Chapter 1: Applejack

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

Chapter 2: Rarity

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Alteration: A My Little Pony/s-CRY-ed Crossover
Chapter 2: Rarity Based on the episode ‘Ryuho’
“They’re even patrolling here?” “They think they can do whatever…” “Freakin’ HOLD bastards…” She heard them all over the years. Criminal scum never changed. Always vile, never thinking about civilians. She called out over the loudspeaker, “This district has been designated a restricted area. All Inners must leave immediately.” One of them stepped forward, “You think you’re so superior with that ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude. People like you piss me off.” The shimmering air confirmed he was an Alter User. There was no way to mistake it. “I repeat, all Inners leave at once.” The Alter User readied a flame from his Alter, “I’m tellin’ you: you can just die.” The flame shot forth, but was blocked by two long purple ribbons. “That guy’s with HOLY!” “The Alter Hunters?” a second voice called from the HOLD patrol, “We’re trying to preserve them. Why are you so stupid?” The first voice spoke as the white pony it belonged walked out from the shadows, “Power with no restraint is simply violence. Native Alters can’t see that, so we’re here to teach them.” The Native Alter yelled, “YOU’RE JUST THE MAINLAND’S PET DOG!” He was met with two blows to the gut from the doll Alter behind the HOLD patrol. He stumbled back, knocking over a few of his comrades. The ribbons slashed his Alter in half, leaving a diagonal scar on the Native Alter’s face. “I have to take you into custody. The rest of you are advised against interfering.” The white pony said as she walked towards the Native Alter. Soon the night was filled with angry shouts and brandishing of weapons, followed by cries of pain as the two purple ribbons lashed out, separating the Native Alter from his comrades and sending them flying. Pinkie turned away, rolling her eyes, “Jeez. How subtle.” There was nothing in the white pony’s eyes but hatred…

The previous day…
Twilight sat at her computer desk, reading the data on the Lost Ground. She had determined that the region was once known as the Ponyville region, and the city there was where the town of Ponyville once was. But what caused the Great Uprising? Why had the land just suddenly broken apart like that? Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. “So even the young genius who went through Graduate School six years early can’t figure out the mystery of the Lost Ground.” Twilight turned back to her computer, “No. So you can’t offer me the Nobel Prize, then.” The colt she was talking to grinned and made an apologetic bow, “Well then, how ‘bout some fresh air?” “That’s such a roundabout way of asking me out.” She was sharp. “Then, how about a cup of tea?” He said. Twilight giggled, “Thank you. I’d like that.”
“Field research? You’re not serious, are you?” The colt said, a worried look on his face. He’d heard the rumours of the Native Alters and how they acted. Twilight nodded, “Yes.” “Why there?” Twilight turned to face him, “I never told you, did I? I used to live there, seven years ago. It was a fascinating place.” “I don’t get it. Why would you want to go there? I doubt I need to remind you why the Old Ponyville Region is called the Lost Ground. Because of the Native Alters. They’re little more than monsters. Guided by their selfish, destructive actions, rather than conscience or morality.” Twilight sipped her tea, and said, “I’m disappointed that you believe those rumours, Mr. Kurusu. Alter is simply using magic to deconstruct matter from one to reconstruct another. They’re much closer to true pony nature, and that defines their existence. You’ve been very kind to a young, immature pony like myself, and I thank you for taking care of me til now. I’ll be sure to report to my father the kindness I’ve been shown. Goodbye.” She got up and began walking back to the lab to get her belongings. Kurusu slumped on the bench. She had a very unnatural talent with words. “She sees through everything. For a mare, she should be a little more naïve…”

Present day: Plane landing
“The airplane has landed safely. All passengers and crew have evacuated the plane and authorities are investigating…” Twilight hadn’t been listening to the announcer. She gripped her necklace as she looked up the city that was once her home many years ago. I’ve come back…Rarity.

Seven years ago…
This fancy party was full of important dignitaries and nobles. People with large amounts of money, but loathe to share their wealth. Twilight walked through the crowd, looking for her father. She didn’t have to look far, since he saw her first. “Twilight, would you come over here, please?” “Yes, Father.” She obediently approached her father and the pony he was talking to. “This is Colonel Carlnen from the ex-Appleloosa district.” Col. Carlnen bowed, “A pleasure to meet you, young filly. How does it feel to see the Lost Ground for the first time?” Twilight smiled, “It’s very interesting. I’m also interested in the Alter Users here, and I’d like to learn more if you ever have the time.” She spoke in a respectful, but curious manner. Col. Carlnen nodded, “It would be my pleasure.” Everyone looked up as their host walked towards the balcony, accompanied by his daughter. “That’s Robert Treasure, and I would guess that’s his daughter. Why not greet them and make friends?” Twilight nodded, “Of course.” “Good girl. Remember to show respect.” She nodded politely and walked towards the stairs. Col. Carlnen grinned slyly, “Friends in high places?” “Whatever gave you that idea?” “Wasn’t it because of your power this place was designated a special economic district?” “Of course not.”
Mr Treasure sat in his chair, overseeing the party, half-thinking that he’d rather be down with them, but alas he had to sit in this chair all night. As his daughter was about to take her seat, a purple pony with natural magenta highlights came up the stairs. She bowed politely and introduced herself, “Good evening. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I’m the daughter of Jonathon Sparkle.” He nodded and smiled, “Very nice to meet you, Twilight. My name is Robert Treasure, and this is my daughter.” The younger pony introduced herself, “Hello, I’m Rarity.” “I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s no one else my own age here, and I thought we could keep each other company.” Rarity looked to her father for guidance. He nodded once more. Rarity turned back to Twilight, “That sounds great.” She smiled weakly; she wasn’t used to making friends.
“Wow! The stars seem so close!” Twilight said with glee. “It’s because of the elevation. At this height, it’s natural.” “It’s beautiful here.” “It’s not that pretty.” Rarity said. Twilight seemed puzzled at her words. Rarity continued, “On the other side of that wall are people struggling for their lives. If the Great Uprising hadn’t happened…” She trailed off. Twilight tried to raise her new friends spirits, “But then, ponies wouldn’t have discovered the Alter.” Twilight continued, “Alter. A special ability only 1% of foals in the Lost Ground are lucky enough to be born with. Isn’t it great?” The air started shimmering around Rarity, and she cried out, “Please stop it!” A piece of the pillar beside Twilight disintegrated, turning into a rougher, but beautiful crystal. “You have Alter power…” Rarity looked worried and apologetic, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t control it. I keep causing trouble for those around me.” Twilight tried to reassure her, “I thought Alter Users were blessed with an incredible gift.” Rarity looked down, “It keeps you from having a normal life.” She turned and walked back towards the door, “If you’re ever invited to my home, please don’t come. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Twilight bent down and picked up the crystal, which would one day become the necklace she now wears, whispering to herself, “The sky…This place is so very close to the stars…” A cold breeze blew, sending shivers down Twilights body, “It’s so cold tonight.”
Several days later, she had been invited to Rarity’s home. A tall and beautiful silver pony walked up to Twilight, “You must be one of his guests.” Twilight turned to face her; she had been watching Rarity playing with her dog, Zetsuei. “Yes. I’m so glad he invited me,” She bowed politely, “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” The silver pony smiled at her, “I’m Keika. You’re the nice girl she met at the party. She told me about you. I hope you two can become good friends. She so afraid of her special power.” Twilight smiled and responded, “She’s not that special. She’s a pony just like me.” Keika was impressed. Twilight clearly wasn’t afraid of Rarity’s power. “She’s a bit sensitive, though.” “I prefer to think of her as ‘gentle’.” Keika chuckled. Rarity ran towards her mother, stopping short when she spotted Twilight.
Rarity leaned on the rail, as she and Twilight watched the fountain, and she finally asked, “So, why did you come?” “I received an invitation. I guess it was your parents who sent it. They seem to think we’re good friends already.” Rarity turned to Twilight, “Really?” Twilight smiled back at Rarity, “So why not give them what they want?” “Are you…sure?” Twilight held out the crystal from the party, “Would you like to give this to me as a gift?” She smiled at Rarity. Rarity smiled back, “Of course. If you want it, it’s yours.” “Thanks, Rarity.”
That’s how Rarity and I became friends. We were together constantly for the next six months until my father retired and we moved back to the mainland. And now seven years have passed…

Present day: approximately 30 mins. – 1 Hr. after landing
A black car pulled up beside Twilight. The window rolled down to reveal a blue pony with rainbow coloured hair and pink sunglasses, “Are you Ms Sparkle?” She nodded, “Yes.” The blue pony took off her glasses, “HOLD sent me. My name’s Rainbow Dash.”
The trip thus far was quiet, but still pleasant. “Thank you for the ride.” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash kept her eyes focused on the road, “Since you’re the daughter of HOLD’s major investor, we can’t tolerate rudeness towards you.” Twilight decided to inquire about her escort, “Forgive me if I’m being rude, but aren’t you awfully young?” Rainbow Dash didn’t flinch at all, keeping perfectly still, “Every member of HOLY is around the same age as me.” “HOLY? Then you’re a…” Rainbow finished her sentence for her, “Yup, I’m an Alter User.” She put on her sunglasses, and brushed her hair out from behind them, “The Alter name I was given is…” The familiar shimmering air that surrounded Alter power returned, and the car began changing. Rainbow Dash gave an ecstatic shout, “RADICAL GOOD SPEED!” The car, now a pink, oddly-shaped machine that clearly violated the speed limit, leapt into the air at the touch of a button. Rainbow Dash began speaking really fast, contrasting her earlier still and quiet mannerism. “With my Alter ability, I can make anything run faster! The answers to all of life’s problems lie in speed. If you can do something fast, you have that much more time to finish your next task. Anyone can do it slowly. In 20 years, even a fool can write a best-selling novel. The weekly cartoon artist is smarter than the monthly one, and the daily is even smarter than the weekly. So the cultural law of nature indicates that speed means talent, and that’s my philosophy! YEEEEEEEEAH HA!” The pink…thing came to a skidding stop just short of HOLD headquarters. Rainbow Dash walked triumphantly into HOLD, “1 hour, 2 minutes and 28 seconds. I love it! Two more seconds to live.” Twilight staggered in behind her. The extreme speed had made her very carsick. She exclaimed as a loud boom sounded from outside the doors. A pink pony ran out to the balcony above, a worried look on her face, “What’s going on?” Rainbow Dash struck a dynamic pose, “Saving time. Only cost us a car.” She had a wide grin on her face, but her enthusiasm was not shared by the pink one, “Not again…” Twilight interjected, “Excuse me. I’m Twilight Sparkle. I’ve just been assigned duty at HOLY.” The pink pony seemed to change her whole personality with those words, “Oh, sorry. I’m Pinkie Pie. Welcome to HOLY.” A white pony walked out from one of the doorways. Twilight recognized her immediately. The white pony spoke, “I apologize for having to greet you from up here. I’m Rarity of HOLY. We hope that your abilities will be of great contribution to the mission of HOLD. Orientation with the Commander will begin in 30 minutes. I’ll see you then.” Rarity left as quickly as she appeared, leaving Twilight confused. Pinkie joined her soon after, “Did you know her?” Rarity curtly answered, “No. The incident this morning…” “I’ll check the scene, but it was probably a Native Alter.” “I see.”
“I’d like to welcome you to HOLY. While here, you shall be under my command. My name is Big Macintosh.” Twilight half-bowed, acknowledging the Commander, “I’m Twilight Sparkle. I’ve been assigned here to conduct research for HOLY’s Strategic Information Technology and Alter Research Departments.” Commander Macintosh tapped on his desk, a habit he’d never broken, “This placement is an extremely exceptional case.” “Sir, I’m confident that I will of great benefit to HOLY.” “I have no doubts there. However, you will need to know this. A large majority of Alter Users were born here in the Lost Ground. Therefore, our members’ average ages are relatively young. This foundation is not yet established as an organization. We’re still very unstable.” “I’m not sure I understand, sir.” Commander Macintosh chose his words more carefully, “Alter Users are objects of prejudice and hatred. Then suddenly, the daughter of a major investor for HOLY was transferred into the middle of it all. Do you understand?” Twilight seemed outraged, “So, you’re saying I should behave myself?” “HOLY can only survive when we work together for the best results. You may go.” Rarity showed Twilight to the door, “The administration will handle the rest. You will be able to tour the headquarters and our staff will help you acclimatize to life here at HOLY.” Twilight tried to speak, but Rarity cut her off quickly, “Please excuse me, I have duties to attend to. Good day.” Twilight seemed puzzled at her old friend’s behaviour. She seemed so unlike the Rarity she once knew.
Twilight had been all around the HQ, well, the areas they permitted her to go into, anyway. Her thought raced around her head, each one making less sense than the last. “Hey, Pinkie.” “Taking a break, Derpy?” Twilight turned around, seeing Pinkie walk past and a grey pony with golden-yellow eyes offer her a muffin. “What’s it look like? Why not have one? I baked ‘em fresh today.” Pinkie scrutinized the muffins, tempted to take one, but resisted, “Nah, you just get mad.” Derpy grinned, “That’s smart. You’re catching on.” Derpy stuffed the muffin she was holding into her mouth, falling over backwards with two more in hoof. “Mind if I join you?” Pinkie asked, now looking at Twilight. “Of course. Is she…” “An Alter User? Yeah, uniform gives it away. And most of us are pretty eccentric. I’ve been called an ‘extreme party animal’ once or twice, myself. You’ll get used to it in time.” “You really think so?” Pinkie noticed Twilight’s necklace, “That’s a pretty necklace you’ve got.” She smiled and sipped her drink. Twilight looked from her necklace to Pinkie, “Thanks for saying. So, how many Alter Users are there in HOLY?” “Around 20, including Rarity.” Pinkie knew more than she let on, and Twilight failed to pick up on it. “That’s a little vague.” “Keep an ace up your sleeve. Commander’s policy.” Twilight tried changing the subject, “Mind if I ask a personal question?” Pinkie grinned, “Not too personal, I hope.” “I want to know why you joined HOLY.” Pinkie’s grin extended into a mischievous smile, “I needed to make a living. Y’see, it’s hard for an Alter User to get a normal job because of our powers. So we need to control our powers or…” Twilight finished the sentence, “Or you’ll be persecuted or exploited.” Pinkie leaned closer, grinning mischievously, “We all have our price. We’re being paid for our services, just like everyone else.” Twilight’s gaze drifted to her glass, “I guess there’s nothing unusual about being paid for your talents…” “Except Alter power is something you can’t learn. You’re born with it. An Alter User can only be an Alter User.” A guard came up, “Pinkie, there’s been a response.” Pinkie stood up, “Thank you. Notify Rarity right away.” “Yes, ma’am.” Twilight still had questions for Pinkie, “You’re leaving?” “Afraid so. Guess the welcome party will hafta wait.” “Don’t worry about it.” Pinkie turned very serious for a moment, “Rarity and you come from similar social backgrounds, but outside of that, you two are completely different. Make sure you remember that.” She then resumed her usual, happy-go-lucky personality, “See ya!” Twilight sat there, not sure what to think of anything she just heard. “Swing and miss, right, Ms…um?” She turned to her left, and saw her escort from earlier, the very eccentric Rainbow Dash. “It’s Twilight.” Rainbow Dash looked up from her book, “Sorry. I’m terrible with names.” “Aren’t you going as well?” Rainbow Dash turned back to her book, “Nah. Pinkie and Rarity are enough for this one. They’d just get in the way, anyway.” “If you say so. What can I do?” “Relax, and keep a low profile.” Twilight looked at her sceptically, “Are those my orders?” Rainbow Dash burst out laughing and forcefully put her hoof on the table, leaning close to Twilight, “Ms Twinight…” “I-it’s Twilight…” “Yeah. To be honest, I do things differently from the others. So, you wanna go? Aren’t you interested?” Upon seeing Twilight’s startled and puzzled look, she added, “It’s a fight between two Alter Users, whaddaya say?” “Is it ok?” “Of course. Besides, it’s a wonderful day for a drive.” Twilight had barely recovered from the last time Rainbow Dash drove, “So, you’re driving?” “Do you wanna go or not?” Twilight stood up, interested to see this sight, “Y-yes, I want to go.”
She regretted letting Rainbow Dash drive. The car was once again a pink hot rod that travelled so fast, having one’s lunch stay down was a miracle. She held a hoof over her mouth as the pink…death trap, for lack of a better term, hurtled down the road at 400 MPH. “The speed…” Amid her gleeful, if slightly insane, laughter, Rainbow Dash spoke so fast that her jaw must be very powerful to handle the speed of her voice “Yeah, sorry. You know, Ms Twinight, I’ve been thinking. Travel truly is a wonderful thing. It’s got everything: the people, historic ruins. And each new experience becomes a life experience, so it really becomes knowledge, which is hard to get. But the time spent travelling is always the boring part that no one enjoys, but I can cut that time amazingly. No, DESTRUCTIVELY! And that’s why I love travelling. Are you listening, Ms Twinight?” She broke into gleeful laughter again, as they skidded to a stop. Rainbow Dash kicked open her door, and flipped out of the car, landing perfectly on her back hooves, and throwing her arms up in the air. She checked the time on her stopwatch, “1 hour, 50 minutes and 38 seconds. Once again I’ve shortened the world…” She said, in a state of ecstasy. Twilight almost fell out of the car, and struggled to resist the urge to throw up. Rainbow Dash looked back, concerned for her passenger, “Gee, are you not feeling well today, Ms Twinight?” Twilight weakly muttered back, “It’s…Twilight…” She looked around, but saw nothing aside from miles of emptiness, the pink death trap that Rainbow Dash called a car, and Rainbow Dash herself. “This is it?” Rainbow Dash stood perfectly still, a fact that worried Twilight. “Hmmm?” She said in an exaggerated tone. Twilight tried to ignore it, “I don’t see anyone else around.” Rainbow Dash repeated the exaggerated ‘Hmmm’. Twilight looked very worried now. Rainbow Dash had proven to be highly unpredictable. She gave an evil chuckle. Twilight took a step back, “You…you can’t be…?” Rainbow Dash turned around, an evil grin on her face, “Oh really? So what are you gonna do?” “But…I work for HOLY…” Rainbosh Dash took two steps forward, “HOLY? HOLY, eh? Is that so, Ms TWINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT?” She spun in a circle, her arms flailing a little, and leapt forward, sailing over the car and landing right beside Twilight. She turned to the frightened scientist and laughed, “I’m just playing around.” Twilight didn’t know what to do. This blue pony had just scared at least ten years life out of her, and was now saying it was all a joke. “Relax. I was kidding. Y’know you’re really attractive when you’re not acting like some scientist.” Twilight responded angrily, “I don’t see what that’s got to do…” Rainbow Dash pulled out what looked like a card, but it turned out to be a set of collapsible binoculars, “Better to keep your distance. It gets dangerous.” A massive cloud of dust proved Rainbow Dash was right. “Inners don’t have family registers or any real culture, so things tend to get messy.” Twilight raised the binoculars to her eyes and peered through the lenses. A massive hammer was torn apart by some massive force. Rainbow Dash continued, “The police only have jurisdiction inside the wall, so they can’t handle everything. To help them cope, HOLD was created, and HOLY was formed to deal with Alter crimes.” Twilight took a step forward. “You might want to watch your step there.” She spotted Pinkie on one of the HOLD tanks that had shown up at the site. She was holding the loudspeaker receiver. Rainbow Dash explained further, “Pinkie and Rarity were assigned to deal with Alters on the Inner. We call them ‘Native Alters’ and our job is to take them into custody. Watch it.”
The chief expressed her displeasure and frustration, “You people are incompetent! HOLY was supposed to protect me, and I GET KIDNAPPED RIGHT FROM UNDER YOUR NOSE!” Commander Macintosh didn’t even flinch, calmly replying, “You’re right, ma’am. We accept full blame for the incident.” “I don’t think you realize that as the Chief Executor of the Lost Ground, I answer to the mainland and if something happened to me, HOLD would lose all its funding.” Commander Macintosh walked to the window, “I understand completely.” He drew back the curtain, “Haven’t you thought it careless to go out alone? Look at that wall, Chief. I realise you only transferred here recently, but it’s there for a reason. On the other side, there is a world full of robbery, assault and abduction. Development hasn’t started, and now more than ever, we need to strengthen the Alter fighting unit. HOLY.” The chief pulled her hospital covers up, “So complicated. I’ll think about it.” Commander Macintosh bowed respectfully, “Thank you, ma’am.”
Twilight saw Rarity in the binocular lenses, her gaze drifting towards the doll in front of her. “So that’s Rarity’s completed Alter…” Rainbow Dash looked up at her, “Oh, you see it, huh?” Twilight looked towards the pony Rarity was fighting. There was something familiar about her. She zoomed in on the pony’s face. It was the same one she saw that morning! The fighting going on was fierce, and not once did Rarity flinch nor break from her cold exterior. Rainbow Dash leaned against the car, “Do you get it now? The ultimate difference between Mainlanders and Alter Users in the Lost Ground… I don’t mean to judge, but you should leave tomorrow.” Rarity, my friend… What changed you like this? Rainbow Dash sat in the driver’s seat, reading a book, “Someone like you shouldn’t spend time dwelling on sentimental memories. That’s all there are in this place…”

Early the next morning…
Applebloom walked to the door and opened it, hoping to see Applejack on the doorstep, but she saw no one. She called out, “Apple-kun? Apple-kun, where are you?” Disappointed and worried, she closed the door. Where could Applejack be? Was she hurt?
A set of cells raced along a circular track, the speed keeping the inmates in check, and sapping their strength. Rarity watched from the control room as numbers and data streamed along each one. Her gaze drifted to the camera screens, where she saw each one with a look of pain on their face…except her. Number 32. Her eyes were closed, but she still refused to show sign of pain or weakness. Her eyes flashed open, and her voice was heard clearly over the monitors, “I’m gonna crush you…no matter what!”

End of Chapter 2

Chapter 3: HOLY

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Alteration: A My Little Pony/s-CRY-ed Crossover
Chapter 3: HOLY Based on the episode of the same name

7 years ago…
“All rescue units report immediately to the damaged area. Every available vehicle is hereby ordered to the area. Proceed with extreme caution. Repeat, extreme caution.” The damage was immense. All this chaos and death. Rarity struggled to her feet. She saw Zetsuei standing over her mother, trying to wake her. “Mother? Are you alright, Mother?” Rarity crawled forward, and saw the cause of the destruction: a pony-shaped Alter with a black right arm, and a white left arm. It raised its arms, and the air shimmered. Zetsuei ran after it, intent on protecting Rarity and her mother, but an explosion pushed Zetsuei back, the force and impact killing him. “Zetsuei? Zetsuei, please be ok.” Rarity looked around for her mother, but saw no one, “No…not Mother…” Tears welled up in her eyes, and the air shimmered once more, “Not my mother!” Amid her grief-stricken cries and shouting, Zetsuei dematerialized, and reformed as Rarity’s Alter. “HE KILLED MY MOTHER!” She shouted, the pain and sadness forever scarring her mind…

Present day…
Twilight looked at the pained expressions on the Native Alters’ faces. She turned to Commander Macintosh, “Are you sure this treatment is necessary?” He calmly responded, “The Native Alters you see here are criminals, and must be dealt with accordingly. We must maintain discipline.” “I was given authorization to perform investigation and research on the Alter Users here,” She said angrily. “Research as much as you want, but later.” A voice sounded over the control room speaker, “Cell 32 is at the specified time limit.” “Roger that. Preparing to remove Cell 32 from the track. Security Unit 7, report to discharge area.” Cell 32 glided towards the platform and opened, revealing a worn out and nearly unconscious Applejack. Her restraints unlocked and she staggered out of the pod, barely able to stand. Barely two steps forward and her legs gave out, and she fell forwards to the ground, unconscious. A few days ago, She had to be forced in and out of the cell, but now, they just needed to hold her up long enough the strap her in. Twilight looked away from what she saw on the monitor. “Wake up.” The guards picked up Applejack, and started hauling her away. Rarity came down to oversee the procedure personally. As Applejack regained what little consciousness she could muster, she saw the vague shape of that white pony who haunted her. She began struggling, her energy fuelled by rage. “It’s you again…” She slowly walked towards Rarity, throwing off her captors, but was stopped by a quick blow to the stomach. Rarity launched her back towards the guards with the same motion as turning on her heels. “One more session in the tank. Interrogation will commence when she’s done.” She walked off and the loudspeaker sounded, “Roger that. Cell 32 back for a retake.”

Scootaloo stood in the doorway of the clinic, wondering if Applejack was back yet. Applebloom was worried, too. “Is there a problem?” “No. I found a job she might be interested in, but I guess she’s not back yet…” Applebloom continued with her cleaning, “She’s like that when she’s working.” “I’ll come back later. Let her know I stopped by.” “No problem.” Scootaloo drove off, leaving both ponies even more worried about Applejack. What if HOLD got to her? Maybe…No. There’s no way they’d take her.

Twilight sat quietly at her table in the cafeteria, thoughts still racing around her head. The treatment of the Native Alters, Rarity’s behaviour, and the fact that all of this was allowed to happen. Does it really have to be like this? “You don’t like the taste?” Twilight looked up from her food, which was still untouched, and saw Rainbow Dash standing near her. She sat down and opened a book, “How are you today, Ms Twinight?” “It’s Twilight,” She said, slightly annoyed that Rainbow Dash kept getting her name wrong. Then she noticed a bruise on the side of Rainbow Dash’s face, “What happened? Did you have an accident?” Rainbow Dash put a hoof to her face, “Just a spirited chat…with Commander Macintosh.” Twilight began to worry; was she already causing trouble? “I’m so sorry. Was it because of me?” Rainbow Dash leaned back, closing her book as she did so, “I’m the one who invited you, so I’m the bad influence. Anyway, let’s make the most of our meal…” She began speaking rapidly about the process of digestion, prompting Twilight to respectfully take her leave, “I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling so well. Another time, perhaps?” She walked away, leaving Rainbow Dash slightly puzzled, “It’s no problem. I’ve heard there are days when ponies act with no sense or reasoning. It’s such a sweet mystery.”

The thermal imager brought up Applejack’s thermal signature. Twilight watched the feeds from the camera, heartbeat sensor, and audio receiver. Pinkie stood behind her, happily munching on a chocolate bar, “Watch carefully. Every Native Alter will be going through the same process,” Her thoughts momentarily drifted from the task at hand, “Can we get the music channel on these?” Twilight glanced at Pinkie, trying to figure out whether or not she was serious. The interrogator droned on, talking about Applejack’s ‘crimes’, how she qualified for the death sentence, etc. Three ponies, each one identical to the other held Applejack in place with a floating disembodied hoof. I lost… Thoughts and memories flashed through Applejack’s mind, the most prominent one being her recent defeat at the hooves of Rarity. Though Applejack didn’t know her name, and they didn’t know hers, Applejack remembered the face, and the pain of defeat. I was defeated so easily… The interrogator got no response from Applejack, so decided to assume her silence meant she accepted the offer of joining HOLY, “Let’s change the subject. We couldn’t find a registration that matched your DNA. HOLD acknowledges that you are a pure Native Alter. Any objection?” Applejack whispered to herself, not paying attention to the interrogator, “I can’t…let go…” The interrogator slammed his hoof on the table, “I’M ASKING IF YOU OBJECT OR NOT, NP3228!” Applejack looked up, hate burning in her eyes. Rarity walked in, spurring Applejack into action. She threw off her bindings, but stayed in place, ready to fight. Pinkie and Twilight gasped; not ten seconds ago, that pony had been almost lifeless. Rarity addressed the interrogator, and motioned for the other ponies to leave, “I think it best if I took over from here. Would you all be so good as to leave us?” Everyone but Applejack and Rarity left. Pinkie and Twilight watched the video and audio feeds closely. Applejack grinned. Her enemy was there in front of her, a chance to get some payback, “It’s good to see you…” Rarity calmly answered back, “Is it really? I didn’t think you enjoyed my attention these past few days.” “Oh no, I loved it. And I’d like to pay you back for everything. So why don’t we just finish what we started?” She tensed her gloved right hoof, the dirty shoulder armour glowing faintly. Rarity looked down in contempt, “A C-minus level Alter User doing battle with me?” Applejack yelled, “Careful what labels you use!” Her arm split as the air shimmered. A large chunk of the platform in front of her vanished and gold bands formed around her arm. The red blades storing her ‘Bullets’ also appeared. Rarity quickly used the desk to form Zetsuei, and interrupted Applejack’s Alter summon, then lashed out with a kick to Applejack’s chest. “All with her bare hooves, too.” Applejack grinned, til Zetsuei grabbed her gloved hoof with its ribbons. “NP3228, I don’t care what life you live, or what you’re going to do with it.” Twilight and Pinkie strained to hear them. Applejack struggled against Zetsuei’s grip, “Yeah, so what?” “Do you know anything about a Native Alter with thunder?” Rarity’s calm exterior was starting to give way to anger, “Have you ever encountered a Native Alter with a black right arm, and a white left one?” “What are you talking about?” Rarity’s patience was just about up, “Answer me!” Applejack thought for a moment. She didn’t know what was going on, but her next answer might get her closer to what she wanted, “Wait, do you mean…?” Rarity turned around, hopeful that she might get some answers, “You know them?” Applejack grinned slyly, “Nope.” Rarity punched Applejack across the face, her frustration getting the better of her. Applejack straightened up after the punch, receiving another to the opposite side of her face. “That all you got?” She said, a line of blood running from her mouth to her chin, though she still grinned defiantly as always. Rarity grabbed her by the collar of her coat, an expression of anger on her face. Why was this Native Alter so unbearably irritating? “You ready to try me on now?” Rarity yelled in anger, “NP3228, because of idiots like you, Alter Users are the outlaws of our society!” Applejack yelled back, “I’m not NP-anything!” Rarity’s cold demeanour had broken, her anger now released, “We have to blend in and not look dangerous. To avoid a witchhunt, HOLY is the only place where Alter Users can live!” Applejack grinned defiantly once again, “Thanks for the advice, now about our little dance?” Rarity’s eyes narrowed for a second, then her anger froze over again, and she let Applejack go. As she slumped to the ground, her energy gone as suddenly as it flared, Rarity lashed out with a quick strike that knocked Applejack backwards. Using her backwards momentum, Zetsuei swung her back around, catapulting her through the wall into the room with Pinkie and Twilight. Pinkie walked to the hole, almost shocked at Rarity’s outburst. Rarity herself walked to the hole and peered through, “Suspect is confirmed guilty. 2nd Degree offender. 3 cycles of restraint, then return her to her cell.” Pinkie cheerfully nodded, “Roger that. We’ll take care of her.” Applejack didn’t make a move. She simply lay there, her eyes tearing up, “She completely ignored my offer…”

“500 for this little thing? Geez, what a racket…” Scootaloo held a small card in her hoof. It was her ticket into the city, and possibly the one thing that could help her find Applejack. She had infiltrated the city to rescue Applejack, having reached the conclusion that she had been captured. Scootaloo walked down the street, taking in the sights of the city and trying to ignore the pangs of envy in the back of her mind. “I could definitely get used to this. It’s a whole different scene behind the wall.” She approached HOLY Tower, muttering to herself. “How am I supposed to rescue her? They’re HOLY. I’m just…nobody.” “Hey! What are you doing here?” Scootaloo froze, quickly trying to think of an excuse to tell the guard, “Umm…well, I lost my wallet, and it could’ve been stolen, so I thought I should file a report or something.” “Then you’re at the wrong building. Try that one” The guard pointed to the Police station. “Oh. That’s great. Thanks.” She walked off, still thinking of her plan to rescue Applejack. No one has ever escaped from HOLD before, but there’s always a first time. I’ve met many people in my life, and if anyone can do it, she can. Definitely…

Once again, Rarity watched the monitors in the command centre. Everything was going smoothly, then she saw Number 32. Just like the first time, she had a look of defiance on her face. Applejack kept grinning defiantly, knowing that her mere existence annoyed that stuck-up white show pony. With little warning, she whispered to herself, “I’ll get her yet…”

Applebloom was working, washing clothes for the village. Applejack had been away for roughly a week, maybe more, and Applebloom was more worried than ever. She was never away this long, even when she was on a job. “Your sister’s away again, isn’t she?” Applebloom looked up from the clothes she was washing, “I’m starting to get used to it.” The older mares with her often talked about things like this. “She won’t learn unless you really teach her a lesson. She oughta be more responsible. After all, she’s your sister.” Applebloom couldn’t help but smile, despite how much she worried about Applejack, “She’s not that strong. But she better have a good excuse this time.”

Twilight pulled up the newly created file on NP-3228, the orange pony with the cowboy hat, trenchcoat with odd shoulder armour, and gloved right hoof. She had been sentenced to hard labour for life. “Just from one examination?!” Meanwhile, the guards had just returned that same pony, Applejack, to her cell. As they pushed her forward, she staggered into her cell, unable to stand or even remain balanced. She collapsed on the ground, exhausted and nearly unconscious. Twilight ran out after Rarity, who had just passed by the door. “Wait a minute! I said ‘wait’!” Rarity was as cold as ever, maybe even more so after her outburst with NP-3228, “I am currently on duty. If this is a personal, we can talk later.” Twilight tried to appear calm and rational, but her outrage showed slightly, under the layers, “We’ll talk now. This is about yesterday, when you interrogated NP-3228. She is the only one getting hard labour for life, and that seems excessive to me.” Rarity’s reply was calm, “Alter Users have a perilous potential. These steps are necessary if they are not suited for society. Ordinary citizens have the right to be protected from such things.” “The way you’re treating her is cruel!” Rarity flared up slightly, “What about the victims of her crimes? Should we simply turn the other way and ignore it? Do you suggest we simply allow these helpless innocents to suffer from these criminals?” Twilight had been shot down harshly, “Well…no…” Rarity continued, her voice sharp and scathing, “Kindness and warm thoughts will not help here. What HOLY requires is the belief that our course of action is just. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I must return to my duties. Good day.” “Don’t you remember? 7 years ago…” Rarity stopped dead, “I’m not interested in the past.”

“2nd Degree Criminal NP-3228, who received judgement just a moment ago, is scheduled for transport tomorrow at 1300. I’d like Derpy and Sweetie Belle for escort.” Commander Macintosh looked over the file Rarity had handed him, “I’m alright with that. It’s funny. She was held for so long, and you couldn’t get a word out of her. She’s a tough one.” “Do you think she’s protecting some important secret?” Rarity speculated. Commander Macintosh shrugged, “Hard to say. Maybe, maybe not.” Pinkie spoke up, having been in the background for some time, “If you ask me, she’s just stubborn.” Commander Macintosh grinned, “Pinkie Sense, eh?” “It’s just a feeling I get.” “Then I guess we are talking about Pinkie Sense, aren’t we?”

Applejack was still on the floor in the same position they had left her in. The faucet in her cell still leaked and the room was lined with lasers. She heard a beeping, which deactivated the lasers, then saw an indistinct pony in her blurred vision. “Applebloom?” The pony was neither Applebloom, nor a threat. “No, I’m one of the workers here.” It was Twilight, though like with most of HOLY, Applejack didn’t know her name. “What do you want?” Applejack said weakly. “HOLY has decided your fate. Your whole life will depend on what we do now.” Twilight said. Applejack struggled to get up, “That’s not good. Guess I made them mad, huh? Better get home…” She staggered out the door, even with Twilight calling out to her. She leaned on the wall, her legs still a little shaky. I’m so ragged. Still… One destroyed HOLD locker room later…

The Staff floor was quite scenic, and was also segregated, with defined sections for HOLY members and HOLD members, and also had the offices and Control Room. The elevator opened and Applejack, now disguised as a HOLD officer, strode up to the HOLY area, hoping to find either Rarity or a way out. A dark blue pony saw Applejack, and walked up to her, “This section is for HOLY members only.” Applejack wasn’t listening; she had seen Rarity, the stuck up white ice queen she wanted so badly to knock down, and a bigger slightly older pony with her. “Are you listening? You can’t be here…” The dark blue pony couldn’t finish the sentence before getting an elbow to the face. As she yelled in pain, Applejack leapt up into the air. It started shimmering around her as the disguise dematerialized and revealed her signature trenchcoat and transforming right arm. Rarity moved to protect Commander Macintosh, quickly forming Zetsuei just as Applejack had finished forming her own Alter. Before anyone could react, Applejack was already within striking range. “SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” A huge explosion rocked the entire tower, blowing a hole through the wall behind Rarity. Smoke and dust billowed out into the air, and Scootaloo saw it. “Here we go! She’s on the move!” She jumped into a car and drove off.

Back in the headquarters, things weren’t looking very good. Dust and smoke filled the room, making it difficult to see. Rarity stood there, clutching her side in pain. Applejack stood opposite her, arm outstretched, the armour on her shoulder glowing brightly. “Shoot…I missed…” Zetsuei released the Commander from its ribbons, having protected him from Applejack’s sudden sneak attack. “Thank you for that.” “Just doing my duty…” Rarity turned to Applejack, “Do you really think you can get away with that?” “I don’t really care.” Commander Macintosh raised a disapproving eyebrow, “That’s how Native Alters think, is it?” Applejack replied harshly, “It’s how I think. Now, come on, Little Show Pony,” She gestured to Rarity, “I got something for you.” Everyone had gathered around, ready to react in a split second. “You sure talk a lot. You think you’re brave pulling a stunt like this? Like you’re some kind of hero?” Derpy held a muffin in her hoof, though no one was really sure what she was planning to do with it. Pinkie stood next to her, “It’s not very respectful. You can consider yourself off my invite list. Hmph.” The dark blue pony stood directly behind Applejack, rubbing her left cheek, “That was a cheap hit, and I won’t let it slide. Commander?” Commander Macintosh nodded, “Go ahead, Luna. But do make sure she knows what happens when people cause trouble here.” A unified call of ‘understood’ rang through the room. Twilight stepped out of the elevator, investigating the commotion. Applejack back flipped over the HOLY troops and landed right behind Twilight, effectively taking her hostage. Rarity’s eyes widened, “Twilight!” Pinkie turned to Rarity in surprise. Applejack called out, “Hey, you! What’s your name?” The pony named Luna spoke up, “It’s…” “Not you! That puffed up show pony who thinks she’s so cool!” Rarity stepped forward, “Why do you want to know, NP-3228?” Applejack raised her voice slightly, “Tell me!” “Stop! Since you want to know so badly…it’s Rarity.” Applejack grinned, “Ok, I won’t forget it. Make sure you remember my name. My name is Applejack!” Rarity repeated calmly, making sure not to forget this name, “Applejack…” “Remember it!” Applejack leapt into the elevator and punched the floor, blowing out the bottom of the elevator “See ya ‘round!” She and Twilight vanished in the dust and smoke, descending the elevator shaft. Rarity called down the shaft, “Applejack! Are you insane?!” Twilight screamed all the way down, even as Applejack reassured her that they would be fine. The escape had been broadcast all over the base, and now, Applejack needed out. She punched open the doors and the bottom of the shaft, climbing out and leading Twilight out, “Can you drive?”

“Where are we headed?” Twilight asked, stunned by this shocking turn of events. Applejack calmly responded, “Other side of the wall. I’m going home, and it will be real good to get back, too.” “You’ll probably regret this later.” Applejack laughed, “Maybe, but no time for regrets now.” As they drove off, Sweetie Belle held out a hoof, the air shimmering and glowing around her, “It’s that one there.” “Awesome. I have a shot, and I’m taking it!” Derpy held a muffin in front of her, and it left nothing to the imagination what she planned to do with it; she was going to shoot the car with her Alter. Pinkie stood in front of her, “She’s got Twilight!” Derpy lowered the muffin, “That’s gonna make it harder, isn’t it?” Rarity raced back, going to mobilize some vehicles. In the car, Twilight got a good look at Applejack’s Alter, “It’s a harmonizing type Alter…” Applejack laughed, “I thought it would be harder.” Twilight shook her head, still keeping an eye on the road, “Or you got lucky and I just happened to be there.” Applejack shrugged, “That too.” A black HOLD car was following them, then the air shimmered around it as pieces reconfigured and transformed, revealing the driver, Rainbow Dash. “You know, you’re not piloting that thing very well, and you’re trying to drive faster than me. To tell the truth, that’s what really bothers me!” She laughed crazily as her pink ultracar easily caught up to Applejack and Twilight. Rainbow Dash got a look at Applejack’s face, and a spark of recognition flickered in her eyes. “AJ?” Applejack swung her fist, “It’s Applejack!” her fist collided with Rainbow Dash’s car, breaking her concentration on the road, and almost causing her to crash. Quick thinking saved her life. Applejack grinned; it was all going well. “Applejack!” She heard the call and looked up. Scootaloo was holding a flare and a megaphone, “Up here!” Applejack turned to Twilight, “Sorry about leaving you like this, but I’m sure that HOLY Alter User will take care of you. This is my stop. Bye.” She used her fist to propel herself up into the air. Rainbow Dash yelled out, “She’s crazier than I am!” Twilight tried to maintain control of the car, only just managing to stop it crashing. Rainbow Dash drove alongside Twilight, “Are you ok, Miss Twinight?” Twilight yelled back, “It’s Twilight!” They both noticed the end of the road ahead; it was still being constructed. Rainbow Dash activated her Alter again, the air once more shimmering and glowing as she fused her car with Twilight’s. They came to a sudden and complete stop, just before falling over the edge. Twilight sat in her seat, suffering from shock and motion sickness, while Rainbow Dash started running after Applejack. “You worthless whore of a foal! You wrecked my CAR!” She was about to dash after her, indicated by the glowing aura, but she stopped when sirens sounded. Rarity had caught up with an armoured division, and Zetsuei rode on top, primed to lash out at Rarity’s command. A voice sounded through the speaker inside the assault car, “They’re heading down the Route 6 freeway.” Rarity marked it on her tactical pad, “Close the Route 6 exit immediately. We cannot allow them to escape.”

Applejack had gotten her hooves on some food. At long last! Real food! She greedily seized it, having been in bad shape for some time, and the prison food didn’t do much for her. “That’s not good.” Scootaloo pointed out the closing gates, ignoring the PA. Applejack’s eyes widened, “Oh no…Step on it, Scootaloo! I’ll bust it wide open!” “Are you crazy? That’ll get us killed!” “No it won’t! When have I ever let you down?” Before Scootaloo could answer, Applejack had already torn the roof off and prepared her next attack. “ANIHILATING SECOND BULLET!” The car shot forward, and Applejack got just enough reach to hit the gate before the car smashed into it. “Last one! EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” She slammed her fist into the car, blowing it to pieces. “YOU’RE CRAZY!!” Scootaloo screamed as she and Applejack plummeted towards the ground. Applejack landed, perfectly balanced on her armoured fist, even with the extra weight of Scootaloo, and threw her weight and momentum forward, allowing them to land safely.

Rainbow Dash stared at the destroyed gate, noting the extreme power with Applejack. “Did you know her?” Rainbow Dash turned to see Twilight standing behind her. “That Native Alter. Did you know her?” “Someone like her. A long time ago…” “Is that so?” Their conversation was interrupted by Pinkie, popping up out of nowhere somehow, “Shoot, she got away. We’re gonna have lots of paperwork tonight.” Her expression was rather sad, “I was planning a party, too.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. Twilight, however took a moment to ask Pinkie a question, “Why has your personality changed?” Pinkie looked puzzled, then beamed widely, “Oh, that. Well, I said most Alter Users at HOLY were eccentric, didn’t I? This is what I’m really like.” Rarity walked up, “Pinkie, please control yourself. You are on duty, after all. Ms Sparkle, did you…” She doubled over in pain, coughing up blood, “Oh dear, that’s not good.” Pinkie barged through, “Are you ok, Rarity?” Rarity looked up, “Don’t worry. I’m alright, mostly.” Twilight chimed in, “You avoided most of the attack.” Pinkie turned to Twilight, “That’s good right?” Twilight nodded. Rarity stood up, “She wasn’t swinging randomly. She was aiming, choosing her target, then striking them down. It’s very different from before. I have to remember her name now.” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes and spoke one word, “Applejack…”

“I’m ruined. Bankrupt. We’ll be killed or thrown back to HOLY.” Scootaloo complained, worried about the immense amount of money spent getting Applejack out of the city. “What about the money from helping Lyra?” Applejack said, but Scootaloo shook her head, “That’s just a drop in the bucket…” Applejack reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of jewels and some pieces of jewellery, “What about these? A parting gift from HOLY.” As Scootaloo gaped at the jewels, Applejack pocketed them again, “Should get you back in good standing, maybe a little more.” Both ponies walked that long road home, laughing all the way.

I was dreaming. In the dream, I was laughing happily, but in my heart, anger burned like a blazing fire, yet there was also worry and sadness. But in this dream, that pony was so strong she could laugh, and put aside the anger and sadness. I want to have that kind of strength, to put aside the anger and the sorrow like she does. I truly wish that…

Applebloom woke up, suddenly aware that she was being watched. She looked up, and was greeted by a familiar orange pony. The only family she had known for a long time. “Apple-kun?” Applejack smiled, “Hi there.”

End of Chapter 3

Chapter 4: Spitfire Buster

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Episode 4: Spitfire Buster Based on the episode ‘Big Magnum’

A normal day in the Lost Ground, with the foals playing outside and the adults working. A bustling market, alive with ponies of all ages. One foal sat aside from the rest, coughing into his hoof. He had been sick for a while, though he held onto his life dearly. He watched some other foals playing with a ball, wishing he was well enough to join in. He looked up and saw a cloaked figure standing atop a nearby. Her mane was bright orange and yellow, like flames. Suddenly, the figure moved, and the ball burst apart…then she spoke. “Attention, attention, attention! We at HOLD have but one thing to say to you! Surrender!” The crowd clamoured angrily at the intruder, even with the gun she held being pointed at them. An all-too familiar shimmer appeared, and pieces of the building broke away, scattered into molecules and reformed behind the Alter User. “Well…well, well, well. Don’t you know what ‘surrender’ means? It means YOU work for US now. And no complaining. You’re gonna obey us, and if you don’t, my trigger finger might get itchy…” As if to demonstrate, she pulled the trigger on her target pointer, and the giant gun behind her fired…

“You’d better work hard today.” Applebloom said as she and Applejack walked down the road to the farm. “I know, Applebloom.” Applejack brushed some dust off her coat. “We’ve hardly got any food left…” “Yes, Applebloom, I know.” Applebloom turned to Applejack, giving her an accusing look, “You are listening to me, right?” Applejack sighed, “Yes, Applebloom, I am listening. Sooner we get there, the sooner it’s done.” The old mare Applebloom worked with opened the door, “Oh, Applebloom, thanks for coming.” Her stare went cold as she spotted Applejack, and Applebloom’s face fell, “I thought I’d bring her with me today, since she’s feeling better and all…” “It’s been 10 days, Applejack.” Applejack managed a weak smile, a bad sign. “Really? That long, huh?” The old mare grabbed her behind the neck with a surprisingly strong grip, “Why not start acting your age and do some serious work for a change?” She threw a punch straight into Applejack’s gut, laughing as Applejack doubled over, “All bark and no bite. Can’t you suck it up and pretend all the way?” Applejack glared up at the old mare, “Feel better now, you old hag? And I’ll have you know that I do work…just not here.” She noticed the workers behind the ‘old hag’ and straightened up, “Yes, ma’am. We’ll get right on it and work as hard as we always do!”

If there was one type of job Applejack hated, it was building. She was baking in the sun, and her stomach was growling. She yelled loudly, “I gotta eat something!” “Don’t think about slacking off!” One of the other workers yelled. Applejack looked back, “Ok. Sorry.” She glared as they walked away and muttered under her breath, “He’s got far too much energy, and he don’t like me too much. How’d I get into this, anyway?” She looked over the side of the barn as a pebble almost hit her ear, and saw Scootaloo on her new bike. Scootaloo raised a hoof to her helmet, with a grin that meant trouble, “Yo!”

“What do you want, Scootaloo? Right now, I’m working very hard at a job I hate very much with hard-working citizens who probably don’t like that I vanish for days on end, and can’t be seen in the company of questionable characters like yourself…so GO AWAY!” Applejack yelled as she sat there, watching Scootaloo pull apart some old vehicles in a junkyard. Scootaloo sighed, “Well, how about a job you would like? Especially one that pays 500?” Applejack’s eyes lit up. “Really?” “I owe it to ya.” Applejack looked puzzled; Scootaloo was a better liar than Applejack was. “She’s the only Alter User to escape from the escape-proof HOLY HQ! She alone beat 20 HOLY members and destroyed their building! The Native Alter User who stood up for our peaceful life! What’s her name? Applejack!” Applejack rolled her eyes, “Are ya sure you went far enough, Scootaloo? I bet you could throw in something like ‘thrashed the Commander of HOLY’ while we’re at it…” Scootaloo laughed sarcastically, “That’s so funny. Ha ha ha. Seriously, This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We gotta cash in now while it’s good! Applebloom hasn’t been eating that well lately, has she? Don’t ya feel guilty at all? I do, but that’s just me.” Applejack sighed, “Whatever. When do we start?” “Right now.” “WHAT?! ARE YOU CRAZY?” Scootaloo jumped down to try and calm her friend, “Please take the job, Applejack. It’s for my happiness, too.” Applejack grabbed Scootaloo by her collar, “What about the farm?”

“Not again…Where does she disappear to all the time?” ‘Old Hag’ yelled. Applebloom picked up the note attached to Applejack’s construction helmet. It read: ‘Gone on a journey. Not sure when I’ll be back. Don’t worry.’ Applebloom looked down, and thought to herself, Even her handwriting is terrible when she tries to lie. Still... “She was complaining about an upset stomach this morning. She probably went to a doctor.”

“So they’re developing the northwest area?” Rarity asked, holding the papers in her hoof. “Yes.” “Didn’t they freeze the city expansion plan for financial reasons?” Commander Macintosh looked as calm as always, “The mainland council’s decision to restart it. Our duty is to send an operative to the HOLD HQ for protection.” “I volunteer, Commander.” “No, you’re to remain here and preserve the Native Alters as before. I’ll send Spitfire.” Rarity had read the reports about Spitfire, “You mean… Trixie Spitfire?” “Yes. She’s rated a C-class Alter, but she’s good at wide area combat.” “Her actions caused over 30 casualties just three months ago…” “Exactly. The Inners involved in that incident are now at the construction site in the northwest area. And one thing they fear is the return of an old enemy. They won’t go against her.” Rarity nodded, “I still have my doubts, sir.” “We of HOLY must follow the upper level’s orders faithfully. Executing these orders given to us is both our duty and reason for existence. Only when that is achieved can we find peace.” “I understand, Commander.” Outside the door, Twilight watched, a look of clear concern on her face. “Worried?” She turned around quickly, finding Pinkie behind her with a huge grin on her face. “No. Just…getting lost in time…”

Applejack and Scootaloo poked around the ruins. The place had seen action recently, and Applejack didn’t like it. “What happened?” “HOLD’s hunting humans now. They started a big redevelopment of the city, and they arrested everyone here and put ‘em to work as forced labourers.” “There’s plenty of bullet holes, but no signs of a fight. Did they just surrender…like that?” “Not everyone will fight HOLD like you did. Most of these guys were criminals anyway…” Applejack turned, a fierce fire burning in her eyes, “Rules and laws won’t protect you in this place!” Scootaloo investigated a house nearby, “Don’t be so hard on them. Most people don’t have Alters like you do.” “Still…this burns me up. Even without an Alter, I would still try to fight! Until the end.” “Aren’t you a feisty one?” Scootaloo and Applejack turned in the direction of the third voice. “Hey, Fluttershy.” She was a pale yellow pony wearing a brown coat. Her long pink hair was tied back in a bun, but some of it was left loose. She smiled at Scootaloo, “You’re right on time, Scootaloo.” Scootaloo grinned widely, “Of course. You look great.” Fluttershy giggled, “You haven’t changed at all.” Applejack rolled her eyes; She was here for a job, not to watch Scootaloo joke around. Fluttershy looked over at Applejack, “Are you the helper?” “Yep.” Fluttershy smiled at her, “I’m Fluttershy, but you can call me ‘Shy’. Most people do.” Apelejack tipped her hat, “Applejack.” Fluttershy looked her over, “You look kinda weak. Have you eaten anything lately?” Applejack shook her head, “Y’know, you remind me of someone…” Scootaloo beamed happily, “Introduction went smoothly.” Fluttershy grabbed a bag she hid nearby and rummaged through it, “Anyone want an apple?” She held out three apples. Applejack hesitantly grabbed one, “Thanks. Now about this job…” Fluttershy’s gentle air turned hard and serious suddenly, almost unnerving both Applejack and Scootaloo, “We’re going to release of all the people who lived here.” “Even though they didn’t fight back?” “That’s why you’re here. If you’re not interested, you can go.” Scootaloo grabbed Applejack by the shoulders, “No, no. We’d love to help. And Shy’s offered her help for this one, so you better do your best, Applejack.” Applejack looked Fluttershy up and down, “If you don’t mind me asking, how can you help?” Fluttershy grinned at her, “Problem?” “If you can’t help, you’ll be dead weight. Can’t do much for those people if that’s the case.” Scootaloo sighed, “You idiot! She’s an Alter User, same as you. And her Alter is necessary for the mission.” Applejack pushed Scootaloo back a few steps, “How so?” “I’ll show you…” Fluttershy untied her hair and closed her eyes. The air shimmered and strands of hair began flowing around her turning anything they touched into water. “Oh…that’s how.” Scootaloo leaned against a wall, grinning smugly, “And with no noise, perfect for a stealth mission…” Applejack looked over to Scootaloo’s bike, “And your bike’s gone…” “and my bike is gone. Wait, what?” She spotted her bike, “Oh no! Not the bike!” Fluttershy opened her eyes, “Oh dear, I’m so sorry…I didn’t see it there…um…” Applejack laughed, “You can’t say it was me this time.”

The camp was heavily fortified, and everyone was being worked like slaves. The leader, a pale orange pony with hair like flames, was throwing rotten food at the workers and laughing. “How can they do this?” Applejack leaned over to Scootaloo, trying to wrestle the telescope from her, “What are they doing? Show me.” “No way. If you saw that, you’d go ballistic. And we need you in control.” Scootaloo unfolded a map of the compound, “There are about 30 armed HOLD members, and everyone wears a transmitter. They go anywhere outside the perimeter,” Scootaloo gestured on the map, “HOLD jumps ‘em, and we can’t save ‘em.” Applejack thought it out quickly, “What’s the plan, then?” “You’re gonna get Shy into the barracks. Her Alter will mess up the monitoring systems. I’ll prepare the escape, and…” “And I create a diversion, attracting HOLD onto me, giving you guys time to escape…” Scootaloo nodded, “And not get captured this time. We go just before dawn.” Applejack grinned, “Right,” She turned to Fluttershy, “Don’t worry. We’ll get them out of there.” Fluttershy nodded, “I wish I had your confidence…”
“Watch it, brat! You’re spilling it!” The young foal from the village went flying across the room. The pale orange pony from earlier, Trixie Spitfire, looked over the table, a look of disgust on her face, “There’s hardly any food.” “The Inners don’t even get half of this…” “Who cares? When they finish the farm, they can have all the food they want,” She looked at the foals mockingly, “Isn’t that right, kids?” She burst out laughing, an evil boasting laugh…

Applejack looked out from the cliff. She was worried about Applebloom, and wondered if she should tell her what she really did…what she really was. Scootaloo tossed and turned in her sleeping bag, mumbling too quietly for Applejack to hear. “Aren’t you tired, Applejack?” She snapped back to reality and turned to face Fluttershy, who was offering her some tea, “No. Besides, I’d lose my edge, and those Inners down there are as good as gone.” “Are you going to do this kind of work forever?” Applejack nodded, “Not much else I can do. I had a dream once…I wanted to own my own apple orchard. Maybe one day, my dream can still come true…” “I’ve just hidden my Alter from everyone. Everyone hates us for being different, and…well, it’s a depressing story…” Applejack sipped her tea carefully, “You have family down there, don’t you?” Fluttershy nodded, “A brother. His name is Angel.” “He doesn’t know that you’re an Alter User?” “No.” “Well, think of this. If there was a big thick wall, and I had to get through it, then I wouldn’t hesitate for a second. Sure, take a moment to think, but remember that people count on you. That’s why I won’t hesitate, not when there are people in trouble.” “You sound so confident. Like you can do anything.” Applejack looked Fluttershy in the eyes, “If you want to rescue your brother, don’t hesitate. We can do this,” She grinned widely, her trademark defiant grin, “Trust me.”

The plan was swiftly set in motion. Electric locks fried as they turned to water and the three ponies slipped through the compound undetected for the most part. “I’m not so sure about this…” Fluttershy shivered. Applejack put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder, “It’s gonna be ok, Shy.” Applejack hid by the truck as a guard walked up, “What’s wrong?” “I…uh…I tripped…” The guard went to arrest her, but a sneak attack from Applejack downed him quickly, “Mind if I take a picture? You’d be great as a model.” Fluttershy shook her head, “No way. I’d hate it.” They hid near the truck as more guards patrolled nearby. Scootaloo checked her watch, “Time to go.” She began waking the Inners as Applejack and Fluttershy disabled the security. “We’re doing great. Scootaloo should be done right about now.” Applejack was right on the ball. Scootaloo was now herding everyone out quietly. She checked around for stragglers, and noticed a young foal leaning against the wall, coughing and breathing heavily. “You must be Fluttershy’s little brother. Are you ok?” “You know Shy?” He looked up hopefully. Scootaloo nodded, “I’ll take you to her.”

Applejack and Fluttershy leapt from the truck, now flooded with water. “Nice work, Shy. I’ll take it from here. Go find Scootaloo and get out of here.” “Thank you for helping. Will you be ok?” Applejack nodded and tipped her hat to Fluttershy, “Sure thing. Take care of Angel, Shy.” Fluttershy smiled as she ran to re-join the others. “Now…let’s make it REALLY LOUD!” The air shimmered as Applejack’s arm rapidly changed, the signature gold armour covering her entire arm. “SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” She charged at the truck, hitting it at high-speed with a loud ‘BOOM’. The truck went skidding and smashed into two more. Fluttershy stopped and turned around. “Is that…her Alter?” “Fluttershy!” Scootaloo called out, carrying Angel on her back. Fluttershy ran towards them, overjoyed to see her brother in one piece. Then…the air shimmered again, and HOLD troops gathered around them, guns trained on Scootaloo and Fluttershy. “They’re getting fast.” Applejack dropped to a defensive stance; This was not good. Spitfire stepped forward, “Who’s the idiot responsible for this pathetic escape plan? Come on, show yourself, pathetic little coward! Ah, who cares, you’re all gonna die anyway, so why bother knowing? Am I right?” She pointed the target gun in her hoof and fired the huge floating gun behind her, “TEST SHOT! SPITFIRE BUSTER!” A giant bullet flew at the buildings, sending debris flying everywhere. Spitfire laughed maniacally, “Wind, good. Humidity is fine. And now…THE MAIN EVENT!” Fluttershy ran at her, “Wait! Stop! I’m the one you want!” Spitfire grinned and aimed her giant gun with the target pointer straight at Fluttershy…and fired… “ANNIHILATING SECOND BULLET!”
Applejack raced over, and threw a punch to stop the bullet, but it grazed the back of her fist and travelled up her arm. Applejack quickly arched her shoulder, forcing the bullet up and away from the Inners. But Applejack had taken most of the force. Bit of armour broke off and blood ran down her arm, but she still stood, ready to fight. “Attacking an unarmed civilian? Dirty…even for HOLY.” Spitfire laughed again, “Pathetic…Were you trying to break the bullet or your arm?” Fluttershy stared in horror at the giant injury on Applejack’s arm, a long bleeding gash, though it was already healing over. “We should give up, Applejack! There’s…” Applejack waved her away, “Then she’ll kill us all anyway!” Spitfire jumped on top of her giant gun, “Hell yeah, I will! What about you, Native Alter? Think you can beat my big, hard Spitfire Buster with your torn up fist?” She pulled out a second gun, which was just an ordinary gun. Applejack tensed up, “Bring it on, bitch!” If they could see Spitfire’s eyes, they would’ve seen the eyes of a madman. “It’s thick,” She fired at Applejack, missing by a few inches, “It’s hard,” She fired again, this time forcing Applejack to dodge, “AND IT’S COMING TO GET YA!” This last shot hit right before Applejack landed, sending her flying. Spitfire laughed uncontrollably, grabbing Fluttershy by the arm as she ran to help Applejack, “Where do you think you’re going, cutie?” Angel yelled, “Let her go!” Scootaloo held up one of her guns, the other one still hidden in her sleeve, “Better do what the kid says, or else!” Applejack got to her feet and glared at Spitfire, “If you hurt her…” “You’ll do what? You and your pathetic friends can’t save her. Besides, I’m a HOLY Alter User. That means we do our duty, and you have no say in how we go about it! And since you bring it up, that means she’s obliged to serve me anyway I see fit. Now surrender! Or I’ll send you all to hell with my thick, hard Spitfire Buster, and I won’t leave any witnesses behind!” Applejack’s eyes went wide, though instead of shock, there was only rage. Rage at the injustice she saw before her, and this one pony revelling in it. “You…YOU SICK TWISTED FREAK! YOU’D KILL EVERYONE JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN?! BECAUSE YOU’RE AN ALTER USER?!” Spitfire laughed, “Yeah. Why? Got a problem with that? But I’ll be a good girl and let everyone live if you surrender. You see, either way…I win.” She laughed maniacally as everyone held up their hands in defeat, and Scootaloo dropped her gun, “Fine, you win. We give up…” Spitfire grinned triumphantly, “Good. You’re an honest man after all. What about you, Native Alter?” Applejack kept glaring at Spitfire, her stance changing from defensive to offensive. “Why are you still in fighting position?” Applejack concentrated on Spitfire, and Spitfire alone, ignoring shout to give up and that Fluttershy was in danger…

I can’t turn back now. But this can’t go wrong either. Fluttershy’s life depends on what happens next…No! Purge the doubt from my mind! I WILL save her!
Applejack held up her fist. The armour was still broken, but her injury had healed and her green eyes were glowing brightly. Spitfire laughed, “Are really so stupid to try and fight me while I have a hostage and you’re injured? I guess they didn’t hand you enough brains, did they?” Fluttershy looked into Applejack’s eyes; there was no doubt. The fires of rage had given way to defiance, and Applejack was thinking clearly now, waiting for the right moment. ‘I wouldn’t hesitate for a second, not with so many people counting on me…’ Her words rang clear in Fluttershy’s head, spurring her on. It was time to act. Applejack gathered as much Alter energy as she could muster, pooling it into her final bullet. Spitfire grinned, still believing she was superior, “Still wanna fight? News flash, bitch, you can’t beat me!” Scootaloo pulled the gun from her sleeve and fired, having figured out Applejack’s plan. Spitfire recoiled as the bullet struck her pistol, and Fluttershy ducked under her arm as she turned the gun to water. “Get her, Applejack!” Applejack grinned, “EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” A green light burst from the last blade on her shoulder as it shattered, propelling her towards Spitfire. “SPITFIRE BUSTER!” The giant bullet collided dead on with Applejack’s fist, sending a massive shockwave through the compounds. Spitfire laughed triumphantly, “I WIN!!” Applejack yelled back, “I don’t think so, BITCH!!” Applejack threw all her weight and strength behind her fist, pushing the bullet back down the barrel effortlessly, destroying the giant gun. Spitfire looked up, her Alter destroyed, and now this... thing, looking down at her with eyes like a demon. Applejack leaned down and picked her up with one hand, rage burning in her eyes, “I should kill you! For everything you’ve done, you deserve it! But I won’t…because I’m not like you.” She dropped Spitfire and walked away, her arm returning to normal, and no trace of any injury. Fluttershy looked up as the morning light illuminated Applejack, almost as if it washed away her rage and the hatred she felt for Spitfire. “Thank you, Applejack.” Applejack grinned, “No problem. Little bit of luck goes a long way.” Fluttershy embraced her, “Truly…thank you.” “Hey, Shy!” She turned in the direction of her brother’s voice. Scootaloo was bringing him to Fluttershy, but the look on her face was worrying. “Angel! I’m so glad you’re alright.” She embraced her brother, but Scootaloo walked up to Applejack, “Would you have sacrificed Fluttershy if this plan hadn’t worked out? Are you really that cruel, Applejack?” Scootaloo grabbed Applejack’s collar, “What if I hadn’t fired?” Applejack calmly looked at him, “It doesn’t matter, because you DID shoot. It was a huge risk, but it worked out,” Applejack smiled, a genuine honest smile, “and we get our happy ending, right?” Scootaloo grinned, “Yeah, I guess we do.” Fluttershy smiled at them as Applejack turned to look at the sunrise. “Scootaloo, if you find more jobs like this, bring them to me first. HOLD and HOLY think they can do what they want out here with no regard for the people living here. And I’m gonna do something about it.”

End of Episode 4

Chapter 5: Twilight Sparkle

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Episode 5: Twilight Sparkle based on the episode ‘Mimori Kiryu’

“Ok, I gotta go now, Applebloom. I might be late, so take care of yourself. And remember about the apples I put in the fridge, if it still works…” Applejack said, sitting behind Scootaloo on her latest vehicle. Applebloom thought to herself, ‘Since when has SHE been responsible? I’ll strap her down and find out if she’s sick when she gets back…’ ‘Uh huh…one thing before you go.” Applebloom said, looking Applejack up and down. Applejack, unaware of Applebloom’s wary glance, responded kindly, “Yes?” “Who are you and what have you done with Applejack?” Applejack looked at Applebloom indignantly and Scootaloo burst out laughing, “I wish I had a video camera. That was priceless.” Applejack muttered under her breath and fastened her helmet, as Scootaloo revved the engine to life, burning down the street at top speed. Applebloom smiled. It was nice to see Applejack become a little more responsible, maybe now she’ll help with cleaning up, too. As she closed the door and started cleaning up, she felt dizzy and nearly collapsed. Maybe Applejack left too soon…

“Trixie, what do you remember about the incident 10 days ago?” Spitfire looked up, her hair flat and her eyes filled with fear, “I won’t talk about her. I’ve seen tough, but then…she’s downright terrifying. I can barely stand thinking about her, and the way she glared at me after the fight…” She suddenly screamed out loud, burying her face in the pillow. Rarity walked out and closed the cell door and turned to the medical staff, “Well, that was…enlightening. I take it she won’t be able to form her Alter for some time?” “It’s highly unlikely, ma’am. Ms. Spitfire was subjected to extreme mental stress by an outside force. When she did speak of her attacker, only one matched the description: NP3228.” Rarity’s eyes widened, “Her? Have you told the Commander about this?” “Not yet, ma’am…” The medical staff slowly backed away from Rarity, who calmly resumed her usual cool, styled demeanour, “Then I shall pass along the reports. I was going to speak with him anyway. As you were.” Each one saluted and went about their duties. Rarity narrowed her eyes as she walked out. Applejack had been a thorn in her side ever since the night of her capture. ‘Is she on a mission? Or just trying to show off her power? I’ll have to stop her, one way or another…’ Her thoughts were interrupted by a cheerful, yet concerned, Pinkie. “How’s Spitfire?” “Resistant as always. Seems she’s dead scared of Applejack, not that I could really blame her. I probably would be, too, if I were anyone but me.” Pinkie grinned deviously at Rarity, “I get the feeling you almost respect her.” Rarity threw her a glance that looked like it could kill someone; Naturally, Pinkie was oblivious. “By the way, the medical unit is heading out to the North Redevelopment area, and Twilight signed on.” Rarity had become used to Pinkie’s sudden changes of personality since she first joined, but there were times when she would gladly bury the pink pony, preferably under a mountain. These thoughts were quickly dismissed as Rarity being overly annoyed by something other than Pinkie. Besides, they had more important things to worry about than Pinkie being…well, Pinkie.

The loading bay was fine, even though the day was hotter than usual. Twilight stacked boxes of medical supplies, ready for the trip. She pulled out a checklist, and began searching frantically for the last box of band-aids, probably the least important medical supply in the base. “Looking for this?” A familiar voice spoke as Twilight looked up from the benches she was searching under. Rainbow Dash was standing over her, holding the missing box of band-aids. “They were in the box you just moved.” Twilight couldn’t help but grin, “My ever-present follower, Rainbow Dash. Charming, dashing, and always gets my name wrong…” Rainbow Dash chuckled, “Got me there, huh? Well, you see, the first move is always crucial when you meet someone. I hear it’s even the basis of making friends. It’s always better to let her know that you’re interested the moment you meet her after all speed is power and if you are interested or you like her you gotta tell her so and…” Twilight stuffed a bar of chocolate into Rainbow Dash’s mouth, preventing her from finishing the extraordinarily long sentence, “You also have to get her name right, and remember to breathe.” She giggled quietly as she saw Rainbow Dash’s puzzled expression. After biting a chunk of chocolate off and swallowing, Rainbow Dash laughed, “Did I mention that I like your sense of humour?” “Back again, Rainbow Dash?” Both turned to Rarity, who had been listening to the whole thing. Rainbow Dash chuckled, “I had some free time, so I thought I’d help Ms Twinight.” Both Rarity and Twilight said in unison, “Twilight.” Rarity grinned, “Well…since the ice is broken, Ms Twilight, are you free this evening? I have some things I’d very much like to discuss with you in private.” Twilight looked overjoyed at the prospect of talking with her old friend properly. Rainbow Dash, however… Twilight answered with a quick ‘Yes, I’d love to” and hurried to finish her work, while Rainbow Dash went into a semi-meltdown trying to figure out what had gone wrong. Derpy, who had been sitting by the crates the whole time, scarfing down muffins, burst out laughing, “I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash. I just don’t know what went wrong.”

Applebloom struggled to move, leaning against the walls for support. She was trying to resist this illness she had contracted, but as strong as she was, she was still very young. Her legs gave out as she passed out on the floor. Please, Applejack, hurry home!

When HOLD patrols are out, people run. Well, except for Applejack and Scootaloo, that is. Once again (Surely you’re expecting it by now), the air shimmered and she disintegrated a nearby rock, forming her Alter. Leaping off the rock and down at the HOLD patrol, she yelled at the top of her lungs, “SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” Throwing her full force behind the attack, she ripped through the HOLD trucks, causing as much destruction as possible without killing anyone. Scootaloo grinned as she watched the spectacle, “Looks like we’re goin’ home early.” She looked up quickly and leapt off her bike, scurrying away from the falling HOLD truck. The force of the truck impacting with the ground launched her forwards off her feet. Applejack landed on top of the truck soon after, “You ok, sugarcube?” Scootaloo rolled over, glaring at Applejack, “One, don’t call me that. Two, I hate you so much…” Applejack nodded, “Yep, you’re definitely alive…”

“Scootaloo, for the last time, I didn’t do it on purpose.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes at Applejack, “Sure you didn’t…” Applejack gave the slightly younger pony a stern look, “Are you gonna sulk for the rest of the night? At least be glad it was the bike and not you…APPLEBLOOM!” Applejack peered through the window and saw Applebloom lying unconscious on the floor. She wrenched open the door and checked that Applebloom was still alive. Scootaloo watched from the doorway, “I’ll get a doctor, just hold on!” Applejack called out after her, “Hurry, Scootaloo!” She turned back to Applebloom, “Please be ok, Sis…”

Twilight had just finished her weekly schedule, a letter to her parents and her checklist for the medical team, when heard a knock on her door and went to investigate. “Who is it?” Rarity’s voice floated in through the intercom, “It’s Rarity. May I come in?” Twilight opened the door, “Of course. Oh, I forgot to prepare for this. I can’t believe I forgot all about you coming up here tonight.” Rarity had almost forgotten how fussy her friend Twilight could be at times as she thought to herself, Well, at least she adjusted fast… “Twilight, have you thought through your decision to join the medical unit going to the northwest region?” Twilight nodded, “Yes. Why do you ask?” “Because I believe it’s far too dangerous for you.” Twilight grinned mischievously, “So, under that layer of ice, is there still a soft centre?” Rarity seemed slightly annoyed, “Is it really so important as to whether I’m soft or not?” Twilight giggled, “Well, yes. You act so cold, but it’s all just an elaborate act, isn’t it?” Her expression turned serious and sad, “You wanted to hide your pain…” Rarity also looked sad, “Yes. Even after seven years, the pain still hasn’t gone away…”

“Why does the medical unit need a HOLY guard, sir?” Luna asked, having just been told the news. Commander Macintosh responded plainly, “Because one of the members is Twilight Sparkle, daughter of one of our major sponsors. We cannot allow her to be in danger.” Luna nodded in acknowledgement as the screen flickered off. She held up a picture of her and a white pony with pale green and pink hair, “Why do I have a bad feeling about this? I guess it’s just because I miss you, Sis…”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?!” Applejack yelled as she threw the doctor against the wall, barely being restrained by Scootaloo, “WHY CAN’T YOU TREAT HER?! THERE HAS TO BE A WAY!” The doctor stood up, “Well, there’s no medicine to treat her with and my medical knowledge is over 20 years old.” Applejack hung her head in defeat, tears streaming down her face, “There must be something… ANYTHING!” Scootaloo released her as the doctor walked out solemnly.
1 hour later…
Applejack charged out the door, blazing determination in her eyes. Scootaloo jumped out of her car and followed her, yelling, “Applejack. Hey, Applejack! Where are you going?” Applejack’s pace did not slow for a second, “I’m goin’ to the city! There’s bound to be some medicine there, and there is no way I’m letting Applebloom go out like this!” Scootaloo had never seen her friend like this, and the combination of Applebloom’s illness and Applejack’s reaction and current state made her worry. Fortunately, she had some good news, “HOLD’s got a medical unit down here at the redevelopment area. We can make it there in no time.” She grinned hopefully as Applejack’s eyes lit up with hope. “Wait right there, Scootaloo. I’ll get Applebloom, and then we’ll go for it.”

Rarity charged out the front doors of the HOLD HQ, her head thumping like crazy. “She’s still as crafty as ever. I bet she spiked the drinks…” Any memories of the previous night were incredibly fuzzy, something Rarity attributed to alcohol, and would certainly be having a word to Twilight about keeping alcoholic beverages on the base. “Whatever it was, it certainly wasn’t cider…” A black car nearly ran her over, and the window rolled down as she went to scold the driver. “Need a ride? Fast, cheap, and perfectly safe.” Rarity rolled her eyes and replied, “Rainbow Dash, whatever kind of driver you are, ‘safe’ is not it.” Rainbow Dash grinned, “Are you gonna get in or not?” as Rarity climbed in, Pinkie popped out of the back seat without warning, “What’s up, Dashie? Are you and Rarity having a secret party?” Rarity groaned, “Its official, HOLY has now gone mad…”

Twilight checked her checklist, though her mind was going really slowly and whatever she remembered about the previous night was incredibly blurred. She pushed it out of her mind for now, but knew that she would need to reconcile with Rarity later. With any hope, Rarity had come out of her shell...

“Is that them?” Applejack asked, yelling to be heard over the roaring of engines. Scootaloo answered back, “Yup! Looks like they’re seeing the sights, too.” Applejack grinned, “Well, I’ll show them another one!” The air shimmered and rocks disintegrated as Applejack formed her Alter. She leapt off the car, and propelled herself into the air with her fist. It was quick, painless, and (for once) no damage, destruction, or injuries.

Twilight had no idea why the transport had stopped so violently, or how and why she had blacked out. Before she had a chance to look around and assess the damage, a gloved hoof covered her mouth and a vaguely familiar voice spoke, “Please don’t scream. Just nod your head. I don’t want to hurt anyone, I just need your help.” She nodded and her assailant came into view. It was her! The Native Alter she had helped back at HOLD HQ, the one who addressed herself as ‘Applejack’. The Native Alter continued, “There’s a little filly in a car outside. She very sick and she needs a doctor. Please, will you help her?” Twilight looked the Native Alter, the one who had been attacking HOLD patrols for some time now, in the eyes. Her eyes were pleading, showing that this was more than just an ordinary filly. Twilight nodded, and the Native Alter released her.

Rainbow Dash laughed as Rarity covered her face with her hooves, blushing madly, “That’s an interesting one. Read out the other one, Pinkie.” Pinkie grinned evilly as she glanced back at Rarity, who glared at both of them and said, quite menacingly, “I hate you both…” Pinkie flashed a big, wide smile, and Rainbow Dash quipped cheerfully, “No you don’t. You hate the fact that Pinkie found your secret diary. The Knight of HOLY has a pink diary.” Both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie laughed, while Rarity quietly uttered death threats as they drove to meet the medical unit at their destination.

Twilight checked her patient. Readings were fine and it looked like she would make a full recovery. “She’ll be fine. All the treatments are done, and the medicine is right here. I’m not really a doctor, though. More of a scientist…” “As long as she gets cured. Thank you so much for your help.” Twilight nodded, a small grin forming on her face, “You could’ve just asked, though. By the way, I’m Twilight Sparkle.” The Native Alter and her friend, both nice ponies despite their chosen professions, nodded and introduced themselves, “I’m Applejack, this is Scootaloo, and the young filly you just treated is Applebloom.” Scootaloo nodded and Applejack tipped her hat towards Twilight. Twilight couldn’t resist asking, “Family relation?” Applejack tried to hide it, but Twilight correctly guessed that Applejack was a terrible liar, “No…She’s…uh…well…” Twilight held up a hoof, “Stop trying to lie, ‘coz you’re terrible at it. Sister or daughter?” Applejack whispered, “Sister…” Before anyone could say anything else, a dark shape lunged at Applejack. “We meet again, NP3228. Thank you, Ms Sparkle, for luring her here.” The air began shimmering as Applejack prepared to summon her Alter, something Scootaloo was quick to warn against, “Wait! There’s innocent ponies in here, and Applebloom!” Applejack nodded and vaulted out the door, dragging her dark attacker out with her.

A pale blue mist gathered around Applejack as she frantically looked around, searching for the dark pony who attacked her. “Who the hay are you, anyway?” A dark hoof appeared out of the mist, striking Applejack in the gut, “I am Luna, and what you are seeing now is my Alter, Nightmare Moon.” Applejack tried to form her Alter, but a pair of hooves grabbed her by the right arm and slammed her into the nearby rocks. Applejack coughed, “This is getting old…” She back flipped onto the rocks and summoned the fist part of her Alter, using it to propel her upwards but she was caught mid-jump and thrown against the ground where Luna revealed herself, “I must say, you are a stubborn one. Are you going to keep fighting me all day?” Applejack looked up, a defiant grin on her face, “Yep. You’re the one I elbowed in the face back at HOLY, aren’t you?” Luna nodded, her expression darkening. Applejack got up and dusted herself off, “Sorry about that, really.” Luna yelled, “How am I supposed to believe that?” Applejack calmly responded, “I can’t lie. And you can ask anyone who knows me; they’ll say the same thing.” Luna shook her head, “You blow up our trucks easily enough, yet you cannot tell a lie? That’s a little pathetic…” Applejack summoned the rest of her Alter, “Yeah, but I don’t need to lie. I just need to beat you.” Luna grinned, “You’re welcome to try.” Applejack charged, fist outstretched. Luna countered with a quick swipe of her mist, which was solid enough to deflect Applejack’s fist. “Are you holding back?” Applejack grinned, then made the mistake of trying to lie, “Um…” Sweat drops rolled down her face as Luna hid her face with her hoof, “Tell me, how did you derail what was meant to be a serious battle?” Applejack shrugged, “You asked me whether my apology was sincere and I told you that I can’t lie.” She charged, hitting Luna across the face, “Serious enough now?” The answer was swift and painful. Applejack may not be male, but she still felt a kick to the groin. She weakly mumbled, “That’s cheating…” Luna roared, “So was that sucker punch! I cannot believe it…Spitfire is dead-scared of YOU?!” Applejack struggled to her feet, “That’s your only motivation to fight me, isn’t it? That first punch… Not really worth fighting over.” Luna stared at this Native Alter. Why did she make sense like this? “Luna, was it? My name is Applejack, and I only went after the doctors to get some medicine for a friend who is very ill. Whoever I was when you first saw me, that’s not who I really am.” Luna turned around and walked away, “I can’t fight you in earnest, not because I’m a coward, but because you remind me of my sister. She was very honest and kind, the way you are,” She grinned at Applejack, “When you’re not blowing up our trucks, that is.” Applejack laughed, “HOLY doesn’t deserve you, y’know. You’re hurting inside, but you’re still a kind pony.”

Luna arrived back at the medical unit to find Rarity, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash there. “Huh? What are you guys doing here?” Rarity spoke up first, in a tone completely alien to how she normally spoke, “Looking for you and Twilight. Where did you go?” Luna lowered her head, “I couldn’t fight her, Rarity…” Pinkie and Rainbow Dash leaned in to listen, before being waved off by Rarity, “Who couldn’t you fight?” “Applejack.” Rarity looked from the transport to the doctors then to Luna, “What? She was here? Where is the destruction she usually causes? The injured ponies? The traumatized HOLY member sent to defeat her?” Rainbow Dash grinned, “This wasn’t to spite us, I think. She had another reason.” Rarity mulled this over, before filing it away and turning to Luna, “Be glad she didn’t injure you at least, but did you really meet the same Applejack? Surely there aren’t two of that uncouth lunatic running around.” Twilight walked over to Luna and began inspecting her, only to be waved off with a simple “I’m fine.” Pinkie began drawing something in the dirt, something vaguely resembling a…well, such a thing shall not be described here. She was swiftly reprimanded by Rarity, and any semblance of professionalism fell away like paper. Twilight giggled and thought to herself, There’s the Rarity I know. I wonder if she knows what happened last night…
End of Episode 5

Chapter 6: Zetsuei

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Episode 6: Zetsuei based on the episode of the same name

Several days after the events of Episode 5…
Rarity was not happy. She had far too many reports of Applejack’s raids on HOLY patrols, and she hadn’t been able to get any answers out of Twilight about ‘That night’. On top of that, she had Commander Macintosh’s orders for a new plan involving something he called ‘the Great Native Alter Hunt’. And she had to deal with Pinkie’s antics. “Times like this could drive a pony to drink…” She stared out the window, determined to bring in Applejack. Then the two of them would have a nice long chat…

Elsewhere…
“Hey, Applejack. Check out my new wheels. Not too shabby, huh?” Scootaloo made a grand gesture towards her latest car, prompting Applejack to throw on a mock girly accent to make fun of Scootaloo. “Will you take me for a ride, Scootaloo?” Both started laughing, then Applejack turned serious and grabbed Scootaloo in a headlock, “How much have you been skimming off to pay for this? Applebloom and I are only just getting by and you’re driving around in new cars every day?!” Scootaloo managed to choke out a few words. “It’s in our contract…” Applejack’s response was furious, “Don’t lie to me, Scootaloo! I know you far too well!” Scootaloo tried to break free, “Honest! We’ve been workin’ real hard lately, so don’t we deserve a little comfort spending? Besides it’s only a small amount, like 5 percent!” “Don’t use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue!” “Onee-chan? What are you doing?” Applejack and Scootaloo turned to Applebloom, who was standing in the doorway with a disapproving look. “Just a conversation between grown-ups, and don’t call me ‘Onee-chan’.” Applebloom grinned evilly, “Until you decide you’re going to be helpful here as much as running around out there doing who-knows-what, I’m gonna call you ‘Onee-chan’.” She ran back inside, giggling, with Applejack right behind her. Scootaloo ran inside, expecting the worst for Applebloom, but instead found Applejack giving her a noogie, “How do ya like them apples, Sis?” All three of them laughed, having found some time to just relax. Too bad it wouldn’t last…

Development Area C-42…
Twilight was in a most irritable mood. Her colleagues cared very little for the Inners, and the guards treated them like dirt. Every time she pursued the matter, she was cut off and told that she was an idealistic school filly. Over the past few days, she had become increasingly sarcastic and snappy, even going as far as sarcastically saluting one of her superiors before doing her assigned task. Naturally, this annoyed everypony to no end. She remains unrepentant for that incident, though she got a number of anonymous notes saying ‘About time someone got under the old buzzard’s skin.’ Had she been in a better mood, she would’ve smiled, but she was currently burying herself in her work. She had a lot to do, after all, including a plan for revenge on that old buzzard she saluted, and she was gonna do it Pinkie Pie-style!

HOLY HQ, Commander’s Office:
“You’re certain this will work?” The Chief said, clearly doubting that the plan would work. Commander Macintosh tried his best not to appear annoyed, especially after his grand announcement of the plan, “Yes, I’m very sure. Please, try to relax, Chief.” He switched off the communications link, thinking out loud, “Mainland, mainland, mainland…I don’t like it. Luna gave us insight into this Native Alter’s mind, but still…”

HOLY HQ, Staff Room…
Luna stared into her coffee, still shocked that she had been mistaken about Applejack. Not only did she apologize, but she also let her go. Pinkie bounced around excitedly, apparently looking for cupcakes when Rainbow Dash walked in. “Still confused?” Luna turned to face her, “Yes, actually. She’s nothing like that first meeting…” Rainbow Dash pulled out a book, Daring Do and the Griffon’s Goblet for those of you who are interested, and said, “She’s got her own morals, much like Rarity has. No, I don’t know her that well, and anything I know, I learned from the files and reading between the lines.” Luna sighed, “I guess so. What’s the plan?” Rainbow first stuck a hoof out to trip Pinkie so she’d stop bouncing, “Well…I guess we have to bring in Applejack, don’t we?” Luna sipped her coffee, “That’s a fine goal, but what about the plan?” Rainbow Dash grinned, that’s what we’ve got Rarity for.”

Various HOLY raids, undisclosed locations… (This scene may break the fourth wall.)
Rarity watched each screen carefully as Native Alters were brought in one by one, thinking to herself, ‘Not a sign of her. Applejack…Where are you?’ Her thoughts were interrupted by Pinkie appearing out of nowhere, “Hey Rarity.” Rarity jumped out of her chair, smacking her head against the roof. She rubbed her now aching head and glared at Pinkie, “I’m pleased that you have better control over your Alter, but please…STOP DOING THAT!” Pinkie just kept grinning, “Well, everything is under control. Luna’s still mopey.” Rarity rolled her eyes, “When has she not been?” Pinkie shrugged, “Hey, did you find out what happened on ‘that night’? Rarity shook her head, “No. Twilight doesn’t know either.” “Do you think the author will tell us?” Rarity laughed, “When he thinks it would be funny, I bet. But we’re not supposed to know about the author…” Pinkie smiled innocently, “Whoopsie.”

Scootaloo’s ‘Office’ (actually just a train car with a desk at one end)…
Scootaloo had heard all the rumours, and seen a few to be true. With this many people asking for help, she needed the best. And that was Applejack. Too bad she was working at the farm today. Still…couldn’t hurt to drop in and visit

HOLY HQ…
“You’re not serious, are you?” Luna asked, looking at the folders she had been given. Commander Macintosh looked down, “I’m afraid so. These are your new orders, and you are not to tell anyone about it. Just make sure your cover works. Best of luck, Luna.” She left quietly. Whatever he was planning, it was big…

Several hours later, the Inner…
“Do you have a good reason for draggin’ me outta bed, Scootaloo? Because, I’ve been workin’ real hard today, and sleep would be most appreciated.” Applejack grumbled, currently in an irritable mood after a long day on the farm. “You? Working hard? Only when there’s HOLY trucks involved.” Applejack folded her arms and glared at Scootaloo, “How about you work at the farm, and I’ll sit around and watch you work. Sound fair?” Scootaloo shrugged, “Things are getting worse with HOLY. They’ve overtaken 26 territories and arrested just over 19 Alter Users. Sounds like our friend was involved, too.” Applejack grinned, “Interesting. Maybe I’ll get that rematch after all.” Scootaloo stopped in front of her train car. “You two are late. What took you so long?” A familiar yellow pony with long pink hair stood just in front of the doors. Applejack knew her name, but couldn’t quite remember what it was… “Hey, it’s…um…something ending with ‘shy’.” Fluttershy shook her head, “Fluttershy. Don’t you remember me, Applejack?” Applejack jumped out of the car, “Of course I do. Just I’m not always so good with names. But faces, I never forget.” Scootaloo looked worried, “Are you sure you should be out here, Shy? I mean, it could get real dangerous-” Fluttershy stopped her, “That was before HOLY decided to disturb the peace. Applejack, you’re fighting for good, aren’t you?” Applejack shrugged, “I’m fighting for I think is right, so yeah, I guess I am fighting for good.” They entered the train car, and Applejack wasn’t impressed. “Well, Scootaloo, I must say…we’re doomed.”

Applejack sat there, tired and irritated. She had been dragged down to Scootaloo’s poor excuse for an office and now she was waiting for her friend to explain some crazy plan to get HOLY off their backs. “I think I hear my bed calling me. Don’t you hear it?” Scotaloo rolled her eyes, “Applejack, this plan will work. I’m sure of it.” Applejack groaned, “Do I need to bring up the last time you said those words?” Scootaloo glared at her, but explained the plan anyway. She began to show slides of HOLY patrols and the routes they used, indicating one by the sea with a cliff nearby. “We’ll hit this one here. Help will have a hard time getting to them, and there’s a cave nearby that we can use to escape if things go bad. Questions?” Since no one responded, Scootaloo returned to her plan. Applejack stood up suddenly, “Someone’s coming.” She recognized the voice, but didn’t know the name, aside from what she called him. The doors flung open and ‘Bonehead’ walked in, “I think you all forgot about me.” Applejack yawned and sat back down, “No. This is a party for the pretty ponies.” Scootaloo couldn’t resist the joke, “Then why are you here?” She received a smack on the head for her troubles. “Point taken. Anyway, it’ll go down like this…”

Elsewhere, HOLY patrol vehicle…
“Impressive. Your ability to gather information is as sharp as ever, Sweetie Belle. Thank you.” Rarity grinned evilly as she processed the information on her screen. Now she had Applejack right where she wanted her. “Something going our way?” Pinkie said, offering Rarity a cupcake, which she accepted. “They’re amassing a small strike force to ambush one of our patrols. They make their move tomorrow.” Pinkie smiled, “I’ll get it ready, then?” Rarity nodded and went back to her plans.

The next morning… (Big fight scene coming up)
Rainbow Dash sat in her car, with her front hooves behind her head and steering the car with her back hooves. “I could be relaxing right now, but instead I’m driving these two from place to place…Derpy! Do you have to eat like that? Seriously, you’re getting crumbs all over the place!” Derpy swallowed her muffin and mockingly offered Rainbow Dash the half-eaten one in her hoof, “Sorry. Want one?” Rainbow Dash glared at her, “You’re disgusting.” Derpy grinned, “No. I just like teasing you.” Pinkie’s voice sounded on the radio, “Hey, are you guys there? Sweetie Belle?” Rainbow Dash answered, “We’re here. What’s up, Pinkie?” “I got lost and now I can’t find where I’m supposed to be.” Sweetie Belle popped up out of a pile of muffin bags, “I thought Rarity told you.” “And thanks to her, I’m now lost. It’s area Zebra 0-7, right?” Both parties were unaware of Luna listening in. “Now to play my part. I hope I’m doing the right thing…”

The patrol looked lifeless. It was just sitting there, doing nothing. Applejack didn’t like it. The other Alter Users leapt into action, summoning their Alters and wreaking havoc on the patrol car. “Time to move in!” Fluttershy yelled, surprising Applejack with how loud she could yell. Then she saw her rival. Rarity. Standing there as if she was so superior. Both grinned, having found each other. Now they would have their rematch!

Applejack vs Rarity…
The air shimmered around her as the rocks disintegrated and her Alter formed. Applejack charged, “I got you now! RARITY!” She slammed her fist into the ground, launching herself upwards, throwing a punch at Rarity, who dodged it effortlessly as Applejack spiralled over her, landing gracefully. Rarity turned to face Applejack, “That was quick. I daresay you’ve improved since we last met. But you’re not THAT good.” As she spoke, a dust cloud sprang up behind Applejack, disguising her Alter summon. Zetsuei’s ribbons sprang forward, aiming to pierce through Applejack, but quick reflexes saved her life and the ribbons stopped just short of Rarity’s face, “Do you think I’m a coward?” Applejack grinned, “This is gonna be fun…”

The ambush…
Scootaloo knew there was something up, even as they were winning. It shouldn’t be this easy. “Scootaloo! Up there!” Everyone turned their attention to Pinkie who was now standing on top of the cliff holding what looked like a cupcake and a trigger of some sort, “Time to start the party!” She exclaimed loudly, her voice completely cheerful. Something that unnerved Scootaloo to no end. A HOLD car showed up and two ponies leapt out. One grey pony with odd eyes and a yellow mane, and a white-ish pony with pink and dull purple in her mane. The driver spoke, “I’m just the chauffer this time, so I’ll leave the rest to you, Derpy.” Derpy grinned, holding a muffin in her outstretched hoof, “No problem.” Derpy took aim at ‘Bonehead’ and fired. The muffin somehow became an extremely powerful explosive, shattering his Alter to pieces, and causing damage to the other Alters. Derpy laughed, “I wish I wrote down the recipe for that one. That was HUGE!” What everyone agreed was the most unnerving about her was that her smile wasn’t like Applejack’s grin, full of defiance. It was a childlike smile, full of excitement, and she showed no fear to anyone.

Applejack vs Rarity…
Applejack leapt into the air once more, followed by Rarity. “You’re pretty fast. I guess we’re pretty much equal, huh?” Rarity didn’t like to admit it, but she was right. Both were playing on an even playing field. “SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” Rarity tried to block the attack with Zetsuei, but Applejack’s fist was faster this time, colliding with Zetsuei’s faceplate. Rarity had no time to move and was launched against the wall with Zetsuei, “Even playing field, but only because we’re both holding back… It’s been quite some time since I was able to release my full power.” Applejack readied her fist, “Likewise. I can go all-out for once.” The air started shimmering as Rarity transformed Zetsuei into an intricate looking piece of armour: A set of wing-like structures and a pair of ornate gauntlets with a blade on the right hand. They materialized on Rarity’s body, and she appeared to vanish, reappearing beside Applejack. “This is style personified!” She rammed her fist into Applejack’s gut, sending her flying into the cliff face. “Sneaky, aren’t you?” She tore herself free of the rocks and charged at Rarity, sprinting faster than ever, as if she was being spurred on by an unseen force. Her blade pulsed with energy as she leapt into the air and yelled, “ANNIHILATING SECOND BULLET!” She rocketed down towards Rarity, fist first, propelled at higher speed than she had ever reached before. She felt it there, a power inside of her lying just out of reach. Rarity leapt forwards, matching Applejack’s speed, and clashed with her. The ground shook as energy waves and pulses tore at the air. Rarity broke away first, leaving Applejack to crash into the ground.

Elsewhere, the battle was not going well. Scootaloo had ordered a full retreat, and most of the Alter Users had been captured. Pinkie watched Applejack and Rarity battle, stunned by the sheer level of power both possessed. And they were still going.

One thing Rarity would give Applejack, she doesn’t give up or tire out easily. They were both reaching the end of their power with barely enough left for one last shot. “EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” Applejack shot forward, almost at blinding speed, “THIS TIME…THIS TIME I WIN!” Rarity charged, the blade on her right arm extended, “NOT IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT!” Both yelled as their attacks collided, creating a deafening boom. No one knew what happened until the dust settled, but by then, Applejack was gone. Rarity was unconscious, but alive, and Pinkie hurried to help her. They looked around for Applejack, but all they found was a deep chasm. Is this the end of our hero?

End of Episode 6

Chapter 7: Luna

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Episode 7: Luna loosely based on the episode ‘Asuka Tachibana’

I don’t care about the past. It’s not important…just a distraction. Applebloom, Scootaloo, Fluttershy…I care about them. So STOP DOING THAT!!
Applejack sat up with a start, yelling into the darkness. “Easy, Applejack. There’s still a lot you still have to do” She looked around, straining against the shadows when a faint light shone and the air shimmered with it. A familiar shape stood before her, illuminated by the pale blue mist. “Don’t tell me…Darn it, I just don’t remember your name.” Applejack picked up her hat, brushing dust off it. The figure sighed, “It’s Luna, remember. How do you feel?” Applejack stretched, testing her body for injuries, “Good so far. What happened? How’d I get down here? Where is here, anyway?” Luna sat down, “We are in an underground cavern several feet below surface. You fell down here after a fight with Rarity, which ended with a massive explosion. You forced Rarity to reveal Zetsuei – Style Personified. An impressive feat.” Applejack yawned loudly, “This sucks.”

HOLY HQ
“As a result of this operation, we have now taken 41 Native Alters into custody. However, priority target NP-3228, alias Applejack, was not listed among them and is still missing. Given her particular personality, I personally cannot believe that she would be killed so easily, sir.” Rarity read out her report, her icy demeanour returning, though Pinkie was still…well, Pinkie. Commander Macintosh looked over the report, “Very good. Though I also have my doubts that Applejack is dead, but until we have proof either way, we shall go about our business as normal. Clear?” Rarity and Pinkie answered in unison, “Yes, sir.” When Rarity and Pinkie left, Commander Macintosh looked to his left, “How goes the plan, Sweetie Belle?”
Outside, Rarity and Pinkie discussed Applejack. “She’s definitely alive, Pinkie. I can feel it. The worst part is…maybe I want her to be alive, though I’m not sure why.” Pinkie pulled out a few cupcakes, swallowing two of them in one gulp, “Cupcake? Anyway, I’m sure it’s nothing. After all, she always comes back to you sooner or later. You make such a cute couple.” Pinkie danced away happily, giggling to herself as Rarity chased her. “There you are.” Twilight’s voice rang through the hallway. “Ms. Sparkle-” Rarity began, but Twilight held up a hoof, “Just Twilight will do. We’re friends, not strangers.” Rarity tried to maintain her professional air, despite having just thrown a cupcake at Pinkie Pie, “Twilight, then. I didn’t see you there. What are you even doing here? The medical team shouldn’t be back so soon.” Twilight held up several files on Native Alters, presumably the ones captured in the recent operation, “I got called back to do some research on the Native Alters you caught. You’re heading to interrogation?” Rarity nodded, “Yes. Then…I don’t know. Something to take my mind off things, I guess.”

Underground tunnels – Unknown location
“Looks solid, but the only way is through the water…” Luna sent out a few tendrils of mist lighting up the cavern. Applejack tapped the wall with her hoof, “What if we open up the wall? We could make a shortcut and-” “And cause a cave-in. Would’ve been a good idea, though. Ready for a swim?” Applejack blushed, and Luna noticed, “Don’t go thinking that! I’m not taking anything off!” Applejack turned away, trying to hide her face, “I wasn’t thinking that…” “Stop trying to lie. I can hear it in your voice, you pervert.” Luna ran into the water, chanting in a sing-song voice, “Applejack likes girls! Applejack likes girls!” Applejack charged after her, “Shut up, you! I’m gonna get you for this!” They came to some tunnels. “Guess we gotta crawl in there.” Luna giggled, “Shall I go first? I’ll shine some light so you get a good look.” Applejack tried to hide her blushing face, “You’re not gonna let me forget this, are you?” Luna beamed widely, “No way. Do you think this way about Rarity?” Aplejack buried her face under the water, though Luna swore she saw steam rising from the surface.

They crawled through the tunnels, stopping occasionally to figure out where they were going. “Hey, I got no light back here-OW!” Luna stopped and lit up Applejack’s surroundings, showing her what she had just bumped her head against. “Next time, I wanna get stranded somewhere sunny. Maybe a beach.” Luna shook her head, grinning slightly, “Well, we can arrange that, but you’d hate it. Since you and Rarity share a strong rivalry and all.” They came to a small hollow, big enough for them to stretch out. Luna handed Applejack some food, though it was HOLY rations and they’re not known for flavour. “Tell me, Applejack, what made you do this sort of work? Why do you risk your life like this?” Applejack stared at her right hoof for a moment, “I grew up alone, relying on no one but myself. I was always in trouble, then someone saved my stupid butt and started me on a new track. But that’s enough about me. What about you? How’d you get picked up by HOLY?” Luna ate one of the dry salty crackers, “Those were always terrible. Well…my sister always told me to follow what I believed in, but I’ve always doubted why I believe in something. I could just be so desperate to believe in something that I’ll believe in anything…” She trailed off, staring down at the ground. Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder, “Then trust your heart. Believe in yourself and make the decision that YOU believe in.” Luna thought about it for a while, seeing sense in the words, “Why are bothering to fight Rarity when you could talk her down?” Applejack shrugged, “Not sure. I fight HOLY because they’re invading our homes. But Rarity is different. I get the feeling that she’s…just like me.” “Aside from a different backstory, according to her file. But yes, ultimately, you two are so similar.”

The Inner farm
“See you tomorrow, Applebloom. Say hello to Applejack for us.” Applebloom nodded and waved goodbye as she raced home. She was worried about Applejack, even more than she usually was. She never used to take this long to do anything. Why hasn’t she come home yet? Where are you, big sis? She thought as she wrenched open the door, hoping to find Applejack waiting for her, but there was no one there. No Applejack, no Scootaloo, and Applebloom didn’t know what to do…

Underground shopping complex
The calm quiet was disturbed by a sudden explosion. When the dust cleared, Applejack and Luna stepped into the mall. “Your Alter matches you quite well. Blunt, strong, and wastes no time getting things done. Could also cause problems at times.” Applejack shrugged, “We work through it.” Luna looked around for an exit, “Should be around here somewhe-what are you doing?” Applejack held up a sealed can, “Food. If it’s good, then it’ll keep us going longer than those awful crackers.” Luna picked up a can, “Probably expired a while ago, and there’s no way to open them” A surprised yell from Applejack proved otherwise, “It’s spoiled. At least I didn’t get any on me.” Luna rolled her eyes, “Remember those problems I mentioned? This is it.” Applejack shook the gunk off her hand, “It’s not that bad.” Luna grinned, “You’re not worried at all, are you?” “Nope. Call it a ‘big sister’ instinct.” Luna set up some boxes as chairs, “Well, we can relax here for a while…I hope.” Applejack leaned back, stretching her legs out. Luna kept thinking, “Are you really the bad guy in this story? HOLY loves to believe you’re a maniac who fights for the sake of fighting. But you’re more complex than that.” Applejack sat up, “I’m fighting to bring hope to those who don’t have any. To inspire others to stand up for themselves and be strong. And to defend what I love most. That’s why I fight.”

The air shimmered as things started vanishing. Applejack and Luna stood back to back, scanning for enemies. “I don’t like this…” A huge monster appeared, charging out of the darkness towards them. They leapt out of its way, rolling to the side. “One of your HOLY friends?” Luna checked her communicator, “No, they would’ve contacted me.” Applejack charged at it, “Well, it’s between us and the exit.” Luna stayed back, concentrating her Alter, “We need a plan!” Naturally, Applejack had already started fighting, “No time!” She swung a heavy right hook, but was trapped by the creature’s tendrils. It lifted her into the air and tossed her into a wall. Luna floated up to assist Applejack, but found her grinning defiantly. “Playing hard-to-get, huh? If it wasn’t so ugly, that might be kinda hot.” “Must you joke at a time like this?” Applejack turned to Luna, “If I don’t, then it’s not fun.” Luna thought to herself, Even in a life-threatening situation, she still makes jokes? Is she really that relaxed?

“SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” Applejack shot out of the wall, straight at the creature, knocking it back and tearing off its eye. She grinned, but her small victory was short-lived as the monster’s eye regenerated. A stream of tendrils shot forward at Applejack. She dodged the first wave, but got caught by the second wave. She struggled against the creature’s grip. “LUNA! GET TO THE EXIT!” The creature slammed her into the floor as Applejack yelled in pain. “GET GOIN’, LUNA!” Luna charged down the exit tunnel. Applejack turned her attention to the creature, knowing that she was about to die…

A stream of pale blue mist surrounded the creature, severing the tendrils holding Applejack down. “NIGHTMARE MOON!” Luna landed next to Applejack. “I told you to get to the exit.” Luna helped her up, grinning as defiantly as Applejack did, “I didn’t save your butt so you could die here, and I’m not leaving without you.” They took on fighting stances, “Let’s do this!” Applejack charged, fuelled by her passion. Luna charged in behind her, forming her mist into a blade. The two worked as a team, whittling the creature down, bit by bit. As they did so, Luna kept thinking about her older sister and how much Applejack was like her, missing the finer mannerisms, of course. “ANNIHILATING SECOND BULLET!” The attack hit the creature head-on, stunning it long enough for Luna to keep it that way. “Find the source while I hold it down.” “Already done.” Applejack pointed to a dog, twitching on the floor. “You can let go now, Luna. It’s different. We’re the intruders here, and she was protecting her home. I would’ve done the same thing…” Luna kneeled down, “I’m sorry, little one. We didn’t know.” They heard a rumbling through the plaza, and the roof came crashing down. Applejack picked up the dog and her puppies and handed them to Luna, then threw a punch straight up to break the rocks. The dust cleared and they found themselves trapped again. “Well, that could’ve gone better.” Luna nodded as rays of light shone down from the sky. Applejack smiled, “But there’s always a tomorrow. They laughed as they made their way to the surface.

Outside
I was dreaming. In my dream, she came back to the sunny bright world, filled with new hope and strength. But there’s still a shadow deep in her heart and an anger that never truly went away.
“Do you really want to do this, Luna? After all, we’re friends.” Luna nodded, “Yes. I need to know…how it ends.” Applejack nodded and readied her fist, “I only have one shot left.” “Nightmare Moon is in a similar condition. So it’s an even fight.” Applejack nodded and charged, swing a punch at Luna, who dodged and swung a powerful kick. The fighting was fierce, though brief, since both combatants were at their limits. Then the air rang with Applejack’s voice… “EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” She hurtled towards Luna, who blocked the blow with Nightmare Moon, though the barrier wouldn’t hold for long. She tried to draw some power to make a blade, but Applejack shattered the shield and crashed into the ground, sending Luna flying.

“Luna? Wake up, Luna!” She stared bleary-eyed into Applejack’s face. “I lost, didn’t I?” Applejack nodded, “But you gave it your best shot. Couldn’t be prouder unless you beat me.” Applejack lifted Luna onto her shoulder, “Now, we’re gonna get you some medical attention fast. And I want you to meet Applebloom.”

HOLY HQ:
“Interesting. The plan is going well. I only hope that when it’s over…it will be worth the price I must pay.”

End of Episode 7

Chapter 8: With All Your Soul

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Episode 8: With All Your Soul Loosely based on the Episode ‘Mad Sprict’. Yes, it is actually spelled that way.

Applejack’s home
“How ya feelin’?” Applejack asked as Luna stretched out. Scootaloo, however, just sat there, partly because moving too much would cause her immense agony and also the battle several days ago. “They captured everyone, AJ. That bonehead guy, those guys who were eyeing you…even Fluttershy.” Applejack’s eyes went wise with shock, “Where’d they take them?” Luna answered, “Probably back to HOLY HQ. But I can’t get you in. They’ve revoked my clearance.” Applejack slammed her hoof on the table, “Well, there’s gotta be some way to do it! I ain’t gonna stand around doin’ nothin’ while those creeps do who-knows-what to Fluttershy!” “Sis, what are you talking about? Who’s Fluttershy?” Applebloom asked, worried about her sister. “She’s a friend who got taken by HOLY. I wanna bring her back if I can. And I’d do the same for any of you.” Applejack said with blazing determination. Applebloom raced up to Applejack, “Why do you want to risk your life like that, Sis?” “Because…no one else will.”

HOLY HQ – around 2 days later
“She’s here? Really?” Pinkie said, excitedly. “She just marched up and demanded to see the Commander about joining HOLY. I didn’t know what else to do.” The nervous pony pointed towards Applejack, who was leaning against a pillar with a blade of grass in her mouth, “Hey, show pony. Been awhile.” Rarity leapt up and pinned Applejack to the pillar, “I don’t know, nor do I care, how you survived that fall. Did you find out anything about ‘him’?” Applejack grinned at Rarity, “Remind me who ‘him’ is.” “ENOUGH!” Everyone turned as Commander Macintosh stepped into the room. “Rarity, kindly release her. If she meant us harm, she would’ve done so by now. Now why are you here NP-no…tell us all your real name.” Applejack brushed the dust off her trenchcoat as her shoulder armour started glowing again, “Name’s Applejack. Don’t know if I have a last name. And I’m here to join HOLY.” Commander Macintosh nodded, “‘Applejack’ is good enough. I am Commander Macintosh. You’ve already met Rarity and Pinkie.” Rarity rolled her eyes, “We faced each other in combat several times, and while I can vouch for her skill, I cannot vouch for her loyalty.” Applejack turned and, in the blink of an eye, had closed the distance between her and Rarity, to the point where their noses were touching (but not in a romantic way). “Are you sayin’ that I would leave HOLY without a good reason?” Rarity responded calmly, despite having been caught off guard by this stunning display of speed, “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” She shoved Applejack back, “Now, since we’re all here, let’s start the interview.”

“She’s reckless, stubborn, and highly dangerous, sir. I strongly advise against allowing her to join the force.” Rarity said, trying to change the Commander’s mind. “Seems you know everything about her, don’t you, Rarity?” Pinkie exclaimed happily, “Rarity’s in love!” She took off out the door, giggling gleefully down the hallway. “Where was I? Oh yes, she’s powerful. More powerful than we initially assumed. Keep an eye on her. And Vinyl.” Rarity paused, “We’re using her?” Commander Macintosh grinned, “Of course. We need someone who shares Applejack’s rebellious nature and who better than Vinyl Scratch?” “If you’re sure, Commander…”

“How does this thing work?” Applejack’s frustration showed as she attempted to use the computer system to search for her friends. “Try this code. Confirmation: DJ PON-3.” The computer displayed a complete list of inmates but the locations were censored. “Bummer. Guess the higher-ups decided it was top-secret. Better luck next time, sister.” Applejack turned to this pony, one wearing a heavily modified HOLY uniform and large purple sunglasses. “Yo. Name’s Vinyl Scratch. You’re Applejack, right?” Applejack nodded, “Yeah, that’s me. Glad to meet ya, I guess.” Vinyl Scratch seemed friendly, but there was something odd about it. Maybe she seemed too friendly. “Not tryin’ to upset anypony, but why are ya hangin’ around me?” Vinyl chuckled, “I got nothin’ better to do, and Commander’s orders were to introduce myself. But bad luck’s a bitch, ‘coz I gotta vanish. Sexy pony wants to talk to you.” Before Applejack could ask her what she meant, she was gone. “Applejack? What are you doing here?” “Wait, don’t tell me. I know this…Dusk?” “Twilight.” Applejack’s face hit the desk, “Darn, I ain’t good with names around here.” Twilight giggled, “Oh, don’t worry about it. Are you hungry?” Before anypony said anything, Applejack’s stomach growled. “I think that’s a ‘yes’. Come on, I’ll show you around.” Vinyl watched as Rainbow Dash came up behind her. “She’s faster than you think, Vinyl.” “That so? That makes her even hotter…” Rainbow chuckled, “Someone’s got a crush, haven’t you?” Vinyl tried to hide her blushing face, “Shut up. You’re makin’ me blush even more.” Rainbow walked off quietly, leaving a blushing Vinyl Scratch to her thoughts.

“This is the cafeteria. It’s pretty much where we hang around, and sometimes there’s something exciting going on. Usually when Pinkie’s acting like herself. Oh, and word of advice: Don’t touch Derpy’s muffins.” Twilight said, noticing Applejack take one. Applejack hastily put the muffin back before Derpy noticed. “What happens if ponies touch her muffins?” A loud yell confirmed her suspicions. “WHO TOUCHED MY MUFFINS?!” “Walk a little faster, please…”

Since recovering, Spitfire had been very much her old self, though a little more distant. Strange that they let Applejack onto the base, considering she caused so much damage and defied HOLY for so long. But why did the name haunt her like that… “No…not her!” Spitfire spotted Applejack and ducked under the table, surprising almost everybody. “Whacha doing, Trixie? Playing hide-and-seek? ‘coz that’s not a very good hiding place. We all saw you duck.” Pinkie said, oblivious to Spitfire’s intent. “I’m not hiding from everyone, just her.” She pointed to Applejack. Rarity rolled her eyes, “Trixie…Applejack is-” “So hot.” Vinyl Scratch interrupted, getting funny looks from everyone at the table. “What? She is.” Rarity facehoofed, “I’m the last sane pony left…”

“So where do we go from here?” Applejack asked, curious about the city. Twilight thought for a moment, “Well, we could look around the city. The commander’s orders were to help you acclimate to life here at HOLY. Probably why he suggested you share a room with Vinyl Scratch. I haven’t spent much time around her, but she’s a lot like you.” “Anypony need a driver?” Rainbow Dash asked, holding out a map of the city to Twilight. “Pick a spot and I’ll get us there.” Twilight supressed a groan, “No offense, but you’re not a safe driver. Do I need to bring up the first time we met?” Rainbow chuckled, “You’re lovely as ever, Ms Twinight.” “Twilight!” “Yeah, sorry about that. I’m simply looking out for you. Applejack isn’t known to be gentle.” Applejack grinned, “I was gentle with Twilight and Luna. So there.” She stuck her tongue out at Rainbow, while Twilight laughed. “You two are like sisters quarrelling. It’s so funny.” Both looked at her for a moment and started laughing themselves. Meanwhile, Rarity watched them carefully. Something about Applejack really bothered her. Maybe it was because she was stubborn, rebellious and a complete menace. Or was it because she was also kind, honest, and compassionate? Either way, Rarity couldn’t explain it. “Well, the commander said to keep an eye on her. Let’s follow them.” Vinyl leapt up, “Awesome! Count me in.”

Rainbow Dash enjoyed the drive, for the most part. Taking turns to point out the sights, though she wished that Applejack wasn’t in the car. “The entertainment section is really developed. It’s very popular with the tourists.” Applejack yawned, “That’s fascinating. Mighty relaxin’, too. Anyone know a good place to eat?” Rainbow chuckled to herself, “I can’t believe you’re still hungry.” “Well, you dragged me off before I could get anything at HOLY, Rainbow.” Twilight smiled, “There’s just one thing we need to take care of first.”

Applejack stepped out of the dressing room in an outfit that she wouldn’t otherwise be seen in. A low cut skirt, white blouse, and a pink-ish formal jacket. “I look ridiculous and I feel ridiculous…” She grumbled, as Rainbow Dash laughed, “You look fine, Jackie.” “It’s Applejack.” Twilight handed Rainbow Dash a formal outfit, “If you’re joining us, you should dress up too.” Rainbow put down the book she was reading and marched into the change room, though Applejack could’ve sworn she heard her mumble something under her breath. “What about that glove, Applejack? Is it special?” Applejack looked at her glove, but decided not to tell the story behind it. “Yeah, it’s like a reminder of something I did once.” Twilight nodded, “I understand. How’s your acting?” “Why do you say that?” Twilight proceeded to point out Applejack’s southern drawl and her rough method of operation. “You need to appear to be someone from the city. At least while we’re in the restaurant, anyway.” Applejack surprised everybody by imitating Twilight’s voice, albeit in a lower pitch and had a slight southern accent, “How’s this?” Rainbow could not resist the joke, “For someone who can’t lie, you make a wonderful actress.” If looks could kill, Applejack would’ve committed homicide with the glare she gave Rainbow. Outside, Sweetie Belle and Pinkie were watching them from the window…

“I’m sure the food is nice, but I can’t read the menu here.” Applejack sighed, closing her menu in defeat. “It’s fine. I’ll order for you if you like. Anything you don’t like?” Applejack shook her head, “Not that I know of. How long do I have to talk like this?” A familiar voice greeted them, “Hey, Applejack. Fancy seeing you here.” Vinyl Scratch walked up, wearing a very nice looking sky-blue dress that came to her knees. Applejack couldn’t help but think how beautiful she looked. “Mind if I join you?” Twilight smiled, “Of course you can join us. We were just showing Applejack around the city.” Rainbow chuckled, “The more the merrier, right? By the way, anypony notice Rarity walk in behind Vinyl?” Vinyl groaned, “They’re following Applejack to makes sure she’s not planning anything against HOLY. Rarity’s been paranoid lately.” Rainbow nodded, “Everyone ready to order?”

The day went by without tremendous event. Theme park, shopping mall, and finally, home. Or at least, for Vinyl. “I had a great time today, AJ. Shall we chill out on the couch?” Applejack blushed, trying to think of what to say, “Well…um…” Vinyl giggled, “You’re cute when you do that. Come here.” Before Applejack could respond, Vinyl kissed her on the lips. Several minutes that seemed longer passed, and Applejack tried to figure out what happened. Was this a trick by HOLY, or was Vinyl being completely honest? Hard to decide, but who cares. For the first time in a long while, Applejack could relax. Maybe…it wasn’t so bad after all. “Hey, Vinyl…what do you want to do?” She whispered in Applejack’s ear, and the orange pony’s face went bright pink (Or as close to it as one can get). “Well…ok then.” They went to the bedroom, where they stayed the whole night.

The Inner – Applejack’s house
Applebloom looked out her window, worried about Applejack. “Please be ok, Sis. Please come home soon.” Scootaloo put a comforting hoof on her shoulder, “Don’t worry. I’m sure Applejack will be ok. She won’t forget us.” Please hurry back, Scootaloo though to herself.

The next morning
Vinyl couldn’t have been happier. A wonderful day with Applejack, then a cozy night alone. It was like a dream, and it was only getting better. Except for one thing: Rarity. That pony was getting really paranoid about Applejack. Like she owned her or something. And that got on Vinyl’s nerves. She needed to loosen up. Twilight was a really nice pony, so why doesn’t Rarity hang out with her instead of spying on Applejack? “Rough night, Vinyl?” Rainbow Dash said, sitting across from her. “No, just that…well, Rarity keeps on spying on Applejack, and sayin’ stuff like because they’re both strong that only Rarity gets to fight Applejack. What if AJ doesn’t wanna fight?” Rainbow grinned, “There it is. You’re in love.” Vinyl blushed, “N-no, it’s…well…” “I’m not judgin’ ya. Just making an observation. But what one needs to know about Rarity is that she’s so devoted to her cause that she makes no time for anything else. And that can be dangerous for everypony.”
Applejack charged in, dressed in her usual attire minus her trenchcoat. “Anypony seen my coat?” Rarity smirked, “No idea what you mean.” Derpy swallowed her muffin, “Did ya lose it?” “Yeah.” “That’s too bad. It was an awesome coat.” Applejack finally asked the question everypony never dared to ask, “No offence meant, but what happened to your eyes?” Derpy froze, unsure of whether she was concerned or just being mean. But she answered truthfully, “It’s a medical condition. Non-contagious and it doesn’t affect my performance. Why?” Applejack shrugged, “Just curious. Did I sound mean?” Pinkie sat down beside Rarity, “No, but Derpy gets touchy about her eyes and her muffins.” Applejack nodded, “I’ll remember that. Anyone seen my trenchcoat?” Pinkie thought for a moment, then said, “I think I saw it in the trash this morning. No idea how it got there, but it’ll be long gone by now.” The look on Applejack’s face was like someone told her a very bad joke. Rarity spoke up, “You’ve got rules to study. I suggest you get to it. You can always get Rainbow or Twilight to help you.”

“You think that was funny, Rarity? Throwing her coat in the trash?” Vinyl said angrily. Rarity maintained her usual cold stare, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “You know damn well what I’m talking about! And don’t deny it. Sweetie Belle saw you do it.” Rarity paused, “Applejack is the enemy, and it doesn’t matter which side she’s on.” Vinyl glared at Rarity, “I don’t care. Leave her alone. Got it?” Rarity glared back, “And if I don’t?” “Then you’ll answer to me.” Rarity scoffed and walked off. Vinyl turned around and walked back to the cafeteria. She thinks she’s so cool, Vinyl thought to herself.

Applejack yawned loudly, though at this point, she has no other volume setting for the action. Pinkie and Twilight were doing their best to teach her the rules, but most of what Applejack got was things she worked out herself. “Are we done yet?” Pinkie clapped her hooves together near Applejack’s ear, “No no no no no. There’s still a few more minutes to go. Omigosh, I forgot! I have to plan your welcome party! Gotta go. See you soon.” In one blinding moment, she was gone. “Is she always like that?” Twilight nodded, “Except for the first time I met her, yes.” Applejack shook her head, “Oh pony feathers…”

The welcome party
Applejack stared in awe as the Vinyl led her into the hall. Part was for dining, another part for dancing. “What do ya think, sweety?” Vinyl asked, gently pushing Applejack forwards. “It’s nice, but I feel a bit…underdressed.” Applejack said, pointing out the outfit Vinyl bought for her: A cropped top and tight, but flexible jeans. Vinyl giggled, “You’ll get used to it. By the way, I got you a present.” “Really?” “Yep.” Vinyl handed Applejack a wrapped package, which she opened right away. It was a slimmer longcoat similar to her old one, but cleaner and with sturdier armour on the shoulders. “Fashion and function all in one. Do you like it?” Applejack hugged Vinyl tightly, though not so tight as to hurt her. “I love it. Thanks so much.” They smiled at one another before making their way to the buffet. Rarity watched from a booth nearby. “No wonder why she said to leave Applejack alone.” “It’s so cute, isn’t it?” Rarity looked towards Pinkie in surprise, “Why do you keep doing that?” Pinkie looked thoughtful for a moment, then beamed happily, “Because I can.”

“Want to hear so really cool music?” Vinyl asked. Applejack nodded, “Sure.” “Wait right here.” Sure enough, as Applejack waited, Vinyl Scratch appeared on stage and the air shimmered around her. Her gloves vanished and a very exotic DJ table appeared in front of her. “Let’s get this party started!” As she powered up the DJ table and got the music spinning, Applejack felt a surge of power flow through her, as if the music was affecting her Alter and making it stronger. It was like a wave, thriving in the beat of the techno music, ebbing and flowing as the music got louder. She was like a goddess on the stage, and ponies couldn’t help but dance to her tune. How did she do it?

Vinyl smiled at Applejack, who sat there, entranced by the music. “I still got it…” She whispered to herself as her Alter vanished and she bowed to the audience. Backstage, Rainbow Dash was waiting. “You didn’t use it on Jackie, did ya?” “No! Well…” “Be careful about using your Alter on her. She may not be the brightest, but she catches on very quick. Just giving out some friendly advice.” Vinyl returned to her seat next to Applejack, “What did you think?” “Beautiful. Didn’t know you were an Alter User yourself, though.” Vinyl smiled, “I was saving it for a special occasion…” She kissed Applejack on the cheek, “Like tonight.”

Rainbow Dash grinned as Rarity got more and more frustrated. “It’s time to face it, Rarity. You’re jealous.” “Me? Jealous? Why?” “Jackie and Vinyl are clearly into each other, but you’ve crossed paths with her most often. Jackie also represents a threat to your status and personal order, considering that she is more chaotic, probably why those two get along so well.” Rarity scoffed, “Now you’re spitting nonsense.” Rainbow laughed, “So you say, but how often have I been right? Hmm?”

The next morning

If there was one thing to be glad for, it was the gym and the showers. Applejack hadn’t felt so clean since forever, even though she was covered in sweat after a strenuous workout. Even Derpy kept herself in shape, despite the massive amount of muffins she ate on a regular basis. “Hey, Show pony. What’s wrong? You’ve been avoiding me since I got here.” Rarity kept her cool, despite her patience being strained to breaking point, “There’s one last thing we need to do. It’s sort of a trial by combat. Are you up for it?” Then…she had the one thing Rarity hated most. Her defiant grin. “Bring it, Ice Queen.”

“The rules are simple. Land a winning hit in the target zone, highlighted on our armour to score a point. The match is over when the timer hits zero. The board will display the score. Oh, and no Alters. This is a game, after all.” Rarity said. Twilight stood by the board, “I’ll judge from up here. Are you both ready?” “Yes.” Came the answer from both ponies. Twilight sounded the horn to begin, and the timer counted down from 5 minutes.

“Commander, how long do you want us to keep doing this?” Vinyl asked. Commander Macintosh knew why she asked, but decided to ask anyway. “Why do you ask, Ms Scratch.” “Because…the plan is caving in around me. I got too attached the first time, and now…well, you probably already know.” “I expected this to happen, actually. Do you know what happened to Luna?” Vinyl thought hard for a moment, “All we know is that she disappeared-” “Under my orders, and now, Applejack will be receiving similar orders. There’s something big on the way, and I don’t like it. But I can’t tell you any more than that. Otherwise, it could undermine my entire plan.” Vinyl seemed outraged, “What are you planning, Commander?” He grinned, “Something that will either see us destroyed or set Alter Users free. Applejack and Rarity are the wild cards that this whole plan hinges upon, and it won’t work without them. You are free to act as you see fit. However, you must keep Applejack moving forwards, always. I’m trusting you with one of the most important pieces of the puzzle here.” “What about the Native Alters we captured? Where are they going?” “To the Mainland.”

Applejack and Rarity traded blows, blocking, dodging, ducking and weaving. Both looking for an opening, then Applejack saw her chance, leaping forward with powerful legs and swung her fists, landing a blow to Rarity’s arm and chest. “Impressive. Who knew you had such cunning.” Rarity responded with a series of blows aimed at Applejack’s face, diverting to her chest and legs when she blocked. “It’s one-all, Show pony. Stop holding back.” Applejack rushed forwards, spinning around with a kick. Rarity leapt up and came down with a kick of her own, which Applejack avoided. “Can’t fight without your Alter?” “Quit taunting me, ‘coz it don’t work.” Applejack managed a hit to Rarity’s stomach, knocking her back. “It just gets me a point.” Rarity grinned, “It. Is. On!” She leapt up and launched a rapid-fire series of attacks, which Applejack avoided narrowly, the last kick just clipping her side. “You’ll never beat me at this rate.” Rarity paused, and no one saw what was coming next…

No one knew what happened to Rarity to make her snap like that, but somehow Applejack did. The air shimmered around her and she formed her Alter directly at stage two. “Style Personified!” She yelled, as the right hand blade extended. With lightning speed she struck at Applejack, a blow that she only narrowly dodged without being given a really short haircut. “I hate to break the rules, but I gotta do this.” The air shimmered around Applejack as well as her armour disintegrated, showing her casual clothes underneath. Her right arm became encased in the familiar gold armour of her Alter. “Rarity, what the hay is wrong with you? This is just a game, isn’t it?!” Rarity wasn’t listening, and the look on her face was one of madness. “Guess I’ll hafta beat some sense into you.”

Vinyl couldn’t believe it. Rarity was actively trying to kill Applejack. She couldn’t stand for it. As always when Alters are summoned, the air shimmered, and Vinyl had a large cannon-like structure attached to her arm. She leapt forward, landing between Applejack and Rarity with the cannon pointed at Rarity. “BASS CANNON!” She yelled, as a loud BOOM blasted Rarity backwards. “AJ, your friends are in an air transport headed for the Mainland. It hasn’t left yet, so there’s still some time. I’ll buy you some time.” Applejack nodded and gave Vinyl one last kiss, “Thank you for everything. Hope to see you again, Vinyl Scratch.” Vinyl blushed as Applejack sprinted away. She turned back to Rarity, “Now for you…”

“So far, it’s going well. But I expected Rarity to be here…” “She couldn’t make it.” Commander Macintosh turned to face Applejack. “Ah, Applejack. How are you finding life here?” “No time for questions like that. Where are my friends? The Native Alters you captured days ago. WHERE ARE THEY?!” Applejack yelled. “You just missed them. But I have new orders for you. Return to the Inner. That’s where you are needed most. Any connection you have to HOLY will be classified, as will Miss Scratch’s. Effectively, you will become a rouge agent.” “Why?” Commander Macintosh looked stern, “Please trust me. If not for my sake, then for Vinyl Scratch.” Applejack looked towards the sky, “There’s a storm comin’…”

End of Episode 8

Chapter 9: Shine Brighter, My Fist

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Episode 9: Shine Brighter, My Fist Loosely based on the Episode ‘Shell Bullet’.

HOLY HQ – Rarity’s Personal Quarters
Rarity stared at her reflection in the mirror. It had been a few days since Applejack and Vinyl Scratch disappeared, and Rarity felt like she was falling apart. Perhaps this was a sign of things to come. A strange thought crept into Rarity’s mind: Her behaviour, her increasingly bad attitude, and her violent outburst. It all occurred after Vinyl Scratch began to hang around Applejack. “No. Was I…jealous? Why?”

Undisclosed Location – The Inner
“They got everyone… It’s just like all those times…” Scootaloo said, while Luna covered her ears, whispering to Vinyl, “Emo time…” Applejack rolled her eyes, but said nothing. Scootaloo continued, “Nothing ever goes our way-” “-Except that time Applejack escaped from HOLY.” Luna cut in. Vinyl looked up, “How’d you do it? I was on duty that day.” “Are you guys even listening to me?!” Scootaloo asked. Vinyl waved a hoof at Scootaloo. “Moan moan moan, bitch bitch bitch. That’s all I hear from you.” Applejack giggled, “Vinyl 1, Scootaloo 0.” Scootaloo looked at Applejack indignantly, though she appeared to be truly hurt by this. “Whose side are you on?” “Hers,” Applejack said, pointing in Vinyl’s direction, “Yes, things are bad. Yes, HOLY wins most of the time. And NO, whining about ain’t gonna change a damn thing, Scootaloo. You may not have an Alter, but you have a brain. Use it.” Scootaloo and Luna looked at Applejack in surprise. She sounded unusually confident, even by Applejack standards. It was almost inspiring…until Vinyl decided to join in. “You’re soooo hot when you’re determined.” “And the magic’s gone,” Luna quipped while Scootaloo sniggered to herself.

HOLY HQ – Observation and Secondary Recreational Room
Twilight was trying to figure all of this out. According to what little data she could recover last time she tried snooping, Applejack had not been removed from the records. There were rumours that Luna was still in HOLY’s employ, but she hadn’t been seen for some time. It was all very suspicious. And Commander Macintosh would know about it. Hopefully…

“Pinkie, new orders. We’re to report to the Southwest area tomorrow at 0800. We’ve been assigned Derpy, the Guards, and-” A high-pitched voice cut Rarity off as a pink-ish pony with the most ridiculously designed HOLY uniform ever charged up beside her, bearing a smug expression that would make one wish to melt her into tiny little atoms. “Diamond Tiara? Oh no…” Pinkie said as she put down her playing cards. “What’s wrong, Pinkie? Afraid I’ll get in the way?” Diamond Tiara said mockingly. Pinkie grinned, though it was more in a pained way; even Pinkie, who usually gets along with anyone who can tolerate her, couldn’t stand Diamond Tiara. “Not at all. I’m more worried that I’ll accidentally save you.”

The Inner Farm
Applejack had been thinking for a while. As she sat there, watching, a thought came to mind: The Everfree Forest. Rumours say it’s the source of Alter power, but it was never the same as the rest of Equestria, even before the Great Uprising. Maybe there, Applejack will find what she’s looking for.

Luna sipped her tea carefully, noting the tension in the room. With just her, Vinyl and Scootaloo, the tension was so thick, it was almost hard to breathe. They heard the door open and everyone bolted, raising defensive implements. “Watch where you point those things. Do ya want them to come bangin’ on the door now?” Applejack said as she was greeted by the barrels of Scootaloo’s guns, Vinyl’s Bass Cannon and Luna’s Nightmare Moon. Scootaloo breathed a sigh of relief and put away her guns while Vinyl went to hug Applejack, an act that never failed to amuse Applebloom, who walked in with Applejack. “Awww, that’s so cute,” Applebloom said with a giggle as she started cooking, “It’s about time you settled down a bit, AJ. All this runnin’ around you do will get you killed one day.” As if on cue, Vinyl squeezed tighter, “No one’s gonna hurt her. Not while I’m here.” By this time, Applejack had given up struggling or fighting off her feelings towards Vinyl. “I’m so glad I’ve got you here, Vinyl.” Before they kissed, Scootaloo averted her gaze, “Could ya do that someplace else? I’m still here-” Luna sharply cut her off, “Be silent. After this morning’s performance, you should be lucky we’re acknowledging that you exist.” “Talk about cold…” Luna scoffed, “Then you shouldn’t insult me because I was with HOLY.” Vinyl grinned, “And they make more money than you, Scootaloo.” Applejack laughed. Best to enjoy the good times while they can.

HOLY HQ – Twilight’s Quarters
Twilight had been busy. She found the official records of Applejack, Vinyl Scratch and Luna deleted, along with any trace of the Native Alters and their destination. A buzz on the intercom informed her of a visitor. “I wonder who that is.” She got up and peered through a tiny hole in her door. It was Rarity. She hurriedly put on a jacket over her casual attire and went to greet Rarity. “Twilight. Am I interrupting anything?” Rarity said, her voice calm. “No. Would you like to come in?” Rarity shuddered, “I’d like to keep any memory of tonight if possible. And I will be leaving for the Southwest area for a few days.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed, “It’s about Applejack, isn’t it?” “Yes. A rogue agent is dangerous, and I feel a strange connection to her, like…” Rarity trailed off. Twilight seemed puzzled, “It’s a poor example, but this usually happens in romance novels, but less violent.” “How did you-” Rarity began, but Twilight held up her hoof, “I’m not stupid, Rarity. And I’m not blind. I can see that there’s a certain attraction that Applejack has and you’ve latched onto it. But the thing is, you don’t know how to react to it, and that’s what is driving you crazy, isn’t it?” Rarity scoffed, “Me? Attracted to Applejack? That psychotic lunatic who doesn’t seem to care about anypony?” Twilight grinned mischievously, “Wouldn’t think it, would you?”
Applejack’s house – The Inner
Applebloom raced frantically through the house, calling for Applejack. She checked Applejack’s room, but only fond Vinyl. “Has anypony seen Applejack? She’s supposed to help me today.” Vinyl groaned as she got up, and stretched. “She vanishes just like that, huh? I wish she told me where she’s goin’.” Applebloom sighed, “You and me both…”

Unknown location – Presumably the road to the Everfree Forest
“Yo, Applejack! What are you doin’ all the way out here?” Scootaloo called as she drove up on a new car, which has a life expectancy of around 16 seconds from the start of the next fight scene. “The reason I didn’t tell nopony where I was goin’ is so they don’t follow me. So go away, Scootaloo. This is somethin’ I gotta do.” Scootaloo growled under her breath, “Friends don’t leave friends hangin’. I’m not like that, you’re not like that, so get in the car and I’ll take you to wherever you’re goin’.” Applejack shook her head and grinned, “Then get me to the Everfree Forest as fast as ya can.”

“Are you sure you wanna go in there alone, AJ? I can go back and get Luna or Vinyl-” “How many times do I gotta say it? I don’t need no help from nopony!” Applejack said as she leapt off the edge of the cliff, the air shimmering all around her as her Alter formed. Scootaloo called out to her, “FINE! GET YOURSELF KILLED! SEE IF I CARE!” She walked back to the car, and looked back, “I’d actually care a lot…”

Applejack ran down the cliff face, slamming her fist against the wall and launching herself into the air fist first. “Let’s see if this power really exists. If it does…” She braced for impact with the ground. “I need to be strong for them. Scootaloo, Luna, Vinyl and Applebloom. HERE I COME!” The ground erupted into a huge dust cloud as Applejack landed and shot out of the cloud, spitting out dirt as she went. “Nasty…”

HOLY Transport – En Route to the Southwest district
This was awkward and highly uncomfortable. While Rarity got to brood on her life, the Guards were always silent, and Derpy got to retreat into her own little world where everything is muffins, Pinkie had no escape from Diamond Tiara, then she did the forbidden act; She touched Derpy’s muffins. “HANDS OFF! YOU WANT MUFFINS, MAKE YOUR OWN!” She yelled at the top of her voice. Pinkie laughed as they argued back and forth about the muffins, but it was still a looooooooong trip…

HOLY HQ – Central Database
Twilight tried logging into the Mainland’s data systems, but something blocked her all the time. Her screen flickered and died. Someone was coming, and he didn’t look happy. “She’s with me. You can go about your business.” An all too familiar voice sounded just behind Twilight. She turned around to see Rainbow Dash standing right behind her, with a big grin on her face. “Thank you,” Twilight said gratefully. Rainbow winked, “Anytime, Twinight.” Twilight’s face hit the desk so fast, it was virtually instant. “It’s Twilight…” Rainbow’s reply was genuinely remorseful, though perhaps overdone. “I’ve really gotta memorize that…Sorry.”

The Everfree Forest
The problem with the Everfree forest isn’t the dirty colours, as in even for a forest. It’s not the humidity, either. It’s the wildlife. Each one is an Alter User, and they were currently throwing everything they had at Applejack, who was less than pleased about the amount of resistance. “I ain’t turnin’ back! Fightin’ you guys hurts me more than you, but you did ask for it.” She threw a heavy punch at the nearest Alter, disabling it. As two more came up, she sprinted between them, using her fist to throw up a dust cloud, which she dashed through, escaping the horde of angry Alters and Alter User animals behind her. “Y’know…I think there was somethin’ like this in a video game. Somethin’ about fantasy? Ah never mind. Nearly there.”

Applejack panted heavily. She fought her way through three or four more waves of Animal Alters and walked a looooong way. And now she was finally here. The middle of the Forest, where it was said that one could find the pure power of Alter there. As she looked around, taking in the sights, a blast of thunder knocked her off balance, throwing her against a tree. Applejack got back up and opened her eyes. It was definitely an Alter, but it looked different. Wait? A black right arm and a white left arm?

HOLY HQ
“There. Last one gone.” Twilight said victoriously. Rainbow Dash nodded, “So, whacha gonna do with the intel?” “I don’t know. But there’s one more thing. Do you know what happened to the-” Rainbow cut Twilight off quickly, “I know a lot of things. We’re all players in a grand game. But not everyone wins. As far as the superiors are concerned, the moment they can replace us, we become expendable. It’s a cynical way of looking at it, but it’s there.” Twilight stared at Rainbow, thinking of what to do. If what Rainbow said was true, then she should start making contingency plans. Depending on who’s calling the shots, things could get ugly.

The Everfree Forest…again
Applejack jumped towards the Alter, aiming for its horn. She slammed her fist into the Alter’s flank, knocking it back, and it remained silent. Then, it let out a low mournful sound, sort of like: ‘Ooooooooooooooooooh.’ Applejack leapt up and attacked from the air, “Try this one! SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” She shot forward, slamming fist first into the Alter, breaking apart the scenery around them. While the dust was still in the air, Applejack followed up with another attack. “ANNIHILATING SECOND BULLET!” She charged again, though this time she was blocked by a barrier of pure light. “THAT AIN’T GONNA STOP ME! EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” The combined force of both Bullets shattered the barrier, launching Applejack straight through and into a tree. She leapt down, holding a portion of the Alter’s horn. “Not so tough, are ya?” The Alter spread its wings and the horn began to glow. Applejack screamed in pain as a white-hot pain surged through her arm, like someone just injected the sun itself into her veins. Every Alter could feel it all over the Lost Ground, and a pure white flash illuminated the sky.

When it was over, Applejack stared at her arm. It had changed. Where before it was golden and ended in red, now it had more ornate armour and a larger pauldron on her shoulder, with a single golden wing and a glowing red stripe running up her arm. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the goggles Scootaloo gave her while they were driving. They had become part of the Alter, a pair of golden shades with a bladed design on the right side. She laughed madly, “Now we’re talking.” Applejack put on her new shades and held her fist in front of her as her wing extended. “More power…” She started sprinting towards the Alter, he fist glowing brightly. “SHINE BRIGHTER, MY FIST!” Almost without any effort required, she flapped her wing, propelling her to a speed she never dreamed she could reach, slamming her fist into the Alter as it let out its mournful wail. A bright light flashed and it was gone. Applejack grinned, “Guess it didn’t cut it…” She stopped as the pain shot through her arm again. “What the…” She let out a scream of pain, and given the intensity, can one blame her? Still, somehow she managed to stumble out of the forest. Then, she blacked out…

“APPLEJACK?! Are you ok, Applejack?” Her vision was blurry, but she could make out the shape of Scootaloo’s face just as Vinyl Scratch shoved her out of the way. “Are you ok, sweetie? Come on, say something!” Applejack raised her hand triumphantly, “I…got it.”

Elsewhere…
“I see… Interesting. My plan is progressing further than I thought. Her Alter is quite interesting, too. Continue to monitor them. The time will come.”

End of Episode 9

Chapter 10: Desperation

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Episode 10: Desperation Loosely based on the Episode ‘Super Pinch’

“It’s been a while since we spent some time together, AJ.” Applebloom said as she stared out over the hills. The Lost Ground had its moments of beauty and this was one of them. The green grass was fragrant and soft. Applejack had been far too tense lately. She thought to herself about how she had spent more time fighting and not enough time with the ponies she cared about. “I’ve been a bad sister lately, haven’t I?” Applejack said, stretching out on the grass. Applebloom giggled, “Maybe. But you’re there when we need you most.” “That’s true.” Applebloom looked up at the sky, “Have you heard the rumours about people from the city coming here?” “Yeah. I hope things don’t get ugly,” Applejack grinned, “But you’ve got me. And I won’t let anything happen to you.”

An Inner Village
Rarity and Pinkie strolled down the street, ignoring the angry glares and whispered curses from the Inner Ponies. Everyone was waiting for the first move, and it came from an unexpected source. A young colt ran up to Rarity, yelling at her. “We don’t need you here, HOLY! Go away!” He tossed a rock, which Rarity caught effortlessly. As the foal’s mother pleaded for Rarity to forgive them, the air shimmered and Zetsuei materialised. Then the building to Rarity’s right exploded. “Why do you hide, criminal scum? You obviously felt no need to respect the law before now.” Pinkie laughed, “What changed?” Rarity barely left them a chance to respond, “If you had any dignity or righteousness, you’d act like this little colt here. You will atone for your crimes by serving time!” She didn’t bother using Zetsuei, and just struck the nearest criminal in the gut, adding in a menacing tone, “Are we clear?”

Applejack’s house – several hours later
“How’s your arm, sweetie?” Vinyl asked as she cuddled up to Applejack. “It’s still a bit sore, but I’ll live…” Her voice trailed off as Vinyl started kissing her. “I know you like this.” Applejack blushed, but said nothing, instead leaning back as Vinyl climbed on top of her. “Shall we?” Applejack nodded slowly. Vinyl grinned as she lifted Applejack’s shirt, slowly kissing down her chest…then Luna barged in. “Applejack, I’ve got-oh, you’re busy…”

“HAVEN’T YOU HEARD OF KNOCKING?! SERIOUSLY, LUNA!” Applebloom looked up from whatever she was doing to see Luna being chased down the stairs by an irate Vinyl Scratch. “I’m sorry! But I have something important for Applejack!” “WELL, IT CAN WAIT!” Vinyl yelled. Scootaloo shook her head, “There goes the afternoon…”

About an hour later, Applejack wandered down the stairs. Her hair was messy and her face was still the same shade of reddish-pink it had been when Luna barged in. “Well…that was awkward. And we were really enjoying ourselves, too.” Scootaloo stood up, absent-mindedly toying with her car keys, “You just had a shower?” “Three. What’ve you and Luna heard?” “Too much. Rumours and truth are so close these days it’s hard to tell.” Applejack turned to face Scootaloo, holding an apple in her hoof. “Then think of everything you’ve heard and tell me the third one.” Scootaloo grinned, “Yeah, that sound like something you’d do, doesn’t it?” “If you’re going out there, I’m going with.” Vinyl walked down the stairs, dressed in a skintight shirt and loose jeans. She lifted her sunglasses and winked at Applejack, “Like what you see, sweetie?” Applejack turned away, trying to hide her blushing face, prompting Scootaloo to laugh as Applebloom walked in the room. “That’s so cute, Applejack. She’s trying to be shy.” Applejack turned to Scootaloo, “Why are you doing this?” Scootaloo shrugged, “Hey, Applebloom, I gotta borrow Applejack and Vinyl for a while. Hope you don’t mind.” Applebloom shook her head, “Be careful, and make sure they come home safe.”

A few hours later
Luna tried in vain to reason with the ponies at the information booth, assuming you could still call it that. “Was HOLY here? That’s all I want to know.” “I ain’t sayin’ nothin’.” Just as Luna was about to lose her temper, Scootaloo drove up. “What took you so long?” Vinyl and Applejack said nothing. “I see. Help me out here. I can’t get anything out of them.” Vinyl grabbed one of the old ponies by his shirt and spoke in a low menacing tone. “Listen here. You’re gonna tell me exactly what my friend wants to know, and if you don’t I’ll smear you across the wall with this desk.” She took off her sunglasses, showing her eyes glowing faint red. “Do we understand each other?” They met with very little resistance from there. “Try by the old church.” Vinyl put her sunglasses back on and dropped him, “Thanks. You’ve been real helpful.” When she got back in the car, Applejack voiced what everyone had been thinking, “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

The scene at the church was an interesting one. A bunch of little foals had gathered around a pony dressed in a HOLY uniform as she was handing out toys. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry. That’s the last of them. But I’ll have more to give out tomorrow.” A unified call of ‘Awww’ sounded from the young ponies. “You promise?” She gave the little filly her tiara, “If not, you get to keep that.” She turned to Applejack and friends, “Well hello there. You’re Applejack?” Applejack nodded, “Eeyup. And you would be?” She bowed low, though in a mocking manner, “I am Diamond Tiara, a member of HOLY.” “I can tell by the outfit. I want to know why you’re here.” The foals looked worried, as a fight was going to break out. “Maybe we should talk elsewhere, where it won’t upset these sweet little angels.” “Excuse while breakfast comes up for an encore…” She quipped. Everypony noticed the slightly annoyed expression on Diamond Tiara’s face. “I shall return tomorrow with more toys, but for now, I must go and speak with these ladies. Goodbye for now, my friends.”

“So, what did you wanna talk about?” Applejack said as she leaned against ruined bridge. Diamond Tiara just said, “They say you left HOLY after a fight with Rarity. To be honest, I don’t see why you’re so important, but then, Rarity has an unusual fixation on you.” Vinyl scoffed, “Bitch is just jealous, is all.” “Whatever the reason, Applejack, since you showed up, everything has turned to Chaos, and I can’t have that. Also, I doubt you’ve told your friends that there are rumours that you’re still on HOLY’s payroll.” Scootaloo looked at Applejack in surprise, “And when were you gonna tell me this, Applejack?” “Classified orders from the Commander. I don’t know how or why, but my instincts say to trust him.” Diamond Tiara laughed, “So the rumours ARE true. You’re operating out here as an Agent of HOLY.” Applejack couldn’t hold it back anymore. She hated this pony. Diamond Tiara… She was just like that puffed-up princess Rarity. “Shut up!” She struck Diamond Tiara in the gut, and landed another hit across the face. “You think just because I’m technically still a member of HOLY that I won’t fight you? And for the record, I’m providing for my friends and family. Something you may not understand. I don’t agree with what HOLY is doing, and Commander Macintosh knows it.” Diamond Tiara grinned, spitting out blood, “Then why hold back? If the only thing that really changed was where you get your money, then why are you holding back?” Applejack hit her three more times, each one faster than the last. “Because until you open your mouth, you’re not worth fighting.” A quick uppercut launched her backwards. “Is that it? Is that all the great Applejack has to offer?” Applejack hit her again and again, but all it seemed to do was excite Diamond Tiara more. “Please, harder…HIT ME HARDER!” Applejack pushed her down, “You’re just getting off on this aren’t you?” Diamond Tiara laughed madly, like a lunatic. “Yes! I love it when ponies hurt me like this. It fells sooooooooooooo wonderful!” The air shimmered as Applejack formed her Alter. “Let’s see how you like this.” She hit Diamond Tiara hard, sending her into a nearby boulder.

“This is absolutely wonderful! Priceless!” Diamond Tiara kept laughing like a manic, drunk on her own pleasure and maddened by the pain she relished so much. Vinyl Scratch called out to Applejack, “She’s only going to enjoy anything you do to her! That said, put the bitch outta her misery!” Applejack kept fighting, hitting Diamond Tiara hard and fast, pushing her back slowly but surely. Applejack threw one quick heavy punch, knocking Diamond Tiara towards the cliff. “Get up, bitch.” But Diamond Tiara stopped, almost paralysed. “Cliff…” “What was that? Where’s your mad laughter now?” the air shimmered around Diamond Tiara as she resumed her mad laughing, “Wonderful! Fantastic! Absolutely delectable!” Applejack looked around, then got blindsided by a dark shape. What was it?

HOLY HQ
“Sir, Ms Sparkle is here to see you.” “Send her in.” Twilight walked in as Commander Macintosh sat down at his desk. “How can I help you, Ms Sparkle?” “Why did you hide this, Commander?” “How did you find out?” Twilight began explaining, until Commander Macintosh stopped her, “What did you hope to gain?” Twilight simply said, “The truth.”

The Inner – Undisclosed Location
Applejack got up, her eyes filled with fierce determination and hatred. Hatred she felt for only two others… “You think that’s funny?” Diamond Tiara giggled, her mind so far gone into insanity that she hadn’t stopped smiling. “My turn,” She said in a disturbing sing-song voice as the dark shape revealed itself. It was a wolf-shaped construct, slightly resembling a robot from an old comic Vinyl Scratch had read once. Applejack looked more determined than ever. She sprinted towards Diamond Tiara, as she sent her wolf-mech to attack. Applejack slammed it into the ground, leaping off it towards Diamond Tiara. “Try this. SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” An explosion rocked the landscape, throwing up a huge dust cloud. “More…MORE…GIVE ME MORE!” Diamond Tiara screamed out. Luna groaned as she helped Scootaloo up, “Applejack! Have you tried talking her down?” Vinyl shook her head, “Too late for that. She’s too far gone.” “NOT AGAIN!” Scootaloo yelled. Applejack dashed out, followed by Diamond Tiara holding a katana of sorts. “Your Alter takes the form of whatever you think will hurt people most, and give you the most pleasure in doing it.” “Yes, so clever. Don’t worry, I’ll have you preserved nicely.” Applejack ducked under the blade and hit Diamond Tiara in the gut, “Sick bitch! ANNIHILATING SECOND BULLET!” She propelled both into the cliffface beside them, and before Diamond Tiara could recover, Applejack fired again. “EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” Another dust cloud erupted, and Applejack was thrown back, landing heavily. “Again, and again and again! HAHAHAHAHAHA! I LIVE FOR THESE MOMENTS!” Applejack got back up, and everyone saw the look in her eyes, a look of pure unrivalled hatred and anger, almost like this wasn’t Applejack. Like it was a wild beast wearing her skin. “Then, I’ll just break you apart.” She tried reaching for the power she gained in the Everfree Forest, but it wasn’t there. “Lost something? Let me help you find it!”

Diamond Tiara slammed Applejack into the rock and pinned her there with a katana through her right shoulder. She laughed as Applejack screamed with pain. “Sorry. Was that your fighting arm? Aren’t you enjoying this? ‘COZ I AM!” Applejack struggled to pull the blade out, but it was wedged in deep. “Maybe I chose the wrong pressure point...I know.” She grabbed Vinyl Scratch, pinning her arms behind her back so she couldn’t use her Alter. “I can’t have you ruining the surprise-” The air shimmering caught them off guard as the Katana vanished, broken down into particles. “Hands off her. Keep your hands off my girlfriend!” Everyone watched in awe as Applejack’s Alter advanced to Stage Two. Her visor materialised over her eyes and the lens slid back. “This is the second stage of my Alter,” the golden wing grew from her shoulder armour, “And now I know how to use it. All thanks to you. Now, let go of my girlfriend.” Diamond Tiara giggled madly, though the sick happiness was lost. Instead, she was empty. She had lost. “Very well, then.” She pushed Vinyl Scratch towards Applejack, who caught her easily. “Time to say adieu, I think.” Applejack turned towards Diamond Tiara, “Not likely. Shine…Shine brighter…SHINE BRIGHTER, WING BULLET!” She all but flew at Diamond Tiara, blasting a hole in the cliff wall. When the dust settled, Applejack was the only one there. Luna, Scootaloo and Vinyl Scratch gathered around her, anxious to see if she was ok. “Applejack? Are you ok, sweetie?” Vinyl asked. Applejack turned towards them, her Alter fading away. “I beat her. But I think I overdid it…” She fell forwards, unconscious. The others scrambled to get her up, and realizing that they don’t have a car, they hurried to find one and get Applejack home.

HOLY HQ
“How can you do this? The public has a right to know-” “Ms Sparkle, if you would stop and think harder about this, I am doing what I must for the future of the Lost Ground. And this plan must succeed. I don’t like it any more than you do, but it must happen. I will pay whatever price I must, but I would not do this if I didn’t believe in it.” Commander Macintosh made one swift motion, and the room went dark. Twilight looked worried, afraid of what was about to happen. “I need your help, Ms Sparkle. Are you willing to do what is necessary? Even if it means leaving HOLY?”

End of Episode 10

Chapter 11: Secrets

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Episode 11: Secrets Episodes 11 and 12 of s.CRY.ed were kinda boring, so I compiled them with Episode 13. Sorry if it’s bad

Twilight awoke in a dark cell, unable to remember what happened previously. All she knew was that she had learned the truth about HOLY, but nothing more. She had been a pawn in a game, exactly as Rainbow Dash had said. But where would it end? How long before things finally see the end?

HOLY HQ – Commander Macintosh’s Office
“Make sure the records regarding Twilight Sparkle are sealed and deleted. It’s essential if we are to succeed.” Commander Macintosh said as he mused on current events. “So, she actually did it. She found the place where two worlds meet. But she still has so much left to learn…”

Unknown Location – Somewhere on top of a bridge
“Wind, temperature, humidity, awesomeness: Check.” Rainbow Dash turned her back towards the city and lowered her sunglasses, grinning to herself. “Shall we dance?” She fell backwards over the edge, the air shimmering and the sound barrier forming around her. Then the ground exploded and a rainbow coloured streak shot towards HOLY HQ at incredible speed, almost vaporising the wall of Twilight’s cell. “Oh darn, I did it again. Time to switch to decaf, I think.” She turned to a scared-looking Twilight, and lifted her glasses. “Hey there, Twinight.” “I-it’s Twilight.”

Applebloom dreamed again that night. This time, though, it was like her hero’s memories, showing what that pony had been through. Rarity was dreaming of something similar, trying to figure out why she was so attracted to Applejack. Why she reacted so strongly to anything relating to that pony. Without warning, she sat bolt upright and screamed into the darkness. “APPLEJACK!”

Applejack’s house
Almost as if she heard a million voices calling her back, Applejack’s eyes flashed open. Luna glanced over towards her, surprised to see her wake up so soon “Huh? Oh, Applejack, you’re awake. Scootaloo, Vinyl. She’s awake!” “How long was I out?” “Three days. We thought you’d take longer to recover, actually.” Vinyl charged into the room, “You’re alright. I was so worried about you.” She grabbed Applejack into the biggest hug ever. “Easy there, Vinyl. Let her breathe.” Scootaloo said, trying to supress a laugh. “We’re all wondering about your arm. You’d yell whenever we touched it.” Applejack rolled up her sleeve, noticing a series of intricate patterns, like tattoos or scars, running up her arm. “That’s bad, right?” Vinyl took a closer look, “Looks kinda pretty, actually.” Luna checked the patterns carefully. “Alter scars. I heard they can be almost artistic, but…” “Not like this.” “Exactly. The only one I know of who has Alter scarring is Rarity, and she hides them with her hair. They show when she gets really angry.”

Applejack got up out of bed, carefully making her way down the stairs. “I’m gonna go get Applebloom. I’m gonna tell her the truth. About me, HOLY, everything. I owe her that much.” Scootaloo opened the door for her, “Are you sure?” Applejack nodded, and climbed into the car. Only then did she stop to notice that the car was different. “What happened to the other one?” Scootaloo looked annoyed, “You happened. The car got caught in your fight with Diamond Tiara, who was picked up by HOLY earlier. According to Luna, she’s so far gone that she’s useless.” Luna flared up slightly at Scootaloo’s comment, “I didn’t say it that way. I will mention that she deserved it, though.” Applejack leaned back in her seat, just as Vinyl Scratch climbed onto her lap. “Ooh, cozy…” She giggled as Applejack blushed.

The Inner Farm
The trip was all but uneventful. Vinyl eventually moved to a seat of her own, but nonetheless kept as close to Applejack as she could (She’s starting to seem real clingy, huh?). Then they saw the Inner farm where Applebloom worked…as it was burning to the ground.

“Oh, crap!” Applejack leaned forward, “Step on it, Scootaloo! I have to know if Applebloom’s ok!” Scootaloo complied, and revved the engine into overdrive. As they reached the farm, Applejack spotted some of HOLY’s Guards. “Over there. HOLY.” Applejack leapt out of the car, “Keep goin’! Help the people at the farm while I hold them off.” Vinyl yelled from the car, “Why do you always get to be the hero?” Applejack grinned, “Who said I’m being the hero?” She raised her fist towards the HOLY Guards, “How about you guys?”

Scootaloo hurried over to the well, trying to get as much water as possible. “Let me,” Luna said as the air shimmered. “Nightmare Moon, retrieve water.” Scootaloo muttered, “I wish Fluttershy was here…” Vinyl groaned, “This is taking too long. BASS CANNON!” In the most stunning display, as soon as the air shimmered, she already summoned her Bass Cannon, and used it to blow out the flames by pulsing sonic vibrations through the ground. “Don’t ask me how I did that, ‘coz I don’t know.”
Scootaloo wrenched open the door to one of the buildings and began ushering people out. “Has anyone seen Applebloom?” “Over here!” She banged on the door, trying to get it open. “It’s stuck!” “Stand back.” Scootaloo pulled out a gun and shot the hinges off the door, kicking it down. “Is Applejack ok?” “Yeah, she woke up a while ago, but she should be-” Scootaloo was cut off when Applejack landed in a nearby haystack. “Well, we won’t have to walk far to find her.” Applejack surfaced, spitting out hay and trying to get it out of her clothes. “I’ve had better landings. Hey, Applebloom.” Then Applebloom noticed Applejack’s arm. “Sis, what happened to your arm?” “No time to explain now. HOLY’s coming this way. I want you to head back home, ok? Luna and Scootaloo will look after you until Vinyl and I get back.” Applebloom nodded, “You promise?” Applejack grinned, “If HOLY doesn’t get me, and they haven’t caught me yet.”

A few minutes later
“Great plan. Was running for our lives part of plan A, or plan B?” Vinyl quipped, as Applejack looked back, “I think they’re tirin’ out. Things are goin’ our way for once-” She got cut off by the Guards appearing in front of them and solidifying. Applejack flipped onto her feet and helped Vinyl up, “Did you know they could do that?” “No. Must be new.”

HOLY HQ – Commander Macintosh’s Office
“I have to admit, I didn’t see your move coming, Rainbow Dash. Well played. But why? Are you trying to destabilize my plans?” Commander Macintosh asked. Rainbow Dash just grinned, “Well, you can’t just sit back all the time. Sometimes, things need to be set in motion. Besides, it’s actually a very small piece of the plan. Not even a setback, is it?” “So what are you going to do now?” Rainbow smiled, “What I’ve always done…”

HOLD broadcast – Main street
Applebloom watched the broadcast, as it showed Applejack fighting. The crowd clamoured for her to be thrown in jail, or to the lions, depending. The troops kept shoving them forwards, shouting orders and words they didn’t quite understand. They didn’t seem to remember Luna, either. “Monster!” “MANIAC!” “ALTER USER!” The clamouring got too much for Scootaloo to bear. She spun around, slamming a branch into a trooper’s face. “DON’T TALK ABOUT HER LIKE THAT! DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHY SHE’S FIGHTING?!” One of the Inners spoke out, “Why do you care? You’re just garbage!” “SO WHAT IF I’M GARBAGE?! THEY WANT YOU TO THINK SHE’S A MONSTER, BUT SHE’S NOT! APPLEJACK IS FIGHTING FOR YOU! YOU ASSHOLES WHO CALL HER A CRIMINAL! I’M PROUD TO BE HER FRIEND!” Luna joined in, manifesting Nightmare Moon, “YOU WANT TO HEAR HOW DEDICATED APPLEJACK IS? SHE RISKED HER LIFE TO GET A YOUNG FILLY SOME MEDICINE, EVEN THOUGH SHE COULD’VE WALKED AWAY! THEY WANT YOU TO HATE HER!” Luna knocked the troopers away, “Go, Scootaloo. Take Applebloom and run. I’ll cover you.” “But…” Luna looked back at Scootaloo, “Run! And keep running!”

The Inner – Applejack and Vinyl Scratch
“Where’d they go?” Applejack looked around for the Guards they were fighting, but found they were gone. “Style Personified!” Applejack looked up to see Rarity spiral down like a drill. She grabbed Vinyl and leapt out of the way. “What happened to your honour, Rich Bitch?” Rarity tore her fist out of the ground, “Where you’re concerned, there is no honour! The public will finally see you for the maniac you are!” Applejack scoffed, “You’re still clingin’ to that delusion? You haven’t acknowledged your own feelings about this?” Rarity’s eye widened in shock. “I see it plain as day. We’re so similar, yet so different. And you hate it. You hate that there’s someone you feel attracted to, someone who can fight on even terms with you, and they don’t acknowledge it.” Rarity grinned evilly, “If it makes so much sense to you, then you must feel the same. We’re destined to keep fighting, aren’t we?” She readied her blade. Applejack looked back at Vinyl and said, “Run. I don’t want you getting hurt because of me. Find Applebloom and look after her.” As Vinyl ran, Applejack turned back to Rarity, “I guess we have to do this…” Rarity charged, holding her blade out like a spear. Applejack leapt over the blade, using her fist to vault onto a nearby rock. “Don’t be so shy, Applejack. After all, you’re the one who started this fire!” Applejack sprinted down towards Rarity, fist extended. “They’re not just orders to you anymore, Rarity. SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” Rarity blocked the blow effortlessly, but Applejack hit her with a left hook. “Don’t make me fight you anymore.” Rarity responded by knocking Applejack into a building. “It’s not over…It will never be over!” A tear ran down Applejack’s face, “So that’s what it means…”

Scootaloo and friends – Location unknown
Scootaloo hit the gas hard, pushing her vehicle to the limits to get to a safe place before HOLY found them. She saw Vinyl Scratch and stopped, “Where’s Applejack?” “Where do you think? Psychobitch Rarity found us. By the way, this is Twilight Sparkle. She used to be a HOLY scientist. Our little group just gets bigger, huh?” A light shone in the sky and everything stopped…

Applejack and Rarity
Applejack held her fist out in front of her, but instead of her usual defiant expression, it was one of sadness. “Why are you making me do this? Haven’t you proven enough?” Rarity looked puzzled. Tears? Applejack’s tears? “Who are you really hurting?” Rarity couldn’t respond. She just looked at her own hands. “I…I have to finish this…so I can bury the past. I’m sorry, but it has to be this way.” Her blade glowed as she charged. The air shimmered, the shone with a bright light as Applejack manifested her second stage. She sprinted towards Rarity, saying nothing. Rarity’s blade collided with Applejack’s fist, and the area around them exploded into dust and debris.

The world shook with a violent force, changing the very face of the Lost Ground. The mountains heaved and great fissure opened in the ground. By the time Luna caught up with the group, they were being scattered. Massive pillars of light and energy tore open the sky, and everything blacked out…

3 days later
The aftermath was horrible. Things that had seemingly gone well took a turn for the worst just as quickly. Everyone was feeling the effects. HOLY was in disarray and the government was quickly trying to re-establish order, while the Inners worked to rebuild their lives.

Pinkie and Derpy were almost declared unfit for duty, given how depressed they had become since losing Rarity. It was hard for Pinkie to sleep now. She just cried into her pillow. Her friends, gone. The only one left was Derpy. It felt like a bad dream, and she wanted desperately to wake up from it.

Luna, Twilight and Vinyl holed up in a small house, big enough for three, where they helped others rebuild their lives by offering supplies. It left a hole in Vinyl’s heart. She loved Applejack dearly, and now she’s gone…

Applebloom and Scootaloo were in a slave camp, forced to work long and hard. As they toiled, they thought about Applejack. She’d come and rescue them, right? Well, it’s nice to have something to hope for. If only to see her. One last time…

End of Episode 11

Chapter 12: New Leaf

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Episode 12: New Leaf

A village in the mountains
It was several months after the Second Great Uprising, as it was now known. Applebloom had withdrawn into her shell so much, that she was almost unable to speak. Scootaloo had also grown distant, though she always stepped in to help someone in need, despite the beatings she often received. They both wished that, even if only once, they could see their friends again.

Somewhere in town
No one knows how, but this one day, Rainbow Dash pulled up right outside Luna’s place. “Yo!” She greeted cheerfully. Everyone stared at her in surprise, til Vinyl asked, “How’d you find us?” Rainbow shrugged, “I made a lucky guess. I got some info from HOLY. Do you three happen to know anyone who might be able to use it?” She held out a flash drive. “Maybe for you, Ms Twinight?” “It’s Twilight… Sometimes I think you do it on purpose.” Rainbow chuckled, “Maybe.” Luna was next to speak, “We are trying to work here-” “Sorry, madam president. I didn’t realize I was interrupting a lucrative business.” Rainbow mocked. Luna just rolled her eyes and returned to working, “Have you heard anything about Applejack or Rarity? Things are falling apart.” “Sorry, no. But I’ll keep looking. Ms Twilight’s got my number.” “It’s Twilight!” Rainbow grinned, “That’s what I said.” She left everyone bewildered. Maybe she really did get Twilight’s name wrong on purpose.

The Village in the mountains
Applebloom struggled under an increasing workload, and Scootaloo had all but broken. It looked so bleak, that they were about to give up hope and resign themselves to a despair filled end. But hope is not so easily shattered. As Applebloom finally collapsed, she felt someone catch her ass he fell. “I’m sorry, but I can’t go on. It’s too much…” A soothing voice spoke to her, “It will be alright. Just hold on a little longer. Please.” The voice was different, but it carried the same message as Applejack’s voice. Her courage, determination and her will to defy fate itself. “Lazy hag. Get to work!” Applebloom jumped in front of the thug’s baton before he swung, shouting at him, “Leave her alone!” “Don’t hurt them!” Everyone looked in surprise at the hooded stranger. She stood there, so calm and collected. “Please forgive them. They need rest and water.” The thugs grouped around the hooded pony. Scootaloo saw the commotion from her cell. As tears welled up in her eyes, she whispered one word with her hoarse raspy voice, “Apple…jack?”

“You think we’re gonna do what you want because you said ‘please’? Well forget it. They broke the rules, so they gotta pay.” The hooded stranger simply said, “You shouldn’t treat them this way. They don’t like it. If you mistreat them, they will hate you.” “Hate this!” One of the thugs swung his baton at the hooded stranger, who blocked it effortlessly. Then her eyes glinted under the hood as she lowered it. “You think this is alright? That you’re doing good work here? Your excuses don’t justify your actions.” She twisted the thug’s arm behind his back. “These people are far stronger than you are. All of this…IS EVIL!” She yelled as she threw the baton at another thug, disarming him. Other gathered around, but the pony kept moving around, under and over their blows, almost dancing as she knocked dispatched each one. When she was done she turned to Applebloom and the old mare. “Will you be alright?” Both nodded and the boss of the thugs stepped out. “What’s goin’ on out here? Who’s responsible for this?” The stranger turned back to face him, “I am. Your men were mistreating these ponies, and I will not allow such actions to go unpunished. I suggest you take your men and leave. Now.” The air shimmered, and the Boss summoned his Alter, “How about no!” Before the stranger could do anything, a giant pink tentacle slammed her into the wall, followed by several more driving her deeper into it. “Why not just say you’re sorry? Beg for forgiveness!” Scootaloo kicked open the door of the cell, unsure of where her strength came from. She ran to the edge and yelled, “RARITY! USE YOUR ALTER!” The stranger looked up. “That name…so familiar.” The air shimmered before the next tentacle pierced the stranger’s heart and the tentacle broke apart. She then leapt up, running on the other tentacles to reach the Boss. “You call yourself a leader? Really? That young filly down there has more right to be a leader than you.” As the Boss looked at the stranger, her eyes glowed brightly, her tranquil wrath showing in the calm of those sapphire blue eyes. Then he blacked out.

She stood there, triumphant as the thugs left. Happy that she had done her job the stranger went to leave, but Applebloom held her back. “Wait…please stay. Have you seen my Sis?” The stranger looked puzzled as she ran a hoof through her messy hair, “Maybe. What does she look like?” Applebloom pulled out a photo. “It’s old, but she hasn’t changed much since then. Oh, her name is Applejack.” The stranger dropped the photo, clasping her head. “That name…It’s…Then I must be…” “Rarity,” Scootaloo limped towards them. “Your name is Rarity.”

Lost Ground Executive committee offices
“This is horrendous. Because of the upheaval, we haven’t been able to get any new information about what caused it. There are even rumours that a HOLY patrol was nearby when it happened. What are your thoughts on the matter, Commander Macintosh?” Commander Macintosh stated plainly and indignantly, “It’s all in the report I gave. Do you honestly think I would condone a course of action that would result in this?” “I do, but then, it’s my job to think like that.” Everyone turned to see a dull beige pony with a white mane tied back into a pony tail (Somewhat ironic, isn’t it?). “Who are you?” “Oh, forgive me. I am Discord Darkpony. Yes, it’s my actual name.” The Chief Executor stood up, “Then why are you here?” Discord grinned, though, like many others, his grin was different. Rainbow’s was playful and carefree, while Applejack’s was defiant and focused. His was creepy and everyone felt the need to purge their brains with the strongest bleach they could find after several showers. “If I told you now, it would ruin the surprise for later. And that wouldn’t be any fun, now would it?” To the committee, this should have been their first clue into Discord’s mind, but they ignored it. Discord continued, “I would like a word with Commander Macintosh, though. And relax, Commander, you’ve nothing to fear.”

“You have everything going according to a plan, then.” Commander Macintosh said. Discord seemed pleased, “Why yes. You guessed right. I have already taken steps to ensure you remain here at HOLY, but there is a little condition while I’m here.” Commander Macintosh again guessed correctly, “I have a new boss, it seems. That will take some getting used to.” “Oh, this is so delightful. I’d love to play you at chess sometime. You’d be a perfect opponent.” “I’m sure…”

An unknown location
“Open the door.” A loud clang resonated through the metal hallways, interrupting her melancholy. “I got a job for ya. Let’s go. Can’t you hear me? I said let’s go!” “Shut up. I ain’t deaf.” She looked up, tears running down her face. She said quietly to herself, “I hope you’re in a better place than me, Little Sis. If you can, say hi to Vinyl for me. Heaven knows how much I miss you guys…”

End of Episode 12

Chapter 13: Strayed From the Path Once Followed

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Episode 13: Strayed From the Path Once Followed

Some city full of criminals
Applejack stepped into the ring, dimly aware of the crowd clamouring for her; whether for victory or defeat she didn’t care. All she wanted was to join her friends, wherever they were. So strong was her depression that she was barely aware that she was losing until… “COME ON APPLEJACK! DON’T LOSE!” She heard that voice. She looked to the stands and sure enough, Vinyl Scratch was there. Whether real or not, Applejack wasn’t going to lose in front of her girlfriend. “This one’s for you, Vinyl…” She said as she lifted her fist and a bright light shone, then the battle was over. Applejack just walked back down the hallway, like it was just a distraction.

Twilight was worried. She, Vinyl and Luna had seen that Applejack was trying to get herself killed. “Did anyone notice her reaction when Vinyl called out?” Vinyl glanced at Twilight, puzzled by the question. “My guess would be that she believes us to have died in the Uprising. Can’t say I blame her, but it’s had a profound effect.” Vinyl marched past both Twilight and Luna, “Then I’ll hafta talk some sense into her. It’s only fitting. I am her girlfriend, after all.” Luna sighed, “Then let’s go. I’d rather not spend any more time in here.” Twilight agreed, “Remind me to shower whenever we find one that isn’t in this place…”

Luna opened the door to Applejack’s room, and was not pleased by what she saw. Applejack was a shell of her former self. Broken by loneliness and depression. “Applejack?” She looked up as she heard that familiar voice and hope returned to her eyes. “Luna? Is it really you? Please tell me I’m not dreaming.” Vinyl looked at her, at the tears of joy streaming down her face. She was so happy to see a friendly face. It must have been a long time since she saw any of her friends. She raced up and wrapped her arms around Applejack, shedding tears of her own. “I was worried about you. We all thought you were dead.” Applejack returned the embrace, “I missed you so much, Vinyl. I’m so glad you’re ok. But what about Applebloom and Scootaloo?” “We don’t know where they are, but Rainbow Dash can find them, I bet.” Vinyl helped Applejack to her feet, “Let’s get outta here.” Applejack nodded, “I’m gonna look for Applebloom. Not sure how long it will take me, but I have to find her. Just one catch, Vinyl.” Applejack looked deadly serious, but also worried. “For now, my instinct tells me to go alone, but I’ll see you again real soon. I promise.” Vinyl dried her tears. She could barely believe it. She just found Applejack and now she had to leave again. “Same old Applejack. Always thinking of others.” Applejack grinned, though her defiant edge was gone. “I lost a part of me. Part of this journey is getting it back.” Luna nodded, “We understand. At least let us accompany you out.” “Mighty nice of ya. Hey, got anything to eat?”

The Village in the mountains
Rarity awoke with a start, sitting bolt upright. “Must’ve been a dream.” A hoarse voice assured her that it wasn’t. “You ok? You passed out back there. Applebloom and I have been taking care of you.” “Thank you, um…” The orange pony to whom the hoarse voice belonged grinned, “Name’s Scootaloo. This is the first time we’ve properly met.” Rarity saw Applebloom hovering by the door. “It’s alright. Please come in.” She walked in slowly, somewhat afraid. “It’s ok, Applebloom. She’s friendly.” Rarity smiled, “So, you two are close?” Applebloom nodded, “Not quite as close and Sis and me, but Scootaloo is always there to help.” “What happened to your voice, Scootaloo?” “Months of depression, underuse, and physical torture at the hands of those…” She dared not say the word she wanted to in front of Applebloom. “I see. Is there anything I can do to help?” “Well, do you know anything about Applejack? It’s really important that we find her.” Rarity tried to remember, but couldn’t. “No, I’m sorry. Tell me, what was she like?” “According to us or HOLY?” Scootaloo joked, “She’s a nice pony. Dedicated to her family and friends. She’s thrown her life on the line so many times for everyone and defied the odds by coming home. We just hope that she kept up her lucky streak.” Rarity stared at the window, “She sounds like a mother bear, protecting her young. A powerful image, and a dangerous enemy. Remind me never to make her angry, assuming I ever get to meet her.” Applebloom giggled, “You remind me of my Sis. You have that same caring heart that she does.” Rarity couldn’t help but smile. These ponies were kind, even though Scootaloo seemed wary. Perhaps, given her situation before, she had every right to be.

The Airport
Applejack figured the best place to look for clues was the city. Why she came to the airport was anyone’s guess. “No one’s seen her at all. No signs of Applebloom, and no signs of Scootaloo.” “Hey, it’s been a while, Applejack.” That voice, familiar but also different. “Umm…darn it; I don’t remember your name.” A yellow pony with pale pink hair stood not far from Applejack. “Fluttershy. I’ll write it down for you if you like.” Something was wrong. Fluttershy wasn’t like this last time. She used to be calm, quiet, and shy. This time, she was braver, but she was so cold. “What’s wrong with you, Fluttershy? You sound different. What did the mainland do to you?” Fluttershy screamed with rage, and blasted Applejack through the wall with a torrent of water. “You threw the Lost Ground into chaos…” Applejack slammed one fist to the ground, “Why are you doing this?” Fluttershy stopped for a second, then resumed her assault. Applejack raised her fist, then lowered it. “I can’t fight you. I don’t want to fight you. We used to be friends, so what changed, Shy?” Fluttershy paused again, this time, her Alter flickered. Then, she saw what others had seen. Applejack’s tears. “Why are you sad, Applejack?” “Because…I may have lost a friend. You. Are we really going to be enemies, Shy?”

The Village
“A HOLY patrol? What are they doing here?” “We have to run!” the villagers panicked, even as Scootaloo tried her best to calm them down. “Wait! What’s going on?” Rarity asked, having gotten everyone’s attention. Scootaloo filled her in, “There’s a HOLY transport not far from here. HOLY’s not known for playing nice.” Rarity understood, “Then I’ll go and meet them. Please stay calm and wait for me to return with news.”

The Airport
“Shy, please!” Applejack yelled as Fluttershy hit her over and over again. “WHY DON’T YOU FIGHT BACK, APPLEJACK?!” Applejack struggled under the barrage, trying to get a breath. She was about to give up, then she heard Vinyl Scratch’s voice in her head.
‘Giving up already, sweetie?’ What can I do? ‘Keep fighting. If she won’t listen, beat some sense into her. Give it all you got, baby.’ Yeah…I’ll do that…
The air and water shimmered, and Applejack manifested Shell Bullet. “Fluttershy, why are you fighting me like this? Is it for Angel?” Fluttershy screamed out as she attacked again. “SHOCKING FIRST BULLET!” Applejack pushed against the wave, struggling to hold it back. “One thing I’ve learned since last time…I can fire the Bullets faster. ANNIHILATING SECOND BULLET!” The combined power and speed of the two Bullets broke through the wave propelling Applejack closer to Fluttershy. “EXTERMINATING LAST BULLET!” The attack hit the rock Fluttershy was standing on, throwing her up into the air. Applejack landed gracefully, her former strength and agility returning slowly, but she was still reluctant to fight Fluttershy. “You’re still holding back. Why?” Fluttershy asked, her mannerisms clearly showing how crazed she had become. “Because I still call you a friend, Shy. And I don’t want to fight you…” Fluttershy roared, launching another barrage. Then Applejack figured it out. “Except…you’re not really Fluttershy, are you? You walk like her, talk like her. Heck, she may still be inside there somewhere, but right now…YOU’RE NOT FLUTTERSHY!” A bright light flashed, and Applejack stood there in her shining Wing Bullet. “That’s it. There’s the trigger! Thank you, Shy.” Fluttershy stopped, her expression changing from anger to fear. Applejack leapt high into the air, over the tidal wave, chanting as her fist glowed brightly, “Shine…brighter…SHINE BRIGHTER, WING BULLET!” Applejack dove down, propelled by her fist. Fluttershy smiled, “I’m sorry…Applejack.” She waited for Applejack’s fist for what seemed like hours, but it never came. She opened her eyes and saw Applejack standing there, holding her hoof out towards Fluttershy. “Welcome back, Shy.”

The mountain area – Near the HOLY transport
“There’s someone in the road.” Derpy looked at the screen. “Probably just some idiot trying to be a hero. Somethin’ familiar about ‘em, though.” Pinkie looked closely at the monitor, then exclaimed happily, “Stop the truck! It’s Rarity!” She kicked open the door and sprinted towards Rarity, leaving Derpy to handle the truck herself. “Rarity! We missed you!” Pinkie shouted, excited to see her friend again. But Rarity didn’t seem to recognize her. “Not far from here is a village filled with ponies who have done nothing wrong. All we want is to be left alone.” Pinkie smiled, “We came to see you, silly. You don’t remember me?” Rarity shook her head, “No, I’m sorry. There is something familiar about you, but please, leave the village alone. It’s my duty to protect the ponies living there, and I will fight if I must.” Derpy panted heavily, having finally caught up with Pinkie, “Don’t worry about that. HOLY’s in disarray right now, so it wouldn’t matter. Commander Macintosh scattered his loyalists around so we wouldn’t be sent off to the mainland.” Pinkie held up Rarity’s diary, “Remember this? Rainbow Dash and I once read it out to you. You muttered death threats for an hour until we promised to return it to you.” Rarity took the diary and started reading as her memories started rushing back, but never in complete pieces. There was still a missing piece…

Applebloom watched as Rarity returned with two HOLY members behind her. “Everyone! They mean us no harm. They have come to extend aid to our village.” Though there was mistrust, Applebloom and Scootaloo made the first steps to welcome the HOLY members. “Hi there. I’m Scootaloo and this is Applebloom. We’re just Inners who decided to make a life here after Rarity rescued us.” Pinkie smiled at Applebloom, “Hiya, I’m Pinkie Pie.” Derpy leaned on a pole as she introduced herself, “I’m Derpy Hooves. Please don’t make fun of me-” She was cut off by a loud snap as the pole broke and Derpy tumbled over. “Oops. My bad.” Applebloom giggled as Derpy got up. Derpy grinned, “It happens all the time.” Rarity motioned for Scootaloo to follow her, to which Scootaloo replied with a nod. “Hey, Applebloom, I gotta talk with Rarity. Why don’t you show Derpy and Pinkie around?” Derpy shook her head, “I gotta fill in the Commander first. I’ll bring you a muffin, though.” Pinkie looked at her as if she’d grown three more heads. Derpy glanced at Pinkie, giving her a sceptical look, “You know I’ve got a soft spot for kids.” Pinkie wasted no time in making jokes, “You have a softer spot for muffins.”

Somewhere out in the wilderness – Following Luna’s trail
“Thanks for doing this, Applejack.” Fluttershy said, her voice trembling slightly. Applejack grinned, though slightly strained from carrying Fluttershy. “I’d do the same for any of my friends. Not sure about the piggyback rides, though.” A loud roaring on the horizon informed them of a potential threat. Or it would have, if it wasn’t a familiar pink death-trap hurtling towards them at high-speed.

Rainbow Dash grinned, a crazed yet defiant look in her eye. She began to talk rapidly, almost too fast to make out the words. “They say speed can’t compete with mass, but if I concentrate all my speed into one spot, I can break through it, no matter how thick. And THAT is the secret…” She kicked the engine into hyperdrive, closing the distance faster, and opening the rainbow-coloured switch, finishing her speech as she pressed the button. “TO THE SONIC RAINBOOM!” The car slammed into the wall, knocking Applejack and Fluttershy off their feet and vaporizing the wall…and the car. Rainbow Dash flew backwards away from the wreckage of her vehicle, a look of crazed glee on her face. “Dramatic…Fantastic…EXSTATIC!” She broke into laughter, flipping around and landing on her feet. Applejack got to her feet, raising her fist. “That’s rude, Rainbow.” Rainbow Dash smiled, the air shimmering around her. “So you DO remember me?” A pair of pink metallic boots formed around her back hooves. Applejack leapt forwards, her fist engulfed in light. “SHINE BRIGHTER, WING BULLET!” Rainbow Dash rocketed off the ground, leaving a giant dust cloud and matching crater behind. “HEEL AND TOE!” Rainbow Dash’s kick and Applejack’s fist collided, releasing a wave of energy and light. “Looks like you’ve gotten better.” Rainbow Dash said, casually jumping off Applejack’s fist and somersaulting in the air. “But there’s still something you’re missing.” Applejack rolled her eyes, “Yeah, somethin’ to eat.” Before she could respond, Rainbow raced up and kicked her into a boulder. “You’re too slow.” Applejack broke free of the boulder, shattering it in the meantime. “I ain’t interested in fighting right now, but I could use a ride, if you know where Luna and Vinyl went.”

HOLY HQ
“Excellent. Blueblood, would you be so kind as to retrieve them, please?” Discord said, grinning madly as he read the report he all but forced Commander Macintosh to give. He burst out laughing as he closed the comm channel. “This is all too easy. Commander Macintosh thought he was so clever, but his plan is coming down around him. Still a little too early to say ‘I win’. Besides, it’s only just getting fun.”

End of Episode 13

Chapter 14: Reunions

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Episode 14: Reunions

The Village in the Mountains – several days since previous episode
A loud BOOM echoed through the night as a silver pony with a red mane dashed across the mountains with Vinyl Scratch in hot pursuit. “Wub time, bitch!” She fired her Bass Cannon, blowing the red-headed pony into the air. Vinyl followed her, using Bass Cannon to propel herself into the air. “Hi there.” Vinyl grinned evilly as she fired her Bass Cannon into the red-haired pony’s face. Vinyl landed, her Bass Cannon fading. “Guess she wasn’t so tough after all.” Her grin faded as a blast of heat rushed past her. “That should’ve taken off your head!” The red-headed pony laughed, though how she did so while her head regenerated was a mystery. She spoke in a disturbingly childish sing-song voice. “Not me!” Another blast of heat pushed Vinyl back. “Faith of the Blueblood Sisters-” Vinyl cut her off with a short blast from her Bass Cannon, “Shut up. I hate long speeches.” Faith darted in, swinging a kick at Vinyl’s head. Vinyl dodged and blasted her into a wall, before walking away triumphantly. “That was far too easy.”

Derpy felt much the same way as she fought with another silver pony, this one with a blue mane. Derpy tossed her muffin at the blue-haired pony, teleporting behind her soon after. “Giddy-up!” The blue-haired pony tried to buck Derpy off, but she kept holding on for dear life. “What’s your name? I’m Derpy.” The blue-haired pony answered simply, “Glory of the Blueblood Sisters and the spectre of Ice.” Derpy leapt off Glory as the air shimmered and froze around her. “This doesn’t worry me…” Derpy raised the muffin in her hoof, “…but this should worry you.” One explosion later, and Derpy cheerfully trotted out, her earlier seriousness gone. “I haven’t had fun like that since I joined HOLY.”

“This is tiresome.” Luna said, almost bored with how easy the fight was, but that was the worrying part. Why was it so easy? “Because this is just to draw you all out, especially Rarity.” Luna narrowed her eyes, “Hope of the Blueblood Sisters. Thank you for pointing out the obvious.” The purple-haired pony giggled, “Yep. That’s me!” The air shimmered as Luna summoned Nightmare Moon. “Why not make it easy on yourself and give up?” The sinister pale blue mist gathered around Luna as it obscured her from view. Hope darted around, searching for Luna in the haze when she was sent flying back into a rock. Another blow came out of nowhere, then another and finally, Luna appeared, firing a blast of solid mist at Hope, collapsing the rock on top of her. “Blueblood! Show yourself already!” One explosion later and Luna was trapped.

Somewhere outside the village
Applebloom had been looking for Applejack, certain that she was alive. Rarity had accompanied her, watching for the young filly’s safety. But their search was cut short as they saw smoke rise from the commotion at the village. Rarity leaned over the seat of Scootaloo’s car, “Can this thing go any faster?” Scootaloo glanced back briefly, “Assuming you want to have Zetsuei lift us, yes. Otherwise, no.” Rarity stared ahead, thinking to herself, Please don’t let us be too late!

Back at the village
Spitfire laughed crazily. “Feels good to be back!” She fired randomly, surprisingly not hitting anything. Vinyl groaned, “Haven’t we had enough crazy bitches tonight?” Derpy grinned, “You’ve gone soft, Vinyl.” Vinyl gave Derpy a quick glare, then aimed her Bass Cannon at Spitfire.

“Spitfire! Stop fooling around and find Twilight Sparkle! If you can find anyone close to Applejack while you’re at it, that would be nice!” Blueblood yelled, struggling to be heard over the noises of Spitfire’s massive gun. A loud BOOM sounded as a sonic pulse slammed into the Spitfire Buster, throwing it off balance. “Who did that?! I’LL KILL ‘EM! KILL ‘EM ALL!” Spitfire yelled, her insanity showing through her psychotic laughter and disturbing grin. Another BOOM and Vinyl Scratch sprinted through the dust, firing her Bass Cannon. “Shut up, you psycho bitch!” She yelled, propelling herself up towards Spitfire and firing again. Spitfire dodged, though just barely, and fired a smaller gun, grazing Vinyl’s shoulder. “You should start wearing armour, pretty girl. I’d hate to mess up your good looks.” Vinyl glared at Spitfire, the venom oozing from her glowing red eyes. “Sorry, I’m taken. And I wouldn’t go with you if you were the last pony alive!” Spitfire kept grinning with her disturbing psychotic grin, “You’ll change your tune eventually…” The air shimmered around Vinyl as she used the Alter energy to heal her wound. “Not interested, freak…” Just as she was about to fire, a rush of air shot past her, knocking Spitfire off balance. Then a familiar Southern accent rang out across the village. “HANDS OFF MY GIRLFRIEND!”

Applejack stood tall and proud, her fist shining brightly as she looked down at Spitfire. “Shine…brighter…SHINE BRIGHTER, WING BULLET!” She leapt down, light surrounding her fist as she outmatched the speed of Spitfire’s gun, shattering it into pieces. Spitfire laughed, still the same deranged laugh that Applejack remembered. Between the glares of both Applejack and Vinyl Scratch, any sane pony would’ve turned tail and run by now. But Spitfire wasn’t sane. She reformed the Spitfire Buster and aimed it at the civilian houses. “Still usin’ HOLY’s old tricks?” Applejack asked, disgusted by Spitfire’s actions. “What’s it to you? HOLY’s business is HOLY’s business.” Blueblood stepped in front of them both. “That is true, but you’re still part of HOLY, aren’t you, Applejack? Don’t lie to us, because you’re terrible at it, and we have you on file-” He was cut off by a rush of wind, then an explosion as somepony collided with the ground where he had been standing. “Missed. BLUEBLOOD! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?”

Rarity glared at Blueblood, her silver armour shining in the moonlight. “Is everypony all right?” Blueblood addressed them all from the top of the civilian hut, “So kind of you to join us, Rarity. Now if you’d be so kind as to hand over Miss Twilight Sparkle. And you’re both under arrest for treason and desertion.” Rarity’s mane spiked up slightly, a visual indicator of her outrage. “Under who’s authority?! We’re under special orders from-” “Commander Macintosh? My dear Rarity, he’s no longer in charge. Have you heard the name ‘Discord Darkpony’?” Rarity’s eyes widened as Applejack started walking towards Blueblood. Blueblood noticed as well. “Girls, time to release your full power!” The ponies from earlier now stood behind Blueblood. Luna finally managed to extract herself, “What did I-Oh no…GET BACK! IT’S THE BURNING SUMMER!” True to its name, the Burning Summer generated an intense heat, far beyond anything. At the centre was a grotesque looking being with lava dripping from its open maw. Even as the heat became too much for everyone else, twin pillars of light shone upwards as Applejack and Rarity channelled their power.

“Excellent, now if you’ll just stay right there-” Blueblood began, but Applejack cut him off with one simple phrase: “BITE ME!” She charged, fist outstretched. “Don’t you care about the civilians, then?” Applejack diverted course towards the huts, forcing as much power as she could into her wing. Spitfire swung the barrel around, aiming it squarely at Applejack’s chest. “Bye bye. I’d send you to hell with a kiss, but the bullet will be enough of a gift.” Vinyl Scratch fired a blast, rocking the gun and disrupting Spitfire’s aim. “That’s for hitting on my girl. You got it from here, sweetie?” Applejack winked, and threw all her power behind her fist, colliding full-force with Spitfire’s gut. Spitfire went down easy, but something felt off. It really shouldn’t be this easy… Applejack brushed it aside for now. “One down. Now, let’s see if Miss Fussy gets it done.”

Rarity’s fight wasn’t nearly as quick. She opted to take out Burning Summer’s legs, rather than deal with Blueblood directly. Something Rainbow Dash knew would come back to haunt her. Her barrage of lightning fast cuts glanced harmlessly off the thick callouses that made up Burning Summer’s skin. Rarity groaned and tried again, this time aiming higher, then higher. As the fight dragged on, she got angrier and angrier, til she realized something. This is exactly what Blueblood wants. He wanted her to lose control and release all her power at once, though for what no one is entirely sure. “Why do you want our power so badly, Blueblood?” Rarity spat callously. Blueblood seemed unperturbed by her venomous remark. “Quite simple, my dear. To get to the Other Side.” Applejack cut in, not passing up an opportunity to mock Blueblood when he so willingly provided it. “So, you ARE a chicken after all!” Applejack and Vinyl Scratch burst out laughing at the joke, leaving Blueblood glaring at them all. “HOW DARE YOU MOCK ME! I AM BLUEBLOOD, AN AGENT OF HOLY! AND I WILL NOT BE DISRESPECTED BY A NATIVE ALTER!”

Rarity dashed along Burning Summer’s legs, scaling the sheer angle with just her speed. “That Native Alter is my friend…” She said in a cold voice, the anger and contempt in her voice all but freezing the air. “She may not be born into privilege, but she has more nobility than you could ever hope for. She has many friends who would lay down their lives for her, as I would. And she would do the same for her friends. Applejack won the respect of our Commander the day she escaped from HOLY, and now she has mine.” Applejack added solemnly, “Mighty nice of ya, Rarity.” Rarity turned back to Blueblood to see him on his knees, a crazed look in his eye. “I won’t allow this…My master…NO! PLEASE NO! I’LL TRY HARDER! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” To everyone’s astonishment, Blueblood vanished from sight, along with his Alter. Rarity landed gracefully, but was shocked that whoever was controlling HOLY now, presumably Discord, would do such a thing to his own people.

Scootaloo grumbled as Applebloom and Twilight kept nagging her to go faster. She had already explained that it couldn’t go faster. “Anypony need a lift? That thing looks like it’s about to fall apart.” She looked around for the voice, but Twilight recognized it right away. “Rainbow Dash! What a pleasant surprise. Can you take us to Rarity? She went back to the village.” Rainbow Dash nodded, “Sure. Thought you’d like to know, Applejack’s gone there, too.” Applebloom perked up, “Please take us to Applejack. I haven’t seen her in so long.” Rainbow Dash grinned, “It just so happens that I’m on my way to see her myself. But I warn you now, I drive really fast.”

Discord grinned over the unconscious form of Blueblood. “The arrogance of these so-called ‘officials’ is staggering. To think they could control me and the power I seek. Applejack… Rarity… Both are ponies I would love to have on my side, but sadly, they’ve chosen to oppose me and the glorious Chaos I’ll bring back from the Other Side… As for you, Blueblood. You’ll cease to exist. Absorption…” Discord glowed with a sinister aura, unlike the shimmering air of other Alters. Blueblood’s body began to dissipate into molecules which Discord then absorbed into his own aura. “It’s time for drastic action, I think. Well played thus far, Commander Macintosh, but it’s my turn now. And I’m going to tear your plan apart!”

Applejack held Vinyl Scratch tightly, afraid to let her go again. “I missed you so much.” Vinyl blushed as she snuggled into Applejack’s chest. Rarity looked away, though she grudgingly admitted that she’d love to be the one in Applejack’s arms. Luna noticed Rarity’s face, and sat next to her. “It’s about time you realized that.” Rarity looked up at Luna, confused. “What do you mean?” Luna grinned at her, “You like Applejack, and the main reason you reacted so strongly to her activities was because you were torn between attraction and your duty.” Rarity chuckled to herself, “Seems so stupid. Acting that way.” Luna glanced back at Applejack and Vinyl Scratch, who were now in the middle of a deep and passionate kiss. “It’s perfectly logical. Do you wish Applejack chose you instead?” Rarity nodded. “You’re a lot like her…”

The gates burst open, surprisingly intact, as the familiar pink car belonging to Rainbow Dash slid to a halt just in front of Applejack and Vinyl Scratch. Applebloom, Scootaloo and Twilight Sparkle burst out of the back doors and crawled to the nearest buckets while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash climbed out normally. “Hey Jackie, Vinyl. Wazzup, mah homies?” Rainbow Dash said playfully as she helped Fluttershy over to Luna. Without warning, Pinkie came up behind Rainbow and roared, scaring the blue pony out of her wits. Pinkie laughed and asked, “What did I miss?” “The village almost being destroyed. Where were you?” Rarity asked, getting ready to scold Pinkie Pie. “Listening in on HOLY while Dashie played hero. Discord’s getting ready to move in now that AJ and Rarity have pretty much spat in his face.” Scootaloo looked up from her bucket, groaning, “Can’t imagine why…” She held out her hand towards Applebloom, who gave her a high-five before both turned back to the buckets and wretched. Applejack grinned, “Sounds like we’re gettin’ to be a real thorn in his side. That’s good news.” She walked over to Applebloom and picked her up, “I know somethin’ to help you, sugarcube.” Applebloom nodded weakly, “And you promised you’d tell me what’s goin’ on with your arm…”

End of Episode 14

Chapter 15: No Time Left

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Episode 15: No Time Left

Not long after the previous episode.
“And these-” Applejack rolled up her sleeve to show Applebloom her Alter Scars, having explained everything else offscreen ‘coz you readers already know this, “-are from the first time I used Wing Bullet.” Applebloom traced the intricate and beautiful scarring, taken in by the strange design. “I thought scars were meant to be ugly. These are pretty.” “Just like the rest of her. Ain’t that right, sweetie?” Vinyl Scratch asked playfully from the door, her words causing Applejack to blush. Applebloom giggled, “Somepony likes you, AJ.” Before Applejack could reply, Vinyl drew her into a tight, but loving, hug. “More than like. This is love.” Applejack wrapped one arm around Vinyl. “You’re makin’ me blush,” she said dreamily, looking like she was about to kiss Vinyl Scratch. “Um, I’m still here, Sis. Do you have a room of your own for that?” Applebloom asked, clearly uncomfortable. “You’ve seen us kiss before, Applebloom. Why is this any different?” “‘Coz this is my room, or so I was told.” Applejack got up and ruffled her sister’s hair. “Come on out when you’re feelin’ better, okay?”

Twilight had gotten used to the isolation of the Lost Ground. After nearly a year or two of it, it seemed oddly natural to be so far away from any town or city. “I wonder what’s gonna happen when the city expands again. It won’t be easy for anyone.” Luna was as distant as usual. “Who knows? But it will be a long time before anyone does anything out here.” Luna turned to the window, only to be greeted by Rainbow Dash making faces at her from outside. Her expression barely changed, though her tone was one of annoyance. “Have you nothing better to do, Rainbow Dash?” The answer was, “Not really. Hey, where’s Pinkie?” Luna shrugged, “Probably made another offscreen journey to HOLD headquarters. You and Pinkie are the only two who can do that, you know.” Rainbow Dash grinned and was about to say something when Luna glared. “Don’t say a word.” Twilight laughed, “If I didn’t know you two better, I would say you like each other.” She soon regretted those words, as Rainbow Dash was quickly at her side, spouting what she probably thought was poetic words. “I would never leave thy side, Ms. Twinight.” “Really, Rainbow? Nearly two years and you STILL can’t get my name right?” Twilight said in the driest tone she could muster. Luna resumed her vigil, but what she was watching for, no one knew.

HOLY Headquarters
It had been one big disaster. Applejack and Rarity’s fight 8 months ago was meant to open the Door to the Other Side, but instead things had gone downhill. His forces scattered and those who remained at HOLY had turned against him, effectively making him an outlaw in his own base. Whoever Discord was, he did not play fair. “The time for waiting is over. Applejack and Rarity, I hope you are ready, because we cannot delay this anymore.”

Discord was a step ahead. He had already prepared a large weapon intended to destroy Applejack and Rarity, even though he knew their power would be more than enough to counter it. They opened the Door once before, so it should be simple to open it again. “They simply need some…motivation.” He smiled evilly and laughed. An insane, maniacal, evil laugh. He wanted the power that waited on the Other Side.

The Village that really should have a name by now, but I’m too lazy to think of one
Applejack had never in her life been so grateful for a working shower, even if it did need percussive maintenance every now and then. Under the hot water, Applejack felt like all her pain, her stress and her injuries were just washing away. “Just need Vinyl in here, and this would be perfect.” A soft voice whispered in Applejack’s ear. “Speak of the devil, and she shall appear.” Both ponies giggled. Vinyl kissed Applejack’s neck, an act that never failed to excite her. “I’m guessing my schedule’s just gone out the window.” Applejack joked. Vinyl nodded, closing the door to their shower, and obscuring them from view. “You guessed right, hot stuff. I want you all to myself…”

Fluttershy looked around at the village and the ponies who lived there. They all seemed happy enough, which threw her friends into sharp contrast. They seemed as happy and care-free as the others, but Fluttershy saw the pain they lived with. How did they cope with this? “Hey, Shy. Mind if I join you?” Scootaloo asked as she walked up. “I guess. How do you do it?” “Do what?” Fluttershy pointed over to Rarity, who was telling a group of fillies a story. “Endure everything you’ve been through and still keep truly living.” Scootaloo looked up at the sky, almost looking for something. “Applejack keeps us together, mostly. If she can find the strength to smile, even with what she went through, then so can we.” “What would happen if you didn’t have her?” Scootaloo thought back to the 8 months when Applejack was missing. “We had a taste of it after the Second Uprising. 8 months of torment and wondering if we’d ever see her again. It nearly killed me and Applebloom.” Fluttershy stood up. “And this happened here?” “Yes. Applebloom tried to follow Applejack’s example, and she took on other’s burdens, but she was close to breaking. Then Rarity showed up and…well, this.” Scootaloo gestured to the village. Fluttershy managed a weak smile as she tried not to cry. “It’s so beautiful. Do you ever think that…we never belonged on this world?” Scootaloo shook her head. “That’s a stupid question. If we don’t belong here, then where do we belong?”

“What do you think so hard about, Luna?” Twilight asked, finally asking Luna that question that no one ever asked her. She answered honestly. “My sister, Celestia. I lost her 9 years ago. Celestia was an Alter User like me, and she taught me how to use it. Then the earthquake that levelled the city back then. All I saw was a blinding light, then a crater where my sister used to be.” Tears streamed down Luna’s face. “I loved her. She was my only family…” Twilight sat next to Luna. “I felt the same when my mother died. Sometimes, I still think of her.” Luna leaned on Twilight’s shoulder, though I have no idea why. “I’ve thought about my sister for 9 years, wondering if she’d be proud of me, disgusted by me, or if I just want her to say goodbye.” Twilight stared out the window, her gaze fixated on the distant horizon. “I wish I knew what to say, Luna. But that’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.” They both broke into tears, crying on each other’s shoulder.

Pinkie sat by the cliffs, looking over to the city. How different could things have been if they stayed? “We’ll never know. But I know this much: If Applejack and Rarity open the Door again, they’re going to die…”

HOLY Headquarters – 3 days later
“This is so boring. Nothing but angsting for three days. Time to make it a little more exciting around here. Oh, they’ll see the weapon, and those two nerds, Twilight and Luna, will figure it out easily. But they won’t see my little surprise coming at all. Hee hee, this is going to be fun.” Discord monologued, bursting into insane laughter as he pressed the big red button…and turned on his coffee maker. “Mental note, need to refill that before the day is out.”

The Village in the Mountains
Applejack lay sprawled out on the hay, snoring loudly. She finally got to rest after months of fighting and stress, and she made time for her sister and Vinyl. As she slept on the pile of hay, she dreamed of the day she first met Scootaloo…

Applejack’s dream
“You’re Applejack, right?” Scootaloo said, nervous but trying to appear confident. “Yeah, that’s me. You lookin’ for a fight or somethin’?” Applejack had dropped to a defensive stance. “Relax. I’m here about a job, if you’re interested.” Scootaloo smiled nervously. She heard of Applejack’s reputation as an Alter User who would do anything if the price was worth it. Applejack stood up straight, but didn’t take her eyes off Scootaloo. “What’s the job and how much?” “500, and it involves raiding some thieves who’ve been stealing from my client. But there’s a catch: If you don’t do the job, then my client will kill me.”
After the job was done, Applejack found Scootaloo’s location and opened the door to find a badly-beaten Scootaloo surrounded by thugs with clubs and bats. “You weren’t kidding…Who do you assholes think you are?” Applejack lashed out in a flurry of fists and hooves, bringing them all down. “I don’t know if you can hear me, but you need help.”
Scootaloo woke up with a pounding headache and pain radiating through her body. “Feelin’ better?” She saw Applejack sitting on the edge of the bed with a concerned look on her face. “I guess…Wait! What about…” “Easy. I took out the thugs and the boss, took just enough of the money for me and Applebloom to live and some for you, and I gave the rest away to ponies who needed it.” Scootaloo wasn’t sure whether to be angry or happy. On the one hand, she was now free, but on the other, she no longer had a job. “Who’s Applebloom?” Applejack pointed at the wall, indicating that there was another room. “She’s my sister, and she doesn’t know I’m an Alter user. And you will not tell her about it, or I’ll finish the job those thugs started.” “Ok. Friends?” Scootaloo held out her uninjured hand. Applejack shook it, unaware that they would end up best friends. “Great. Now for a favour.” “What?” “Wake up.”

Present day
Applejack awoke to see Scootaloo’s face inches away from her. “If you’re gonna kiss me, don’t let Vinyl see you.” Scootaloo laughed, “Very funny. Actually, I was about to splash you with water, but I tripped.” Applejack pushed her off and stretched. “Yeah, that must be why there’s no water on the ground. Remember the old days?” “When you were a grouchy irritable piece of work? Yeah. I think there’s still a few bruises from back then.” Applejack grinned, “I’ve really changed, haven’t I? And you still think you’re funny.” Scootaloo nodded, “I have known you far too long for my liking-” “Your condescension is appreciated.” Applejack deadpanned. Scootaloo faked a laugh. “Anyway, you have matured quite a bit. Meeting Rarity and spending time at HOLY helped you there. Not to mention when Applebloom found out about your Alter.” Applejack smiled as she glanced at Applebloom, who was currently teaching Twilight how to make apple pie. “She took it well. Guess it was that now she knows what I’ve been doing with myself.” Her expression turned serious as she looked down, “I don’t want Applebloom to lose everything she cares about.” “Applejack, listen. For 8 months, I watched her when you were gone. She wanted to see you again and the thought of you being dead nearly killed her. Try and tell me there’s anything she cares about more than you.”

HOLY HQ
“Mr Darkpony, is this evacuation necessary? After all, there haven’t been many Alter crimes since-” “Oh, shut up. I was put in charge, and this is how I intend to run things.” Discord snapped impatiently at the bureaucrat. They followed to many rules and no longer had a purpose. “You weren’t even born on the mainland, were you?” “Does it matter? Even if you could try to stop me, you wouldn’t survive. I will satisfy my hunger for Chaos. And you will obey my orders…DISCORD’S ORDERS!” Discord’s eyes practically glinted with insanity as the bureaucrats screamed, presumably dying in a horrific manner offscreen while Discord laughed maniacally.

Back at the Village
Applebloom laughed as Twilight accidentally splattered herself with mashed up apples. “You haven’t done this often, have you?” Twilight giggled, “No, but it’s fun. I wish my parents had allowed me to do it more often.” Both ponies laughed, not noticing a low humming noise…then black.

A hooded figure raced through the village, carrying Applebloom under its arm. Applejack gave chase as soon as she saw it. “WHO ARE YOU? LET APPLBLOOM GO!” She yelled as loud as she could and the figure turned. A wave of its hand and a torrent of water swept Applejack off her hooves. “Fluttershy? Why? Why are you doing this?” Applejack got back to her feet and leapt at Fluttershy, tearing off her hood. Fluttershy stared blankly back, as if she wasn’t fully in control of herself. And if Fluttershy wasn’t in control, who was? She kicked Applejack off, and raced to the exit. Rarity and Rainbow Dash had joined the chase by now, but Fluttershy seemed to be more powerful than they were. “What have you done to Ms Twilight?” Rainbow Dash growled through her teeth. Rarity groaned, “Her name is ‘Twilight’.” “That’s what I said.” They didn’t have a chance to continue the debate, as another torrent of water blasted them all back. When they got to their feet again, Fluttershy and Applebloom were gone. Applejack dropped to her knees, a combination of despair and rage filling her. She threw her head back and screamed.
“APPLEBLOOM!!!”