The Princess and The Peasant

by DapperLilArts

The Heart Stays True

CHAPTER 10

💖✨🍎THE HEART STAYS TRUE💎✨💖

---

“I have the coolest sister in the world…!” That certainly wasn’t an unfounded statement from the youngest of the apple family, as she watched Applejack, with steely-eyed determination, mount the neck of a dragon as her steed, lassoing it as her reins, all with incredibly unwavering motions.

The Peasant’s gaze was silently affixed on Castle Blueblood. She didn’t say a word, just glared.

The day was still cloudy, but the sun broke through the haze on occasion, illuminating their objective.

The Dragon grumbled, and Fluttershy was quick to translate. “She says she’s eager to repay her debt to you, Applejack!” No response from the Farmer, who continued her steel gaze at the castle in the distance.

Seeing Applebloom clumsily try to climb the dragon’s side, Rainbow interfered. “I gotcha, Kiddo!” quickly flying down, grabbing the filly and delivering her to Big Mac, who readied himself on the back of the dragon. “Thanks Rainbow! Hihi, good thing Applejack’s so distracted, otherwise she’d try to stop me from comin’!”

Her big brother kept her safely tied to him, ensuring no amount of shaking or wind would throw her off. “Oh, She ain’t distracted… She’s focussed.” He stated plainly, looking at Applejack. Who indeed had one, single minded focus at that moment.

Applebloom looked down at her grandmother, who was sitting on the lawn, proudly watching her family in this undertaking. “Hey Granny!! You comin’ too?”

With a snicker, Granny Smith waved her off. “Oh, I’ll leave dragon ridin’ and castle crashin’ to y’all young’ins. Tell ya what, I’ll have some dinner and lovely pies baked and ready as celebration for when y’all kids get back!” She said, with absolute confidence in her family, waiting for them to depart.

Near the neck, Pinkie tied herself up with the same lasso Applejack held, and was absolutely reeling. “HELL YEAH! CASTLE CRASHING, TRUE LOVE, PIES, MOST LEGENDARIEST ADVENTURE EVER!!”

On the base, the two pegasi held themselves on the spines of the dragon, not needing to rely on the insurances of seatbelts. The Rogue regarded her girlfriend with concern. “Hey babe, you sure you wanna follow us on this? ‘Cause it’s gonna get pretty messy, we’re gonna get in trouble with the royal guard–- And I know you don’t like fighting…!”

Giggling, and humming a song that seemed to attract woodland birds to land near and around her, Fluttershy set her at ease. “Oh don’t worry, it wouldn't be the first time I got in trouble with guards. Ride a grizzly bear to a fair one time…!”

“I love you”

“What?”

“What?”

The dragon let out a readily groan.

Fluttershy, shaking the fluster off her face, translated. “U-um she says she’s ready to take off whenever you–”

“HIYA!!” Applejack whipped the reins, without hesitation, commanding the dragon to set forth, and so she did.

With a gust and a flap of its huge wings, the unlikely group of friends set off into the sky, on a single, precise objective.

“YEEEHAW!!”

---

The life of a guard on Prince Blueblood’s castle is never easy.

Well yes, it is very very easy. But if you consider boredom and annoyance a challenge, then it is insanely hard.

Relaxing at a balcony high in the castle, 4 guards took their break, glad to be away from any ceremony with that royal prick.

“I’m glad to be away from any ceremony with that royal prick.” The first one stated.

“You can say whatever you want man, but he pays your bills.” The second affirmed.

“Whatever. I just hope this break lasts a bit longer– I can’t believe he actually managed to get hitched–”

“--Can you guys not be treasonous for a second? I’m just trying to enjoy a sandwich over here.” The third one complained.

“Hey. both of you. Come over here.” The fourth one beckoned, leaning on a railing.

“What's up?”

“Your eyesight’s better than mine. Can you tell me if that’s a–”

“Is that a fucking dragon?”

There are days when the life of a guard on Prince Blueblood’s castle is very, very hard. And Applejack the Peasant was about to make this be one of those days.

---

For the Princess of Love, Weddings were usually incredibly joyful gatherings to attend; she always made it a point to visit as many weddings in the Crystal Empire as she could. What’s more important than a celebration of love?

Today, the Princess of Love was bored.

Yes, the chapel was beautiful. A large, round room, with plenty of seats filled with royals, beautiful stained glass windows, an organ was played, with calm, dull wedding music echoing in the walls of the chapel, and a very tall ceiling that adorned a gorgeous chandelier. The most distinctive aspect, certainly a choice, banners decorated the walls, most of them with the groom’s face adorned in them. Certainly, the room itself was beautiful, lavish, and extravagant. But if the love was real, someone could get married in their backyard and make it work. This? Was not working.

She fidgeted with her mane, trying to stave off boredom. She turned to her sister in law, annoyed. “Twilight, why in the world did you invite me to this wedding…?! Did you know it was going to be this boring!?”

The Princess of friendship blew raspberries, well aware that this was coming. “Look, Cadance, it's just–”

The Princess of love waved her hooves around, annoyed, even in a whispering tone, not to be overheard. “It’s just dead air, twilight! The audience is comprised of no one who's excited except for two parents; just a bunch of royals present because of status. The bride absolutely does not love the groom, despises him, even, her heart clearly belongs to another, and it's weeping, mind you, and the groom sure doesn’t love her either, she’s an object to him. I’ve seen weddings in shacks that were more lovely than this!!”

With a groan, fidgeting with her paladin armor, Sunset Shimmer, who sat next to her Princess, mumbled at her. “Just wait a bit longer, your highness. I’m sure it’ll pick up soon.”

Blowing raspberries, Cadance waited a bit, narrowing her eyes, boredom settling in once more. Then turned to the two of them. “Can you two at least make out a little bit to make things interesting?”

Covering her face with her hooves, the Princess of friendship flustered a little. This was not unusual, but it was as embarrassing as ever. Her captain, however, just got annoyed. “You know Twilight doesn’t want to be public about me and her yet, so can you respect that? Please?”

Groaning even more, Cadance leaned back on her chair. “I can’t belieeeeve you two keep this a secret. It’s too cute! I get it, you like sneaking around, but love this good should be shared with the world, you know?”

Sunset lowered her head a little, eyeing her princess with worry, who was flustering more and more, placing a consoling hoof on her thigh. “Cadance can you please just–”

The Princess of love did not stop, even if maintaining her tone in whispers. “I mean come on. One of the most savage diehard warriors in Equestria, a Dark Paladin who has never lost a fight, and the Princess of friendship, an adorable nerd, who is all cuddles and rainbows, In love?? I love it!! I love opposites attract!!”

The Captain scoffed, rolling her eyes. “I’ve lost a fight before. Twilight’s right here, you know?” Once again comforting her Princess who was shaking off the fluster.

“And gosh, it's so romantic, how you pledged yourself to her, it reminds me of me and Shining– “

“Cadance if I kiss Sunset just a bit will you stop.” Twilight muttered, blushing.

“If there’s no tongue, no.”

Both of the two lovers groaned, not submitting to the request. Captain Shimmer decided to use this time to change the subject and complain. “Ughh. I can’t believe we’ve been in this stupid castle for over a MONTH. I miss Ponyville… I miss a good fight!! Sparkles, you know I respect your way of doing things, and you wanted to take down Blueblood the right way, but you know I could have just–”

Twilight quickly corrected her. “Sunsun. It would be unbecoming of the Princess of friendship to command my captain to assassinate my enemies, even if they are really, really, really crappy.”

The Paladin’s tone trailed off, as if she knew she would likely not provide the Prince mercy. “I could have killed him in his sleep just saying. He wouldn’t have even felt it…”

Twilight’s tone became commanding, which would be surprising, but she had clearly rehearsed it. “Captain Shimmer. Your fighting prowess is incredibly admirable, but while you serve me, you will leash it.”

Sunset replied robotically but smiling, with a nod. “Yes, my Princess.” Cadance, however, took notice, with her love-centric magic in quiet display. She nudged Twilight. “Hohoho. Sunset really really likes it when you do that. And you like doing that to her too, eh? Also your nicknames for eachother are adorable.”

With another light groan, The Captain gritted her teeth. “Cadance, please don't talk about us like we’re pets in a zoo.” She requested, knowing it would fall on deaf ears.

And it certainly did, with a giggle and an overtly teasing tone from the Princess of love. “I don't knooooow, Twilight tamed you pretty good, didn't she?”

Twilight once again exhaled, blushing, covering her face. If mere glances could kill, Sunset Shimmer’s flustered, but very irritated glare would have incinerated Princess Cadance.

Which only served to make her giggle more. “Look at that, she’s not even growling! So cute, isn’t she, Twilight?” Nudging her once more.

All three of them paused, feeling the room shake slightly; the chandelier above them tinkled.

A smirk appeared on the Captain’s lips.

The Princess of friendship recovered from her fluster, looking at her sister in law. “Well Cadance, you wanted a non boring wedding, hopefully you’ll be in for a surprise…”

Blowing raspberries, the Princess of love sat back on her chair. “I don’t see how that could happen. Well, here comes the bride now, in all her lovewracked glory…”

Rarity Belle entered the room, wearing a beautiful white dress adorned with lavender streaks and blue jewels; She was utterly gorgeous. Her look, however, demonstrated unease.

The Princess of love was about to comment on this, but she stopped. Her ears twitched. Her horn glowed slightly, her feathers fluttered and she looked back at the large doors of the room, sensing something. Something big. Something coming, and coming fast.

“Ohohoho, Twilight, you sly dog…!”

---

Moment of truth.

Rarity had always been a planner.

But today, she found herself devoid of any plans. She had no precise means of escape, no exact knowledge of how the next hours would play out. It was all riding on her love.

Whatever should be, will be.

She put effort in her appearance, as she always did, even if she was entirely uncertain how the day would go. She readied her finest dress and improved it, knowing that it could be wasted on a horrible day.

Everything could go wrong, and everything could go right. It was completely out of her hands.

Whatever should be, will be.

As she brushed her mane, gazing upon her reflection in a mirror, she couldn’t help but wonder how many good things could come out of this day, letting out little snickers, and smiling. And unfortunately, her mind would also wonder about the worst case scenarios, and she would sigh listlessly and shudder, knowing that she would have no contingencies for any of them.

Every minute passed, and things continued to go according to Prince Blueblood’s desire, which was terrible, of course. Her heart beat a bit faster, the closer she knew she was getting to the altar.

Only the smallest, most shameful part of her, considered the idea that her Knight wouldn’t come. But she couldn’t help but entertain that horrible idea, with shudders and wistful sighs.

Unlike all the days in which she had planned out every moment, prepared for every eventuality, she cringed on the simple fact that she had no control over the following moments, that would dictate the rest of her life.

Whatever should be, will be.

“Princess Rarity, it’s time. Are you ready?” a bridesmaid asked, unenthusiastically.

“J-just a few more minutes, darling…!” Only when she spoke did she realize how anxious she felt. Her heart palpitated with fear. The small room she was preparing herself in was quiet, only accentuated by the echoes of the organ that was played in the chapel.

She glared at her own reflection in the mirror, looked at herself in the eyes plainly, and stated “She will come for you.” Then turned around, heading for the door.

She was handed a bouquet, which she held before her with magic. She reached the door, and stopped.

“C’mon Princess, he’s waiting for you at the altar.” The bridesmaid once again beckoned, a bit bored.

Her hooves were stuck in place, as she closed her eyes, breathing unsteadily. She waited for a sign, something, anything.

anything at all.

Applejack, where are you?

The room shook. The whole castle felt a small tremor, in fact. The chandelier tinkled, and multiple objects in the room behind her vibrated.

She exhaled, and a relieved smile appeared on her lips. There we go.

“Sorry, darling. Just a bit of nerves.” She stated, walking through the door with a smile.

On a very, very leisurely pace, she walked by a red carpet, where she held the bouquet in front of her face, using the time she bought with that slow walk to search the crowd. In it, many unknown royals, likely there by the invitation of Blueblood, or simply there to be in his good graces. She counted several guards surrounding the chapel room idly, many who seemed bored.

Her parents waved at her with cheerful smiles, and between them, Sweetiebelle gave her a justifiably very concerned look.

And then her eyes rested on her friends. Twilight and Sunset, who looked at her with calm smiles. She took heart in knowing that even if everything went wrong, she at least had friends present.

And then she nearly faltered in her pace, seeing who her friends sat next to. The Princess of Love, Mi Amore Candeza, was present in this wedding, and peculiarly ignoring the altar and front of the wedding altogether, instead keeping her gaze on the large, locked doors of the chapel, as if expecting something.

Rarity attempted to ignore her nerves on being in the presence of another Alicorn; One she had dreamed of meeting, much like Queen Celestia. She had already had the embarrassment of meeting Queen Luna in incredibly shameful circumstances, and wondered if this was going to be any better.

Princess Cadance was distracted with the door, so Rarity was as well.

She finally reached the altar, forgetting to look at Prince Blueblood, who was wearing another one of his incredibly expensive suits, and that always quite-punchable smile.

As she took position with an exhale, she hovered the bouquet close, eyes darting to the crowd, Cadance, and the doors, occasionally. Her heart beat at a slower pace, but she could feel it strongly.

The Prince, with that ever unearned confidence, kept smiling. “My, I would be nervous too, after all, this is the best day of your life, fair Rarity.” She did not even look at him.

“Hmm.” an absentminded affirmation.

The Prince narrowed his eyes, feeling minorly inconvenienced. ”I am sure you understand that you are the luckiest Unicorn in Equestria, for marrying me?” He asked, genuinely believing it.

Once more, her gaze was fixed in the crowd, in the Princess of love, and In the door. Her heart beat faster, with expectation. “Uh-huh…”

The Prince caught on to her gaze. “That’s right! Twilight Sparkle invited the Princess of Love to bless our union, and I did not even need to ask her!” He bragged, and much to his surprise, his bride remained utterly unfocussed on him.

Rarity’s ears twitched in expectation, considering sounds she might be hearing from outside that huge door, unsure if it was just her imagination, or exactly what she wanted to hear. Her tail whipped involuntarily, when she noticed the Princess of love was nudging Twilight intently, and her wings were fluttering with excitement.

Whatever should be, will be.

The Prince groaned, gesturing at the wedding officiator who sat idly, dissociating, to begin. “Well, just start, will you?” His bride was simply not paying attention to him at all, which felt like a major inconvenience. Little did he know that the inconveniences of the day were just beginning.

With a clear of the throat, the officiator began. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today–”

The walls of the room shook violently, and that enormous, wooden door that covered the exit fell right off its hinges, slamming on the floor, startling all of the wedding goers.

Rarity’s smile went as wide as it could be, as she heard a familiar, loving voice.

Her Knight in Shining Armor was here.

“My bad y'all, I just wanted to break the lock, I overdid it!” Her Knight, Applejack, smiled sheepishly, after having bucked the entire gigantic door off its hinges, and all eyes were now on her. And behind her, in the hallways of the castle, a dozen guards laid incapacitated.

Prince Blueblood, utterly confused, waved his little hoof around. “What the– Oh my, is that the filthy Peasant that–”

The Farmer jumped into the room, seeing her love, and shouted. “This wedding is a FARCE, and it ain’t goin’ ANY FURTHER!!” She yelled, her shout echoing on the walls. Every guard that surrounded the room was unsure of what to do.

“Oh, my Knight…!” Rarity’s tail whipped around with excitement as her face grew redder and she grinned uncontrollably. On the stands, The Princess of love demonstrated similar excitement, nudging both Twilight and Sunset intently.

Scoffing in disgust, the Prince addressed the invader. “Oh please! Who do you think you are, barging in here, you filthy commoner? You didn’t even RSVP–”

Applejack snarled, pounding a hoof on the floor, yelling for the whole room to hear. “I'M PRINCESS RARITY BELLE’S KNIGHT, AND I’M IN LOVE WITH HER, YA VARMINT!!”

The Princess of Love, from the stands, flapped her wings in aggressive joy, yelling happy affirmations at this turn of events. Sweetiebelle, in the crowd, behaved similarly, much to her parent’s confusion.

That response just resulted on the Prince laughing. “Ohohoh! Please! A Peasant, being a Knight? Ridiculous! And why would a Princess ever love—” He was interrupted by Rarity stuffing the flower bouquet in his mouth and face, shutting him up, stunning him, and leaping away.

She pranced joyfully towards her Knight who welcomed her with open arms, both smiling truly.

Leaping on her embrace, they hugged tightly, with soft snickers. Their bodies connected perfectly, as they embraced each other with a longing that felt like years of wait. “What took you so long, handsome?” She muttered, Rubbing her mane on her lover's neck.

“Sorry bout’ that, sugarcube. Lotsa stairs, lotsa guards. And I'm pretty sure yer mailman got lost, by the way…!” Applejack hugged her tightly, warming her up.

Undoing her hug, Rarity cradled her lover's cheeks, looking her eye to eye, muzzle to muzzle. “All that matters is that you’re here, and I’m here…!” She was about to kiss her, but Applejack stopped her.

“Wait, I wanna do this right, sugarcube!” The Farmer removed her own hat, placing it on her chest, respectfully, looking at her love with adoration.

She spoke, looking into the Unicorn's eyes, every word true, every word honest, every word a loving affirmation. “Rarity… I love you more than anythin’. Please stay… Please stay with me! I can show you around the farm, introduce you to my Family– And you could take me to whatever galas, whatever museums you want. I know we’re different, and I know I ain’t got much to give you, but as long as you’re with me, I’ll try my absolute darnest on giving you the best life I possibly could, anythin’ you’d like!!! …If… …If you’ll have me…?”

Rarity contained herself, smiling incredibly, cherishing every word from her love. “If my little sister wasn’t present, I'd have you already.” She stated simply, with a flirtatious smile, cradling her lover's cheeks; whose eyes widened and face reddened with flustering. “Umm… Is that a yes…?”

With that same incredibly dominating loving smile, Rarity kissed Applejack, slowly and lovingly, for what felt like a beautiful eternity between those two. Her magic scintillated sparks around them involuntarily. She only pulled away to whisper in her ear. “It’s a resounding, enthusiastic yes, my love.”

Everyone in the crowd was a bit confused and surprised, especially when the Princess of Love, a small filly, a Captain and her Princess applauded furiously, with the Alicorn of love especially shouting affirmations of support at the top of her lungs. The crowd slowly but awkwardly joined the applause, thinking this was all part of the show.

Still with only eyes for each other, Applejack finally got the chance to address the dress. “You look stunnin’, by the way…!” She cradled her love with adoration, any more words about her beauty would fail her.

Rarity waved her mane slightly, and fluttered her dress. “You like it? I dressed up for you.”

A loving comfortable silence, intercut only by the aggressive cheering of the Princess of Love, until Prince Blueblood recovered from his stupor and interfered. “GUARDS! ARREST THAT FILTHY PEASANT, AND ATTAIN MY PRINCESS AT ONCE!!”

With a smirk, Applejack readied herself. “Our ride’s waitin’, sugarcube. Wanna get outta here?”

“Please.” The Princess hopped on her back, with a rehearsed motion they both shared.

With a cheerful smile, as the guards approached them, the Princess addressed the crowd. “Well darlings, this has been a wonderful wedding, but now I must depart with my love. Ta-ta!!”

With a final shout, the princess of Love waved her hooves in the air. “FUCK YEAH!!!! BEST WEDDING EVER!!!”

---

It felt just right. Not nostalgic, but familiar.

The Peasant galloped through the halls of that castle, crushing any guards that attempted to stop her, all while the Princess held on tightly, lovingly. No words needed to be exchanged between them, it was exactly as it should be.

“Sis!! Wait up!!” Sweetiebelle’s voice echoed in the hallways behind them, and if it wasn't for Applejack stopping for the occasional brawl, her little legs would have never caught up.

“Sweetiebelle!! Return to mother and father at once!” Rarity commanded, annoyed that they had to stop galloping, and frustrated at the little filly for endangering herself; and naturally, her little sister did not obey.

“Nuh-uh!! I’m coming with you!!” Finally caught up, the little filly tried jumping on the Farmer’s back, with little success. Applejack stopped moving and laid down so that she could climb up, but to move things along, Rarity simply picked her up with magic.

A quite large group of guards was seconds from catching up to them, but the Princess, without even looking, simply cast a crystal barrier on the hallway they ran through, making them all slam on it, stopping them on their tracks. “Sweetiebelle, this is dangerous, you shouldn’t be here!!”

Blowing raspberries, the little pony teased her. “Like I'd miss the chance to meet your girlfriend!! She’s kicking SO much butt right now!!” resulting in the Peasant snickering. “Nice to meetcha! Hang on tight, little filly!” And continued her dash.

Rarity, rolling her eyes, made sure to cover Sweetiebelle while clinging to her knight. “You’re in big trouble later, missy! This is not over! Applejack, full speed ahead!!”

“Yes, Princess!” her Knight obeyed with a smile, continuing to trample any guard that dared to be in her way.

With a giggle, Sweetiebelle poked the back of Applejack’s head, garnering her attention. “You are super cool and awesomely strong!! And you’re lucky to have my sis, you better cherish her!!”

That just garnered laughter from the Knight, who smiled widely. “Trust me lil’ filly, I plan to!”

This continued for an exhilarating minute, as they got away with no eventuality. Rarity held her sister safely while clinging to her knight, all while the little filly gushed about how much ass Applejack was kicking. Anytime that felt appropriate, Rarity would cast another barrier, or use her magic to toss a guard aside that got too close.

The Farmer’s ears twitched as she heard a familiar voice coming her way. Applebloom excitedly dashed towards them, and let out a sad groan. “Aww man! Did I miss ya breakin’ into the weddin’??”

“Applebloom!! Why ain’t ya with Big Mac!?? Sugarcube, grab her, will ya?” Rarity quickly picked up the filly with her magic, placing her next to Sweetiebelle. Two fillies being held together, as well as Rarity, And Applejack could carry them all easily.

The youngest of the Apples hugged Rarity cheerfully. “My sister loves you so much!!!! You’re really lucky to have her, y’know???”

“Oh, I know!” Rarity proclaimed, with the widest smile. “So you’re Applebloom? You are as sweet as Applejack said you were!” A pinch of the cheeks had the little filly flabbergasted.

“Wh-whu?! I ain’t sweet! I’m tough! Like Applejack!” She got flustered, trying to act tough. Her big sister giggled seeing Applebloom be a cutie pie as usual. In an attempt to change the subject, she took it to Rarity. “H-how did you manage to woo my big sis, anyways??”

Rarity giggled. “Oh, it wasn’t difficult for me; The hard part was resisting her charm, heheh…!”

Applebloom immediately shook her head not wanting to know more details. “Forget I asked! She’s happy, yer happy, I’m good!”

“Hi, I’m Sweetiebelle!!”

“Hi, I'm Applebloom!!”

“Aren’t our sisters AWESOME??!”

“THE COOLEST!!”

The two fillies gushed, as the Knight moved at top speeds through those halls. Finally, they reached a stairwell, and to save time, and with incredible coordination, Applejack jumped down, all while Rarity kept them all safe and bound by magic; Leaping and skipping with force, at times even jumping off walls, being kept lighter by Rarity’s levitation; and being held together by the same magic; so no one would fall off or stumble. Reaching the correct floor, Applejack looked back, to make sure they were all alright, and was met with a loving kiss on the cheek from her Princess. “Y’all hangin’ on okay?” no pause, only cheerful smiles. “Better than ever, handsome. Let’s go!”

And so, the gallop continued. As they passed through a bridge, they could see the exterior of the castle; in the distance, on a nearby balcony, their friends fought. A handful of rooftops were on fire, and the dragon roared ferociously, meanwhile, clashing of metal and music could be heard, as well as bells ringing as alarms echoing in the distance, with the music being Pinkie, who accentuated the fight that occurred.

The first one they ran into was Big Mac, who was bucking several guards in one go; as he searched for his runaway little sister. He perked up with joy when seeing Applejack, and all those that she carried. Rarity chuckled, seeing the sibling resemblance. “You must be Big Mac! Applejack’s told me so much about you; It’s wonderful meeting you!”

The Brother galloped beside his sister, with a lovely smile on his face, cheerful to have met his sister’s love. “Eeyup!!” He proclaimed, joyfully. Rarity snickered at him being indeed a stallion of few words, much like her Knight had stated times before.

She could put two and two together. Applejack’s family was here, happily so, meaning they supported the two of them together. This only served to widen her smile as she leaned against her Knight’s neck once more. “I am so happy to meet all of you; and aiding my Knight in my rescue, no less!!”

“Eeyup!!” An enthusiastic affirmation from Big Mac, that Applebloom followed. “If it’d make Applejack happy, we’d save you from another dragon, darnit!”

“Language!!” Both of the older apples corrected her.

Applebloom covered her lips, and Sweetiebelle gasped hearing that swear. “S-sorry!! What I mean to say is. If she cares about you, we do too!!”

“EEYUP!” Big Mac smiled even wider, as he and his sister trampled their opponents.

The second one they met was Rainbow Dash, who was bruised and banged up, her rogue cloak torn up, but she had a manic smile on her face, as she bounced from guard to guard, kicking and punching them at incredible speeds, having already knocked out dozens of them.

She flew after Applejack, bouncing on top of the guards that attempted to stop them, even stomping on them, as she followed. “WELCOME TO THE PARTY, BOSS! HEYA RARITY! Nice to see you again! Let’s blow this joint, yeah?!?”

“Nice to see you again, Dash! I take it you’re settling your debt with my Knight?” Rarity giggled, not expecting to ever meet the Rogue again, but pleasantly surprised.

With manic joyful laughter, Rainbow bounced from guard to guard. “That’s the plan!! Best friggin battle ever!!!” She was absolutely in her element, flying on the halls at high speeds, clearing the way for them.

The third they met was Pinkie Pie, who gleefully skipped about on the battlefield, shredding on her guitar, garnering attention and being the perfect distraction. Her face lit up even more when she saw her friends approach. “RARITY!!!! I’m so happy you’re back!!! You both ran into any trouble?”

Rarity grinned widely, seeing her friend again. “Oh just the usual!” She proclaimed, giggling at the piles of incapacitated guards that littered the halls of the castle they fought through. ”It is wonderful to see you, darling!! How’s my favorite bard doing?!”

“Never better!! You two better tell me how legendary your reunion was later!!! LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOOo!!” The bard yelled, running alongside her friends, through the hallways that were filled with bested guards.

The last one they met was fluttershy, who stood calmly, as a swarm of birds attacked her enemies, and she hummed a cute song. Rainbow immediately laughed seeing that sight. “Hah! Well done, Flutters! Time to go!!”

Rarity blinked in confusion, but delighted surprise. “The Druid is here as well? Are those two an item??”

Delighted laughter from her Knight, who looked back, still running. “Yeah, I know right? Odd couple!” They shared on their snickers as the two pegasi met with delight.

“Let’s go, little ones!” Fluttershy gleefully proclaimed, and all the birds took flight, joining the rag tag group of unlikely heroes on their sprint. “Time to leave, big friend!” She proclaimed, and the dragon took notice, after having blown another wave of fire at the castle walls.

Alarm bells rung in the distance, guards shouted everywhere, The occasional crash and thud could be heard, All while the gang galloped through, determined to make their escape.

Rarity cast one last crystal barrier on the archway of the balcony, preventing the guards from interrupting all of them from climbing on the dragon’s back.

With determined motions, all of the friends leapt onto the dragon, tying themselves up, helping each other through it all. Once more, with one fluid motion, Applejack leapt onto the dragon’s neck, tying herself around it, using it as reins.

“Hang On tight, will ya sugarcube?”

“Always.”

“HIYA!!” As soon as they were all ready, She whipped those reins, and the dragon joyfully took flight into the sky.

This time, all of them joined in the excited chant.

“YEEEEEHAW!!”

---

“Incoming fire!!! Watchout, watchout, watchout!!” Fluttershy cried, attempting to warn her dragon friend. As they soared in the skies; catapults were fired at them from the Castle of Prince Blueblood, as well as from the town walls.

Massive rocks whizzed past them, as the dragon attempted to desperately dodge, all while they clung to her back desperately. Flying in any direction that wasn’t there would be good.

With one tragic, massive impact, The dragon was hit point blank on her chest, knocking her out of the sky, and all of her passengers with her.

All of the friends and family were now in freefall.

In one desperate moment, Rarity’s grasp slipped; and her Knight immediately turned to reach for her. They connected and embraced, as the screams of their friends rang out, and they fell through clouds at an alarming pace.

The poor fillies were spinning wildly, screaming in fear, The two pegasi had taken a beating, and were flying down, in an attempt to reunite with their friends. Pinkie seemed to be enjoying the flight, until she looked down and realized she was soon going to be a stain. Big Mac maintained his stoicness, leaving the screams to be internal.

Looking around for only a brief moment, Applejack then regarded her Princess. Bringing her closer, they embraced, as she shielded her love from the upcoming fall. She had an idea, but they would all need to be united. “EVERYPONY, ON ME! SUGARCUBE, HELP ME OUT!” With a nod, Rarity immediately knew what to do.

First the fillies; she brought them closer with magic, adding them to their embrace. Then, Pinkie, who was spinning uncontrollably, was brought closer; joyfully joining the group with a hug. Then, Big Mac, who was falling like a rock. Applejack and her brother each supported one side, making sure no one would slip away. And finally, the two pegasi, whom she brought directly above them, not before casting a crystal barrier dome around all of them.

They were still, however, falling at an extremely dangerous pace. The two Pegasi struggled, flapping their wings while pushing the top of the crystal dome, in an attempt to slow them all down.

In a moment of loving irony, as they fell at that critical speed, the Princess and the Peasant’s eyes met, and even in that life threatening situation, they couldn’t help but smile.

“Well, this is nostalgic, ain’t it?” Applejack grinned, in remembrance of the first time they fell off that dragon. Yes, they were in danger. Yes, this was a precarious situation. But their love for eachother seemed to allow them to stave off worry completely.

Rarity’s response was to kiss her. A long, loving kiss, as they embraced their family and loved ones. With it; she felt a surge of power, and it was as if the barrier around them doubled, tripled potency; And not just that. With her levitation, and the assistance of the pegasi, they reached the ground, and found themselves unharmed.

The barrier faded, and they were safely on grass once more. The first thing that the Princess and the Peasant did was check on eachother, and then their families.

They had landed near a grassy road, on an empty glade clearing, outside the town that surrounded the castle of Prince Blueblood, which burned, in the distance. It seemed that the fire the dragon had set was spreading, even if it looked like there were ponies making efforts to put it out and evacuate the castle.

“Y’all okay? Anypony hurt?”

The first to answer were the fillies, who jumped excitedly together. “That... Was… AWESOOOOOOME!!”

Pinkie, dazed on the ground, raised a hoof. “I’m partial to doing that again sometime” She muttered, catching her breath.

“Eeyup…” Big Mac muttered, standing up, a tad dizzy, relieved to be on the ground.

A loud, destructive crash rang out, as they heard the collapse of the dragon, who fell on trees nearby, who then let out a pained roar.

Fluttershy, still on the ground, cringed, and translated. “S-she just said ‘we’re even.’”

With a shake of her mane to ward off dizziness, Rainbow Dash walked to her girlfriend, helping her sit up. “Yep. I think I can say the same…”

Fluttershy hugged Rainbow tightly, trying to calm her nerves. “M-maybe we should leave while we can, sweetie…!” The Rogue spoke softly, calming her down. “If you want to leave, I'll meet you home later no problem, Flutters. But I ain’t running away from a fight. It’s okay though, really…”

Although she was still shivering in the embrace, the druid nodded. “I-I’m staying with you…!” Giving her a quick but loving kiss, Rainbow then looked at Applejack, who was hugging Rarity tightly. “What’s next, boss?”

Struggling to let go and move, the Farmer sighed. “We ain’t outta the woods yet. We should–”

But then, flashes all around them, and noises of galloping. Unicorn royal guards teleported all around the area, having seen the dragon crash. It only took mere moments before they were spotted.

“THEY’RE OVER HERE!” One yelled, and the number of guards increased exponentially, as one set out a flare with his horn, Alerting all near to their presence. It seemed all of the guards from the town were coming this way.

Even as the friends stood in a circle, ready for a fight, it seemed dire, as the number of Pegasi guards that hovered above, Earth Pony guards that arrived on gallop, and even Unicorns that teleported in was simply too much.

“What now, dear?” Rarity got closer to her Knight, so they wouldn’t be separated. Applejack looked around, seeing much, much more than just a couple dozen guards surrounding them, in the ground and in the skies. “I’m thinkin.” the Farmer spoke, considering her dwindling options.

Applebloom yelled out, ready for a fight. “Let’s kick all their butts!!!”

But Rarity would not allow them to endanger themselves with any more fighting. With her magic, she pulled them all closer, and cast a crystal dome around them, protecting them from all sides, all while she hugged her Knight tightly. “I’m not letting you go.” She stated, stalwart.

All of the guards that surrounded the area glared at them, plenty of them with weapons such as crossbows and swords, and more than a handful of them already having been wounded by the friends in battle earlier, awaiting orders. Applejack hugged her Princess tightly, unsure of what would become of them next.

After a few excruciating moments of tense silence, they heard more flashes, as a group of guards teleported Prince Blueblood before them, outside of Rarity’s bubble.

He scoffed, with a look of anger that certainly was unlike his usual, addressing Applejack. “Well I hope you’re happy, you filthy Peasant. You’ve officially graduated from an annoyance, to a nuisance, an inconvenience, and now, A PROBLEM!!” He spoke spitefully, in ways he was not used to; His demeanor had been pushed to a breaking point after the number of inconveniences that occurred to him on this day.

He continued, feeling more anger than he ever had. “Have you no inkling of your place? Have you no inkling of how much you’ve overstepped and transgressed this day?? Execution is too good for filth like you– I will take my time considering a punishment befitting your crimes, but at the moment, only one thing matters; LET GO OF MY PRINCESS AT ONCE!”

Rarity snarled immediately, as if ready to bite his throat. “I am NOT your Princess. And you are NOT MY PRINCE! Go back to your burning castle and leave us alone!!”

For some unexplained profound well of royal confidence, it was as if he didn’t even hear her. “Fair Rarity, if you would step out of that bubble, I can escort you back to safety–”

“I’m right where I want to be.” She stated, with anger, as she tightened her embrace of her Knight, leaning her head on her fuzzy chest.

The Prince was about to protest in disbelief, but Applejack spoke over him with a scowl, while keeping her Princess warm. “Ya heard the little lady, ya rat bastard. She’s fine with me.”

The friends on the crystal bubble cheered in agreement, as the two lovers embraced each other.

The Prince’s patience had long since ran thin. “How DARE you address me in such a manner you commoner filth!! Guards!! Pop this bubble at once! I will obtain my princess even if you all have to pry her off that filth with a crowbar!!”

From all directions, a barrage of magical projectiles and arrows started hitting the sides of the Crystal barrier, that shuddered with its impacts. Within it, Rarity clinged even tighter, her magic pushed to its extremes, gritting her teeth as she whispered again, “I am not letting you go…!” Tightening her embrace; Which Applejack did as well.

The friends inside hesitated, unsure of how long their safety would last, the walls of the barrier cracked and shuddered, all while Rarity breathed uneasy in the embrace of her love.

A big teleportation flash, and a massive fiery-yellow-flare popped in the sky, garnering everyone’s attention, as a commanding voice stopped all of the guards on their tracks. “STAND DOWN.”

Captain Sunset Shimmer and Princess Twilight Sparkle had teleported together onto the event horizon of this current conflict. With another commanding scowl she spoke, loud and clear. “By the order of Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, and me, Captain Sunset Shimmer, you will all hold your fire!”

Much to the Prince’s further irritation, all guards obeyed her command, listening attentively to the conversation between the royals. Twilight Sparkle, with a single tilt of the head and light of her horn, cast an additional purple barrier over the one Rarity had cast; giving the Unicorn a chance to rest.

The Prince stomped his little breakable hooves on the dirt, in impotent rage, addressing the Captain. “How DARE you command MY GUARDS! You are NOT–”

Sunset didn’t even blink. “The Princess of Friendship outranks you, and some of these soldiers are indeed from my guard. They will ALL stand down.”

He waved his overly groomed mane around in anger. “Urgh! You two are both overstepping your rule! You have no place in this conflict!!!“

Twilight did not falter either, standing close to her Captain. “I think we do. It is of my interest as the Princess of Friendship to not see a fellow royal attempt to murder or punish my friends purely on his unhealthy, poisonous whims!” And her Captain nodded in agreement.

Moments from throwing a tantrum, he scowled, looking at Applejack. “No matter. NO MATTER! I do not need to punish all of them; This is between me and that filthy commoner!”

Ignoring his tantrum, Twilight continued. “You have no right to hold Rarity against her will, or even target peasants just because of a grudge! You are WAY out of line, Prince Blueblood!”

“What?! She is my bride, not a Prisoner!”

Rarity spoke up, loud and clear for all to hear. “I am NOT your bride, and I was NOT in that castle of my own free will!! I despise you and have no interest whatsoever in marrying you! I was simply there because YOU threatened my love’s home!!”

Putting that ridiculous quite punchable smile, it was once again as if he didn’t even hear her. ”Why, fair Rarity, wouldn’t you like a lovely golf course built on top of that filthy farm?”

“NO I WOULDN’T YOU SLITHERING SWINE!!” She yelled back, finally getting through to him.

Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement and spread her wings wide. “She has no interest in you, and you’ve way overstepped your boundaries today, Prince Blueblood. Give up!”

Grimacing in disgust and anger, the Prince refused to accept a defeat. “I’ve overstepped nothing! These Peasants and their Circus robbed me of my bride and have nigh succeeded at burning down MY CASTLE! They brought a dragon here, for Celestia’s sake!! It is well within my rights to apprehend and punish them however I see FIT!!!”

Once again, stating plainly, Sunset Shimmer gritted her teeth at him. “Not while I am here to command your guard, you won't.”

The Prince was about to bite back, and resume his tantrum, until another bright flash of a teleporting Alicorn garnered all of their attention. Princess Cadance stood next to Twilight, with a commanding presence.

Many guards bowed to her, even Prince Blueblood reluctantly did so. She had not caught the whole conversation, so defaulted to what she expected to be right. “Greetings, subjects. I, Princess Mi Amore Candeza, Decree that we should all consider Princess Twilight’s wisdom. …Whatever it may be. Oh. And the two Lovebirds over there should not be harmed.” She pointed at the Princess and the Peasant who still embraced each other.

Twilight Sparkle quickly rolled her eyes at her sister in law’s priorities.

The Prince contained his anger, attempting to keep composure in front of an Alicorn Princess that he respected considerably more than Twilight. “Princess Cadance, I appreciate your visit to my humble home, but these circumstances matter to you not! Please allow us to settle–”

Interrupting him, the Princess of Love waved her hooves dismissively; Knowing she was one of the few people in the world that could address him in the way she was about to without consequences. “Those two are in love; True love, mind you. And you have no right to destroy that just because you’re an unfulfilled bitter sourpuss, Prince Bluebluh.”

The last comment made several people in the area snicker involuntarily, and some less involuntarily.

“It's blueBLOOD.” He corrected, fuming.

“Sure it is.” She smirked.

Turning back to the safety bubble and facing Applejack, with anger, the Prince decided another strategy. “No matter. NO MATTER!! This can all be settled quickly and plainly, still today; Just between me and that Peasant. You there, filthy commoner! I challenge you to a duel to the death!”

Rarity had had enough of him disrespecting her Knight. “Her NAME is APPLEJACK you SWINE! And you best remember it because she’s going to pop your head like an EGG!!!!”

Adding to it, the Peasant perked up, excited at the idea of crushing him. “I hope yer ready to see the curvature of Equestria ya rotten piece of–”

The Prince interrupted her, in his royal tone of expository annoyance. “The terms! The opponents will fight until one is dead; If you win, All crimes and bounties that would be on your head for the transgressions you have committed today will be void, and you will keep the rewards you unjustly attained before stealing my bride. And when I win, I will gain fair Rarity as my bride, the rights over your farm, and allowance to do whatever I desire to your family for transgressing upon MY KINGDOM!!”

A hush of silence on the glade, as a mixture of surprise and expectation set upon every pony present. Applejack turned her gaze to her love, unsure whether she should accept or not. She looked at Rarity for affirmation, who responded with a whisper, more of a growl, “Break him.” A command that she was happy to oblige, smiling back at the Prince.

Their friends gave their excited affirmations as well. The two fillies were the first to agree, both Sweetiebelle and Applebloom shouted different profanities regarding the Prince becoming a stain on the pavement if he stepped in the ring with Applejack.

The Bard, joyful to find out the villain of their story would attempt to fight her friend, shouted loudly. “SHE’S GOING TO FOLD YOU INTO A BALL AND SLAM DUNK YOU, BITCH!!!” Which the fillies joyfully agreed with; And so did Big Mac, with a stern nod and an enthusiastic “Eeyup!!”

Fluttershy quietly clinged to her girlfriend, unable to add to the conflict. With a Snicker, Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at the Prince. “You made a big mistake, Prince asshat. She’s going to tear you in two!”

Applejack walked forward, leaving her Princess’s embrace, but not her side. “Sounds like we’ve got a decision, then. I’m all in.” The tone of her words implied the desire to turn the Prince into powder.

The Prince approached her with a look of superiority, facing the safety bubble, with unearned confidence as the Peasant towered over him, he extended a hoof. “Then come out of that little bubble and shake my hoof on it, Commoner. The duel shall take place in my colosseum as soon as we are able, today.”

Princess Cadance applauded with a peppy smile. “Excellent! The Lovebound Peasant is gonna crush Prince Bluebluh into a paste, and we can all go home to our loved ones happily!”

Twilight looked at the two lovers; She was the one that cast that secondary protective bubble, after all, and was in disbelief of having to solve this through violence. “You two can’t be willing to do this– He’s just–”

But Rarity interrupted her, having made her decision. “Let us end this, Twilight! My Knight has made her decision, as have I!” She commanded plainly, and her friend obliged, after a bit of hesitation.

Applejack towered over him. It took all of her willpower not to bend his arm the wrong way then and there. Shaking his hoof was just as disgusting to her as it was to him. Immediately upon letting go, The Prince wiped it on his suit, and turned around dismissively and happily.

With a smug smile, implying he had already won, he happily proclaimed. “Wonderful! How excellent! We will settle this in my arena right now– And as my champion for this duel, I choose Captain Sunset Shimmer.”

Quiet surprise settled on the area, and all eyes turned to the Captain, who raised a single eyebrow in confusion. “What? Fuck you. I refuse.”

Twilight’s feathers shook in frustration and anger, as she started being outraged. “Y-you have no right to choose MY captain–”

But the Prince did not let her finish, tilting his head with a ‘gotcha’ attitude. “My, what's this? Have you not just commanded my royal guard? Therefore you are MY captain as well, are you not? My champion? Because if you are not, it is WELL WITHIN MY RIGHTS TO COMMAND MY ROYAL GUARD TO DO WHATEVER I DESIRE!!” He yelled, plainly observing that he had an army at his command, surrounding his enemies.

Narrowing her eyes, Applejack gritted her teeth. “You yellowbelly pussy.” She snarled at him. Of course he wouldn't ever even consider stepping into the ring. A seed of doubt and hesitation was planted on Rarity’s stomach, as she leaned on her love, unsure of what would come next.

Twilight was a bit shaken, at the mere suggestion of her Captain being used against her will. “T-those are baseless claims and you are far overstepping-!!”

The Prince stated plainly, with full confidence, looking away dismissively. “I either have the fiercest Captain in all of Equestria as my champion, or my royal guard can hang these interlopers for all the money, patience, and TIME they have cost me. I can go for either at this moment.”

Frustration and anger was not common for the Princess of Friendship, but this was infuriating her. “You have NO right to–”

Captain Sunset didn’t even blink, with a scowl towards the Prince. “Fine. I accept.”

Twilight was in disbelief. “SUNSET!! No!!!!”

“We’re all tired. This has dragged itself long enough, don’t you think? Winner takes all. Let’s just fucking finish it.” Her Captain stated, while glaring at the Prince, and observing her upcoming opponent.

Applejack Gritted her teeth, with a nod. “Fine by me. I’ll crush anyone for Rarity and my family.”

The entire crowd of friends started shouting over each other, attempting to argue to or against this circumstance, the Princess of love was infuriated at two love birds being forced on a clash against each other, Pinkie Pie played a trombone angrily while shouting about how unfair it was for two of her best friends to fight, and even some of the guards attempted to give their two scents, all while Prince Blueblood smugly stood, as if he had won already.

Among the confusion and chaos, Applejack and Sunset Shimmer got closer, facing each other. Despite her tall height, The Peasant still towered over the Captain, who was completely unfazed by it. They looked at each other eye to eye, and Applejack stated plainly.

“I ain’t lettin’ anyone come between me and Rarity anymore. Not anyone. Not even you, Shimmer. If I have to break you in half, i’ll gladly–”

The Captain interrupted her, with a quiet, but determined tone. “Applejack. You want Prince Blueblood dead just as much as me, right?”

“More.”

“Then listen to me very carefully...”

---

Finally, even with the dangers of the following moment, some respite.

The Princess and the Peasant stood together, in an armory room of the arena, preparing for the conflict that would ensue; The Princess helped her Knight into some armor, even if it was tight fitting. The bronze/leather shade of the armor complemented her well, but they were both a bit uneasy.

The battle to decide their fate would happen soon. The arena was not exactly empty, only with their friends, family, and loved ones taking place on the stands; As well as plenty of guards atop it, and a handful of royals that had been invited to the wedding and that were visiting the town. Prince Blueblood sat on the stands, in a semi comfortable seat, Impatiently, but determined to see the fight up close, same as all of the other few contestants, well aware that his reputation would be preceded by this as well.

The Farmer could tell just by her look, that the Princess was hurting. “What’s wrong, sugarcube…?”

With a sigh, Rarity got closer, eye to eye, muzzle to muzzle, hoof leaning on her Knight’s chestplate. “I’m just… Well… Before I sent you that letter, I hesitated. I hesitated because I knew that you and me being together might have a cost… And I was afraid that if it was not us having to pay it, somepony else would…”

Looking her in the eyes, she assured her Princess. “You knew the risks, and I did, too. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t fully ready for it, Rarity… I love you more than anythin’.”

Leaning on her shoulder, Rarity let out a sigh. “I-I love you too, it’s just… Breaking every bone in the body of Twilight’s girlfriend seems like a pretty steep cost…! We’re killing our friends, now…? J-just to be together? I want to be with you. More than anything. But I was thinking, due to the cost… Maybe you and I should just run away instead…?”

Applejack embraced her, determined to set her heart at ease. “Sugarcube. You know I'd go with you to the ends of the earth– But you deserve much, much more than a life on the run… We both do. And I'll fight like hell to make sure you get a good life, ‘till my dyin’ breath if I have to.”

“T-that’s what I'm worried about, h-handsome…!” her voice faltered, as her hug tightened.

They remained silently embracing each other for a moment. Until Applejack pulled away, meeting her eye to eye. “Listen, me and Shimmer–”

With a Pink flash, they were interrupted. Princess Cadance teleported into the room, with a smile. “Hello, my little ponies. I am Princess Cadance, big fan by the way– I just wanted to congratulate you two on your love and wish you luck. There’s nothing more valuable than fighting for those you love! Your hearts are true, and I support you fully!” She opened her wings gleefully.

With that odd interruption, the Princess and the Peasant eyed each other awkwardly, and then back at Cadance. “Umm… sugarcube, do you know this Alicorn?”

Before she could answer, Cadance giggled. “Oh what an adorable nickname!!!”

With a bow, Rarity maintained her composure. “Princess Cadance, it is an honor to meet you. Me and Applejack are quite happy that you admire our love– But with all due respect, may we have some time to ourselves? This may be me and my Knight’s final moments together, so I must insist on us having privacy.”

The smile in Cadance’s lips grew wider. For someone to have the courage to tell an Alicorn to go away, that meant multitudes in love. And that made her happy, tremendously so.

She grinned. “Absolutely, Rarity Belle. It was a pleasure meeting you both. Good luck in your trials… …Well anyways, I have to go check on my sister-in-law and her hopefully-future-wife and tell them that they have similar support– See you!”

They both blinked, as she teleported away. “Well that was–” But then she teleported right back, addressing the two of them again.

Cadance whispered at them, with a mischievous smile. “By the way, just saying, you two might have a little bit of time to squeeze in a bit of loving before the match. You both really need it. Okay bye!!!” She left them with a wink.

With a flash, the room was quiet again, with both of its occupants being a bit more flustered than before. Rarity turned to her Knight, batting her eyelashes. “...Could we?”

Despite being flustered, Applejack exhaled, and smiled. “Sugarcube, I just got fit in this armor, and besides, the whole arena would hear us.”

Leaning closer, batting her eyelashes some more, Rarity spoke softly. “…I could be quiet…”

Snickering, the Farmer was unconvinced. “No, ya really couldn’t.”

Rarity exhaled, flustered, pouting with a mix of shame and delight. “Fine. I couldn't.“

They both snickered a bit, as Applejack resumed fitting her armor on. The Farmer removed her own hat, placing it on her chest. “I love you so, so much, you know that? I’m the luckiest mare in Equestria to have you…”

Rarity immediately came closer, kissed her, and remained that close. “Oh please, darling. If anyone’s lucky here it’s me– Having met you is the best thing that ever happened to me. I just hope our luck doesn’t run out…!”

She was interrupted by another kiss. This one, they lingered, and finished with another embrace.

The armor was complete, missing only the helmet.

They stared at each other, with no words left to say. Applejack offered Rarity her hat. “Keep it safe for me, will ya…?” she spoke softly.

With one single magical motion, the Princess put on the hat on herself, tipping it, and then placed a bronze Paladin helmet on her Knight’s head.

“Always…” She responded, just as softly.

They leaned their foreheads together and closed their eyes, and remained that way indefinitely, waiting to be summoned to the arena.

---

The Princess of Friendship often paced around when she was nervous. This time, it was a mixture of nerves, frustration and anger. She flapped her wings, whose sounds dully echoed on the small armory room inside the arena.

“...No, no no no no. There’s got to be a rule somewhere, some technicality, some loophole, something we can exploit to call this whole ridiculous thing off!!!”

With a sigh, Sunset Shimmer had all but already finished preparing for battle. Her dark paladin armor was fully adjusted, and yet, she sat, listening to her love.

“This is just crazy! He can’t just make you two fight like this, he KNEW that using you is the best way to get everything he wants!!! There has to be some sort of peaceful solution to this crazy, crazy—”

Speaking softly, but sternly, the Captain interrupted her. “Listen, sparkles. We’ve tried taking down this guy for a whole month the ‘Princess of Friendship’ way. How about we try the ‘Sunset Shimmer’ way?”

The Princess turned, concerns not diminished. “B-but this is crazy!! Rarity finally gets to be happy, she finally finds her true love, and my Captain is going to go kill that for her??! I-I can’t accept that!! I-it’s just–”

Looking down, Sunset spoke with a serious tone. “Applejack is aware of what she signed up to when she steps into that ring with me. We both agreed to this.”

Fidgeting with her hooves, the Princess spoke with a stutter. “C-can you at least go easy on her…?”

The Captain let out a chuckle. “Go easy on her? Sparkles, you are aware this is a fight to the death, right?”

“No swords.”

“Psh. I wasn’t even going to–”

“No swords.”

“Fineeeee.”

Through a quick moment of inspecting her Captain’s demeanor and attitude, the Princess of Friendship deduced something. “Okay. you’re acting… You’re acting like you have a plan. What’s your plan??”

A slight smile appeared on the Captain’s lips, as she looked away. “You’re not going to like it.”

A groan. “Ugh, c’mon, Sunsun– What is it?”

“Well, it’s not really a plan. It’s a suggestion of an idea, really. More of a trivia?”

“What in the world does that mean??”

“What I mean is–”

A pink flash lit the room, and Princess Cadance appeared. “Okay girls, talk to me– Actually hang on, I have to tell those two lovebirds to have sex. Brb.” She disappeared just as quickly as she came in.

Both the Captain and her Princess blinked in confused silence.

“What the fu–”

With another flash, Cadance reappeared, with a smile. “Okay! I’m back. Alright girls, talk to me. Do we have a plan or anything at all that doesn't involve members of my two favorite couples killing each other???”

With a slight mocking, but genuine delight, Sunset smiled. “Aww we’re one of your favorite couples? That’s sweet.”

Cadance fluttered her wings in nervousness. “Twilight. C’mon girl, you always have a plan, give us something!”

Twilight's gaze landed on her Captain, and then moved to the Princess of Love, but she remained quiet, lacking in ideas, becoming more nervous by the second.

She then approached her Captain, in desperation and curiosity. “Sunset. What is your plan?”

“Twilight. Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do!”

Looking to the arena, Sunset spoke plainly. “Then trust me that whatever should be, will be.”

A moment of uneasy silence, cut by a sigh from the Princess of Friendship. “It’s not about trust, I’m just…”

Sunset turned to her love, with an earnest look. “Do you remember what I promised you, on the day I pledged myself to you, on the day you beat me… On the day you saved me from myself?”

A memory she would never, ever forget. “...You promised me you would never lose another battle, as long as you served me.”

She turned back to the arena, with a steel gaze. “I’m not breaking that promise. Not to you. Not ever.”

Twilight approached her even more, with a highly concerned look. “Sunset. Please tell me you actually have a plan…!”

The bells of the arena resounded, and all of their attention was garnered. “Combatants! step into the ring, if you please!” A voice beckoning them rang out.

“Well… See you in a bit, Sparkles.” She started moving in the direction of the gates, but was stopped.

Twilight rotated her back with magic, and gave her a quick, but desperate kiss. “Just in case.” She muttered, fearing for her love’s safety.

Her Captain grinned flirtatiously. “I should have you worry for my safety more often.”

Their loving silence was interrupted by giddy applause from the Princess of Love. “Gosh, first that pledge, and now a kiss? You’re adorable!!”

Rolling her eyes, Sunset moved away, towards the gates. “Okay i’m out of here.”

“G-good luck…!” Twilight held herself back, fearing for what might happen next.

As the two combatants stepped into the arena, all was quiet and uneasy.

Whatever should be, will be.

---

Ash rained from the skies, as the sun hung low, partially covered by clouds. Prince Blueblood’s Castle was still burning.

The arena was quiet, the few people watching did not cheer or applaud. Twilight and Rarity sat side by side, a bit further from the others.

A moment of ironic nostalgia, as Applejack stepped into that arena. It was the same arena that, in a month back, she had accepted the job to rescue Princess Rarity for Prince Blueblood all that time ago. She didn’t have much time to reflect on the irony of it all, as her opponent stepped into the ring from the other side.

Applejack’s eyes darted to the stands, regarding Rarity, who held her hat close, nervously looking at her love. Sunset’s eyes, however, were affixed on her opponent, unmoving, narrowed, as if studying her every movement.

The Prince sat behind Sunset’s side of the arena, where he leaned forward, smugly expecting a slaughter.

The ashes fell slowly, and the arena was at a hush.

An announcer, from outside the ring, spoke into a microphone. “Let us review the rules: This is a fight to the death. You may not step into the stands, or leave the arena. You may not request or receive assistance from the audience. You may not forfeit if the battle has begun; So if either of you would like to forfeit the match, now is the time for it.”

Neither of the combatants spoke up, simply looked at each other sternly.

“Well then. Without further ado...”

But he was interrupted. Applejack slammed one of her hoofs on her chestplate, with loud clanging sounds, garnering attention of the whole crowd; Then she yelled. “BEFORE THIS FIGHT BEGINS, I’D LIKE IT TO BE KNOWN THAT PRINCE BLUEBLOOD IS A YELLOWBELLY COWARD THAT WOULDN'T STEP ON A RING IF HIS OPPONENT WAS A SLUG.“

A murmur on the stands, as the royals that watched discussed amongst themselves how strange it was for a Peasant to be so easily insulting the integrity of the Prince. And how, in a way, she was right.

The Prince quickly glanced at the stands, and did not like what he saw, his peers were accepting the sentiment of the filthy peasant.

Applejack slammed her chestplate with a hoof again, and yelled more. “HE’S HIDIN’ BEHIND A LACKEY THAT DESPISES HIM, KNOWIN’ THAT HE’D NEVER EVER BEAT ME IN A FAIR FIGHT, AND KNOWIN’ THAT NO PONY WOULD EVER FIGHT FOR HIM OUT OF FRIENDSHIP OR LOVE!!!”

More rumblings in the arena, and finally, one of her friends yelled out as well. Pinkie the bard, from the stands, shouted at the top of her lungs with joy. “Yeah!! PRINCE BLUEBLOOD IS A LITTLE PUSSY THAT WOULDN’T EVEN FIGHT HIS OWN SHADOW!!”

Rainbow Dash laughed loudly, flapped her wings quickly, taking the chance to add to the insults. “Prince asshat over here would get swatted by a fly!! I bet he runs away scared from ANTS!!”

Flutershy, next to her, spoke on the loudest volume she could muster, which ironically wasn’t heard by many. “Y-yeah! And h-he’s mean!”

The Prince was determined to keep his cool and simply enjoy the match, but this was getting on his nerves deeply. It had been a very long day.

Applebloom jumped up and down on the stands, expressing her anger. “He’s scared stiff by the mere IDEA of my big sis breathin’ too loudly at him!! She could crush him with just a flick of her hoof!!”

Sweetiebelle added to it, delighted in insulting the Prince. “Also he’s totally jealous that Applejack got to have my sister’s love!!!! Even being just a Peasant, Applejack is MUCH MUCH cooler than him!!”

The Prince started fidgeting with his hooves, as he got angrier and angrier.

Big Mac slammed the floor of the stands, shaking the wood, and loudly rambled. “Prince Blueblood is a spineless coward that couldn’t beat my sis if she had her hoofs tied and a blindfold! And he’d better be scared ‘cause once my sis is done with this fight, HE’S NEXT!! EEYUP!!”

A small moment of quiet, where everyone was surprised that Big Mac was so eloquent.

Until Princess Cadance loudly stated “Also he dresses funny!!”

The crowd on the stands was beginning to be quite amused with that last comment, snickering. The Prince snapped, facing the stands. “ALRIGHT QUIET, ALL OF YOU!! ANNOUNCER, BEGIN THE MATCH ALREADY!!”

Pinkie accentuated what he was saying with a trumpet’s sad pathetic “bwoomp.” which only lead to more snickering from the crowd, even the royals were amused.

The announcer hesitated, containing his own laughter, and waiting for the laughter to peter out on the stands, before blowing a whistle.

“You may begin!”

All of Sunset Shimmer’s demeanor changed in an instant. Her eyes widened and her face went blank, the air itself around her sparked as she went on a battle stance.

“Let’s do this.”

With a flash and a split second, she teleported beside Applejack and bucked her head full strength, knocking her off balance and bending the steel of her helmet.

Applejack recovered from the vicious strike, and attempted to counter with a punch, which Sunset dodged swiftly and delivered another hit; frequently aiming for the head and muzzle.

Unlike most of her opponents, Sunset Shimmer hit hard, hard enough for the Knight to feel it. and it didn’t help that the armor she wore was cumbersome; every strike wasn’t just hoof on flesh, but hoof on steel on flesh. It protected her but it also restricted her. Her helmet was already bent the wrong way, limiting her vision.

The fight began extremely close, with their front legs flailing, and Applejack getting hit the most. Only when she hit a decent, even if uncentered hit, is that she managed to toss her opponent aside.

Every hit they each took made their lovers flinch and cringe. Rarity and Twilight watched from the stands in utter agony.

Sunset shimmer took a single moment to stand, spit out blood, take a single breath, and glance at her own armor. She was not happy to see her chest plate bent.

Before charging forward, Applejack loudly yelled at the Prince once more. “EVEN IF I WASN'T IN THE PICTURE, RARITY BELLE WOULD HAVE NEVER, EVER FALLEN IN LOVE WITH A HEARTLESS BASTARD LIKE YOU! YOU’LL NEVER HAVE HER HEART!”

The Prince who was attempting to enjoy every hit the Peasant took, was not happy at all to see her standing, and hitting back too, all while insulting him.

The second that Sunset delivered another hit on the Farmer’s helmet, she had had enough. She removed her own helmet and used it to strike her opponent viciously, crumpling the piece of armor like paper as it was being used as a blunt weapon.

The Captain took those hits, feeling all of them, fueling her anger. She jumped on Applejack's chestplate, striking it with her full bodyweight, and doing a flip, shoving the helmetless Farmer away, even striking her nose on the way down.

Applejack, recovering from the strike, snarled loudly at the Prince once more. “YOU’LL NEVER HAVE SOMEONE LIKE RARITY. YOU AIN’T NEVER GONNA BE LOVED! BECAUSE YOU’RE ONE POISONOUS RAT BASTARD!”

The Prince shouted viciously and loudly at the arena. “Kill her already, Captain shimmer!!!!!!”

Both fighters stood back up. Applejack took out her lasso in one fluid fast motion, and entangled it around Sunset’s torso, pulling her close with one vicious yank, and striking her directly on the chest with an incredibly powerful punch.

Tumbling in the distance, coughing, Sunset stood back up, but her chestplate broke apart, now only with her helmet and leg covers.

She spat out blood again, frowning in anger.

Applejack was about to yank on the lasso once more, but with a simple tilt of the head and glow of the horn, Sunset incinerated the whole rope in one go. The heat around her rose, as she galloped towards her opponent again.

Applejack felt the same anger over her lasso as the anger that the Captain felt upon seeing her armor broken.

She dodged, both with body and teleportation, while delivering precise strikes on her opponent where her armor was weakest, all while Applejack failed to punch back.

On the stands, Rarity was getting fury over sorrow. She gritted her teeth at Twilight, who sat next to her, concerned. “Twilight. If your girlfriend kills my girlfriend, I’m going to kill your girlfriend.”

Twilight suppressed her own nerves, and attempted to be calm, with questionable success. “I-it won’t come to t-that. I-I hope…!”

Receiving a strike that pushed her away and broke more of her armor, Sunset lit her horn. She increased the gravity over Applejack tenfold.

The floor below her cracked, but she refused to buckle, gritting her teeth. The Captain commented on it. “Will you bow to Prince Blueblood?” She spoke just loud enough that the Prince could hear.

Refusing to even lower her head, she snarled. “NEVER.”

Sunset turned her head to the Prince, raising an eyebrow, accentuating the Peasant’s defiance of his will. He was getting infuriated. “KILL HER ALREADY!!!!”

Applejack managed to grab hold of her opponent and fiercely pin her against the arena; which was even stronger due to the gravity. Sunset turned it off, but she was in her grasp now.

Savagely, viciously, Applejack stomped the Captain’s helmet with her hoof, cracking the floor below her. As she crushed her opponent, she yelled once more.

“YER CASTLE IS BURNIN’ AND YOUR REPUTATION IS TOO! YER A PATHETIC SNIVELING COWARD AND THAT’S ALL ANYPONY WILL EVER KNOW YOU FOR!!” She glared at the Prince, who was getting more angry and embarrassed by the second. Everyone in the arena was against him, nay, the town. The ashes of his castle rained down on the arena even now.

Sunset’s helmet was bent entirely, but she would not allow Applejack to land one more hit. She teleported both of them high above the arena, and flipped her opponent down. Applejack struggled, but she did not manage to get Sunset off her, as they landed full force in the arena, and she was used as a landing pad. The floor cracked with the impact of Applejack landing on her back, her face covered with her own blood and bruises.

A moment in which they breathed and bled over each other almost quietly, regarding each other with the anger of battle.

With even a side eyed glance at Rarity, who was looking at her with extreme concern and fear, Applejack got her second wind; Punching Sunset full force, sending her tumbling across the arena; Sunset Shimmer was now entirely devoid of armor, as her already bent helmet broke apart, her bruised bleeding body collapsed.

She laid on the floor only for a second; Hearing Twilight scream made her immediately stand up. Once again, wide eyed, blank stared, she now beheld her opponent with murderous intent. Her patience was through.

“Let’s finish this.”

The fiery aura around her exploded, giving birth to two wings made of fire on her back; that she brandished menacingly, as sparks lit up around her. It was as if she was covered in flames.

Applejack did not have the chance to attack or even protect herself, as Sunset flew at her with breakneck speed. What proceeded was a storm of teleportation strikes where the Captain delivered blow after blow at high speeds, even slamming her opponent with her burning wings.

Struck from every side, Applejack’s armor was torn apart bit by bit; not that it protected her much from the violent storm unleashed on her. She could do little but attempt to block certain hits.

From the stands, Rarity felt as if she was the one getting hit.

“Not again, not again, not again, not again…”

The violent firestorm ended with one final strike from above, where Sunset pinned Applejack’s entire body on the ground, hoof pressing her face on the floor. Her horn glowed with a fiery aura, preparing her final strike.

“Bring it home, AJ.” She muttered.

With one, final, primal scream, while her face was pressed against the ground, Applejack let out the last of her vicious insults to the Prince, for the whole arena to hear.

“EVEN IF I DIE HERE, YOU’LL STILL BE A PATHETIC SNIVELING COWARD, YOUR REIGN IS OVER, AND YOU’LL SPEND THE REST OF YOUR MISERABLE LIFE TWISTIN’ YERSELF OVER THE FACT THAT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UNICORN IN ALL OF EQUESTRIA FELL IN LOVE WITH A PEASANT OVER YOU!!!”

The entire crowd gasped and agreed with all of the statements that the farmer yelled, bringing the Prince even further shame and embarrassment.

Blueblood reached a breaking point in his anger and disgust.

Sunset shimmer was moments from killing her opponent, not before raising an eyebrow and asking a simple question to him. “Shall I finish her off, sir?”

The Prince took delight in answering, as his anger reached its limit. He grabbed a dagger from a guard and jumped to the arena.

“No need, Captain Shimmer, tag out, I can take it from here.” He said, with a smile, intent of delivering the killing blow in some vain attempt at reclaiming his honor.

Sunset released the Knight from her hold, and backed away, fiery aura and wings still surrounding her. She sat down, looking at Applejack, who was breathing ragged breaths on the floor, bleeding.

The Prince got closer and closer, speaking for the whole crowd to hear. “I shall now take great pleasure in ending my opponent's life, therefore settling this whole unfortunate matter to rest, and dispelling the idiotic rumor that I, Prince Blueblood, am not capable of taking matters into my own hooves!”

From the stands, Rarity agonized, considering interference, trusting, hoping with all her might that her knight wasn’t down for the count.

“Not again, not again, not again…!”

The Prince smiled widely, with that ever-so-punchable teeth of his, holding a dagger in his mouth, taking personal pleasure in what he was about to do, closer and closer…

…Until Applejack stood up, towering over him with a smile.

Despite the bleeding and bruises, despite the pain, she stood as if she was perfectly fine.

The entire arena gasped and went hush.

With a simple slap of the hoof, she sent his dagger flying across the arena. The Prince’s eyes widened with terror as she pulled him closer and wound up a punch. “Wh-wha–I-Surrender–?!”

“Giddyup, bitch.”

It is known that Applejack frequently fought opponents while holding back. Even when using her considerable strength, she had no desire to kill anyone, so she would often pull a punch or two, knowing incapacitation was just as easy.

This was not the case with this punch.

It is said that the sound the punch made was heard in every village nearby; All the way to Apple Acres, even.

It is said that the impact of the punch dispelled every ash that rained on the sky that day.

It is said that All of Prince Blueblood’s teeth fell off just with that one strike.

A lot is said about that punch, and about that day, but one thing is known for certain: Prince Blueblood was dead before his body hit the stands.

Silence in the arena, a quiet hush of surprise and shock.

The first sound was Sunset Shimmer snickering. She then spoke, loud and clear, for all to hear, brandishing her fiery wings. “Prince Blueblood has lost the duel; Applejack is the winner!”

The crowd went wild, yes, but the first sound was Rarity squealing with joy, as she jumped in the arena. Applejack caught her, and they spun lovingly, as the Peasant received a barrage of kisses. “E-easy, sugarcube! I’m bruised all over!!” She said, with a grin she couldn’t wipe if she tried. “You’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay!!!!!” She couldn’t stop smiling as she kissed her Knight all over.

Rarity placed the hat back where it belonged; And kissed her lover sweetly.

All of their friends cheered gleefully from the stands, even the royals applauded the good show.

The announcer cleared his throat, glad to be done. “Well, as per the rules, your criminal docket is wiped clean, and you and your friends are free to go, Peasant! Have a lovely day!”

Rarity rubbed herself on her lover giddily while continuing her kissing barrage. “That’s my knight, that's my knight, that's my knight!!!”

Only when Twilight teleported right next to Sunset was it that the flames surrounding her faded. She immediately nuzzled her Captain, while inspecting her for bruises. With a quick swipe of blood off her love’s face, with the feathers of her wings, she complained. “So this was your plan?? Explain yourself, Captain!!!” She attempted to sound indignated, but she couldn’t hide her relieved smile; desperately trying to cover it with a pout.

Sunset couldn’t even focus on explanations; As Twilight immediately started channeling healing magic, hovering her horn over the captain’s bruises; much to her grunting. “Twi– This really isn’t the best time– OW!”

“Shush! Explanation! Now!” Her Princess commanded, but before she could Rarity quickly approached Twilight, observing her work. “Oh darling! You simply must teach me that magic; It would have come so in handy, the last month! A certain handsome Knight wouldn’t stop getting herself into trouble…!” She side eyed her love with a smirk, and Applejack embarrassedly scratched her own chin; Still covered in bruises and a significant amount of blood, hers and Sunset’s.

Twilight showed Rarity how to do it, but poked Sunset once more. “Did you even have a plan, Sunsun??”

With a chuckle, Sunset explained. “It was simple, really. There’s a rule in royal duels that anypony that requests a champion can tag in at any time. I just told AJ that we needed to give Blueblood a reason to.”

The Farmer chuckled, while holding her love tightly. “We had to make it look real, of course, and just insult the hay right outta him. Sunset went easy on me, and I went easy on her, but we made sure to tug the right strings. And we were aware that things coulda gone sour either way… So we didn’t tell y’all. Sorry…”

With an agreeing nod, Sunset continued. “We had to make it look real. So it was; even if we went easy on eachother.”

Both the Princesses were in disbelief, speaking in unison as they looked at their very injured loved ones. “That was going EASY??!!”

Applejack and Sunset chuckled at each other. “No hard feelin’s, right partner? You hit harder than a minotaur…!”

With a happy exhale, the Captain shrugged. “So do you, champ. And don’t worry. You gave me the best fight I've had in a long time, and we got to kill the fuck out of that Prince piece of shit. Pretty close to the best day ever!”

Behind them, a portion of what remained of the Castle of Blueblood exploded.

Her smile grew wider. “Heh. Even closer to the best day ever.”

Twilight gave her a quick, but loving kiss, covering them with her wings to hide it.

“Now it’s the best day ever.” They leaned foreheads together, smiling, as all four of them breathed sighs of relief.

Sunset pouted and sighed, beholding the scraps that remained of her armor literling the arena. “...I really liked that armor…”

Twilight spoke softly and closely, with a smile. “Me and Celestia both agreed that Darkness was never your color, my sun. We’ll make you a better one.”

They embraced each other, with the comfort of being capable of moving forward together.

Finally, a cacophony of cheers and praise as their friends came from the stands to greet them.

Pinkie was the first one to arrive, hugging Applejack and Sunset together, much to their own bruised ribs’s discontent. “OHMYGOSH i’m so glad you’re both alright!!! That was such an EPIC LEGENDARY final battle!!!! Gosh!! No more fighting for you two for a week, okay?? Doctor Pinkie’s orders!!”

Applejack gave her a joking salute. “Yes ma’am! I just want a comfortable couch, a warm meal, and some cuddles.”

Sunset let out a tired exhale. “Wouldn’t dream of fighting right now. I second that.”

“Pinkie, you don’t have a doctorate.” Twilight quickly corrected.

“Same-old Twilight Sparkle!” The Bard beheld her friend with a smug gleeful grin and a wink.

They all chuckled together, not before the two fillies arrived from the stands. Applebloom leapt into Applejack’s embrace, and Sweetiebelle hugged Rarity. They comforted their siblings, assuring them that all their troubles were indeed over.

Big Mac approached his sister calmly, and examined her injuries. “You okay?” He asked plainly.

“Eeyup!” She responded, tipping her hat. The three Apple siblings shared a tight hug.

From the stands, Rarity’s parents came down with gleeful smiles, joining her.

“Wow, Rarity! We knew you always liked to put on a show, but this was one crazy wedding evening!” Her mother giggled.

With a nervous chuckle, Rarity fidgeted with her mane. “Y-yes, I’m sorry that I threw away the arrangement you two accepted in my regard… And well, I can't say I'm sorry that I got my groom killed.”

Her father tilted his head. “Daughter. Are you happy?”

She glanced at her Knight, who glanced back at her, sharing smiles. “More than I've ever been.”

“Then that’s all that matters to us! You always land on your hooves, sweetie; This time’s no different. We’re proud of you like always!” He responded with a smile, and both her parents hugged her, which Sweetiebelle excitedly joined on.

Her mother smiled mischievously, while looking at Applejack. “For the record, sweetie. I approve. You always did have good taste; Never settling for anything less than the best, right?.” Nudging her daughter with a smile and a wink.

Her face growing redder, her father joined in too. “Hohoho, yes indeed. You know I used to have a physique like that in my younger years, you know?”

The two youngest simply giggled collectively at the idea, while his wife just nuzzled him. “No ya didn’t honey, but I love ya either way.”

The Belle family shared hearty laughs, and a warm embrace.

A handful of royals came to congratulate Princess Rarity on her victory that day; for demonstrating her gumption and grit, and If nothing else, for spicing up the boring wedding.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew from the stands, with smiles all around. The Rogue addressed the Knight, gleefully. “Hey boss. Now that my life debt is paid, can I just say; It was awesome to be in your service. You mind if me and my girl tag along for a little while longer? Being friends with all of you doesn’t sound bad at all!”

The druid nodded in agreement, nuzzling her rogue. “You all seem pretty nice! And Rainbow Dash needs more friends.”

The Rainbow clad pegasus got flustered, looking at her girl in disbelief. “Wh– So do you!! You live in the woods and talk to animals, babe!!”

With a chuckle, Applejack tipped her hat. “I don’t mind y’all joinin’! After all– I’m feelin’ a mighty need to celebrate. Party at sweet Apple Acres, everypony! My granny’s makin’ pie for all of us!!” She proclaimed loudly, and all her friends cheered. Twilight Sparkle most of all, spreading her wings widely in the delightful potential of making friends with these wonderful ponies.

Rarity walked over to her love, with that same sway on her step, and that same bounce on her mane; as they embraced each other with a loving kiss. “Oh, my Knight… As long as we’re together, I don’t mind a thing.” She whispered lovingly.

They embraced, and with a flash, Princess Cadance teleported among all the friends. Her presence was quite imposing, as they all backed away in silence; noticing she wanted time to address the two lovers.

They still held each other, as the Princess of Love raised her wings, joyfully, but in a more serious tone. “Rarity. Applejack. It has been a wonderful day for love; in many of its forms. The two of you are utterly incredible. I thank you for aiding love to win this day.”

They both bowed with smiles. “Thank ya kindly, Princess Cadance.”

Approaching Rarity and addressing her specifically, The Princess of love spoke with kindness. “I wondered why Twilight had invited me here today, but now I see why. Rarity Belle; Your love, your gumption, your generosity, your kindness; All of you, really; You are truly an extraordinary pony. I heard that you were interested in becoming a true Alicorn Princess, were you not? Well know that you have my full support. If you’d like, I could show you the highest of establishments, I could assist you in any way you desire, even arrange a meeting with Queen Celestia and you; I imagine she would be quite pleased to meet you. What do you say?”

With a giddy chuckle, Rarity did not even hesitate. “Princess Cadance. I am honored, delighted even, at your offer. But in the moment, and for the foreseeable future, I have only one priority; Spending quality time with my loving Knight as we both find out what’s next for the two of us.”

In that brief pause, Applejack regarded her love, in surprise and adoration of her decision.

Rarity nuzzled her lovingly, and continued. “I now have something that matters more than my dream of being a true Princess, and I would like to cherish it fully.”

A moment of silence, as all were shocked at her response.

Princess Cadance’s smile only grew wider with Rarity’s answer. She couldn’t help but giggle, her wings fluttering with joy. “That was a test, Rarity Belle. And you passed with flying colors!”

The Princess and the Peasant giggled in surprise, but did not stop nuzzling each other.

Her demeanor relaxing with joy, Cadence flapped her wings. “Know that all of my offers stand; but that you are absolutely right in considering that you should never, ever allow your responsabilites keep you from your love. You two will make eachother happier than you’ve ever been, and that is all that matters! You have my complete and entire blessing as the Princess of Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Well how ‘bout that, sugarcube…!” Sharing flirtatious smiles, the Princess and the Peasant kissed each other sweetly once more.

Everyone around them cheered, As the Princess of Love happily pranced about; which she ended by hugging Twilight and Sunset tightly.

The Princess and the Peasant were together, nothing else held them back.

Finally, Everything was as it should be.

---

The walk back to Apple Acres was calm and joyful. Rarity and Applejack led the group, walking side by side, while their friends and family accompanied them behind, all with gleeful chatter of the day before.

Despite the bruises and wounds, Applejack walked firmly without missteps. Her love kept her standing firmly; A sentiment Sunset Shimmer could relate to, following on the group behind them, side by side with Twilight Sparkle.

The sun was setting beautifully on the mountains behind them, as they left all their worries behind.

The Princess and the Peasant walked side by side, flank to flank, determined to spend the rest of the day inseparable.

There were plenty of things that could be on their minds; plans for what to do next, where they would move together, how they would each reinstate their businesses, among plenty of other responsibilities life would push on them.

But none of that mattered; not now, not anytime soon.

They would enjoy each other fully, without distractions.

“...She said she was preparin’ pies and dinner, but I reckon if we all gather our skills we can make it a feast. Whadaya think, sugarcube?”

With a giggle, Rarity nuzzled her. “Whatever it will be, it will be wonderful, my Knight. As long as we’re together... I just know it.”

“Agreed completely, sugarcube.” Applejack gave her a gleeful, mischievous smile, as she kissed her lover's neck affectionately, much to both of their giggles.

Rarity looked up to her with the same look, speaking softly. “On that same note; Will we have time alone at some point today? I adore that we will throw this party with our friends and family, but…“ She batted her eyelashes.

Applejack caught on instantly. “Oh, I’m sure we’ll have our time. My room is very comfortable, by the way.”

Rarity looked deep into her green eyes, with a mischievous smile. “Good. I may be known for my generosity and kindness, but tonight I don’t want to share you. I want you all to myself.”

“That goes both ways, sugarcube.” They shared a passionate kiss together, one in which resulted in them tumbling to the grass in their loving embrace.

They were interrupted only by their Bard, who gleefully stepped in. “Girls!! Girls!!! I think I finally got it!!! Your legendary song!!”

“Oh? What’s that, Pinkie?”

“Wonderful, darling!”

The Bard took out her guitar, gleefully preparing. “Ok ok ok; Do you both wanna hear it? It’s a work in progress, but I am already super duper into it!!”

The group of friends stopped on the road, all gathering around with smiles and snickers.

The Princess and the Peasant nodded joyfully.

“Okay!!! This is a song called ‘The Princess and the Peasant!’ Draft one, here we go!!”

As she sang with glee and gusto, the friends all shared in the laughter and joy.

There are many that would find it strange for such a bizarre group of friends to be united, by such strange circumstances.

There are many that would doubt that these ponies, from all walks of life, could find common ground, friendship, and love.

But there’s a first time for everything.

---

Author's Note:

Heh.

Gosh, this journey was fun to write.

Thank you so much if you read this far; I hope you enjoyed the read as much as i enjoyed making it! Please, if you did, leave a comment, feedback, and here's some questions for you!

What was your favorite chapter of the bunch? Tough decision for me, but might have been "The river of Fireflies"! Just way too many good scenes and sequences on that one.

What was your favorite scene/sequence on all of this? (To me it's hard, but might be the Poison scene; breaking the illusion that Applejack was invincible and pushing Rarity to her limit was the true shift to the final act, tbh.

What was your favorite character interpretation of all of the ones i changed up in this narrative? To me, and I may be biased here, but Sunset Shimmer. I always delight on writing her like a badass-- and a single determined servitude to Twilight Sparkle is just wonderful. (Also when i was writing that final fight against her this is the song that played in my mind. the SUNSET SHIMMER BOSS FIGHT SONG BABEY. thank you hades)

Also I hate to say this but on an all-out fight Sunset wins against Applejack; Magic is a tad overpowered, but it is what it is. It's still a phenomenal contest

Either way. I had a lot of fun with this conclusion. Cadance specialy needed to make an appearance, no matter what, concidering how she's literaly the princess of love. So just like my other fic, "The return of midnight sparkle", I wrote her to be unhinged. I hope you liked the complete rewrite of her character! x3

And no i'm not having neither Applejack nor Rarity feel burderned by each of the characters they killed (Blueblood and the assassin). sometimes murder is ok. its for love, go off queens

It's kinda funny how I semi intentionally made a story where the mane 6 were not united, and then through natural means just united them. good times. Insert Twilight putting on an eyepatch in the post credits and saying "i'm putting together a team"

Fun fact, before i started writing this i was like "I have no idea what kinda story to write for rarijack, so i guess in never will! Oh well!" and now HERE WE ARE after 260+ pages!!! Sheesh!

Regardless. Thank you so much for reading this all the way through; This ship is a hydrogen bomb and i've always cherished it! This entire story is a swan song; an all you can eat buffet for rarijack enjoyers =v= And if you know someone that might enjoy it, please recomend it to them!

Thank you again 💖 See you on my next fic, "Sunset Shimmer across the Ponyverse" Lmao! (its the sequel to "The Return of Midnight Sparkle") If you liked what i did with Twiset here, you've seen nothing yet!

💖But either way. Rarijack my beloved💖

Comments

[Cayden]

Okay so I don't know how to even word this but aaaaaaa

THIS WAS SO GOOD! Before starting to read through this, I wasn't much of a reader in general, I'd blame it my mind not really being able to imagine things at all (theater of the mind is kind of important for written works, from what I've been told by others) and school just making me despise reading.

Aaaannnyways, this brought that interest back! Honestly I also struggle a lot with feeling any kind of emotions from media, but this is like... The second time fiction has made me almost cry (looking at you, The Truth of the Heart); speaking of, favourtie chapter is a 3-way tie with TTotH, The Heart Stays True and The Nightmare Vs The Dream (I can't dream so I always find the concept of dream sequences in fiction cool), though River of Fireflies is also great.

I am most certainly going to read some of your older works and will patiently wait for whatever comes in the future :3

[DapperLilArts]

11873056
Heck yes i'm so glad i inspired you to read!! It's definitely hard nowdays to find time and patience to read a long form thing; but i'm utterly delighted that you managed to read all the way through this. As for my other works, there's 3 small fics, and one big one (thankfully not as big as this one) You might enjoy if you're a fan of Sunset and Twilight!

And yes there will be more of my writing in the future =v= Though i need to force myself to take a break lmao. thanks for reading!!

[Cayden]

11873083
The issue for me is less the time and the patience, usually it's more about it feeling like an impossible task when I see like "100k words", which granted. You did write 100,000 words 100,308 to be specific, but thanks to this site's formatting I didn't realise until you posted the final chapter hehe.

Knowing me I'll probably also read the big fic in like... A day. I do NOT know what self control is x3

Honestly also kind of sort of tempted to start writing myself? I'd definitely need help because that feels like a massive task, even for smaller fics.

Also-also, enjoy your break! You deserve it for sure.

[Dimbulb]

Man I'm full, thanks for this 100k word rarijack feast! It was delicious!
media4.giphy.com/media/NXcSgkwYrb7yBHFiMx/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952bink9xibjujzbhcxn13ruzh49vbpd76cbsi6vymb&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g