Part 16 - Failure
Despite being locked away, Applejack's screeching did not cease. The pony battered the door with her hooves, kicked it viciously with her hind legs and those who passed it, were convinced she would escape by the sheer force of which she hit the door.
Peach Blossom lay on one of the beds, Dazzleglow by her side. On finding them both, Raspberry Jam promptly went to the kitchen and made food for the Flutter Pony. She lay with her hooves tucked underneath her, her hair unkempt.
"I must try again," she said, standing up from the bed.
Dazzleglow stopped her. "Oh no you don't," she answered. "You're staying here to get your strength back before even considering it."
Peach Blossom sighed. "The whole point of my being here was to deal with this pony's magic."
"And Rose Dust also said if it went wrong, you were to return to her."
The Flutter Pony shook her head. "I'm not traversing back to Flutter Valley only to report failure."
"If you try and deal with Applejack so soon, you might not be going back to Flutter Valley!"
Peach Blossom's eyes widened. It seemed as if this thought had not occurred to her, so confident was she that her magic would indeed be enough. Dazzleglow kicked herself for letting it slip out.
Before Dazzleglow could say anything else, Raspberry Jam arrived with a tray. On it, was a bowl of hot soup, thick crusty bread and her specialty cake. She placed it on the bed for Peach Blossom and sat by Dazzleglow's side.
There was a thump from above their heads, and they heard Applejack scream.
"I don't see anyone getting any sleep tonight," Raspberry Jam remarked.
"Do not fret, Raspberry Jam. I'm sure I'll be well enough to try again in a few hours," Peach Blossom answered, ignoring the pointed glare she received from Dazzleglow.
Raspberry Jam frowned. "I don't think that would be advised. It took a lot out of you; anyone can see that."
Peach Blossom huffed.
She ate in silence, the three ponies listening to the noise. Applejack continued her assault of the door, all of them surprised it was still holding fast.
Eventually the noise stopped, the silence even more unnerving than the noise. Peach Blossom had dozed off, Raspberry Jam on the verge of it. Dazzleglow got up and crept out of the room.
She headed up the stairs and moved toward the door Applejack was locked in. She felt a shiver run down her spine, her stomach little more than a cold pit. She swallowed hard and knelt down to the keyhole. She pressed her eye to it and looked around the room.
Applejack sat in the corner of the room, a blank look on her face. Her eyes were unfocused, while the room was in complete disarray. Dazzleglow stood up, though she could not help but risk another look into the room. When she did, she was met with Applejack's eye, staring back at her.
Dazzleglow cried out and fell backwards.
She heard hooves running toward her and in a few moments, Starglow was at her side, pulling her to her feet and led her downstairs.
"What were you thinking? She could've hurt you!" Starglow said. She tried to keep her voice low once they reached the bottom of the stairs.
Dazzleglow shook her head. "Peach Blossom is determined to try and use her magic again tonight."
Starglow frowned. "She can't. She's not fit enough."
"Try telling her that."
The two went to the living area where their friends sat. Happyglow found another blanket and draped it round Dazzleglow's shoulders. Brightglow sat down next to her and leaned into her. Dazzleglow rested her head atop her friend's.
Brightglow jumped then moved closer to Dazzleglow. Applejack screamed from the upstairs room she was confined to.
Starglow stood up and trotted to the door. "Don't worry, I'll go and see what's got her upset this time."
She disappeared out of the room, while Happyglow went over to Dazzleglow and Brightglow, sitting with them both. She reached over and stroked Brightglow's mane, as they listened for their friend returning.
"Dazzleglow! You might want to come up here!" Starglow called from upstairs.
Dazzleglow was on her feet in seconds, galloping out of the room. Happyglow and Brightglow followed at her heels. The three ran up the stairs and stopped where Starglow stood.
"I looked through the keyhole, Peach Blossom is in there!" she exclaimed. "I can't get the door open to help her!"
Dazzleglow went to the door and looked through the keyhole. Sure enough, Peach Blossom was in the room, squaring off against Applejack. The pony ignored her.
Dazzleglow tried the door, rattling the door handle. She could hear hooves on the other side, and the door swung open. Dazzleglow pushed it, catching a glimpse of Applejack's dark hair. She went into the room and the door slammed shut behind her.
"Dazzleglow! You cannot be here!" Peach Blossom shouted, already in the air. "Your presence provokes her!"
Dazzleglow looked over to the dark-haired pony. Applejack grinned in response.
Peach Blossom beat her wings hard, sprinkles glistening in the air. Applejack continued to grin, the wind from the Flutter Pony, blowing her mane and tail. It did not, however, seem to be doing anything else.
Applejack laughed.
Peach Blossom flapped her wings harder and harder, having already switched to Utter Flutter moments before. Applejack began to walk forward towards Peach Blossom, hair flowing in the wind.
Dazzleglow's eyes widened. From what she had been told about the Flutter Ponies, nothing could withstand Utter Flutter, let alone be able to walk through it as if it were a breeze on a sunny day.
Dazzleglow moved to Peach Blossom's side and her horn lit up. This stopped Applejack, who looked at her as if she would a mere curiosity. The dark-haired pony reached a hoof out and touched Dazzleglow's horn.
The touch sent her flying back across the room. Her own magic, in conjunction with Utter Flutter, did nothing.
Peach Blossom struggled to stay in the air. She landed on the floor with a thump.
Dazzleglow struggled to her feet, and managed to make her way over to Peach Blossom. The Flutter Pony nudged her and guided her toward the door. They slammed it shut, and locked it, Applejack's laughter on the other side.