Chapter 1: Applejack Based on the episode ‘Kazuma’
I was dreaming. It was a very intense, rough, but brave dream. It seemed like it would never stop. I just kept on dreaming…
“We are now on the final approach to the Lost Ground. Known for being the first independent domain within Equestrian territory. It is also the habitat of the Native Alters, and special preservation laws are in effect, throughout the region.” Twilight Sparkle fiddled with her necklace, a deep purple crystal with a special history behind it. She stopped listening to the broadcast, all she needed to know was that they were nearly there. She looked out the window and thought to herself, It’s been seven years since I was here… She noticed a tall pony standing on a ruined building. It was difficult to make out details, but the pony was muscular but lean, and her blonde hair waved in the night air. She raised a gloved hoof towards the plane, and slowly tightened the muscles like a fist. The air shimmered around her as she exhaled slowly, before pieces of the building dematerialized, and started forming around her arm. A cloud of dust obscured her, and she launched up at the plane. She was close enough for Twilight to get a look at her. Her shorter locks were standing on end, and her eyes were fierce, though Twilight sensed the plane wasn’t what she was after. She caught the wing of the plane with her back hoof, landing expertly. “An Alter?” Twilight exclaimed. A brief bang was heard as the pony slammed her right hoof against the wing of the plane, peering through the hole. Here we go, she thought to herself as she leapt off the plane wing and spiralled down at another ruined building. She sighted her target, the pony she had been paid to retrieve: The Chief Executor of the Lost Ground. The sun came up, lighting up the defiant grin on her face. She accelerated towards the building, throwing all her force into the descent, landing with expert precision. A pillar of light shone briefly, and it was over. Twilight looked back at the scene from her window, shocked by what she had just seen. The building came down soon after, and the pony walked out of the wreckage, her hair now hanging down once more, as she dragged the stunned and battered chief out of the dust. “That wasn’t so bad now, was it? You’re a bit heavy, though.” She chuckled to herself as she walked away, “The authorities should be here soon. You’ll be ok with them.”
Later that day…
“Suspect is described as an Alter User and is extremely dangerous. Be advised.” The injured thugs from that morning were being hauled away by the authorities and medical units. One investigator looked around, shocked at the damage. “What happened here?” He finally asked. His superior returned the question, “They didn’t tell you about Alter Users in Canterlot?” “Of course, sir, but the method of investigation for Alter crimes is…” “Forget the investigation methods. It’s a whole different ball game out here, and we just lend assistance.” “But I thought that…” “How’s the chief?” “She appears to have come through unharmed, mostly.” “Then our job’s done. Leave the rest to the professionals.” “Professionals?” The younger pony looked over in the direction his superior pointed, to a young pink pony in a short purple and white uniform. “I don’t care about the kidnappers. I’m much more interested in is witnesses who saw the Native Alter.” The nervous grey pony she was talking to stammered, but managed a coherent response, “Of course. According to this report, the suspect was unarmed…” The pink pony cut him off, slightly puzzled at the report, “Unarmed?” “Y-yes, ma’am.” The grey pony fumbled with his glasses, nearly dropping them, and continued, “The suspect used Special Flight 47 from Manehattan as a platform. She jumped from the wing and crashed straight into the building without a parachute or any form of…” The younger pony once again cut him off, this time she was laughing. “For an Alter User, she’s got no sense of style. She almost sounds like Spitfire.” The grey pony stammered again. Alter Users made him nervous, mostly because of their age. “Y-you think so?” The pink one stood up straight and saluted him, “You’ve done good work. If you find anything else, please forward it to HOLY.” “Yes, ma’am.” “Hey, lighten up. Don’t be so serious. Think fast!” She lightly tapped him on the shoulder, causing him to drop his clipboard, “There. See what I mean?” “Hey, you coming?” The investigator snapped back to his senses and caught up with his superior, “Oh, right. I’m sorry, sir. Who is that anyway? She looks like a kid…” “She’s an Alter User. Don’t judge the kids around here by looks. Assume they’re Alter Users, and dangerous. Only way to deal with Alter Users is with another Alter User. Don’t forget…this ain’t the mainland. It’s been this way since something snapped during the Great Uprising 22 years ago. This is the Lost Ground…”
The Lost Ground, once known as Ponyville, til a massive Earthquake broke the continent up. At the centre was Ponyville. Ponies there lived in simple farmhouses and some in the ruined city. They were self-sufficient for the most part. And they all did what they could to survive. And no one was better at that than Applejack. As she walked down the market street, she held a wad of notes in her hoof. “Easy work, and good money. Guess I’m not goin’ hungry for a while.” She couldn’t help but grin at her success as she pocketed the notes. She came up by a toll gate. These were mostly built by people who were too old to work as a means of sustaining themselves and the town, though some were for more unscrupulous reasons. “Been fightin’ again, Applejack?” “Workin’. I was just workin’.” “Don’t you go lyin’ ta me…” Applejack held out the wad of notes, and handed the old pony the toll money. “You did better than usual,” He said as he raised the gate. “Just a reward for helpin’ out.” Applejack grinned. “Ya aren’t getting’ into nothin’ illegal now, are ya?” Applejack turned as they heard a cart stop behind her, “Hey, what’s up? Where’s your dad?” The young foal with the cart, tried to put on a brave air, despite his young age, “He hurt himself at the site yesterday, so he’s home in bed.” Applejack leaned on the cart, “Really? Your dad’s pretty cool, huh?” The young foal proudly nodded, a huge smile on his face. “You love him a lot?” He nodded again. Applejack chuckled and grinned back, “You’re a good kid. See ya ‘round.” She called back from the tunnel, “Keep workin’ hard, kid.” The old pony mumbled under his breath, “As if you’re ever worked…” He resumed his usual voice, “Come on, pay up.” The younger one grabbed a bag full of coins from the cart, “How much?” “At least 3 in cash, with no rainchecks. And It’ll cost you more next time.” The ponies felt a soft rumble growing stronger, “Not again!” A train passed through not long after, sending a deafening noise through the town. And no one had noticed that most of Applejack’s money had fallen out of her pocket onto the cart and was now stuck in one of the drawers on the front.
The city was very clean in contrast to the dirty farmlands and ruined buildings, and it was here that the region was regulated. In the centre was the massive spire known as HOLY Tower, where the leader of HOLY was reading and checking all reports coming in and briefing his teams. “I see… So it was some Native Alter who rescued the chief.” “Yes sir, but Pinkie’s reports indicate there was only one.” “He should mind his own business.” The armoured pony looked up at his leader, slightly puzzled. “Well, it’s no trouble. Go inform Sweetie Belle. We can’t allow a Native Alter to run around loose.”
“The sky. So very blue. It’s like you can almost touch it…” a cow mooed behind a young filly holding a battered red umbrella. She turned to see an older pony beside it. “She’s not back yet, huh?” “No…and it’s the third day.” “What are the chances she’s really workin’ this time?” “I’d say 50-50.” The old one sighed softly, “Why don’t you come inside? I could make some tea.” The filly nodded, “Alright, but why not let me do it?” She saw something moving in the distance and closed her umbrella. She leapt down from the rock she was sitting on and dashed off towards it, “Apple-kun!” She yelled, giggling as she came closer. Applejack bent down as she approached, “Hey, Applebloom, didn’t I tell you to stop calling me that?” Applebloom sighed, “Why not?” Applejack expressed her annoyance at the nickname, “Just because, ok?” “Hey! You shouldn’t be away from home so much, Applejack.” “We gotta eat too, ya know.” Applebloom turned to the old pony with a smile on her face, “Hey, grandpa, we’ll have tea later.” ‘Grandpa’ nodded and chuckled to himself. “Come on, Apple-kun.” Applejack sighed as she got to her feet, “I told you stop calling me that.”
Applejack and Applebloom resided in an abandoned clinic, which was in disrepair, but then, what wasn’t in disrepair outside of the city. “So how was work?” Applebloom asked, handing Applejack a glass of water. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a single note with ‘1000’ on it. Applebloom’s face fell; She’d done it again… “Is that it?” She asked, hoping Applejack would surprise her this time. Applejack was a bad liar, and it showed, “Well, uh, y’see…” Applebloom rolled her eyes, “You don’t hafta tell me…” “Would ya let me finish? Everything was goin’ great, then I looked away from a sec, and made a huge mistake.” “Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s not going to go very far, y’know.” Applebloom looked from the note in her hoof to Applejack, who hung her head in shame, “I know…” She hated saying these words, but sometimes, it was the only way to keep Applejack on target, “You’re a worthless good for nothing bum…” Applejack slumped forwards in her chair, “Might as well add ‘stupid’ or ‘loser’ to the list.” She gulped down the water and handed the glass to Applebloom, “Thanks for the drink…” “We’ve hardly got any vegetables left. What are we gonna do?” Applejack had a distant look on her face, hidden by her long bangs, “Whatever we have to…” “Like what?” “Well, we could…” Applejack sat bolt upright with a worried shout, “I spend all my time worried about how we’re gonna make it!” They heard a tapping on the window, and Applejack recognized the orange pony outside, “Oh no…What do you want?” She opened the window, “Hey, what’s up?” Applejack waved her hoof, “Go away. We don’t want any of what you’re sellin’” “That’s harsh, AJ.” Applebloom shook her head at Applejack, “Don’t worry about it. Come on in.” “Thanks Applebloom. Don’t mind if I do.” The orange pony climbed in through the window, causing Applejack to yell out, “Not through the window!” “I’ll get you something to drink.” “Don’t bother. She’s leaving!” “That’ll be great.” Applejack stood up, “So, what do you want?” “You’ve heard of the Leaf Runners, right?” “Lyra’s team? They’re just kids.” The orange pony looked down, “Well there’s another gang trying to take over their turf down by the old town hall, only this other team has an Alter User.” Applejack grinned, “Fire with fire, huh? I can’t guarantee what will happen if he really is one.” “Whatever.” Applejack made a punching motion, “Well, Lyra’s no stranger. I’ll do it for 2000.” “Pay is 30.” Applejack’s face fell, “Are you outta your mind?” “You’re asking for way too much!” “I need the money! I’m completely broke!” The orange pony looked at Applejack as if she’d told him the worst joke in history, “What about this morning’s pay?” Applejack tried to lie again, with limited success, “Well…I don’t have it.” “I can’t believe you did it again. You’re an idiot sometimes, Applejack!” Applejack was almost ready to throw the orange one out the door, “That’s it. Get outta here!” Applebloom poked her head out from the kitchen, “Stay for dinner, Scootaloo?” The orange pony answered, “Sounds great. Thanks.” Applejack shoved Scootaloo back into view, “You are such a leech!” Scootaloo responded in kind, “And you’re not?” “2000!” “30!” They stared at each other, prepared to fight, then started Rock, Paper, Scissors. Elsewhere, a Holy patrol was closing in on the position. The pink pony from earlier walked up to another pony at the front of the tank, “Report from Sweetie Belle shows a reaction in Sector Zebra 4-3.” The other pony spoke in a soft, but sharp and cold manner, “Roger. A Native Alter, huh?” She made a small slashing motion with her hoof. Who is this pony?
Applejack checked to make sure Applebloom was asleep. Satisfied, she grabbed her cowboy hat and dark trench coat and walked out the door, jumping into the passenger seat of Scootaloo’s car. “Sure you want to leave her alone?” Applejack nodded, “She’s tougher than she looks.” “You’re not related, are you?” “Just shut up and drive. Time for some action.” Scootaloo flicked a switch and the car roared to life. “It gets really cold out here at night.” “On the mainland, they say there’s a place where it’s like summer all year.” “So what?” “It’s not fair. Why weren’t we born in a place like that?” “I wouldn’t like it.” Applejack said calmly. “Why not?” Well, it’s meant to be incredibly peaceful there. I’d probably die of boredom within the first week.” Scootaloo turned to her, and said, “You’re such a Neanderthal.” Applejack leaned back in her seat. “Not really.” A sudden bump startled them both.
Lyra stumbled to the ground, her face and body bruised. She looked around and saw her friends lying on the ground, defeated by this one Alter User. “You still wanna fight, huh?” The bigger pony lifted a brick in his over-sized hoofs and crushed it. “Alright, listen! This place and everything in it is ours, so you can get outta here or die!” Lyra tried to argue, but a quick blow to her shoulder rendered her argument as a scream of pain. Her arm hung limply by her side. “LYRA! YOU FAT GOON!” A younger pony rushed forward, determined to help his sister. “Watch it, brat!” One of the invading ponies said, before being silenced by the bigger pony. “This is your big sister, isn’t it? I bet you love her a lot.” He then slapped the young colt across the face, “Don’t you understand? I want you outta…” He was cut off by a car bumping into him from behind. Applejack panted heavily, “Next time, we’re leaving this piece of junk behind…” Scootaloo panted, “But it’s a classic…” “At this rate, I’ll be too worn out to fight.” She was dimly aware of the big pony shouting at her, but ignored him nonetheless. “Just a little further…” Applejack was about to respond, but lost patience with the rather annoying moron behind her, “I’m talking here, so SHUT UP!!” With little warning, she spun around, slamming her elbow into the bigger pony’s ribs. He groaned and fell to the ground. Lyra struggled to stand up, “Applejack! Glad to see you.” Applejack waved, “Hey Lyra.” “Sorry we’re late.” Applejack turned to the other ponies, “So where’s this Alter User I heard so much about?” Everyone pointed to the idiot she downed ten seconds ago. “I’ll take that 2000 in cash.” “It’s 30.” “2200, then.” “Why’s it going up?” “For your dinner.” They bantered back and forth, not noticing the brawny pony get back up, “Really funny. You just caught me off guard.” Applejack braced for retaliation, but nothing came. “I wouldn’t wanna be her. Better get back.” The giant laughed, prompting Applejack to laugh mockingly at him. “WHAT THE HELL’S SO FUNNY?!” He brought a massive hoof down, trying to swat Applejack into the pavement. She spun around, dodging his hoof, and grabbing it with her gloved right hoof, the shoulder armour on her coat glowing slightly, “Wanna bring out your Alter now? I’d hate to beat you without it.” Amid the clamouring from the big dumb pony’s comrades, Scootaloo pulled a gun from her coat, “Hold it there, guys. You’re gonna stay where you are. Make sure we don’t need to worry about revenge, ‘kay, Applejack?” A second gun shot out from her sleeve into her hand. Applejack grinned and threw the big pony back a few steps, “No problem.” “So you wanna see my Alter, huh? Guess you’re in luck…” He grinned like a madman, and Applejack grinned defiantly in return, “Then don’t keep a girl waiting.” He jumped back, and the air started shimmering around him, and the scenery around him broke up. A giant robot with a hammer for a fist materialized behind him, lifting him up with its left hand. “What about yours? It better be a good one, or you’re toast!” Applejack chuckled to herself, “I nearly forgot how good it feels. See, I was born with a strange power. They say it’s not good, but if I feel this good, how can it possibly be bad?” Some of her hair stood up on end and she lifted her right arm in front of her. The air shimmered around her as it had for the other one, and parts of the scenery broke up. Her arm split into three sections, each one still connected at the shoulder. Gold bands formed and wrapped them back together, and gold armour formed around the arm, ending in a red clawed fist. Three red blades jutted out from her shoulder blade. The other pony laughed, “You call that puny little thing an Alter?” The ground sagged beneath him as his hammer raised. Applejack kept grinning defiantly, “Well come and get me, then…Bonehead!” “BONEHEAD?! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!!” Applejack stepped casually around the hammer and leapt into the air, landing gracefully in the hammer itself, yelling, “Hey, Bonehead!” She straightened up, “Got anything else? I’m gettin’ bored here!” ‘Bonehead’ threw her up into the air, yelling “CRUSH!!” Applejack backhanded the wall beside her, propelling herself away from the hammer. She kept ducking, weaving and jumping as the ruined city came crashing down around the two fighters. ‘Bonehead’ couldn’t see anything in the dust, “Hey! What’s the matter? You scared?” Scootaloo leaned against the car, “Finish it up already, Applejack. Quit playing around.” “Got it!” She said as she balanced on her fist for a second, then used her force and weight to propel herself towards ‘Bonehead’. “Now watch this. You’re about to see a real Alter User…” Applejack charged in, fist first. ‘Bonehead’ spotted her, and threw all his force behind his attack, “I GOT YOU NOW!” Applejack yelled back, “SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” A burst of green light, and it was over. Applejack was unharmed, though missing one of her red blades. A second later, and ‘Bonehead’s Alter exploded. He landed on the ground, unconscious and defeated. She looked around at the gangsters gathering around, “Who’s next?” A flash of bright light nearly blinded them, and an unfamiliar voice sounded over a loudspeaker, “If you’re still looking for a fight, we’ll be your next opponents, Ms Native Alter.” He saw a pink pony holding the speaker, and several armed guards with guns trained squarely on Applejack. “We gotta get outta here, Applejack! That’s HOLD!” Applejack looked back at Scootaloo, “4000, and I’ll buy you some time! Now get outta here!” She slammed her fist down and sent the gangster ponies flying, using that same motion to carry her to top speed. “I don’t care if you are HOLD! You’re still my opponents!” She slammed into the tank, leaving a massive dent in the armour. The pink pony fell to her knees, “The body harmony…It’s her! The same one from this morning!” She landed, and spun in a circle, holding her armoured fist in front of her, “Let’s see how much more time I can get!” The door on the tank opened, and a snow white pony stepped out. Her purple hair was cropped close to her neck, and her uniform looked new, not a speck of dirt to be seen. “So you’re the big cheese?” Applejack said, partly mocking the white pony. “Up for a match?” She met the white pony’s gaze, and instantly regretted it. It felt like she saw straight through Applejack, opening every pore on her body, and installing a fear of everything. Too bad only part of it worked. Applejack braced, unsure of whether to run or not, then launched forward with Annihilating Second Bullet. The white pony ran forward, somersaulted in the air, landing stiffly, and conjured a doll with long purple ribbons. Before Applejack could react, one ribbon wrapped around her fist, and the other slammed into her gut. Applejack was speechless, unable to react for several seconds. She thought quietly, She avoided me so easily… One half of the doll’s mask slid back, revealing a blank pink eye.
Scootaloo glanced from the road in front to the kids in the back. “Will Applejack be ok?” Scootaloo put on a brave smile, “Well, she’s never fought HOLD before, but there’s no one stronger than her.” Back at the battle site, the fighting was fierce. Applejack tried and tried to get a good angle of attack, but was blocked at every turn, and her body was battered and weary. Pinkie sat on the edge of the tank and watched. “It’s funny. They say they’re unbeatable, then we show up and BAM! They’re toast…” Applejack staggered back, having been blocked again. She bent back, picking up a rock. You think you’re so cool, huh? She thought as she flung the rock as hard as she could. She nearly hit the white pony’s face, but a ribbon from the doll Alter blocked that as well. “Think I’m a coward for doing that?” Applejack panted heavily. She wouldn’t last much longer. The white pony spoke for the first time, and her voice was laced with contempt, “Not really. I knew what to expect from an outcast of society, such as yourself.” Applejack jumped up, and sprinted forwards, “Outcast this! EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” Applejack’s attack was stopped as easily as the others by the doll Alter’s ribbons. She yelled out, as she was knocked on her back. She lay there, willing herself to get back up, but couldn’t. There was no energy left. Even as the white pony looked down with contempt, Applejack still raised a defiant fist…
I was dreaming. Inside my dream, I became someone else…Someone fighting to change the inevitable. Her pain was intense, yet her spirit was equally as strong. And I screamed out loud. Hold on! HOLD ON! I kept on wishing with all my might…
End of Chapter 1