CHAPTER 1
đTHE PEASANT IN THE MUDđ
âMirror mirror on the wall. Give me a comprehensive list of the fairest princesses of them all!â
Prince Blueblood lounged in his incredibly lavish private quarters, quite bored. Every princess he had met had been dull and boring, but he sure as hell wasnât going to settle for anything less than a princess.
The Magic Mirror that hung on his wall lit to life, with an exhausted voice coming from it. âSo youâre finally doing it my liege?â
âYes, yes, I've exhausted all other methods of accruing power, and I do not want to stagnate. Now do not stall, show me some suitors.â The Prince waved his flawless dainty hooves around, uninterested in any small talk.
The Mirror stalled just a bit, and then images of a purple clad princess with streaks on her hair surrounded by friends appeared. âPrincess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of magic and friendship. She is Queen Celestiaâs current and most successful pupil, she has status for being beloved by all and has defeated many threats to the kingdomââ
The Prince groaned. âUUUGH. That nerd? Iâve had the displeasure of meeting her once. Such a stuck up know it all, kept critiquing my way of rule. Sure she could potentially be âcuteâ if she put effort in her appearance, but I will not stoop that low. Letâs put her in the âmaybe if all other options dry upâ category.â
The Magical Mirror did the closest an inanimate object could to a shudder. âWell, if it helps, it is rumored that she has already taken on the love department. By who, unknown at the moment.â
âAs if she could do better than me.â Prince Blueblood waved his overly groomed mane around. âNext!â
The Mirror changed images to a pitch black alicorn with a constellation mane, doing a battle stance. âQueen Luna, Ruler of the nightââ
âThat old hag??â Prince Blueblood scoffed and interrupted. âAbsolutely not! By far the ugliest Princess or Queen I have ever seen! Put her in the ânot everâ category. NEXTâ
The Mirror hesitated. âMy liege, princess Luna is truly powerful and ranks high among royalsââ
The Prince didnât even glance at the mirror. âAnd I've said next. Do not make me repeat myself.â
The Magical Mirror did the closest an inanimate object could to sigh. It then shifted the images to a pink Alicorn with a multicolored mane being embraced lovingly by her subjects.
âPrincess Mi Amore Cadenza, the Princess of love, Ruler of the Crystal Empire, currently engaged to the captain of her royal guard; Sister in law to the aforementioned princess, Twilight Sparkle.â
Prince Blueblood scratched his chin. âWell sheâs definitely a much better suitor, Her appearance leaves little to be desired. Is that engagement impervious to sabotage?â
This, the Mirror did not want to aid with. âYouâre asking me? I'm a mirror.â
âWell, no matter. Put her in the âmaybeâ category. I'm sure I could win her over with my undying charm if need be. But I am not as desperate as to attempt to ruin a royal engagement at the moment.â He waved his overly perfumed mane around, genuinely believing the words he was saying.
If the Magical Mirror could roll its eyes, it would, had it had any. âSure, my liege.â
The Prince glared at the mirror, not appreciating its tone. âNext.â
The Mirror changed images once more, this time to a beautiful Unicorn with very well cared for purple mane and white hide, dressed incredibly well, with a lovely tiara, on a party surrounded by like minded fancy folk. She seemed to be absolutely in her element.
Bluebloodâs interest was fully piqued. âNow that is a PRINCESS! Who is this gorgeous visage?â
âThis is Princess Rarity. She is quite known in high class galas and royal establishments, and for her highly successful tailoring work.â
âSure, sure.â The Prince tilted his head. âWhere are her wings?â
âShe is not an Alicorn.â
The Prince lounged back, losing a bit of his enthusiasm. âA princess who is not an Alicorn? What a scandal. Disappointing. Well, she is still a lovely visage, tell me more, I am intrigued.â
The Mirror started showing images of the things it described. âShe was born to a commoner family, in the small village known as Ponyville, but her work as a seamstress made her an incredibly influential tailor, rising her to the ranks of princess by sheer determination and social skills, although she rules over no kingdom or county, she is certainly highly influential, with many royals and high class establishment holding her in high regard. Many consider her a Fully fledged Princess, even if she in reality is not.â
âEugh. So sheâs not even close to being as highly ranked as me. Not even with her own castle! This might be a waste of my effort. But she is definitely stunning⌠Could work as a trophy wife...â The Prince raised his dainty hoof towards his lips, pondering.
The Magical Mirror cleared its non-existent throat. âYou could imagine it as a fixer-upper, my liege. This princess is highly ambitious, and she is already a good friend of the other princess aforementioned, Twilight Sparkle. Whether she gets her wings or not is irrelevant, she will continue to grow in influence and popularity, and you could very well be the catalyst for it.â
Blueblood narrowed his eyes, having made his decision. âHm, surprisingly eloquent, for a piece of furniture. You raise a good point. I could eat my cake and have it too⌠I have decided Fair Rarity will be my wife! I shall contact her family, surely they will be pleased by the offer, considering how it will elevate their statusââ
âThere is only one problem, my liege.â
The Prince did not appreciate being interrupted, and especially if it was to raise another problem. âWhat is it, tool?â
âPrincess Rarity is currently imprisoned in an abandoned castle, guarded by a fearsome dragon, at the farthest edge of Equestria.â
âUgh, mares. Itâs always something with them isnât it?â Prince Blueblood groaned.
âWhy are things so difficult for amazing people like myself?â He pondered, dramatically.
The Mirror drew from a well of very finite patience. âIt is simply the case of rescuing her, my liege.â
The Prince stared at his beautifully decorated ceiling. âHm. Quite. Someone will have to do something about thatâŚâ
The Mirror talked quietly. âOf course you wouldnât even consider rescuing her yourself.â
The Prince shot it a piercing glance. âIâll have no back talk from you. Do you want me to have you placed in the bathroom of a commoner? A lowly peasant?â
âNo, my liege. Apologies, my liege.â The Mirror weighed if a bathroom was better than this.
The Prince stood back up. âWell then. I suppose preparations will have to be underway; I will find a champion to rescue her for me! Surely only the mightiest of warriors would be fit for the task, so if I must arrange a painfully boring triage, so be it. I will now be off to find my champion, may he be MIGHTY!â
Applejack stomped her hooves on the dirt angrily, shaking trees nearby. âYa canât be serious!! Surely this ainât legal!! My familyâs owned this land for generationsâ This is our life!â
The two guards were intimidated by the large earth pony, but attempted to keep composure, with questionable results.
âY-you own this farm, yes, but you do not own this land, Prince Blueblood does. By law, if you do not pay what youâre owed to the royal bank, the Prince is allowed to do whatever he desires with it.â
Applejackâs tail flailed around angrily. âAnd he would bulldoze our home for a golf course?? A golf! Course! Y'all have got to be kidding me. WHY!â She snarled.
The guards got a bit closer to each other, almost as if they needed to hug each other for comfort from this terrifying sigh. âY-you see, The Prince is to be married soon, and he wants to âsplurgeâ as it wereâŚ''
âY-yes, you know our Prince, he loves to indulge.â they trembled with fear that the Farmer would crumple them like soda cans. She could. And at this moment, she considered it.
Applejack swallowed her anger, trying to be civil once more, ignoring the Prince as a subject. She exhaled, and sat back down, looking at the ground. â...How much time we got?â
The guards couldnât help but feel a sting of guilt, but not that it would quell her pain.
âYour deadline is a month, starting now.â
âA-a month.â She repeated to herself, trying to process it. She looked up at the horizon, the castle of Prince Blueblood mocked her in the distance. She couldnât find words that expressed her anger towards this injustice.
The guards started whispering amongst themselves.
âMaybe she couldâŚ?â
âShe does seem to be pretty strong.â
âThe Prince would neverââ
âWell she seems to be desperateâŚâ
Applejack gritted her teeth. âWhat are y'all whispering about.â
One of the guards chimed in. âW-well you see, the Prince is currently holding a tournament,â
The Farmerâs patience was up. âNot interested. Now if you excuse me, this is still our property, and I have to tell my family about our current situation. Please get out, or I'll make ya.â
The guards stumbled and got out of there, maybe a bit too fast.
The singing of birds and chirping of crickets she was used to did not distract her from the thoughts of all this being gone. As she looked back at her farm, the image of it being bulldozed flooded her mind, much to her dismay.
Applejack walked back towards her home, head low, thinking of what to do. âA monthâŚâ
âA month?? Ya canât be serious!! Surely this ainât legal!!â Granny Smith's denture almost fell from shock. All of the apple siblings looked at each other, concerned. Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom all sat together around their living room table, ruminating on what could happen to them soon. The air felt heavy and still, their home felt like it could turn to dust with a sudden move.
âAfraid so, Granny. I read their paperwork, and it seemed pretty decisive.â Applejack had her head low. âI ainât good with fine print, but itâs dire. I can say that much.â
Applebloom tried being optimistic, getting on top of the table, âB-but!! Our pies, our cider, surely we been selling enough to make whatever much money they want from us, right?â She looked around at each of them for any hopeful answer.
âNopeâŚâ Big mac blurted, with sadness and shame.
Granny sighed. âApplebloom, ya know business has been tough, weâre scraping by⌠Weâve got enough for us, butâŚâ
The little filly tried again. âMaybe thereâs stuff we can sell? Or ask around town for help? Anything!â
Applejack hated to disappoint her sister. âHow much do we sell before we lose who we are, Lilâ sis? All we have here has value to us⌠Practical or sentimental.â
âYupâŚâ Big mac agreed, unenthusiastically.
Applejack sighed. âAnd we canât go asking around town for help, everyponyâs strugglinâ just like us. It wouldn't be right.â
Applebloomâs eyes got watery. âThisâ This canât be the end of apple acres!! Our home!! It just canât be!!â
Applejack took a glance at her family, they were all hurting, filled with uncertainty and fear. Her little sister was on the verge of crying⌠The Farmerâs protective instincts activated like a switch had been flicked. She would not let anyone she loved get hurt, no matter what.
âI'm gonna fix it.â She got up with fiery determination. âWhatever it takes. I'm going to pay that prissy Prince Blueblood a visit and MAKE him listen.â
Applebloomâs eyes gleamed with joy on seeing her big sisâs drive.
Granny wasnât sure. âNow now, you know we all wanna see that no good hoodlum be put in his place, but yer safety is important too, Applejack! Last thing we need is a Royal with some vendetta against us⌠And least of all you! Are ye sure yeââ
âI'm sure.â Applejack put her hat on. âI'm goin today. Now.â She started walking towards her door. Granny did not follow as quickly as her siblings.
âCan we come??â Applebloom excitedly and worryingly trotted by her. âAbsolutely not! I cannot have any of you in any danger.â The Farmer was quick to reply, and decisive.
Granny Smith piped in with concern. âApplejack, Prince Blueblood ainât exactly known for takinâ audiences with peasants⌠Much less treating them with any form of respect... â
Applejack did not back down. âThereâs a first time for everything.â
Big Mac stopped her, with concern. âSis. You sure you donât need me there too?â
Applejack appreciated the sentiment, but⌠She spoke in a lower tone, so as to not be heard by the others. âI need you here, Big Mac, in case they come back⌠And I don't. Promise youâll keep them safe, ya hear?â
A flash of worry on her brotherâs face. âEâŚ. Eyup.â He agreed, concerned, but determined. An Apple pony always kept their promises.
They hugged, and the others joined, unsure of what would come next.
Applejackâs voice shook a bit. âHold down the fort, now. Be careful, all of ya.â
âYOU be careful!!â Applebloom hugged tighter.
They let go, and Applejack got ready to go, taking a few bits on her travel sack, and some more personal effects that could be useful. Granny Smith gave her parting words. âStay true to yerself Applejack! And donât forget how much we love ya!â And the others agreed.
Applejack nodded back at them with a smile, and began galloping towards Prince Bluebloodâs castle with determination.
âNow where the heck is everypony?â The Farmer muttered to herself, looking around. The small, but much more wealthy town that surrounded Prince Bluebloodâs castle seemed to be nigh deserted.
As she approached the castle, she could hear music, and galloped towards it.
She turned a corner, and on top of a ticket booth, a pink Earth Pony Bard with an unruly mane was fiddling with an accordion.
âHeya! You there, where is everypony?â Applejack questioned.
The Bard yelped, startled, having not noticed the Farmer approached. âAAHH! Sorry! Are you here to see the tournament? Tickets sold out!! Even the booth guys got in, and I didn't!! I was stuck with advertisement duty and they just skedaddled!!! Worst day EVER.â
Applejack looked at the empty booth, the Bard, and without the sound of her banjo, she could hear cheering in the distance, on a stadium that stood nearby. âTournament?â
The Bard gasped. âWowa!! You donât know? Prince Blueblood is holding a tournament for a thingamajigâ some kind of battle royaleââ
Applejackâs ears perked up. âPrince Blueblood is on that stadium there right now?â
The Bard nodded enthusiastically.
âI heard enough. Thanks! See ya.â And so she made her way towards the stadium with fierce determination.
The Pink pony smashed her head on the pavement jumping off the booth, but managed to recover, pinkiely. âWaitwait! The stadium is sold out! Whadaya want with the Prince anyways?â
Applejack did not look back. âBusiness related. That door there seems open, I'm takinâ it.â She pointed ahead and started galloping.
âWait, that's for contestants!!!â The Bard's words were ignored by the Farmer.
The cheering and roaring of the crowd got gradually louder as she entered the building that too seemed to be nigh deserted. She then saw her first signs of life, A handful of guards, eagerly watching through a closed portcullis onto the stadium ahead. The cheering was much louder now.
âSee? Itâs locked! Contestants only, silly!â The Bard caught up with her.
âScuse me.â Applejack shoved a guard aside.
âUmm! Maâam, youâre not supposed to be back hereââ one of the guards questioned. And once more, The Farmer ignored them completely.
She grabbed the metal gate and lifted it aloft effortlessly, walked to the other side, and then closed it again, much to the guardsâs dismay and shock.Â
The Bard hopped on a table to see better, with her jaw dropped. âMy goodness! Such strength! Methinks a legend is afoot!!â Then she grabbed a notepad from her bag and started scribbling in it.
âThat is right, warriors!â Prince Bluebloodâs voice boomed through a microphone. âA MILLION bits to whoever may rescue my fair Princess Rarity from the jaws of a fearsome dragon; but only to whoever amongst you earns the right to be my champion!â
He stood above all of them, on an VIP altar with his security, and around different stands of the stadium, fancy folk and commoners cheered with excitement.
Applejack moved towards the Center of the stadium, passing by multiple wooden objects such as barrels and crates and even desks and chairs, and also by twenty or so other pony mercenaries who seemed to be prepared for battle, some with armor, others battle gear. Her large frame was hard not to be noticed by them as they recoiled, confused, and slightly intimidated.
The crowd gradually got more quiet as the Prince hushed them so he could continue.
âYouâve all come here because youâre the best at what you do; and I only want the best! So you best be readyââ âPRINCE BLUEBLOOD!!â Applejack shouted, drawing attention from the entire arena, including the Prince. âI NEED TO TALK TO YOUâ
A hush fell in the arena. A peasant, demanding the attention of the Prince was unheard of.
The Princeâs face turned to disgust. âEugh. Why is a Commoner in my arena? Hello?â
Applejack did not falter. âI'M FROM APPLE ACRES. I'M HERE FOR MY HOME!!â
The Prince ignored her completely. âContestants, please remove this lowly Peasant from my arena so that we may begin.
One of the warriors started trying to shove Applejack, and she did not budge, or even pay attention to them, her eyes were fixated on Blueblood.
Two more warriors tried pushing her, and she still did not budge. She yelled to get the Princeâs attention some more, and he paid her no mind.
It was only when five ponies pushed her that she started to slide slightly backwards.
Gritting her teeth and narrowing her eyes, she snarled. âYaâll ainât gettin rid of me that easily.â
She started walking forward casually, which the ponies attempting to shove her failed to stop.
âI'M TALKIN TO YOU!â
The Prince was now getting annoyed. âExpel her from here violently, if you please.â
One of the warriors punched Applejackâs face with his hoof. She barely flinched, just glared at him. Other contestants attempted to do the same, with no success.
âShe wonât go down!!â one of the contestants whimpered.
More mercenaries attempted to all gather around her, one even trying to hold her by headlock, and thatâs when she snapped. Air puffed from her nostrils.
âOkay now ya asked for it.â
She bucked the warriors behind her, making them fall on eachother like dominos, and the ones that took in the kick directly were instantly down for the count, lucky to be wearing armor.
She then shook her head violently, making most of the ones around her stumble. The two directly next to her on each side she brought down by stomping their heads, pressing them on the floor. She then jumped and landed on her back, Crushing the poor warrior that tried holding her in headlock.
The crowd went from shock to wild enjoyment. The commoners, especially, were loving that one of their own was kicking ass. Now THIS was a show.
The pink Bardâs eyes widened and her jaw was agape, much like the guards around her. She squealed. âLegend!!!â
Applejack rid herself of any pony crowding her, and started hooving them. Their punches were barely felt by her, but her punches hit them like sledgehammers. She started running around the arena tackling any who would actually try and fight her.
After the Farmer grabbed one contestant and threw him at another like he weighed nothing, the Prince took notice that she was not going down.
âHalf of the prize bits will be delivered to whichever champion puts an end to this peasant now!!â He scowled.
Applejack ignored him. There were a lot of barrels and crates in the arena, and she started bucking them, smashing them against her opponents.
One of the warriors grabbed a wooden chair and smashed it on her side. She barely flinched, glaring at him.
From behind the gates, the Bard yelled âGIVE HIM THE CHAIR!!!â
Applejack grabbed a wooden chair and served the merc the same he served her, except he was sent flying.
One of her opponents tried hitting her with a bat he held with his teeth; which landed directly on her head, but when he attempted a second hit, much to his dismay, she grabbed it with her teeth mid swing. And with a simple motion, tossed him away.
The crowd went wild with every hit she delivered.
Thatâs when she grabbed her lasso, and with a single motion, wrapped it around one of her opponents, who gulped.
She started spinning horizontally, and brought him with her, he cried as he was smashed against the remaining contestants.
The lasso wrapped itself on three remaining ponies, and the poor tied merc smashed against them.
Applejack breathed heavily, bruised but full of adrenaline. She looked around, no one else was standing. âWELL?? CâMON THEN!!!â She snarled. None dared challenge her. She wiped blood from her nostrils and forehead.
The crowd went ecstatic with her victory, not that she cared, but she would absolutely be seen as a folk hero after this.
She then looked back at the Prince defiantly, and was met with a wry smile. Guards above the stands pointed crossbows at her. Way too many.
She looked around in hesitation. She couldnât fight her way out of this one.
The Prince smiled with his incredibly punchable teeth. âVery well then, people, we have our champion!â
The Peasants in the stands cheered wildly. âChampion what?â Applejack mumbled unheard.
As the crowd calmed down, the Prince took his usual bragging tone. âWhat is your name, my champion?â
Applejack frowned. âI ainât your champion! I'm Applejack from Apple acres!! I'm here for my home!â
The Prince turned to his guards, puzzled. âDoesnât ring a bell. Anypony?â The guards looked among each other, confused also. One of them piped in. âTheir cider is really good!â he blurted.
The Farmer gritted her teeth. This Prince was gonna bulldoze her home and he didnât even know her. She imagined herself crinkling his stupid little head like a soda can. âYour manzy pansy guards warned me you were gonna build a GOLF COURSE in my home a month from now!!â
âAaah, yes, my beautiful new course. I canât wait! Nevertheless, my champion, are you not aware of your task?â He looked down on her.
âWhat the hay are you talking about?!â
The Prince pondered a bit. âAhem. You will rescue my fair Princess Rarity from the jaws of a fearsome dragon, or your little farm will be Bulldozed. Bring her to me, and youâll have the reward money! One million bits. And well, keep in mind you have a month to do it, or your home is gone anyway!â He once again smiled with his teeth that begged to be knocked out.
Applejack had to wrap her head around that request. She felt dizzy; but it might have been from being punched in the face a couple times moments ago.
That task would force her to put herself in even more danger, and far from her family... But that reward⌠If she could acquire that, all their worries would be over.
Would Applejack fight a dragon to save her home and family? Without hesitation.
Still dizzy, she turned her head up. âA-alright! But on another condition; Youâll give me and my family full ownership of our land! No more payments to you!â she yelled.
The Prince scoffed. âYou are in no position to demand anything, filthy commoner.â he waved his easily breakable little hooves around.
Applejack hesitated, considering her options. Looking around, she smiled. âActually I very much am. Or would you rather ask one of these fellers to rescue yer prissie princess for ya?â She held up an utterly defeated warrior, who was absolutely in no position to fight anything and did not want to participate anymore. Poor guy.
The Prince frowned, one of his personal guards whispered at him. âSir, itâs slaying a dragon. Sheâll likely fail anyway.â
Blueblood blew raspberries. âWell, weâll need more time to sort out a new tournament anyway. These lot were worthless⌠Or maybe I should just put out an open bountyâŚâ Then he directed himself at Applejack. âVery well then. I agree to your terms. One of my servants will come by with an adjusted contract and a map for you!â
Applejack sighed in relief. She really wasnât good at negotiations, she had just gotten really lucky.
A servant hesitantly approached the large bruised Farmer, intimidated by her figure.
âH-here you go, maâam.â he whimpered, handing her over pieces of parchment.
âThank you kindly.â She laid them on the floor and sat to review properly. âIâll just have a look over the fine print, if ya donât mind.â
Applejack did NOT want to be cheated out of this possible win. If she could get that money and secure her farm, all her worries would be over. Her family would be set for life.
The Bard furiously scribbled notes on her little notebook as after the Farmer won her fight in the arena. Whoever she was, she had the making of a legend, and the pink pony was highly interested. This could make for an incredible song!!
âHey, Pinkie.â A familiar voice called from behind her.
Pinkie Pie gasped, turning around. âOH MY GOSH!! SUNSET!! how's it going!! Itâs been a minute!!â
Before her stood a unicorn with red and yellow long hair, adorned with armor befitting of a veteran Paladin, except it was colored pitch black. She smirked, as Pinkie jumped to her and they did an elaborate hoof-shake that ended with a chest bump that knocked the Pink pony on the ground. âHihihihi I keep forgetting how strong you are!â
The guards, noticing the commotion, no longer focussed on the fight, gave the dark armored Unicorn a salute. âCaptain!â they affirmed. âAt ease.â She dismissed them.
Pinkie gasped again. âOh my gosh, you got promoted??â
The Unicorn chuckled, delighted. âHeh, yeah, a while ago. Had to happen sometime. Itâs pretty good to be able to serve Twilight directly. She pulled some strings. But I guess Celestia must have been okay with it, ifââ
Pinkie got a bit smug, approaching the Unicorn. âTwiiiiiilight, huh? And your promotion has nothing to do with her wanting to be clooooser to you maybe?â
The Palladinâs face got a bit red, nigh imperceptibly, as she frowned. âI resent the suggestion of me gaining my position through nepotism, Pinkie Pie.â
Pinkie shrugged. âJuuuust saying. Captain and Princess. Scandalous. Like sister, like brother, that Twi. If I had a nickel for every timeâŚâ
The unicorn scoffed, looking away, averting eye contact. âI donât know what youâre talking about. Iâve earned my position through training, discipline and hard work.â
Pinkie agreed, even if keeping the very smug look.
She walked over to the gate Pinkie watched AJ through. âSpeaking of strength. Sheâs really something, huh? Looks like Prince Blueblood got his champion after allâŚâ
Pinke trotted over to her, nodding excitedly. âNow that has the making of a legend, right?? And sheâs gonna go rescue Princess Rarity!!â
The captain scratched her chin. âWell, I certainly wouldnât underestimate her, after this display. Twilight sends her love, by the way. Sheâs in the stands watching right now. She asked me to come down to meet⌠Appleback?â
âApplejack!â
âRight. Applejack. If someone can rescue Twilightâs friend, itâs of her great interest that she succeeds.â
The Captainâs eyes were fixated on the Farmer, reading her from top to bottom, discerning what kind of pony she was.
âShe must be really, really desperate to take this job.â She murmured.
Pinkie fiddled with her banjo. âGosh I hope that she makes it then!! I never met this âRarityâ but if Twilight likes her, I like her.â
The Paladin Pondered. Then turned to the Bard. âPinkie. Youâre still looking for a legend, right?â
âOf course!â
âWell, could you do me and Twilight a big favor? And I mean a big favor.â She smiled.
Applejack exhaled. Everything was in order⌠She hoped.
You must rescue Princess Rarity from the dragon keep and bring her back to Prince Blueblood in under a month, unharmed.
Do this successfully, and you will earn one million bits and full ownership of Apple Acres.
She gazed at the map intently, her mind buzzing with how difficult the trip could or could not be. Her thoughts spiraled at the possibilities of danger she might face here, there and back, already considering her routes. She closed her eyes and thought of her family. If she pulled this off, everything would be okay.
Just travel to the edges of Equestria, fight a dragon, rescue a princess and bring her royal prissy hooves unharmed back here. Nothing to it. Easy peasy.
This had to work.
She put the contract and map on her backpack, making absolutely sure that they were safely there and would in no way be lost. They would be everything for her in these coming weeks.
She looked up at Prince Blueblood. âAlright! Iâll rescue yer Princess. Iâll make it back lickedy-split and we never have to deal with eachother again!â She delighted herself in the thought of never being in the presence of his very very punchable muzzle again.
The crowd once more cheered for their new champion.
The Prince once again smiled with his teasing teeth, who begged to be punched. âNothing would please me more! Now off with you, filthy commoner.â He waved his dainty breakable hooves dismissively.
She turned around, delighted to be free of his royal pain, even if still pissed. âAinât gotta tell me twice, ya bastard.â She muttered, trotting back to the gate.
She once again opened it and closed it with ease. Behind it, The Bard and The Paladin waited for her.
The Paladin was the first to speak up. âApplejack, right? My name is Captain Sunset Shimmer. I'm here on behalf of myâ ahem. on behalf of Princess Twilight Sparkle, regarding the rescue of Princess Rarity Belle.â
Applejack kept moving, single minded determination. âSorry, but whatever yer sellinâ I can't buy. Iâve got plenty on my plate already.â She said trotting out of the arena.
Pinkie Looked at The Paladin and nodded at the Farmer. They both followed her.
The Captain kept up with her pace easily, Pinkie, on the other hand, had to sprint. âIt may be in your interest to know the reason Princess Twilight is here is to investigate Prince Blueblood for corruption.â Applejack stopped on her tracks, then looked at Sunset.
She almost had to contain her laughter, hoping that this divine karma would smite the hateful Prince. âWell heâs obviously guilty. But could ya wait to arrest him or execute him until after I'm back with his princess? And by all means, please execute him; But I could really use that reward.â
Sunset smirked. âDonât worry, that wonât be a concern; Twilight likes doing things the slow way. We want Rarity back even more than he does. I was hoping we could help you on your journey, however. Something tells me we can trust you.â
Applejack scoffed. âWell unless ya got some fancy dragon slaying tool or some kinda flying doohikey, I'm afraid ya canât do much for me.â
Pinkie stepped forward talking much too fast. âHow about some company? My name is Pinkie Pie, I'm a Bard, my life goal is to spread joy and laughter and fun all over Equestria, and I'm always looking for a new song!! And youuuuu are it.â She narrowed her eyes, pointing with her little fluffy hooves.
Applejack blinked. âWhatâ
Sunset chuckled. âPinkie was our Bard and jester at some point. Look, sheâs a good travel companion, and we want someone to trust to aid in her rescue, and trust me that you can count on her for good company. Are you planning on going on the whole journey alone?â
The Farmer took a second to think. Well, traveling all that way would be incredibly lonely and stressful. And the way back with an annoying stuck up princess would be nigh unbearable. There was no way she was going to ask any of her siblings to come. She could never put them in that much danger.
She hesitated to trust the Captain. Another stuck up member of the high class in her eyes, but she did seem to carry herself out like someone that had been humbled at least once in her life⌠Her gaze was sharp, and decisive. Almost as if she could read Applejackâs mind.
Sunsetâs eyes did not waver, did not hesitate. There was unending well of earned confidence in the Paladin that Applejack could notice, and she could tell that it meant she wasnât lying.
Applejack looked at the Pink pony, that seemed to be vibrating of excitement. âI donât have any bits to pay ya.â
Pinkie just giggled. âIâm off the clock, silly! Besides, if you feel like I deserve payment, you can always do it after you get the reward! Iâm in this for the adventure!â
Applejack pondered for a moment, then made her decision. âAlright. But I ain't slowinâ down for nothin, ya hear? Yer gonna have to keep up.â She extended a hoof in greeting. âPinkie, was it?â The Bard gladly shook her hoof intently. âPinkie pie!â
âI'm Applejack. Good to meet ya. And you?â She extended a hoof to the other. âCaptain Sunset Shimmer. It was good meeting you, Applejack. I hope your journey treats you well.â
The Paladin turned away. âIâve got to go back to myâ ahem, to Princess Twilight. You two be careful on your journey, alright? Keep her out of trouble, Pink.â The Captain couldnât help chuckling a little bit, in consideration of asking Pinkie Pie, of all people, to stay out of trouble.
The Captain moved back to the arena without hesitation, and then simply teleported away.
They both waved goodbye. âAlright, where we off to?â The Bard giddily asked.
Applejack stared Pinkie down, puffing air from her nostrils. âOkay, listen to me now. This job is going to change my life and even my familyâs life if I can pull it off. I canât have anything slowing me down. Are ya going to slow me down, Bard?â
Pinkie was smiling, not intimidated. âNope!â She could tell Applejack was a softie at heart.
The Farmer turned and already started walking. âFirst, Post office. I have to send a letter. Then we leave town.â
âOkidoki!â She skipped about, following her pinkiely.
Applejack couldnât risk time on going back home and visiting her family. She especially couldnât risk them trying to convince her not to endanger her life for them⌠again.
She was going to send a letter to them regarding her new mission, and after that⌠Well, she wouldnât have contact for a while. The thought made her shudder. She missed her siblings already.
And she was not looking forward to meeting another annoying prissy royalâŚ
Pinkie Pie accompanied her respectfully as she wrote and sent a letter, and every once in a while the Bard would write something down on her own little notebook.
The Peasant handed the letter to a googly eyed pegasus that ensured to her that it would be delivered asap.
The letter explained exactly what AJ was going to do, and specifically requested them not to try and stop her. Deep down, they knew they couldnât, anyway. Her mind was made up.
And so, the Peasant and the Bard set out on their journey to rescue Princess Rarity.