Ghosts of The Past

by JeSuisLaPorte

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Drama, Original Character, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Apple Fritter, Braeburn
Length: 37505

It's just a short trip to Appleloosa. There's nothing to worry about.

Traveling somewhere away from home is a daunting endeavor for Olive, but to do so without her mother around? It's downright scary!

And worst of all, she has to remain there for an entire week. But maybe she can overcome her initial fear of traveling alone with only her sister for help. Maybe, if it wasn't for an unexpected guest finding himself hopelessly lost in Appleloosa.

An injured stallion heading who knows where stumbled upon the town, seeking shelter. This pony, however, has quite the bad record and only Olive knows about his crimes. Only she can save the town from somepony who used to follow her maniacal father around.

To make matters worse, another ghost returned to haunt her during this dreadful week. A giant in shackles without a single trace of life in his eyes has arrived to further torment her stay.

No time to cower anymore. It's her time to be the hero again.

Published 2024-02-08 01:10:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-03-19 15:48:13 UTC

1. Out of my Comfort Zone

This was it, the moment she’s been dreading for weeks. The worst moment of her life. The scariest and the most stressful too. Olive had so much time to prepare and yet, when it came, it nearly paralysed her. When she woke up that morning, she felt her stomach turning inside out. Sweat dripped down her forehead, her entire body feeling uncomfortable. She wished she could just press an imaginary button that’ll skip one week ahead, so that she doesn’t face what awaited her.

Now standing on the train station, she tried her best to stop her hooves from trembling. The morning sun slowly raised, casting an amber light on the incoming train. Her saddlebag was heavy, further adding some weight onto her soul. She looked to her mother for help, tugging on her tail to get her attention.

Applejack looked at her, the mare’s eyes emanating such kindness and compassion. The earth pony lowered her head and nuzzled the filly before speaking softly. “Is somethin’ wrong, sugar cube?”

Olive nickered, hugging the earth pony with all her strength. “I don’t wanna go, mommy.”

Her mother gave a reassuring smile. “Don’t be scared. It’ll only be for a week. Plus, yer big sister’s comin’ with ya to watch over you.” Apple Bloom raised her head high, smiling proudly. She puffed her chest, fully embracing her role as a big sister, something she never got to experience prior to meeting Olive.

The pink unicorn stood on her hind leg, nuzzling her mother faster. “But I want to come with you!”

Applejack sighed, caressing her daughter’s mane. “Ya know ya can’t. Where Ah’m goin’s dangerous and... Ah can’t put ya in danger ‘gain. Ah already did far too many times. Ah think it’s fo’ ta best if ya learn to be away from me from time-to-time. It’ll make ya more independent.”

Olive whimpered, lowering her head. She felt her mother’s lips gently kiss her forehead. Each gesture of affection raised her morale more. Now, she only has to keep enough of that affection stored within her soul for one week. Should her reservoir go empty, she’ll curl up in a ball and cry for the rest of the trip.

“Ah love ya, sugar cube. Don’t get it wrong.” Applejack said, smiling sadly.

“I know. I love you too, mommy.” Olive said as she reached to kiss her mother on her freckled cheek. Her mother chuckled.

“It’ll seem scary at first, but ya’ll get used to it. It’s just how life works. There's nothin’ scary out there.” Applejack wasn’t sure if that last sentence was meant for her or for her daughter. The memory of that fateful evening she first met the filly was still fresh in her mind. A haunting reminder of what that poor thing went through to get to this point. But at least, the horrors she went through in the past won't ever be bested any time soon. The worst was behind them.

She didn’t show it, but leaving the filly alone for an entire week was just as stressful to her. But, as she learned with Apple Bloom, she can’t be overprotective. That’s not what this little unicorn needs, even if she clammered for it. Olive needs to become more independant.

If she stays like that, it'll only harm her in the future. This was a learning experience, a very important one.

The train came to a stop. Its doors opened and many passengers left. Olive watched the nauseating wave of ponies coming and going before feeling something touch her hind legs.

“Don’t forget yer luggage! Ah packed ya some meals for ta week.” Applejack informed, letting the filly levitate her luggage as she hesitantly entered the train with Apple Bloom, feeling her body shiver with each step she took away from mommy. The small unicorn glanced back one last time at her mother waving her goodbye right as the doors closed.

She quickly jumped on one of the seats and looked out the window. The train started moving, and the filly saw her mother slowly disappearing out of sight before the sunrise. “Mommy...”

Apple Bloom jumped on the seat, hugging her gently in the hopes it would ease her sister's anxieties.. “Don’t ya worry, sis! Cousin Braeburn’s super nice! Ya’ll love ‘im, Ah’m sure! Plus, there's also Apple Fritter and she's way into ta young Apples!”

Olive moaned, dropping on her flank. She pulled her big sister closer, holding her tightly.

Apple Bloom smiled, patting her little sister. “It’ll be fine! Ah used to be scared of travelin’ mahself, but Ah got it over quick after mah first visit to Appleloosa. It’s not as scary as ya think, lemme tell ya!”

She opened her saddlebag and took out two Cutie Mark Crusaders capes. She placed hers on, then Olive’s. “Remember, no matter how scary things get, Cutie Mark Crusaders never give in to fear. We’re in this together.”

Olive smiled thankfully, keeping her worried eyes on the window. The train ride was long, taking at least 8 hours. They were both given the bits necessary to pay for the food on board, though it wouldn’t fix the biggest problem these two had to face, boredom. And for Olive, the threat of having a heart attack. Seriously, she didn’t know if she could survive eight hours of this. She can’t hug her sister the entire way through, her forelegs would tire out!

Eventually, she broke the hug, opting to always stay by her. If Apple Bloom’s got to go to the bathroom, she’ll sit by the door and wait, maybe even stay inside.

“Hey, now that Ah just got ta idea.” Apple Bloom reached for her saddlebag again, pulling out a bow. “Ah wanna see how ya look with this on.” Placing the bow on her sister’s head, the earth pony took a step back and admired the adorable new look. “Hey! It looks great!”

Olive whined, feeling a new wave of anxiety building up. When it erupted, it almost made her want to shed a tear. “I don’t want it.” she moaned, taking the bow off with one quick swipe.

“Okay then... how ‘bout a book? It’ll help ya forget.” The young earth pony opened her sister’s saddlebag which contained a saddlebook, small enough to fit in a saddlebag! “Ah heard this book’s super sweet and cute!”

Olive eyeballed the saddlebook before levitating it. “Okay...”

The train ride was long, but the book helped in calming her nerves, though the anxiety persisted still. Going to someplace she’s never been to, away from her precious mommy, sleeping in a bed she’s not familiar with. Oh boy, it was stressful just to think about! It got so bad that she started to wish that this ride would never end just so that she wouldn't have to face the ominous future.

Every time she slept in a bed she wasn’t familiar with, it always led to insomnia, the worst thing ever. Spending eight hours turning and rolling in bed, waiting for morning to come is mentally agonising. She wished she could fall asleep easily or else it’ll be multiple days of being drained of her vitality, further prolonging her suffering. That feeling only got worse ever since she found a permanent home in Sweet Apple Acre.

Just thinking about it made her sweat. Oh, where was mommy when she needed her most? The more time she poured into that thought, the more she fed her fears. It got to the point that they were now on full display. Halfway through her book, she couldn’t focus anymore. Her breaths were fast and ragged, her eyes wide open and her forehead sweaty.

“Olive, are ya alright?” Apple Bloom asked. She didn’t know what to do. What words could calm her sister down? What gestures can make her feel safe? Oh, where was her older sister when she needed her? Applejack knew best how to deal with Olive's fears and traumas. Having no idea what to do, she opted to embrace her sister, hoping it would suffice.

Olive was slightly soothed by her sister’s tender love, but even something this powerful couldn’t beat her anxiety. Looking out the window, she could see the vegetation slowly changing, going from a cozy forest to an arid plain. They were approaching Appleloosa, slowly. Her eyes moved to the clock on the wagon. Four hours had passed, and four more were left in this torturous ride.

“I can’t do it.” She exclaimed in defeat, dropping her book.

“Yes, ya can!” Apple Bloom rebutted. “We’re in this together, remember? Ah won’t let anythin’ happen to ya.”

Beautiful words, but can she help her with her insomnia? That remained to be seen and until then, her worries were here to stay to the very end of the day. It is just for one day, she had to reassure. After that, things will get better. Maybe it will, that is, if she can believe her own words.

Finally, they’re here. Appleloosa, the town her mother spoke so much about this past week. Even with this knowledge, Olive was terrified to her core. She didn’t know why, but seeing the looks of the town, so different from Ponyville, so alien to her, it stressed her out. The building were all wooden, having a different architecture from the houses of Ponyville. The terrain around the town was yellow and deserted. None of the natural beauty of her home remained. It felt like she stepped into another planet. The filly stared at this unfamiliar location, unwilling to step out the train. Now that was a funny feeling.

She’s spent so much time in the train that she was now more comfortable in it than outside. Olive would rather spend a week in there rather than Appleloosa, no offense to the ponies who live there.

“C’mon, we’re finally ‘ere!” Apple Bloom exclaimed excitedly, springing back to life the moment the train stopped. She picked up her luggage and gestured her little sister to do the same.

Olive nickered but did exactly what had to be done. She followed her big sister closely despite her mind begging her to stay. There’s no use in going against her mother’s wishes. She must stay in Appleloosa whether she liked it or not.

Stepping out, the pink filly noticed many Appleloosan waiting at the station. The most striking feature of these ponies had to be their cowboy hats. Practically all of them had one of various shape and size. Her mommy wasn’t kidding when she said that the ponies there are like the Apples! Meaning, she’ll be the odd one out. Perhaps the only pony here without the accent?

“There! That’s cousin Braeburn!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, pointing at a yellow stallion wearing a cowboy hat and attire. He had the full kit unlike the other townsfolk.

Olive titled her head to get a better view of the stallion’s cutie mark. Sure enough, it was an apple, the mark of her family, the best one in Equestria mind you.

“Howdy, Apple Bloom!” Braeburn greeted, hugging the small earth pony. He glanced over her flank, blinking. “Oh, Ah see ya still... well, nevermind tha’.”

Apple Bloom’s smiled dropped. “Yeah, Ah know. Still no cutie mark.” Looking at her little sister, her mood was lifted. “But Ah do ‘ave somethin’ much better than a cutie mark!”

“’Bout time Ah finally meet ta new Apple!” Braeburn turned his attention onto the newcomer. A pink filly he’s learned so much about through his cousin’s letters and of course, through the filly’s greatest achievement which was now widely known throughout all Equestria.

An adorable little hero stood before him, staring at him with her beautiful olive eyes. “Um, h-hey-”

“Why, hello there lil filly! Ah heard lots ‘bout ya! Hay, Ah could even say Ah was dyin’ to meet ya! Mah name’s Braeburn, but Ah’m sure ya already knew that.” Without giving her a second to breathe, he reached a hoof to shake hers.

Slightly taken aback, Olive awkwardly touched his and shook it mechanically. “Um, m-my name’s Olive Apple.”

Immediately, the stallion’s eyes converged to one spot on her body, that being of course, the most unflattering spot. Olive moaned, avoiding his eyes as she was tempted to cover it immediately. The residents of Ponyville were used to it, but not Appleloosa. She hoped it wouldn’t attract much unwanted attention. Her face grew warm as she decided not to cover her scar.

Braeburn’s bubbly attitude quickly faded as he struggled to find the right words. He was torn between feeling apologetic and gushing over the filly’s adorable sound. “Oh, and, uh, Ah do know ‘bout most of what ya went through s-so... Ah’m sorry.”

Now that confused the little filly. Sorry? Sorry about what? It's not like he did anything to her. “It’s fine. I’m okay now.”

Braeburn couldn’t help but smile. When her cousin Applejack described the filly as “ta sweetest thing in ta whole world”, he believed her. Simply meeting that soft look in her beautiful olive eyes lifted his spirit. Fearful, nervous eyes, but with a hint of perseverance and determination. “Ah don’t doubt it.”

“Of course!” Apple Bloom added. “Mah sister ‘ere is a superhero! She fought and defeated Anarchy alongside three princesses!” She puffed her chest, proudly presenting her sister to her cousin. She couldn’t be happier to have Olive as a sister. A filly that’s so compassionate, so full of heart yet also strong and willing to fight in the direst of circumstances. Now that was what a Cutie Mark Crusaders should embody!

“Yeah, Ah can see she’s also a crusader like ya!” Braeburn added, glancing at the pink filly’s makeshift cape.

Olive smiled as she adorably presented her cape. “I-I didn’t make this cool cape.” she thought to add. How humble of her.

The stallion leaned closer. “Maybe not, but Ah heard yer a little artist! Ya make clay models of ponies?”

“Well, um, y-yes. I-I do it... sometime, about ponies I like.” The filly’s face turned red as her eyes avoided those of the stallion.

“Then maybe ya’ll make one of me eventually!” He patted the filly on the head. "Ah'm sure we'll get along just fine!"

Just then, he noticed a stallion eyeballing Olive as he left the train. He moved away, constantly glancing over his shoulder.

Braeburn blinked, suddenly remembering a very important fact. The filly’s power to transform, that was in the newspaper for entire days. Ponies kept talking about “the monster filly” but that thankfully died down after Anarchy’s demise. Now, Olive is being viewed in a more favorable light, though that doesn’t mean everypony openly accepted her as a hero. Everypony's afraid of monsters, no matter how nice and sweet they seem on the outside.

Some were still irked by the mere existence of the monster, despite having never seen it before. He just hoped that Appleloosa won’t treat his new cousin horribly for that. It’s his town, it’s got to make a good impression.

Inside the now repaired castle of Canterlot. Princess Luna wandered the halls, her eyes glued to a letter she had just received this morning from a very anxious pony. Reading through its content, she couldn’t help but smile. It reminded her so much of her youth.

Following Tirek's rampage through Equestria, the Canterlot dungeons were busted down, freeing all the inmates. Interestingly enough, not all of them fled the city. Some of the locked up Anarchists willingly stayed in their cell even when the bars were torn open. That gave Luna an idea.

She turned her attention to the stained glasses of this hall, particularly on the newest one. Each depicted Equestria’s greatest triumphs against evil and recently, a new one appeared, Anarchy’s demise at the hooves of his own daughter. Behind the mad stallion laid the triumphant transformed filly standing beneath the sun. That was quite the show, a sigh she'll never ever forget.

Her recent visit of Olive led to something unexpected, the filly began writing to her on a weekly basis, detailing the most important things she did as well as her worries. It was cute and heartwarming to the lunar princess who never truly had some correspondence before. She began to feel like her older sister, constantly reading and writing back to her students although, Luna wasn’t sure if she should get a student of her own.

Well, if she ever changed her mind, Olive would be a good start.

“Another letter from Olive?”

Princess Luna nodded, too absorbed in its content to pay much attention to her sister.

“It would appear you now have a faithful student.” Princess Celestia mused, stopping before the stained glass.

“Certainly, I wasn’t expecting a letter this soon. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be urgent matter, well, at least not to Equestria as a whole.” Luna remarked.

Her sister blinked, sticking her head out to peek at the letter. “Oh? Something’s wrong with her?”

Noticing her sister attempting to peek, Luna moved the letter closer to her. “No, she’s simply traveling to Appleloosa. She must really love Sweet Apple Acre if she’s that scared of traveling.”

“Didn’t you tell me she used to travel often with her father?” Celestia pointed out.

Luna skimmed through the note. “That I did. Then again, she’s changed a lot in just a month. I almost believed I was speaking to a different pony when I met her in pony after the battle.”

The two alicorns heard hoofsteps slowly approaching them, though one of the hooves in question sounded different. It was lighter, not cladded in armor like the other one. Captain Mango emerged from the dungeon, now accustomed to his sturdy wooden leg. He saluted the two alicorns with his wooden leg. “Princess Luna, the two inmates you requested are now ready to leave for Appleloosa.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Inmates?”

Princess Luna’s eyes widened. “Oh, well that’s a bit of a problem now. It appears we have a certain visitor coming to Appleloosa. One that might not jive with the two inmates in question.”

The captain blinked, quickly catching onto the problem. “Oh! Olive’s going to Appleloosa?”

“Lulu, must I assume this is one of your efforts to reform the Anarchists?” Celestia asked calmly, but not without having a little bit of disapproval in her voice.

In response, her younger sister raised a determined hoof. “Naturally. I see some good in the ones that didn’t flee during Tirek’s rampage. I believe that, with enough time and effort, they can contribute greatly to society. Their resolve and strength are considerable, if only they could place them in the right places.”

Princess Celestia smiled. “I suppose you’ll want to achieve this by yourself. In which case, I’ll let you handle their cases.” The taller alicorn left the two ponies to discuss the problem, heading towards her throne.

“Okay then, should I call the operation off? Maybe bring the inmates someplace else.”

Luna shook her head. “No, just... give me a minute to think about it.” Her eyes returned to the stained glass, more specifically, the transformed filly on it. Her triumphant pose over the evil carcass of her father was inspiring. A tale sure to traverse the succeeding generations about the heroic deed of one unicorn filly with an iron will. Weeks have passed since then, maybe Olive has buried the hatchet. Maybe he has too.

“We’re sticking to the original plan.” She finally announced to the surprised captain. “Though I will ask you to keep a close eye on them. We shall see if I’m right. If things go wrong, don’t hesitate to do whatever is necessary to keep our subjects safe, understood?”

“Aye aye, princess.”

Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher. Oh dear... I’m fairly certain of the outcome and yet, I can’t help but fear the worst. Let’s hope they prove the world wrong for once.

Appleloosa was a vastly different town from Ponyville. The architecture, the heat, the land, this place could only be described as the total opposite of her favorite town ever. Even the ponies there were different. Every time she heard one of them speak, it was always in the same accent as her family. These ponies lived off apples and rodeo, one of these things being almost deadly to her.

As such, she spent the entire trip here glued to Apple Bloom. Her tail even wrapped around her sister’s. From now on, until they get inside, they were inseparable.

Apple Bloom didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she loved it, citing this gesture as proof they were really good sisters. That, Olive will not deny. Apple Bloom was a great pony to make her feel safe. If Applejack trusted the little earth pony to protect her, then she will trust her sister’s abilities.

Braeburn was stopped by a mare who waved him hello. “Hey, Apple Fritter! Ta new filly’s ‘ere! Come welcome ‘er!”

Olive’s eyes widened, her mouth agape. Not another introduction!

A yellowish mare with a green mane came to greet her. Olive moved to get a better view of her cutie mark. Apple fritters, as expected. Judging by her name alone, she must be part of the Apple family, aka the best family ever.

“Aw, Aj never told me how cute she is!” Apple Fritter gushed. The pink unicorn was surprised to see just how much effect she can cause simply by existing. Adults always gushed over her, even when she was doing absolutely nothing. Was it her eyes? Or perhaps her curious nature that always got her on their good side?

Cousin Braeburn laughed. “Ah’m fairly certain she did! Kept talkin’ ‘bout how much she was proud to raise ‘er!”

Apple Fritter kneeled before the filly. “Hi there! Mah name’s Apple Fritter!” she said in a bubbly voice, sounding almost like a cartoon character talking to their audience.

Internally panicking, Olive glanced over her sister for reassurance. “M-My name’s Olive, um, A-Apple.” She internally screamed at herself for messing her introduction up. That was even worse than with Braeburn!

“D’aw!” Her new cousin patted her head, not minding the fumbled introduction. “Welcome to Appleloosa, Ah’m sure ya’ll come to like it soon enough. It’s a wonderful community, ya’ll see.”

Braeburn nodded in approval. “That it is. We Appleloosan are a tight knit community. Ya don’t have to be anxious ‘round us! We’ll be glad to help ya if anythin’ wrong!”

Feeling the pressure increasing, Olive forced a nervous smile, hoping that they would stop focussing solely on her. She never walked in Ponyville by herself, much less without an adult she trusted. Here in Appleloosa, she’s on her own, even with Apple Bloom around. The less attention she received, the better.

Thankfully, salvation came in the form of Braeburn’s growling stomach. “Ooh, Ah believe it’s time for dinner.”

Dinner came. As her mother predicted, there was mainly apple related meal on the menu hence why she prepared food specifically tailored to avoiding the filly’s allergies. While her sister and cousin feasted on a delicious apple pie, she took out a container and opened it. A delicious and healthy meal awaited her. However, she wished she could at least taste an apple without suffering a terrible allergic reaction. After all, she was an Apple. It’s her namesake and yet, she can’t eat one.

Despite that, her mother had no problem with her specific diet. Olive was a very picky eater; Applejack came to learn that in no time. It was mostly a slow process of elimination until she could write a comprehensive list of what food she could offer to the filly.

Everything that was on that list was now inside her many lunch boxes. She had enough food for the whole week, but unlike her sister and cousin, hers was limited. If she ran out of snacks, she had not much option in Braeburn’s fridge. 80% of what’s in there is a potential death sentence.

And so, she ate her meal quietly, trying her hardest not to look at their plates for fear of being overtaken by jealousy.

I hate this trip... I just want it to end.

Night fell, it was time to go to sleep. Olive and Apple Bloom arrived at their new bedroom for the week. It looked nice and clean which made it slightly more bearable to the pink unicorn. However, there was still the problem of being in an arid, hot land far away from home, in a bed she’s never tucked in before.

She observed the architecture of the bed, feeling her anxiety growing stronger by the minute. The bed was nice, but nowhere near as great as the one she slept in at Sweet Apple Acre. The room was smaller than hers, less decorated. Lastly, and the biggest offender, no plushies. Her nocturnal protectors were missing. She was defenseless, naked here in this unknown town in the middle of nowhere. She looked outside, searching for the moon. The only familiar sight in this place.

It didn’t help much that Apple Bloom couldn’t understand how she felt. Her older sister hopped in the bed, happy to finally rest after a long day of traveling and eating apple pies. She didn’t seem stressed at all! Olive was truly the only one having this problem.

Yawning, her older sister rested her head. “Aren’t ya comin’? Ah’m tired.”

“Okay.” Olive climbed on board, rubbing the blanket to get a feel for it. She didn’t like how it felt at all, it repulsed her. But she had no other choice than to lay in there. Reluctantly, she tucked herself in bed, shivering at the abysmal feeling it gave her.

“Goodnight, ‘sis.”

“Goodnight, Apple Bloom.”

Olive turned to face the open window, gazing at the moon for comfort. It reminded her of Princess Luna, the pony she wrote to often. Hopefully, she’ll get a letter soon, one that’ll ease her mind. Minutes passed and eventually, the pink unicorn decided that now was the time to sleep.

She closed her eyes and waited for the night to take her away.

...

Any second now.

Maybe she’s not in the right pose. Olive rolled, now facing her sleeping sister. She closed her eyes again or else it’ll feel weird to stare at her this close. She thought about many things; her plushes, her favorite toy, Princess Luna... mommy. An unknown amount of time passed. A really long time and yet, nothing.

How many times has she rolled and turned? Probably in the dozens by now. And yet, she can’t sleep. She still felt it, stress and anxiety combined. They grasped her heart and kept their grasp firm, not loosening even for one second.

She was hot, too hot. Olive lowered the blanket, but it only served to make her upper half feel exposed, awkward. So, she pulled it up again and was back to suffering from the heat.

So she kept on thinking about her mommy, Princess Luna and apple pies. Wait, apple pies? Why would she be thinking about apple pies? Cheerilee? Maybe that’s the connection, but it doesn’t help at all with falling asleep nor does it make any sense!

The poor filly moaned, struggling to clear her head. Maybe the problem lied in the fact that she was thinking too much. If she closed her eyes and emptied her head, maybe then could she fall asleep.

Minutes passed and no progress. Emptying her head isn't as easy as she thought. The littlest of movement or feeling will sent her spiraling down an endless staircase of thoughts. She was still wide awake, staring at the moon with her eyes closed. If she opened them, it would undo all the grueling efforts she placed into falling asleep.

Hours passed. How many? Three? Four? Maybe even five? There was only one thing she knew for certain. Her biggest fear had just been realised. She was suffering from insomnia. She was doomed to stay here for hours without being able to do anything. And the next day, she’ll be too tired to enjoy herself.

Stuck here, unable to do anything. Olive longed for home. Never has she longed for it more than now. The images of Sweet Apple Acre flooded her mind. She was homesick, she only wanted to go home. Nothing else mattered right now but home. Her shelter, the one place she wasn't afraid to be in. She missed the green grass, the Apple family orchard, the barn, her friends, all of Ponyville!

Having succumbed to her fears, she whimpered until morning came.

“M-Mommy... Take me home.”

Author's Note

There we go! One of the three sequels I promised for Never Alone is now here! With this chapter alone, I've introduced most of the prominent characters, though three have yet to show up, that should be a fairly easy guess. Anyway, I don't have much to say and I'm hungry, so imma head out and leave you to stare at this Luigi Mansion looking ass font on the cover art.

2. Old Acquaitances

Apple Bloom woke up stretching after a good night’s rest. Revigorated from the long train ride, she was ready to tackle on her first day of this trip at Appleloosa. Excited to be here accompanied by her little sister, she turned to her to wake her up.

But much to her surprise, Olive was already wide awake, staring at her with tired and puffy eyes. There were little wet stains under her eyes. “Oh... I-Is it morning?” she croaked in a weak voice.

“Well, yeah. Ah think it is.” Apple Bloom responded, gazing out the window. The sun was slowly raising over the horizon. The sky was a beautiful amber just like every other autumn days. It was inviting her to go outside and embark on an adventure with her sister! “Well, let’s go get breakfast, sis! There’s so much Ah wanna show ya!”

The young filly jumped out of bed, expecting her sister to share her excitement. If she can just show her how great Appleloosa is, then all her sister’s worries would go away and they will have fun for the entire week!

Instead, Olive sluggishly rose, blinking heavily. She shambled towards the edge of the bed and methodically stepped down. With the light of the sun just peering in their bedroom, Apple Bloom could see the sorry state Olive was in.

The pink unicorn’s eyes were slightly red and puffy accompanied by heavy bags under them. “Hm?” Olive moaned, struggling to keep her eyes open.

“Did ya... get any sleep?” Apple Bloom asked with concern.

“Hm? Oh, m-maybe. M-May...” Olive leaned forward, her head banging against her sister. The filly’s entire weight shifted onto the earth pony until she opened her eyes in surprise. She pulled back, embarrassed. “I-I’m hungry.”

Apple Bloom blinked. Disappointment took a hold of her as she slowly came to the realisation that she could kiss her plans goodbye. Olive was not going to play with her. “Um, ya probably should take a nap. That way, we could explore Appleloosa together.”

“After I eat. I’m hungwy.” The tired filly fumbled. She opened the lights in the room. Big mistake for it blinded her. So she had to leave the bedroom with one hoof covering her poor eyes.

“Well... ya should take a nap after ya eat. Just sayin’...”

It’s hard to eat breakfast when all you want to do is close your eyes, Olive learned that as she struggled to keep her head above her plate. It was so heavy. In fact, her entire body was heavy but not as much as her eyes. It was a battle just to stay awake. The sun was raising which meant that she missed her chance to rest. She wasn’t comfortable with taking naps during the day because it’ll make her miss her day. Therefore, she had to deal with her fatigue for the entire day.

No problem, she’s had it much worse before. Large gashes, broken leg, fractured skull, if she lived through that, she’ll go through this day easily.

“Mornin’ Olive!” That voice startled her. Braeburn’s loud enthusiasm was something she’ll have to learn to deal with. “Oh sorry, Ah didn’t mean to sneak up on ya like that.”

“... fine.” she muttered in a broken voice. The little filly took a bite out of her bowl of oatmeal, chewing at a snail’s pace. Maybe this day was going to be harder than she imagined. Just the first of seven days here in Appleloosa. That’s not even ¼ of the way through. Talk about terrible statistics.

“Well, today’s gonna be a good day, Ah can smell it! Or maybe it’s just the apple pie Ah’m smellin’. Ya’ll see Appleloosa’s in need of a bit of reparation, but don’t ya worry ‘bout it; we’ve got it covered.”

Olive picked her food, not really understanding what Braeburn said. Her mind was too busy dealing with mathematical equations regarding the number of days left. Add on top of that the constant battle with fatigue and that left little room to understand his words.

The pink filly turned her head to look out the window, finding a more comfortable position. She went from sitting to standing on her chair while she ate her bowl of oatmeal.

Meanwhile, Braeburn continued blabbering about things Olive didn’t care about. “We’re gonna get some special workers sent by royalties! They said they’ll get a lot of work done in just a week, can’t wait to see how it’ll go!”

If she was wide awake, she’ll have enough energy to listen and pretend that this was all interesting. But when she’s facing tough times, she has to make some sacrifices. “Cool...”

“Ya bet yer flank that’s cool! Appleloosa’s never got much help from Canterlot. We’re expectin’ a great deal of work to be done by ta end of ta week! Though, they’re only sendin’ us two but we’re supposed to feed them over four ponies worth of food...” Braeburn shrugged. “Ah suppose one of ‘em’s got quite ta appetite! Reminds of mahself when Ah was a teenager. Ah was an apple eatin’ machine!”

Apple Bloom came into the dining room, now wearing her signature bow. “Hey, have ya told mah sister ‘bout ta time ya won an apple pie eatin’ contest?”

“Sure thin’! Oh mare, that brings me back. So...”

Braeburn started his story, but Olive didn’t hear much of it. Her mind was hazy, struggling to grasp the stallion’s story. His words passed through her ears, leaving no mark whatsoever. Her weak eyes were still locked on the window as she ate mindlessly like a zombie.

“... and, uh, is everythin’ alright?”

Olive blinked, her eyes finally meeting Braeburn’s. The stallion finally noticed her sorry state. He muttered something she barely understood before telling her the exact same thing Apple Bloom advised “Ya should take a nap. Ya don’t look too good.” That she acknowledged.

“Hm hm...” Her weak jaw kept on munching on her breakfast, each bite demanding more effort. At this rate, she’ll probably fall asleep before she finished her bowl. Her eyes slowly closed without her notice. Vertigo overtook her as body and mind separated. She no longer felt anything for a moment. That was until a sudden bludgeoning pain awoke her.

When she opened her eyes, she was laying on the floor. The back of her head hurt terribly and to make matters worse, her bowl spilled all over the floor, wasting her nice breakfast. Clutching her head, she whined, already tired of this trip.

“Ooowww...”

Somewhere on the outskirts of Appleloosa, a lone orange coated stallion roamed aimlessly around the arid land. Blood dripped down the open wound on his head. His foreleg ached with every step he took thanks to a large gash. To his knowledge, there was only one town around these parts, his salvation. The foul beasts of the desert were not so kind to him, but he did not let them have their way with him.

He didn’t have much strength left. His mouth was dry, begging for water. The source of life, but in a dead land, there is not much life to be found. The only life around here is wrathful, powerful, it preys on those weaker than it. A hard lesson he had to learn that night. Going south was a terrible idea, one he cursed himself for even having thought about it.

His old allies must have had better luck than him. They’re probably back in the big cities or in a forested area while he got the short hoof of the stick. Should he ever find Appleloosa, he’ll leave within a week to recuperate. These cowboys don’t know much about the world out there, they shouldn’t know who he is. The perfect town to hide for a while. He’ll leave it a parting gift, to thank it for its convenient location.

His red eyes widened upon seeing a pointy shape in the distance. A shape unlike the endless boulders and mountains of this region. A building. He had found it, Appleloosa. There was water there, lots of food and of course, pretty ponies. The perfect resting place before he’ll give in to his vices once again only this time, Anarchy won’t be around to put him on a leash.

Still, he wished he could have gotten these fifteen maids Celestia proposed. In hindsight, he was probably being played by both leaders. They wanted to get rid of him and yet, both failed.

“Found you...”

Approaching the town, he felt his muscles weakening. They wanted to give up just before the finish line! His head was throbbing with pain, his vision hazy. “W-Water...” His voice was weak, far removed from its once prideful nature. If only he had wings, he could have found Appleloosa much quicker, sparing him all this suffering.

The townsfolk took notice of his arrival. They were shocked to say the least. A dehydrated and bloodied stallion showed up on their doorsteps, begging for water.

Apple Fritter leaned over him, checking the extent of the stallion’s injuries. “Caramel, bring some water, quick! He really needs some!”

The weakened pony raised his head weakly. A subtle smile formed on his face upon seeing the beauty of the mare before him. She was no maid, but those pretty little bows on her mane got him riled up. I’m staying here for the week. Got a bucket list to fill before I leave.

“Sir, can ya ‘ear me?”

He opened his mouth to answer, but all that came out of him was a pathetic puff that sounded like a deflating tire. Simply opening his mouth was painful. His throat was sore, oh so sore. He probably didn’t have long to live. If only that damn Caramel could hurry up and bring him his much-deserved glass of water. He did not come this far to die now.

Apple Fritter gestured at Caramel to hurry up with the bucket of water. Once he arrived, she picked up the bucket and gingerly poured its content in the open mouth of the bloodied stallion. “Here ya go. Drink up.”

Never before had he found water this tasty. When deprived of the source of life, he found it even tastier than a good cup of apple cider and Widow’s Wine. He chugged the entire bucket down in one swing and even then, he was thirsty for more.

Apple Fritter stood up and turned around to call for help. The bloodied stallion had the best point of view in the moment, for her hindquarter was all up in his face. It made his desires grow stronger. Strong enough to convince him to stay at Appleloosa longer. Long enough to get his strength back and long enough to take a bite out of her.

After all, they didn’t seem to know who he was. It’ll be too easy without any opposition. He’ll left his mark and move on somewhere else. Maybe Las Pegasus, lots of good places to hang around. “P-Please, I need to rest. I’m tired.”

He cackled internally. With how weak his body had grown, he didn’t have to fake weakness. Apple Fritter took him to her home and let him rest in her own bed. Such kindness, it’s a shame that not every pony is deserving of hospitality. Especially not those who walked under the shadow of Anarchy for even in death, the evil unicorn’s nefarious deeds spread.

Those who are guided by their desires alone become monsters. They live only to serve their vices like slaves to their master. They carry the eyes of a predator. Unassuming at first, but the moment you take your eyes off them, they pounce.

But not yet, not when he’s weak. He had all the time in the world to pounce. Like any good predator, he shall wait until the moment comes.

The beautiful mare returned with a first aid kit. “Let me patch ya up. Ya look like ya went through Tartarus.” And add on top of that the accent.

The bloodied stallion chuckled. “There’s... nothing out there.”

Apple Fritter smiled sadly. “Indeed, we rely solely on our apple trees for food. Other than that, we do have a nice lake nearby. It’s a miracle it even exists!” She bandaged his wounds, starting with the large gash on his foreleg. Then, she moved up to his bleeding head. “Don’t move now. Ah’ll be gentle, Ah promise.”

He smiled, feeling a little excited. “You’re pretty good.” he muttered. “Have you done this before?”

Apple Fritter giggled. “No, not really but thanks a bunch! Ah hope Ah’m not hurtin’ ya.”

He chuckled, rubbing his injured foreleg. “It’s nothing! I can handle the pain, I’m a tough stallion if you couldn’t tell.”

“Ah can see that. Ah’ve only really seen bison survive out in ta south outside Appleloosa. We don’t leave town on hoof for a reason.” Apple Fritter responded, finishing the last bandage on her patient. She took a step back to make sure she didn’t miss any injuries. “Looks good. Ah’ll bring ya somethin’ to eat. You must be hungry.”

Laying comfortably in her bed, the stallion smiled. “Rightfully so.”

At exactly noon, the distant howl of a train caught the attention of the whole town. The promised workers Luna sent them were now here. All gathered near the station, which included Olive and Apple Bloom.

The small unicorn scrubbed her eyes, trying to keep them open. It took great effort just to stand before the incoming train. She wasn’t interested in it at all, the only thing she wanted was to break from the crowd and spend some time alone with her big sister, the only pony she can reliably trust.

She watched as the train came to a stop. The door opened shortly after and who came out of there surprised her to say the least. Tall, muscular and clad in royal armor. It didn’t take long for Olive to recognise who he was thanks to his wooden leg. The batpony captain of the royal guard. “Captain Mango...”

Braeburn leaned close to her so she could hear the filly amidst the drowning noise of the crowd. “Ya know ‘im?”

Olive nodded. “He helped us fight Anarchy!” She said brightly, before her smile disappeared upon looking at the wooden leg. “But he lost his leg when the monster bit it off.”

The stallion cringed, imagining how agonising it must feel to lose a leg like that. “Well, he seems to be doin’ well, all things considered.”

Mostly, for he wasn’t the biggest fan of the day, and especially the sun. His sensitive eyes were harassed by the bright light of the golden star, forcing him to squint as he stepped out. “Okay, everypony. Give us some space, we’re gonna need a WHOLE lotta space for us.” He waved his wooden leg around to get the crowd to disperse.

Everypony moved out the way, except for one. Captain Mango noticed a little pink unicorn with freckles staring back at him with pity. How could he ever forget that filly? If it wasn’t for her, he probably wouldn’t be standing here. He grinned as he flew to the small pony. “Hey! If it isn’t Olive! Princess Luna told me you’d be here!” His grin quickly faded as he noticed two things wrong with her; that being her tired eyes and the pitiful look she was giving him. “Hey now, what’s wrong?”

Olive responded by pointing at his wooden leg, keeping her soft gaze of compassion on him. It tugged at his heartstrings. “Oh, that? Don’t worry about it. I’m managing just fine without it.”

“But you’ll never get back your leg!”

Mango chuckled weakly. “I know. The same way your scar will forever remain on you; I've learned to deal with mine, partly because of you.” He rubbed her mane playfully before standing up. “And just so I don’t forget, I’ll give you Princess Luna’s letter right now.”

The crowd gasped, all except for Apple Bloom. Olive smiled brightly.

Mango hoofed the letter to the young filly, letting her levitate it. “Alright, I’m going back to work. Catch me later, I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Bye, Captain Mango.” she said softly. Olive glanced at the letter, feeling her heartbeat slow down to a more acceptable level. Never had she been happier to receive a letter from her favorite princess. In an unfamiliar place full of new faces, simply seeing the writing of a pony she idolised eased her worries.

But before she could read it, she noticed Mango waving over to the passengers of the train. None of them left at all in fact. Who else could be with the batpony? More royal guards perhaps? But then, why was the train much bigger than the one they took yesterday?

“Stand back, everypony. Tis a big one.” Mango announced, looking over his shoulder. He took a few step back and shouted, “Terminus! Everypony gets off.”

A few seconds later, the train rumbled, shifting from left to right as something gigantic slowly made its way outside. A few grunts were heard from inside, most likely the other royal guards struggling to maintain their hoofing.

Olive watched in bathed breath, wondering who could be accompanying the nice captain. Who she saw, however, was the last pony she ever wanted to come across. The moment she saw his face, she froze. It was as if lightning struck her brain, shutting it down entirely. The world turned to black. All there was now, was him and her. Strong Hoof and Olive.

Missing his plumbing cap, the behemoth raised his ugly head, full of burnt scars. His eyes were tired just like hers, only redder. His mane was longer and messier, blacker even. His cutie mark was simply gone. A single powerful scarlet eye slowly moved towards her, projecting a dark spotlight above her.

“Hey, big guy. Ya finally got some room to stretch your dogs, ay?” Mango mused, oblivious to the terror in the filly’s eyes.

Olive was in shock, struggling to breathe. She could barely hear the frightened screams of her sister and the horrified gasps of the crowd as they hurried back from the goliath. Her body trembled before the white giant. This was too soon! She wasn’t ready to fight him again! Not ready to be thrusted in the fight of her life for the third time!

And then another stepped out. The mare that once feasted on her leg was there, Dreamcatcher. Unlike Strong Hoof, she wasn’t injured but her ponytail was gone. Her mane was carried by the wind, covering almost her entire face except for her cold, dead purple eye. A lifeless eye that rested upon the pink filly.

Both were staring at her with undecipherable expressions. Regret, bitterness, hostility, hatred, fear? She couldn’t tell and it made her even more scared. Danger came to Appleloosa! Her cousins were in danger, her big sister was in danger, Mango was in danger, SHE was in danger!

Sweat dripped down her head as her breaths got heavier. Her tired eyes had no problem staying wide open.

Mango muttered something to her, but she couldn’t hear it. She couldn’t see him even. Her vision was blurry, unable to focus on anything anymore. The world spun around and the next thing she knew, her face landed on the floor.

“S-Sis? H-Hey, are ya alright ‘sis?”

“Oh crap, we’re losing her, guys!”

And then her eyes closed.

When Olive opened her eyes, it was as if no time has passed. And yet, she was back in Braeburn’s house, in their bedroom. She rubbed her eyes, feeling revigorated as she lifted her head, confused. The image of the two dangerous ponies came back to mind and she gasped, remembering the danger that had just come to Appleloosa. Looking around the room, she found her big sister sitting on the bed, watching over her.

“A-Apple Bloom! Strong Hoof... h-he's here!” she cried out in terror. “Th-They’re here! They’re going to kill us, the-”

Apple Bloom pressed a hoof against her sister’s mouth, hushing her. “It’s okay. There’s no danger.” She pulled her sister closer for a hug. “Don’t be scared.”

Olive’s breaths slowed, staring at the ceiling in desperate confusion.

“Are ya feelin’ alright, sis?” Apple Bloom asked in concern. “Ya had us worried when ya passed out.”

Olive jumped back on her hooves, feeling stronger after this impromptu nap. “What’s going on? Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher are here! Why is there no danger?” She hopped out of bed and put on her crusader’s cape as a makeshift superhero costume.

“What’re ya doin’?”

Olive took a deep breath. “I have to see what they’re up to. If they’re up to no good, then... then I have to save Appleloosa.”

Apple Bloom smiled. It was nice to hear that her little sister was willing to fight for this town despite having only spent a day there. “It’s fine, Olive. Captain Mango told us they’re only ‘ere to help Appleloosa with all sorts of renovations. Strong Hoof is, um, not dangerous anymore or so he said.”

The pink unicorn couldn’t what she had just heard. “S-Strong Hoof is... not dangerous anymore?”

“Y-Ya. Luna even said so... in ‘er letter. Um, sorry for reading it by ta way.” Apple Bloom sheepishly admitted, hoofing the letter over to her little sister.

Olive levitated it absently, completely lost in her confused thoughts. She stared at the letter with her curious eyes, placing all faith in Princess Luna. The princess might have done some wrong in the past, but she was super smart. She knew what she was doing, surely this letter would clear up any confusion.

Dear Olive,

I understand that traveling to another town seems dauting to you, but I assure you that this experience will be a very important one. Traveling is a part of our lives after all, and the sooner you explore places other than Ponyville, the less scared you’ll be. I know things seems bad for you at the moment, but they’ll get better, don’t worry. On another note, I will admit that writing letters to you is very fun. It is rare that I can write to a pony who can understand what I feel, much less one that sees beauty in my royal duties.

Nevertheless, I must inform you that I have sent two of our prisoners to Appleloosa; that being Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher. I know of your history with them, and I’m sorry for it, but I assure you they’re slowly getting better. In fact, they haven’t caused us any problems whatsoever for these past weeks. I like to believe that there are some good in them, that they can be brought back into the light.

Again, I’m sorry if that causes you any worries. Mango and his troops will keep an eye on them at all times, so there’s no risk of them causing any harm to you or Appleloosa.

I hope you enjoy your stay at Appleloosa,

Princess Luna

Olive read the note many times, finding comfort in the princess’s writing.

“See? Everypony ‘ere is fine. If ya want, Ah can take ya to Mango if that’ll make ya feel better.”

Going back outside, Olive noticed a shift in the air. The ponies of Appleloosa all talked about the two inmates and the royal guards. They were apparently at the local bar, the guards that is. The white behemoth and the French mare were sitting outside at the back, peering in the distance.

The two fillies were approached by a mare they saw yesterday. Apple Fritter waved them hello. “Hey, Olive! Glad to know yer okay. Ah was worried for a moment that ya got sick or worse.”

“I’m fine. I was just, um, really tired.”

Apple Fritter giggled. “Oh, aren’t ya just precious! Still, if there’s anythin’ wrong, don’t be afraid to come to me!” She patted the filly on the head before returning to her occupations.

For the two fillies, all that was left now was to find Captain Mango and sure enough, where there was cider, there was him.

But just before they could enter, Strong Hoof turned his attention to them. His scarlet eyes clashing with the filly’s olive eyes. Again with that blank expression, Olive didn’t know what to do, so she ran inside, hoping that he wouldn’t suddenly attacked. She was after all responsible for getting him locked in a dungeon, broken and battered. He had more than enough reasons to rip her to pieces. The monster wasn’t fast enough to stop him if he did.

Despite having two dangerous criminals nearby, the atmosphere in the bar was pleasant. Ponies chatting happily, dancing around without a care in the world.

Sure enough, Captain Mango and his fellow royal guards were all sitting at a table, drinking and laughing. They weren’t keeping an eye on the prisoners! Olive panicked, looking out the window at the unsupervised behemoth. “They’re not looking, they’re not looking!” she gasped. “Apple Bloom, we must warn them!”

The two fillies ran to their table and Olive tugged on Mango’s tail, startling him.

“Oh, gee- Hey! Speaking of our star, there she is!” The other guards’ eyes lit up upon seeing the small filly at their table. “Come on, fillies, take a seat with us!” He tapped on the two empty chairs.

Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. “Ya sure we’re old enough to be havin’ a drink?”

Mango laughed. “’f course not! We’re getting you two something other than cider. Hey, waiter! Give them a glass of milk, will ya?”

Olive jumped on her seat. “Captain Mango! You’re not keeping an eye on Strong Hoof!”

The batpony captain patted her on the head with his wooden leg. “Oh, don’t worry! These two are docile! Won’t even hurt a fly! They’ve been like this ever since you took down Anarchy.”

The other guards nodded excitedly. “Never thought the pony that took down this monster was such a cutie!” It was weird to see these otherwise stone-faced guards crack before a filly. In fact, Apple Bloom never saw them look this alive before. They really are different when off duty.

Olive kept her eyes on the stallion’s wooden leg to the point it became abundantly clear she wanted to say something.

“Still worried about my leg? Or are you just curious to know how it feels to walk with a wooden leg?”

Olive’s eyes widened upon being found out. She blushed, awkwardly looking away much to the captain’s amusement. “U-Um...”

“Well, it’s weird lemme tell you that! But you get used to it eventually. It’s not that different from a normal leg.” Mango took a big sip from his cup and burped. “Hey, waiter! Are their glasses coming or what?”

A nervous stallion carefully rushed to them with two glasses of milk ready. “S-Sorry for the delay.”

“Hey come on now, no preferential treatment. Our cups can wait, ya know?” Mango said, softening his voice.

Olive wasted no time chugging down her glass in three quick gulps. There truly was no better drink than milk in this world.

Apple Bloom waited a bit, having some questions on her mind. “So, yer serious ‘bout ‘em? They haven’t tried to escape?”

The batpony chuckled. “Nope! I’ll even say they’re our best prisoners yet! No attacks, no attempts to break out, listen to every order to perfection. It’s no wonder Princess Luna saw so much potential in them. She believes they can be reformed, sorta like Discord.”

Olive blinked, putting down her cup. “Th-They’re not evil anymore?”

Mango nodded. “Yeah, but I wouldn’t recommend you go near him. He might look like a mindless machine, but I assure you there are still some thoughts running through that head. He won’t take it well if you try to bother him.”

“Don’t even think about it, cowboy.”

Olive and Apple Bloom froze. Strong Hoof spoke, loudly! Gazing through the window, the royal guards saw a pale Sheriff Silverstar backing away from the goliath. Groaning, Mango took a sip of his nice apple cider. “See? Treat them with no respect and they’ll bark. Though I don’t believe that’ll be a problem for you, Olive. You’ve got a nice heart, kid.”

Olive lowered her eyes, moaning. “I still hate him...”

This made the captain’s smile falter. “I know, I’m not asking you to like him. Just to tolerate his presence, okay? I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong, not just for Princess Luna’s sake, but for yours as well. Got it?”

The pink filly gave a thankful smile. “You have a nice heart too, Captain Mango.”

Author's Note

And we're back! Not just I, but Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher too! And in case you were wondering, yes, the injured stallion is the spokespony seen in chapter 40.
I'm glad y'all liked the first chapter. Nice to see some familiar faces coming back for more. I got most of the important plotpoints down, just need to structure them in a satisfying way.

Oh, well, since I'm here, might as well give another fun fact regarding Never Alone! Captain Mango wasn't mean to be much initially. He was just a drunken side character meant for some light comedy. But of course, as the story went on and became much more than I anticipated, I started developping characters outside of the main ones much more. Thus, Mango became more than a simple comic relief character and I honestly really like him now. Enough to have given him the final blow against Anarchy and a prominent role in this story! It's part of the fun of writing, you sometime go against your original plans and end up making something better.

Also, my dad's currently reading Never Alone, which I find to be very cute. Even made an account just to keep up with what I do here. He's loving it and sometimes messages me about his progress in the story! Great motivation. He's a great dad. Love you dad.:heart:

3. Anarchy's Legacy

Inside Apple Fritter’s house, the injured stallion chuckled. He’s been stuck in Anarchy’s gang for so long, he had forgotten how it feel to be treated as an innocent pony. It was great, but it didn’t mean he wanted to be one. Simply being nursed by a beautiful mare with such kindness was wonderful. It was like he had his own personal nurse listening to his every command. The only bad part was that she ultimately had a job, places to be.

Apple Fritter couldn’t be at his beck and call, but when she was home, she was his. He pulled the sheets down and gazed at his cutie mark, a megaphone. Public speaking was his forte. That was why he was chosen by Anarchy to lead the useless negotiations against Princess Celestia. Had he known it was all a ruse to get him killed, he would have stuck it to this crazy unicorn. Well, maybe not, he knew what happened to those that disobeyed.

Anarchy was on a different league compared to other criminals. Opposing him was suicide. Naturally, he was happy to know he died and grateful to Lord Tirek for giving him a way out. If that power hungry centaur hadn’t attacked Canterlot, he would still be rotting in jail with the snowflakes.

Now that he was free, he can get his groove back as a solo player. Starting with Appeloosa, more precisely, Apple Fritter. There was nopony in this town that could recognise him, who could? He had the power of anonymity. Anarchy, Strong Hoof even Dreamcatcher to some extent were the known names amongst the Anarchists. Him? He was nopony. They can’t possibly know he’s up to no good, and that gave him a rush of power. He can do anything he want and get away with it.

He was Speaker, a name this town would remember. A name they’d regret ever helping.

“Howdy Speaker, Ah’m back!” Speaker grinned as he weakly raised his head. Apple Fritter returned with apple pies to serve him. “Ah thought ya might go hungry, so Ah got ya some nice pies from downtown.”

Speaker licked his lips, his eyes not focused on just the pies. “Fantastic timing, my stomach was just starting to complain.” Biting in the pies, his eyes were nearly moved to tears as he remembered just how tasty food was. In the dungeons, their meals were healthy but rather bland. And in the arid hills of the south, oh it was much worse. No food, no water, only pain. He had never been this happy to eat before in his entire life.

“Geez, Louise, ya look like ya never got a good meal in a while.” Apple Fritter remarked.

The injured stallion chuckled. “Exactly. You know, I’d like to eat your cooking next time.”

The earth pony’s eyes widened slightly, flustered. “Oh! Well, Ah don’t believe it’s anythin’ to write home ‘bout. Ah did get ya some pies from town for a reason.” She took a bite of the pies, relishing in their delicious taste. She wasn’t that great of a cook, a good reason why she preferred to buy freshly cooked food rather than to cook it herself.

“It doesn’t matter to me if it’s amazing or not. It simply makes me feel good to see somepony care about me.” Speaker explained as calmly as he could. The taste of the pies got him excited, but he’d much prefer if he didn’t look like a total idiot before her. “Not a lotta ponies cared about me, you see. It’s part of the reason why I got lost.”

The stallion saw compassion in the mare’s eyes. A kind soul indeed. It’s always the kind soul that gets roped around the easiest. “Aw, Ah’m sure ya’ll find some nice ponies that’ll show ya some kindness. We Appleloosans never let other folks down! If ya got nowhere to go, we’d be happy to get ya settled in!”

Speaker blinked, seriously considering Apple Fritter’s offer for a moment. Unfortunately, it went against his original plan. He had to choose between two difficult options. None of them seeming better than the other. It was either an easy new life, or her. In the end, he made his choice. An obvious one considering his true nature as an old follower of Anarchy, though he was not in it because he believed their cause. “Hm, maybe I will live here. Appleloosa seems quite nice.”

Apple Fritter smiled. She smiled brighter than the sun. “Ah assure ya, Appeloosa ain’t ever gonna disappoint!”

Out of the bar, Olive and Apple Bloom couldn’t help it. The behemoth that had nearly killed them both was sitting there, mere meters away from them. The terror in their heart still rang strong. The goliath might not be dangerous anymore, but it didn’t matter to them. Whenever they looked into his eyes, they saw nothing but death and hatred. The monster had to still be there, somewhere deep inside. Braeburn even stayed to stare with the two fillies.

To Olive, Strong Hoof couldn’t have given up. She knew him almost as well as her father. The behemoth was a monster, a ruthless monster that tore apart anypony that dared to go against his convictions. His murders were so brutal, he ended up coating his entire skin in crimson by the time he was through with his victims. Nevertheless, Captain Mango told her to treat him with respect and that she will... mostly by staying as far away from Strong Hoof as possible. That way, there won’t be any problem. But should he ever endanger anypony, she’ll transform and do what’s necessary to protect Appleloosa. Her cousins lived there, and for that, it meant the town was important to her too.

For Apple Bloom, the behemoth that battled her sister and the princess of friendship as well as a gigantic storm simply to murder her little sister could never be excused. If it was because of a joke that he was there as a volunteer, it wasn’t funny. Not at all. He should be back in Canterlot’s dungeon, paying for he tried to do to Olive. Nopony messes with the Apples, and that’s a lesson he learned the hard way. Let’s keep it that way.

Lastly, Braeburn marveled at the impressive size and power of the gargantuan stallion. Nopony in recorded history has ever been this big. Strong Hoof was a national record, an intimidating specimen that can never be replicated. The horrible crimes he committed further fueled his terrifying aura. If Braeburn got any closer, he could be crushed like a pancake! He cringed at the mere thought of that. A sudden desire to go away manifested. “Okay, well Olive. Do ya wanna see ta orchard? We got our own one in Appleloosa.”

Olive kept on staring, mesmerised by the terrifying presence of the only pony that could rival her father in sheer intimidation. She wanted to leave and see the orchard, but a part of her wouldn’t let her take her eyes off the goliath. Eventually, she caught his attention.

Strong Hoof’s eyes met hers. It was just as chilling as the first time. Again, Olive couldn’t tell what the stallion was thinking. Was he plotting revenge against her, was he thinking of a way to escape and continue the battle her father started, or did he truly have nothing in mind?

A disgruntled Dreamcatcher stepped away from Strong Hoof, gazing at the three peepers. She winced and trotted out of sight whilst the behemoth didn’t budge. Unlike the giant, there was anger in her eyes. The hatred was still fresh. It chilled the pink filly to her core. Thankfully, she didn’t act upon her anger.

This was Anarchy’s legacy. Broken and unhappy ponies everywhere. All those who knew him are left that way. Missing a part of their soul, aimless and without love. Olive was truly fortunate to have been saved by Applejack at the right time. Otherwise, she’d be just like them, maybe even worse. She was just a foal, an easily influenced pony that needed to be guided in the right direction.

Seeing them with this new perspective, Olive almost pitied the ponies she feared. It didn’t feel right to see Strong Hoof this apathetic and puny.

The giant groaned weakly, eventually turning his attention to the vast hills surrounding Appleloosa, seemingly forgetting the very existence of the three ponies watching him. If her father was here, he would be having a field day.

“Let’s go, cousin Braeburn.” Olive said, tugging on his tail.

The earth pony blinked, readjusting his cowboy hat. “Uh, y-yeah. Ah believe we’ve seen ‘nough.” Leaving the two inmates, Olive looked back one last time before disappearing out of sight.

For the two former Anarchists, it was a relief. The oppressive stares of the three Apples made them freeze. No more thoughts, only a blank state of mind as they waited patiently for their departure. Dreamcatcher groaned, attempting to buck a nearby barrel in frustration. But her anger wasn’t strong enough. She opted to sit down and sigh. “What do they think we are? A circus attraction.”

Strong Hoof blinked; his eyes now focused on the ground. He raised one hoof and tapped a small rock. It went flying high in the air. Mighty impressive strength, but it didn’t mean much to him anymore. “We were, remember. This is but retribution.”

Dreamcatcher looked at a group of ponies passing by. Upon noticing the two inmates, they quickly rushed away nervously. “We’re hated and feared, for what in return?”

“Pain.” Strong Hoof said weakly. “Our foolishness has brought us nothing but pain.” The burned and scarred body of the once snow-white giant hurt the mare. It hurt just to look at him now.

Gone was the stallion was admired. Gone were her dreams of securing a better tomorrow. But to say things were necessarily better back then wouldn’t be exact. Sure, she loved it when she had something to fight for, but to realise that their leader didn’t care one bit about their struggle, outright manipulating them into aiding him in his selfish goal, it made her question if her better tomorrow was even feasible.

“Why do you think they only sent two to Appleloosa?”

Strong Hoof grunted. “It does not serve us to know. We have nowhere to go, no reason to leave. Let them send me wherever they please. It’s the only purpose we have.”

Dreamcatcher inched closer to the goliath. “At least, we know we’ll be sent together. You’re still with me to the end, aren’t you?”

“You’re the only pony I can trust.”

The blue pegasus rested her head on Strong Hoof’s large shoulder. “What about Olive? I’m still angry but... I don’t know if it’s even justified anymore.”

Strong Hoof blinked, his weak eyes barely raising to see the mare cuddled against him. “Our eyes are opened now. It’s thanks to her that he doesn’t get to order us around. I don’t know what to think anymore, so I won’t think. Our anger matters none. Not anymore.”

Dreamcatcher winced. “What do you even think matters? We have no home, no friends, we’re hated and have no aspirations.”

“You.”

Dreamcatcher gasped. Feeling her vision get blurry, she buried her face in Strong Hoof’s shoulder. “Don’t let them see me be this weak, please.”

The giant frowned, lifting a hoof to pat her on the back. “I won’t.”

“Hey, sorry for leaving you out on a whim. Couldn’t help myself when I saw that bar.” The two inmates looked absently at the captain.

Dreamcatcher stuck her face out, just a tad, but it was enough to reveal her puffy eyes.

Captain Mango’s eyes darted around the town. “Oh dear, do you need a tissue? I can get you one, maybe chat a bit if that’ll get you in the mood to work.”

Dreamcatcher shook her head weakly. “No, I think I just need... some time.”

The captain respectfully nodded. “Alright, take your time. You still have a week to get some work done, but with you around, Strong Hoof, it should be fast and easy.” He placed two bottles down and smiled. “But if you want to be carefree, take some. I mean it when I say it’s really good! Oh Celestia, I never imagined the Appleloosan to be this good at cider. Then again, it is another earth pony town, and these earth ponies always know how to make some good stuff!”

Sitting near them, Captain Mango took out a third bottle, one he saved for himself. “What do you say we become drinking buddies? We never got the chance when you were still in the dungeons, but now, you got a little more freedom. Let’s take advantage of that.”

Strong Hoof eyeballed the bottle of cider at his hooves and grunted. “It is a bit small.”

Mango sighed. “Three bottles it is then.”

For lunch, the two fillies followed Braeburn over to Apple Fritter’s house. Olive made sure to bring her homemade meals for there was only apple related meals on the menu. So far, apart from the presence of Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher, the trip wasn’t all that bad. Sure, the idea of sleeping still made her anxious but at least, she was getting to know her family there and they were nice.

Apple Fritter sure seemed love the two fillies, changing her behavior whenever they were in the picture. It was reassuring for Olive. She had two ponies she could count on apart from Apple Bloom, two adults especially.

Knocking at the door, the three ponies waited for the mare to open. It took some time, an entire minute actually before she greeted them. “Howdy, Braeburn. Sorry Ah took so long, Ah was pretty busy tendin’ to a hurt pony.”

Braeburn blinked, his eyes darting around the house in search of said hurt pony. “Yer housin’ somepony?”

“Yup. Don’t mind ‘im, he’s stayin’ in mah room for ta time being.” Apple Fritter said as she set the table. “Found ‘im on ta edge of town. Ta poor stallion was at death’s door.”

Braeburn found it rather strange for a stallion to be found trotting around the south, a place notorious for being unwelcoming. “Why would anypony go ‘round these parts? Did he tell you why?”

The earth pony shook her head. “Nope, haven’t asked yet. Ah suppose Ah’ll ask once he feels better. He’s only been ‘ere for about an hour, mind ya.”

Olive smiled happily. It was good to know that every Apple she’s seen so far had kindness in their heart. It was that very kindness that saved her and now, it will save many other ponies in desperate need of being shown hospitality. It might be obvious to help a pony in need, but Olive rarely saw that growing up. To her, it’s always been a niche thing that only the nicest of ponies would do. To see it being a core part of her kin warmed her heart.

“Oh, almost forgot to tell ya; his name’s Speaker.” Apple Fritter added in a simple passing comment.

“Speaker, huh? A fairly simple name, what do ya reckon his special talent is?” Braeburn asked out of curiosity.

“Speakin’... maybe to a large audience? Oh, that would be public speakin’. His cutie mark is a megaphone after all.”

Olive listened as she ate her delicious meal comprised of fruits and vegetables, she wasn’t allergic to. It helped that she wasn’t a picky eater, or else she’d be having a hard time eating. She needed to eat a lot to become big and strong like her mother. No way would she ever stay small and weak, not after all she’s been through. She’s a superhero, and superheroes aim to inspire ponies. But to inspire, she must have a good physique.

As a sign of her dedication, she wore her cape all day long. Apple Bloom did the same, but mostly out of solidarity and affection. It was the symbol of their secret society after all. Even two members short, they’d still go around crusading.

“Hey, Apple Fritter! I could use a glass of water!” A voice called out from above. Surely that of Speaker.

Odd, Olive got a strange sensation upon hearing the voice of the injured stallion. She couldn’t tell what it was. It felt like something was trying to resurface to no avail. She’s heard lots of voices before, not many she can remember on a whim. Still, there was an air of familiarity to this one in particular, but she couldn’t pinpoint why exactly. She kept trying to search until eventually, the frustration convinced her to give it a rest.

If she can’t remember then, it must have not been important. That’s what a lot of ponies said about forgetting.

Apple Fritter went upstairs to give Speaker his glass of water. The three downstairs could hear her speak to him, though they didn’t pay much attention.

“Well, Olive. Are ya enjoyin’ yer stay ‘ere? Ah know it’s a little soon to be askin’ that. A-Ah just want to be sure yer not sad, ‘kay?” Braeburn asked.

Olive swallowed her bite and looked him in the eyes. Hers were soft and calm, a better look than yesterday by a wide margin. “It’s okay. Appleloosa seems nice.”

Braeburn smiled. “Yer not just sayin’ that to make me feel better?”

Olive giggled. “You seem nice, too.”

The jolly stallion’s heart melted. So far, so good! His new cousin was already warming up to him, and much quicker than he expected. It would seem Applejack was right when she told him Olive was very affectionate. She clings to ponies easily.

Apple Bloom nuzzled her sister, happy to see her taking it all so well. Ever since she woke up from her run in with Strong Hoof, she’s been better. Even better than the day before they went to Appleloosa. Her little sister was making a big deal out of nothing. She was just afraid of change, but with her big sister around, there’s nothing to fear. “Just wait ‘till ya see ta rodeo, sis! It’s ta best part of Appleloosa!”

Braeburn’s face lit up. “Why yes! After lunch, Ah’ll take ya to see ta rodeo! Hay, we might even let ya try if yer feelin’ up to ta challenge.”

Looking at her cape, Olive felt the challenge call to her. She puffed her chest and stood up on her chair. “I’m afraid of no rodeo!”

“That’s ta spirit!” Apple Fritter returned to her guests, followed by another pony. One that was bigger than her, but also looked fairly weak. “Ah’ll come along.”

It took a few seconds for Olive to realise it was Speaker...

She stared at him, confused. Speaker...

She felt it again. Something was trying to resurface again, even stronger this time. Speaker...

Speaker? Yuck, I know what he gets off to in his room, darling. May I make a suggestion? Stay far, far away from him. Your daddy knows best, he knows all about the good and the bad apples in his gang. Him? Oh, he’s a rotten one! But don’t you worry, little apple. Daddy’s going to take care of him one day. He’ll keep you safe and sound.

Speaker. That’s him! Olive gasped, horror filling her eyes.

The injured stallion stared at her. In that moment, the two ponies’ hearts stopped. Danger was there, right in front of them! They shouldn’t be here. They were staring at a revenant. Something that wasn’t meant to even be alive. Through the call of the abyss, they survived and today, they met again.

Speaker rubbed his eyes in disbelief. After all the things they threw at this weak little filly to take her out of the picture, she was still standing and better than ever. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest cavity; the monster was very much still there. He could see it in her eyes, the same fear that preceded the beast’s rampage. Twenty ponies ripped apart mercilessly; he was almost the twenty first had it not been for the little slave who rushed in to stop Olive just in time.

“M-Monster...” He muttered, his voice but a whisper. But then, a reassuring thought came to mind. Olive was much different from the filly he knew. What’s to say she’ll flip out like last time and go on a rampage? Her entire family is there! She probably won’t attempt to do it.

Better yet, she was the only pony who knew about him. And she was a filly, a mere child. No matter how strong her monster may be, it is still limited by her young age. His salvation lied sorely in that fact.

And indeed, his judgement was correct. The little filly panicked and, in her confusion, ran towards the bathroom.

“Huh? Where’s she goin’?” Apple Bloom asked.

Braeburn scratched his head. “Well, when ya gotta go, ya gotta go.”

Olive locked the door, falling back as her terrified eyes darted around, lost. She fell and knocked her head on the toilet, but she barely felt the pain. Her heart was pounding against her chest. She can’t meet them now, it’s too soon! Anarchy’s followers roam the country freely ever since Tirek rampaged through Canterlot, stealing the magic from all the ponies. With the royal guards drained of their strength, they could do little to stop the weakened prisoners from escaping. Chaos reigned supreme for that entire day until the mad centaur was stopped, trapped within the darkness of Tartarus once again.

And now, the consequences of his rampage could be felt. Speaker returned in her life. Like a ghost, he’s here to haunt her, to break her spirit. Worst of all, nopony but her knew who he was. Olive breathed heavily, realising that if she doesn’t tell Braeburn or especially Apple Fritter, bad things will happen to them. Terrible things most likely. She knew what Speaker loved to do with mares and for some reason, when he did it, they weren’t happy. No, they were in pain, screaming and crying. She can’t let that happen to her cousin, to her family.

Olive knew what she had to do. She took a few deep and long breaths, just like Heedful Care taught her. By doing so, her mind was emptied of stress, her hooves stopped shaking. In just a minute, her fear was replaced with determination. There was no time to stress out. Appleloosa needed a hero, and that hero was her.

With confidence, Olive opened the door and turned to join her family. But then, a fetlock wrapped around her mouth and dragged her back inside the bathroom. She didn’t look behind, a grave mistake! The door locked and with it, so did her only chance. Panicking, Olive tried to scream, but the strong hoof of the earth pony made sure nothing but quiet muffles came out.

The dangerous stallion sat down and pressed the filly against his belly, lifting her off the ground as if she was as light as a feather.

Kicking and screaming wasn’t working, her abductor was far too strong. He couldn’t be overpowered, not in this state.

She redirected her focus to her horn, calling upon the power of the beast, of her father’s master. A terrifying voice made her reconsider, however.

“Oh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Don’t you realise who’s in control here? The beast is strong for sure, but you? You’re just a filly. A weak, fragile little being. I can break your neck without breaking a sweat.” His grip tightened around her mouth. Olive felt her muzzle being crushed under the immense pressure; it was agonising! She let out a muffled squeal, cutting all magic from her horn.

“Good, you’re a quick learner. Not surprising coming from the daughter of that damn maniac. Did you know your daddy left me to die back in Canterlot? He doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to treating other ponies well, but don’t you worry; I do.” Speaker chuckled, inching away from the door.

“You’re trying to tattle on me, aren’t you? That’s not very nice. So naughty in fact, I’ll kill your cousin and your nice little sister if you try to tell. Did you hear me? You don’t want to tell them about me. You keep it a secret, and I promise nothing bad will happen to them. We don’t know each other, we’re nothing more than strangers. You will be a nice little filly for me, hm?”

Tears rolled down the filly’s eyes, moving over to the stallion’s hoof. She struggled to nod, trying to refrain herself from crying. “Mphm...”

“Oh, and don’t think that means you can simply transform and beat me into a pulp later. Do you know what would happen if the town saw a monster attacking a poor injured stallion?”

Olive’s pupils shrunk. That was her plan B! But thinking about it; he was right. She’s just a filly, her words don’t carry as much weight as those of a mare. If only she was older or had the support of her cousins, she could save Appleloosa from him! She looked up, her terrified eyes meeting those of her abductor. The very eyes her father warned her about all these years ago.

The sinister stallion chuckled. “You know, it’s a shame you’re still small. You sure have taken a lot from your father. He was the most handsome stallion I’ve ever met, had these unbelievably beautiful eyes. I won’t lie, he made me jealous. He was a pretty colt who was worshipped by the entire country. But that was before he decided to become a monster. Then again, what’s to say he wasn’t already one to begin with? It would seem he lent you, his eyes. Hm, makes me wonder who your mother is. He never did tell a single soul about her. Maybe she’s six feet under? I intend to find out.”

Speaker’s freed hoof caressed the filly’s scar. The poor thing let out a muffle whine, trying weakly to push him away. His hoof was big, preventing any air from entering or escaping her.

Olive hoped he would let go soon, for her strength was leaving her. It reminded her of the revenant that came to Sweet Apple Acre one night, the Crimson Mask. What’s to say Speaker would have as much decency as him?

“Strong Hoof did a number on you, hasn’t he? I’m impressed you’re still standing after all this time. It would appear you’re as resilient as that crazy bastard, maybe even more. Won’t it be best to keep it that way?”

Olive raised her head, giving the stallion a pleading look. Her forelegs desperately tried to push his hoof off her mouth, but he didn’t seem to be finished just yet.

Speaker grinned, his inner demon coming to light. “Oh? So you wanna leave now? What’s the matter, am I just that boring to you?”

The pink unicorn shook her head, tapping away to make her needs for air clear. “Mphm!” All that came out was a quiet squeal.

“What was that? Are you trying to tell me something?” Speaker taunted, leaning his ear closer to the filly.

Olive tried again to beg, but once again, the air in her body wasn’t enough to let out much of an audible sound.

Her abductor chuckled. “Hm, I suppose you have nothing to say. How rude.”

The filly’s face started turning blue. With little to no strength left, she looked at the stallion with her teary eyes and pleaded for him to her go.

Speaker grinned, satisfied. “Ho ho... Do you promise you won’t tell a soul?”

Olive nodded weakly, shutting her eyes in submission.

“Good girl.” And with that, Speaker finally let go.

Olive gasped for air, falling face first to the floor. She took deep and rapid breaths, distraught. While she was busy recuperating, Speaker grabbed a nearby towel and wiped the filly’s tears away. “Now, nothing happened in here, are we clear?”

The pink unicorn didn’t dare to meet his eyes out of fear and shame. “Hm hm.”

With a light chuckle, Speaker left the bathroom. All that remained was the mess of a filly on the floor, her mind assaulted by all sorts of troubled thoughts. She didn’t know what to do. She wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she let him get away with whatever he had planned in his sick mind, but to stop him would prove difficult. It was a matter of brains, not brawn. The monster couldn’t save her in this situation.

Could she do it? Olive didn’t know. She was just a filly, a young one and he was... he was bigger, smarter, more experienced. What chance did she have? “Mommy... help me.”

Is this how a superhero feels in the face of danger? Was that all it took to break one? Olive was ashamed. She was supposed to be a superhero! The pony that bravely fought off the monstrous Anarchy, but this situation was so much different. She was always dependant on others for help but today, she was truly alone in this fight.

Sometimes, a superhero must learn to fight without their trusty sidekick around. If she was truly one, Olive would see it through in the end. For her family’s sake, she’ll find a way. Speaker believed she was weak and stupid, a useless crybaby but that wasn’t her, not anymore. She’ll prove him wrong. She’ll prove to him that superheroes come in all shapes and sizes.

No matter how dire the situation can get, she'll persevere. The pink filly wiped her tears away, a slow determination overcoming her fear. “A-Alright, mommy... I’ll d-do it. I can do it.”

Apple Bloom saw the stallion return from his upstairs trip. Apparently, he had forgotten something up there. She kept on eating her apple pie until Olive returned from her sudden rush to the bathroom. Her little sister climbed on her seat and continued her meal, but she lacked the vigor she had a few minutes ago.

Olive stopped eating after a few bites. “Apple Bloom, let’s go to the rodeo.”

“Naow? But ya haven’t finis-”

“I wanna go now.” Olive said as she grabbed her big sister by the hoof, dragging her away to the front door.

Braeburn smiled. “Well alrighty then! Ah’ll join ya once Ah’m finished!”

The injured stallion stared at the two fillies with a stupid expression, one that seemed absent of any thought. Apple Bloom watched him curiously, but it was hard to keep her eyes on him for her little sister was awfully pushy.

“Come on, Apple Bloom. We’re going to the rodeo.”

Apple Bloom looked back one last time at the stallion. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously, keeping her gaze on him until the door closed. “Hm...”

Author's Note

Now, the main conflict has been set up. Olive must find a way to get Speaker arrested, no blood spilled. But to think, she needs to be away from him. Let's hope our little filly has what it takes to bring his crimes to light!

And what about Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher? They don't look too good. At least Mango's treating them with respect. Hm... perhaps they can help Olive deal with Speaker?

4. Passion Rekindled

The rodeo was the talk of the town. Nopony in Appleloosa would ever miss it. An activity ingrained in their culture, in their identity. It was what made them unique from the rest of Equestria. Being an Apple, Olive had to participate.

In this sport, a pony had to climb aboard and bison and try to stay on them for as long as possible, resisting the animal’s power. Foals climbed atop the younger ones whilst the adults tackled on the big ones. It was invented following the peace established between the two clans. A way to bury the hatched and embrace their new ways.

Sadly, Olive didn’t look too good today. Apple Bloom could see it clear as day. The way her little sister hurried her out of the house, and immediately after leaving from her bathroom break that happened after the injured stallion came was concerning. She suspected he had something to do with this sudden change in behavior.

Now standing before the rodeo, Olive let go. “I-Is this the rodeo?”

“Yup.” Apple Bloom’s eyes were on her sister and not on the daring ponies riding the bisons. She could see the little filly was distracted, partly absent from the event. Olive’s eyes stared at a fixed position, not even on the all the action.

Apple Bloom tried to say something, but the shouts of the crowd drowned her voice. She raised her voice but even then, her words were difficult to hear.

Olive said something too, or so she thought. Her little sister’s mouth moved slightly, forming sentences she couldn’t hear. Perhaps she was whispering, but to who? Nopony could hear them even if their ears were right next to their mouths!

Apple Bloom grabbed her sister by the foreleg and dragged her away, determined to know why she was acting this way.

“H-Huh? Wh-What are you doing? Where are we going? I-I want to watch the rodeo!” Olive blurted out rapidly, trying her best to resist her sister’s pull. Alas, Apple Bloom was stronger than her.

“Ah don’t think ya wanna see it.” Apple Bloom said, worried. “Somethin’s not right, sis. Ya don’t look like yer enjoyin’ yerself.”

Olive’s eyes widened. “Wh-What? But I am having fun!”

“Stop lying!” Apple Bloom whimpered. “Yer makin’ me nervous. Ah wanna know what’s wrong.”

Her little sister avoided her eyes, turning away. “Nothing’s... wrong. I’m just, um, nervous about the trip.”

Apple Bloom frowned, her sister was clearly hiding something, but it was not out of malice. Olive was an angel; she wouldn’t keep a secret from her without a good reason. “Ah know it’s not ‘bout ta trip. Please, tell me what’s wrong. Ah wanna help. A-Ah'm yer big sis.”

Her little sister looked over her shoulder briefly, whimpering. “I-I can’t tell you, sorry.”

Concerned, Apple Bloom approached Olive and held her tight. “Is it about that stallion?”

The little filly shrieked, freezing upon the mere mention of this pony. Her inner turmoil surfaced in her eyes, frightened and clinging onto her sister’s. Olive felt that all too familiar sensation in her chest, the one that appeared everything fear consumed her. She nodded weakly. “I don’t want him to hurt you. Y-You can’t know that...”

Apple Bloom frowned. “Why not? Ah can’t let ‘im scare ya like that.”

Olive lowered her head. “Because if you know, he’ll kill Braeburn and Apple Fritter.”

Her little sister’s answer didn’t get through at first. The shock had temporarily shut down Apple Bloom’s brain, leaving her mind blank. Then, the memories of the stallion surfaced. His posture, the things he said, his face, it all came together to paint a clear picture. If Olive knew who that pony was, then that could only mean... “Wha-”

Before she could scream, Olive covered her mouth. “Shh! He can’t know you’re helping me. If he does, he’s going to hurt our cousins.” Now, it was her sister’s turn to drag her away. The two fillies hid behind a barrel, where nopony could ever see them. “Speaker is very evil. Anarchy used to tell me that he was a bad Anarchists. He’s extremely dangerous.”

Apple Bloom was sweating. A dangerous criminal, inside her cousin’s house! They’re in danger! “W-W-Well, let’s go back to Apple Fritter and stop ‘im.”

Olive shook her head nervously. “But we can’t! He’s close to Cousin Apple Fritter. If we tell them now, he’ll take her hostage and hurt her. We need to wait until they’re separated.”

Her stomach turned; Apple Bloom looked forward to this trip. An opportunity to have some fun with her little sister. The last thing she wanted was to be involved in another life-threatening scenario. The haunting memories of Strong Hoof were still fresh in her mind even though they happened two months ago. She wasn’t ready to stare death in the eye once more. “But if we wait, that leaves our cousins vulnerable! We ‘ave to do somethin’ now!”

Olive rubbed her forelegs with a defeated look in her eyes. “I don’t know what to do.” But there was a silver lining now. The superhero had her trusty sidekick ready to battle. She wasn’t alone in this fight. Together, they’ll make sure justice prevailed. Justice? “We can ask Captain Mango for help! He has authority. He can lock up Speaker if we tell him!”

Apple Bloom’s face illuminated. “That’s a great idea, sis! Let’s go find ‘im!”

Leaving the corner, they were faced with one big problem, the massive crowd. Could Mango be in there somewhere? If he was, it would be complicated to find him. Hm, or perhaps they could ask one of the royal guards. They’ll bring them to the captain and the situation would be solved, easy peasy.

Weaving around Appleloosa, the two fillies eventually found him but not in the crowd, no. Captain Mango wasn’t watching the rodeo at all. He was working with his troops and... them.

“Oh no...” Olive whispered. “Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher are there.” She may be strong, but no way would she ever come within a fifteen-meter radius from these two monsters. The fear and the hatred were much stronger than her, and they were telling her to stay away.

“S-Should we..?”

Olive turned around. “No, I don’t wanna.”

Too scared to come any closer, the two fillies turned back and returned to the rodeo, hiding in the crowd.

Under the heat of these arid lands, Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher worked on the construction of new houses for Appleloosa. It was why they were here for. A nice change of scenery from the dank dungeons of Canterlot’s castle, one that will hopefully get them to open their heart to the world.

The royal guards were kind enough to help them too. However, it would appear that Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher weren’t feeling well. Sweat dripped down their entire body, the heat becoming unbearable.

Strong Hoof carried a large pile of logs on his back. Despite his body begging him to stop, he continued.

“You know you don’t have to work yourself to the bone to get our favors, right?”

The giant lowered his head to meet the sharp eyes of the batpony captain. Captain Mango had a bottle of water in hoof, sweating from top to bottom. “You’re tired, go take a break.”

“I can continue.” Strong Hoof resumed his course, blinking heavily as his tired legs threatened to crumble in any minute.

Captain Mango frowned, switching his attention to Dreamcatcher. The poor mare wasn’t doing any better, but still insisted to continue working until she died of exhaustion. The batpony was getting fed up of seeing these two disrespects themselves like that. He flew over to the pegasus and knocked away what she was carrying. “Dreamcatcher, you need to take a break. Don’t overdo it.”

The blue pegasus grumbled. “I can still work.” She leaned over to pick up her charge, but the batpony stopped her and forced her to sit on the floor.

“No, you’re killing yourself and I won’t allow that to happen.” Mango sighed. “You’re dehydrated, let me get you some water. Oh, and tell your friend to stop too.”

Dreamcatcher rolled her eyes and unenthusiastically called for her giant friend. “Hey, Strongy; we must take a break now.”

Strong Hoof stopped, the constant rhythm of his stomps coming to a stop. “Is this an order?”

“Fraid so, we need to sit down.” Dreamcatcher watched her friend shake the earth by simply taking a seat in the middle of the road. They said nothing to each other, but they did keep their eyes on one another. A mutual understanding of their situation, and the lack of aspiration they were facing. Nothing mattered anymore. They were nothing but husks commanded around. But thinking about it; weren’t they husks even in the hooves of Anarchy?

Mango returned with a bottle of water for the mare and a barrel of water for the giant. “Don’t be afraid to ask for a break, ponies. You’re allowed to take one whenever you please, we’re much laxer than an actual job. In a way, you’re quite lucky. I know a lot of ponies who’d wish to have that privilege.”

To his relief, the two ponies did drink, rehydrating themselves. They may be crazy enough to work themselves to death, but they at least listened to reason every now and then. Still, not much progress in their reformation. Princess Luna would be disappointed to see no real change occur in them after such a radical move. It’s an all or nothing move, one that she hoped would bring them closer to the light.

Taking a break together, Mango stared silently, waiting for any of them to start a conversation. Simply talking to each other could help greatly. They were already familiar with each other for the captain often visited the dungeons to chat, although it was often a one-sided conversation.

Nothing happened, the three ponies just drank their water in silence. The captain of the royal guard was disappointed to say the least, so he decided to take matters into his own hooves. “Hm, I see the way you two look at each other. Tell me; are you like, real close friends or maybe something more?”

The two ponies glanced at him, slightly irritated, but no response. “In case it interests you, I did have a marefriend once, a long time ago. Eh, things didn’t really turn out well for us.” He left it vague, a hook to reel them in.

Dreamcatcher laid her eyes on him again. Feeling hopeful, Mango looked away, hoping that she would say something if he wasn’t trying too hard to get her speak. “I’m not surprised.”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“You reek of cider, you’re poorly shaved and you spend your days getting yourself piss drunk.” Dreamcatcher laid into him.

Mango rubbed his beard with his wooden leg, feeling a bit self-conscious. “You do have a point. Still, that’s not the whole story. I do have a flattering side, believe it or not. Hm, looking back at it; I’m starting to understand why it didn’t work out.”

“Hm.” He had Strong Hoof’s attention now!

“I believe our relationship was based on lust rather than love. We just liked each other for our bodies and abilities in bed. That’s a recipe for disaster. Lust drove us together and then, apart.” Mango continued. “You two look to be in a better spot than me and my ex-marefriend.”

Strong Hoof blinked. “It is passion that drove us together, not lust.”

The batpony smiled. “Passion? What kind of passion exactly, if you don’t mind telling.”

“We shared a desire to better the world, to open our heart to other ponies’ suffering.” Strong Hoof explained calmly.

Dreamcatcher, however, didn’t look too please with the direction of the conversation. “Do you get a kick out of learning other’s secrets? I’d like to keep my relationships private.”

Mango smirked. “Well, I exposed mine before you, nopony’s really having an edge over the other. Say, now that you’re allowed to sleep in the same room unlike the dungeons, would you say you still feel the same way?”

The blue mare’s brow furrowed. “What are you getting at?” she asked despite knowing the answer.

Mango cocked his head back, smirking. “I got you two a room. I’m offering you some privacy.”

Now that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Dreamcatcher’s cheeks turned red, forcing her to hide behind her long mane. “Ugh, stop trying to pry into our lives, you creep!”

The batpony smiled. “Alright then, I suppose I’ll stop now. I’m sorry.”

Still, this had a strong effect on these two. He could see it now. The way Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher looked at each other was different. He saw a passion rekindled. The sheepish eyes of the mare met the confident ones of the scarred giant.

It was a rather uncomfortable conversation, but it worked. They took the first step. Strong Hoof had a certain softness to his appearance, something the batpony never saw before. “Heh... no need to thank me.”

Back to square one. Olive and Apple Bloom stayed far back, watching the rodeo from afar. They could cross out Captain Mango for now, seeing as he’s unapproachable. There was only one pony they could ask for help; Sheriff Silverstar. It sounded like a great idea. A figure of authority who can lock up Speaker! They just need to tell him and get the whole town to stop him before he could commit any evil deeds. This is how they will become heroes.

“That’s a great idea, sis! Let’s go right naow!” Apple Bloom exclaimed in excitement, but Olive didn’t share her joy.

The earth pony could see the pink filly was deep in thoughts. She had proposed the solution but now was reconsidering it. “No... No, it wouldn’t work.” Olive finally said, defeated.

Apple Bloom blinked. “But why not? Ya know who he is, ya just gotta tell ta sheriff!”

Olive whined. “We need evidence to prove he’s a criminal, but we have nothing. Nopony is going to trust me alone, we need to get proof that Speaker is evil, then we can ask Sheriff Silverstar.”

Apple Bloom lowered her head, moaning. “C’mon, why can’t it be this simple?” Her little sister knew all about the ugly side of Equestria. She knew it all thanks to the worst influence in her life. The grinning stallion whose brilliant mind was sadly not placed in service of all, only for himself. It didn’t feel fair for them to be trialed once more by the darkness to save the ponies they love. Why is it always happening to them? First it was Strong Hoof, now it was another crazed monster coming to threaten their family. “We really must be ta unluckiest ponies in all Equestria.”

The pink unicorn’s eyes moved to her CMC cape, finding some comfort in its rough fabric. It’s a cape, a sign of her superhero status. Apple Bloom was wearing hers too. Together, they can make a great team. Two superheroes that will battle against evil no matter the odds. “Other ponies might find it unlucky, but we’re superheroes, Apple Bloom. No matter what happens, we’ll always fight evil together.” Olive struck a pose before her sister.

Seeing the renewed confidence in her sister, Apple Bloom giggled as she nuzzled the little filly. “Yer too adorable for this world.”

“Hm... but I’m also cool!” Olive affirmed. “I fought and defeated the biggest meanie in Equestria. No baddies will ever stop us if we work together!”

The little unicorn’s adorable attitude was more than what Apple Bloom could handle. Olive was a living treasure, one that did not deserve the horrible treatment of her peers. Today, she’ll finally be able to deliver justice for her little sister. To punish those that dared to hurt this innocent filly. “Yup! Yer ta coolest filly ever!” She exclaimed, hugging the little pony.

Olive returned her love happily. “And superheroes always show love and kindness to other ponies, like mommy.”

“So, how’re we gonna get evidence to prove that this stallion’s evil?” Apple Bloom asked. “We’ll need a camera to capture proof.”

Olive’s face lit up. A camera, she was thoughtful enough to have brought her newest toy; a camera that does in fact, take pictures unlike most toys. “I brought my camera, we can take a picture of him doing something evil and save Appleloosa with it!”

“Great!” Things were looking good for them. “But... how are we gonna catch ‘im doin’ somethin’ evil?” A valid question coming from the older sibling.

The pink unicorn’s enthusiasm dropped in an instant. “Oh... Speaker is smart, he won’t do evil things unless he’s sure he can get away with it. We’ll have to follow him and hope he doesn’t notice us.”

Apple Bloom looked around. Many ponies were moving around, celebrating. With this much ruckus, it should be easy to stalk somepony. Well, not stalking, heroes don’t stalk ponies. They’re merely keeping an eye on him. “Sounds like we’ve got a plan. Where’s yer camera?”

“At Braeburn’s house. Hurry, we can’t let Apple Fritter and Braeburn alone with him.”

After getting their hooves on Olive’s new toy camera, the two sisters returned to Apple Fritter only to be stopped by an unexpected roadblock: that being Braeburn. “Why, hello there! Ah just finished lunch and Ah’m fully ready to go to ta rodeo with y’all. C’mon girls, let’s have some fun!”

Olive shook her head. “Not now, we have som-?!” Before she could complete her sentence, Braeburn dragged the two fillies to the rodeo despite their complaints.

“Alright, Olive! Now that yer an Apple, it’s only fair ya try out ta rodeo. See how long ya can last.” Braeburn jovially said.

“Wh-What?” The pink filly watched the other contestants try their luck. The arena was surrounded by ponies watching the current contestant trying to stay on the buffalo’s back. It was one at a time in this big arena. One at a time. Olive froze once she realised that. She wouldn’t be getting in there alone, with the entire town watching her, right? “Um... I-I'm not going in there alone, is that right?”

To her relief, Braeburn smiled. “Of course not! Yer gonna need a little help from me, but ta rest is up to ya. Oh and remember; this is a personal competition, yer only aimin’ to beat yerself. No need to compare yerself to others, that’s a good way to destroy yer self-esteem.”

Apple Bloom smiled awkwardly. “Uh, yup! That was a terrible mistake Ah made a long time ago. Ah, um, feel better now that Ah don’t do it anymore.” It was clear in her face that she too was uncomfortable with this. The mission was of vast importance, but Braeburn wasn’t going to let them go this easily.

Worst of all, he left Apple Fritter all alone with this disgusting criminal!

“C’mon, Olive! Now’s our turn!”

“Huh?!”

Braeburn dragged the little filly inside the arena, trotting over to a young buffalo that kindly welcomed them. “Oh, I’ve never seen this filly before. She must be new to Appleloosa, isn’t she?”

The earth pony tipped his hat. “Yup! She’s ta newest Apple! Therefore, she must go on ‘er first rodeo!”

“U-Um, cousin Braeburn...” Olive covered her face with her mane, mortified by the hundreds of eyes upon her. So many... Even more than in her class. If only she had a good excuse to leave. “I’m going to follow the injured pony Apple Fritter brought in” isn’t going to do it at all. No, she had nothing.

Oh, the fear of failure was growing stronger by the seconds. What would happen if she failed immediately? Would they all laugh at her for the coming week?

“What’s your name?” The young buffalo asked. From the sound of his voice, he must be in his teenage years, almost an adult. A perfect size for a foal to try their first rodeo.

“Um, hm... Olive.” She croaked, her eyes scouting out the large crowd.

The buffalo kneeled, presenting his back to her. “Well, hop on, Olive! I promise I won’t go too hard on you since this is your first time!”

After she climbed the buffalo’s back, Braeburn made sure she knew the rules before it would begin. “It’s really simple. Just hold on to that there rope and stay on ‘im for as long as possible. Ah’ll stay close by in case somethin’ goes awry.”

Olive could already imagine how things can go wrong. Broken leg, cracked skull, concussion, she’s going to shatter like a window by the time this is over.

“Alright, good luck to ya, girl!”

Back inside Braeburn’s home, Olive had given up the last of her energy to make it through the rodeo. Being out in public, talking with other ponies drained her energy, often leaving her too tired to do anything. Even if it wasn’t late, she couldn’t keep her eyes open for long.

The same could be said for her older sister who had the time of her life out there. Both fillies were shambling to their bed, ready to crumble in its comfortable mattress.

Under the sheets, Apple Bloom yawned. “Ah’m sorry we didn’t get to do yer plan.”

Olive blinked. Her eyes were heavier than an anvil. At least, insomnia won’t be a problem for tonight. She would need to regain her strength for next time, if she wanted to save her nice cousin from Speaker. “It’s okay, we still have time. Tomorrow, we’ll watch him and then save Appleloosa...”

“Hm?” Apple Bloom noticed they forgot to take their cape off. Not that it mattered too much right now, her muscles didn’t want to move anymore. “Ya, we’ll be superheroes tomorrow, sis. Ah promise that no matter what happens, no matter what problems or dangers comes yer way, Ah’ll always be there to help. It’s what Cutie Mark Crusaders do. Ah just wanted ya to know that. Huh?”

Quiet breaths filled the silence. Adorable little sounds coming from the mouth of her little sister. She had fallen asleep in record time! Watching her in this peaceful state of being, Apple Bloom was in awe. Olive was sleeping like an angel. In fact, she was an angel even when awake. She couldn’t have asked for a better little sister than her, the most precious filly on the planet. A star that shined brightly in the sky, always defying the darkness. She inspired her to be a hero.

The sun was setting down and with it so were the two ponies that put their blood and sweat into building new houses for the ponies of Appleloosa. A tiring experience, but the pain they felt that day, they deserved all of it. The scorching heat, the headaches, the weak limbs, it wasn’t enough to make up for their atrocities. There lived one pony, a filly that symbolised the worst in them, the one that bore the mark of their evil.

Fear, hatred, regret, every time they met her eyes, they were compelled to close theirs. Why did she have to be here? They never asked to see Olive again. It was best that they ignored each other until the end of time. To ignore as best they can the pain they’ve inflicted upon this sad beast.

For now, they should move on to other things. Captain Mango offered them a room in Appleloosa’s sole hotel. A nice gesture for sure. They made the conscious effort to thank him although they didn’t feel it was right. They don’t deserve that kind of luxury. Animals don’t deserve to be treated with upmost respect.

Strong Hoof stood before the bed, quickly realising that there would never be a bed fit for him in Equestria, not that it bothered him; he was used to sleeping on the floor. The behemoth found a nice spacious place in the room to lay down on the side. As he relaxed his broken body, he noticed Dreamcatcher was in the bathroom. She had left the door open and stood before the mirror.

The most striking thing about her was that she had a different expression this time. No longer apathetic, she looked somewhat disappointed as she fumbled through her hair, frowning. Then, her eyes moved slightly, having just noticed him. Cringing, the mare closed the door.

“Hm.” Strong Hoof placed his head down, feeling somewhat uncomfortable as always. Grunting, he went to pick a pillow from the bed and dropped it on the floor. He turned around to face in the opposite direction of the bathroom. Thanks to the pillow, his head wasn’t hurting from resting on the creaky wooden floor of the room. The giant closed his eyes, waiting for the night to take him away, but it didn’t come. He was still missing something, the sheets.

His body longed for the comfortable feeling of the sheets on his skin. His burned scars demanded it. Weakly raising his head once more, he tore the sheets off and placed them carefully on his sad body. Now, he was truly ready to fall asleep.

But then, the creak of a door tore him out of the peaceful night. Dreamcatcher stepped out of the bathroom, but it was no reason for him to turn around. Too much effort, he just wanted to sleep.

“Um, S-Strongy? Could you... look at me, please?” The voice of the blue pegasus was hesitant, lacking in confidence. A strange departure from her cold and apathetic tone she had employed for months.

This unusual change compelled him to listen, and so he turned. To his surprise, Dreamcatcher had changed her manestyle, reverting to her adorable ponytail. Under the moonlight, this style was beautiful, a welcome change from her previous rugged look. “You’ve changed your mane.” He stated in surprise.

“Um, w-well yeah. I knew that you, um, loved the ponytail so... I brought it back.” Now this was most unusual. The mare was awkward, avoiding his gaze as she spoke. She reminded him of the young mare he met eight years ago. Back when they didn’t know what they were getting themselves into. A most welcome change. She looked much prettier that way.

It brought forth a smile, something he hasn’t done in a while. Simply staring at her in that very moment reignited a passion he had forgotten. “You look nice.” Strong Hoof rested his tired head, unwilling to strain himself any further. He knew where this change stemmed from. Captain Mango had planted an old idea in the mare’s head. An idea he was happy to embrace again.

Now that they finally shared a room and some privacy, they could be together again just like old times. But unlike the past, they were not trotting in the wrong path. This could be the start of something new, something nicer. Maybe their ideals were not dead after all.

“Come.” Strong Hoof weakly demanded, leaving some room for the mare. “We’ll be together for the night.”

Dreamcatcher opened her mouth, pleasantly surprised to see that her change had a strong reaction on the stallion. She felt her freckled cheeks grow warm as she slowly approached him. Despite the horrible burns on his entire body, he still looked handsome and strong. The confident and powerful pony she fell in love with was still in there, somewhere under that shell.

Both were. They only had to take the plunge into this unknown future, together. Dreamcatcher crawled under the sheet, cuddling against the giant. His warm fur brushing against her soft body, it brought back good memories. Good memories now tainted by hindsight. But now, they could form new ones without any regret. Their eyes were open. They were freed and now, they could put each other back together without any worries.

Both heads rested upon the same pillow, close to one another. Their eyes met. Both were pitiful looking, tired but somewhere in there, they could see something new. A determination ever-growing. It was small, but it would only grow in strength with the passage of time. Cuddling, they were hopeful about the future for once.

One step at a time, they were cleaning their sins against the society they once judged unfair. Perhaps they were grossly generalising their world. Not everypony is lucky but damn it if the ponies in power weren’t trying their best to help!

“The night is getting old.” Dreamcatcher started; her beautiful eyes locked in his. “Nopony will ever hear a thing. Let’s do it again, for old time's sake.”

Strong Hoof grunted, shuffling his hind legs around. “I would not be opposed to that. I missed these nights.”

His lover touched his face softly. “Even monsters know what love is. Isn’t that beautiful?”

“Wake up, Swift Snow. It calls from beyond, you’re needed now.”

The small white stallion woke up confused inside the destroyed town they had set camp in. Looming just above his bed was the figure of the pony he owed everything to, Jolly Melody. The strong yet soft voice of the violet unicorn compelled him to get up despite his fatigue.

Rubbing his eyes until they could stay open, he noticed Jolly had a happier expression than usual. His grim, vindictive look was replaced by a hopeful one. “Today will be a day to remember, Swift. We shall begin the ritual at once, and call for the power that gave rise to our mare on the moon. It shall be our key to bring her back and overthrow Princess Celestia.”

“Oh, you said you’ll turn into something greater than a pony. Is that what we’re about to see?” Swift Snow croaked, still in the blurry line between awake and asleep.

Jolly Melody shook his head. “Not yet. I believe there’s a pony more deserving of our master’s blessing than me. You will be the first to taste its power. The means to bring a change in this comfortable world.”

The shock alone woke the small stallion immediately. “Wha-me? I’m sorry, Jolly, I-I just...”

“But I insist.” Jolly affirmed, turning to face the little Swift. “I can tell you’re dissatisfied with your current body. Allow our master to perfect it for you. You’ll be even greater than before, the embodiment of our iron will. Isn’t this what you have always wanted?” Such a calm and powerful voice. Swift Snow couldn’t help but agree with him. The stallion’s beautiful eyes emitted such wisdom. He knew Jolly Melody was right. This is his destiny.

“Alright, I’ll do it.”

The violet unicorn smiled. “Then let us hurry up; the others are waiting.”

However, in the shadows lied a figure that didn’t exist yet at the time. A goliath that watched the scene unfold with regret. He watched as his smaller body followed pure evil into the ritual chamber. His eyes were full of optimism and pride, but the giant’s? They were tired and sad.

“Oh, I remember that day. The first ritual...” A beautiful voice came from behind. A voice with a pronounced French accent, one he always found adorable. It’s been so long since she came into his dreams. To be more precise, it’s been so long since he’s dreamt. Following the death of the beast, there was no more reason to destroy their dreams. Nothing left to hide to the alicorns.

“Terrible days...”

Inside the ritual chamber of what remained of the town hall, many ponies waited for these two. Amongst them, Swift Snow recognised the beautiful face of the mare simply known as Dreamcatcher. The two have been eyeballing each other for quite a while now, talking for hours on end about their struggles. Out of all the ponies in Jolly’s group, she was the one he could sympathise with the most, not to say that the others haven’t gone through their fair share of miseries. There was just something about her that made him want to stay by her side.

“The ritual is about to begin. Swift Snow, step into the circle, will you.” Jolly Melody stopped before an alter he had carved himself. A sign of his darkest devotions, of the hate and injustices that fueled this war against monarchy.

Inside the circle, Swift kept his eyes on Dreamcatcher for comfort. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was scared. He had no idea how things will turn out, what he’ll become once the ritual ended. His future was blurry, riddled with questions and uncertainties. His eyes moved around in search of Blaze, but his friend wasn’t here. Most likely keeping an eye on the two fillies outside.

Jolly Melody grinned, raising his hooves high in triumph. “From now on, this entire country shall be ours and we’ll settle the score with society!”

In the farthest corner of the room, Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher watched. The blue mare frowned sadly. “How many times have you been dreaming about this?”

“A lot.” Strong Hoof responded weakly. “I’ve lost count.”

Dreamcatcher mustered a weak smile. “At least, I’m happy you didn’t turn into a monster like Anarchy. Yeah, it could have been worse.”

The behemoth of a stallion kept his scarlet eyes on the ritual. “I did turn into a monster. I’m grateful they were able to knock some sense into me, but it doesn’t erase what we have done.”

“What are we supposed to do?” The freckled pegasus asked, lowering her head. “There’s no way we can just say sorry and leave it at that. We ruined her life, and tried to do so again.”

“That second time is all on me. I hurt many ponies, all of them undeserving.” Strong Hoof moped, feeling anger rising within himself. His past hatred was now redirected towards himself, the true monster.

“No, don’t scapegoat yourself, please! I was the one that told Anarchy his daughter survived! It’s my fault any of this happened!” Dreamcatcher cried out, sadness filling her eyes.

Strong Hoof turned his gaze away, focussing on absolutely nothing. “If you would have been there, you’d see why I’m undeserving of any love.”

“Even if I had been there, I’d still love you. A life without love isn’t a life worth living, remember?” The blue pegasus flew to the stallion’s face, nuzzling him. “I’m still with you, to the bitter end.”

“Thank you...”

The ritual ended behind the mare. The wimpy body of Swift Snow was replaced with the hulking beast that had made him such a fearsome criminal. Everypony’s jaw dropped, awestruck by the power of their master. It had turned the weakest of them into the strongest in a flash.

Jolly Melody’s eyes widened. “It... It worked. It works.”

Swift Snow stood up proudly, amazed by his new body. It was such an amazing feeling. All that strength coursing through his veins, he was unstoppable now. His old name wouldn’t do anymore. He needed a new one, a name that’ll reflect his newfound strength. Raising his giant hoof, the stallion was surprised to see how hard it had become. His hoof was as hard as diamond, even better, it can cut through diamond. In an instant, the world has turned to cardboard for him.

Grinning, he proudly announced his new identity. “The name’s Strong Hoof. Earth pony, right hoof of Jolly Melody and the stallion who’s going to burn this world to the ground!”

Author's Note

Took a while to get back in the groove of things. Exams are coming up, so I had less time to spare. Well, that and I've been slacking off when I had the time to write. A temporary loss of motivation. Thankfully, my good friend brought back that motivation and fun to get back to work! See you next chapter, or in the comments I guess.

5. The Cute, The Bad and The Monstrous

Author's Note

Boy, howdy! What a long wait in between chapters. I know, and I'm sorry. It's just that I was going through a lot of exams and exciting time with my family. I didn't have much time to write. Then, there was also the problem of writer's block. Thankfully, I found a solution and of course, motivation.

Anyway, enjoy this long chapter! I'm quite proud of it, more so than the previous chapters.

5. The Cute, The Bad and The Monstrous

The cold wind howled in the darkness of Braeburn’s house. That night, Olive woke up early, startled awake by another horrible dream from what she can remember. Turning to her right, she noticed her big sister was still asleep. Apple Bloom was sleeping like an angel, a guardian angel for the pink filly in these trying times.

The window on the unicorn’s left creaked as the wind opened it. The cold air outside came pouring in, making the filly shiver. Bothered by this ugly sound and uncomfortable temperature, Olive magically shut the window, locking it to make sure it won’t impede her future slumber.

Even so, the sound of the wind could still be heard. It made its haunting howl known to the little pony like a wild animal begging to be let in. It was sometimes strong, other times weak as it gathered its strength to strike back harder.

Tired, Olive slumped down, burying her face in her pillow. She closed her eyes until the night would take her back to the sweet realm of dreams, away from the incessant howls of the angry and chilly wind.

But her stomach had other plans. It growled, pleading her to feed it. The hunger grew by the minutes and in no time at all, it hurt her and didn’t stop worsening. Olive sighed, reluctantly stepping out of her bed, making sure she doesn’t accidentally wake up her awesome sister with her gurgling stomach before making her way to the stairs.

The pink unicorn gazed at the closed door of Braeburn’s bedroom, listening for any sounds. All she could hear were muffled snoring. Good, the coast was clear. Now, to descend these stairs and move onto the kitchen. But as she stepped on the first step, it creaked loudly.

Creaky, creaky stairs. It was a matter of trial and error to find out which spot creaked, and which spot was silent. The cute little pony played this little game until she reached the kitchen, where she had left the food her mommy prepared nicely. She had snacks, delicious snacks that’ll fill her belly in no time! Olive tip toed to the dinner table, eyeballing her saddlebag, the one bearing the mark of Sweet Apple Acre. The moonlight shined through the window, revealing the delicious contents of the bag to the small unicorn.

They shined as bright as the sun, sparkling as their delicious looks got Olive to salivate. She imagined the wonderful taste of heaven in her mouth. The taste she would soon have.

She was about to levitate the food to her, but then she remembered that magic made noise, and light. There were no unicorns in Appleloosa. If she lit up her horn, it may cause some of the residents to wake up. Better safe than sorry. Olive silently moved a chair with her strong hooves and climbed on it. Her saddlebag was just within hoof’s reach!

The pink unicorn’s mouth salivated as she imagined the delicious oat snack prepared for her. Mommy’s treats were always the best. Food tasted better when it’s made with love! She reached a hoof out for her saddlebag, slowly pulling a snack out of it. It was a cinnamon bun! Those were the best treats ever, treats she only had when she was on good behavior or when she got good grades at school. Her mommy was nice enough to give her some for this trip, perhaps already knowing that she’d have a hard time at Appleloosa.

Her mommy was smart, always knew how she’d feel and what she’d need for everything. Truly, she was blessed to have Applejack as her mommy.

Olive licked his lips and opened her mouth wide.

“Darling! Still the little glutton, I see!”

Olive yelped, losing her balance. Her face slammed into the table, and she fell to the ground face first. The fall was painful, giving her a nosebleed. “Owie...” She croaked, clutching her nose as tears formed in her eyes.

The pain was terrible, but it was nothing before the ghastly voice that spoke out to her. She knew it all too well, that deep and monstrous voice that once belonged to the pony she used to look up to.

Anarchy.

Her beastly father sat on the other end of the kitchen, grinning. He was a few steps away from the moonlight, leaving only his emerald eyes visible in the darkness of the house. “I’m afraid satiating your hunger is a futile endeavor, darling. You of all ponies should know.”

Her father was dead. Has been for a long time. Olive stood up, gazing into the emerald eyes of the mad unicorn. No matter how much time has passed since his defeat, she’s still terrified of him. She’ll never forget that crooked smile, these empty eyes and that sentient cutie mark mocking her every move. These devilish fangs drenched in blood. He was the stuff of nightmares.

Olive backed away. “I-I’m not afraid of you.” She whined, unable to straighten her body into a more confident posture. She kept her head low, almost submissive. It frustrated her so much! She defeated him, took his life. She took back her life from him, why was she still feeling defenseless before him? It just wasn’t fair! She was stronger than this!

“Oh dear, does your mother know you lie? She’d be greatly ashamed. Then again, we’re all liars at our core. Even the Element of Honesty can have some bad days.” Anarchy taunted, standing up. Now that he was on all four, he was even more massive than before, towering over the minuscule filly by comparison.

Each step he took cracked the wooden floorboards. The horrible sound caused by his massive weight broke the eerie silence of the lifeless house. All the windows opened, letting the howling wind inside. The night, the dream, this was his domain even in death. Anarchy will never truly die, not as long as she can remember him.

He might just be memories, but he still felt so alive, so real. Olive wanted her mommy so badly, to have a reassuring presence that can let her know she’s safe.

Anarchy stepped into the moonlight, his ghastly face coming into full view. It scared the filly who backed away instinctively from the looming threat. He had manifested into Braeburn’s kitchen and worst of all; in the one form Olive feared most. The last appearance her father took on before his gruesome death at her own hooves.

“You killed me, darling. Tell me, how did it feel to kill another pony. This time while you were in control.” Anarchy asked tauntingly, looming above the terrified filly. No aggression to be found in his voice. It was eerie to listen to his melodious voice speak about his greatest failure with so little concern or anger. It made him feel otherworldly, like he was something greater than a pony.

His bloody tears fell onto her, blinding the poor pony as she desperately wiped them and her tears away to keep her gaze on him. Her father’s eyes looked like those of a predator, ready to jump on her the moment she lets her guard down.

“W-Why are you still here? Why can’t you leave me alone. I-I don’t want to see you.” Olive croaked, shivering uncontrollably.

The beast’s breath was cold, colder than the coldest regions of Equestria. Its body was dead, lacking any heat, like a zombie. It was as if he was made of ice. Then again, he was always the coldest pony in the entire planet. A fitting feeling for the legendary Anarchy. A friend to nopony. A pony with a cold, cold heart.

“As for me, I do want to see you!” Anarchy cackled, letting more blood drip onto the poor filly. “I’m in your blood, I’m so alive! I only wish you’d acknowledge our master’s gift more. Without it, you wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t be the youngest hero Equestria has ever known. He he he... aren’t you a cute little thing!” His giant hooves rubbed the filly’s freckled cheeks mockingly.

The monstrous unicorn’s face darkened. “Hm. In any case, it would appear you’re having troubles with an old associate. Well, I've got 'em too! I wanted him dead. That lazy drunkard didn’t do his damn job! Hm, maybe you could do his? Your nice and pretty cousin Apple Fritter would surely appreciate to be saved even if she doesn’t see the immediate danger...”

Olive shook her shivering head in defiance. “N-No! I won’t kill anypony. I’m n-not a monster l-like you. I-I am a superhero!”

Her father chuckled, stepping back into the darkness, leaving only his head under the moonlight. “Like Mistress Mare-velous? Or more like Saddle Rager perhaps? How are you gonna solve this conflict? With a slight dose of flank kicking? Or with kind words?”

Olive sharpened her face, not wanting to be weak and vulnerable before him any longer. “I’ll expose the truth about Speaker! I’ll show to everypony that he’s evil! That’s how I’ll save Appleloosa.”

Anarchy seemed less than impressed, shaking his head in disapproval. “That’s barely a plan, dear. You’ve only established the general steps, you need to go into detail ‘cause right now I can barely call this a plan. You’re my daughter, aren’t you supposed to be a smart filly?”

The colossal beast trotted around the kitchen slowly. Each step he took made a loud creaky, a whine coming from the poor floorboards that couldn’t sustain his weight. “How are you going to expose him? By snooping in his stuff? Find a confession of sorts? Speaker is not a smart pony, he’ll leave something around that can incriminate him. You just need to think for a bit, the answer will come soon enough.”

Olive stood up after a long struggle against her shaky legs. Her mind struggled to fully process her father’s beastly words, too paralysed by the primal fear he gave off. “D-Does he have a diary? Maybe I-I can, um...”

Anarchy frowned. “Close, but too far for my liking. It would appear you’re still too young to figure this stuff out. Oh, what a shame. Don’t count on me to help you. You've got a friend in me, but that doesn't mean you should rely on me for everything. You're a superhero now, use your head.”

His mouth contorted into an abominable smile, one that stretched its face to an impossible degree. “After all, I’m only a vision you’ve created. I only know as much as you.”

Olive felt a warm sensation behind her. A faint blue light shined through the dark kitchen, much brighter than the moonlight. The filly watched in wonder as the light slowly formed into a beautiful, tall mare. The princess she’s always adored.

“Princess Luna! You came!” Olive squealed; fear now replaced by pure joy.

The gentle gaze of the princess eased all her worries. It was nice to see her after all this trouble. She was saved now by her idol, next only to mommy.

“Fear not, I have felt your fears. I will brighten your dreams and bring you serenity.” The lunar princess exclaimed softly. Her voice was not as commanding as the first time she met the filly.

Raising her eyes, Luna frowned. The familiar lustful gaze of the beast disgusted her to her very core. She expected to see Anarchy many times after his death, for Olive would never truly be able to forget him. The poor filly will never be free from him, but at least, she’ll be there to carry this burden. They’re in this together.

Anarchy smiled, his face looking more normal and serene. A disturbing look when matched with his ghastly appearance. “We meet again, my angel of the night. I’ve been waiting for so long to see you again. Know that even in death, I will never stop thinking about you. In this endless void, you give me life.”

The midnight blue alicorn sighed. “You do realise this isn’t the real you. You’re just a nightmare, nothing more. For that, I’ll cast you away so that you may never bother your daughter again.” Even so, this mere nightmare acted strangely. It seemed so... alive. Instead of being a simplified version of Anarchy based on the filly’s perception of him, it felt like she was looking at the real deal.

“I know, Luny. I am between a state of life and death, never knowing where I am. My broken horn is still somewhere out there, I’m afraid I can’t give away its exact location.” Anarchy crawled towards the beautiful alicorn, his face filled with wonder. “My master adores me, like you. It has given me eternal life as was promised. I am an eternal spirit in the dreamscape, I live in their dreams and feast on their fears. My actions have forever impacted this world. I am in the collective consciousness of your subjects. For hundreds of years, I will continue to exist in this world, all thanks to you. Once your days are about to end, come find me. I’ll be waiting.”

The midnight blue alicorn quickly dispelled him with a simple spell. Even if he was still the real Anarchy in some way, his powers were long gone. The house brightened up soon after now that it was freed from the dark unicorn’s presence. Only Princess Luna and Olive remained.

The little filly tugged on the mare’s leg, earning her attention. “W-What did he say? Is it bad?”

Princess Luna put on her most reassuring smile, nuzzling the poor unicorn. “Do not worry, Olive. It is nothing to worry about. Your father won’t hurt anypony ever again.”

Raising her head, she looked out the window, lost in her thoughts. “In any case, I sincerely hope your trip to Appleloosa is going well. I’m sorry for the disturbance my action has caused, and I really wish I could stay here and chat with you. Sadly, I am very busy this week, but I swear I’ll make some time for you when you’re back in Ponyville.”

Olive’s eyes widened as she saw the mare turning to a bright blue. “W-Wait, Princess Luna! Don’t go!”

The lunar princess patted her head before reaching for the stars. “Farewell, my little pony. We will meet again soon!”

Alone again, Olive trotted to the front door and opened it, wanting to fly into the sky like she used to with Luna. It would make her feel safer than down there. To her surprise, the desert look of Appleloosa was replaced with a snowy wasteland outside. The world was nothing but a blue tundra, with a distinct shape in the middle, staring at her.

“You are strong, child. You will face your opponent alone, prove to him you are my foal. Prove to him that my word is law. Whether it’d be in life or death, Speaker will go down at my hoof. And my hoof, I entrust you with.”

The next morning, Olive and Apple Bloom made it back to Apple Fritter as quickly as equinely possible, worried that something terrible might have happened that night. They left Braeburn quickly after breakfast, promising to come back to him later to work on the orchard. Arriving at Fritter’s house, they were pleasantly surprised; their cousin was safe and sound. Plus, Speaker wasn’t around to bother them.

The house as cheerful looking, with all sorts of happy photos of the Apple family filling the empty spaces on the walls and fridge. The walls were colorful, welcoming most certainly. Everything about Apple Fritter and her home was warm and inviting. If only there wasn’t a certain stallion there to sour the mood, to make everything feel eerie and stressful.

She greeted them cheerfully, happy to receive some visit from the two adorable fillies. She’s rarely received this much visit in under a week. It was fun to always have some company when she needed it. Even nicer to have some of the cutest ponies in all Equestria come to her.

Olive especially. Apple Fritter had never seen a cuter filly in her whole life! The pink pony had everything; beautiful eyes, a soft and adorable voice, chubby cheeks and an awfully nice personality.

“Howdy, girls! Guess ya can’t have enough of me? Well, shoot! Ah guess we could play a lil game, ya know; get to know each other some more through fun!” She exclaimed, jumping on the couch and inviting the two foals to join her.

“How was yer night?” Apple Bloom asked, taking a seat. From her position, she had a clear view of the stairs. She’d keep her eyes here often; Speaker wasn’t going to get the jump on them.

Apple Fritter giggled. “Aren’t ya considerate? It’s really nice to have somepony that cares that much ‘bout me, lemme tell ya! Well, it was a mighty fine night. Mister Speaker was kind enough to sleep on ta couch, so Ah’d still have mah bed. He kept tellin’ me he was fine sleepin’ that way. What a nice stallion.” She tapped on the couch, showing that it still had the stallion’s traces.

Olive cringed. “Oh... T-That's good, Miss Apple Fritter.”

“Oh! No need to call me miss. Just Apple Fritter or cousin is fine. Ah mean, we’re family, aren’t we?” The mare corrected with a bright smile. “Anyhow, we should play a game that Ah used to play with mah parents when Ah was just a teeny-weeny filly!” She stood up, full of energy and exclaimed, “Ta floor is lava!”

Olive blinked, not quite sharing her cousin’s energy. “The floor is lava?”

The cowgirl nodded. “Yup! Ta floor is lava!”

The pink unicorn looked at the ground incredulously. Slowly looming at the edge of the couch, Olive hesitantly lowered her right hoof. It descended at a snail’s pace until it got close to the carpet. In one swift motion, she poked the carpet and pulled her hoof back, expecting it to burn which it didn’t oddly. The pink unicorn stared at her hoof, confused as to why it didn’t catch on fire.

“Oh no no no! Ta floor isn’t actually lava!” Apple Fritter laughed, gushing over the filly’s cuteness. “Yer supposed to imagine it’s lava! That’s where ta fun comes from!”

Olive blushed, wiping the tip of her right hoof on the couch. “O-Oh, sorry.”

Apple Bloom took her defense, proudly wrapping a hoof around the pink filly’s shoulder. “Mah lil sister can be a bit odd at times, but she’s a smart filly. She always has some of ta best grades in our class and she learns quickly! Even earned a student of ta month award! She just, uh, thinks a little differently from other ponies.”

Apple Fritter caressed Olive’s mane, gushing over the cute filly. “Aw, Ah can see yer intelligence behind those cute eyes! Aren’t ya ta most adorable thing! Well, are ya two ready to play?”

Olive’s first game of the floor is lava was a great experience. This game forced her to get creative with how she navigated her cousin’s living room. She jumped from couch to table to eventually staying on a stool to which she slid across the floor with her magic, creating a small wooden vehicle. For a moment, she forgot about her anxieties, about being away from home, about Speaker. For twenty good minutes, she was happy just like a normal filly.

That was until the three ponies heard somepony go down the stairs. Somepony that was bigger and heavier than all three. Immediately, the reality of the situation dawned on Olive again, brutally taking her out of the game.

“Oh hey, I didn’t know your cousins were coming over today.” Speaker locked eyes with Olive briefly. Two reddish eyes filled with disdain and another emotion the poor filly couldn’t understand. All she knew was that he was dangerous and whatever cruel thoughts lied behind those red eyes were better kept to himself.

“Ah didn’t know too!” Apple Fritter exclaimed, balancing herself on a wooden chair. “Ah guess they just couldn’t get ‘nough of their cousin! First time Ah ever got to spend this much time with Apple Bloom and ta new member of ta Apple family!” She proudly presented Olive to him, tapping the small unicorn on the back. “So, how’re ya doin’ today?”

Speaker glanced at the pink filly briefly before setting his gaze back on the prize. “Better than yesterday, that’s for sure. My body aches a little less. Just walkin’ here feels less like a chore than before. You’re really good at first aid, you know that?”

Apple Fritter blushed, throwing a “Oh, you!” as she waved her hoof.

Flattery, a common tactic Jolly Melody used to get so many loyal followers. Olive’s seen it plenty of times before and now, his malice is spreading onto said followers. The more time he spends honing his technique, the more dangerous he’ll get. She can’t let anypony become like her father. Never again.

“She’s also really good at playing, and kind, and fun to be around.” Olive said, looking directly into the mare’s colorful eyes.

Apple Fritter gushed, nuzzling the cute filly for what was the tenth time today. It was okay, Olive loved her affection even if she didn’t admit it out loud. “Aw, yer too sweet, Olive!”

Speaker frowned, irritated to lose the mare’s attention. “Well, she sure seems so. Hm, what’s with her scar? I’ve never seen one this big on a foal before...”

Olive gasped, covering her scar with her tail. She noticed the slithery stallion smirk for a good second before returning to his poker face. She knew what game he was playing, but even so, that reminder hurt. It hurt even more to know that the creator of that dreadful scar was nearby. A low blow. That was to be expected with the bad Anarchists. They fight dirty.

The poor filly whined, looking to her cousin for help.

“Oh, well... A-Ah don’t think she’s comfortable with that. It’s private stuff between Apples, mah apologies.” Apple Fritter explained, standing near the pitiful pony. “A-And it’s also a sad story. Ah don’t wanna bring yer mood down, not when yer feelin’ better.” Just because it hurt to think about, she hugged the filly once more.

Speaker nodded calmly, repressing the urge to frown. “It’s alright. I was just curious and, uh, I’m sorry if I was invading her personal space.”

Apple Bloom winced. “Everypony always comments on that scar anyway. Just don’t do anythin’ that’ll make ‘er uncomfortable.” Her protective instinct resurfaced, placing herself before her little sister. No matter what, she’ll never let that foul stallion get too close to Olive. She could feel it had already happened, and it made her angry.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m not trying to cause any trouble here.” Speaker left the living room shortly after, but not without giving the two fillies one last glance, one that felt more sinister.

Apple Fritter stepped out of the couch, seemingly getting an interesting idea. “Stay right ‘ere! Ah’ll get somethin’ for ya, girls!” The earth pony rushed upstairs, leaving the fillies alone. Vulnerable, with a criminal. Just then, a dark figure popped from their blind spot, observing them.

Speaker loomed in the kitchen, keeping his cold eyes on them. Without their cousin around, there was only silence occasionally broken by the sound of the stallion’s hooves clopping. They were alone with a dangerous criminal, one known for the more repulsive kind of crimes.

They didn’t dare to move. If he would move towards them, they’ll have no choice but to book it. It was becoming increasingly clear that he knew Apple Bloom was also onto him. The two fillies meant danger to him, but in this situation, he had the upper hoof. Apple Fritter was closer to him. If anything happened, he had a hostage to bail him out.

“And to think daddy dearest made a song talking about how he’ll murder us.” Speaker chuckled quietly, keeping his voice down. “You of all ponies should know how messed up he was. Four years I spent with him, and in that last one; boy was he unrecognisable. Strange mannerisms, constantly writing disturbing songs and eyeballing his own followers as if they were changelings. Granted, he did have some moments of lucidity, but it felt like the stallion I was following was slowly fading away.”

He placed a plate on the table, calmly preparing his breakfast. “I know you think I’m no better than him, and to that I say; bullshit. I haven’t murdered any of my associates and I certainly don’t plan to anytime soon. You believe you can somehow save your cousin and stop me like some sort of superhero but let me tell you this; you’re no hero. You’re but a monster, just like he was.”

Olive glared, feeling her fears slowly give way to righteous anger. “I’m not a monster. You see, I’ll stop you before you can do your plan. I’m a hero now.”

Speaker smiled. “Really now? Hm, it would appear you have only two days left to do so. How are you going to convict me? I’m just a nopony, you see. A poor, injured pony who luckily found salvation before he perished.”

Olive closed her eyes, calling once again to the one pony she knew could help. Alas, he was but fragmented memories now. She had to seek the one that could help her in the moment. Thankfully, Jolly Melody always dispersed his wisdom to her, maybe with the hope that she’ll grow to be just like him, to pursue his darkest devotions. He talked a lot about the bad Anarchists to her, giving away their weaknesses. Speaker may talk like he’s smart, but she knew she was smarter. Jolly’s knowledge was now hers and that would be the evil earth pony’s downfall.

Boy, they sure like to talk like they’re these masterminds. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to realise their bodies are controlling them instead of their brains! See, darling? No matter what happens, they’ll always try to do something a little naughty. They can’t resist the temptation unlike us, and that’s what makes us stronger. They’ll one day fall right into a trap for they are stupid. But us? We shall be smart, and smart ponies know to control their bodies at all times.

Yes! Her father was right, always was when it came to crime and monsters. Speaker won’t leave Appleloosa until he’s committed a bad deed. At this moment, Olive will expose him and save her cousin. With two good alibis, he would be done for and voila; Appleloosa is saved! He may smile and gloat all he wants, she knew he’d fall victim to his own desires.

Olive smiled, radiating pure confidence with her posture. Her head raised and her back straightened. For once, she felt like she had the upper hoof here.

Simply looking into these eyes made Speaker feel strange, scared even. She had the same look that Jolly Melody often gave him. A look that in hindsight, was full of malice and planning. That little filly was planning something, and she believed she could have the edge over him! She may be a kind and gentle soul, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t have the intelligence of her twisted father, the one pony Speaker knew he could never beat in a contest of intellect.

Once again, this little freckled unicorn frightened him, but no longer because of the monster. No, he saw in her eyes something scarier than the beast.

Anarchy was still there, his legacy continuing to haunt him beyond the grave. As long as his descendant lived, he was in danger. His only chance at survival was to take her out of the picture one way or another. He should have done so when he had the chance, but his foolish mind thought she could be controlled like every other foal he got his grubby hooves on.

The child of a monster is no mosquito he can sweep away. This filly is a hornest’s nest. When it will strike, it will hurt like Tartarus.

Olive wrapped a hoof around her big sister, holding her tightly. “I have a plan, big sis. I know how to save Appleloosa thanks to my father.”

Apple Bloom blinked. “Yer... father?”

Her little sister blinked. “Um, I-I meant the memories of my father. I remember how to deal with mean stallions like him.” Olive corrected softly, constantly checking on Speaker. “We’ll talk about this when we’re at the orchard, alone with Braeburn.”

Speaker winced, feeling threatened. He would not allow them to leave without a warning to keep them in check. “I’ll have you know-”

“Guesh what, girlsh?” Speaker shut himself up just in time. Apple Fritter returned from her quick trip upstairs with two interesting items in her mouth. She placed them on the table before the two fillies. “Ah found mah old cowgirl hats! Ya can take ‘em. They’re yers for if ya want to really get in ta Appleloosa spirit!”

Olive eyeballed the cowgirl curiously. Her cousin giggled and placed the hat on the unicorn’s head. “Let me get a mirror for ya!”

Apple Bloom wore hers but struggled to get it to stay on her head thanks to her bow blocking the way. Evidently, she can’t have both. “Aw, Ah think Ah’ll just stick with ta bow. It just screams more... me, ya know?”

The earth pony returned with a small mirror in her hoof. “Here, look at yerself, Olive!”

The cute little filly gazed in awe at her reflection. With that cowgirl hat on, she looked even more like an Apple! She never thought to wear one before but come to think of it; it would be cool to look more like her awesome mother. After all, both are fighting evil and saving the day. To be more like Applejack would mean to be more like a superhero.

“Woah, I look so cool...”

“Mostly cuter! Look at ta lil apple tryin’ on ‘er first cowgirl hat!” Apple Fritter gushed, going completely gaga over her newest cousin. Olive was not the youngest Apple she’s ever met, but she had a completely different energy from her other cousins, one that seemed much more endearing. Maybe it was that soft voice, the different accent and these gorgeous eyes that made her look so precious.

“Uh, yeehaw?” Olive muttered awkwardly, readjusting her hat.

“Oh! That’s so cute! Hold on, let me get mah camera. Ah gotta snap a picture of ya like that!” Apple Fritter stormed out of the living room and returned mere seconds later. “Okay, stay still.”

Confused and lost, Olive stared blankly at the camera. She tilted her head slightly, not knowing what pose or face to make in the moment but at least, her cousin seemed to love it for she snapped multiple pictures in the span of a few seconds.

“And there!” The pictures slid out of the camera, caught by the ecstatic hoof of the earth pony. “Aw! Look at them, ya look so cute as a cowgirl!”

Olive blinked, staring idly at her newly taken picture. Adorably enough, she made the exact same face as the one on the picture. Clueless and curious all the same. “I guess.”

“Aw, don’t be so modest.” Apple Fritter gawked, nuzzling the filly. “Anyhow, Ah’ll be leavin’ to get some food for tonight. Ya migh-”

The mare didn’t have time to finish her sentence for the door busted open, revealing a worried Braeburn. “Hey, Apple Fritter! Have ya, oh... They’re ‘ere.”

Apple Fritter blinked, gazing over the two fillies. “Well, yeah. They’re ‘ere, is there a problem?”

Braeburn chuckled nervously, easing after he saw the big smile on Olive’s face. “N-No, not at all. Ah was just lookin’ for ‘em ‘c-cause Ah’m gonna need some help with apple buckin’! Ah need their strong little legs for ta job!”

Away from town and thus, trouble, Olive and Apple Bloom had plenty of time to form their plan. Braeburn had taken them down in the orchard below Appleloosa, there were plenty of places to hide, the perfect area to prepare a counterstrike against Speaker. The many apple trees present also offered lots of shadows to hide from the unforgiving summer sun. It was a good thing that they both accepted Apple Fritter’s cowgirl hats for they kept their face in the shadows.

But before they could talk more about their plan of action, they had to help out the ponies of Appleloosa harvest the apples after the buffalo stampede. Bucks after bucks, they emptied every apple tree one by one for an entire hour. The work was tough but being only foals, they were given more breaks than the older ponies. A blessing considering they were more preoccupied with the looming danger in the western town. It was their duty to save Appleloosa from said danger.

Olive and Apple Bloom rested next to a comfortable tree after they had earned a well-earned break from apple bucking. Whilst Braeburn and the other older ponies left to fetch some water, the pink unicorn stood up and grabbed a nearby stick to draw in the dirt.

“Alright, is it time ya tell me ‘bout yer plan?” Apple Bloom asked, straightening her aching back.

Olive nodded. “Yes, it’s Cutie Mark Crusaders Superhero time!” Despite the fatigue from all the work, the simple thought of her cousin being in danger gave the filly more than enough strength to carry on. She drew simple motifs at breakneck speed, showcasing to her older sister her developing talent.

“Alright, Apple Bloom. Here’s my plan. It’s simple, but I’m sure it will work.”

Olive explained what she had learned from Anarchy years ago. The weakness they could exploit to incriminate the dangerous stallion. She relayed her father’s lessons about the bad Anarchists. Now the two had a good place to start their battle against the evil earth pony.

Suddenly, Apple Bloom had an imaginary light bulb appear above her head. Her eureka moment had come. As the big sister, she would accomplish her protective role to perfection, not just to her little sister, but to her cousins as well. “Ah’ve got it! Ah know what’ll force that evil Speaker pony to show his true colors!”

Olive’s face brightened up, looking at her big sister with admiration in her beautiful olive eyes. “You do?! Tell me! Tell me!”

The yellow filly smirked. “If what ya said ‘bout ‘im is true, then he should have a hard time controllin’ himself if Apple Fritter acts all ‘seductive’. We’ll just have to get ‘er to act like that and it’ll force ‘im to show his true colors!”

“Woah.” Olive applauded her big sister’s brilliance. As one of the founders of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, this level of intelligence was to be expected. Her big sister was as smart as her, maybe even smarter. “This is a good plan, but how do we get her to be... seductive?”

Apple Bloom blinked. “Uh, Ah... haven’t figured that part out yet.”

Not willing to go back to the drawing board, the two sisters pulled all their brain power into finding the best and least suspicious way to enact their plan. Their method had to seem normal, filly-like or else Speaker would catch on and keep his guard up.

Olive thought hard on this plan, but then her mind got sidetracked as usual. She went from thinking about how to get Apple Fritter to act seductive, to then wondering what seductive even looks like, if it was like the way the Anarchists acted. Then, she hypothesised about perhaps watching and learning about the art of seduction from her older cousin to please her marefriend. And that was when she figured it out.

“I’ll ask Apple Fritter about how I can be more seductive for Sweetie Belle! They’ll both buy it!” She exclaimed happily, clapping her hooves together. “Isn’t it brilliant?”

Apple Bloom chuckled. “That’s perfect! Once we’re done ‘ere, we’ll do just that and expose the true Speaker to our cousin. Yer amazin’ sis!”

Olive blushed, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly.

Once the excitement settled down, both Olive and Apple Bloom noticed something odd that occurred for a couple of minutes now. The ground was rumbling slightly at irregular intervals. Was it an earthquake? Not possible, it wasn’t strong enough to be an earthquake.

Olive noticed a small puddle of mud next to the apple tree they were resting at. With each rumbling, the mud trembled, creating small waves. She fixated the puddle for a few seconds, noticing with increasing worry that the rumbling was getting stronger. It was approaching their location!

“Uuuuuh, wh-what's goin’ on?” Apple Bloom stood up, her body spinning around in all directions until she locked onto the source of the rumbling. She froze, her eyes laying on the ever-growing body of a white titan in the distance. “Oh, no no no no no...”

He saw them! Sweet Celestia, the behemoth saw them and was coming their way!

Olive gasped, her limbs freezing on the spot, refusing to obey her mind’s desperate command to run and hide. Instead, she stood in the middle of the way, exposed to the beast by the sunlight.

Strong Hoof’s breaths were heavy, powerful. He expulsed large puffs of air from his lungs, sounding almost like a growl. His bloodshot eyes focussed entirely on the various red shapes above like a predator stalking its prey.

Now, that signature rumbling resurfaces horrible memories. A broken schoolhouse, the frightened screams of dozens of foals, the haunting howls of the wind, the crackling of thunder and the dark silhouette of the colossus admits the falling rain. With each step, these memories grew stronger, more real. It felt like they were going back in time to stand before the bloodthirsty giant.

Another dreadful silhouette came for them, hovering near the goliath’s head. The freckled mare that devoured her dreams months ago, Dreamcatcher. The one pony responsible for hiding her from Luna’s gracious presence. If she hadn’t been with her father, she and Aurora would have been saved.

Fear, anger, both led to a confusion state of being. Olive didn’t know emotion should empower her in the moment. Fight or flight. Should they get too close, she might have to let the monster out to protect her beloved sister, Apple Bloom.

They stopped. Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher stopped a few meters away from them, gazing into the fillies’ eyes with a blank expression. Like lifeless machines, they stared at the obstacles and waited for something to happen.

But behind those lifeless eyes lied something, a desire. A desire to flee as far away as possible. Fear, regret, shame, the living symbol of their sins lied before them. Her giant scar a dark reminder of who they once were. Of the monsters they could have forever stayed as had it not been for her too.

“Why are you stopping? Is there a roadblock or something?” That voice, Olive and Apple Bloom recognised it as the voice of salvation itself, hiding behind the two killers. They gasped, seeing the heavenly frame of the batpony peeking from behind the giant. “Oh, hey! It’s you two! Didn’t know you were working too at the orchard. Uh, we got here a little late, our deepest apologies. Where did the others go?”

Olive opened her quivering mouth to answer, but no words came out except for a frightened croak.

Captain Mango raised an eyebrow, confused until he looked at the bloodshot eyes of Strong Hoof. They were too scared to talk, because of them. That was to be expected, these four weren’t going to get along any time soon, sadly. He raised his healty hoof and patted the scared fillies. “Oh, sorry for scaring you. We’ll be on our way to help with the apple bucking. Just, uh, don’t forget to tell the others that once they come back. Hey, we ready to get it on?”

The nice captain trotted away from them, guiding the two monsters away from the fillies. In that brief moment of relief, Olive realised she had lost her chance once more to ask Mango for help. Now that he had left them, there was no way she could approach him without being seen by the snow-white giant that hated her.

It was too late. They had no other choice but to enact Apple Bloom’s plan and hope for the best. The royal guard’s help was unavailable and probably will still be until it is too late.

“Well, Ah’ll be damned! They brought ta crystal white giant to our orchard! Ah’m not gonna trust ‘em one bit with respectin’ our orchard. Thugs like ‘em can’t understand what it means to us Appleloosans.”

The familiar and reassuring voice of Braeburn brought the two fillies back to reality, away from all these terrible memories. It was nice to be back in the present. Olive struggled to simply live in the present moment. Every little thing can send her spiraling back into these dark memories, snatching her away from her beautiful new life. It’s mentally exhausting, but she could always count on her family to pull her out of that dark zone.

“So, ya brought some water for us? Ah’m thirsty.” Apple Bloom informed, irked by her dry mouth. She was dehydrated after that encounter, sweated too much. As a parting gift, that dreadful meeting left both of the fillies with a headache. The best cure right now was water, lots of water.

“I’m thirsty too.” Olive clanged onto the stallion’s legs.

Braeburn heard from her cousin’s many letters about how clingy Olive could be. She loved to make physical contact with those she trusted. It warmed his heart to know that the little filly already viewed him this positively. “Sure thin’! Ah got some water bottles in mah saddlebag. Grab whatever ya need!” he leaned so that the sisters could rummage its content.

Olive and Apple Bloom drank to their heart’s content, savoring the tasty liquid that revigorated them. It took less than a minute for them to empty two entire bottles.

“Just don’t drink too much, alright? If ya do, yer gonna want to relieve yerself and lemme tell ya; we’re quite far from town.”

Olive’s eyes widened right after Braeburn finished his advice. “Uh oh.”

“Wha- don’t tell us ya gotta go already!” Her big sister gawked. “There are nothin’ but bushes and apple trees around ‘ere!”

The pink unicorn tip toed around, bouncing in place to best hold it in. Unfortunately, these efforts could only do little to delay the inevitable. She simply didn’t have enough time to make it back to Appleloosa to then find a toilet.

Braeburn looked around cautiously, trotting up to a nearby bush. “In that case, this looks good.” He gestured for Olive to come closer.

“Huh?”

“If ya really gotta go, ya should do it ‘ere. Nopony will see ya, Ah can assure you.” Braeburn looked uncomfortable, constantly checking around to make sure his statement was correct.

Poor little Olive’s face turned red, turning to her big sister feeling undignified. “B-But I can’t do it here! Th-There are other ponies around, cousin Braeburn!”

Braeburn shrugged. “Fraid there’s nothin’ else we can do. Ya either hold it in or ya do it ‘ere. Sorry, cousin.”

The poor filly was as red as a tomato, seeking her big sister for approval in this embarrassing decision. From the look on her face, it would seem she had no choice but to go for the bush. “Aw... okay. Make sure nopony sees me.”

Braeburn cringed. “W-Well, Ah’ll, uh... Ah’ll try.” The stallion nervously followed the filly close to the bush they deemed best suited to relieve her. “Ya go on ahead. Ah’ll just right ‘ere, ya know, to give ya some privacy. He he.”

Olive’s hind legs crossed, trying their hardest to hold it in. Her poor face was red, and that horrible feeling of embarrassment started to burn her. Onto problem now, hoping that the bush would cover her enough so that none may see her doing the deed. The pink filly awkwardly shuffled through the bush, finding a surprisingly nice and open space. This wasn’t just a bush; it was multiple ones forming a circle! The unicorn sighed. There was no possible way somepony could see her now.

And now, onto problem two; peeing in this position. There was no toilet bowl for her to sit on and calmly relieve herself. No, she had to awkwardly split her legs wide open and stick out her rear end so that no golden liquid falls on her hooves. She hated this, it felt more like she was playing a game of Twister, a humiliating one at that. “Hmph...”

She groaned, cursing her little body for wanting to go now when there were no available toilets. Olive then waited and waited. Great, just as she was ready to go, her lady parts felt a little too shy to proceed. She sensed the urge coming and going at irregular intervals, never truly committing to it. “Come on...”

And worst of all, she heard the clopping of hooves coming near that batch of bushes! Olive had to calm herself down. After all, who would ever look into a pile of bushes when there are apples everywhere in the trees?

She was right; the clopping moved away from her but were still a bit too close for comfort. Braeburn said something to the pony but seemed a little unsure. The filly didn’t hear what he said for she was too busy dealing with her stressful predicament. Anyhow, it helped to know that he was doing his watch duty.

Olive relaxed enough, finding some comfort in this position. The fear and stress were slowly going away, and it was enough for her to relax the muscles in her rear and open the fountain. Her face wasn’t burning as much anymore, but still remained hot and red. There was a certain thrill in doing something so daring out in the open. Olive felt it once before, but never in a way that seemed almost... fun.

It was fun until the bushes in front of her moved, the leaves dispersing as two big blue appendages moved them aside. Olive’s eyes widened in fear, her cheeks turning red once again. In addition, she also blanched once she saw the familiar face of an evil blue pegasus mere inches away from her vulnerable and petite frame.

Dreamcatcher stared her down, an unknown mixture of emotions brewing on her face. Thankfully, she quickly pulled back and took off, leaving a distraught filly to finish her delicate needs.

Olive’s legs trembled; her forehead drenched in sweat. Her sweet eyes were watery, her rear end contracted, hidden by her crystal white tail. Once she finally regained control of her body, she bolted it to her cousin, Braeburn, and hugged his leg. She kept her eyes on the flying mare slowly disappearing out of her sight and soon enough, out of her mind.

“I-I accidentally got close to her. Oh my gosh...”

Strong Hoof stopped to gaze upon the anxious visage of the lovely mare, concerned.

Dreamcatcher looked behind nervously, wiping the sweat off her forehead. “I found her... i-in a bush. I saw her...” She fell silent, biting her lower lip. “I’d rather have not seen it.”

Strong Hoof frowned, his tired bloodshot eyes raising to find the filly in question. No sign of her around this part of the orchard. He bucked a nearby apple tree, causing all of its apples to fall onto the basket they set down except for a few unruly ones. “Hm, then we should be careful. Let’s do our best to stay away from her, it’ll best for us. All of us.”

The blue mare sighed. “I can’t wait to get out of here. If they want to give us work, then let it be far away from her.”

An armored shape in the sky descended from the trees with a hopeful smile. “Maybe that won’t be a problem if you three made amends?”

Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher looked at him, considering his words. Unfortunately, they both shook their heads.

“This fence is beyond mending, captain. We are only here to do our work.” Strong Hoof placed the fallen apples on the basket and moved onto the next tree.

6. He Doesn't Deserve Your Kindness

Their work at the apple orchard now done, Olive and Apple Bloom bid Braeburn farewell as they returned to town, hoping they can get back to Apple Fritter’s before something bad could happen. Their mad dash came to an end once they noticed their cousin returning home with her groceries.

“Cousin Apple Fritter!” Olive screamed to get her attention, struggling to catch her breath. She was out of breath by the time she got to her alongside her big sister. This run was a real marathon, almost an entire kilometer traveled on hooves! Before her, all that came out of their mouths were wheezes.

“Oh, hey! Didn’t think ya two would be so eager to come back to me!” Their cousin exclaimed happily whilst she unlocked her door. “These hats look really good on you two! Mind helpin’ me out with ta groceries?” She placed some of her bags down for the fillies to pick. They were the lightest ones, of course.

“Uh, sure. We just...” Apple Bloom took a few deep breaths, trying to stabilise herself so that her speech may be unimpeded. “...wanted some advice, well, Olive wanted some advice ‘bout relationships.”

Olive blushed but pushed through the embarrassment to nod, gently levitating a bag up. “Y-Yeah, it’s for my marefriend, Sweetie Belle.”

Opening the front door, Apple Fritter gasped. “Then come inside! Ah’ll certainly try mah best to help in that regard, even though Ah’m no relationship expert.”

That last sentence piqued the pink unicorn’s curiosity. She knew very little about both Braeburn and Apple Fritter and all this time, she’s been more preoccupied with Speaker to the point that she didn’t bother to learn much about her cousins. That was a mistake she should remedy immediately. They’re family and she needed to know them on a deeper level for this link to mean something. “Do you have a coltfriend, o-or marefriend too, Apple Fritter?”

Her cousin’s eyes widened, her face blushing a bit. “O-Oh, well Ah mean, not yet but it’s bound to come eventually. Ah know some good stallions ‘round ‘ere! Still, what Ah can show ya will help immensely with gettin’ their attention. That, and also stimulatin’ yer lover!”

Olive rushed in front of her cousin, forcing the mare to look deeply into her beautiful eyes filled with a burning curiosity. “Stimulate my lover for what?”

Giggling, she bopped the filly on the nose. “That’s somethin’ ya’ll understand when yer older!”

The little unicorn blinked, the gears turning in her head. “So if stimulating is for something I don’t understand now, then does that mean it won’t be useful for me?”

“Oh, certainly not! It’ll help ya keep Sweetie Belle’s attention.” Apple Fritter placed her groceries on the kitchen counter, quickly filling her fridge. “We call this, seducin’. It works for ponies tryin’ to find their lovers and also works on couples wantin’ to have some fun.”

Slowly losing sight of the mission, Olive blushed, thinking of all the possibilities this lesson could be applied to her marefriend. As far as her foal’s mind could. “I want to have fun with her!”

Apple Fritter giggled, holding a hoof to her mouth much to the filly’s confusion. “Oh, it’s nothin’.” Once she was finished with her groceries, she turned her attention back to the two fillies. “Anyway, want me to show ya ta art of seduction? It’s very simple once ya understand ta fundamentals.”

Apple Bloom looked around. No sign of that dreadful stallion in the kitchen. But then, she heard a large pony slowly come to them. Just as expected, Speaker couldn’t help himself to eavesdrop on them, seeming more attentive since the subject of this conversation is “seduction”, something that fitted right his alley.

“Hey, what are you talking about?” He asked, peeking into the kitchen.

Apple Fritter sweated a bit, putting on a nervous smile. “O-Oh, mah cousins ‘ere just want me to teach ‘em ‘bout seducing other ponies. Um, would ya mind movin’ out of ta livin’ room for a bit? No offense, but Ah won’t feel comfortable showin’ ‘em with ya around.”

Speaker smiled calmy. “Ah, it’s no problem. I’ll just read in the kitchen then.”

Worried, Apple Bloom looked to her sister, wondering if that would impede the plan. Her little sister didn’t seem all too concerned. Knowing what kind of pony Speaker was, it’s no surprise he’ll peek on their “class” and get aroused. Like a fish eyeballing a worm on a hook, he’ll take the bait and won’t be any wiser about it.

Moving to the living room, Apple Fritter closed her curtains, feeling a little nervous. She made sure nopony could see into her living room, now noticing that it was making the fillies feel a little concerned. “Don’t worry, fillies! Ah’m just a little shy, is all. It’s not illegal or anythin’, just somethin’ Ah’m not comfortable doin’ out in ta open. Unless Ah see ‘him’.”

Olive’s tail waggled excitedly. “So will you show us how to become expert seducers?”

Apple Fritter smiled and turned around, lifting her tail to expose her marehood. “We’ll start nice and simple. Everypony loves ta flank and that’s what we should show first. To catch somepony’s attention, ya just bend yer forelegs, lift yer tail and do a lil shake. Like this.”

The earth pony shook her flank, waving her tail around as her exposed marehood flashed before the fillies’ eyes. For Apple Bloom, it was almost like a revelation, an explanation to the odd occasional behaviors of her big sister whenever she was around Rainbow Dash. The strange looks and the rather flirty movements... Oh dear, she’s flirting with Rainbow.

For Olive, however, it caused her to blush. She’s always been more interested in mares and now, she was beginning to understand. Simply imagining Sweetie Belle doing this got her heart pumping with adrenaline. Her mind was filled with pure joy and excitement at the thought of even doing that to her, to show what she had learned. Her marefriend would be so happy!

“Alright, now ya try! Ah want to see some movement!” Apple Fritter exclaimed, rapidly turning around and clopping her hooves, prompting the spectator to try it out.

Olive was thrilled to finally perform this exact technique. At first, it was a little awkward. To make sure she got it right, the little pink unicorn performed every singular movement one by one, robotically. But as she began to understand, her moves accelerated to a more natural speed. Unlike Apple Fritter’s version, hers was more like an excited puppy seeing their owner return home. Adorable indeed, but not quite seductive.

“That’s good, but it’s lackin’ somethin’. Ta eyes.” Apple Fritter pointed to her green eyes. “They’ll tell ‘er what ya want.”

Olive looked into her cousin’s eyes curiously. “How can they do that? Eyes don’t speak.”

Apple Fritter giggled. “Certainly not! But what they can do is show yer emotions, yer pretty good at doin’ it already.”

“... I do?” Olive asked, her eyes filled with curiosity and wonder. If only she had a mirror with her at all times, she could see how she’s “good” at this because displaying emotions isnt’s something she though was her forte.

“Yes! They’re so expressive!” The earth pony pointed out before bringing attention to hers. “Ah have no doubt ya’ll master... ta bedroom eyes. They’re ta most important part of seducin’.” The mare’s eyes shifted to convey a much different emotion, lust. That, Olive understood clearly without needing an explanation.

The pink filly was surprised to see how much she could understand with just one look. Now, she wanted to try it, looking around for a nearby mirror she could use to practice this gaze. Her cousin must have read her mind for she already had one in her foreleg, placing it before the small unicorn. “Now, ya try! It’ll be easy if ya think of yer marefriend.”

Olive’s brows shifted, going up and down as she tried to reproduce the look her cousin showed. She tried and tried but couldn’t seem to get the expected results. It seemed sometimes too awkward, other times too forced or just plain silly.

Apple Fritter scratched her head. She didn’t have much trouble learning this gaze for she didn’t even need to do so; it just came naturally. For everypony it does, but Olive was clearly different from other ponies in the ways she acted and thought. Maybe that was why she was having a hard time? Or perhaps it’s because she’s not before her marefriend and is merely acting? “Ah see. Maybe it’ll come to ya once yer with yer marefriend. We’ll move on to somethin’ else.”

“No, I can do this. I’m getting really close!” Olive objected, letting the mental image of Sweetie Belle fill her mind with pleasure and longing. She couldn’t wait to come back to Ponyville not only to see her mommy, but to see Sweetie as well. The passion and love came to her easily and thus, she was finally able to perform the gaze as was shown.

Apple Fritter gasped. The little filly looked so pretty with that look in her eyes! She had a hard time pulling it off, but the result was phenomenal. It looked like she was a natural! A master seducer. Such beautiful olive eyes reminded her of a stallion she had a crush on a few years ago. The most popular stallion in all Equestria... until he vanished eight years ago.

She was so captivated by the filly that she did not notice the extra pair of eyes on her, watching from afar. One pony did, however. Apple Bloom saw in the reflection of the mirror two cold red eyes admiring her cousin’s flank. They were filled with an ominous darkness, one that was absolutely chilling.

Chilling, but reassuring to the earth pony. The fish has caught the bait! Speaker will now re-evaluate his plans, compelled by his body to move tonight. Predictably so. Their plan was going just as intended and if it continues this way, they’ll be done with him soon and Appleloosa will be safe once more.

Apple Fritter moved onto the next stage; the mane flick. Stallions always love to see a mare flick their mane, a simple but effective gesture. Homosexual mares were no different. The earth pony stroked her mane with an elegance unheard of for an earth pony in Appleloosa. Despite her rugged look and hard-working attitude, she can be quite feminine.

For this one, Olive struggled more. This gesture was more motor based, and the filly had some difficulties with motor control. It showed in her writing that was subpar compared to her classmates, thankfully compensated by her academic brilliance. She couldn’t get it just right for a while but didn’t let the constant failures stop her from trying to perfect this technique.

All the while, Apple Bloom kept a close eye on Speaker without giving her spying away. She used mirrors and window’s reflections to keep tab on him, closely observing his expressions. Once more, the stallion was showing lust for her cousin. The yellow filly had to battle her disgust and burning need to tell him to knock it off. For the good of her cousin, she had to let him creep on her, as much as it hurt to do so.

The creeping continued on until the stallion finally decided he’s had enough and left, but not before turning on the radio to muffle his exit upstairs. The radio played a song sung by a pony that was all too familiar to the three Apples.

Honey, I’m just a ghost of the past

I’m just a spectre that can’t let go

Oh believe, I had a blast

But he’s not the one, I won’t let the memories go

Your magic keeps me alive

But you’re driving me crazy!

No matter, I will save you

Even if you don’t believe me

Please, open your eyes

He doesn’t deserve your kindness

Olive flinched, scared out of her mind by the familiar voice of a certain purple stallion. Her heart raced as she looked back, expecting him to jump into view only to recognise the source of the voice. The filly panted, standing still to let her heart calm down. It was a shame that the voice was forever associated with her traumas for all of her father’s songs were really good, but she would never be able to enjoy them for that very reason.

“Uh, Olive? Are y’alright?” Apple Fritter asked softly, gingerly touching the filly’s shoulder.

Olive flinched again, coming back to reality. “Y-Yes. I was just... reminded of bad memories. I’m okay.”

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom followed the stallion with her eyes, watching as he tip-toed upstairs, disgusted by the song himself. What business he could have up there, she’ll find out for her sister and cousin’s sake. Since Olive was busy dealing with the shock and keeping Fritter occupied, Apple Bloom went upstairs alone. She moved slowly but surely, making as little noise as possible. She did not have the luxury of having a monster inside her to bail her out of trouble should she be cornered. She only had stealth on her side. She’d better not get spotted.

Just as expected, Speaker returned to Apple Fritter’s bedroom but for what? Approaching the bedroom, Apple Bloom leaned over, sticking only part of her head out to peek on the stallion’s creepy activities.

There, she saw the earth pony look under the bed, pulling something from underneath. As he wiped the dust away, Apple Bloom could see it was a book, a journal most likely. Her hypothesis was confirmed when Speaker took a pen out of his shirt pocket and began writing frantically.

With his back turned, Apple Bloom could only see his face in the mirror. The stallion’s red eyes were locked on the book, his hooves were writing frantically. In his haste, he did not even take the time to make sure he wasn’t being watched, a rookie mistake. With full confirmation that their plan was working, the earth pony had no further business spying on Speaker. They’ll come back for the night and catch him before he can do anything.

But just as she left, she saw the stallion’s red eyes in the mirror look up, straight at her. Curiously, Speaker did nothing about it, seemingly having not noticed her. Strangely lucky, Apple Bloom took it as a sign to leave immediately before trouble could arise.

Returning downstairs, she returned just in time to see Apple Fritter’s lesson come to an end, her little sister having apparently completely forgotten about the plan. Olive was more preoccupied with learning how to seduce her marefriend which was also her sister’s best friend. The little filly is very clingy and attaches herself quickly to other ponies, becoming best friends in mere hours. It was cute to say the least, but it also suggested a sad upbringing that lacked love.

Apple Fritter greeted her jovially. “Back from yer bathroom break? Ah’m afraid ya missed ta rest of ta lesson.”

“Oh, that’s okay. It was mostly for Olive anyway. She can always show me what she’s learned, but Ah’m guessin’ it ain’t really mah business.” Apple Bloom answered, checking behind her towards the stairs just to be sure.

The earth pony picked up her hat and trotted towards her front door. “Well, in that case, Ah’ll go out ‘cause Ah have some very important work to do! Ya should both return to Braeburn. And no need to lock ta house, Speaker’s stayin’ inside for ta day. He’s almost healed right now, says he’ll be headin’ to a big city like Las Pegasus sometime soon...”

Olive cringed, lowering her hat to hide her face. Hearing about Las Pegasus brought back some terrible memories. She always went to the big cities when she was young. Aurora, Anarchy, Strong Hoof, Dreamcatcher, the Crimson Mask, their names were all associated with these cities. The bigger the city, the worse the crimes.

“Sounds like a... cool place?” Apple Bloom didn’t sound too convinced, and her cousin didn’t seem to care much about Las Pegasus. After all, they’re Apples, they’re all about hard work and being in touch with nature itself. That’s what it meant to be an earth pony.

“Ah suppose. Don’t really plan on goin’ there at all.”

Now left alone, Olive and Apple Bloom instinctively stared at the stairs, sensing the evil presence on the floor above. With each passing second, they felt more compelled to book it. Speaker was busy right now, meaning this was the best moment to leave before he could turn his attention to them.

“Ah have no idea how ya managed to live with ponies like ‘im back then. Ya must be very strong.” Apple Bloom commented, feeling a shiver go way up her spine.

Olive frowned. “I just thought everypony was like him. I used to think I was just weak and stupid and that I needed to change. That was what Anarchy always told me.” She looked away from her sister, ashamed. “He was right; I was stupid when I was younger.”

Now in the warm comforts of the outside world, Apple Bloom moved into her sister’s view, a comforting smile on her lips. “Ah just think ya didn’t know any better. It didn’t make ya stupid, Ah mean, just think ‘bout yer grades. Yer super smart! Ya only needed a good parent to realise that!”

Faced with a compliment, Olive’s biggest weakness came into full view. Flattery was the easiest way to appeal to her. Even after spending entire months in the Apple’s care, she still had a hard time processing compliment. She never knew how to react to them. She only knew that they made her very, very happy. As such, she blushed, turning red in mere seconds. “Y-Yeah, I’m super smart.”

“Now that’s more like it!” Apple Bloom patted her little sister, taking on a prideful look. “Ah don’t want ya to say bad things ‘bout yerself anymore, got it? Yer much better than ya think and Ah want ya to always remember that.”

Moved, Olive’s eyes watered as her tail waggled around uncontrollably. Unable to contain her emotions, she jumped on her big sister, hugging her. “You’re my favorite sister.”

Apple Bloom giggled, reciprocating the gesture. “Ah mean, Ah AM yer only sister...”

“But you’re always there for me, even when mommy is gone. I’m so happy you’re with me here. I don’t want to face them alone.” Olive responded, getting more emotional. Her big sister softly kissed her on her cheek.

“Ah’m yer big sister, and Ah’ll always be there to protect ya, even if ya don’t need me.”

With the last apples knocked down for the day, it was finally time for the residents of Appleloosa to return home and take a long break from this hard work. The royal guards watched the earth ponies leave, resting beneath the shadows of the apple trees with cider cups in hoof. Working away from Canterlot’s castle was surprisingly great. Captain Mango proved to be more accommodating than the princesses. In his own words “Nothing’s really urgent right now. We can practically leave these two alone and nothing bad will happen.”

And he was right. Many times, just to test it, they left Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher alone for a couple of minutes. Not once did they ever behave differently, talk about escaping or even harm another pony. They were truly the prisoners of the month, if such an award even existed. As such, Mango was going very soft on his troops, almost giving them full reign to do whatever they want. They went to the pub often, played games on duty and joked around with the former Anarchists.

The further the week advanced, the more talkative the inmates got. Their spirit seemed brighter and happier than before. It was especially noticeable on Dreamcatcher who took much better care of her mane than she ever did back in the dungeons. Her attitude also began to change, now slightly more interested in teasing Strong Hoof. She often flirted with him and generally seemed closer to him than she did before.

Mango was extremely happy with that, often butting in their conversations. His troops found that rather amusing. He acted as if they were great friends all this time when just a few months ago, he was slashing down Anarchists with no remorse. Crazy how much things can change in so little time.

The last apple fell in the basket, and with that, Mango called it off as the others left the orchard. In mere minutes, there were only the guards and the two inmates left in this vast space. The batpony captain returned with a cup of cider in hoof to Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher. “Can’t believe after all this time, you’re still hurting for him.” he mused to the blue mare. “Love truly lifts the spirit, ay?”

Dreamcatcher rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Get a marefriend already.”

Raising his wooden leg, Mango chuckled. “Every mare loves a heroic stallion. Sadly, the one I have in mind wasn’t impressed enough with the noble sacrifice of my leg.”

Strong Hoof looked at the captain’s wooden leg with much sympathy. “If I wouldn’t have been so down in the dumps that day, this wouldn’t have happened.”

The batpony waved his leg. “Meh, don’t sweat it. I’ve already gotten over it a long time ago. I hope you’ve gotten over your scars too.”

Strong Hoof didn’t bat an eye, barely glancing over his burnt body. “These scars I deserved. I have no regret.”

Mango nodded. “You did, just don’t forget to love yourself. A little self-love can go a long way.”

The goliath felt his side being poked by a gentle hoof. He couldn’t help but let out a small smile once he saw Dreamcatcher rest on his soft skin. “That certainly won’t be the only love you’ll have, big colt.”

Sipping his cup, the good captain smiled warmly. “Ain’t that nice.”

“Why don’t you ask her out? It could work out for you.” Strong Hoof proposed calmly.

Mango laughed. “I did... twice. She was a bit too dense to notice those were advances. Anyhow, I know I’ll eventually find one who’s more interested in what I do. Then again, I already live a fulfilling life, I can go on without a marefriend.”

Dreamcatcher smirked. “Say whatever makes you cope. You won’t resist the siren’s call forever.”

Blinking, the batpony looked down his cup of cider. “I’ve already succumbed to it.”

“Don’t black out on the way back to the hotel.” Dreamcatcher scoffed. “We’re not gonna carry you back there.”

Relaxing down in the orchard, the three ponies listened to the calm howls of the wind gently caressing their manes. The distant chatters of Appleloosa were nothing but echoes down there, a sign that there was life up there in these barren wastelands. Despite having very little water around, Appleloosa was a thriving city all thanks to the hard work of its ponies, all of them being earth ponies.

In this town, Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher were right at home.

The hot sun couldn’t reach them thanks to the protective barriers of shadow casted by the apple trees. It slowly descended from the sky, trying to get a better angle to ward them off but for the moment, they could enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Then, another noise added to the calming sounds of nature. In its echoey form, it was rather loud and only seemed to increase in volume with each passing second. Listening intently, Captain Mango quickly realised what it was. “Oh, looks like the stampede’s coming. Might wanna plug your ears for a moment, this is gonna get loud.”

Hundreds of buffalos rushed by the path created in the orchard for them. This was their stampeding ground, a tradition for their species and one Appleloosa came to respect after a long and tedious battle between ponies and buffalos.

Very rarely have the three ponies sitting here seen a buffalo much less an entire tribe of them stampeding. Young and old alike, they stormed in the orchard to create a beautiful spectacle for those who chose to stay down there.

After a few minutes, they were gone. The calming silence of the orchard returned to soothe the resting ponies. The spectacle was nice, but the serenity they were residing in was much better. In that moment, it felt like they could all understand each other without uttering even a single word. All three could agree that they should remain there for at least another hour, until it gets dark.

“You know, maybe we can take off another rule for you two. If you ever want to stargaze, I’ll let you out at night.” Mango said suddenly, not even looking at them. He was simply staring through the leaves of the apple trees, glancing at the piercing beams of the sun trying to pass through this protective barrier.

“Hm, stargazing...” Strong Hoof mumbled. “It’s been so long since I gazed at the night sky. I heard that Princess Luna rearranges it every night to create an entirely new spectacle.”

“Correct, she does it for the few who love the night more than the day. Us batponies mostly, but I know a certain filly that loves to admire the stars in the sky.” Mango responded, triggering a wave of nausea in the two lovers.

“Hgn...” Dreamcatcher cringed, trying to chase the images away. “It’s nice, I guess. I’m just... happy she’s doing great.”

The captain felt that statement was a bit forced. It was somewhat genuine, but it didn’t sound quite right. The fear and regret inside their heart was still fresh. The poor batpony had no idea if these three could even reconcile. If they could, it would be a bloody miracle. But that was just wishful thinking. Strong Hoof and Dreamcatcher murdered Olive’s closest friend and almost killed her, twice. It would probably take years, even decades until they could bury the hatchet and move on. He knew what it was like to have traumas. A recent one was forever etched in his right foreleg, where a prosthetic lied.

He had a new nightmare that repeated once or twice every week. The same gory image of his hoof being torn off by Anarchy’s gaping maw. No number of jokes or deflecting could truly heal that pain. It was gone forever.

“This place’s nice, ain’t it?” Mango said after a long silence. “We should return tomorrow, once we’ve finished our work of course.”

Strong Hoof stretched his hooves, groaning in pain. Even after all this time, his injuries still felt fresh, too deep to have fully healed he imagined. “It is a nicer view than the dungeons.”

The captain of the royal guard smirked. “I figured you’d get tired of the dungeons eventually. I sure did and I don’t even stay in there 24/7.”

“It could really use some cleaning. It’s filthy in there.” Dreamcatcher mumbled, keeping her eyes on the sky.

“Maybe we can do something about it.” Mango said, getting an idea. One he’ll save for next week.

Much time has passed since they left Apple Fritter, enough for the sun to set. Under the beautiful blazing sky, Olive and Apple Bloom watched the horizon, pondering. Tonight would be the night that would finally put an end to this predicament. The plan that would save their cousin from the grimy clutches of Speaker.

Understandably, Olive was terribly nervous about it all. What if they got to Apple Fritter too late? Would she be hurt? If so, that would be their fault for not coming up with a better plan! Thinking about it more, maybe their plan wasn’t as good as they thought after all. Maybe they should come up with something better before it’s too late.

“Sis? Is everythin’ alright?”

Olive snapped her head towards her older sister, surprised. “U-Um, I don’t know. Do you think our plan is good?”

Apple Bloom tapped the little filly on the shoulder, smiling. “It’s gonna be fine! We thought about it a lot. It’s sure to work. Ah know, ‘cause yer super smart an’ all.”

Feeling somewhat reassured, Olive inched closer to the earth pony, nuzzling her. “We’ll have to leave soon.”

“Howdy, fillies! How’re yer enjoyin’ Appleloosa so far?” Surprised by this loud and jovial voice, the two sisters hopped away from the window. Braeburn sure was rather sneaky, or maybe they were so focused on their mission that they didn’t hear him coming.

“Oh, it’s, um, lovely.” Olive awkwardly responded, unsure if she even believed her words. Truth be told, she didn’t get the chance to truly enjoy her trip because of her insomnia and Speaker. But if they can stop him in time, she might get a day or two to relax and hopefully, come to like this town.

Braeburn neighed, tapping his hooves down happily. “Boy, am Ah glad to ‘ear it! Ah know it can be quite tough to get used to it, ya know since it’s mostly for earth ponies and secluded, but it got its charms. Ya must have ta Apple’s blood in ya!”

Olive forced a smile, feeling even worse about herself for lying to his face. The Apple’s blood in her... if she can’t even like a town that featured so many of them, can she really call herself an Apple? Her heart hurt and she couldn’t even show it for as long as he remained to the point that she was subconsciously begging for him to leave her alone.

Even worse, he was quite perceptive and quickly caught on to the lie. “Uh, Olive? Are y’alright?”

Now sweating, Olive avoided his eyes, feeling bad about herself. She lowered her head, looking off to the side. “I’m alright, cousin Braeburn.”

Leaning close to the filly, Braeburn lifted her head so that their eyes could meet. “Are ya sure?”

Meeting his gaze, Olive felt herself being judged. He was her cousin, and she was outwardly lying to his face just to spare his feelings. This wasn’t what Applejack taught her. Why can’t she be truthful now when she had always been? It infuriated her. Anger directed at nopony but her. She felt completely and utterly pathetic. The pink unicorn wanted only to go away and be alone to think it over.

But another part of her couldn’t handle this turmoil. It begged her to say it out loud, to express her true feelings.

“Olive, if somethin’s wrong, ya gotta tell me. Ah’m supposed to take care of ya and believe me when Ah say Ah only want to make sure yer doin’ good. Yer mother told me how much this trip was scarin’ ya, so Ah just thought it’d do you some good to take yer minds off things by goin’ to ta rodeo and make ya work at ta orchard.” Braeburn explained, softening his gaze. “We’re family, aren’t we? Ya can be honest with me.”

Olive teared up, reaching out for the stallion with her small hooves. “I... I hate it here! I’m so scared and nervous!” She cried out, feeling the sweat drip down her face.

Braeburn was understandably shaken by this statement but didn’t seem to take offense in it. Instead, he smiled warmly. “Oh... Ah figured. Um, forget what Ah said ‘bout ta Apple blood. Ya don’t need to like Appleloosa to be an Apple. Ah got a lil carried away there. But, yer indeed an Apple for tellin’ ta truth instead of hiding yer true feelings.” His smile dropped. “Ah understand why ya might not like it ‘ere. Ah just hope you at least like me. Ah’ll understand if ya don’t. Ah’ve never truly taken ta time to think ‘bout how ya felt all alon-”

“No no! Don’t say that!” Olive hurriedly said, shaking her head profusely. “I don’t, not like you. You just want me to feel happy and... I like that. I like you, cousin Braeburn.”

The earth pony smiled, patting the filly’s head. “If ya ever got a problem; don’t be ‘fraid to tell me ‘bout it. Ah’m ‘ere to help after all.” Standing up, he stretched his back and placed down his cowboy hat. “Now then; how ‘bout we play a game together before bed?”

The little filly looked out the window. The sun was still in the sky, illuminating the sky in a blazing color. Before she’d go out there and confront the ghost of her past, she can spend some quality time with her cousin. Take her mind off the constant stress and be reminded of what it’s like to be a normal filly.

It was getting dark, and with such times always came the introspection. Whenever the night came, Dreamcatcher would always find herself thinking deeply about everything. Her mind kept her up at night, always worrying and regretting over every little thing she did, it was an inescapable Tartarus. There was no stopping these dark thoughts. They were her prison, her eternal torture.

Where did I go so wrong? Dreamcatcher kept repeating to herself, looking out the window. They were many times she did the wrong thing, but one of them had to be the pivotal moment, the one action she regretted most. Was it choosing to come along with Jolly Melody and stay by his side? No, there was something that came before, the one choice that brought her to this place and in this troubled state of mind. It happened so long ago, before the Lucky 38, before Las Pegasus, before she was a slave to the rich.

It was the start of this decade long domino effect that made her a monster, a being unworthy of love and happiness. And worst of all, she never could have known this simple action would forever change the course of her life.

It all harkened back to her origins, her true identity, her family and her tribe.

Oh, she could still remember when she was but a young filly dreaming of earning her cutie mark, excited to find out what her destiny was. She was nothing special, a filly born into unremarkable parents simply working for the good of the tribe. Living in the wilderness, they had none of the more advanced technologies of their urban counterpart. They relied solely on their sharp instincts and the simple tools they knew how to make.

Life was simple and easy, the complete opposite of hers in present day. No brick houses with fancy windows, only small tents big enough to fit the whole family. Her tribe were nomads. They ventured into every corner of Equestria that had good vegetations, avoiding the south and the north entirely. Life was good. She yearned for her cutie mark, helped her family harvest the delicious berries of the forest and built campfires to sit around and listen to her elder’s tales.

That was the life she knew since her birth up to her ten-year anniversary; she had no reason to care about what was happening in the big cities or the royal capital of Canterlot. There were constant issues there, but not with her tribe. Only small disagreement that were solved fairly quickly. There could be no better life than this.

But things quickly changed once she realised her spirit was connected to something else, something that could not be controlled by any mere ponies. The domain of the night, of the unconscious mind, dreams. Only Princess Luna knew how to manipulate this realm to help her subjects, but she was long gone. Now, there were no ponies that could even hope to understand it.

At first, the signs were vague. Dreamcatcher was only lucid dreaming, able to manipulate this realm with no trouble. This world was at her commands, and she used it to satisfy her fantasies, to earn her cutie mark. Little did she know, she would get it for real soon.

Slowly awakening to this strange power, she began to leave her dreams and enter those of others. The little blue filly started with parents, bursting into their dreams to say hello. To her confusion, whenever she would come into them, they would scream and call her a witch, terrified of their own daughter.

“Mommy, look; it’s me! I’m in your dream!”

“N-No! I-I-It can’t be. My daughter’s a witch! A witch!”

“Daddy, I want to play with you!”

“There are evil spirits inside my daughter! I-I must ask the Elder. She can get them out. She always knows the way...”

Dreamcatcher forever cursed herself for not seeing the signs sooner. If only she would have realised that her only real option was to keep the truth hidden. Once she got her cutie mark, she should have passed it off as simply being good at making dreamcatchers. They would have bought it and left her alone and she would still be there, with her parents.

Did they even love her? Probably not, no good parent would throw their child away simply based on the Elder’s word.

She remembered that fateful day, when she peeked into the Elder’s tent, seeking her parents. The fire inside was dying, but it showed enough of the mare’s face to worry her. She’d never seen the Elder look this grim before.

“What should we do? We know there are evil spirits in our daughter. It’s why she can visit our dreams. We believe Nightmare Moon might be responsible for that cursed power.” Her father told the Elder.

The old mare’s eyes darkened, her gaze sharpening as she scrutinized the filly’s parents. “Hm, when did she get her cutie mark?”

“It was just one morning, a-after she woke us up. She kept screaming about her cutie mark, I...” Dreamcatcher's mother’s eyes widened as she realised that the signs were there since the very beginning. Her daughter always intruded on their dreams, and they thought nothing of it. The evil spirits, the bad mojo, it was in her all along.

Nightmare Moon, a name that became synonymous with her misery. From the Elder to Anarchy, they would always mention that monster.

“It would appear your foal is cursed by the evil spirit of Nightmare Moon. We must act before the curse takes over her body and attacks the tribe. Gather the-”

A small misstep, a simple rock flung away on accident. It was that it took to give away the filly’s presence. Dreamcatcher had all eyes on her, faced with the dark gaze of the Elder, and the troubled ones of her parents. The old mare despite looking weak, trotted with full confidence towards her. Her body still had enough strength to do what needed to be done for the good of the tribe.

“M-Mommy? Daddy? What’s going on?” She asked, already knowing the answer to her question. What the Elder said... it couldn’t be true, right? She wasn’t cursed, not inhabited by evil spirits. She was fine, she only got her cutie mark.

Her father looked her in the eyes, distraught but quickly his face darkened. He was ready to accept the reality of the situation and thus, the filly could no longer recognise him as he joined the Elder’s march. “Don’t worry, sweetie; we’ll free you of the dark spirits. They will not take over you.” His voice was shaky, still adjusting to his new resolution.

Her mother, however, stood back, unable to even look her daughter in the eyes. She remained silent, letting the stronger willed ponies do what needed to be done.

The Elder... Oh, the Elder. The mare who ostracised her. She was the wisest of the ponies in her tribe, the one everypony would come to whenever they had a problem or simply sought guidance. Her word was law, never to be questioned.

Funny now that she thought about it; Anarchy’s word was law too and look where it brought her. Nopony should ever be afforded this much power. For it was this very power that convinced her closest friends and parents to turn on her.

Oh, the memory still hurt like a knife in her stomach. Every time she recalled what happened, the knife would twist. Twist until the pain was too much to bear.

If only she knew...

Now scrambling through the forest, lost, the young pegasus desperately tried to lose her pursuers, the very ponies she grew up with. Familiar faces, now twisted with disgust, hatred and sadness pursuing her in the darkness of the early morning. She cut her hooves on the many sharp branches littering the floor, tripping and falling over rocks, screaming and crying as she heard the horde approach.

With her mind now cleared, she felt her stomach turn inside out, feeling that this scene is now all too familiar. Once the filly, now the pursuer. All along, she knew what it felt like to be Olive, alone in the dark. Only, she succeeded where the small unicorn failed. But today, she wondered if that success even meant anything in the end. Oh, the irony.

Now lying coldly on the ground, she realised that she was the loser. She did not have the same luck as Olive, she did not get a new beginning, one that promised a better future. All she was given was oppressor after oppressor. A greedy and uncaring stallion traded for a complete and utter psychopath who almost got her killed numerous times.

Stumbling around the forest, she eventually found a nightmarish new home in Las Pegasus. A large city that lighted up the dark sky with its numerous lights and attractions, a city that never slept. For a pony who lived outside of society all her life, this sight was a living nightmare. Sadly, it was the only place in which she could find other ponies, thus, the only place she could go to. A young filly like her, even with the skills she had learned from her parents could not survive in the wilderness, not when she is utterly outclassed by the beasts that are stalking the woods.

Trotting around with her head low, Dreamcatcher looked around for food but there was nothing she could obtain. They demanded currency, something she did not have. She had nothing on herself and worst of all; an empty belly. Without the means to secure her livelihood, her days were numbered.

Eventually, she found the only source of food that was available to her. A lone dumpster in an alley, with old and disheveled ponies rummaging through it. A helpful advice that she took once the coast was clear. Looking inside, she found the spitting image of her new life. The cruelty of that this world hides to all foals. A cruelty that inevitably rears its ugly head. The scent twisted her stomach. She had to combat her disgust for what was in there could still sustain her body and keep her going, just a while longer.

Following these experienced lost souls, Dreamcatcher learned that you could take advantage of other pony’s kindness by begging for their bit, something they’ll more often than not offer. Some of them struggled to earn many bits for the day, but the young filly at least had more luck. It was easier to take pity on a lonely filly on the side of the road than it was for an old and ugly stallion.

And so, for days, this was her life. Begging on the streets, searching in the trash for anything useful and spending the only bits she had to survive another day. Through it all, she couldn’t stop thinking about her parents, about her tribe, about her life under the Elder’s wisdom. Even after they exiled her, chased her out of the woods, she wanted only to crawl back to them, but it was useless now; they moved away, never to be found again. She could not find her way back in the woods, leaving this city as her only salvation.

The nights were not any better. The constant lights of the never sleeping city made it hard for her to fall asleep when she was used to the peaceful silence of the forests. Without a home to block out the noises, she struggled to keep her eyes closed for many ponies passed by her and each time she worried they would have bad intentions. She was alone and defenseless, the bits she earned couldn’t be defended.

In this concrete jungle, she was the odd one out. The other homeless ponies at least knew how to speak English, but not her. She only knew to speak the language of her tribe. As such, any sentence they uttered to her was alien in its meaning. She only had her instinct and their body language as a translator. Thankfully, some of the lost souls of Las Pegasus were kind enough to teach her the language. Just enough for her to vaguely understand the intentions behind their words.

A cruel and pitiful existence for a foal. That was, until a peculiar stallion found her begging for bits. A well-dressed earth pony with a curious look in his greedy eyes. He was what everypony thought of when they imagined a pony from Las Pegasus. Many came to this city to become rich and powerful, but few could ever reach this level of success.

Lady Luck smiled at her, offering in this stallion at chance at leaving the streets to find a comfortable bed to sleep in. Gladmane was his name, a pony that pride himself on treating his employees fairly and having the best resort in the entire city.

“Hey, kid; you’re lookin’ for some work? If you come with me, I’ll give you a place to stay in.” He said, smiling innocently. But as Dreamcatcher figured now, this was nothing but a front. It didn’t matter to him that she was just a filly at the time, she was her slave. For the next eight years of her life, she was shackled to the Lucky 38, a luxurious resort in Las Pegasus. She could either stay there or go back to her grimy life on the streets. An illusion of choice.

“For now on; you’ll give the nice customers their drinks. I tell you what goes where and you do it, m’kay? It’s simple, really. You’ll get used to it in no time.”

“But sir; I’m hungry!” She exclaimed, making a conscious effort to correctly pronounce each syllable although it still sounded rather crude.

“Nuh uh huh! You’ll eat only when it’s time. You’re in Las Pegasus, kid. It’s time you reconsider the way you think.” The stallion refused, pointing to his hoof watch.

Was he necessarily better than Anarchy? Probably not, for all her time spent in the Lucky 38, nopony ever made sure she was safe. For a young and relatively pretty mare, she was a prime target for the slimes of Las Pegasus. But no matter how many times she begged her boss to help her deal with them, he never so much as thought about it. To him, these ponies were customers, mindless machines that filled his piggy bank and nothing more. They needed to stay or else he’ll lose out on money. She heard he eventually rebranded his resort to throw away any reference to Jolly Melody.

At least with Anarchy he made sure nopony ever got to harass those he deemed important. With him, she was a V.I.P, an untouchable mare. None dared to pull any funny stunts on her, else they’ll be reduced to mush and served to the whole gang on a silver plate.

But in the end, he was only after her power and its application. Who she was didn’t matter to him. She was nothing but an asset, a tool for Anarchy.

The only leader who truly cared about her was the lunar princess, the very mare Anarchy chased after for almost an entire decade. Funny how things turn out in the end. At the very least, Dreamcatcher knew she had a half-decent leader and Strong Hoof still at her side. It was not much, but it was something.

The midnight blue alicorn was trying her best to “redeem” her. Dreamcatcher doesn’t believe she’s even worthy of such efforts, not when she gnawed on a filly purely based on Anarchy’s command. The soldier is just as guilty as the leader.

This world is a dark and cruel place, Dreamcatcher knows that all too well. It’s a shame then that she shared that cruelty with a filly so underserving of it. Olive is no monster; she was all along.

Shedding a tear, she stood up, gently brushing against the giant earth pony. “Strong Hoof... I don’t want to stay here. Can we go back to the orchard, please? I want to watch the stars tonight, with you.”

“Hm, it would be better out there. Not enough space in this room.”

Author's Note

Another long one! Hope you've enjoyed this chapter, 'cause I'll be working on another incomplete story for a bit before returning to this one.

Also, from what I've planned, there should be at least 3 chapters left before its over. A bit quicker than I imagined, but that's mostly because I've put so much stuff in these past two chapters.