4:07 AM

My phone screen glowed in the darkness.

My heart was pounding.

I never said that.

Never admitted it.

Not to anyone.

But now?

Now it was out there.

And Applejack had seen it.

The second those two little letters appeared-No-I wanted to take them back.

To say "Just kidding." To say "Don't worry about it."

But before I could-

Applejack: Where are ya?

I hesitated.

Then-

Rainbow: Home. Why?

Applejack: Stay there.

My breath hitched.

4: 35 AM

I heard it before I saw it.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

I sat up fast, heart racing.

I knew that sound.

Applejack.

I threw back my blankets and stumbled to the window, unlocking it with shaky hands.

The second I slid it open-there she was.

Standing outside on my fire escape. In the dead of night.

Wearing pajama pants and a hoodie.

She must've run here.

For me.

I swallowed hard. "AJ-"

"Lemme in," she whispered.

I did.

And the moment she stepped inside-she saw everything.

The bruises. The cuts. The pain.

Her face fell.

"Rainbow..." she breathed.

And for the first time in years-I couldn't hold it together.

I collapsed.

And she caught me.

4: 40 AM

I don't know how long I cried.

Minutes. Hours. A lifetime.

All I knew was that Applejack held me through it.

She didn't ask questions. Didn't pull away.

She just... stayed.

Like a lifeline in a storm.

Like the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely.

I clung to her hoodie, knuckles white, sobbing so hard it hurt.

And she let me.

She let me break.

I wasn't alone.

4: 55 AM

After what felt like forever, my sobs slowed.

Applejack still hadn't let go.

She sat cross-legged on the floor, holding me against her chest, one hand slowly running through my hair.

Her voice was soft.

"Sugarcube... how long has this been goin' on?"

I stiffened.

My throat burned. My head pounded.

I knew what she was asking.

But I couldn't say it.

Because saying it?

Made it real.

And if it was real-

I'd have to do something about it.

"Dash," she murmured. "Please."

I took a shaky breath.

And finally-finally-

I whispered,

"...Always."

Applejack went still.

Like I'd just punched her in the gut.

"...Always?" she echoed.

I nodded.

Her arms tightened. Just for a second.

Then-

She let out a slow breath.

And whispered,

"...You ain't stayin' here." "If I would have known it as this bad, I'd never let you go back home"

5:10 AM

I jerked back fast. "What?"

"You ain't stayin' here, Dash," she said again, firmer this time. "You can't."

I shook my head. "AJ, I-"

"I ain't lettin' ya go through this alone."

Her voice was steady. Unshakable.

But I panicked.

I pulled away. Got to my feet.

"I can't just leave," I said fast. "You don't understand. If I leave, she'll-"

She'll come after me.

She'll make it worse.

She'll find me.

She'll never let me go.

Applejack stood too. Didn't look away.

"I won't let that happen."

"You don't get it!" I snapped. "You can't stop her, AJ! She-she owns me! She-"

I cut myself off.

Chest heaving. Hands shaking.

And Applejack?

She wasn't backing down.

"You ain't owned, Rainbow," she said. "You're trapped. And I'm gettin' ya out."

I clenched my jaw.

Tried to find a reason. An excuse.

But deep down-I wanted to believe her.

I wanted to believe someone could save me.

But I wasn't sure if I could be saved.

5:55 AM

The bag was light.

Because I didn't own much.

A few clothes. A toothbrush.

Some crumpled-up drawings from when I was a kid.

That was it.

Years of living in this house, and I had nothing to take with me.

Applejack slung it over her shoulder. "C'mon, sugarcube. We gotta move."

I nodded.

Tried to breathe.

Tried to believe this was really happening.

That I was really leaving.

That I was finally free.

But as I stepped into the hallway-

The floor creaked.

And behind me, from the master bedroom-

A light flicked on.

5:57 AM

I froze.

So did Applejack.

My blood ran cold.

I turned my head, just enough to see-

A shadow moving under the door.

She was awake.

I couldn't breathe.

Couldn't move.

I felt Applejack's fingers wrap around my wrist.

And then-she yanked me forward.

"Move."

We ran.

Down the stairs. Through the kitchen.

Every step felt like a bomb going off.

Every second, I waited for the sound of her door slamming open.

But we hit the front door.

Applejack threw it open.

And then we were outside.

Running into the freezing morning air.

6:02 AM

The sky was still dark.

The streets were empty.

Applejack didn't stop. Didn't let go of my wrist.

We ran.

Blocks.

Past my neighbors. Past the houses I'd lived next to my whole life-but never really belonged in.

I didn't know where we were going.

I didn't care.

I just wanted to be anywhere but here.

Then-Applejack slowed.

We turned a corner, into a quiet side street.

And she finally let go of my hand.

We stood there, breathless.

And that's when I realized-

I was shaking.

6:07 AM

Applejack pulled off her hoodie.

Without a word, she draped it over my shoulders.

I stared down at it.

I could still feel her warmth in the fabric.

"...What now?" I whispered.

She hesitated.

Then, softly-

"We go to my place."

I swallowed hard.

I wanted to believe that was it. That I could just stay with her, and everything would be okay. Like I had been there only a few days ago.

But deep down-

I knew it wouldn't be that easy.

Because my mom was going to wake up.

She was going to see I was gone.

And she was going to come looking for me.

6:15 AM

Applejack's truck smelled like old leather and apples.

The seats were worn. The heater rattled when she turned it on.

But it was warm.

And right now, that was enough.

I curled into the passenger seat.

Applejack glanced at me. "You okay?"

I let out a shaky breath.

"No."

She nodded like she expected that answer. "That's alright."

Then she put the truck in gear-and we drove.

6:35 AM

The second we stepped through the door, the smell hit me.

Cinnamon. Coffee. Fresh air.

It smelled like home. I had only been here until a few days ago, but it felt so... distant now.

Applejack shifted beside me. "Granny, is it alright if Dash stays for a bit?"

"Of course."

7:10 AM

Applejack led me upstairs.

Her room was small, but warm.

The walls were covered in rodeo ribbons. Photos of her family.

Everything I didn't have. And I know I had already been here before, but I still couldn't understand how someone's family could be so... nice. Safe, proud and happy.

She grabbed some old clothes from her closet. "Here. These'll fit better than your torn-up stuff."

I took them, feeling weirdly numb.

Then I looked up at her.

"...Why are you helping me?"

Applejack frowned. "What kinda question is that?"

I shrugged, staring down at the hoodie still wrapped around me.

"Nobody ever has before."

For a long moment, she just looked at me.

Then, quietly-

"...Guess I'm not nobody, then."

7:30 AM

I changed.

Brushed my hair.

Washed my face.

For the first time in forever, I didn't feel like a piece of garbage.

When I came downstairs, Applejack was waiting.

Two mugs of hot cocoa in her hands.

She handed me one.

I sat down at a kitchen table, in a pñace that felt like... home.

And for a little while-

I let myself believe I was safe.

8:00 AM

My phone buzzed on the table.

Applejack picked it up.

Then froze.

I saw the name on the screen.

Mom.

My stomach twisted.

She was awake. She knew I was gone.

Applejack locked the screen and set it face-down.

Neither of us said a word.

But in my chest-something cracked.

8:15 AM

The house phone rang next.

Loud. Sharp.

Applejack's grandma answered.

"Hello?"

A pause.

Then her lips pressed into a thin line.

"She ain't here."

I sucked in a breath.

She's lying for me.

"I don't know what you're talkin' about," Granny said, voice steady. "Maybe she just left 'cause she didn't wanna be around you no more."

I flinched.

Applejack put a hand on my knee under the table. A silent reminder-I wasn't alone.

Granny hung up without another word.

Turned to me.

"She's gonna come lookin'."

I nodded.

Because I knew.

Of course I knew.

9:00 AM

Applejack's house was deep in the countryside.

Far from my mom. Far from my school.

But not far enough.

Because cops exist.

Because my mom could make a scene.

Because I wasn't some missing person.

I was still just a kid who ran away.

And people were going to notice.

I wasn't sure what would happen next.

But I knew one thing-

I wasn't going back.

10:30 am

GROUP CHAT:

Twilight Sparkle: Y'all, something weird is going on.

Fluttershy: Oh no... what happened?

Twilight Sparkle: Principal Celestia sent out an email saying Rainbow Dash isn't coming to school today.
...And that if anyone has seen her, we should report it.

Sunset Shimmer: What???

Pinkie Pie: Dashie NEVER skips school! Even if she's sick!!

Applejack: She's with me.

Twilight Sparkle: What?!

Fluttershy: Oh, thank goodness!

Sunset Shimmer: Wait... why?? What's going on??

Applejack: Not something I wanna say over text.
But... it's bad.

Twilight Sparkle: Applejack. Please. Tell us what's happening.

Applejack: We need to meet. In person. Today.

10:45 AM

Applejack locked her phone.

She looked at me.

"They deserve to know."

My throat tightened.

I nodded.

Because she was right.

I wasn't ready to tell them.

I wasn't ready to say the words out loud.

But I couldn't pretend anymore.

They needed to know.

And I needed them.

12:00 PM

The barn smelled like hay and dust.

The sunlight streaked through cracks in the wooden walls, casting golden lines across the dirt floor.

It felt like a good place for the truth.

I stood in the center, arms crossed, hoodie sleeves pulled over my hands. My heart pounded.

They were all here.

Twilight. Sunset. Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie. Applejack. Rarity.

All staring at me, especially Sunset, who probably already knew more, since she saw me a few days ago.

Waiting.

I licked my lips.

Then I whispered, "I don't know how to say this."

12:05 PM

The silence stretched.

Then Applejack spoke.

"Start wherever you need to."

I took a breath.

Then another.

And finally-I told them.

About the bruises.

The screaming.

The nights I spent hiding in my closet, praying Mom wouldn't find me.

The way teachers never looked close enough.

How Spitfire and her gang made school feel like another warzone.

How running here last night was the first time in years I felt safe.

12:15 PM

Silence.

The air was heavy.

Then-

"...Oh, Dashie." Pinkie's voice cracked.

Fluttershy covered her mouth with her hands. Eyes brimming with tears.

Sunset was shaking.

Twilight had gone pale.

Rarity's jaw dropped, and she looked like she had seen a ghost.

And Applejack?

She was staring at me, since she already knew, and silently reassuring me that everything will be alright.

12:20 pm

Sunset slammed her fist into a wooden beam.

"She's your mother," she growled. "She was supposed to protect you!"

"She never wanted me." The words slipped out before I could stop them.

And the second they did-I felt like I was shattering.

Pinkie was full-on crying.

Fluttershy looked like she was about to be sick.

Twilight-logical, smart Twilight-was trembling.

Applejack's fists were clenched.

They hated this.

They hated her.

For the first time in my life-I wasn't alone in that.

12:25 PM

Applejack stepped closer.

"Rainbow."

I met her eyes.

"We're gonna fix this."

A breath caught in my throat.

"...How?"

She didn't hesitate.

"We're not letting you go back."

1:00 PM

We sat in a circle on the barn floor.

Sunset was pacing. Applejack was thinking. Twilight was listing options.

I sat with my knees to my chest. My heart felt too big, too loud.

"We have to do something," Twilight said. "But running away isn't enough. The school's already looking for her. Her mom has called the cops by now."

The cops.

My chest tightened.

I wasn't some missing person. I wasn't kidnapped. I was just a runaway.

Which meant-

If they found me, they'd bring me back.

I felt sick.

1:10 PM

"What about a youth shelter?" Sunset said. "If we get her to one, they can step in."

Twilight shook her head. "Not that easy. Shelters have to report missing kids. They'll take her in-but they'll also call her mom."

I flinched.

Applejack noticed.

Her hand brushed against mine-just for a second.

It steadied me.

"Then what do we do?" Fluttershy asked softly.

Sunset crossed her arms. "We find another way."

1:30 PM

GROUP CHAT:

Twilight: I've been researching options.
There's a chance she could be placed with a temporary guardian.
But we need proof of the abuse.

Sunset: What kind of proof??

Twilight: Photos. Witness statements. Reports.

Applejack: ...She's covered in bruises. Ain't that enough proof?

Twilight: It helps. But we need official records.

Rarity: I can't believe this is happening, there must be SOMETHING.

Pinkie: What about teachers??

Twilight: Maybe. If they're willing to speak up.

Fluttershy: Oh no... what if they don't?

[Twilight]: Then we're out of luck.

2:00 PM

I stared at the group chat.

At the words, the plans, the research.

And suddenly-

I wanted to disappear.

I buried my face in my hands.

Because no matter how much they cared-what if it wasn't enough?

What if the system didn't care?

What if my mom won?

What if-I got sent back?

A shiver crawled down my spine.

I didn't know what would happen if I went back.

But I knew it would break me.

And I wasn't sure I'd survive it.

2:15 PM

"...Hey."

I looked up.

Applejack was watching me.

The others were still talking-but she was watching me.

"You with me, sugarcube?" she asked softly.

I swallowed. Nodded.

She shifted closer. Her voice was lower now. "We won't let 'em take you back."

She sounded so sure.

Like this was a fact. Like it was already decided.

"...You don't know that," I whispered.

"I do."

A pause.

Then she gently took my wrist. Pushed my sleeve up. Looked at the bruises.

She traced her thumb over one, just barely.

Her jaw tightened.

"Dash." Her voice was quiet. "Ain't no way in hell I'm letting you go back."

I let out a breath.

And for the first time today... I almost believed her.

2:30 PM

Sunset had an idea.

"I still have my old contacts from CHS," she said. "I know a few teachers who actually care about their students. If we can get one of them to confirm they've seen Rainbow's injuries before, we might have something."

Twilight perked up. "That could work! If a teacher admits they've noticed the bruises, that's a start."

I stayed quiet.

Because if teachers had seen-why didn't they say anything before?

Fluttershy must've noticed my face.

She touched my shoulder, her voice soft. "They probably thought you were just getting hurt playing sports."

A bitter laugh escaped me before I could stop it.

Yeah. Sure. Sports.

If only they knew.

3:00 PM

Sunset stepped outside, phone in hand.

The rest of us waited, the tension thick in the air.

I pressed my back against the barn wall. I felt... disconnected.

Like none of this was real.

Like I was watching someone else's life fall apart.

Twilight was typing furiously on her laptop. Pinkie was nervously tapping her fingers.

Applejack was sitting beside me, quiet.

I felt her glance at me, but she didn't say anything.

That meant more than words.

3:10 PM

Sunset came back in.

She looked... frustrated.

"They said they've noticed Rainbow's bruises before," she said. "But without solid proof of abuse, they can't say anything."

Twilight's face fell. "What?"

"They need more. They need actual documentation. Medical records. Photos. Reports." Sunset ran a hand through her hair. "Otherwise, it's just speculation."

I clenched my fists.

So that was it.

Even if they saw, even if they suspected-they did nothing.

And now they wanted proof?

I wanted to laugh.

Or scream.

Or both.

3:30 PM

"What if we go to the police directly?" Twilight suggested.

Applejack tensed. "That's dangerous. If they don't believe her, they'll send her straight back."

Silence.

Then-

"What if we got a recording?" Sunset said slowly.

I blinked. "A... what?"

"A recording," she repeated. "Of your mom. Of her threatening you. Admitting what she's done."

My stomach twisted.

"You want me to call her?" My voice sounded small.

"No," Sunset said. "I want you to go back."

3:35 PM

Applejack shot up.

"No. No way. We are NOT sending her back in there."

Sunset held up her hands. "Hear me out-"

"NO." Applejack's voice was firm.

And angry.

"Y'all just spent hours tellin' her she ain't goin' back. And now you want to send her straight into the lion's den?"

"It wouldn't be for long," Sunset argued. "Just long enough to get a recording-"

"She'd kill me." My voice was a whisper.

And suddenly, the room was silent.

Because we all knew-it wasn't an exaggeration.

3:40 PM

"We need another way," Applejack said, voice shaking.

Twilight bit her lip.

Then-

"What if someone goes with her?" she said. "Not inside, but... nearby. Watching."

Applejack still looked furious.

But she hesitated.

"...Who?"

Twilight turned to me. "Who does your mom hate the most?"

I didn't even have to think.

A slow, bitter smile curled my lips.

"You're not gonna like the answer."

3:45 PM

I took a slow breath.

Then I said it.

"Spitfire."

The room froze.

Applejack's head snapped toward me. "You can't be serious."

I was.

And I hated it.

"She's the only one my mom actually listens to." My voice was flat. "She's the only one who's ever called her out."

That was the problem.

Spitfire might hate me-but she hated my mom more.

3:50 PM

"Even if we could convince Spitfire," Sunset said carefully, "she's not exactly... subtle."

Yeah. No kidding.

She was loud. Blunt. Hot-headed.

But she was also the captain of the soccer team.

And she had authority.

My mom had tried getting her fired before. Had called the school. Had yelled at the principal.

And Spitfire had laughed in her face.

"Rainbow." Applejack's voice was soft. "Are you sure?"

No.

Not even a little.

But what choice did I have?

4:00 PM

Sunset pulled out her phone.

"I'll call her."

I grabbed her wrist. "No. Let me do it."

Applejack looked at me like I'd lost my mind. "You?"

"Yeah."

Because if I was going to do this-if I was really going to risk everything-I needed to at least try to control it.

Even if that meant calling the person who hated me most.

I took a deep breath.

And dialed.

4:02 PM

The call rang.

Once.

Twice.

Then-

"Yo, this is Spitfire. Leave a message. Or don't. I don't care."

Beep.

I swallowed hard.

"Spitfire. It's Rainbow."

My voice sounded wrong.

Like I wasn't even me anymore.

"I need your help."

A long pause.

Then I added, quietly-

"...Please."

And I hung up.

4.30 PM

I kept checking my phone.

Nothing.

No call. No text. No sign of Spitfire at all.

Applejack was pacing. Sunset was tense. Twilight was typing something.

Pinkie tried to lighten the mood-she made a joke. Something about how this felt like a bad action movie.

No one laughed.

Because we all knew-this wasn't a movie.

If this went wrong... it wasn't just "bad." It was dangerous.

5:00 PM

"She ain't comin'." Applejack finally snapped.

She was pacing even harder now, hands clenched. "I knew this was a bad idea."

I swallowed. Was she right?

Spitfire hated me.

Maybe she heard my voicemail and just... ignored it.

Maybe she was laughing about it right now.

Applejack turned to me, voice shaking. "You ain't goin' back there alone, Rainbow."

I knew that.

I wasn't stupid.

But...

What if we had no choice?

5:10 PM

My phone buzzed.

I jumped.

SPITFIRE.

Applejack saw the name on the screen and crossed her arms. "Put her on speaker."

I hesitated.

Then I answered.

"What the hell do you want?"

Classic Spitfire.

No greeting. No concern. Just impatience.

I took a breath.

"I need your help."

A pause.

Then-

Spitfire laughed.

5:12 PM

"Wow." Spitfire's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Rainbow Dash needs help. That's hilarious."

I clenched my jaw. Stay calm.

"Spitfire. I'm serious."

"So am I."

Another bitter laugh.

"You expect me to believe that after everything, you suddenly need me?"

"I don't expect you to believe anything," I said flatly. "I expect you to listen."

Silence.

A long, heavy silence.

Then-

"...I'm listening."

5:13 PM

Spitfire was silent.

Waiting.

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my voice steady. "I don't care what you think about me. But my mom? You know what she's like."

Another pause.

Then Spitfire scoffed. "Yeah. I do."

Applejack and Sunset exchanged a glance. This was working.

I pushed forward.

"You've stood up to her before. You're the only one who has."

Spitfire exhaled sharply. "And that turned out great for me, didn't it?"

That was fair.

My mom had tried to get her fired. Had made her life hell. Had probably still been trying.

Spitfire had no reason to trust me. No reason to help me.

But...

"She's worse now," I said quietly.

And that? That got her attention.

5:15 PM

Spitfire's voice lowered. "Worse?"

I swallowed hard. "She broke my ribs, Spitfire."

Silence.

Total, dead silence.

For the first time ever, Spitfire was speechless.

I almost didn't recognize my own voice when I added, "...And that wasn't the worst of it."

Another pause.

Then-

"Where are you?"

5:16 PM

Applejack tensed. Sunset leaned forward.

I hesitated. "Why?"

"Because I need to see for myself." Spitfire's voice was sharp. "If I'm going to go against her, I need proof."

My stomach twisted.

Proof?

What, was she going to interrogate me?

"Rainbow, don't," Applejack warned.

I knew why she was worried.

Spitfire wasn't our friend.

She wasn't doing this out of kindness.

She wanted revenge.

And I didn't care.

I exhaled.

And I told her where to find me.

6:00 PM

Spitfire's car pulled up to the curb.

It wasn't flashy. Just some old, dented thing that looked like it had seen better days.

She stepped out.

Black jacket. Messy ponytail. A look on her face that screamed "I don't have time for your crap."

My heart pounded. Was this a mistake?

Applejack crossed her arms, standing right next to me, making it very clear she wasn't letting Spitfire pull anything. Sunset was at my other side, silent but watching like a hawk.

Spitfire glanced at them. "Seriously?"

"You ain't talkin' to Rainbow alone," Applejack shot back.

Spitfire rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

She looked at me. "Let's see it."

I hesitated.

And then, slowly, I pulled up my hoodie.

The bruises weren't fresh anymore, but they were ugly.

Yellowing in some places, still dark purple in others. My ribs still hurt.

I didn't look at Spitfire.

But I heard her reaction.

A sharp inhale.

A muttered, "Holy sh-"

She fell silent.

For the first time since I met her... she actually looked shocked.

And then-just like that-it was gone.

Her face hardened. Her jaw clenched.

She looked pissed.

Spitfire took a deep breath. Then another.

Then she looked at me, eyes burning.

"...She did this?"

I nodded.

She clenched her fists.

"That bitch."

Applejack tensed. "Watch it."

Spitfire ignored her. "How long?"

I exhaled. "Forever."

Her expression darkened.

Then, to my absolute shock, she muttered-

"Then I should've hit her harder."

6:05 PM

Spitfire ran a hand through her hair, pacing. "Alright. Fine. I'm in."

Applejack stiffened. "We didn't ask you to be."

Spitfire turned, eyes blazing. "Yeah? Well, guess what? You need me."

I stayed quiet.

Because she was right.

Spitfire's gaze locked on me. "I don't like you. You don't like me. But if we're taking her down, we do this my way."

I swallowed. "And what's your way?"

A slow, dangerous smirk.

"...We make her pay."

Applejack wasn't having it.

"No way," she said, stepping between me and Spitfire. "I don't trust you."

Spitfire scoffed. "Yeah? Well, I don't trust you either, cowgirl."

I sighed, running a hand down my face. "Guys-"

Spitfire cut me off. "Look, I don't give a damn about your little friend group. I'm here because your mother is a monster, and she's been ruining people's lives for years. Including mine."

She took a step closer, lowering her voice.

"If we're gonna take her down, we do it smart. We gather evidence. We get real proof. Because if you think anyone's just gonna believe you over her? You're dead wrong."

Silence.

I knew she was right.

Applejack's jaw tightened, but she didn't argue.

Sunset crossed her arms. "So what exactly are you suggesting?"

Spitfire's smirk returned. "Simple."

She turned to me.

"You let me record her."

6:15 PM

I felt my stomach twist.

"...Record her?"

Spitfire nodded. "Audio. Video. Whatever we can get."

I shook my head. "That's- That's dangerous. If she finds out-"

Spitfire's gaze hardened. "Then you make sure she doesn't."

Applejack's fingers twitched at her side, like she was stopping herself from dragging me away from this conversation. "And what do you get out of this?"

Spitfire's smirk faded.

She hesitated.

And then she muttered, "Closure."

That shut everyone up.

Sunset studied her carefully. "She did something to you too, didn't she?"

Spitfire's jaw clenched.

Then-softer than I'd ever heard her before-she whispered, "Yeah."

I swallowed.

And suddenly... I didn't feel so alone.

6:30 PM

Applejack still looked uneasy.

"I don't like this," she muttered.

Spitfire rolled her eyes. "You don't have to like it. You just have to back off and let me do my thing."

Applejack's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

I groaned. "Guys. Enough."

I turned to Spitfire. "Fine. We'll do it. But if this goes bad-"

Spitfire grinned. "Then I take the fall."

My stomach twisted.

Somehow, I knew she wasn't just saying that.

7:00 PM

Spitfire left.

Applejack and Sunset were not happy.

"You don't gotta do this, sugarcube," Applejack said. "We can find another way."

I exhaled.

And for the first time in a long time...

I felt in control.

"No," I said firmly.

"We do this. We end it."

Sunset nodded slowly.

Applejack hesitated.

But in the end...

She didn't argue.