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