Story
CHAMPION OF THE GREEN
Somewhere deep in the Everfree Forest, a lone orange alicorn mare was trotting through the forest. The mare was here looking for someone, a spirit. Recently this spirit has used his magic to expand his forest, growing it bigger every day.
So far, the Everfree Forest has already grown twice the size it originally was and is still growing. The forest has already consumed several nearby towns and villages in its rapid expansion, forcing thousands of ponies from their homes, leaving many of them homeless.
Upon entering the Everfree Forest from the air, the orange alicorn mare spotted the ponies attempting to halt the expansion of the forest. They tried chopping it down, only for it to regrow back faster than they can chop. They tried building walls, but the forest just grows under or over it. Then lastly the ponies tried using magic to stop the forest, but the forest itself are somehow able to negate their spells.
The orange mare saw how hard the ponies were trying and she knew that it was all futile. The only way to stop the Everfree Forest from engulfing all of Equestria was to meet the spirit who resides somewhere deep within the safety of his own home.
While the mare trotted through the woods, she went over the mission in her head. She is to find and face this spirit of the forest., make him stop his expansion and return it back to its original size. The method to how she'll carry out this out will fall on her.
As she continue her trot through the forest, the mare's mind wandered off into the past. Before she was this all-powerful alicorn, the orange mare was just a humble earth pony name Applejack.
---
In her previous life, she lived happily with her family on Sweet Apple Acres. It was a large apple farm where she worked in the orchards with her big brother, Big Macintosh, her little sister, Applebloom, and her grandmother, Granny Smith.
Aside from her family, Applejack also had five great friends she hangs out with. Together, she and her friends went on a lot of amazing adventures all across Equestria.
But, then tragedy struck and her life came to a tragic end.
The day of her tragic death started when her little sister went missing. According to eyewitness, her sister was last seen entering the Everfree Forest with her friends. Knowing full well how dangerous the forest is, Applejack charged right in, beginning the search for her sister.
She eventually found her sister and her friends, hiding inside a hollowed log. They were hiding inside the log because there was a hungry manticore outside. This vicious beast hasn't eaten anything in days and he wasn't going to let a perfect opportunity like this, slip pass his paws.
When Applejack saw that her sister was in danger, she dash right without a second though She bucked the beast in the ribs, getting his attention. As the mare battled against the massive mismatch monster, she was able to distract him long enough for her sister and her friends to escape. Just as she was about to join them, the manticore launch a sneaky attack.
His scorpion tail swung down, stabbing his stinger right through her body. The beast then pulled his stinger out of the mare, letting her fall to the ground. As she laid on the dirt, Applejack could feel her body slowly shutting down, her vision became blurred and her hearing starting to wane. Blood was pouring out of her wound, creating a small puddle around her. The last thing she heard before everything went black was the cries from her sister.
Before the manticore could claim his prize, more ponies showed up and attacked the beast. The ponies all simultaneously assaulted the beast, giving him no space to retaliate. Knowing that he was going to lose this fight, the manticore immediately fled from the area, disappearing into the darkness of the forest.
The ponies didn't bother chasing after the beast, their main concern was for the dead mare on the ground.
On the day of her funeral, it was a day of sorrow. Many came to her funeral, to mourn for her loss. Her family, her relatives, her friends and even some acquaintances. Each and every one of them all said their peace as they each took to the stand.
As everypony assured each other that Applejack was in a better place now, what they didn't know was that Applejack was in someplace, entirely different.
Opening her eyes, Applejack found herself in another forest. A different forest, not like the Everfree Forest. While the Everfree Forest had this terrifying ambiance to it, this forest was more peaceful and gave off a relaxing vibe.
Applejack then took notice of her surroundings and saw that everything was completely green. Everything in this forest is color with a different shade of green, to the tree barks to the large boulders to even the lake nearby. When she tilted her head, her eyes widen to see the sky in a bright light green shade instead of the regular light blue.
“Good, you are awake, Applejack.”
The orange mare quickly turn to the source of the voice, but when she did, all she saw was a tree.
“Who said that?” She questioned. “Where are you?”
“I'm right here.” The voice answered.
Applejack turn to the same direction of the voice again, only to find the same tree. She was about to dismiss this, until her eyes notice something. On the tree bark, there was what look like a face. There was a curve line resembling the mouth and right above the line is two squinted eyes.
“I am right here, Applejack.” The voice said, coming from out of his mouth.
Applejack was startled by this and step back a bit.
“Do not be afraid, Applejack.” The tree calmly told her. “We're not going to harm you.”
She was about respond, but stop when she heard his last statement. “Wait, what do you mean we?”
“He was referring to us.” Said a new voice.
Suddenly multiple trees started sprouting from the ground where the single tree stood. In a matter of seconds, the lone tree was now joined by several other trees, each one a different shade of green and each one bearing a unique face.
“What the hay are you?” Applejack questioned.
“We Applejack, are the Parliament of Trees.” One of them spoke. “And we all welcome you to The Green.”
From there it was a lot of exposition for Applejack. From what she gathered, The Green is like a supernatural force that is connected to all the plants in the world. From the tiniest seeds to the tallest trees, The Green is connected to each and every one of them.
Now the Parliament of Trees were basically the leaders of The Green. They are responsible for watching over all the plants in the world, making sure everything was in balance. Despite their best efforts, there was always something threatening The Green. However, sometime something within The Green will go rogue and run rampant.
This is where Applejack comes in.
They explained to her that over the years, the Parliament select one sentient being in the world that will become their avatar. The avatar was basically their champion, a lone protector sent to take care of a problem they are unable to do.
If she accepts, Applejack will become one out of many who were worthy to take up the mantle of being Champion of The Green.
At first Applejack is taken back by all this, this was way too much for her to process. There was so many questions she though up in her head and each one needed answers. Thankfully, the Parliament were there to answer them.
They explained to They explained to her that she was indeed dead, killed by the hungry manticore that was threatening the lives of her sister and her friends. After they reassured her that her sister was safe, they then regretfully informed her that her death, sadden all her friends and family, especially Applebloom who blamed herself for causing her death.her that she was indeed dead, killed by the hungry manticore that was threatening the lives of her sister and her friends. After that, they reassured her that her sister was safe. Next they regretfully informed her that her death, sadden all her friends and family, especially Applebloom who blamed herself for causing the death of her older sister.
After asking her questions, Applejack told them that she needed a moment to think things over. The Parliament allow it and watch her trot away from their line of vision. After a couple of minutes passed by, she came back made her decision. She'll agree to become their newest champion, but under one condition. She wanted to go see her little sister.
The Parliament felt uneasy with her request. They warned her that as their new Avatar, she is to cut all ties with her past life, this includes her family and friends. They explained and reasoned that there are people out there, hostile ones that will no doubt harm the people close to her. As each member gave their own reason why it was a bad idea, one member spoke out.
The one who spoke out came from a very old-looking tree. She was oldest member of the Parliament, in fact she was the very first one. The old tree has been around when the world was young, long before the alicorns came. She was there when the first plants were born, producing oxygen for the future species that will soon crawl out of the water and walk on the land.
This old tree witness many great and terrible things in her time. And with age, comes experience and wisdom. The old tree convinces the others to allow Applejack, to see her sister. However, it will have only be this one time.
Applejack, accepted the term and let the Parliament of Trees transform her into their Avatar.
---
It was late one night at the Sweet Apple Acres.
Sitting alone on the front porch by herself was a little yellow earth filly named Applebloom.
Normally the little filly should be upstairs in her room, sleeping. However, the little filly wasn't feeling up to it. So she pretended to fall asleep and waited for both her brother and granny to fall asleep themselves so she could sneak out.
The cold night air felt good on her skin, but it wasn't enough to ease her mind. It has been a week since Applejack's funeral and she still blame herself for causing her death. She regretted ever going into the forest. Applejack, warned her many times before, but she just never listen. And now, she is dead because of her.
As Applebloom wept silently, she didn't notice the black silhouette of a pony, trotting up to the house. By the time she notice the stranger's presence, the moon's rays shine its light on the shadowy figure, revealing a familiar orange mare.
Applebloom, couldn't believe what she was seeing. She rub her teary eyes, making sure her vision was correct. When she reopen her eyes and look back, there she was. Her sister, Applejack.
Applejack, stood there in the distance, smiling at her sister. After her transformation, Applejack now resemble an alicorn. However, instead of flesh and feathers, her wings is made entirely of sticks and leaves. The horn on her head was a long, pointed piece of gem with vines wrapped around it. She now dons on a set of green armor with a crown made of roots.
The little filly didn't seem to notice or she doesn't care about those features, she was just happy to see her older sister. Applebloom, rush out of from the porch and gallop into the open arms of her sister.
“Sis, you're alive! You're really, really alive!” She openly cried into her sister warm embrace.
Applejack hugged her sister, comforting her as she cried. She didn't say anything to her, not wanting to ruin the moment.
After she was done crying, Applebloom lift her head up and stare up at her sister's face. “Applejack, I'm so sorry for what happened in the Everfree Forest! I should've listen to ya, but I never listen and-”
“Shhh, It's alright sugarcube.” Applejack silence her. “Now listen closely, Applebloom, I don't have much time.”
“What do you mean?” Applebloom ask, sounding confused.
“Before I have to go, there is something I have to say.” Applejack explained. “I know about how you are hurting inside and blame yourself for my death. But, Applebloom you don't have to anymore, I forgiven you.” She said. “You got to move on with your life, you can't keep blaming yourself, Appleboom. Otherwise, you'll let it chain you down forever. Do you understand me?”
Applebloom nodded her head in response.
“Good.” Applejack smiled and hugged her sister.
Both sisters tenderly hugged each other on the dirt path leading to their house. As much as Applejack wanted to stay longer, she knew she had to go.
“Applebloom, it's time for me to go.”
“No, please Applejack, can't you stay?” The filly pleaded. “You can't leave, everypony misses you!”
“I know Applebloom, but I can't stay. I have to go.” Applejack's horn then lit up, releasing a scent that relaxes the little filly, making her fall to sleep.
Once she was asleep, Applejack used her wings and carry her little sister to the window of her bedroom. She quietly open the window and place the sleeping filly onto her bed. After covering her with her blanket, Applejack then went out the window and flew into the night sky.
By morning, Applebloom will wake up and believe the experience was just a dream. However, the talk she had with her will stay. Applebloom will eventually get out of her depression and will move on with her life.
---
Back to the present, Applejack was interrupt from her thoughts by a voice in her head. “Champion, you must stay focus on your task, you are nearing the Spirit.”
“Alright, I gotcha ya.” She replied and prepared herself.
The Avatar ended up trotting into the swamp part of the Everfree Forest. Applejack trudge through the pool of lime green water, staining her hooves and armor with the mud below. She didn't mind mud at all, afterall she wasn't the type afraid to get down and dirty.
Suddenly, she sense a powerful presence entering the area. She knew the Spirit was here, but she couldn't pinpoint his exact location. All she knows for sure is that he was here and that he was watching her.
Applejack, casted a spell. The horn shape gem on top of her head glowed, from it a large war hammer appeared. It is Applejack's most devastating weapon, the Earthquake.
The Earthquake is Applejack's most powerful weapon. The head of the weapon is made of Quartzite, the most strongest and toughest rock in the world. The large gem in the center of the head, has a magical effect, which enchants with a spell that keeps the weapon from ever aging. Keeping it perfectly intact for years to come. The wood that makes the handle comes from the most strongest of ironwood. Able to withstand the most powerful of attacks. The weapon's strength lies in how damage the wielder can do. Depending on how much strength she puts into it, Applejack can literally shake the entire world if she wanted to.
“Come on out, Spirit!” Applejack called out to him, all the while brandishing her large weapon. “I know you're here, watching me!” Her eyes scanned around the trees, but found nothing. Her ears lift up, listening for any kind of sound. “You know why I am here, so how about you stop wasting both our time and come our already!"
“I am right here, my little pony.” A monstrous voice answered back.
Applejack swiftly twirl around and face the rogue Spirit. Being a creature with no physical body, the Spirit has taken the form of a large snake shape creature, made up entirely of leaves soaked in the swamp water. Among his body, there were also some long, thick vines hanging out, along side with some sharp branches sticking out.
Despite having no visible eyes, Applejack still feels the Spirit eyeing her. His eyeless gaze piercing through her.
“Are you lost little pony?” The Spirit condescendingly ask. “You best be getting out of here little pony, I am expecting a guest to arrive very soon."
“If by guest, do you mean the Green Avatar?” She replied. “Cuz, I'm right here.”
The Spirit chuckled at this. “You, the Avatar!” He laugh. “The Parliament of Trees must be going senile, if they chosen a little pony like you to be their Avatar!”
Ignoring his insulting comment, Applejack proceeded with her task. “Spirit Everfree, the Parliament of Trees have sent me to order you to halt the forest's expansion. This goes against the deal you made with them centuries ago.” She stated.
“Bah, those old trees and their rules. They force their rules on me and made me a prisoner of my own home!” Everfree angrily spat.
“Everfree, you are free to roam anywhere you want, you just can't expand your forest.” Applejack pointed out.
“And how am I supposed to do that!” He retorted. “I can only move freely in my own forest! The Parliament knew this and made their enforcer force me to make a deal with them! For years I remain trap here, within my own forest, but no more! My name is Everfree, I am free to do as I please!”
Applejack, frown at and tighten the grip on her weapon. “So I take it you're not going to back down?"
“Oh yes my little pony, I'm ready for a fight.” He answered. “Back than I wasn't strong enough to face against the Avatar. This time however.” A mouth then ripped open on his face, showing all the sharp wooden fangs inside. “This time, I'll destroy you!”
The large Spirit lunges at the Avatar. Applejack, reacted quickly and flew to the side, dodging the Spirit who splash into the swamp water.
Before Applejack, could even land, Everfree burst out of from the water, aiming straight for her. However, the mare was ready for him.
Applejack, swung her war hammer forward, smashing the Spirit right in his face. The Earthquake hit its mark, creating a powerful shockwave that shattered the Spirit's body. Everfree's entire body blew apart, falling harmlessly down in the swamp water below.
Normally, anypony would be celebrating their victory right about now, but Applejack knew best that the battle wasn't over. Soon enough, the pieces of the Spirit started merging back together, recreating his long serpent like form.
“You didn't think it would be this easy now, eh, little pony?” Everfree said mockingly.
As Applejack prepare herself for round two of the fight, her sharp hearing caught the sound of growling nearby. In fact there was a lot of growling. Not in one direction either, rather all around her.
Emerging from out of the shadows, a large group of Timberwolves came walking out. Each of these wooden hounds, growled at the mare, glaring menacingly with their glowing greenish-yellow eyes. Applejack, quickly looked around and found herself surrounded by them.
“Hope you don't mind, but I invited my pets to come and play.” Everfree said. “Get her boys!”
All the Timberwolves howled and rush towards the mare.
Applejack, blasted the two nearest ones with her horn, then she smash the third one with her war hammer. Not wanting to get overwhelmed, the mare flap her green wings and took to the air. But, then suddenly more Timberwolves jumped down. They hid in the tree tops, waiting to ambush her if she flew up.
Two Timberwolves landed on her back and began tearing her wings off. Since they weren't really her wings, they didn't hurt at all. But, the damage these two were doing is making her lose balance. Applejack, then crash into the waters. The two Timberwolves also fell off their prey.
Applejack, swiftly got up and swung her war hammer to her right. In one swift motion, she destroyed three Timberwolves rushing her. She then lift her rear legs up and buck a single Timberwolf, that was coming from behind.
While battling the wolves, Applejack's wings was repairing itself. Due to her connection to The Green, her wings were assimilating the surrounding greenery and using them to fix the two massive wings.
After crushing a couple of more Timberwolves, her wings were finally repaired. Once done, she took to the air again, but not too high this time, so she can avoid the Timbervolves above. For now, she'll keep her distance and start blasting them with her horn.
Unknown to the mare, Everfree was sneaking up on her. Applejack was so distracted with the horde of Timberwolves, that she forgotten about the rogue Spirit. The Spirit slither through the swamp water. Once he was beneath her, he jump up and chomp her up in his mouth.
Before he could even declare his victory, Applejack used her hammer again from the inside and shatter his body in a million pieces. Each tiny piece flew out in every direction. Some of his even sharper branches, impaled some of the unlucky Timberwolves caught in its crossfire.
After freeing herself, Applejack flapped her wings hard and flew away from the scene. The army of Timberwolves following behind her.
Applejack, intend to put an end to this fight, but to do that she'll need to get deeper into the vast, dark forest. She encounter a large group of Timberwolves blocking her path. This obstacle was swiftly dealt with by using the power granted by The Green. She summon several vines that pop out from the ground and attack the Wolves.
As she flew pass the group, she was suddenly struck down by a large wooden claw. She got over her pain and looked up. She saw who her newest opponent was, a Giant Timberwolf. A larger version of the regular ones, this massive beast is formed when several regular Timberwolves fuse together.
The gigantic wooden beast roared at the mare and stretch his head forward, intending to take a bite out of her. Applejack, reacted quickly and smash his head with her hammer. The large wolf's head blew into pieces. However, his body did not fall. The Giant Timberwolf then pinned the mare down with his massive body. Slowly his head starts to regenerate itself.
Applejack, found herself trap underneath this massive beast. She had no room to escape nor does have enough room to swing her war hammer.
When his head came back, the Giant Timberwolf looked down and growl at his prey. The Giant Timberwolf was about to sink his wooden fangs into the little pony, but for reason unknown he stopped himself. He felt a strange sensation in his head. Before there was voice telling him to find and slay the Avatar, suddenly they were replace with serving the Avatar.
Unknown to the large wooden beast, Applejack was using her power to take control of the beast. The Green allows her to take control of all plant life, even this giant wooden construct empowered by magic.
Applejack order the Giant Timberwolf to get off her and he did. The large beast stood up and walk to the side. Applejack also stood straight up and dusted herself off. She then turn to face the large beast, who lowered his head next to the mare.
“Good boy.” She said as she petted him.
Applejack, then flew on top of the Giant Timberwolf, landing on its back. “Alright boy, I need to you take me deeper into these woods.” She then pointed in the direction, with her war hammer. The Giant Timberwolf obeyed and sprinted through the forest, with his new master holding riding on top.
The two traverse quickly through the vast dark forest, outrunning and avoiding the other Timberwolves chasing after them. At this rate, Applejack will be nearer to her destination, soon.
Upon entering a large open clearing, they were then face with a large army of Timberwolves blocking their path. “Don't stop boy, charge right through them!” Applejack shouted and her Giant Timberwolf mount howled in response.
The huge wooden wolf charge right into the horde of his brethren, breaking through their defensive lines. The smaller Timberwolves are trample beneath the sheer size of the Giant Timberwolf. Those lucky enough to climb on top the massive beast are met with the mare's war hammer. Applejack was making sure, none of these mutts distract her pet from reaching her destination.
As the two continued their travel across the open clearing, something large came out from the shadows of the trees up ahead. Emerging from the treeline it was another Giant Timberwolf. It looked identical to the one she was riding, except this one was more darker.
The second Giant Timberwolf let out a loud roar before charging right at the two. “C'mon boy, shows this other mutt whose the top dog is!” Applejack's Giant Timberwolf let out a loud roar of his own and charges in as well, intending to meet his opponent half way.
The two Giant Timberwolves collided against one another, each one sinking their fangs and claws into each other bodies. While these two colossal beast battle it out, Applejack was busy fending off the army of smaller Timberwolves trying to get on top of her mount. The Avatar swatted them away with a swing of her war hammer, she kept herself perfectly balance as both her's and the other Giant Timberwolf battled.
Suddenly the other Giant Timberwolf took a big swipe at Applejack's Giant Timberwolf, knocking him to the ground. With his opponent vulnerable, the darker Giant Timberwolf was about to finish his opponent off, but was then interrupted by the Avatar.
Applejack swung her hammer right into his face. The impact generated a large shock wave that push the giant beast back, however to her surprise, he was still standing. Sure he lost a few pieces of himself, but he was standing nonetheless.
“You're tougher then I though.” She complimented. “But, I bet another swing of my hammer will finish you off.”
Applejack flew back to her Giant Timberwolf, just as he was getting up. “Alright boy, change of plan. Hold him steady long enough for me to finish him off with my hammer!” Her pet acknowledges her order and rushes right in.
When he clash with the other Giant Timberwolf, he dug his fangs and claws into him, holding his foe in place. The other giant Timberwolf attempted to break free, but Applejack's Giant Timberwolf wasn't going to allow that.
With her target secured, she flew up high above the large wooden beast. She raise her weapon up high and flew down. When she got near to her target, she swing her hammer down and shattered the giant beast to pieces.
After destroying the beast, Applejack landed back on her mount. She was now clear to reach her destination and put an end to all this.
However, before she could give the order to move forward. A swarm of leaves came flying in and surrounded the two. Applejack knew something was up and ready for combat. Suddenly the swarm of leaves became deadly as they began moving at an incredible speed, their sharp edges slice through the Avatar's flesh. If she was an ordinary pony, this would've killed her. Thankfully, with the power of the Avatar she'll survive this onslaught.
The same thing can't be said for her new companion though.
The Swarm of leaves engulf the large wooden beast, slicing him up. Despite being made of wood, the leaves cut through him like a hot knife through butter. The beast struggle to fight back, but it was futile attempt. He was dead in matter of seconds.
When the lights from his eyes faded, the large beast fell apart. Applejack, was on top of the beast when this happened, causing her to fall to the ground. The Avatar quickly got back on her hooves, just in time to see the swarm of leaves forming together, retaking the shape of the large serpent from before.
“End of the line little pony!” Everfree shouted as he slowly approach Applejack.
Applejack raise her war hammer up. She was planning to strike it against the ground, creating another massive shock wave that will scatter the Spirit again. However, before she could bring the hammer down, several long, black, spiky vines pop out of the ground and entangle her.
“Not this time, little pony.” Everfree stated. He then command the vines to drag Applejack's weapon away, taking down deep into the earth.
“I gotta say, little pony. You are quite the disappointment.” Everfree mocked. “You have all the power of the Avatar and yet all you do is wield a hammer and swing it around like a barbarian. The last Avatar uses the full extent of his power when he battled against me. The Parliament of Trees chose poorly.”
In response to this, Applejack's horn glowed. A bright light flashes out, blinding the spirit, disorienting him. When his sense came back, he saw that the Avatar was gone.
Applejack had broken through her restraints and was now flying away. The Spirit saw her trying to escape and gave chase. He turn back into his swarm of leaves, a form that will allow to him traverse quickly and catch up to the mare.
Applejack turn her head around and saw the Spirit was right behind her. She flapped her wings harder, trying to keep as much distance from him as possible. She was so close to her destination now.
She gave it all into her wings, but eventually the Spirit caught up to her. The swarm of leaves surrounded Applejack, cutting up her wings and horn.
Applejack plummeted to the ground, crashing face first into an old tree. Aside from the many cuts all over her body, the mare broke some of her bones as well. These were nothing to worry about, as an Avatar, they'll heal overtime. The real problem is that they'll not heal fast enough as she was now at the mercy of the Spirit.
“It is over, little pony!” Everfree declared. “I'll be sure to remind the Parliament of your failure after I dump your dead corpse in front them!”
While the Spirit gloated, he was unaware at what the mare was doing. Using what little strength she has left, she called upon the Earthquake and command it to return to her wielder. It was hard, the Earthquake was buried deep underground, wrapped tightly with vines. Slowly, inch by inch the war hammer snap through the vines and dug upwards. When the last vine snap, the Earthquake rapidly dug its way up where it broke through the surface and went right through the Spirit.
The hammer pierced through the Spirit's body and land right into Applejack's hoof. The mare then quickly got up and swung her hammer down on the tree behind her. The impact made a huge shock wave, that destroyed the tree and blew the Spirit away.
In the spot where the old tree once stood, there was a large hole in the ground. Applejack step near the edge of the hole and saw something glowing down below.
When Everfree reform himself, he rush over to where the Avatar was. When he spotted her, he was about to attack her, but when he saw what she had in her hoof, he stopped in his tracks.
Sitting in Applejack's left hoof was Everfree's heart. It was a big red glowing plant of some kind, constantly pulsating in her hoof. Applejack held the heart up high, showing the Spirit that she has the one thing that can end his life.
Applejack then drop the heart to the ground and place her hoof over it. Everfree panic upon seeing this.
“No, stop!” The Spirit pleaded as he watch the mare squashing his heart beneath her hoof.
“Stop the expansion of your forest and return the land you took, only then I will stop.” The mare demanded, threatening by putting more pressure on to his heart.
The Spirit reluctantly agreed and commanded his forest to return back, relinquishing control of all the plot of land he stolen. Eventually, the Everfree Forest return back to its original size.
“There I have done it, now give me back my heart.” Everfree demanded.
Applejack continued to stand there, with her hoof over his heart.
“Well what are you waiting for?” He angrily questioned.
“Just thinking, is all.” She answered. “Now those Parliament fellers ordered me to put a stop to you.”
“And you did, you carry out your mission.”
“That is only part of the mission.” Applejack pointed. “The other part is me putting an end to you.”
Fear filled the Spirit's mind, knowing what the pony meant. The Parliament have ordered their Avatar to end his life.
“Well? What are you waiting for?” The Spirit snapped. “Just get it over with it already!”
“Well, Spirit, I have half the mind to put an end to your life for all the homes and lives you destroyed.” Applejack then step off from the heart and raise her war hammer over it. She brought it down on it, and the Spirit closed his eyes.
He heard the thump and though he was dead. And yet, he didn't feel anything. Opening his eyes, he saw that the hammer laying next to his heart.
“However, I was never one for the death penalty.” Applejack then lift her weapon and place it on her back. “I am nopony's executioner, not even to the Parliament of Trees.” The mare then pick the heart from the ground and flew off.
“Wait! What are you doing?”
“Taking your heart.” She answered. “Only way to make sure you won't try this again in the future.”
“You can't take it away! It's my heart, if it leaves the forest, I will die!”
“Don't worry, I'll use my powers to keep the connection strong.” She assured. “I'll water it everyday for you” And with that, the Spirit watch the mare flying away with his heart.
---
After completing her mission, the Avatar landed on the ground. She stood there and concentrated, she was attempting to enter The Green. The world around her soon disappeared, fading into black. The black then too faded, replace with a very green world.
Once she saw that she was in The Green, Applejack turn around and saw the Parliament of Trees looking at her.
“Welcome back, young Avatar.” A yellowish-green tree greeted. “I'm sure you're here to tell us of your success.”
“You got that right.” Applejack replied. “Though, I'm not sure why I have to tell you this. Aren't you guys always watching through the plants or something?”
“While yes we do see everything though the plants, but we all agreed that meeting each others in person would be more professional.” He explained. “Anyways everybody here congratulates you on your mission.”
“Well shucks, thanks you guys.”
“However, there is another matter we must talk about.” The tree said, sounding serious. “It regards about the Spirit you spared.”
Applejack's friendly expression dropped and her smile was replaced with a frown.
“You were suppose to end Everfree's life and yet you didn't, why?” The olive-green tree inquired.
“Like I told you before, I'm not gonna be your executioner.” Applejack answered.
“Applejack, you don't understand. This was Everfree's second attempt to try to expand his forest. We spared his life the first time and made him agree with our rule. But, now he has broken that rule and as such, he deserve to be punished.”
“Look the Spirit may not be a good guy, but he doesn't deserve the death penalty. Everypony deserve a second chance, hell I knew another spirit who was just like him until he reformed.”
“And yet you stole his heart and took it far away from him.” A lime-green tree pointed out.
“Hey, just because I believe he deserve a second chance, doesn't mean I'm stupid.” Applejack stated. “I'm keeping the heart far away from him, to make sure he won't try this again in the near future.”
“We commend for thinking ahead, but the matter is still unresolved. When we made you the Avatar, we expect you to follow and obey our command.”
“Look, I don't know how your previous Avatars did their things, but I'm not some mindless pony who's going to do everything you tell it to do. I agreed to become your Avatar and agreed to help you guys defend The Green, but how I do is my choice. You got a problem with that, you can go find yourself another Avatar.” Applejack then turn her back and trot away. “Now if you excuse me, I got a plant that needs watering.” The mare then stood and slowly fade away.
“That pony is going to be trouble in the future.” A dark green tree commented.
“Maybe, but we all remember why we picked her right?” A blueish-green tree replied. “For too long, we always chose a candidate that blindly follow our command without question. It is time for us to pick a new Avatar that will independently think for themselves.”
“Well, brother for our sake, I hope you're right. I fear that we took great risk doing this and it will later come back to haunt us.”
“Well we'll worry about that when the times come, for now we'll wait and see what the future holds for us tomorrow.” And thus the meeting of the Parliament was over. One by one each member disappeared into the ground, leaving the perfectly peaceful Green in silent tranquillity.
The End