CHAPTER 2
đTHE PRINCESS IN THE TOWERđ
âSheesh! Weâre gonna take weeks to get there!! I hope we make it in timeâŚâ Pinkie gazed at the map, concerned.
Applejack was not faltering. âAt my pace, weâll take a week there, a week back, tops. Unless a certain Princess slows us down⌠Now I ain't gonna carry ya if you need to stop, so keep moving, ya hear?â
The Pink Bard was not bothered, if there was one thing she had in surplus of, it was energy. They continued to walk on a road accentuated with a couple houses and grasslands around them here and there, with some peasants occasionally cheerfully waving, recognizing Applejack, which she gleefully waved back, but did not stop for small talk
Pinkie continued explaining her deep and profound lore. âSo! Like I was explaining before. I'm a Bard! Worked briefly as a jester, a couple times I was a babysitter, but mostly spent my time with a gig as Princess Twilightâs Bard. I also do birthdays!â She hopped and skipped with glee.
Applejack moved at a steady pace, unwavering. âYou went from personal Princess Bard, to workinâ at a booth? Tough luck, I feel ya.â
Pinkie giggled. âNo silly! I didnât get fired, I quit! You see, The princess frequently got on these adventures to save the world, and donât get me wrong, I had my fun writing songs about âem, but I didnât want to write tales about only one person, ya know? Now sure, she and Sunset are my friends, but a birdâs gotta spread her wings, ya know? And I'm out here lookin for a legend. I donât really care for money if I find it!â
Applejack had a hard time believing a princess went on adventures. âI think I get it kinda? Why is it yer always goinâ on about a âlegendâ, anyways?â
Pinkieâs eyes gleamed. âLegend⌠A Bard who tells a legendary tale through song is herself legendary! I may have gotten a teensy bitsy addicted to the idea of dangerous adventures. But I never really followed The Princess and her Captain on them, yâknow? I couldnât keep up⌠But oh! A legendary fairytale adventure! The action! The comedy! The drama! The romance!!â
AJ giggled. âItâs gonna be easy keepinâ up with an earth pony like me, heh. But I'm sorry to disappoint ya, there ainât much legendary âbout me.â
Pinkie tilted her head. âI dunno. The way you wrecked those twenty guys earlier today did seem preeeetty legendary to me. And going on a quest to save a princess? How noble! How awesome! How legendary!!â
Applejack chuckled. âUmm I'm in this for the money, Pinkie. I'm being paid to grab a mare and take her across the country. Ainât much noble about it.â
Pinkie tilted her head. âOh, youâre not just doing it for money. Youâre doing it for your family! Thatâs preeeetty noble!â
Applejack smiled, rolling her eyes. Anyone would do the same in her position, right?
âSure, Pinkie.â
âJust think! A humble Farmer turned dragon slayer and princess rescuer! A proper knight! Protecting her loved ones! Now thereâs a song in there!!â the Bardâs mind spun with inspiration.
Applejack couldnât help but laugh. âHah! That donât sound like me at all!â
âBut it couuuuld beeeeâ Pinkie teased her.
Applejack didnât believe it for a second, but the thought did amuse her. âSure, Pinkie.â
âWoah! Look at this one! Thereâs gonna be a festival in this village in like a week or so!â Pinkie took a good glance at a poster on the wall.
Applejack, for a moment, wanted to stop to look, she had always loved festivals, she and her family would often participate and dance all afternoon, sharing their cooking and produce. The happy memory made her falter for a moment. She missed home. This village was so alike the ones of her cousins and distant relatives she had visited many timesâŚ
But for her family, she simply couldnât slow down. âThatâs nice Pinkie, but we ainât here for sightseeinâ, remember? Just passinâ through and gettinâ supplies.â
Pinkie hopped next to her excited as usual. âOh but wouldnât it be so fun if we took the princess here on our way back?â
Applejack scoffed. âWhy would a Princess ever wanna come here?â
Pinkie looked around gleefully. âI dunno! Who wouldnât wanna come here? Twilight would definitely like this kinda stuff. Maybe Rarity would too!â
The idea of a Princess enjoying herself in a commoner festival was completely alien to her, an amusing absurdity. âSure, Pinkie.â
And so, the future Princess of friendship returned the moon to us!
Queen Luna went back to her home and family, without a fuss!
And to think, the deed was done by a mare from next door;
The Queens of the Sun and Moon were reunited once more!
Pinkie finished strumming on her harp, placing it back on her bag that seemed to hold way too many instruments, for something so small.
Applejack stopped fiddling with their campfire and went back to resting, gazing at the night sky, but then she turned to Pinkie in confusion. âSo yer tellinâ me that Twilight Sparkle beat Nightmare moon before she was even an Alicorn? That donât sound right.â
Pinkie couldnât stop herself from literally singing her friends praises. âIt is!! It was one of her very first true challenges as the pupil of the Queen of the Sun!â
Applejack smirked. âRiiiiight. And she told you that? Just like she told you she beat a shadow king, a renegade cult leader sorceress, a chaos god draconequus, and more?â
Pinkie Pie pouted. âMy friend Twilight is not a liar. Besides, I was⌠kinda there for most of these! On the sidelines.â
Applejack sighed, looking back at the night clouds. âLook, thereâs no such thing as a good royal, Pinkie. I'm afraid she might be playinâ ya, having a Bard singing her praises so she can accrue more fame. âLegendâ or whatever.â
Pinkie pouted more, looking down, clearly bothered by the accusations. âMy friend is NOT a liarâŚâ
They stayed in silence a bit, and Applejack started feeling guilty for offending her.
âWell⌠What other songs have ya made about her exploits? Iâ wouldnât mind hearinâ more, before we sleep.â She nudged at the Bard to do what she did best.
âAlright!!â She picked up a guitar from her seemingly bottomless bag, already cheered up. âThis one is called âThe Queen of Vermin!â A harrowing tale of a horrible insect queen that fed on LOVE and how she was defeated by Twilight Sparkle and her friend, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!â
She was glad to see her friend happy again, but the idea of not only one but two princesses defeating anything or even fighting to save the world was absurd to Applejack. âSure, Pinkie.â
After being relieved of her greed, ambition and hatred through loving magic,
She happily pledged her undying loyalty to the Princess of Friendship!
âLemme get this straight. The Captain and Twilight used to be enemies? And now the Captain is well. Her Captain!â Applejack looked back at the Bard who had just retold her friends' stories through song.
âYep!â Pinkie put away her banjo, selling every word of the tale with gusto. âCaptain Sunset used to be a Paladin trained by Queen Celestia, no less! She wanted to inherit her position and become an Alicorn; but her greed and callousness corrupted her into a dark paladin whose evil was out of control. She was banished by Celestia, but eventually Twilight fought her and restored her senses, ridding her of the darkness that took hold.â She really sold that last part.
Applejack shoved some leaves aside, as they crossed a field of produce on their way forward in their journey. She doubted the verity of the tale. âHuh.â
âAnd so, Sunset Shimmer, the dejected paladin laid her sword down and pledged undying allegiance to Princess Twilight Sparkle for saving her life! For changing it, even! And now, she has been fighting by her side and protecting her for years, Legend says she has never lost a fight since; and even became the captain of her royal guard!! Talk about a turnaround, huh?â
Applejack wasnât sure how much she could trust the royals having their tales told like this; it was like a game of telephone, each time the story was passed down it could twist it and embiggen it to make it seem more impressive. And if there was anything the Farmer despised, it was lies.
The Bard continued excitedly. âShe is now protecting someone who was once her rival with her life!! And theyâre in loooooooove. Isnât it romantic???â Pinkie shook her mane gleefully, thinking of how to add these updates to her song lyrics, and incredibly happy her friends had actually gotten together.
The tale seemed to be dubious, but if it was true, it was indeed⌠Impressive. The Farmer found her cheeks getting red slightly, at the thought of pledging herself to someone like that. She easily shook the thought away, and raised an eyebrow. âItâs somethinâ, alright. These royals, I tell ya. They got weird taste.â
The Bard trotted happily. âThe heart wants what the heart wants, AJ! Iâve dated pleeeenty of mares and stallions. Good times, good times.â Pinkie looked at nothing, smiling like a dummy. A life well lived. Applejack just chuckled at the thought.
âHow bout you, AJ? You ever been in love?â
Applejack smiled smugly, almost proud of her single status. âNope! Mine is a life of hard work and family, Pinkie. I ainât got time for foolinâ around. Besides, the opportunity has never presented itself, and if it did I wouldn't take it!â she aimed her muzzle high in pride, with a smile.
Pinkie gasped in disbelief. âWhaddaya mean!!! Love is so important and so, so good!!! Why wouldn't you answer if the opportunity came knocking??â
The Farmer giggled. ââCause of the stuff I mentioned already. Hard work, and family. No lovey dovey hay fever would be better to me than that. Besides, Ainât like anypony could love me! Charmless Farmer hick, with an overly large frame, heheh!â She chuckled at her own expense, almost with pride. In a sense, being charmless was her own form of charm, and she prided herself of being a hard working family mare and wasnât usually self conscious of her largeness.
Pinkie shook her tail around in anger, looking intently at her.
âMark my words Applejack Apple. Love will not only knock on your door, it will break it down someday.â
Applejack laughed at the thought. âSure, Pinkie.â
They finally had the Dragon keep in sight. Past a large swamp, and near a small lake, they could see a dark castle at the edge of Equestria, with shrouding clouds atop it, surrounded by a river of lava. Behind it, mountains, volcanoes, and a dark sea few ever thread. Nature was quieter here, like animals avoided nestling this far off the center of the kingdom.
Applejack narrowed her eyes. âThere. Finally, Thatâs where we gotta go.â
Pinkie jumped for joy. âYIPEE!! And to think! Itâs been only a week! You were right, AJ. You got this!â
The Farmer adjusted her hat. âLetâs go. I wanna get that Princess already and be past here by sundown. No dilly-dallying!â And immediately started trotting down the hill they were on.
Pinkie hopped and skipped beside her. âOoooh, loving that fiery determination!! So, what do you think Rarity will be like?â
The thought had already crossed Applejackâs mind, as did others, and she didnât like it. âSome prissy annoying lady with dainty little hooves that wouldnât bear the thought of touchinâ mud and dirt. Sheâs gonna nag us the whooooole trip about âconditionsâ, and sheâs gonna hate my commoner ass. Gosh darnit, if she asks me to carry herâŚâ The idea made her blow air from her nostrils in annoyance.
Pinkie tilted her head. âI dunno, if sheâs a friend of Twilightâs, she canât be all that bad.â
Applejack dismissed the thought. âNo such thing as a good royal, Pinkie.â
Pinkie hopped closer trying to get the Farmer to see it her way. âHey, give her some credit. Twilight has good taste in friends. I bet Princess Rarity will at the very least not hate you!â
Applejack Snorted and laughed. She had never in her life been treated well by a royal, much less seen any of her friends and family be treated well either. The thought was comedic to her.
âHohoho, you know what? I got an idea. Letâs actually make a bet. I bet that Princess Rarity will be disappointed and disgusted that her âknight in shining armorâ is a filthy peasant. Hell, sheâs probably gonna be insulted that I'm a mare! I bet twenty bits on it!â
The amount of bits would be small to most, but not to her. She meant this.
Pinkie pouted. âHmpf. Fine. I bet that sheâs gonna like you fine, because you are a dependable and nice pony, regardless of your background.â
They stopped only to shake hooves on it, then kept going. Meeting this Princess just got a lot more interesting, because now maybe Applejack could get something out of the inherent hatred the royals had to people like her.
She gazed at the castle in the distance with a confident smile.
The Bard got smug. âI think youâre gonna regret taking this beeeeetâ
Applejack would not. âSure, Pinkie.â
âFun factâŚ!â Pinkie shuddered in fear. âThis is my first time ever seeing molten lava!â
They both gazed down at the ravine they stood on. Below them, a fiery river of lava, and near them, a rickety wooden bridge that led to the dragon keep. Applejack felt a tinge of sweat, and not due to the rising heat. âYup⌠Same here.â
The sound of the raging river was heard even here, and the clouds covered the sky, making it almost seem like it was night. Small bits of ash fell from the skies slowly.
She took a moment to consider the danger of walking on that bridge with her weight, then looked at the old abandoned castle past it, and stopped hesitating. She did not come this far to back down now.
âI'm goin. You donât have to follow me, stay here if ya need.â Applejack moved towards the bridge, aware that her friend would only be placing herself in unnecessary danger if she came with.
Pinkie sighed in relief. âPHEW! Haha, if you think you donât need me in there, sure! I wonât slow you down, hahahaaaâ She smiled, but her eyes betrayed her, demonstrating her fear.
Applejack didnât react, she simply started walking on the bridge, measuring every step she took, but keeping a good pace, single minded focus as usual.
Pinkie fidgeted nervously, reconsidering leaving her friend alone. She also considered what it would be like for her and her precious instruments to all be incinerated in one fell swoop.
With an exasperated yelp, she followed the Peasant.
Applejack felt the Bardâs careful steps behind her, and didnât even turn around. âPinkie, you sure about this?â
âI-i-i-i-I'm s-s-sureâŚ! I-i-i-i c-canât leave y-you a-a-lone I-i-in t-t-thereâŚ!!â The poor pink pony stuttered. It was difficult to get fear out of Pinkie pie, she was usually too cheerful and giddy to be aware of danger. but the height and the lava river and even the possibility of a dragon were just enough to do it.
Applejack simply shifted her sight from down to forward, forward to down, prioritizing which she needed at each moment. âI have not come this far to die on stupid lavaâŚ!â She muttered to herself.
She heard the whimpers of fear behind her, and tried distracting them both. âYâknow, my Granny once told me a story about us Earth Poniesâ Pinkie did not respond, just listened.
âShe told me that we came from the earth itself, thousands of years ago. Literally sproutin out of rocks and dirt and mountains, heheh. Imagine that, right? It means we used to be able to swim in lava! Ainât that fun?â
âY-yayâŚ!â
Nothing about this situation was fun.
She suddenly felt a slight weight on her back, that seemed to shiver.
âPinkie. Get off my back.â
âI-I'm g-g-goodâŚ!â the Bard clinged to Applejack with all the strength she could muster, eyes closed, unable to look, feeling a bit sick of the weight of the bridge shifting around, terrified.
Applejack kept moving, even if bothered. âPinkie, I'm already heavy enough, I ain't sure itâs the best idea for you to be increasing my weight!!!â
Pinkie did not respond with anything coherent. Applejack knew she couldn't exactly shift her attention to prying the terrified Bard off her, so she simply continued moving forward, determined.
Princess Rarity gazed listlessly out of her window, sighing forlornly, on the tallest tower of the castle. Another dull day like any other, she thought.
Until her sights were set on the bridge that led to the bastion she was imprisoned on.
âOh myâŚ!â Her eyes widened. âFinally! My knight!!â A figure in the distance moved through the bridge in the direction of the dragon keep.
She felt more excitement than hope. She began prancing around the room, preparing. âOh, I must pack! I must prepare my belongings; OH and I must be ready for when he arrives! Oh, my sweet knight princeâŚ!!â
She ran around the room, gathering all she could into an old suitcase, definitely more than just essentials. She considered which dresses to pack, if any, other than the beautiful one she was currently wearing, hastingly checking every piece of the room, tidying up her messy tables and floor.
She passed by a mirror, quickly adjusting her mane, which led to her sitting in front of it to brush her mane, which led to her adorning herself in perfume, which led to her adjusting her makeup, all while muttering to herself.
âThis is it, Rarity. All your dreams are coming true!!! You will meet your true love, He will be a strong and handsome Prince that will safely escort you to his castle, you will reach the heavens of popularity, you will earn your wings!! Everypony will want to know the fair Princess RarityâŚ! Queen Celestia herself will invite you to tea and you will arrive fashionably late because youâll be macking on your future husband!!â She squealed with excitement.
She then pressed her snout against the cracked mirror with a piercing gaze at herself. âDo NOT blow this. You are Princess Rarity. The most generous and beautiful princess!!! âŚI hope⌠âŚNO! I KNOW! Whoever breaks down that door to rescue you will be your true love, you will OWN his heart, and you will live happily ever after!!!!â
She hastingly closed her suitcase, and then pranced to bed, placing several cloth stitched flowers in her bed as decoration.
She laid in it with a seductive pose, rehearsing batting her eyelashes flirtingly. She then rehearsed being awoken lovingly by her knight. Then she shifted positions, trying to get a better angle for her love to first see her. Then again, and again, and againâŚ
Her excitement turned to worry, as she fidgeted with her blankets.
âOh, I hope the dragon doesnât eat this oneâŚâ
Applejack cherished walking over stable ground, with a sigh of relief. A massive archway led to the poorly kept dragon keep, with one of the few sources of light coming from the many broken or open windows, or the lava from outside shining from its cracks. They could still hear the lava river raging below.
âAlright. Showtime, Pinkie.â She grabbed the Bard that was shivering, clinging to her, and placed her on the ground, which the Bard promptly began to kiss. âOh my gosh I never thought iâd miss the floor so much.â she shivered.
Applejackâs ears perked up, wary of her surroundings, looking at every corner, as she entered the keep, speaking softly. âOkay, remember, we might be dealinâ with a dragon here, so letâs keep it quiet, ya hear?â
Pinkie whispered a bit desperately. âYou donât gotta tell me twice!â making sure all instruments on her abnormally well-fitting bag were muffled, and the bag was completely and entirely closed. She was sweating a lot, and not just because of the heat.
Applejack saw pieces of charred abandoned armor, and had an idea.
âHold onto this for me, will ya?â She handed Pinkie her hat, which she placed on her bag.
âWhadayadoing??â The Bard fearfully whispered.
Applejack shifted through multiple sets of armor that laid abandoned on the floor, looking for some that might fit her. After she placed on herself a paladin helmet, she responded. âProtection and disguise. We still got a bet, remember?â The Farmer adorned herself with as much armor she could, almost like a new set of skin she felt alien on.
Pinkie nodded fearfully while glancing at every doorway and exit around them.
Applejack finished fitting herself with armor, which was a tad tight on her overly large frame, but protected enough, her braid still ran down the helmet she wore, giving her a professional paladin look. She saw her own reflection on an abandoned chestplate.
She looked like a mighty grizzled legendary Earth Pony warrior with unending strength.
âI look ridiculous.â She muttered, barely recognizing herself.
They heard a loud, yet reserved raspy groan echo on the halls of the castle. Unmistakably not a natural sound. The dragon made itself known, somewhere in the halls of the keep.
âOkay, now if I was a damsel, where would I beâŚ?â Applejack pondered, thinking of which direction to take.
Pinkie piped in, quietly. âUmm every legend has the princess locked in the highest tower, thatâs usually how it goes.â
âGreat! then you search high, and I'll search low.â
Pinkie scoffed, aware of what her friend was doing. âNuh uh! Youâre not getting out of our bet! Youâre the knight in shining armor here! You search high and I'll search low!â
Applejack rolled her eyes, thinking of how much sheâd prefer fighting a dragon over meeting the princess.
âFine. Iâll search high, you search low. And remember to keep quiet!â
The Bard started shivering again. âW-what do I do if I find the princessâŚ??â
Applejack surveyed the environment. âWell, if you find her, you stay quiet. Find me, and we can get her out.â
âW-w-what do I do if I find the D-dragonâŚ?!â
âWell then I guess you can scream as much as ya want. Iâll find you.â
Pinkie reevaluated her desire to be in that current predicament, nervously grabbing her notebook and writing important notes. âDragon castle scaryâ
âStick to the plan, and be sneaky about it!â Applejack started climbing the stairs of the castle, determined, yet quietly.
âY-yeah, iâll be sneaky. Iâll be the sneakiest. The sneakyestestâŚ!!â The terrified Bard whispered to herself, braving the hallways of the dark bastion.
Applejack made it to the peak of the tallest tower, and before her stood a door that was barred from her side. Seemed to be the right place.
With a swift buck, the door broke in half, leaving an opening for her to pass through.
She ran into the room, examining its surroundings. It was⌠Odd.
âPrincess Rarity?â
It didnât seem to be the room of a Princess, but rather one of an obsessive seamstress. She saw multiple dresses were displayed on tables and even on the floors and a sewing machine that seemed to go through daily use was at the center of a table recently cleaned of clutter.
She noticed that all the dresses seemed to be made of carpet, tapestries, and blankets, but undeniably stitched to perfection; Not that Applejack was an expert on the subject. The Princess likely spent months there making and remaking dozens of outfits.
Thatâs when she spotted the bed, lit with the light of the setting sun. The Princess was sleeping in it⌠Or pretending to.
âPrincess Rarity!â
She approached the bed, taking a gaze upon the mare she had traveled so far to rescue.
Applejack knew that she was going to be pretty, sure, but why, despite this obviousness, did her stunning breathtaking beauty still catch her off guard?
Rarity was wearing a white dress with multiple shades of the color, adorned with dusty jewels, despite the roughness of her making it in such dire conditions, it still looked incredible.
There was also the case of an almost nauseating amount of very lovely smelling perfume emanating from herâŚ
A thought manifested in the Farmers head, one she couldn't shake off. She was in the presence of the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria. Whether this was fact or only her own opinion, it didn't matter.
For a fleeting moment, The Peasant thought that maybe playing knight for a little while wouldnât be so bad.
These next moments would be more enjoyable for her than she would ever care to admit.
Applejack blinked. She didnât have time for thinking now. Eyes on the prize.
âPrincess, wake up! We have to get outta here!!â She shook the princess awake with urgency, resulting in her making an âeek!â sound.
The Princess rose up, eye to eye with her rescuer. âOh, my knight! Youâve come to rescue meâŚ!â a silly grin would not leave her face. âYup. We gotta go.â The Knight attempted to be pragmatic.
She examined Applejack up and down, her face getting red. âY-you're bigger than I expected.â
âIâll take that as a compliment, câmon, we gotta hurry!â
Rarity snapped out of her hypnotized state of staring at the musculature of her rescuer. âU-um y-yesâŚ! Wait, I have to say goodbye to my room!!â
Applejack sighed, walking over to the door and waiting for her.
Rarity touched her suitcase, and with magic, stored it within her horn. âNeat trick.â Her knight stated. âYes darling, but it often gives me such headaches⌠I'm sure you can relieve me of that later.â She gave her rescuer a mischievous smile.
Applejackâs face got a bit red as she rolled her eyes. Oh good, the princess flirts. At least that was going to end when she found out who her âknightâ really was.
Rarity ran to a dress and nuzzled it, sadly. âI'm sorry I can't take you all with meâŚâ She sorrowfully gazed at all the dresses in her room, despite being makeshift, she was clearly attached.
Applejack took notice.
âO-okay. I am ready!â
âGood. Stay close to me, ya hear? Right behind me. I canât have you harmed.â
The Princess's eyes gleamed. âOh, my knight⌠What is your name? I must know.â
âI'm Applejack. And yer Rarity, right?â
âY-yes, Princess Rarity. Applejack, eh? How provincial! I love itâŚâ The Princess was lost on the visage of her Knight.
For a moment, their faces were very close, and the knight couldnât help but be a bit lost in the princess's lovely blue eyes.
Applejack the Peasant and Farmer would never even consider kissing a princess. The very thought would disgust her.
Applejack the Knight, howeverâŚ
A high pitched scream coming from below interrupted them.
âWho is that??â Rarity was completely confused.
âShoot. Thatâs my Bard. Looks like she mighta found your dragon.â
The scream was followed by a castle-shaking roar.
âLooks like she definitely found your dragon!! Câmon!! Stay behind me!â
Applejack darted down the stairs, sprinting with fighting intent. Rarity followed a bit more carefully. âY-you have a Bard?? Oh my!!â
As they hasted through the castle, Rarity had some reservations. âU-um darling, why are we running towards the dragon? Itâs very much unheard of, of a pony slaying one this big!!â
Applejack did not slow down. âThereâs a first time for everything.â She continued to gallop, determined to save her friend.
They reached an antechamber, where they could see a massive figure move by beyond it, and the walls of the castle were suddenly lit up with the light of flames. Applejack entered the room with defiance, seeing a massive dragon with a chain bound to its neck pursuing pinkie through a massive hall, adorned with balconies all around it.
Maybe this was a theater, a long time ago?
The poor Bard was running in between columns, attempting to avoid its jaws and flames, screaming for Applejackâs help.
The Knight noticed a chain bound the dragonâs neck, and started following it with her eyes. But her Bard was in trouble, and she had to step in.
Applejack leaned against the railing. âHEY YA VARMINT! WHY DONTCHA PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE!â
The dragon stopped on its tracks, turning its head and looking at her with deadly intent. Pinkie felt immense relief hearing Applejackâs voice, but not enough to not be afraid.
Applejack quickly got off the railing and grabbed her Princess, hiding behind a column as a burst of flames covered their sides.
The Knight shielded the Princess with her entire body, protecting her from the flames no matter what, much to Rarityâs fluster.
As the flames subsided, Applejack took a glance at what she tried searching before and found it. The dragon had massive chains that bound him to a wall, and Applejack was intent on reaching it.
âThe dragonâs a prisoner here, tooâŚâ She muttered to herself. âPINKIE! REMEMBER WHEN I TOLD YA TO BE QUIET?â
âY-yeah??!â
Applejack readied her lasso. âWELL FORGET THAT. BE YOURSELF!!â
Pinkie nodded, with fear, yet determination. She picked up one of her trumpets and started playing exceptionally loud, drawing the dragonâs attention to her.
Applejack looked at the princess. âClimb on my back and hold on tight. Donât let go for anything, ya hear?â Rarity was mesmerized. âU-um, yes?â The Princess hopped on her knightâs large back, holding onto her fiercely.
Applejack quickly stepped over the railing, entangling her lasso on a chandelier, and jumping. Rarity clinged to her tightly, arms folded over her neck. âOh, my knightâŚ!â She whispered, with a smile on her face, too distracted to scream in fear.
As the dragon prepared to incinerate her friend, Applejack swung over the massive hall, holding the lasso with her mouth front hooves. She hit the first target dead to rights; bucking the back of the dragonâs head mid-air, resulting in the beast smashing its head against a wall, choking on its own flames.
The impact propelled them exactly where she wanted, the second target was the balcony in which the chain was bound.
Applejack commanded the Princess to dismount and take cover, which she hesitantly did.
âPINKIE!! GET IT TO PULL THE CHAIN!â Applejack hopped on the wall, and started pulling the chain at its base, literally suspending herself on the wall with the strength she was pulling it.
Her back hooves started cracking the concrete. The Princess marveled at that feat of strength, mesmerized.
Pinkie played even more obnoxiously loud as she ran in the opposite direction of Applejack and her Princess. The dragon, irritated, tried following her, up until the chain was extended to its maximum capacity and met resistance.
That chain was built to resist the strength of a dragon.
It was not, however, built to resist the strength of a dragon and Applejack.
The dragon and the Knight pulled on the chain with all their might, it grinded and gnashed, until it gave with a crack of stone, and Applejack fell on the floor.
âA-are you okay, dear?â Rarity rushed to her aid. âYup!â They heard the terrified Bard scream of fear. âWe ainât done, though.â
Applejack quickly grabbed the tip of the chain she had just broken off the wall, and yanked it with all her might.
The dragon was about to crush the poor Bard with its jaws, until its neck was yanked back by the Knight.
âWell then?? Câmon, ya big lizard!!â The dragon turned to the Knight and her princess, staring at them very close with a snarl.
Applejack stomped her hoof and pointed at the very breakable ceiling. âYouâre free, you big idiot!! Get outta here, go on, GIT!!â
The dragon roared at her with rage, which echoed on the walls and blasted those two with wind. Rarity had to cling to her Knight so as to not be blown away, but Applejack did not budge.
The Knight stomped her hooves down, cracking the floor, and roared back at the dragon, a primal scream that unleashed every bit of pent up anger and frustration she had gathered this past week and maybe even further down her life.
The result was a scream that shook the halls of the castle they were on, that made the dragon reconsider this pointless conflict.
The Princess was once more mesmerized by her Knight.
As Applejack stared the dragon down with narrowed eyes and heavy breaths, the dragon decided this fight was pointless and turned to the ceiling, considering its escape.
âO-oh my goodnessâŚ!â The princess was exasperated, beholding Applejack.
âWeâre not done yet, Sugarcube. Climb onto my back again and hold on tight, donât let go no matter what.â
The princess jumped on her back and clinged to her, this time with enthusiasm and a smile.
Applejack took out her lasso once more, and tossed it towards the dragon, entangling on one of its spines. She jumped and clinged to the dragonâs back with all her strength. âPINKIE!! HOP ON!â
The Bard saw a chance and took it, skedaddling towards the lasso, trying to avoid being stomped by the distracted dragon, and managing to grab it with her teeth, barely hanging on.
The dragon leaped towards the ceiling, breaking through, and so, they took flight.
Applejack held on fiercely, making sure Rarity was safe as well, who herself was just mumbling sweet affirmations of love for her knight.
The winds of the dragonâs wings were fierce, but Applejack did not falter. This was it.
They soared for a couple of seconds on their extremely large mount, until Applejack saw her target; the lake they had passed when coming this way.
âPINKIE, JUMP! THEREâS THE LAKE!!â The Knight let go of the dragon, leaping at incredible speed, hoping to reach its target, and so did the Bard.
Applejack shifted Rarity to be under her instead of over her, and pointed her own back downwards, Shielding the princess from the crash with her body, holding her with her front hooves, fully aware that she might have overshot her jump, which she painfully had. The Knight shielded her tightly, the last hope she had. If the Princess lived at least, maybe things would be okay for Applejackâs family.
A few seconds before they hit the ground like a meteor, the princess cast a diamond shield around them while clinging to her knight, softening the blow.
They crashed and skidded and rolled, and Applejack protected her as best she could the entire way, until they were both steady on solid ground, breathing heavily, with Rarity on top. The crystal shield had broken after a few impacts, but it had kept them alive.
Both of them breathed heavily after the ordeal.
Applejack let go of the Princess, and quickly examined her. âYou okay? Youâre not hurt are ya?â
Rarity stood over her, breathing heavily, staring at her rescuer in complete disbelief. And at the same moment, her Knight looked right back, after having faced down challenges many would run from just to do so.
They both broke out in relieved laughter, even if for different reasons.
For the Princess, her Knight had surpassed her every expectation, and gone above and beyond. She was already falling in love, and with every good reason. This was the beginning of her new life, and the fact that it had begun so explosively was nothing short of incentive to laugh joyfully.
For the Knight, it was just that. She had, even if for short moments, actually been a Knight. She had broken into a dragon keep and rescued a Princess and fought and beat a dragon. All while still being secretly nothing more than a Peasant. She couldnât help but laugh at how glad she was to just be alive at that moment.
âI'm⌠I'm better than okay!!! Oh my goodness, youâre incredible!!â Rarity got up and hopped around the area, prancing cheerfully.
Applejack stood up, stretching with difficulty due to her armor, feeling the bruises she had just gotten. More for the pile.
She spotted Pinkie swimming out of the lake, and exhaled. At least one of them landed safely.
âMy sweet Knight!!! So strong!! So brave!! Oh my goodness, my goodness!! You sent a dragon running scared with a ROAR! That was incredible!! Youâre incredible!!â Rarity pranced joyfully around her, truly happy, with her dress swaying in the wing beautifully. Applejack sighed in relief that they were done with that whole ordeal, and then a smile creeped on her cheeks, knowing this was gonna be the funnest part.
Pinkie shook herself off, still clinging to the lasso, but profoundly happy to be off that acursed castle. Her mane went from soggy and wet to poofy and dry in a matter of seconds.
Rarity pranced over to her. âOh!!! And you even have a noble Bard to tell the tale of our love!! Youâre prepared for everything, arenât you, my Knight??â
Pinkie let out an âaw, shucksâ on being seen as noble.
âSure, sugarcube.â The Knight smiled. The princess acted as if she had been struck with a love arrow. âOh, and you even have a cute pet name for me alreadyâŚ!!â
Rarity pranced over to Applejack with loving intent. âOh, my sweet knightâŚ! You have my boundless gratitude for this amazing rescue!! This is the best day of myââ
Applejack removed her helmet, showing her bruised and ashen covered face, letting her braid swing in the wind, with a serious glance, paying close attention to the Princessâs response.
Shock, and surprise, followed by confusion and bewilderment with a hint of sorrow. Her eyes widened as her brows furrowed.
âYou⌠Youâre a mareâŚ? And⌠youâre a peasantâŚ?â
Applejack did not contain a grin on her face, as she quickly side eyed Pinkie, knowing she had just won the bet. âI'm a Farmer.â She stated with pride, then glanced at the Bard, smugly. âShe was expecting a charming prince, i reckon?â
Pinkie rolled her eyes, as she checked if her instruments and notebook were dry, realizing she might have lost the bet.
The Princess looked down. âY-yes, actuallyâŚâ
Rarityâs gaze turned to the floor with a look of sorrow, she was no longer paying attention to her surroundings, lost in thought.
Her dreams had just crumbled. She was not getting a ticket to a better life where she was appreciated and respected, where her work mattered truly, where her generosity and love could spread further than ever. Nothing had changed, she would have to go back home and continue her routine of desperately attempting to expand her business and status.
Were all her dreams shattered for good? Would she never be seen as a true princess? Would she ever have her art and craft be respected? Would she ever find her true love and live happily ever after?
She glanced back at her knight, examining her large, muscular frame from top to bottom. A smile crept up her muzzle as she bit her lips.
One of her dreams was very much alive, and it was right in front of her.
She picked her mighty composure back up. âWell⌠I can work with this.â
The Farmerâs ears twitched, her attention turning back to the princess, who was approaching her with a flirty look, with a sway in her step and a bounce on her mane.
Uh oh.
âThe Princess and the Peasant, a love story for the ages!â Rarity proclaimed joyfully.
Pinkie gasped, picking up her notebook. âThat has a ring to it!!â the Bard muttered.
Applejack was completely dumbfounded, hooves firm on the ground, unable to move, staring at the Princess that approached imminently with loving intent.
Did she just lose the bet? With flying colors?
Rarity leaned a hoof on her knightâs chestplate, looking her right in the eyes, savoring every loving word. âYouâll be my anchor, and I'll be your sail! After all, you are so brave⌠exceptionally strong⌠and quite handsomeâŚâ
All air left Applejackâs lungs. âH-h-handsome??!!?!â She barely managed to repeat that part. The word, spoken sweetly, bounced around her head like a destructive pinball, breaking down her mental defenses.
She had never been called that, much less by someone that looked the way Rarity did.
The Farmer desperately gave a glance to Pinkie begging for help, but the Bard simply raised an eyebrow smugly, while writing down in her notebook. âI'm not helping you outta this one, âhandsomeââ She whispered mockingly.
âAfter allâŚâ Rarity got even closer to her face, with a mischievous smile, batting her eyelashes, with a loving whisper. âAre you not my Knight in Shining Armor?â
The fluster on Applejack's face reached critical proportions as she sweat buckets. The smell of the Princessâs perfume had completely enveloped her. She was not prepared for whatever might happen as Rarityâs muzzle reached closer and closer to hers.
Facing down a dragon was less terrifying than this.
Rarity closed her eyes and attempted to kiss her knight, only to be met with air. She opened her eyes in confusion to see an flustered Applejack that simply had pushed her slightly at an armâs length, unable to speak properly. âL-ladyâŚâ
Rarity smiled, tilting her head, a motion Applejack recoiled from. âWhatâs the matter, stud? Come kiss your Princess!â she encouraged, and attempted to kiss her again, once again kissing air.
Applejack easily kept the Princess at armâs length. âL-lady!! Um. Thereâs been a mistake.â
Rarity fussed, putting her hooves on her hips, pouting. âWhat mistake?? Have you not rescued me because you love me, hot stuff?? Youâre my hero, arenât you??â
Handsome, stud, hot stuff, hero.
Applejack suddenly found herself incredibly ashamed of ever wanting to hurt the Princess's feelings over this matter. âN-no, I rescued you because I'm being paid for it. I need the money to save my family and my home. I-I'm not your knight or your prince, in fact, Prince Blueblood has paid me to rescue you so you can marry him.â
This time, it was Rarityâs lungs that went empty. âI-i. What??!â Her jaw dropped.
Both of them felt a tad dizzy over what could have just happened.
She scoffed and her face went red, as she turned her head away, running her hooves through her mane, a couple seconds passed as she reevaluated her rash actions. âY-you almost kissed a PEASANT!! What are you doing??â She muttered to herself anxiously.
Pinkie quietly booed that Applejack had denied herself a smooch from a princess.
Rarity turned to Applejack with an awkward smile. âA-Applejack, w-was it?â
âEyup.â The Farmer said, still very flustered.
The Princess was beyond embarrassment, face completely red. âI-i am very sorry for the⌠confusion. T-thank you for the rescue. But where is my Prince?â
Applejack sighed of relief over the diffused situation. âB-back on central Equestria, in his castle.â
âWhy??â The princess was flabbergasted.
Applejack groaned, thinking of the Princeâs very punchable face. âWhy, indeed. Why dontcha ask him when we get there?â
âGet there? You meanââ
Pinkie handed the Farmer her hat, and Applejack forked over her 20 bits, having lost the bet thoroughly.
Applejack was relieved on getting her hat back, she was done playing knight.
She started getting rid of the cumbersome armor she was wearing, although it felt light on her, it wasnât very flexible. It felt good to shed this strange skin she adorned, even if, for a moment, she was a Knight, and had a Princess.
She would not admit to herself that part of her liked it, very very much.
âIâve also been paid to escort you safely there. Itâs a week's trip, so we better get goin.â
âA week? Are we walking??â The Princess was a bit exasperated.
âWell you donât see wings in my back, do ya? Câmon, the sunâs setting soon, and I wanna get to that valley by nightfall.â Applejack pointed in the distance.
Rarity was a bit taken back at seeing her knight without armor. Applejack was exceptionally built, and she had an aura of power to her, even without the safety of armor. And yet, she really was just a peasant. A peasant that had faced down a dragon for her.
As they walked together in silence, Rarity muttered once more, shamefully. âS-sorry again, for. The confusionâŚâ
âYeah, yeah.â Applejack sighed, relieved this part was over, trying not to think of the feelings that meeting had just stirred within her.
The word âhandsomeâ bounced around her head like a DVD idle screen.
Pinkie took extensive notice of the spark that had ignited between the Princess and the Peasant that they had just thoroughly stamped out.
She realized that this journey just got a lot more interesting. And so did the potential legend that could come out of this...
this is the funniest shit ever. I love rarijack so much
This is genuinely amazing! Keep up the good work!
Two questions...
Why are some dialogues in italics? I can't figure it out.
I may be wrongly speculating, but there are parts in these two chapters here and there that make me think that you wrote the storyt with characters like Anthros in mind. So why present this story with the characters as ponies?
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nope, no anthros, just ponies, i just make them a bit more flexible. also it's usualy in italics to highlight tone or emphacize words!
Already I love this so much. I'm a bit nervous about how the "third-act misunderstanding scene" as i call it will be portrayed here (i always had my own problems with that part of the movie but i'll spare you my rant) if at all but regardless that won't taint my love for the story as a whole.
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Oh let me set your mind at ease, i will not be following the same plot beats as shrek, there will be no third act misunderstanding, heh. the third act will be VERY diffrent, and generaly will have a lot of new sequences! :3
HAH AMAZING lLOVING this so gar
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MENTAL DEFENSES SHATTERED BY 1 WORD
i can fix her