Author's note: I don't own anything but the plot. And Celestia is not going to be in the story.

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Long ago, in the beautiful land of Equestria, the ponies live in harmony until an evil centaur threatens to rid the ponies of their magic and to take over the kingdom. He does not stop until a brave and strong Earth Pony rises to defeat him. The heroine's name is Apple Jack... Apple Jack has saved the land, and brought back harmony. It is that she has mysteriously disappeared after the return of harmony.

Ponies that are dotted across the land look to the immortal alicorns for guidance and protection, hoping that Apple Jack may soon return in case of another attack from an evil force. The story begins, with a heroine napping on her birthday one afternoon...

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A young filly searches Outset Island for her older sister. "Apple Jack! Apple Jack!" She called out.

She finds a nearby platform, and climbs to the top. "I've found you, sister! It's your birthday, Apple Jack! Granny Smith has a special surprise for you," She said.

Apple Jack yawns as she opens her eyes. She gazes at her younger sister, whom she calls Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom, I'll be there in a sec," She said.

"This is also for you- a telescope," Apple Bloom said.

Apple Jack takes the telescope, and gazes into the bright blue sky. In the distance, she notices a giant bird carrying a lavender pony with a dark blue mane and hot pink streaks. The mare's cutie mark is a magenta star with five stars around it. The bird suddenly drops the lavender mare, and Apple Jack assumes that the mare needs help.

Apple Jack rushes to her home, seeking a birthday surprise. "Granny, do you have something for me?" She asked.

"Yes, my dear. It is a green garb that many heroines wear when they come of age," Granny Smith replied.

"I'm a heroine? But, I'm just a regular mare. I never saved anypony-"

"Now, dear. Your great aunt has trained to be just like her mother, but her mother has disappeared for a strange reason."

"You mean Aunt Apple Pie?"

"Of course."

"Try this on, my dear," Granny Smith concluded as she lends the tunic to Apple Jack.

"Thanks, but I prefer my cow-mare hat," Apple Jack replied.

She tries on the green tunic, and looks into the mirror. She frowns a bit- she gets scared sometimes, even though she has a tough exterior. She doesn't see herself as a heroine- just a regular pony without such a heroic destiny. "How am I a heroine?" She asked.

"It is customary," Granny Smith replied, "You must visit your aunt. She will train you to become a heroic warrior. And, have you heard of the Elements of Harmony?"

"Of course not."

"Go along, now."

Apple Jack runs off to Apple Pie's cottage, and as she walks in, she seems impressed by the amount of weapons- this mare must have trained for years. "Apple Pie, I seek training," Apple Jack said.

"I know. Your grandmother has told me," Her aunt replied, "Let's start. I'll give you a trusty blade that is intended for ponies."

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Apple Jack's P.O.V

My aunt seems a bit stronger than I, as if she's trained since foalhood. She places a sword on my hoof, and uses a strap to tie the sword to my hoof. "Start with a vertical slash and also a horizontical slash. Then you may do the spin attack and the jump attack," She said, "It takes some time."

I train for a few minutes, and then I tell her that I am now finished. "I'm going to find the unicorn that fell from the sky," I told her.

"Unicorn? I've never seen an unicorn- but there are stories about unicorns," My aunt replied, "You must find her. She must be badly injured."

I quickly rush up to the bridge after getting out of the cottage. I cross the bridge, and then I enter the woods. A few goblins appear, and they try to attack me. The other two goblins are trying to hurt the unicorn, who is stuck on the tree. I must save her! I slash the goblins, and they groan in pain as a few gems mysteriously appear. I collect them anyways, thinking that it could be money.

I approach the two goblins near the tree, and I smirk. "You can't beat me," I remarked, "This mare deserves to live."

The goblins try to attack me, but I push them off with my back legs. They die as a result, and the unicorn falls to the ground. She wakes up, and looks around. "Huh? Oh, it's you, earth pony... And what's with the get-up?" She asked as she notices me.

She wears her hair in a bun, and on her belt is a small sword- almost like a knife. "Oh. Call me Spark," She said.

"Spark? That sounds a bit boyish. No offense. My name is Apple Jack. It's nice to meet you," I replied.

"I'm not interested in making friends, but I could have killed the monsters by myself."

She gives me a slight glare as a bulky pegasus rushes in. "Spark, you're okay! We are worried about you. You must come back to the ship," He said.

"Alright, Flash Sentry, if that means anything... I don't know what's with this Apple Jack, but we are leading her out because she's apparently in danger," Spark replied.

"I don't need protection! I dealt with the goblins, Spark! They could have eaten you all up," I reminded Spark.

"That wouldn't give me a shudder," She told me as we walk out of the woods.

As we approach the bridge, Apple Bloom is standing on the bridge, waving to me. "Hi, sister! You're okay!" She called.

"I found a mare!" I called back.

As I step onto the bridge, the same bird from before swoops down to catch Apple Bloom, and Apple Bloom shrieks in terror. "Big sister!" She screamed.

"Not so fast, evil bird!" I shouted at the bird as I rush towards the beast.

I suddenly fall off, and I scream for a second. I feel a tingling sensation on my left hoof, and I realized that Spark has caught me. Though I thank her for her efforts to keep me from drowning, the only thing on my mind now is my sister's safety. "Silly little filly! You think you could fly straight off the cliff! You are not a pegasus," Spark scolded.

We all walk to the ship, and Spark approaches the ship. "Are you going to save your sister, because you may not come back because of mysterious disturbances! I know you care about your sister, but you should get a shield, because we're going to depart in less than three minutes! You're surely not as smart, which surprises me. Whenever I get bored, I read," Spark said.

"Are you kidding?" I asked, "I would never see my family again! They matter to me, and..."

"If you're desperate, just get the stupid shield already!"

Sheesh, this mare is so rude. For a beauty, she is actually such a pirate-mare, if you ask me. I rush to Granny's house, and she seems a bit sad. "Did something happen?" She asked.

"Apple Bloom is kidnapped by the giant bird!" I blurted out as I start crying, "And the unicorn prevented me from saving my sister."

"Don't blame that on the unicorn. It's the bird's fault, not hers, that Apple Bloom is now missing. The unicorn is smart to catch you before you drown. You will take this shield, because you may not come back for a long time. Good luck, my dear..."

She lends the shield to me, and the shield is tied to my back. "Why did the monster kidnap such a dear little filly?" Granny concluded as I walk out.

I walk to the ship, and Spark notices the shield. "You're all set, Apple Jack! You're ready to save your sister," She said.

We enter the ship, and Spark speaks with me the whole time as I look back at Outset Island. I notice Granny waving at me, and I wave back to her. "I'll miss you," I whispered.

"How chummy of you to miss an old mare. Why is it that you want to go back, if you have to save somepony?" Spark said to me.

She winks at me, and I simply reply with a forlorn expression.

Apple Jack's P.O.V

I take a little nap, and by the time I wake up, Spark smirks at me. In the distance is a scary-looking fortress. "It was once our hideout before the centaur came along," She said, "It's impossible to enter without being seen. I have an idea..."

"What idea?" I asked, "I-"

"Don't be a wimp."

She leads me to a cannon. Oh, great! Is she planning to hurt me? "Get in," She said.

I reluctantly climb into the cannon, and my heart starts beating real quick. I start to struggle, but Spark gives me a slight smirk. "It won't hurt. Trust me on this. You'll be there in three, two, one..." She said.

The cannon launches me towards the fortress, and I land onto the floor a minute later. A sudden ring startles me, causing me to leap into the air. "Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed.

"Apple Jack, it's me. I'm sorry if I scared you, but if you want to save your sister, you have to be real sneaky!" A familiar voice said. It is from Spark.

"Find one of the barrels that are about your size. And then sneak through the fortress- once you find your sister, you can bring her back," Spark concluded, "Just don't lose this charm. Keep it in your saddle bag, okay?"

"Okay!" I replied as I walk up the stairs.

I approach a barrel, and then I crawl under it. There is a small hole to peek through, at the very least. I notice a light coming towards me, and I wait for it to disappear. I then enter a hallway, and I get rid of the barrel. I walk through the door, and I enter another room. "This place is a bit tricky," I muttered, my voice barely a whisper for fear that if I talk loudly, then I will get caught.

I quickly rush to the other door, and then I go outside once again. I notice a tower to the left, and I approach the tower. I climb up the stairs, and then I get to the top. I notice a goblin moving the light around. I lunge at the goblin, and I force it to the ground. I then use the sword to slash it to pieces. The light goes out as the goblin dies.

So the goblins are connected to the lights? I think up a plan- if I defeat each goblin on each tower, then I would enter a dungeon with ease- a dungeon that could be holding my sister hostage. I rush back down, and then I approach the next tower with a goblin moving the light around. "Gotcha," I said.

The goblin notices me, and then I slash his head off with my sword. The light goes out as a result, and then I find another tower. A goblin seems to be lazing off, and then I smirk- he is near the cliff. I approach him, and then I force him off with my back legs. The light flickers off as a result, and then I find the final tower.

It is quite exhausting for me, maybe because it's late at night. But, if I fall asleep here, I would get caught. I remind myself to stay alert and aware as I climb up the final tower. I climb up the stairs, and the goblin notices me. I leap at the goblin, and I press the sword through his chest. He dies from the attack, and the light goes out.

I quickly climb down the stairs to reach the tower in the center. I run to the huge door, and then I press against the door. The door sure is heavy. I walk up the big stairs, and then I attack a goblin that notices me. I quickly push him off the cliff, and then I run to the top. As I notice my shield, I smile gleefully as I approach it. "Finally," I said loudly.

Just then, two goblins appear. "Oh crap," I concluded. I attack the two goblins at the same time, and then I use my sword to slash their heads off. As they die, the door becomes unlocked. "I'm coming closer, Apple Bloom!" I muttered as I push against the door.

I enter a room with a few prison cells. I look around for Apple Bloom- and right across me is a cell with my sister and the two other fillies in it. "Apple Bloom!" I said.

"Big sister, you came! That centaur is scary, and even the big bird is," Apple Bloom replied.

I gasp as I hear a screech. I look up, and the bird lands onto the floor. I back up, preparing to attack the beast that has kidnapped my sister. The bird grabs me with its beak, and then the bird flies out of the tower. My heart starts beating very fast, not because of fear, but because of adrenaline rush. I look around, and I am above the ocean. I notice a centaur that is cloaked.

I can see the glowing yellow eyes. The centaur nods as the bird throws me into the air. I pass out because of exhaustion, and when I wake up, the sun is shining brightly. I find myself on a dark blue boat, and I look around. "Huh? Where am I?" I exclaimed, surprised.

The boat becomes alive as a head gazes at me. The head is connected to the boat. "Ah!" I screamed as I trip myself accidentally.

"Do not be scared, for I am not bad. I am the Queen of the Blue Boats," The head said.

"Really? Well, a few hours ago, I tried to save my sister from a bird and a centaur. And then there is this pirate mare named Spark..."

"A centaur? You must be speaking of this villain named Tirek. He once tried to take over Equestria long ago by taking away magic and imprisoning the rulers of the land. So, he is the very same Tirek, and the reason why he allows the bird to take away the little fillies is because he is looking for a certain princess... And that princess is Twilight Sparkle. You are a chosen heroine that will save all of us, and you might even save the princess from danger."

"And what about my sister?"

"I know you worry for her safety, but she isn't that princess. She is not an alicorn, but an earth pony like you. I think you would have wanted to protect your sister from the evil and demonic centaur."

"How did you know all of that? Are you formerly a goddess or what?"

"You will see later. Now, find a sail and a rope that holds on to something. Hurry up, so that we can find a destination."

"The Forsaken Fortress?"

"No. The centaur will be very hard to beat if you don't have the legendary artifacts- the Elements of Harmony. The sixth Element is what the princess might hold. Hurry on and find the sail and the rope."

I listen to her instructions as I hop off the boat. She seems mysterious, as if she is something else- possibly an alicorn that is from an old tale. She reminds me of the night sky for some reason. I approach the shore, and I notice that there is a town unlike the town on Outset Island. There is a windmill and a few buildings.

I walk into the town, and there are a few mares gossiping, and a few stallions going about their business. Surely, I am called to an adventure- but what does a sail have to do with an adventure? I've never been on the water because of some ponies speaking of sea monsters and pirates. But, Spark seems to be a good pirate- even though she is a bit rude to me when we met.

"Do you know what store holds a sail?" I asked one of the stallions.

"You don't know where? I'll show you," The stallion said, "Say, are you one of the ponies from Outset Island?"

"Of course."

We both walk to a building, and then the stallion disappears. A few foals approach me, and I wonder what is on their minds. "What's on your mind?" I asked, "I have to run a few errands."

"You're not like one of the boring adults, are you?" The colt said.

They do seem ornery- and they somehow remind me of that gross foal from Outset Island. "I'm not boring- it's just that... You know," I said with a nervous chuckle, "I'm not very social."

"Miss Cheerilee is the most boring teacher!" Another colt said.

"There is a reason that teachers exist! Now let me go about my business."

"Alright, fine."

I enter the building, and there is a bulky stallion behind the counter. "Is there a sail?" I asked.

"You mean for a boat?" The stallion asked with a gruff voice.

"Of course."

"Well, it's free. You can take it."

He places the sail into my saddlebag, and then I walk out. As I approach the store, an old stallion approaches me. "Have you seen my daughter called Scootaloo? She's kidnapped by that dastardly bird. I wonder if you could find her," He said.

"But I was thrown out by the bird," I replied, "I couldn't even fight off the centaur!"

"Sorry for asking. I'll just mind my business."

I approach the dark blue boat, and its head turns to me again. "Did you have the sail?" She asked.

"Of course," I replied.

"Let's go. By the way, what is your name?"

"My name's Apple Jack."

"Okay."

I place the sail into the boat, and I make the sail stand up. "The wind, when blown into the same direction that we are going, will take you there faster," She said, "You can call me Moon."

"Moon?" I asked.

"Yes."

The wind starts to blow the sail, and then the boat starts following the wind. Moon and I are now farther away from the island with the windmill. My hair is blown by the breeze, and I place my hoof onto my hat to ensure that it won't fall off. "So, how do you know of a princess?" I asked, "And what is the Sixth Element?"

"You'll see," Moon said, "You will meet the princess later in your journey."

"But, wouldn't she have been disguised as Spark, the tomboyish pirate mare?"

"Not all princesses are tomboys. Only some of them are- and they sometimes seek adventure."

"Like Spark, right?"

"I don't know her, but we are getting closer to the destination."

I remain quiet for the rest of the journey. If she is Moon, then how come she can endure the sunlight? And how did some ponies know that I will be a chosen heroine? Calm yourself down, Apple Jack. You have the heart of a heroine, I told myself.

"Here, is our destination," Moon said as we slowly approach the island with a volcano. The volcano seems intimidating- what do I have to do in there, get killed by lava? What are the gods thinking?!

"I don't want to go inside the volcano," I replied.

"It's not completely filled with lava, so you shouldn't worry. There are rooms without the lava."

I can see the smoke covering the top of the volcano. I swear that I can hear a dragon roaring as if in pain. "This is Dragon Roost Island, the home of the dragon Valoo," Moon concluded.

I hop onto the shore, and as I try to approach the volcano, I hear Moon calling out my name. "Wait!" Moon shouted, "Don't venture any further."

"Why?" I asked.

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Author's Note: Tell me what you are thinking of the story so far. I made Apple Jack a bit like Toon Link. You'll see some "Toon Link" moments sometimes in the story.