3. Applejack I

Applejack

The train ride to Canterlot was a long one, especially when she and her friends had taken that thing captive. Before they boarded, onlookers were horrified to see the tall upright armored monster, fear showing plain on their face. Applejack and her friends had no clue what he was, but when she heard that they sacrificed their kind, she was absolutely appalled by it. They had been forced to seat close to the caboose of the train, since there was not enough room to sit any further, and the needed to avoid attention.

Adoranz, was the creature's name. Thin, tall, covered completely in light, dark gray armor. His helm covered his entire head, save for slanted slits revealing blank white eyes. He also had a black cloak, which she and her friends removed. His right arm had been torn off from last night's ordeal. The reason for removing the cloak was probably have him exposed to everpony around him. Her friend, Twilight, had intended on removing the helm, but Adoranz insisted vigorously to keep it on. If only she knew why. Adoranz had also been wrapped in her spare rope, so Twilight didn't have to keep wasting magic on trapping him.

Canterlot was close, she knew. Viewing the kingdom from the mountain side, from the window. It had been a long while since they've been here. Despite being a country pony, she didn't mind the pristine look of the city. From the tall spires, to the quaint houses below. She remembered the times she and her friends had spent at the castle, from their first Grand Galloping Gala, to admiring Twilight's new stain glass window in the castle.

"So, Adoranz," Applejack finally asked, curious, "What are you exactly?"

"What's it to you?" He replied rudely, "You ponies wouldn't know what I would be talking about, unless I have to answer a million questions!"

"Well!" Rarity said in disgust, "No need to be so rude about it."

He growled softly for a moment, but after that he kept silent. Applejack and her friends also kept silent the rest of the way. Pinkie then started humming something random, possibly to pass the time. The tune aggravated the armored figure, making him groan in distaste. Rainbow Dash sat next to her, but then shifted herself away towards Twilight. Spike was not with them however, mainly because he needed to get some errands done at home.

"Hey, Twi'," She asked her quietly, "How much longer?"

"Shouldn't be too long." She replied grimly. "After all, his crimes will not go unpunished. Celestia, most likely, won't take this easily."

Adoranz shifted uncomfortably at that, she realized. Either that or her rope was tight on him. He has been very irate, since he'd been tied up. She would have felt a hint of sympathy had it not been for the fact that he, among others, were corralling ponies and capturing them. He was dangerous, therefore he was not to be trusted.

"Am I supposed to 'afraid', Princess?" The armored figure taunted.

"And Adoranz," Twilight added, "You might as well make yourself comfortable until we arrive at Canterlot. Because you will have a damp, uncomfortable cell waiting for you."

"I've got it already!" He belted out, "You don't have to keep reminding me! I know whats coming for me; I know I'm about to face justice in the name of your leader! But at the very least, just shut up about it!"

His sudden outburst surprised all of them. Even Fluttershy was cowering, from his shouting. Having his arm blasted off and getting captured on the same day, would make anypony steamed. But it of course didn't excuse him to belt out like that. At least they'll be rid of him for good, once he's imprisoned.

"The sooner we get there," Rarity started, "The sooner this monster gets locked up!"

Adoranz groaned in impatience. It's almost as if he didn't care what happens to him, like he just wanted to get it over with. Whatever sympathy she would've felt, was nowhere to be found. It was clear this guy was irredeemable. At the same time, she wondered how he got like this. How did he become so heartless?

But it still a'int right what he was do'n, She reminded herself, Kill'n innocent ponies. Ah just hope this won't take long.

*Train whistle blowing*

Everypony heard the train chugging, and steam hissing to a complete stop. They made it. Ponies were already swarming out of the locomotive, once the doors opened. When the time was right, they all got up. Applejack had one end of the rope, so that she could guide their prisoner to the castle.

"Finally!" Pinkie cried impatiently, "We're here!"

"Someone put me out of my misery." Adoranz muttered in contempt.

Getting around the streets of Canterlot without this monster attracting attention, was pretty difficult. The onlookers watched curiously as Applejack and her friends, hurried to the ivory castle, dragging Adoranz by the rope he had been tied with. She gripped the rope tight between her teeth, making sure it didn't slip out.

As they continued rushing their way to the castle, she noticed Adoranz was nearly tripping on himself. She slowed down for a bit so that he can regain his footing. They had been passing coffee shops, and other restaurants. She realized Adoranz's height nearly towered some of the awnings of the buildings, pretty much giving her an idea of just how tall he really was.

"Why are you slowing down?" He asked with an insulting tone. "You should know better than to keep a Princess waiting."

Applejack was not having it. "It'd help if ya didn't complain so much!" Once she caught up, she asked Twilight, "How much farther?"

"Not too far." Was her only reply, afterwords she said nothing.

The castle was shortly off in the distance as they got closer. They had all stopped to catch their breath. Rainbow Dash wasn't as out of breath as everypony else was. Adoranz had caught his breath thanks to her. Being tied up in a rope made running very difficult for him, especially when you're much taller than a pony. Once they had enough to breath they wasted no time.

They'd finally made it. Celestia and Luna's castle, was right before their eyes. Applejack and her friends sighed in relief, as they made their way inside. Guards were patrolling along the balconies, and battlements of the castle. The soldiers who were guarding the front door, had pointed their spears directly at Adoranz, preparing to lunge.

"Princess Twilight," One of the guards recognized them immediately. "What is that thing?"

"A prisoner of ours," Twilight replied, "He is to be taken to Princess Celestia, to be punished for his heinous crimes."

Through the eye slits of Adoranz's helm, his blank eyes showed a sign of impatience. She wasn't surprised why. For a moment the guards looked at each other, whispering to the other. She would have wondered what they were saying, but didn't want to seem nosy. She looked to her friends who were just as impatient, Rainbow Dash especially. However, the two guards nodded to one another and faced them.

"Yes, your highness." The guard did as he was told.

They had entered through the tall door and into the foyer of castle. As they walked inside, the guards eyed their captive suspiciously. Applejack understood it must have been strange to have a creature like this, be taken into the castle. It was Twilight's idea to take him here to be imprisoned, but coming all this way just for that reason seemed fruitless. Unless she also intended on questioning him even further. The latter would have obviously been the case.

They had continued up the stairs towards a large door, which opens to the princess's hall. Two guards on opposite ends of the door, opened it for them without Twilight's word. Applejack didn't think of it as strange however. She figured that they did not need Twilight to order them to open it, since they've been here many times. Or in her opinion at least.

They entered down the long corridor, to the throne room. Stain glass windows depicting past victories, and other great events. Like when she and her friends defeated Nightmare Moon, or the time when spike saved the Crystal Empire. Not to mention the new window depicting Princess Twilight in all her glory. She couldn't help but feel the warmth of pride in her chest, from reflecting on the events. But the time to reminisce isn't now.

They saw Princess Celestia upon her throne, and four guards beside her. The white alicorn, lifted herself from her throne to greet them. Her face however, showed confusion. There also seemed to be a hint of suspicion as well. Possibly because of Adoranz. Regardless, it seemed clear to her that she didn't know what to make of the this.

"Greetings, Princess Twilight," She said, confused.

"Is there something wrong?" Twilight asked.

"I was not expecting a visit from you at this early of a time." After a pause she continued, "What brings you and your friends here?"

Applejack dragged Adoranz by the rope, to show him to the ruler of equestria. It was at that moment her face filled with both horror and shock. It must be pretty daunting to be shown a large, armored figure with one good arm. It seemed as though the Princess's suspicion rose, once he bent down.

"We've brought him here to be imprisoned," Twilight explained, "He and others like him were kidnapping ponies, and taking them through a portal of some kind."

The great alicorn looked as if she could not believe what she had heard. Adoranz was obviously not thrilled to be in her presence either. He didn't seem afraid though, just annoyed. Celestia looked menacingly at him, almost as if she somehow knew him. Applejack saw the armored figure, give her an uncertain glance.

"Is this true?" She asked, glaring at him.

"That was the gist of it, yes." He rasped a reply.

"One more thing: are you Prince Sabrathan?"

"No, your highness.Sabrathan, has long since been dead!"

"What?" She heard Twilight exclaim.

Celestia must have known something they didn't, because even Twilight looked puzzled. She muttered something to herself, but she couldn't understand what she said. The great alicorn then got herself up, and straightened her posture. She seemed to have been seething with rage somehow. She didn't know the reason, but hopefully there will be.

"Explain yourself!" She shouted, "What is your reason?"

"For kidnapping ponies? Well, to sacrifice them to the lord of darkness himself: Sabrathan." Adoranz explained.

"But didn't ya say Sabrathan was dead?" Applejack added, reminding him.

"Yes, he is. But his legacy and hatred of the Emperor's people, and ponies, lives on in the hearts of his followers... or so I'm told."

"Legacy?" Twilight questioned, "So you still worship him, even after his death?"

"Of coarse!" He rasped in reply, "I may be a novice sabrathanian, but I'm not stupid."

Novice? She thought, That means he's new to be'n a sabrathanian.

"So you kill ponies for Sabrathan, even though he is dead?!" Celestia was not pleased with this news at all. "How could you have betrayed your emperor, Anakim?!"

"Anakim?" He laughed hysterically, "You honestly don't know much, do you? Anakim too, has been dead for a long time!"

Celestia gasped when he said that. Applejack had no clue who this emperor, Anakim, was. Nor did she have any sort of idea what they're talking about. Her friends were also clueless as to what is happening. Celestia had to have known something that she and her friends didn't.

"He been dead way before I was ever born." He continued, "Ronia has a different emperor now; Mendrion is his name. He had my wings cut off for a crime I did not commit, yet had me banished to the desert of Casah. That was where I met Master Shozad, who welcomed me into the Sabrathanian Guild."

Nopony understood what they had just heard. What in the hay is Ronia? She thought to herself.

"Wait," Rainbow Dash then asked, "What's Ronia?"

"My home world." Adoranz rasped, "A world beyond Equestria, I'll tell you that."

Another world? Applejack was as amazed as her friends were, Who'd have thought there was another world, other then the one Twilight entered a while back?

Twilight had once entered a strange world to bring back a stolen crown. The crown had also been one of the elements of harmony at the time. But she could never have imagined that there was another world that existed. She should not have been any more surprised.

"Oooh," Pinkie Pie exclaimed suddenly, "Now it makes sense!"

"Pinkie, what are you talking about?" Rarity had asked.

"That ball thingy! You know, from yesterday? Maybe that's why it sprouted legs! Because it was from another world!"

Applejack and her friends looked questionably at Pinkie. Wondering what the point was in mentioning it. Of course it was obvious the ball came from that world, nopony had ever created anything like that. Whatever the ball was created for, it probably wasn't anything good. Celestia appeared as if she had grown impatient of this.

"Really?" He said sarcastically, "Who'd have thought?"

"Enough!" The princess spoke aloud, her voice ringing across the hall, "Captain Astral Mark!"

"Yes, your highness?" a deep voice answered.

A guard had appeared at once. He wore purple saddle armor and helmet. He had a crimson coat, a long dark grey mane, and gold eyes. His cutie mark was a shield with a star on it. He had a very dignified appearance, which in turn made him respectable. And considering he was a captain, he had to be.

"Take the ronian traitor into the dungeon for now," She ordered him, "He shall face his punishment soon enough."

"With haste, your majesty." He and three other guards took the rope which Adoranz was tied by. Luckily, Applejack had other ropes and wouldn't even miss it.

"You know," Adoranz commented, "you could just kill me now, and save yourselves the trouble."

"Quiet!"

After that, Celestia turned back to them. With a sad look of disappointment on her face. She and her friends had no idea what to make of this. They came to bring this monster here, but they never had expected to hear anything about another world. The great alicorn let out heavy sigh before she spoke:

"Twilight," She had said after a pause, "There is a lot I have to tell you, and your friends."

"Alright then." Twilight replied.

"Thousands of years ago, my sister and I entered into another world called Ronia. A vast, expansive world, with as many wonders as our own. It was there we found a city, which was called Nezend. We had then met their ruler, Emperor Anakim, and his brother Sabrathan. They were very odd looking creatures. Similar looking to that heathen, but with wings. Some time after our meeting, we eventually introduced other ponies into their realm. My sister and I made a pact with the ruler, and forged an alliance with them.

"We celebrated in honor of said alliance. However, it was during our revels when Sabrathan became... distant. He refused to speak with anypony, and would rudely ignore them. This angered the Emperor. Sabrathan had his wings cut off in public, and was cast out of Nezend. The Emperor feared his brother would seek vengeance on his brother--or us--so we sealed the pathway between our worlds. As for the ponies who were with us, I erased their memories to ensure their safety. My sister and I, have sense never spoken of Ronia again."

Twilight stepped forward. "But if that pathway was sealed, then how did those sabrathanians get here?"

"If only I had an answer, Twilight Sparkle." Celestia replied. "If only."

Home, She thought to herself, relieved, At last!

Applejack was finally back home at Sweet Apple Acres. It all seemed interesting to learn about the new world, but thankfully they had not lingered in Canterlot for long. Once they had reached Ponyville, her and her friends had went their separate ways. Hopefully that monster is locked away forever, so that he won't hurt anypony else.

Being back at the barn felt great. The warm feeling of content, filled within her. The soft soil beneath her hooves, soothed her. The slight breeze swayed the trees of her apple orchard, a sound most relaxing to her. When she had opened her door, she was greeted by her folks inside: Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Granny Smith, her dog Winona, and her cousin Babs Seed.

"So Applejack," Apple Bloom asked, slightly nervous, "Did the princess really lock up that monster from yesterday?"

"Don't worry 'bout it, sugercube," She replied, assure of herself, "He's locked up and away from here. So you don't need to fret!"

"Ee-yup!" Big Mac had said. Whether in reply or random, she couldn't tell.

"Oh!" Apple Bloom must have remembered something, dashing to their table for an envelope, "The mail came, just before you came back. Most of it ain't too special. But this one is from Babs's parents!"

"Really?"

Apple Bloom gave her the unopened envelope, for her to read. Honestly, Apple Bloom could have opened it without her though. She opened it with her teeth. She had then found a folded piece of paper, which was obviously a letter. When she unfolded the letter however...

"What does it say?" Her sister waited for her to reply. "Does she have to go soon?". But Applejack wasn't so sure they wanted to hear this news now.

"Uh... why don't we wait until after dinner?" She insisted hesitantly.

"Are ya sure?" It was Babs Seed who asked, eyebrow raised. "It's been a while since I last spoke to them."

"Positive!" Applejack decided anxiously, trying to make up a distraction, "I've been gone for long while. I'm famished!"

So they had their supper preparing within half an hour. Nothing too special, just a large helping of hot apple pie, with some green bean casserole on the fly. Both Apple Bloom and Babs Seed, have been a little concerned about that letter. Applejack meanwhile, was not so sure how to break it to them. The contents within the letter had a lot of weight, and she needs to tread carefully. She put the thought out of her head for the moment, to relax herself.

The pleasing smell of hot, baked apple pie filled her nostrils. She really wasn't kidding about being hungry. Everypony had sat down at the table except Applejack, who was serving their supper one plate at a time. She had served herself last; a decent size piece of apple pie, and a small helping of green bean casserole.

They all had enjoyed their meal. Applejack was eating her pie in gusto, while Granny was taking very small bites. Apple Bloom barely touched her casserole; same with Babs. They both ate the pie just fine, but left the casserole to sit. Meanwhile Big Mac was messily tucking into his meal. She scorned him slightly for that.

"Hey, Applejack," Apple Bloom asked, after everypony was finished, "Now can you read us the letter from Babs's parents?"

What do Ah do? This letter's to much, even for me! Even though she told them to wait after dinner, Applejack did not feel inclined to tell all of them.

"Uh... actually," She decided hesitantly, "Why don't I read this to Babs, first? Privately? I'll tell it to ya'll afterwords."

"Seriously?!" Her sister exclaimed, "But we've been waiting all this time hear it!"

"Apple Bloom. Please."

"Okay..." Babs obviously had no idea what to make of this.

She decided to take her into the one of the bedrooms, to tell her. She felt it would be best to tell Babs, before everypony else. This was a matter concerning her cousin and it has to be told to her. She honestly didn't want to read the letter to her, but she needed to tell her straight. She couldn't lie about a matter as serious as this.

"So, why do I have to told first, cuz?" Babs asked, suspicious of why Applejack did not read it sooner, "Why couldn't ya just tell everypony out there? What's go'n on?"

"Babs..." She felt her eyes water from the thought of it, "...about your parents. Well, your whole family actually..."

"What about 'em?" Babs looked very concerned. "Applejack, what're ya try'n to say?

She tried to hold the tears back from her eyes as she spoke, "...They're...dead."

"Wha-?" Babs choked up. She was very much confused, and hurt all at once. "Wha--all of 'em? No. No, that can't be! No!"

"Ah'm sorry, Babs. It's all too true."

"They can't be dead!" The filly continued to deny, "No! It has ta be wrong! It's gotta be!!"

The filly's eyes moistened with fresh tears. It was clear the younger filly was angry and didn't want to believe it, yet she didn't blame her. She hugged Babs tightly when she continued cry. Her poor cousin was inconsolable. Applejack had felt a pang of guilt for not telling her sooner now that she thought of it, yet still.

"How-?" She asked, crying, "H-h-how'd they die?"

"The letter actually came from one your mothers friends." She explained, trying hard to keep more tears from shedding, "Say'n that he found your parents, and your big sister. They... they were murdered."

"Who?!" Babs screamed in sorrow, "Who did it?!"

"Ah don't know! Hopefully, they're try'n ta find out who did it."

"Why?..." Her cousin had heard enough, "Why did this happen?! No! No!"

She then left Babs to herself. She could still hear her sob when she closed the door. No matter how hard she tried, the tears she backed up before, came running down her cheeks. Babs's sobbing grew more intense the more she lingered. She could only take so much grief in one day.

They're not gonna like this, She thought forlornly, But I'm gonna have to tell them.