Applejack and Fluttershy have been together a long time. They have a lot in common, including a mutual love for Everfree. The forest is their home. It had been for centuries, and it would be for as long as they lived.
Or rather, that's what Applejac...
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"Applejack," Discord said in a harsh whisper.
Applejack didn't want to rise. It is not often that... something. She couldn't remember what her dream had been now, but there was something about rising in it.
"Get up, dammit." Discord was nudging her, however, and she awoke with a start.
It felt like there was something in her head that snapped when she woke up, and it left her dazed. But it was short lived, as Discord was shaking her to get her attention.
"What is it?" she asked. The urgent tone of his voice suddenly dawned on her, and she became acutely aware of her surroundings. She dropped her tone to match Discord's whisper. "Is something wrong?"
"There's something here, in the other room."
Images of Queen Hawthorn danced through her mind, and how she had looked like she could wake up at any moment. "Something like what?"
"I don't know, but I heard something creeping around." Discord's ear twitched. "Listen."
Applejack did listen, and, to her horror, she heard it as well. It sounded like something was moving around just on the other side of the door, and it was moving closer. There was some brief relief at the realization that it was not the sound of hooves on wood, but that still left her bewildered at what it could be.
"Get your bag," Discord instructed. "There's no telling what might happen, and we may be making a quick escape."
As quietly as she could, Applejack collected her bag. She peeked inside quickly to confirm she still had the Emblem of Anqa safely tucked away, then slid the strap around her shoulder.
It sounded like whatever was in the other room was right at the door. Discord's horn lit up. Applejack adopted a defensive stance. The doorknob turned, then the door opened.
It was too dark to see what they were looking at, but it saw them. It saw them, and it pounced. Discord reacted first, firing off a shot of magic that knocked it to the ground.
Applejack took her turn to spring while it was down. She leaped forward and reared back. But before she could bring her hooves down, a second form came bolting through the doorway and landed on top of her, pinning her against the ground.
