Chapters Chapter 1
The kidnapping
Princess Applejack stomped to her room in anger and sorrow. She hated her family, she hated everything about it! She so very badly wanted to run away from all the pain of being a royal. But everytime she came close to escaping, a guard, family member, or servant caught her.
She stomped down the hallway, scaring some of the guards. Princess Applejack was well known for her strength, kindness, and honesty but when she was angry, it was best just to take cover. She continued stomping, the sound of hard hooves hitting the ground echoing in the large hallway.
Finally getting to her room, she pulled the door open, walked inside and quickly slammed it shut again. The guards that stood at the door shrunk a little. They could hear the sound of things being thrown around inside the room.
Shortly after her angry tirade, Duke Macintosh walked past the room but stopped as soon as he heard the sound of glass or a vase breaking.
Quickly, he turned around and opened the door, slowly and carefully. Peeking inside, he saw Applejack sitting on her large bed. Glass was spread around the bright yellow room. Purple pillows and shredded curtains were everywhere. Water from the, now broken, vase was also spreading across the floor. Applejack was a complete mess as well, but before she could see him, he withdrew from the room. He knew that after Applejack had... well... messed up her room and herself so badly, she was done with her fit of anger for now.
Duke Macintosh called upon some maids. One was a pegasus with a pink mane and yellow body. Her name was Fluttershy and she was skilled in many areas. Taking care of animals and helping Applejack calm down being the most prevalent. The other mare was a unicorn, she had a white coat with a curly purple mane. Her name was Rarity and she was really good with fashion, dresses and re-decorating.
"Yes, master?" Rarity asked, bowing down.
"W-why did you call?" Fluttershy inquired, also bowing.
"My sister is finished with her little temper tantrum and I believe that you two can give her a helping hoof," Mac said as he left the two mares. Secretly, he had called on Fluttershy just to see her; he kinda had a crush on her.
"Did you see that?!" Rarity asked, as they both made their way over to the princess's room.
"See what?" she asked.
"Didn't you see the way he looked at you?! I mean, he is so obviously in love with you," Rarity declared with a wink.
"Oh... well, he is... cute," Fluttershy said with a blush.
"Well, lets see the damage," Rarity sighed as she opened the door.
They both gasped when they saw the mess. Not only at the room, but Rarity almost passed out as she saw the state of Applejack's mane. Rarity didn't see all of her, since she stood out on the balcony.
"Well, we better get started," Rarity said with another sigh.
They both started to clean. It didn't take them long but now there was the other problem. Fluttershy walked carefully over to the balcony where the princess stood.
"Umm... Princess?" she asked carefully.
Applejack sighed, "Fluttershy, I told you before, you can just call me Applejack or AJ," she said. She really disliked being a royal. She wanted friends, she wanted to meet somepony, she wanted to find love.
"Okay..." she replied quietly. She stood there for a little while before speaking. "Duke Macintosh asked me to-" Applejack stopped her.
"To ask me what is the matter and to calm me down," she finished. It was like she could read her thoughts.
"Well, yes. Do you want to?" Fluttershy was such a good friend because she was so gentle with her words, and she always asked.
"Well I know Rarity's in there, so why don't we go inside," Applejack said as she walked by Fluttershy, who quickly followed.
"Princess! Y-your mane!" Rarity gasped, as she saw how messy it was from the front.
"I know! I know what you are going to ask. Just get it over with," she snorted as she sat down in a chair in front of the mirror in the room. Fluttershy and Rarity were the only friends Applejack really ever had.
"Okay..." the unicorn said before she started running a brush through Applejack's messy mane.
"Soo... what's going on?" Fluttershy tentatively asked.
"My family is setting up a wedding for me in two weeks," Applejack lamented, staring into the mirror. She didn't even blink.
"Well... isn't that nice..." Rarity playfully said. She knew that playing with a royal could get her killed, but she knew Applejack didn't want to lose her only friends.
"No, no it's not. I don't want to marry him!" Applejack cried out, still looking into the mirror, but this time she blinked.
"Oh... why not?" Fluttershy asked, placing her hoof on Applejack's shoulder.
"Do you know who 'he' is?" she paused as she looked at them, they both shook their heads. "Prince Blueblood," she muttered.
"Is he that bad?" Fluttershy questioned. She didn't have a clue who he was.
"Yes, he is that bad, Fluttershy. I met him once; he was, and I bet he still is, a complete and total jerk," Rarity grumbled disdainfully. She had attended a gala some years back, there she had met him. She also hoped that his boat home would sink.
Applejack looked back into the mirror; a single tear ran down her left cheek. "He is the only pony that can, well... 'deal with my unlady like style,' " she said as she changed her speech and tone to sound classier.
The three of them giggled a little before Applejack continued, "But if I marry him, I have to move to his Country and I leave tomorrow. Granny is already over there making preparations for my departure, and I may never see you again," she sniffed, her voice full of sorrow, as more tears fell down her cheek. "I don't want to lose my only friends," she covered her face with her hooves and began crying.
"Prin-I mean... Applejack, we will always be there for you. Close or not, we are still your friends. I promise!" Fluttershy said as she tried to comfort Applejack.
"Fluttershy is right dear, distance isn't what counts, it's what we have here," Rarity said pointing at Applejack's heart.
"But what if I never see you again?" Applejack sobbed.
"We could come visit you sometime, and I guess that you would make arrangements to visit home again," Rarity said, as she put her hoof on Applejack's other shoulder.
"But if you leave, we will miss you," Fluttershy stated.
"That's it! Fluttershy, that's a great idea!" Applejack nearly shouted, her voice now full of joy.
"What did I say?" she asked.
"If! Only if! What if I disappear before the wedding."
Rarity and Fluttershy looked at her, then at each other.
"Not to be mean or anything... but you know that your brother gave us orders to tell him if you planned on escaping," Rarity quietly uttered.
"Urgh... why?! Why me?! All I want is one day of freedom. A day where I can be outside the castle walls, a day to see the world. Just one day, even for a second. I suppose even when I leave for the boat, I won't be unguarded?" she inquired, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I'm sorr-" Fluttershy was cut off by a mare calling for them.
"Fluttershy!? Rarity?!" the mare called.
"I believe we must take our leave. Our apologies," Rarity said as they both left the room.
Applejack made her way over to the balcony again. She looked at the stars in hope. "Ma? Pa? If you can hear me, why do I have to marry him. I want to marry for love, not by force. Please... I know that you're gone, but I need help. If there's anything you can do..." she whispered. Tears started to fall down her cheeks again. She slowly walked over to her bed and cried herself to sleep.
"Sis! Wake up! You have three hours to get ready!" Princess Apple Bloom shouted, jumping on Applejack's bed.
"What if I don't want to?" she asked as she pulled the cover over her head. She didn't even open her eyes.
"You have to," Apple Bloom said as she started to drag the cover off her sister, "they won't leave without you."
"Fine... could you get Fluttershy and Rarity? I need Rarity's help with the dress and my mane," Applejack said as she pulled herself up into a sitting position, her eyes still closed.
"Why Fluttershy?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I just want her here right now," Applejack stated as she tried to open her eyes. It was almost impossible. When she finally did, she closed them again; the light was so strong. She blinked a few times to get used to the brightness. When her eyes could see again, Apple Bloom was gone. "Ugh... so this is my last day here, huh... she muttered low.
Just a little while later Fluttershy and Rarity came into the room.
"Good morning Applejack. Are you ready for your big day?" Rarity asked. She knew the answer but she still thought it was polite to ask.
"Yes of course, I couldn't be happier," Applejack said with sarcasm evident in her voice, that made Fluttershy giggle. Applejack let out a little giggle as well, Rarity joined in as well.
"You know we'll miss you, but-" Rarity started.
"We are allowed to come with you to the boat," Fluttershy finished.
"You are?" Applejack said with happy surprise.
Both of them nodded.
"Well dear we have four hours before you leave. Lets get you ready," Rarity said as she used her magic to lift the brush. As she brushed Applejack's mane, she used some magic to get her a nice dress, most of Applejack's dresses had been made by Rarity. "Ohh... this one looks perfect," she said as dress flew out of her closet.
The dress was blue and covered in sequins with a white shiny ribbon going over the flank. Applejack had never really used that dress, it didn't match her all that well, but nothing in her wardrobe matched her.
As Rarity finished Applejack's look, the time passed. A guard poked his head inside, "Princess, you have one hour left," he said as he vanished out the door.
Luckily they were finished just in time. Applejack's hair was set up in a braid that went down her shoulder. She was wearing her blue dress and her crown. That she had to wear, this crown wasn't like others. It looked like it was made of leaves with no diamonds or gems. Simple, just how she liked and wanted.
"There, perfect" Rarity said.
"Okay, lets get going," Applejack said as the three of them left the room. They walked down the hallway. This was the last time Applejack would see this hallway, or at least for a long time.
"I will miss this place," she said, just low enough to now get any question.
As they walked Applejack became more and more sorrowful. They came to the wagon, it was white with a golden frame. Applejack's eyes began to water when she saw it. Applejack sniffed as she walked up to it. Rarity and Fluttershy were really not allowed to sit with her, but Applejack said that now they could.
Macintosh and Apple Bloom sat outside. Mac was looking anywhere but at her, while Apple Bloom pestered the driver with an innumerable amount of questions.
The three girls inside talked about how much they were going to miss each other. Applejack began to cry twice as hard.
The crowd outside was cheering for their ruler, the royal 'Apples' were very good leaders. All of them were kind, caring, loyal, and each had a golden heart. The Apples had chosen to lead with the heart.
Many of the ponies in the crowd were crying for losing a royal, but Duke Macintosh was also a good leader, and Apple Bloom would still still be around. Well... till she got married anyway.
As soon as they reached the docks, Applejack walked outside. The huge ship ready to take her to her new home. Before she got onboard, she gave a long good hug to Fluttershy and Rarity.
"Take care," she told them both, "And... you know my brother likes you. Sometimes he mumbles your name in his sleep," she whispered to Fluttershy, who blushed. Mac looked at her, slightly flushed, attempting to seem angry.
"We'll miss you Applejack," he said as he climbed down from the wagon. Apple Bloom joined him, the driver sighed as he was given a reprieve from all the questions. He loved to work for them, but sometimes Apple Bloom could be a little... too childish.
"I'll miss you too," Applejack said, as they hugged one final time. It would be a while before she could do it again.
"Remember to write," spoke Apple Bloom.
"Oh... that reminds me," Mac said as he gave Applejack a letter. "It's from Ma and Pa. When Pa gave it to me, he said that I should give it to you when you got married, and to read it when you feel lonely." With that said, the captain of the ship came forward.
He was a large blue stallion with gray hair. His cutie mark was a ship. "Hello my lady, I will be the captain of the tour. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said as he bowed, and kissed her hoof. Applejack looked away in annoyance. Rarity and Fluttershy giggled a little behind her.
"Nice to meet you tw-" Applejack was cut off as Mac coughed into his hoof, obviously trying to get her to speak properly. She sighed, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well captain," she said as she glared at her brother who only nodded.
"Well let's leave before it gets dark," he said.
"Yea- I... I mean, why yes of course," she replied, trying to mind her manners.
As Applejack walked aboard, she went right to the stern, looking over the rail at the receding shoreline of her country. As the ship began to move out to sea, she waved to her friends and family. She hoped with all her heart that she would see them again. Not long after they had set sail, Applejack lost sight of them and began to cry again. She slowly made her way down to her room.
The room was decorated with a light wood, With something that looked like gold frames. On a table beside the bed were some of her things. A white wooden box with gold and emeralds inlaid into it, a little silver mirror with another emerald on it and the last thing, the letter from Ma and Pa.
Applejack sat down on the bed. She stared at the letter. Should I read it now? she thought. I feel a little lonely. She picked up the letter and started reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Applejack
It looks like your time has come, you're getting married. I bet me and Ma are so proud. But that probably means that you're moving away, but remember this. We will always love you, dead or alive, we promise. I hope the stallion that you're marrying will take care of you. If not, he will pay in blood. But if you ever feel alone, remember that you are never alone, and that the door home is always open
Love you with all our hearts
Ma and Pa.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Applejack finished reading it, her eyes began to water and she couldn't hold it back anymore. She burst out crying, and slowly cried herself to sleep.
Applejack woke up to the sound of the captain shouting orders to the crew, she slowly sat up; her eyes were dried.
She sleepily got out of bed and walked over to a bowl of water on a dresser she hadn't noticed before. She put her hoof in the cold water, and splashed it over her face. The shock of the water hitting her face roused her from her dazed stupor. "Get over it Applejack," she looked at herself in the mirror.
Sighing she walked back to the bed, this time she looked at the little box. She knew it was a lullaby, but she hadn't opened it since Ma and Pa had died. She took a deep breath and opened the box. It played the melody of Ma's Lullaby
As the melody played, Applejack felt her heart sink. Another letter was inside the box. Applejack picked it up and began reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Applejack
This is your Ma, Do you remember that lullaby I used to sing when you had nightmares. I have figured out that the lullaby is a key. A key to great magical power. I know it will be safe with you, protect it with your life. I feel terrible for saying it, but it's a matter of life and death. Do not give it to anyone. If the power landed in the wrong hooves, the whole world is doomed. I give you this warning, there is somepony that knows about the power, but only you and I have the key. Only we can open the door. Please Applejack, never give it away.
Love you
Ma
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The lullaby. The lullaby her mother had sung for her when she'd had nightmares. Applejack looked around. Magic power, the lullaby. Oh no, I have the key, and somepony knows about it. Applejack's mind began to panic, but she stopped as a knock came at the door.
"Come in" she said. She tried to sound as ladylike as she could. The captain opened the door and came inside.
"My Princess, we are about to enter some dangerous parts of the sea. Be forewarned, as there may be pirates ahead," he said, bowing from the door.
"Ehhh... thanks for warning me," she said. The captain then backed out of the room. "Pirates huh... they're so lucky to be free," she said as she looked out a window.
"Captain Dash, we've spotted a royal ship not too far away. Should we attack?" A purple unicorn pirate asked.
"Whose kingdom does it come from Twilight?" The rainbow maned pegasus, the captain, replied.
"I believe... the Apples," she said.
Captain Dash shot out of her chair. "What?! Well it's about time. Attack, but leave the royal to me," she said, not even looking at Twilight.
Twilight went outside to give the order. "Attack, but leave the royal," she yelled.
A pink earth pony jumped around getting ready to fight.
"Pinkie, you have to be ready!" Twilight screeched at the pink pony.
"Sorry Twi," she said. She didn't look all that sorry.
Just then the captain came outside, "Where is the ship?" She asked. Twilight gave her a spyglass and pointed in the direction of the vessel. When Rainbow peered through the eyepiece, she saw a brown frigate on the horizon. The royal Apple crest on the flag clear as day. "Perfect," she muttered with a sly grin.
"Captain! Vessel spotted approximately three leagues off the port bow!" The pony in the crowsnest yelled down.
The captain looked in the indicated direction and saw a frigate cutting through the waves towards them like a hot knife through butter.
"Colors?"
"Too soon to make out... wait," when the pony looked again, his blood ran cold.
"Well?" the captain called impatiently.
"I-it's..." the lookout stuttered and gulped, trying to get out an answer. "It's Captain Dash, sir."
The captain visibly paled and scrambled to the quarterdeck. Captain Dash was a well known pirate for picking ships clean and leaving nothing but a few scraps of the crew behind.
When he reached his destination he turned around and bellowed out, "Prepare for battle and protect the princess with your life." Everypony snapped into action grabbing their weapons.
No sooner had the captain given the order, than a team of pegasus pirates flew onto the ship. The captain ran over and protectively stood in front of princess Applejack's room door, his sword in his mouth.
The enemy ship was right on top of them now, with pirates pouring over the side and engaging the crew.
None of them so much as looked at him, but he remained in front of the door nonetheless.
The battle was over all too soon with his few remaining crew lined up on the ground with their hooves over their heads.
A pegasus pony that hadn't been in the battle flew over the rail and landed in front of the prisoners. She looked them over with a sneer and turned away to see the captain in front of the door. She gave him a smile that sent shivers down his spine.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? The Apples royal ship. Don't bother trying to lie, I know the princess is here. Could you have been any more stupid. Sailing a royal ship through pirate infested waters, unescorted. You practically begged to be attacked," Rainbow Dash gloated as she stepped toward the captain.
"What are you here for Rainbow Dash!?" The captain shouted in anger.
"Nothing... just a little song from the royal," she said, smirking.
"Not gonna happen!" he snapped at her.
"Take him to the brig," Rainbow said with a grin. Then about four of her crew jumped towards him. After disarming him, they wrestled him over to their ship. Rainbow walked over to the door and gently knocked on the door. *knock, knock*
"Who is it?" a voice inside asked.
"A crewmember," she lied.
"Oh, come in then," something in her gentle voice made Rainbow feel different. She slowly opened the door, and peeked inside. She glanced around a bit, when she saw her goal. The orange princess sat in front of a mirror brushing her golden mane.
"Don't move, or else," Rainbow announced.
The princess froze, but dared to turn her head. She almost gasped, but she bravely held it in. "W-what d-do you want?" She asked in fear.
"Just follow my orders, and you will not be harmed... princess" Applejack's ears fell back against her head. She gulped.
"O-okay..." she answered.
"Come with me," Rainbow ordered. Applejack followed slowly behind her. She gasped as she saw the dead bodies of the crew on the ship. She knew what was coming. She quickly ran back inside, took the two letters and ran back out again. She galloped to the side of the ship, and let both letters go. Once they reached the water she let out a sigh. "Sorry Ma," she whispered .
"Princess, I told you to come with me!" Rainbow snapped at her. Applejack ran up to her.
"Please don't call me that," Applejack responded, she didn't want to make a pirate angry.
Rainbow stopped dead in her tracks. She had never heard a royal say that. "What did you say?" she asked turning her head toward the frightened princess.
"N-noth-"
"Don't lie! I heard you say something!" she barked at the princess.
"P-please don't call me princess," she said again, preparing to be hit by something. But nothing happened. She opened her eyes and saw the captain looking at her a little confused.
"Not call you a princess? Well that's the first time I've ever heard something like that," she said. "Anyway, follow me." The two walked into the captains quarters. "Sit down," she said as she pointed at a chair. Applejack sat down on the chair.
"What do you want with me?" Applejack asked.
"Your song. The key to great power. And you will obey me, right?!" It sounded like an order, but Applejack never really followed orders. Only when she was scared.
She took a deep breath, her heartbeat in her ears. "No," she proclaimed, trying to sound brave.
"Heh... you think you have a choice at this point," Rainbow smirked. "You're strong in mind and body, but soon you will do as I say" Rainbow Dash walked to the door. "Twilight!" She called.
"Yes captain?!"
"Take her to her new quarters," she said pointing at Applejack.
As Twilight moved to get Applejack. Rainbow stopped them just before they'd left the room.
"The name's Rainbow Dash by the way. Yours?"
Applejack just glared daggers at her. "Applejack," she replied curtly.
"Not all that ladylike of a name if you ask me," Applejack rolled her eyes.
Twilight then pushed her over to a gangplank that had been placed over the gap spanning the two ships. Applejack was forced over to a hatchway and moved below decks.
When they reached her cell, she walked inside and the door slammed shut, locking behind her. It wasn't overly dark, there was what could pass for a blanket on... something that looked like a bed, but it was clean.
"Goodnight," Twilight sneered as she left Applejack in the cell.
Applejack walked over and collapsed on the bed.
"I'm sorry Ma," she whispered before she fell asleep. The bed was one of the best things she had ever touched. Her bed at home was just so soft. But she fell asleep singing the lullaby to herself.
Chapter 2
Falling for her
At least Applejack wasn't alone, some of the crew had been taken prisoner as well. The captain, the cook and a few cabin boys were in cells similar to hers. The captain sat in the cell next to hers. Applejack had woken from the sound of water slapping the side of the ship.
"I'm so sorry, my lady. I should have done a better job of protecting you," the captain lamented. He looked at Applejack in the other cell with sorrow.
"There was nothing you could've done, Captain," Applejack said, trying to make the situation seem better than it actually was, not only for him, but for herself as well. "Life isn't always easy, Captain, so I don't blame you.''
"I bet your family will," he said with a sigh. "Why couldn't I be stronger?" he asked no one in particalur. Applejack knew, so she didn't answer.
"Captain, when or if we get back, I swear you will not be to blame!'' Applejack said, kindly scolding him. She would never blame other ponies, and she believed in second chances.
The captain didn't say anything. He couldn't, he felt like he'd betrayed his country. "So, now what do we do?" he asked.
"I dunno- I mean, I don't know," she said, Applejack walked back to the 'bed' and sat down. She wasn't wearing her dress, but that's how she liked it, her hair was back in its braid as well. She didn't have her crown, but right now, she didn't care.
Just then four pirates came down the stairs and walked straight to the door of her cell. The guards let all the prisoners out of the cells, but kept their weapons trained on them. The captain tried to protect the princess, but she just walked past him.
"Princess, stay behind me," he growled. Applejack's patience was wearing thin, she was just one 'Princess' away from exploding because of the building rage inside her.
Applejack sighed and grudgingly obeyed, but at the moment, she wondered why they were being let out.
"Princess, Captain Dash wishes to speak with you," one of the pirates said. The captain heard what he had said and charged the pirates. Before he could reach them though, Applejack stuck out her right hind leg, tripping him. Some of the pirates chuckled at the sight of a princess tripping an officer.
"What was that for, Princess," that was the last straw. Applejack's patience had worn thin and broke. She growled menacingly, and jumped at the captain, who had just got back on his hooves. He fell down again, as Applejack's strong hooves began to hit him.
Since she had such brutish strength, she left imprints of her hooves on his coat. Bruises began to appear, and, by the sounds of things, he also had a couple of broken bones. The other pirates managed to pull Applejack off the bloodied and broken stallion, succesfully restraining her, though her eyes were still filled with fury.
The sound of clapping hooves snapped Applejack out of her anger induced frenzy. "Well, well, what a show," Ranbow Dash said flying down to Applejack. Two unicorn pirates held her back with their magic as well as a pegasus. "Now there's another first I've seen, a strong captain being beaten by a p-" Rainbow stopped herself when she was the angry glare Applejack shot towards her. "Take the captain back to his cell, and notify the ship's surgeon, he has a new patient," Rainbow ordered, as two unicorns took him back inside.
"What did you want?" Applejack asked, she had calmed down a little. She really wished she had Fluttershy and Rarity by her side right now. She wanted to talk to them, but she couldn't.
Rainbow smirked at Applejack, as she was just inches away from Applejack's face. She moved away and simply said "You'll see."
They took Applejack, the cook and the cabin boys to different parts of the ship, where they were all put to work. The cook worked in the kitchen, while the cabin boys and Applejack were assigned cleaning duty. The whole time the cabin boys were lazy and complained, Applejack was the only one who hadn't objected, she loved to work. When she was younger, she dressed up as a guard or servant, she would then work for a few hours, then get caught.
The day passed quickly, the cabin boys were punished quite a few times for slacking.
"Apple... whatever!" Rainbow yelled across the ship. Applejack looked up from her mopping and looked at Rainbow Dash. "Get over here," Rainbow called. Applejack made her way over to the captain.
"What is it?" she asked.
Rainbow Dash smirked. "Come with me, I have a few questions." They both entered the captain's quarters. "Sit," Dash commanded pointing at a chair. Applejack did as she was told and just looked around. "You were the only one that didn't complain about the work, why?'' she asked sitting down in another Chair.
"Well... I'm used to it," Applejack said.
"How's that?" Rainbow asked, confused.
"Well, when I was younger, I used to sneak out of my classes, and disguise myself as a servant or guard. It was great until I got caught," Applejack reminisced, as image flashed through her memory, she smiled.
"Oh... a guard you say?" Applejack immedately regretted saying that.
"Yeah..." she said leaning back, a little scared now.
Rainbow got out of the chair and flew over to a table. She picked up a sword, tossing it over her shoulder. The sword landed not too far from Applejack's face, she yelped in fright.
"Pick it up," Rainbow commanded. Applejack picked the sword up, and as soon as she touched it, she felt like a foal again. She felt just like when she snuck out and trained with the royal guard. "We're gonna have some fun here," Rainbow grinned, as she drew her own sword.
Applejack gulped.
She got up from her chair and took a defensive stance, waiting for Dash to start.
Dash then quickly jumped into the air and struck with a downward slash, beginning her assault. Applejack quickly blocked the attack, now she was getting warm. Applejack slashed left and right, attempting to get a strike in, but every attack was easily parried away.
They kept exchanging blows for a while, neither gaining any ground on the other. Rainbow was impressed by how good she was, but Rainbow was better. She had been dueling for years, while Applejack, probably only a few months.
Rainbow faked left, while Applejack moved to block again. She then quickly tilted her sword down just enough to get under Applejack's defenses and snapped the sword back out from the inside and effectively disarmed her opponent sending the sword flying across the room.
Applejack fell from the force of the attack and when she looked up, Rainbow was standing over her, victorious.
"I have to admit, you're alot better than I expected, but nopony is better than me," Rainbow said smugly as she moved away from Applejack.
"Thanks, I'm a bit rusty. The last time I dueled must have been a full year ago," Applejack sheepishly smiled, embarressed by the compliment. She got to her hooves and brushed herself off.
"You sure? 'Cause that didn't really seem like you hadn't practiced in a year."
"Thanks," Applejack replied, again embarressed by the praise she was receiving.
"Anyway... the sun's setting, you better get back to your cell," Rainbow instructed as she turned to the door, "Twilight!" she called.
The purple unicorn came into the room. "Yes captain?"
"Take her back to the brig," Rainbow ordered as she picked up the swords.
Twilight moved forward and grabbed Applejack with her magic. They both left the room and walked back down the stairs to the brig. When Applejack was locked back in her cell, she saw just how much she'd hurt the captain.
"I'm so sorry, I jus-... I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm so sorry," she cried, as she looked at him. He slowly turned and faced her.
"It's okay, I understand that you'd had enough... Applejack..." he got out before he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Applejack turned her back to the cell door, and walked over to her bed. "I miss you, Mac, Granny, Apple Bloom... I miss you... home," she whisperd to herself before she fell into dreamland.
"Captain? I have to ask, what were you two doing in here?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing you need worry about!" Rainbow blared, starimg at a map, "we just had a little sword duel."
"With a princess?! How long did that take before you beat her? Ten Seconds?'' Twilight playfully asked.
"Half an hour."
"Wait, what?!" she said in shock, "half an hour to take out a princess. H-how?"
"She's not like other princesses. She knows how to fight, she likes to clean. There is something different about her."
Twilight looked at Rainbow, she knew that face, that tone of voice. Rainbow Dash had fallen in love. "Captain? Are you okay?" Twilight asked.
Rainbow sighed, "I don't know, Twilight. I just feel so weird right now," she said, looking at the unicorn.
"Captain, you know you can talk to me if something's wrong."
"I know that... it's just... I don't understand."
"Well... was it something else," Twilight asked.
"We have one week before we reach the island, and we need to get the key from the princess before then. Leave me, I need to think. I'm going to sleep," Rainbow dismissed, as she waved Twilight off. Twilight obeyed and left the room. Rainbow walked over to her bunk, when she lay down and closed her eyes. The image of the princess came, unbidden, into her mind. 'Why am I thinking about her' she thought. She just didn't get what was happening.
Applejack woke in the middle of the night. She'd been dreaming about Rainbow Dash. "What's going on with me?" she asked out loud, but quiet enough she didn't wake anypony else. "I just want to see home, one last time," she sniffed as she began to sing her Lullaby.
"What a lovely little song," a voice behind her said. She yelped as she turned around but relaxed a little as she saw Rainbow Dash sitting outside her cell.
"What do you want?" Applejack asked, right now she was too sad to really talk to anyone.
"I was just checking on you... is there anything wrong with that?" she said with a playful smirk and wink.
Applejack looked at her a little irritated. "Maybe..."
"Fine, I was going to ask you something," Rainbow admitted as she paused. "Come, let's not wake the others," Rainbow opened the cell door, letting Applejack walk out. They walked up the stairs and outside.
When they reached the main deck, Applejack looked up and gasped.
"What, never seen stars before?" Rainbow ruefully asked when she saw Applejack's face.
"I have seen stars before, but never have I seen the hole sky at once," she absently mumbled, still looking at the beautiful night sky.
"Oh... why?"
"I've been locked inside the castle walls since my parents died. I've probably only seen half, either the wall or the castle got in the way of the whole sky. But this is fantastic, I always wanted to see the world, though I guess..." Applejack didn't look away from the stars, she was too lost in the beauty of it to tear her gaze away.
"Sooo... this is the longest you've ever been away from home?" Rainbow curiously asked as they walked to the quarterdeck, at the stern of the ship.
Chapter 4
Coming Back
Rainbow Dash didn't leave her room, she didn't want to see anypony. She had a broken heart, she missed Applejack. She so very badly wanted her back. She looked out the window in the direction her beloved had vanished. Small tears began to run down her face.
A small knock at the door tore Rainbow's attention from the window. For once she let whoever it was inside. "Come in..."
Just seconds later Twilight and Pinkie trotted in. They both looked at the dishevelled state Rainbow was in and walked up to her, trying to again comfort her.
"Rainbow Dash? We need a heading, we can't just sit around like this. Tell us where we're going next," Twilight demanded. She put her hoof on Rainbows shoulder.
Rainbow Dash just sat quietly for a few moments before sitting up.
"We sail for Baltimare," Rainbow stated flatly. She didn't even turn her head to face Twilight or Pinkie.
"But we'll be torn apart! You promised to never go near his country!" Twilight gasped. It would be suicide to go there.
"W-we could go to Vanhoover instead," Pinkie suggested.
Rainbow finally turned around, she gave them both an angry glare. "We are going to Baltimare! End of story!" Rainbow growled, she smashed her hoof on a nearby table, breaking it in half. Both Twilight and Pinkie jumped back a little, and quickly ran out to give the orders.
Rainbow sat back down and whispered "I will come for you... Applejack."
The moon glowed over the sea, the royal ship was slowly getting closer to Baltimare, Blueblood's home and soon to be hers.
Applejack sat on a golden bed, Blueblood laid asleep beside her. She glared at the prince as he tried to pull her in. Applejack didn't really have a choice, instead she walked off the bed to the window. She looked outside and began to cry, occasionally sniffing. Unfortunately, the noise woke up the prince.
"Why are you crying? I just saved your life," he said as he sat up in the bed.
"Saved me? Saved me?! You didn't sa-" she started but was cut off by a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Blueblood asked.
"Your highness, we are beginning our final approach into Baltimare," came a male voice from behind the door.
"Very well... how long until we put into port?" Blueblood asked.
"About an hour..." The voice answered.
Blueblood smirked at Applejack. "Just a few hours away from our wedding, and you will be mine forever," he said, his stupid smirk never leaving his face.
He crept over to Applejack and wrapped his hooves around her. He tried to kiss her on the lips, but she moved enough for him to only hit her cheek.
"You're a coward," Applejack muttered under her breath.
Blueblood turned from her and left the room. Applejack glared daggers at Blueblood as he walked away. "I will miss you Dash..." she sighed, and began to cry.
As soon as the ship had docked in the harbour of Baltimare, Applejack was met by Ganny, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Fluttershy and Rarity. Applejack nearly jumped with glee as soon as she saw them.
"Welcome back honey," Granny smiled as she hugged Applejack in a deadly grip. Apple Bloom and Mac also... almost killed her.
"We missed you darling," Rarity said as they hugged Applejack more gently.
"I missed you too," Applejack replied as she cried.
"We thought that we'd never see you again," Fluttershy whimpered, she was the last to let go.
"I didn't either." A single tear of happiness fell from her eye. She had gotten to see her friends again; but was it worth it?
The residents of the town Blueblood's castle was in had come to see their new queen. As they sat in the carriage, ponies stood outside, cheering for her. Inside sat Applejack, Blueblood, Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Granny. They were all overjoyed to see Applejack unharmed.
"Applejack?" Mac asked, Applejack turned towards him, "what happened?"
Applejack looked away and out the window, she sighed. "Well... I was kidnapped..." She didn't want to say anymore. She didn't want to tell her family that she, a princess, had fallen in love with a pirate.
"Did they do something to you? They didn't hurt you, did they?" Mac asked. Applejack was about to answer but Blueblood came first.
"They weren't anything like I had imagined. From the looks of it, my dear hadn't been hurt," he said, looking at Applejack, but Applejack just surveyed the crowd of ponies outside her window.
"What do you mean?" Granny asked, she had dealt with pirates before and knew how they worked.
"Well... they didn't fight and, to my dismay, are still alive," Blueblood said.
"Why are they still alive if you found them with Applejack in the temple?"
Blueblood looked at Applejack. "She let them go."
"What?!" the three apples shouted.
"Why the hay did you let them live?" Mac asked. "They're pirates! They kidnapped you!" he screamed in her ear.
"They didn't harm me! They were nice! They were unlike any pirates I've heard of!" Applejack yelled back.
"THEY ARE PIRATES!!!!" he shouted, bringing an end to the argument. Applejack almost recoiled, she had rarely heard Mac raise his voice, especially at her.
The carriage stopped, they were outside the gates to the castle. As Applejack walked out, she looked out over the town. The town was small and every building in serious disrepair, everything was in absolutely terrible condition. She managed to see a small foal outside the gates; the foal was thin and looked hungry. Applejack almost started to run toward the foal, but she was dragged inside by her brother. 'How does he run his kingdom?' Applejack asked herself.
"AJ, wake up!" Apple Bloom urged as she waved her hoof in front of her sister's eyes.
"Huh... wha?!" she asked.
"We have to try your dress on," Bloom said as she somehow dragged Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity into a room. The room was bright blue with large panel windows, bright pink curtains pulled open to let in light. There was a large golden bed, a huge wardrobe, and right in front of it was a ponnequin modelling a snow white wedding dress. The dress had golden ribbon going over the flank, the front was made of clear gold silk. White roses decorated the entire thing, while for a headband there were white roses and a long veil that glittered. Applejack looked upon the ensemble with revulsion.
"Come on darling... try it on," Rarity said cheerfully.
"Urg... fine..." Applejack relented as she went to put the dress on, some minutes later Applejack stepped forward. The dress looked good on her, but for some reason it felt wrong.
"How does it feel sis?" Bloom asked as she jumped around.
"Wrong," Applejack said under her breath
"What was that darling?"
"Nothing! It feels fine I guess," Applejack said, panicking.
"Well, just call if yo-" Fluttershy started, but was cut off by Rarity.
"What! We are not nearly done yet! Your hair!" Applejack quickly tried to escape Rarity and her fashion grip, trying to jump away but was stopped by Rarity's magic around her hoof. She was dragged over to a chair and forced to sit down. Apple Bloom and Fluttershy giggled as they saw Rarity attack Applejack with a hairbrush.
"Captain Dash, we're almost there" Twilight said as she walked over to Rainbow Dash who now stood at the stern. She stood there looking back out along the roiling waves.
"How long?" Dash asked, turning her head slightly toward Twilight.
"I believe about four hours," she answered, she knew Dash was desperate to get there as quickly as possible.
"Good," Dash said with a small smile. 'I will be there soon.'
The church was full of ponies from both countries. Applejack's country sat on the left and Blueblood's sat on the right. Applejack stood behind the huge doors that were the entrance to the huge chapel; in only a few minutes, she would be married. 'May Celestia kill me now,' she silently prayed.
The doors then opened. Applejack saw the huge crowd rise from their seats, she gulped and started to walk. The organ played the usual wedding march, but to Applejack, it was a nightmare to listen to. She felt like she was going to break down crying, but she couldn't. Her family sat in the front row, her best friends were her bridesmaids, they could see that Applejack was unhappy about this.
Blueblood on the other hoof was enjoying the sight of her. She was beautiful, but the sadness in her face somehow made him a little happier. He was going to enjoy being her husband. One, he may be looked up to more. Ponies in his kingdom usually hated him, but if they said anything, it was an assured death.
Applejack slowly made her way to the altar. She faced Blueblood with no emotion on her face, she only looked straight ahead.
"Welcome to the wedding of prince Blueblood Starship and Princess Applejack Apple," the priest began. Both Applejack and Blueblood faced each other. "Today the lives of two kingdoms will change. The land of Baltimare and Appleloosa, will be one." Applejack could feel the sorrow start to consume her, but she held it inside.
Meanwhile a team of pirates were fighting their way towards the church. The rainbow maned one didn't pay any attention to the guards however, instead, she flew as fast as her wings could carry her right past them. The rest of her team had the upperhoof, they were winning. Twilight fought ten guards at once, she was quite adept with using her magic in combat.
Pinkie though, had an unnusual fighting style, dodging blows by dancing to music that was blaring from a record player that she'd mysteriously pulled out of nowhere, occassionally disappearing in a flash of confetti, only to somehow re-appear behind her opponents.
Offensively she just seemed to be blasting the guards with an assortment of party supplies and tying them up using streamers that were as strong as any rope. She was an enigma on the battlefield that baffled every guard she was fighting.
Rainbow saw the church ahead of her and her wings flapped faster, but out of nowhere a team of pegaus guards flew in front of her to block her path. She stopped and drew her sword. A fight in midair, Rainbow tried her best not to lose, she couldn't lose. Losing was for another day. She swung her sword left and right, felling guards one after another. As soon as the final guard was down, Rainbow didn't stop her mad dash for the church.
Rainbow pushed her way inside, and stopped as she heard the words "speak now or forever hold their peace." Then she did it. She walked inside and yelled, her voice echoing throughout the large abbey.
"Stop!" she yelled at the top of her lungs. Her heart melted as she saw Applejack almost jump in happiness.
"What?! You promised to stay away from my country!" Blueblood shrieked, a vein pulsing on his forehead in anger.
"You do know that you're talking to a pirate, right?" Rainbow asked with a chuckle. "Anyway! Applejack, I have something I need to tell you! I love you!" she exclaimed. She did it, and she hoped that Applejack reciprocated.
Applejack was, at first, stunned. She just stood there, mouth agape, disbelief shining in her eyes. After a moment, she was finally able to form an answer.
"I-I love you too," Applejack said, her heart by this point had melted with joy and happiness. She started to walk toward Dash but was stopped by Blueblood putting his hoof out in front of her.
"This is ridiculous how can you love her? She's only a stupid pirate!" he snapped.
"I love her because she gave me the time of my life... she gave me the taste of freedom," Applejack said firmly as she tried to walk past Blueblood.
"Guards! Arrest the pirate! Also, take my bride to her room, and lock the door!" A massive group of guards rushed into the church. Applejack and Dash panicked and tried to run to each other, but some of the guards stopped them, grabbing Applejack around her arms and waist, dragging her away. They threw rope around Dash, effectively tying her up, preventing her from moving.
"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack yelled as she saw them bind her true love.
"Applejack!" Dash yelled back as she saw them take Applejack back to the altar.
The guards got her up to the altar and Blueblood lifted Applejack's face. The glare Applejack gave him would have made a chimera tremble with fear. "You will be mine princess, and as for your little love..." he turned his head toward Rainbow Dash, "she will die tomorrow when the sun hits the bell tower in the town square."
He then turned back to Applejack, "and you will watch it happen." Applejack broke down crying, she would be forced to watch Dash die in front of her very eyes.
"N-no please!" she pleaded.
"It's too late to beg," Blueblood sneered.
Applejack was dragged out of the church and back to the castle, while Rainbow Dash was taken to the entrance to the dungeon. She caught sight of her crew on her ship not too far away. She knew that they had to run, Dash didn't blame them.
"Goodbye..." she said as her her beloved ship and crew disappeared, she turned her head to see Applejack be thrown into a carriage with bars over the windows, she began to cry. "I love you," she whispered one last time as she was thrown into another carriage.
The Breakout and escape (edited)
The Breakout and Escape
Chapter 5
Rainbow leaned against the cold, stone wall of her prison, the sound of water slowly dripping to the floor was torture to listen to. The only light source was the window, covered with thick iron bars. The room was just small enough that she could walk around.
Every second she was there she knew she was getting closer to her death. She leaned against the wall, her back resting on the sharp stones.
Rainbow's wings had been bound to her back. She hated not being able to furl them out to their full length. She looked up toward the window, the moon shining outside. From what she could tell, she only had five more hours. Five more hours to her death, and to lose her true love forever.
Memories of Applejack played in her mind, sorrowful tears running down her face. She felt bad, not only would she die, but Applejack would die too. Rainbow took a deep breath, she sighed. "I am so sorry..." Tears ran down her face.
Applejack was laying on the bed. She was crying her eyes out, her sorrow could only be matched with Rainbow Dash in this situation. Memories of Rainbow toyed with her, how could she just cry? She had to do something! But what? She was trapped inside the room. Only her family was allowed in, but she didn't want any of them there. She wanted it to be Dash. But Dash was trapped just like her.
A sharp knocking came from the door.
"Applejack?" her brother's voice sounded, when she heard it all she wanted to do was tackle him and hurt him so bad. He opened the door and walked into the room, he looked at her.
Applejack had managed to sit up, but she didn't turn around. "Applejack, we hate to see you like this, please just marry him an-" he was cut short when Applejack snapped at him.
"How dare you come in here and just tell me what to do!? How dare you tell me to marry him?! How dare you?!" she snapped. Mac almost jumped back, rarely had seen her in such anger and sorrow. "I will never marry him! I would rather die!" Mac tried to stay calm. "And one more thing! How dare you try to be Pa?!" That was it. Her sorrow had overtaken her.
"I'm not trying to be Pa! I'm trying to help you!" he snapped back at her. "This is my duty Applejack! I am supposed to help our family! I am following my title! When are you going to follow yours!?" With that said, he left the room. Applejack was even more angry at this point, she almost ran after him.
"I hate you!" she screamed. Then she fell back down crying.
She cried for a little longer, but she stopped when a sudden stray thought crossed her mind. 'I need to do something!' She got out of bed, and walked to the door, she looked through the key hole, there weren't any guards outside. She opened the door and started to sneak toward the dungeon. Her heart raced, she was taking a huge risk. But for love, she would do anything.
She sneaked past many doors, but then she came to the throne room. She almost panicked, she then heard her family and Blueblood talking in a room not far away. She snuck up to the room. She peeked inside.
They sat around a huge round table and talked, Apple Bloom wasn't there. She was probably asleep. Only Granny and Mac were present.
"I have never in my whole life seen Applejack so angry, I could tell she was resisting the urge to hit me," Mac said.
"Give it a few days and she'll get over it," Blueblood brushed off.
"I hate seeing her like this, but isn't there one thing we can do... we could brainwash her..." Applejack's mouth fell when she heard Granny say that. How could she? Applejack almost started to cry, but she turned tail and walked away. She walked passed some more rooms, when she found it. The entrance to the dungeon. It was unlocked so she walked through.
The cold stone made it look like the walls were made of ice. She started down the stairs and each time her hoof made contact with the stone, it made a loud thunk. The place only had two guards at the entryway. Applejack pressed her body against the wall, concealing herself in the shadow of the arch that was the entrance.
She found a loose pebble and threw it down the passageway, the loud noise distracting both the guards. They cautiously moved forward and as the one guard passed, Applejack snatched the keys from his belt. She quickly ran into the dungeon, getting nearer to her love with every step.
She ran and ran, but stopped when she ran into somepony. She looked up to see a large unicorn guard. She gave him a 'this isn't what it looks like' glare. The guard used his magic and lifted Applejack off the ground. "What are you doing down here?" Applejack quickly punched him in the face. He fell to the ground and rubbed his temple, groaning. Applejack gave him a quick buck to the side of the head, knocking him unconscious. She picked up the keys and ran, she passed many doors along the way. Each door had a sign with the cutie mark of the prisoner.
A knife.
A bow.
A bag of money.
A rainbow lightning bolt.
A sword.
Applejack stopped dead in her tracks. Wait, a rainbow lightning bolt. She turned around and unlocked the door.
Rainbow was laying on the floor, lost in her despair, when she heard hoof steps outside. She then heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. She realized it was her time to meet death. She lifted her head, half glancing at the door; she knew what was about to happen, she didn't need to see to understand. She jerked back in surprise when she saw who walked through the door.
Both Rainbow and Applejack jumped at each other, their faces only inches away from one another. Applejack didn't dare let this perfect moment pass, she planted a long kiss on Rainbow lips. Rainbow looked at her in shock at first, but smiled and returned the kiss. They stood like that for a while, they didn't dare to let go of each other. Then they broke the kiss.
"I will never leave you again," Rainbow said.
"Neither will I," Applejack replied, smiling and once again, locking Rainbow in an embrace.
They exited the cell, their bodies happily pressed against each other. They passed the guard that Applejack had knocked out on her way inside, still out cold. They snuck past him, and when they came to the stairs, Applejack whispered, "I'll go first, move when you see the chance," she kissed Rainbow one last time, just in case. She walked out and as soon as the guards saw her, they ran up to her and pushed her out of the dungeon doorway. When the guards returned, she flew as fast as she could up the stairs, thinking only about how much she needed to get out and to Applejack. When she reached the top, Applejack stood waiting for her.
"Come on, we need to go..." she said, they moved toward the gate, but stopped as a door not far down the hall opened. The room Applejack's family had been meeting, Applejack stared in horror. As soon as Mac saw her, a look of pure rage crossed his face. Rainbow quickly grabbed Applejack's hoof and ran, they ran as fast as they could. Applejack turned her head slightly. Mac and an army of guards were right behind them.
"You need to fly," Applejack panted. Rainbow looked at her and nodded. Rainbow flared her wings out and pumped, lifting her off the ground. She lifted Applejack with her hooves, then shifted her onto her back.
"Hold on tight, I'm not used to doing this," Rainbow warned. Applejack locked her hooves around Rainbow, she flew as fast as she could, the wind whistling past them. They were soon over the ocean, the full moon glowing above their heads.
Rainbow peered out into the night, her eyes searching for the boat that was her home. Finally she spotted it, just to her left. She banked towards it, glad they were close, for her wings were beginning to ache. The ship got closer and closer. "Make ready to sail!" Rainbow shouted at the top of her lungs.
Somepony must have heard her, because, all of a sudden, the deck was a flurry of activity. The sails were unfurled and the ship began to move. Rainbow's wings started to give out, and she began to drop to the sea. Applejack took Rainbow's head in her hooves and kissed her, if this was their last moment together...
Rainbow woke as if a shock had passed through her body, her wings gained full power and flew them the final distance to the ship.
"I love you!" Rainbow said as they landed.
"I love you more," Applejack replied.
The island with one single trap (edited)
The Island With a Single Trap
Chapter 3
The week passed by quickly. Applejack was doing the work of ten ponies, while everyone else was barely keeping up with their own work. The cabin boys were only let out to eat. Rainbow had ordered them be kept in their cell, they'd caused nothing but trouble for her. The cook was also placed under heavy guard in the brig after trying to kill one of the crewmates. The captain from Applejack's ship was given the cooks job and put to work in the galley.
Rainbow watched Applejack mopping the deck from the ship's helm. She was absolutely stunning. Rainbow had realized she loved Applejack after a fitful sleep of tossing and turning, thinking about her the night after they'd shared, stargazing. She just couldn't get over the fact that she'd fallen in love with a royal!
But it was true, every night she wished she had Applejack beside her, every day she wanted to see her smile, every day she wished they would never reach the island. She just wanted to stare at Applejack forever. Forcefully wresting her gaze away from the princess, she called for her first mate.
"Twilight!"
Twilight looked over from her conversation with one of the crewmembers and dismissed herself. Walking over she wondered what the captain could want. Whenever she took the wheel, she usually stayed there until she needed to eat or sleep.
After leaving the helm in the capable hooves of the navigator, Rainbow Dash and Twilight made their way to the captains quarters. Rainbow sat down at the table, across from Twilight, "you remember when you said that I could talk to you about anything?" she asked.
Twilight nodded, "yes. Is there something wrong?"
Rainbow felt her confidence melt away, wanting to run away in fear, but she stood her ground and looked at Twilight all the same. "I think... I'm..." she trailed off.
Twilight perked up her ears, trying to listen. "I'm sorry, but you were a little too quiet there. Could you repeat that."
"I'm in... love," Rainbow barely choked out.
Twilight was a little taken aback, never having expected Rainbow to admit it. She knew the answer to her next question, but decided to ask anyway. "With whom, may I ask?"
"T-the p-p-princess..." she stuttered nervously, looking down at her hooves. "It... its just that, every night, I wish she was there with me. I feel like all I want to do is make her happy and to see her smile," she paused and looked at Twilight. "I want her to be mine..." she whispered.
Twilight chuckled, "well... love can come in all shapes and forms."
Rainbow Dash remained quiet and unmoving.
"What I mean is, it's okay. Love is natural, it's not strange or weird, and it's definitely not something to be despised," Twilight reassured as she put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder.
"But she's engaged," Rainbow argued, crossing her arms. Twilight couldn't help but notice a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Since when has something like that stopped you from taking what you want? You're the infamous Captain Rainbow Dash, she who takes what she can and gives nothing back. Sailors tremble in fear when they hear your very name, you're the terror of the seas and you don't ever let anything get in your way," Twilight praised as she walked out of the room.
"Land ho!" a pony yelled.
"Of course..." Dash muttered, she knew time was running out. She slowly made her way down to the brig.
"Applejack? Come with me," she ordered, Applejack didn't really have a choice but to follow. When she walked out onto the main deck she got her first full glimpse of the island.
It was quite large by the looks of it, she could see the shore continue out of sight in either direction. There was a dense jungle that started from the beach and covered the entire length of the island by the looks of it. There were a few small mountains, their peaks cresting the tops of the trees, scattered across the island.
They walked over to the large dinghy that would carry them to the island shore, two other crewmates coming with them for protection.
As soon as the bow of the small boat hit the sandy beach, two pirate ponies jumped out and tugged the boat out of the water.
Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight and Pinkie Pie, had come with them. Pinkie was going to make sure Applejack didn't run away, and Twilight had insisted she be there to guard Dash.
"Captain, it may take a while to make our way through and get to the treasure," Twilight said, after inspecting the undergrowth.
"Take it slow, we have no need to hurry," Dash stalled. She didn't take her eyes off Applejack, who looked at Pinkie, confused.
"Stay with the boat and mind the tide," she ordered the two pirates that had come with them.
"But captain–"
"Are you questioning my orders?"
"No captain, but–"
"The fewer members in our party, the less we risk one of us getting hurt."
The pirate looked like he still wanted to argue, but decided to follow orders.
"If we're done here, then lets move out," Twilight said pulling out a map they had constucted of the island after they'd discovered the location of the treasure. She lead the way as they walked to the edge of the jungle and started hacking a path with her cutlass.
The vegetation was quite thick to push through, and impeded them at times, forcing them to find a better path. They kept moving forward for a few hours, never stopping their journey. Just as they stepped into a clearing, Twilight stopped. She couldn't move, her hooves seemingly fastened to the ground.
"Why'd you stop?" Rainbow asked worriedly.
"I can't move," she grunted, trying to get her legs unstuck. She then noticed she was sinking. "Shit! Quicksand!"
"Don't move! You'll only sink faster!" Applejack warned. She ran over to a tree and pulled a vine off of one of the lower hanging branches and threw it over to Twilight. Twilight desperately grabbed at the vine, the quicksand already halfway up her legs. Pinkie, Rainbow and Applejack grabbed the other end and started to pull.
She came loose with an audible pop, her hooves covered with quicksand.
"Thanks for that, I thought I was a goner... but how'd you react so fast?" Twilight inquired.
"...I-I just saw that you needed help, and did what I felt was right," Applejack stated, "by the way... you have that thing, why didn't you use it?" Applejack asked, pointing at Twilight's horn.
"I panicked..." Twilight explained simply, flushing with embaressment.
"Lets keep moving then, before something else happens..." Rainbow uttered suspiciously. It almost felt like Twilight was flirting with Applejack, but Twilight didn't like Applejack. She knew Rainbow loved Applejack and wouldn't betray her like that.
They had walked all day and they still hadn't reached their destination. They were all starting to feel weary from the journey. Rainbow eventually chose to fly instead of walk, giving her legs a rest.
"Are we there yet?" Rainbow asked, annoyed.
"Soon... I hope..." Twilight said as she looked at the map, not paying attention to where she was going.
"TWILIGHT, WATCH OUT!" Pinkie yelled as Twilight almost walked over the edge of a gorge.
Twilight stopped and looked over the top of the map, seeing what she was just about to do. She quickly backpedalled and put a hoof to her chest, attempting to steady her frantically beating heart. "Thanks Pinkie, I owe you one," Twilight gasped, the pink pony had just saved her life.
"How do we get to the other side?" Rainbow asked, looking at the map. "There's no way around it?!"
"No, it looks like there used to be a bridge here..." Twilight said, again looking at the map. Hopefully there was some way to get across.
Pinkie was no longer paying any attention to Applejack who was looking around. She saw an extremely long vine hanging from a tree branch.
She had an idea, remembering an old plan to escape the castle.
Applejack tied the vine around the trunk of the tree closest to the cliff and walked back so the plant stretched. She then ran... straight toward the edge of the cliff and jumped over. As she fell, she hoped this worked. Angling her body to hit the cliffside after the vine pulled taut, she landed her back hooves on the face then catapulted herself towards the other side, landing perfectly on the very edge with not even a scratch on her person.
The three pirates were looking at the map, trying to figure out a way across, when an orange blur passed them. They looked up, just in time to see Applejack jump over the edge. They gasped and ran to the ledge and looked down, almost crying out her name. But Applejack had already bounced off the cliff and landed on the other side before they could say a word.
"Well, you coming or not?" Applejack yelled over her shoulder as she began to walk deeper into the forest.
"What–" Twilight asked.
"–was–" Pinkie continued.
"–that?" Rainbow finished.
They all just stared for a bit after that.
"Well that solves that problem," Pinkie chirped.
Rainbow smirked and flew over the gaping chasm, she'd forgotten about Pinkie and Twilight.
Twilight sighed and teleported herself and Pinkie to the other side.
They kept walking, no further incidents hindering their journey. The sun was just beginning to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and red.
"Maybe we should make camp here and rest. We can continue tomorrow..." Twilight suggested.
"Yeah..." everyone agreed and just then, it started to rain. They hurried to a small cave they found and started a fire with what dry timber they could find.
Rainbow had been burning to ask Applejack something all day. "How did you come up with that idea of jumping off the cliff?" Rainbow asked, as she looked at Applejack who was trying to dry herself off.
Applejack looked up and smiled. "It was originally part of one of my many plans to escape the castle," she answered. She undid the braid in her hair and her mane fell over her shoulders. Rainbow's mouth fell open, stunned by the sight before her. Applejack didn't notice so she just redid her braid.
"D-did it work back home?" Rainbow inquired, her voice shaking. Her wings had started to slowly rise. Twilight and Pinkie began to giggle, they had never seen their captain so nervous.
Applejack sighed, "unfortunately, no... the guards spotted me as I jumped, and they caught me... I wasn't allowed to go anywhere without at least two guards by my side for two months. It was absolute torture." She laid down on the stone floor and looked into the fire, the memories playing before her eyes.
"How did you know it would work?" Twilight asked, the logic of the entire thing didn't make any sense.
"Quite simply, I didn't. It was live or die... just like the past 10 years of my life," she said. "I couldn't die back home. It was either liberty or captivity there."
"How many escape plans do you have?" Pinkie asked, all of them knew that it might be useful information.
Applejack sat up and scratched her cheek in thought. "Hmm... at least 30, if not more... I stopped counting after 29. That, and all my plans were complete failures."
The others looked at each other. Everyone yawned, too tired to continue the conversation. "Maybe we should get some sleep," Twilight suggested. They then all curled up in front of the fire for warmth, and drifted off.
When morning came, the pirates woke up to the smell of something cooking, it smelled good. They looked around tiredly. Something didn't feel right. After a few quiet seconds the realization hit them.
Applejack was gone.
They rushed out of the cave, only to find her sitting in front of a second fire, next to which were four steaming hot makeshift bowls of soup.
"Good your awake, eat up. We're going to need our strength for the rest of our journey," she said cheerfully. She grabbed a bowl and drank the entire thing in one gulp. The pirates just stared at her. One by one they moved forward, grabbed a bowl each and ate their breakfast.
"This is really good, where'd you learn how to make something like this?" Twilight asked.
"I used to work as a servant back in the castle, I picked up a few skills," she grinned proudly.
None of them responded and just continued with their meal. As soon as they had finished eating, they started walking again. Not long after, they came to a large clearing in front of a stone wall. The surface was covered in some kind of ancient runes that were both beautiful and frightening to look at.
"Well, this is it. Get to it," Rainbow grunted. Applejack had completely forgotten about her mother's letter at this point. She stepped forward and began to sing.
As she continued, her voice reverberated throughout the glade. The runes began to glow and a line of light crawled its way along the wall, curving around to make a round indentation, split down the middle. The carved stone began to swing outwards and the light from all the runes shot towards Applejack. It gently swirled around her body for a little bit, then the song ended. The light flew into the open door, and vanished.
"Can you promise me that, whatever we find, you won't use it for evil?" Applejack begged when she turned around. Still in shock from what they had just bore witness to, they nodded.
They walked through door and inside a large cavern to find... nothing. It was a pitch black, seemingly empty room.
"Where is the treasure?!" Rainbow screamed. She turned and glared at Applejack.
"I have no idea. I didn't even know it existed before you kidnapped me!" Applejack explained wildly, her hooves waving about, attempting to contain the situation.
Rainbow groaned, "Urgh!... now what do we do?"
Before any of them could offer a suggestion, a voice echoed through the cavern.
"Here they are!" Inside marched approximately 30 guards. Their armor bore the insignia of Blueblood's cutie mark. They all held swords, ready to attack on command.
"Well, well, well..." came an extremely arrogant voice from the door. They turned around to see Prince Blueblood standing there. "What do we have here... the most wanted Pirate in Equestria and my bride. I knew you'd fall into my trap."
"Trap?" Rainbow questioned.
"Why yes! I knew you could only want the princess for one reason, the treasure," he stepped forward, "too bad nopony knows what it actually is..."
He smirked gleefully, "kill them!"
"No! Stop!"
Every guard stopped and looked at Applejack. She had been the one who shouted.
"Huh... why? They're pirates..." he said, confused.
"No, please let them live. Please... just this one time..." Applejack begged.
"Hmm... do you promise to never try and escape. I know about your past attempts to run away."
Applejack knew that this was a difficult decision. Be forced into another prison, or see the pony she loved perish.
No! This wasn't difficult at all.
"Yes, I promise to never try to escape," Applejack said, she lowered her head in shame.
"Good, and do you promise to never show your face anywhere near my country?" he disdainfully asked Rainbow Dash, who was near tears. She had just seen Applejack give up her own freedom for Rainbow's. The sorrow in Applejack's eyes was painful to watch, which made whats he next all the worse.
"Yes."
"Very well then. Stay here until we can no longer be seen. Come my dear, we have a wedding to attend," he declared smugly, walking out of the cave.
Applejack, followed sadly. They made far greater time, since Blueblood had come in a chariot, with what looked like a bunch of industrial equipment that cleared a way for it.
Rainbow hadn't moved from her spot, too shocked by what had happened, with Pinkie and Twilight trying to console her with little success.
Applejack sat quietly at the forecastle, contemplating her decision. She knew she was doomed to live with that jerk for the rest of her life, but she would rather be a prisoner forever than see Rainbow Dash dead. She gave up her dream for... love? Applejack looked over to where Rainbow's ship had vanished. "I will miss you..." she whispered after Rainbow's receding vessel.
Applejack just sat there for the rest of the night. She didn't say a word, but she did weep... alone.
Rainbow sat in her room and stared out her window. She could see the royal ship disappear with her beloved. Rainbow regretted not doing anything, she would never forgive herself for this. She'd lost her beloved to an imbecilic, snobbish, arrogant prick. "I will miss you..." she whispered, as the royal ship finally vanished from view.
Rainbow just sat in her room. She'd locked the door and refused to open it for anypony. She didn't say a word, but she did weep... alone.
Happily ever after (edited)
Happily Ever After
After Applejack and Rainbow escaped the clutches of Blueblood, they sailed away, their love continuing to grow. They married each other, just like Applejack always wanted to, for love. Rainbow Dash had find her true love, and didn't dare let it go. Their love became a treasure whose worth was measureless.
Rarity and Fluttershy joined Applejack and Rainbow some weeks after. After Fluttershy saw Mac for what he truly was, she lost her love for him. Twilight and Pinkie were still part of the crew. They all lived happily ever after...
But...
Back in Baltimare, Prince Blueblood was executed by the citizens of his kingdom. After they found out the truth, they stormed his castle. Many good ponies died in the assault, but their freedom was well worth it.
The Apples returned to their home. Mac and Granny were stripped of their titles once everypony learned about what they wished to do to Applejack. Apple Bloom grew to become a good ruler like her sister. She ruled the kingdom upon the values of peace and harmony.
Like the legend says, true love is the treasure that is not taken, but earned. The power of true love can never be overpowered. The legend of true power, that never should fall in the wrong hooves... will never happen. The treasure was, still is, and always will be... True love.
