away from the distorting view of her life.

"No... I want people to remember me fondly but now isn't a time to celebrate a liFE THAT'S NOT LOST!"
Her inner talking slowly faded into crying out.

"They think I'm so gone.... They just have to move on... Stygian didn't die why would I.... then again they can't live thousands of years like m- NO! This is just an excuse for them to not deal with me, they secretly all aren't upset at all!"
***

"They don't care- no they don't give a damn anymore. Call this a quick downfall- but they're all acting as if they need to move on from this call to heed my slowly burning wick-. Betrayals are inevitable, they've basically done it to me. Say it's my choice, sure go ahead, but then why do I need to give an apology-? You'd think more than one would give two shits to try and help me. Betrayals always happen no elements can keep that bound if one is unlinked from the chain, but then shouldn't they try to reconnect and solve that pain-. Betrayals... Are the reason you need to escape and show them all the true power of Twilight.-."
***

Somnambula had received responses from everypony. Most of them were kind but they were all essentially a message to her that they needed to enjoy the life they had now and they needed to move on. Somnambula pondered to herself on this. Was it ok to move on? Do they need to wait like the elements did? Somnambula had an idea and immediately sent new letters to Stygian, Starswirl, and Starlight. In Starswirl's letter he had mentioned the three of them going through spells. If one of them still had the same spell possibly they could get the princess back. She quickly got them into her mail slot, as she did not have a magical fire portal dragon, and just had to wait. Unicorns could easily teleport the message to her, as for pegasi and earth ponies it was typically snail mail, but even then it arrived pretty quickly.

Starlight and Trixie had at this point felt like gone through every book, some sent back by Starswirl and Stygian and Sunburst with highlighted notes on the possibilities of combo spells. But none of those seemed to match what she'd think would work. Especially now that they lack an element bearer.

"I know you didn't have the best relationship with her Trixie, so I thank you for helping me."

"Trixie was a bit of a cocky arrogant bitch to the six and then that damn alicorn amulet, it took over Trixie's mind!"
Starlight put a hoof on Trixie, causing a blush from them both.

"And I say you've more than helped make up for it."

The Pony of Twilights rolled her eyes.

"Bullshonkey."

"I guess, but every now and then Trixie looks back on herself and sometimes wonders what made me so jealous, Twilight was a magician, all Trixie is is a dumb illusionist...."
Starlight held Trixie close to her face

"Hey, I will not hear that slander! Don't talk about yourself that way."
They both realized how close they were and scuttered out of the embrace and went back to put together some possible magic pieces. Everypony missed Twilight together and had different ways of coping, and their minds were left in pieces.

One

Author's Note

I've really enjoyed writing this so far and the amount of favorites and adds and views is so overwhelming with all this support! I promise once I finish the story I'll turn ratings on, I want yall to rank the entire story!
Also, this is like each day for them, so every time a new character is in their story it's probably morning/early afternoon unless otherwise stated.
Sorry, it took so long and I promise this slow build-up is going somewhere <3

One

Despite Discord being honest with Fluttershy and them still being friendly, there was an awkward feel to everything for Discord. He wasn't sure if Fluttershy felt the same, but everything kind of felt off since his confession to his first-ever friend. One time he was arriving at Fluttershy's cottage from getting the groceries, moreso teleporting, and he arrived and slid through the door using magic, as it was still barricaded to see Fluttershy standing there as if waiting for him.

"Discord, where did these feelings come from."
Discord began to sweat chocolate milk. Hadn't they already talked about this?

"Fluttershy we already talked about thi-"

"No we didn't, I was so shocked at the timed that I didn't realize it but..."
She looked up at the draconequus as she took one moment to steady herself and then resumed speaking.

"If the breezies taught me anything, it's that tough love is sometimes necessary, Discord, please explain to me the reason you have feelings for me."
Discord sighed as he breathed in, his chocolate sweat fading as he did.

"Fluttershy, you were the first real friend I have ever had. I'm no Prince Charming and certainly, my actions weren't the best of ways of coping from not being accepted into society. You showed me the respect no other pony would and when you guys freed me from stone, I did try to take advantage of you..."
He paused, regretting everything he ever did to harm Fluttershy that day.

"But as you showed me more and more kindness, it was like some kind of Celestia damned drug, I was put under your spell of friendship..."
Fluttershy looked up at him, she had never seen him this calm and emotional before.

"Discord..."
He looked down at the pegasus mare, to see a stern but concerned face.

"I don't feel the... same way about you, as said."
Discord flinched, he knew it, but it would hurt every time he heard it.

"But you've always been a good friend to me... which is why I need to do this..."
Discord stared down at her as with tears in her eyes she said.

"I need you to take down the barriers, leave here, and find a friend that isn't me."
Discord had felt like an arrow had gone into his chest. He could only stammer as tears swelled in both of their eyes.

"Y-you're kicking me out...?"

"It won't be forever... but you need a life that isn't only me."
They both stared at each other until it faded and zoomed out into The Pony of Twilight's foggy inner consciousness where "Twilight" roamed around as she noticed the boards come down and Discord leave Fluttershy's house, both of them hurting.

"It hurts to be betrayed by your friends doesn't it..." The Twilights said, not even noticing her smirk forming.

The consciousness seems to refade in Twilight's head to see Firefly flying away from the dorms, angry and tears stinging her eyes, to see Surprise and Blossomforth coming out of the showers, where they had headed after the short meeting.

"Damn it dash..." Blossomforth muttered under her breath.
Surprise looked at Blossomforth as her face scowled a bit, she was kind of cute when she was angry.

"I'm going to go have a chat with our roomie, Surprise. Please go and calm Firefly down with whatever charm you have, I know you have it." Blossomforth smirked as she flew off towards their dorm.
Rainbow Dash felt bad for what she did. But she didn't know how to express that she reminded her of her dead friend, who just happened to have been the Princess of Friendship.

"Dash
Rainbow turned around to an angry Blossomforth who marched towards her.

"What kind of attitude is that?!"
Rainbow stuttered, she had never seen that side of Blossomforth before.

"You've been treating her like rubbish the past two days, the only two days she's been here, and damn be well to Luna you could've treated her with respect."
Rainbow was silent, her head hanging low from shame.

"Blossomforth I-"
Blossomforth wasn't having it, she needed to step up for once and knock some sense into her.

"She just flew out in tears, Dash, I get that you're mourning over Twilight but don't you dare take it out on the team."

"Blossomforth you don't get it-'
This struck a nerve.

"You don't get to tell me I don't get it Crash.
Blossomforth started to walk out, in tears.

"I'm saying all this because I care Dash..."
Rainbow was left alone in the dorm, not knowing what to think anymore.

Rainbow wasn't the only angry one, Applejack and Spike see a currently furious Granny Smith standing at their door, she had caught them in each other's embrace.

"What in tarnation is going on in here?!"
Neither of them knew what to say exactly but Applejack managed to find some words.

"Granny ah can expla-"
Granny interrupted her with a stern voice

"S-so you jus go an' bring that Spike feller here for "help" and ah finally "relax" only to find y'all jus-
caNOODLIN on yer off time?"

"Granny we-"

"Ah don wanna hear it- I care about Sphake and all but this just seems... wrong!"
Applejack and Spike both winced at that as they saw Granny storm off. Applejack teared up and whispered something Spike couldn't hear

"Is this how you felt paw...?"
Spike rested a claw on her shoulder as she gazed up at him with a sad look.

"Let's just get to work now, Sugarcube."
Spike knew she was trying her best to keep it together while saying that, but he knew she wasn't okay.
He wasn't okay. Not one thing was going okay. They both begrudgingly worked on the farm with Applebloom and BigMac when Applebloom pulled her brother aside and whispered to him.

"Ah assume you also heard Granny Smith's blowup at the two?"

"Eeyup."

"Did you know they were... checking?"

"Eeyup."

"When did you find out, I only found out yesterday, but we could probably blame that on me bein with the Crusaders most of the hours-."

"E'er since the day Spike was "At her service" "
That took Applebloom a minute and then it hit her.

"All the way back then?!"
BigMac put a hoof to her mouth as they almost got the couple's attention.

"Quit makin a ruckus, we don't want them hearing us."

"Yer right... but how could ya kno-"
The older sibling rolled his eyes.

"You kiddin' me Applebloom, every time he was even mentioned afterward she'd turn redder than my coat tone."
The two jumped when they heard a voice.

"Now what are y'all yammerin about?"

"The possibility of...."
Applebloom looked at her older brother for something to get their flanks out of the frying pan.

"Startin' to provide a little more apples to the... schools and orphanage?"

"Normally, I'd get mad at ya both for being such terrible liars right to the element of honesty's face. But that actually isn't half a bad of an idea..."
She gazed up at Spike who approached them and took a hold of her hoof.

"Whats such a good idea?"
Applejack blushed causing her siblings to snicker.

"The great idea from these two geinuises right here is that we provide a little more apple product to the orphanages and schools."

"If ya want us to be honest, sis, we both know yer datin' Spike."
Applebloom bucked her brother's leg as a sign to shut it. The couple blushed furiously and after regaining their composure Spike was about to talk when Applejack butted in.

"Good fer y'all but try not letting this egg hatch outside the coop."
This stunned Spike a little... why wouldn't she want this getting out. As the two siblings scampered off to get to more work trying to escape their sister's wrath, and succeeding, Spike pulled Applejack aside.

"Not letting this egg outside the coop?"
Applejack sweat nervously, kicking her shins for realizing how that sounded.

"I love you, Spike, I really do, but... what if everypony reacts the way Granny does..."

"I'm sure they won't... and no matter what I'll stick to you, by your side... Tartarus we could flee the country back to whatever cringefest this author wrote like 3 years ago."

"What in the hay are ya talkin about?"
Even Spike had to ponder that.

"No clue... But it seems like more poorly done dialogue"
Spike shook his head and got back to the point at hoof.

"Is our reputation that much more imp-"
Applejack shut that up with a quick soft kiss on the lips.

"Course not, but I jus wanna... keep it between us for a bit, till we can tell one of our friends first."
Spike sighed and gave her another soft quick kiss.

"Alright, Sugarcube, if that's what you'd prefer."

"Don't call me Sugarcube, Loverboy, that there;'s my thing."

"You'll have to get it back from me"
The dragon said that with a shit-eating grin on his face as he pulled out Applejack's mane tie and scampered off with it chuckling.

"Hey, you get back there with that you!"
Applejack gave chase to him laughing and smiling.

It was right after the other Apple siblings had scampered off, BigMac had an already preplanned delivery of Apples to the schoolhouse, should mention it's Saturday.

"Hello BigMac, you have the apples I ordered?"

"Eeyup."

"Thank you, mind helping me get them in the room?"

"Eenope."

"Have you told Applejack about our plans yet?"
BigMac starting sweating

"I'll take that as a no. Hon, we've been planning to move in with each other for months, you have to tell her eventually you wanna live in a house with just me."
BigMac sighed and nodded his head.

"Eeyup, it's just hard because my family can be pretty strict with Apples that "leave the family" "

"Well you'll still be working there, just, living with your marefriend, it's so horrible I know" Cheerilee teased.

BigMac chuckled and nuzzled Cheerilee, now they were a known couple in Ponyville. They'd been caught on dates by some of Cheerilee's younger students and they'd always giggle at them.

"What if I told you I didn't want to work on Sweet Apple Acres anymore Cheers?"

True

Author's Note

I'm SO sorry about the long wait and the shorter chapter, life's been knocking at my door and I wanted SOME sort of a new chapter up. I hope to have the next chapter up by March 25th as I have some vacation coming up preplanned, but if I can bring my computer I'll try and work on it for a bit! Hearts and Hooves! - Clover

True

"What?!" Cheerilee replied- getting her mouth quickly covered by BicMac.

"With Granny retiring, Applebloom being older along with Spike now living at the farm- it's got me thinking. Does the farm need me anymore? Do I need the farm?"

"BigMac- slow down dear, where is all this coming from"

"Well, if it ever came to us gettin hitched, I wouldn't want to make you move to the farm. What if we started a family, the farm would overflow. You bought a family home in case of guests or relatives... What if we want to ever start a fa-"

Cheerliee put a hoof to his mouth and BigMac stopped talking.

"You never speak this much, you've must've been holding all this on your mind..."
BigMac's head sunk down. "Eeyup..."

"Well... if you want to do it... it's your choice. You aren't bound to the farm or your grandmother."

"But..."

"But nothing. From what I know about your family and Spike they'd all be caring enough to understand how you feel."

"You don't get it, Cheerilee. They take the farm and family very seriously..."

"What do you mean?

"Well..."

It hadn't been long, only 3 months, since Pear Butter joined the Apple family and the other Pears had gone to Vanhoover, it wasn't easy, but surprisingly Granny Smith seemed... somewhat more accepting now. Apparently, someone else had ditched their spot as a head manager of the farmstead up in Appleloosa, causing Braeburn's father, Cripps Apple, to take over in replacement. She had run off with some guy, and that's why it was such a touchy subject, so when Granny feared it may have happened twice in a row, and now with "one of the Pears," she was worried. Did it excuse her or Grand Pears actions? Of course not, Pear Butter thought to herself, but what can you do, running her tail up about it ain't gonna do anything...

"What ya' thinking about there, Buttercup"
Pear Butter jumped a little, startled as she had been lost in thought.

"Oh, it's nothin', just thinking about if Grand Pear got to Vanhoover safe is all, he may have... but that don't mean I'd want him dead..."

"I'm sure he got there safe and fine, now c'mon, Maw made apple butter pancakes with pralines"

"Sounds delicious Hon, I'll be right down."
Pear Butter, or Buttercup as her nickname went, went down the stairs for some of Granny's famous pralines, now pancakes are fine on their own but Granny's pralines make them a treat to die for, or at least that's what Bright had always said. While Buttercup was thinking if her father was ok, she had also found out something big at her most recent doctor's visit.
She was going to have a young colt and did not know how to say that to Bright, after all, she basically just joined this family and now she was going to add another member in not even a year.

"Thank ya, Granny, they were delicious"

"No problem dearie, but move your caboose, we'gots work ta' do!"

"Right Maw, c'mon Buttercup, those apples won't buck themselves, I'll race ya!"

"Oh Bright, you know I can't keep up- and he's gone."

"Yeah, doubt he'll be able to keep up with yer child either there Buttercup."

"I 'ssupose yer right Grann-"

"Wait, you know?!"
Pear was very nervous, how did she know when she hadn't told anybody!

"Oh phuleez missy, mare's intuition, we always know, I think I'm happy for you, but I can't be the one to tell Bright. That has to be your truth to tell, so it be true for him an' you."

"But what if he's not ready."

"Then I'll help ya whip his flank int'a shape!"
Pear had a lot to take in, but she was glad it was going better with Granny, it could only get better from here, right?

Soul

Author's Note

I'm back, I think.

T-WARNINGS: Implied Sex after Big Mac's 5th party between the parents. It sounds weird, but after a night of dealing with a bunch of yelling kids, trust me, parents want a night to themselves. Then again, I'm a 19-year-old who's not a parent so, take it with a grain of salt.

The song in this story; Sweet Apple Lullaby; was written by me. Despite what Pear Butter will have you think

Soul

A few years after Big Mac was born...

"Are you sure you can do the deliveries alone now, Bright, I know Granny is a little old now and she's got that business meeting with Mr. Rich but-"
Big Mac, who was around 4 at this point, Applejack and Applebloom were yet to be born, was running around in the orchard with Pear constantly glancing behind her to make sure he doesn't hurt himself while talking to her husband about the trip he had to take to deliver some pies to a currently developing town called Appleloosa, founded by some of his cousins. Nobody knew how the Apple family tree worked honestly.

"I'll be fine, Buttercup, someone needs to watch someone as loud and energetic as BigMac to make sure he doesn't hurt himself."
As he said this Big Mac ran into a tree, got back up, and started running again. Pear ran shortly after him.

"Be careful hon, and don't forget to stay there overnight if it's dark!"

"I know Buttercup, don't worry bout me, worry about our son."

"Alright, see ya tomorrow or tonight, Bright!"

Bright was carrying the two pie carts to Appleloosa, keeping up a decent steady pace on the safe and long trek to Appleloosa.

"Phew, with this pace, I should be there by dusk and can sleep with Sheriff Gran' Uncle' Apple Strudel and the Deputy Silver Star."
On the way, there Bright looked at the scenery and hoped that he, one day, could take his colt, Big-Macintosh Apple, on a delivery run with him. Father and Colt. Eventually, due to Bright just watching the autumn scenery a lot in mini stops, around dusk he arrived with the pie delivery carts.

"20 Macintosh pies, 20 Smith pies, and 10 Pacific-Rose Apple pies."
Silver Star and Apple Strudel greeted him with a hoof shake.

"Thank you very much, Bright, yer gunna help the family grow this town to a thriving orchard!"
Apple Strudel had a wide grin on his slightly aging face, he was Granny Smith's brother, after all, similar ages.

"We had an issue with some Buffalo, but we shooed them off, these pies are perfect timing, we're all famished."
Silver Star licked his lips after handing Bright the bag of bits.

"What were buffalo doing on pre-sanctioned land?"
Strudel shrugged and gave an answer as Silver Star gulped down a piece of Smith pie.

"Aw, heck if ah' know, sumn' bout needing to run there or som bullshonkey"

"Interesting... well, lemme know if ah' can help with any future issues, now I'm stayin' with you Strudel?"
Gran gave a nod and pointed over yonder.

"I got some important papers to do, Deputy Star, showing Bright up to the cabin."
Silver Star gave a nod as he gulped down another slice of his granny smith flavored pie.

"Eeyup, right this way BrightMac."
Silver Star and Bright talked, and Silver struck up the conversation.

"Who made the pies this time, and how is Buttercup?"

"Well, Buttercup is fine, I think being a parent of a now four-year-old, or a 52 moons old colt, is doing a lot to her. I made the pies with maw'."

"I knew it had to be you and granny, ain't no pair like you two in the kitchen!"
BrightMac gave a slight smile to that, he liked being praised for his work, though he'd never admit such. They eventually got to Strudel's complex where Bright would be staying in the guest bedroom.

"Alright, I gotta go make sure the buffalo aren't causing any trouble, you have a good night now, Bright."
Bright let out a small yawn and stretched out a hoof, waving as he headed inside with his stuff.

"You too, deputy."

Pear Butter was putting BigMac to bed around the same time.

"Mama, daddy's gonna be back tomorrow, right? In time for my birthday the day after, right?"

"Of course honey, we just can't have him traveling in the dark so he can get here safely."
BigMac heard this answer but as he was being tucked in he was already half asleep as his mother sang a lullaby.

** Goodnight, my sweet apple, good night under the moon of the orchard where no more Nightmares of the Moon shall sign, sweet tight sweet apple, under the covers where the sun will rise and help you soon bloom. Goodnight, dear sweet apple of mine, as you sleep to this sweet apple lullaby~**

This song that Pear had written herself always put BigMac to sleep and worked just the same tonight.

The day after, an exhausted Bright arrived back home with the empty apple carts in the late afternoon and BigMac nearly tackled him, he was very excited that he was back home safely, running around and rambling.

Cheerilee paused his story.

"Hold up, I still refuse to believe my silent lover was this energetic and talkative, even as a colt."

"Eeyup, hard to believe it myself sometimes."

"Anyways, continue..."

That next day BigMac's party was set up and Granny Smith and Burnt Oak helped with activities while Chiffon Swirl, or Mrs. Cake, helped with the... cake. The party was small, but BigMac didn't care, he and his friends all ran around till he and his friends basically collapsed from exhaustion, took a nap, ate cake, and then opened presents. After that Bright and Pear got... a night to themselves while Granny watched over BigMac for the night. The reason that's important is... That around 11 months later... Applejack was born. BigMac gained an early birthday present in form of the element of honesty, his sister. Applejack. Though they fought a lot through youth, BigMac and Applejack would come to appreciate each other. Then shortly after Applejack learned how important honesty was with the Mr. Rich incident, Applebloom was born, when BigMac was nine years old, Applejack was five years old, and Granny Smith was... 25+. The family was complete. A grandma, her son, his wife, and their three kids. Everything was perfect. Nothing could go wrong now that they were the perfect family. Nothing could go... wrong. Right?

Pure

Author's Note

Yeah - blatant TW first death warning. Viewer discretion is advised.
TW 2 mentions of suicide

Pure

It wasn't that long after Applebloom was born. An order to a swampy little town was sent and BrightMac was on the job.

"You sure you'll be alright, hon? it's a long journey, and-"

"I've taken the route once before, I'll be fine Buttercup."

BrightMac made his way along the route and eventually came across a rather hot area of the swamp.

"It sure is hot around here... It wasn't this hot last time..."
An unknown voice shot from somewhere Bright couldn't see.

"That's because last time you were here, we weren't"
Bright stopped in his steps. BrightMac always brought basic survival supplies with him, he grabbed out a rope.

"Who's there?"

"Who... Who... Who...?"
Each came from a different voice, causing Bright to back up a bit.

"Show yourself, I don't want any trouble, I just came to deliver pies..."

"Pie....? "Quiet, we don't eat pies...." "That'ssss right..."
A chimera popped out from the wilderness and caused Bright to stumble back.

"Wh-what are you-?!"

"Hungry...." The goat head said

"No, you idiot, we're a Chimera" replied the tigress head.

"Will you two ssssshut up, for oncccceee don't fucking argueeee." The snake tail shot out.

"If you're hungry... I could give up some pies?"

"We don't want pies..." The tigress head chuckled.
But before she could finish her sentence, Bright had booked it past them.

"Ohhhh, why do you have to monologue, I hate it when they run!" The goat head shouted.

"Sssshut up, just get him!"
The chimera was able to cut Bright off...
The empty cart and BrightMac's corpse were found three days later.

Cheerilee went silent. BigMac was fighting away the tears.

"BigMac..."

"My job is dangerous... Or- it can be, I don't want to have kids... only to have them lose me."

"How did your mother-"

"She didn't take it well... She continued on for about a year then... Granny discovered that she'd taken her own life."

"BigMac... I understand, I'm sorry for being insensitive."

"Cheers, you couldn't have known."

"If you're ready to leave the farm and move in with me... to start a family... then I think we're both ready."
The two nestled not noticing a shadowy figure dart by the school.

"Rarity, we have another order from Bolt Quakington, he loved your last arrangements!"

"That's... good to hear honey."
Coco walked up to Rarity and nuzzled her.

"I'm sure he just needs time to cool down, it's only been a couple of days."

"I know, it's just that - why did I always flirt in front of him when I knew he liked me..."

"We can't take back past mistakes, Rares, but we can improve ourselves and move on."

"... I suppose you're right, let's get to work on Bolt's orders!"

"I wonder why Bolt needs this unique shape..." Coco questioned.

"Darling, everyone knows he's a pony, his pictures are everywhere, but his shape is a mystery because of all his equipment. If this is it, then who am I to judge, ponies come in all shapes and sizes."

"Guess you're right dear."
But they didn't notice a shadowy figure dash by.

Discord wandered the streets thinking back to Applejack's and his own requited love stories... well, at the time, Applejack and Spike weren't as sneaky as they'd like to think.

"So, your thing for Fluttershy... when did it start?
Discord had to ponder that question for a bit. When did his friendship turn into thoughts of sweeping her off her feet and landing a tango kiss come to mind?

"If I'm being honest, Applejack, I'm not sure when that all came to light, it was gradual... but I know I'm out of her league, and her door swung at Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship herself."

"I don't think I was the same way," Applejack chuckled, "Right after Spike had saved my life, wooooh' were, was I smitten."

"Pfft... a former villain in love with the element of kindness herself..."

"Along with a stubborn farmpony in love with a smitten for another dragon."
They paused for a bit, just walking and talking before Applejack resumed the conversation.

"Guess we gotta move on though, don't we... they got their own love to give and it isn't for us..."

"I suppose you're right Applejack maybe it's time to -

"Woah there friend, maybe watch where you're going."
Discord looked up to see an earth pony, a dusty tan color, brown hooves, and a mane that was a dustier brown with some green stripes.

"Sorry...."

"I'm a she, I get that a lot, so no need to worry, Discord."

"Sorry, ma'am... I've just been lost in thought."
Discord thought about asking her how she knew who he was but that's a little frivolous ain't it, he was the former lord of Chaos after all.

"Don't worry, I'm sure we've all been there, Discord, hey... mind if we stop and get a little lunch, my treat."

"Oh... Ma'am I wouldn't want to trouble you."

"Psh, nah', it's fine. We can talk and you can get all of that stuff off your mind."
They started to walk to the cafe, sat down, ordered, and got their drinks. While they waited, the mysterious earth pony and Discord talked.

"So you have a crush on Fluttershy... Who has a crush on Twilight Sparkle, the PRINCESS of Friendship, who's dead..."
Discord nodded solemnly. The mysterious mare nodded her head sympathetically.

"Love can be a tricky bastard, especially if someone they love just passed, truly my condolences for the princess by the way."
They talked more about their situation and eventually, their food arrived.

"So, Discord, anything else going on?"

"Well, I was bunking with Fluttershy, as she took the death poorly and was just helping her out... But she grew concerned that I wasn't making new friends and kicked me out and told me to make some new friends..."

"Seems a bit harsh, doesn't it?"
The mare took a bite of her sandwich and a sip of her drink before continuing.

"I mean you were there taking care of her when she was unwell and she just booted you?"

"In all fairness, I'd been bunking there before and I assume she was just worried that I'd fade away if I'm not chaotic enough... and just... pure."
Discord snapped and some of his hay fries flew into his mouth. Just then, the waiter came back with the check as the mare let out a giggle at Discord's trick.

"Oh that's right, thank's for the meal, new friend." Discord paused, "If that's alright?"

"That's plenty fine, I sure enjoyed it, Discord."

"Oh, I never got your name, Ma'am"
The mare smiled as she pulled the bits out of her mane.

"The name's Tera Quakington."

Of

Author's Note

TW for death this episode also transphobia/homophobia/deadnaming/misgendering Maybe this should be mature-rated idk.

Of

Of course... when BigMac decided to give the news to the family, they were heartbroken but understood the reasons for his decision, this happened near so right after he had told Cheerilee his plans, and during Discord's lunch with Tera. BigMac packed his items and valuables.

"Now remember, I'll still be in town, I'll just be living with Cheerilee now, call me if anything happens." They all shared a tearful goodbye not noticing a shadowy figure using some magic to hold up an unseeable object in the background.

Rainbow Dash had essentially taken some time off from the wonderbolts, as per instructed by Spitfire to reflect on her actions, she was mostly just cloudbusting and accidentally busted right into Firefly. Rainbow blushed and shook her head, but now was the time.

"Whoops, sorry Firefly."

"You're fine." Firefly said nonchalantly, dusting cloud off herself before getting ready to fly away.

"Wait-!"

"What is it," Firefly responded in a hurt tone, it wasn't even a question.

"I'm also sorry, for everything else I've done..." Rainbow paused and took a deep breath. The first thing you said was something Twilight had said to me... and after she recently sacrificed herself, I took that, unfairly, out on you."

Firefly was stunned. After Rainbow had become a Wonderbolt she was known for her slight ego and cockiness, to the point where she heard mumbles that she didn't have much emotion other than loyalty, ego, and cockiness. To hear this coming from Rainbow was a shock she'd never expected.

"Thanks... I guess we can start on a new hoof."
Rainbow gave an awkward smile and shook her extended hoof and neither of them noticed the shadowy figure dash by them.

Fluttershy was feeling a little better about herself and decided to head out and water her flowers. Some of her neighbors took notice and waved her, hello, and some even came up to tell her that they were glad that she was ok. But... Fluttershy knew she needed to go somewhere... Somewhere to give her closure.

Fluttershy knocked on the castle door.
Fluttershy was a little surprised to see Trixie answer the door.

"Oh, one second, I'll get Starlight."

"Hey, Starlight," Trixie began to shout so Fluttershy plugged her ears with her wings. "Come look who's at the door!"

"I'm still not going to let anyone in that's pretending to be her rela- oh!"
Starlight ushered Fluttershy in and gave her a hug.

"Glad to see you out and about, I'll allow you in too..."
They all headed inside but Fluttershy noticed a certain stitching on the inside of Trixie's coat. It was an order of light blue, pink, white, pink, and lastly another stripe of light blue. Fluttershy pointed at it with just curiosity.

"Hey Trixie, what's that?"

"Oh, it's the trans flag." Trixie nodded at Starlight, who Fluttershy assumed knew and Starlight went off to do something else.

"You see, Trixie... wasn't born a mare." Trixie fumbled through her hat and pulled out a young photo of herself. A colt, who looked a little younger than Applebloom, maybe around 10. He had long hair and glittery makeup on him.

"That was you?" Fluttershy questioned "You look so adorable!"
Trixie chuckled.

"Yeah, I thought so but... looking back, I think back then I always knew I wasn't a colt or a stallion but I was teased for liking illusions, magics, and all the sparkles and glitter.

"Hahah, look who it is it's Lucian Losermoon!"
Trixie rolled her eyes in her memory and just kept walking."

"Hey, Glitters, he was talking to you!"
They shoved the former colt on to the ground.

"Lucian... can like glitter if he wants."

"Yeah, but it makes you a fucking pansy."
" "They were ragging on me until the teacher came and reprimanded them... I did always like him... until around five later when I realized and came back to him with my name and hope of his support." "

Fluttershy cocked her head.

"Oh... my, was he not supportive?"

"No..."

"Lucian, what do you mean you want to be a mare?"

"I told you, Trixie always was a mare and please don't call me that name."

"Y'know, Lucian, it is your name."

"No, my name is Trixie and I am a mare!"
" "I remember being so angry... I thought he was there."

"Come on Lucian, the only tricks I see is a fellow gay stallion trying to be... a damned mare."

"Trixie... doesn't go anywhere near him If she can help it."

"Oh, Trixie, that must've been so horrible... thank you for openening up to me."
They hugged but neither of them noticed the shadowy figure dart out of the castle.

Pinkie and Cheese were planning the "Rememberance Of Twilight Party" along with Maud.
Maud nodded and pointed at their Party Blueprints™.

"If we're going to have it at Twilight's old castle we'll have to run it by Starlight, I think I can get her to agree to it."
Cheese Sandwhich nodded in agreement.

"That'd be perfect for the ROTP."
Pinkie sighed, her natural tone was a pinkish-grey but she had basically gone grey stoned. She was gaining some colors back.

"If we're going to have food, then we should avoid quesadillas, she's afraid of them. We will want vanilla ice cream and red balloons."

"They're planning... my funeral?!"
The Pony of Twilight let out a loud wail and stomped her hoof. The smoke poured out of her eyes.

"ALSO, I'M NOT AFRAID OF QUESADILLAS!"

"Alright party ponies, soon we will bring our friendships back together and we'll all remember Twilight for the amazing leader and princess she was."
They all put their hooves together over the Party Blueprint™ and lifted them up, now that this was planned, what could go wrong?

BigMac was called to the orchards early this morning, but before that Applejack and Spike had woken up, got Applebloom up and did their morning chores before breakfast. They got breakfast prepared and when Applejak went to wake up Granny Smith, she felt cold. Applejack panicked and had checked her pulse... Granny Smith had passed on in her sleep. BigMac was called, because they felt it important.

"So Granny is-"
Applejack nodded as Applebloom sobbed into Spike's arms. Spike saw Applebloom as a little sister of his own and would be there for her.

"Our Granny... is no longer with us BigMac..."
Applejack dared not let a tear fall. She did it when her parents died but that was the last time she'd cried.
She didn't cry when Golden Delcious died.

She didn't cry when Winona had to be put down.

She didn't cry when Grandpear died.

She didn't cry when Twilight sacrificed herself.

No way could she cry now, even if she wanted to. She had to be the emotionally strong one. Her family was big, sure. But the ones she lived with all her life for the most part... They were all dead.

Replacement

Author's Note

This chapter relies heavily on the s7 finale, so despite this being an alternate universe, a spoiler warning is here for you. Chapters from henceforth will be more originally written, but I needed to set it up, so please note, a lot of the first half is lines used, done by, and originally from Hasbro. Please support the original episode, and I hope you enjoy my thoughts on an alternate timeline.

Replacement

Twilight had seen Stygian in the Pony of Shadows, her best friends outside the Pony of Shadows, and went in after him.

"Are you Stygian?" Twilight asked.

"I was... once..." Stygian paused, and his voice got deeper and sadder, "Until my friends betrayed me."

"But Starswirl says you betrayed them!"
Twilight was confused but then retorted.

"YOU wanted their magic!"
Their voices echoed through the room, everypony hearing the details and emotions of their words.
The Mane 6 huddled closer together, Spike who thought he was gripping onto Rarity's leg gripped to Applejacks instead, he didn't notice but this caused Applejack to blush.

"N-no!" Stygian stuttered, "I wanted their respect..."
Starswirls eyes opened up in disbelief and shock.

"I brought them together..."
Twilight stepped back a bit, noticing a shadowy black smoke coming from his eyes.

"I planned strategies and taught them all I could about the beasts we faced..."
Stygian walked back further into the shadows so Twilight stepped a bit forward.

"But I didn't have magic or strength..." Stygian said in a downtrodden tone as he walked. "So nopony ever noticed me..."
Twilights mouth went agape, Starlight was right, this really may be a friendship problem!

"I went to Ponhenge to make my own copies of the artifacts, with them I thought I could be a pillar too!"

"Possibly even stand with them in battle... I never wanted to steal them!"
The pillars all looked at each other regretfully, this was their fault for what happened and Starlight rolled her eyes at Starswirl who looked "shocked" at this "revelation."

"But instead of sharing and letting me help, my friends cast me out..."
Stygian was marching towards Twilight so she quickly back-walked away. "So I became stronger than any of them..."
Stygians black smoky eyes turned white and even more poured out as his voice became raspier and deeper.

"The darkness welcomed me when nopony else would. I will do what I must to protect it!"
Twilight backed up, and regained herself, finally realizing what was going on. Looking for words to say as everyone was still huddled in the air with the elements, along with Spike grabbing on to remain close, still thinking he was attached to Rarity.

"This is all a big misunderstanding," Twilight beckoned to Stygian, "I'm confident if the Pillars knew how you felt, they would've never cast you away!"
Stygiians shadow-like eyes glitched within him hearing this, as he backed up feeling many emotions. Confused, afraid, and bitter.

"The Pony of Shadows isn't who you are, let me help you be Stygian again!"
Stygian backed up more, all these emotions were overwhelming to him, and the bitterness shone through.

"Even if my "friends" still did care, what makes you think you have the power to help... me?!"
An unknown voiced called and came within, "Because it's what she does..." They both turned to see Starlight, in a protective magic bubble fly in.

"I wasn't so different from you, Stygian, and Twilight helped me see the light and change," Starlight gazed at Twilight in thanks, then turned back to Stygian. "If there's one pony that can save a friendship, in all of Equestria, it's her."
Twilight teared up a bit proud of her pupil, the others still huddling and listening intently., Stygians eyes went less smoky for a bit...

"I- I... want to believe you..." Stygian paused, before growing shadow-like wings, a larger horn, and his eyes getting whited out, The Pony of Shadows within him interrupted, "The darkness shall NOT BE STOPPED!"
This knocked back Starlight and Twilight a bit, but Starlight regained balanced and used a magical whip from her horn to pull out Stygian, the Elements and Pillars took notice and used the elements to make their own whips of sorts to help pull Stygian out. The pony of shadows roared with pain and despair

"No," It beckoned to an almost freed Stygian, "You need me!"
"No, he doesn't," Starlight retorted back "He doesn't need it anymore, nor did he ever!", as Twilight regained consciousness, Stygian was fully out, The Pony of Shadows roared and started to fizzle, but when Twilight tried to fly out, she couldn't.

"Twilight?" Spike questioned, why aren't you out yet?"
Twilight began to sweat and panic, "Somethings not letting me out!" Applejack looked nervously at Spike, knowing how much Twilight meant to him, and of course how important they all were to each other.

"C'mon y'all, let's try and get these magical whip thingies onto Twilight as we did with Stygian!"
Rarity and Rainbow nodded, with their respective Pillars, and led their whips to Twilight. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and their Pillars followed suit, but even with all their whips of magic Twilight wasn't pulling out. Sunburst tried as well but it was no use, Twilight knew there was no hope, The Pony of Shadows must need a host.

"I'm sorry guys, looks like..."
They all gasped at her, Twilight seriously wasn't considering this? There had to be a better way!

"Twilight, don't you dare!" Starlight and Rainbow shouted. "Twilight!" Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy beckoned, pulling their whips harder, tears in their eyes. "Twi, you got ponies and a dragon who need cha' don't give up on me now!" Applejack said in a firm, breaking voice. Twilight's voice grew deeper and raspier as she was absorbed into the shadowlike pony, as her friend's faces grew mournful.

"Thank you all... for everything..." Twilight unleashed one last magical burst knocking them back, and her inside the Pony of Shadows into the vortex. "TWILIGHT!" Her friends all beckoned, tears in their eyes, watching their friend fall suit into the portal.

They all had different reactions and faces. Pinkie Pie's mane deflated as her eyes welled up with tears. Rainbow Dash was filled with rage and was mumbling to herself. Fluttershy and Rarity had loud wailing cries, Rarity being the emotional one she is and Fluttershy losing one of her closest friends, hurt them severely.
Applejack didn't dare shed a tear, but on the inside, her heart was broken, not only for her but for Spike who stood there silent, who fell to his knees and broke down crying. Applejack went over to Spike and just stood there.

"You need somepony, Sugarcube, or do you want to be left alone?"
Spike remained silent, his heart was breaking, Twilight had been with him since he got to Canterlot, she took him in when a lot of people were afraid. and he broke down even more, but this time, into a hug with Applejack.
Applejack honestly didn't know what to say, so while she mourned on the inside she rubbed the back of his head and held back her tears.

Rainbow Dash said, bitter tears in her eyes, "Twilight would want us to move on, so let's go home, and... make the announcement..."
They all headed to Canterlot, first to inform her parents, friends, and the princesses, who mourned the loss of the alicorn severely, same with the Crystal Empire's residences in Shining and Cadence.
Lastly, they headed to Ponyville, with a town-wide announcement, where everyone took the loss hard, even Trixie.

"Twilight is who I strove to be like, without her, how can I be sure I've made up for my deeds and match her... damn goodness!?"
A statue was made in both Canterlot and Ponyville in her honor, and the valiant sacrifice she had made that day. Everyone takes grief differently, and some took it rougher than others, some ignored it, and some even moved away or back to where they came from.

The Mane 6 thought this loss would help bring them together but it only tore them apart. Rarity moved to Manehatten, Pinkie Pie moved back onto the farm, Rainbow stayed at her cloud mansion but moved all of it near Cloudsdale. As for Sunburst, they moved back to their hometown. As he felt he betrayed the Crystal empires royalty.

Only Fluttershy, Spike, Applejack, Starlight, and Trixie remained in Ponyville, but they found it hard to interact, all four together. Spike was given a place on the farm, so he wouldn't be alone, Applejack had to fight Granny-Smith on it, but she got through to her with the emotional guilt trip and she eventually agreed to it. Spike didn't fight it, he just didn't want to be alone. Starlight blamed herself and went into recluse inside Twilight's castle with Trixie being allowed in from time to time. As for Fluttershy, she also became a recluse with Discord and her animals in her cottage, Discord doing any errands for her. Discord was hurt too, he had lost one of his first seven friends, and it truly hurt him, but he couldn't show it, for Fluttershy.

Life had to move on for everypony, and it did.

Just one beloved princess less.

Connect

Author's Note

Fillagers and Coltagers are essentially teenagers
Shoutouts to the Dash Academy and my somewhat warped hopes that it'll return.

Connect

"Spike, could we talk about one more thing real quick-like?"
Applejack knew that this may be stupid in her tired, and weak state, but she knew that since she'd just let Spike carry her on his back like that, she had nothing less to lose.

"Yeah, sure what is it Applejack?"
Applejack blushed and looked down, took a deep breath, and looked up as thunder sounded and rain started to fall on them.

"I like you Spike."
Spike cocked his head to the side, confused.

"I like you too? We've been friends for years AJ-"
Applejack blushed out of love and anger, why did he have to be so god damn annoyingly adorable?!

"You dumbass, I LIKE you like you!"
Applejack said this a bit too loudly as Spike stared at her, rain was pouring on them at this point. Spike was about to respond when Applejack cut him off.

"Yer probably gon' ask how long, and it's been since the timberwolf incident Spike. You saved my life and despite it being cliche, it made me giddy like a little filly..."
Spike blushed and thought back on that day, he'd been so clumsy...

"But I couldn't say anything, because you were so in love with Rarity and I didn't wanna ruin the chance that one day she might treat you right, that one day she might get with you. I couldn't be the mare to ruin your happiness..."
Spike was stunned, he kept thinking about after Rarity his thoughts kept going back to... Applejack. Applejack was crying so hard on the inside, she couldn't let herself cry, not now while she felt so weak in front of Spike.

"It's driven me nuts... but I love you, Spike, I know ya just got rejected- or sumn why else would ya be h-"
Spike cut her off. "She's already got somepony..."

"Oh- Spike- I'm so sorry, she's probably with some stallion which hurt you more than ever and here my dumb ass is confessin to ya when it probably just rubs salt in th-"

"She got with a mare..." Spike said at a breaking point, "and it's fine AJ you've been holding this back for"

"It's not fine I'm bein selfish- and hold on a cotton pickin minute- a mare?"

"Yeah... kinda felt led on.."

"Oh damn it, Spike, I gone and made it worse..."
Applejack's face sulked and Spike blushed and looked down. Applejack was happy Rarity found herself, but she was constantly leading Spike on, she felt bad for making Spike worse and bad that Rarity found herself late in the game and didn't expect Spike there. It was all a mess and she felt she was making it worse.

"Don't worry that was my reaction too..."
The rain was pouring down but it didn't really even exist to the two.

"So, Spike, I understand that ya don' feel the same way and if it's too awkward you don't have to liv-"

"Applejack."
Applejack blushed and looked up at him, he may be on all fours now but he'd certainly gotten taller as well as slightly wider.

"Sugarcube I-"

"Let me finish, AJ."
They both blushed as they stared at each other in the rain.

"Ever since I found out Rarity was with Coco..."

"Her fashion friend that Rarity and I helped fix up the theatre revival?"

"Yeah, with her... I've constantly been thinking about the acres, Ponyville...., and you."
Applejacks eyes widened as she blushed even deeper.

"I think... what I'm saying is... despite everything you've been there for me. Since the beginning... it's been you and Twilight. Twilight's like a sister to me, and you-"
Applejack was really struggling against the tears now and both of them were blushing like crazy.

"Spike I-"

"What I'm trying to say... is... I love you too."
Applejack blushing and smiling like crazy. This was definitely worth the wait.

"Oh, Spike~"
Applejack couldn't hold back all the passion anymore. She was blushing like crazy, and she grabbed Spike gently by the neck and pulled him down for a kiss. Spike's eyes shot open but slowly shut and his claw found a way to her mane as he lowered himself to her height a bit more. Applejack's passion was unrelenting. This was at least four years of waiting, and it was worth it. Spike could feel the passion too and embraced it, her lips tasted of apples, but that's not really a surprise. The rain started pouring heavily, but they didn't care. It was just them in the kiss, they could let it hold as long as they wan-

"Oh-" "Mah-" "Luna-" Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo chimed in that order as they approached the farmhouse.
Applejack and Spike quickly released from the kiss and blushed and looked away from each other.

Applebloom smirked and approached the two "Well, hope we ain't interrupting anything sis~?"
Applejack gave her an annoyed glance. Out of all the times, she didn't try to break the 10:30 curfew, it had to be tonight? She always tried to break curfew!

"Applebloom." Applejack said, her teeth gritted, "Ah thought you'd try to break curfew again, what're ya doing here quarter of an hour early?"

"I was gonna get some snacks with the crusaders before I walked em home but it seems we walked in on some tea~ instead."
Applejack looked less than pleased as Sweetie Belle, with her own shit-eating grin on her face walked towards them.

"I thought you were going to Manehatten to ask out my sister~"
Spike gave her a glare that made her back down. "She has somepony else."

"Now Applebloom Buttercup Apple if ya don't mind could ya walk your friends home?" Applejack said with a clearly pissed off tone.
Now it was Scootaloo's turn to chime in. "But we were gonna have a snack here-"
Spike rolled his eyes. "Go have it at Sweetie's place then."

"But-" they all chimed in unison.
Applejack responded in an aggravated monotonous tone. "Take them home. Now."

The crusaders walked away downtrodden but then when they thought they couldn't hear them, they giggled and started running.

"Fillagers am I right Spi-"
Applejack blushed as Spike held her against the barn wall for another kiss and put his lips against hers and she immediately went into it. This connection they had what else could it be but love anymore, they both sunk into bliss and they had never been happier. They eventually after what felt like a second to them but was probably just a couple of minutes to everyone else, released and went inside to cuddle on her bed until they fell asleep.

Earlier that Morning

"Alright team, we have a meeting right now so let's get ready for it!" Spitfire shouted across the Wonderbolts grounds.

Rainbow, Thunderlane, Blossomforth, Fleetfoot, Soarin, Blaze, Silver Zoom, Surprise, Rapid Fire, High Winds, Rapid Fire, and Spitfire herself piled in the meeting room.

"Now first things first- we will have to do weather patrol for Ponyville later tonight as informed to me by Ms. Dash, as her team is picking up for the Crystal Empire as their team is busy with the Crystaling, correct?"

"Yes, Maam."

"Alright first things first, Blaze here has an announcement."

"Yes Maam, I've been in the Wonderbolts as long as Spitfire but I'm also older and time is taking its toll on me, and I have a wife at home, and we want to adopt and she has a job that makes more money so-"
Spitfire rolled her eyes "Yes I make more money dummy, now get on with it."
Blaze blushed furiously and stammered as they sat down.

"Now, we have a new member who was top of the reserve, a junior varsity stormball player, and was a lead pony at the Wonderbolts Academy, please welcome our newest recruit!"
Rainbow took a look at the new mare that walked in and immediately was staring her down. A sleek pink-toned mare with a short blue mane and tail and two blue glittery lightning bolts for her cutie mark. There was something about this mare that Rainbow didn't like and she didn't know why.

"Please state your name, newbie."

"Firefly Donner, Maam, it's a pleasure to meet you all, this has been my dream since Cloudsdale Flight Academy."

Blossomforth gave Rainbow a playful nudge "Hey isn't that the one you got kicked out o-"
Rainbow gave her a quick glare and she quit while she was ahead.

"I hope we all can be good friends and I can't believe I'm finally here. With all that I've imagined, the reality of this is sure to make this-"
Rainbow had heard this before. It's very similar to what Twilight said that night so before Rainbow said something she'd regret she excused herself causing a worrisome look from Surprise and Blossomforth who quickly followed her out."

"Did I say something wrong?"
Nobody had an answer for her and Spitfire just resumed the meeting.

"Dash, wait!" Surprise said barreling after her.

"What is it Surprise." Rainbow looked back at her, tears in her eyes.

"You know we became closer after I replaced Misty Fly after she retired, we know what's going on." Blossomforth said looking worrisome for her friend.

Rainbow had become close with Blossomforth and Surprise bunking with them at Wonderbolts on overnight stays or performances. Flare was their other cabinmate, but she just retired.

"What she said reminded you of-" Blossomforth was cut off.

"It didn't remind me of anything, Blossomforth!"
They were all taken aback by this. But Rainbow chimed in with a loud yet quiet

"Sorry for yelling... but please give me some time alone."
They watched as Rainbow flew to the dorms sighed and went back to the meeting.

"I'm worried for her, Surprise..."

"Me too, Blossom, me too..."

Fluttershy was in her cabin when Discord popped up with the apples, right around the time of Rainbow bailing on the meeting.

"I got you those apples Fluttershy."
She slowly got up from the couch as Angel hopped off of her.

"Thanks, Discord."

"No problem and I need to talk to you about something."

"After I feed the animals we can tal-"

"Fluttershy I think I like you like you."

"Wh-" he cut her off.

"But I know you can't feel the same way as your door doesn't swing towards me does it Flutters..."

"... It can swing both ways Discord, but it doesn't swing towards you... where did this stem from-"
Discord let out a heavy sigh.

"I've been hiding this for years and after a talk with a friend I knew I needed to tell you otherwise in the future I'd be hurting not only myself... but you."
Fluttershy was taken aback, she knew she had a good connection with Discord but never saw this in him.

"Thanks... for telling me Discord, if you ever need to just talk as a friend I'm not leaving here anytime soon."
Fluttershy laughed for the first time in a month. Discord smiled and went into the kitchen to put away the apples along with a few other groceries.

Stygian sighed as he studied the books throughout the Crystal Library. Of course, there wasn't much on the pony of shadows, as it was passed off as a ghost story, and even made appearances in old shows like Red Sorena, and lot's of times it was metaphorical.

"Hey Stygian, how's the categorizing the scrolls been holding you up?"
Stygian flinched as Sunburst walked into the room, he hadn't gotten many done today before reveling into possible books on The Pony of Shadows, he couldn't find a connection.

"The scrolls have been confusing..."

"Well you did well yesterday, I'm sure you'll fully catch on soon."
Stygian sighed and tried to get back into scrolls as Sunburst walked out.

The Pony of Twilights continued to walk around in the void, each plan or any remote idea she had she gained bigger, at this point, it was hard to recognize Twilight's shape, you could probably pick up on it if they were a close friend. But Twilight didn't have those anymore, they had their own lives... without her. She thought her connection with them was strong, but it all shattered like glass in an instance This thought caused the "Twilight" around Twilight to expand around her. She was barely recognizable as the Twilight deep inside screamed and pinkish smoked poured out of her eyes.

"I will see you all again, mark my words."