Applejack blinked open her eye as her younger sister, Applebloom, cuddled against her sister's warm body. Applejack smiled. Her sister must have had a nightmare and crawled in with Applejack.
Picking up her head, she looked out the window to her bedroom, out to Sweet Apple Acres, her home, her getaway, her family. It looked like Big Mactintosh had gone up to his chores and left her to catch a few more winks before her trip.
Princess Celestia and Luna had invited Twilight and her friends to Canterlot to join a banquet where Celestia and Luna brought the sun and the moon together into an eclipse. It was always celebrated because it was thought to represent the two alicorns being one, but also being two.
They had permitted the ponies to bring a guest each. Twilight was bringing Spike, Rainbow Dash was bringing Scootaloo (Rainbow had considered inviting Derpy, but had decided against it), nobody knew who Fluttershy was bringing, Pinkie Pie was taking Gummy, Rarity was taking Sweetie Bell, and Applejack was taking Applebloom.
However, Applejack was reconsidering her choice, because Applebloom had begun to have strange nightmares. Some where she'd jerk awake and crawl in with a family member, others where she'd cry, jerk around in her sleep, and scream until she was woken up. But Applejack knew how disappointed her little sister would be if she couldn't go. The filly had been looking forward to the day since she was invited, packing everything she needed, and even helping with Applejack's things. Her heart would be broken if she couldn't go.
Applejack found her eyes resting on her sister. Applebloom had a little bed-head, but her mane wasn't in her normal style, and now it was wavy and soft. Her fur seemed like the sun itself as light poured into the room, as well as smooth as butter. Applejack smiled. Her sister looked so cute, so peaceful, so serene. But now was not the time for serenity.
Careful not to wake Applebloom, Applejack slunk from her bedroom, snatching her hat on the way out, and headed out to get ready for the morning.
0o0o0
"Well, look who's up and ready for her big day!"
Granny Smith was beaming at Applejack like nobody's business. In fact it scared her a bit.
"Hey, Granny Smith," AJ greeted. "Sorry I slept so late. I guess Big Mac forgot about me."
"Oh, no, dear. He and I wanted you to sleep some before ya'll got on down to Canterlot. Now, where's Applebloom?"
"Still asleep. She crawled in with me last night." Applejack took a swig of the apple cider Granny Smith had prepared. The sweet-yet-sour, creamy taste spilled over her tongue, and she heard herself moan in satisfaction. Granny Smith didn't seem to hear.
"Who did?"
Applejack rolled her eyes. "Applebloom."
"Oh, she did now? Where is she, anywho?"
"Never mind. I'm gonna go complete m'chores before Applebloom and I have to leave." And AJ left before her family member could babble anymore.
As she trotted outside, her eyes rested on her older brother, Big Macintosh. His red pelt glowed like an ember in the sunlight, and his mane resembled fire as it moved about from the wind and movement.
"Hey, Big Mac!" Applejack greeted warmly as she trotted up. "Thanks for letting me catch some winks today. I owe you a heap."
Big Mac smiled at her, and responded with his usual, "eeyup" before returning to his chores. Applejack narrowed her eyes. He was worried about their little sister, too. Whenever she tried to crawl into his bed unnoticed after a nightmare, he had always woken up, and she had spent the night being cradled in his hooves. When she screamed and jerked around at night, Big Mac was usually the first one there. Boy, did he love that little filly.
Applejack tipped her hat up a bit, stole a final, worried glance at her older brother, and trotted off to her own chores.
0o0o0
In Equestria, it's always bright, happy, sunny, and more. Always a great place to be. Unless you decide to head down to the Everfree forest.
At this time, darkness was scattered about. Trees seemed to lunge at you, wanting you for their next meal, but when you look at it, you see it's just an ordinary tree.
Creatures lurked here and there, ready to gobble you up in their ravenous fangs. Yes, the Everfree forest is everypony's nightmare.
But, tonight, two hooded figures seemed quite alright with it. One was a unicorn by the looks of it, the other was either an Earth Pony or a Pegasus, but if it had wings it was hidden by its cape.
The two figures came together in a small clearing.
"She wants to attack soon," the unicorn stated.
"How soon?" The other asked.
"As soon as possible."
"But it's too risky. Celestia and Luna will be together tomorrow, and it will be as crowded as ever."
"Then what better way to attack? We can make a little speech, gain followers, and then leave."
"Can't we just ditch it all and make a life here?"
"Her majesty won't rest until her crown is back."
The Earth Pony scoffed. "But I have a family to take care of. If she's wanting to do this, she must be ready to fight to the death."
Silence.
"I'll have to ask her about that. Thank you for your time, Black Tears."
"My pleasure, miss."
And with that, the two faded off into the night.
