The Requirements of Love : Sacrifice

It was a glorious spring afternoon in Ponyville; the birds were chirping, the bees were buzzing, and it seemed like everypony was out and about in good spirits.  Everywhere you looked, there were only smiles to be seen.  At the heart of Ponyville, a few hundred feet away from town hall, many ponies were gathering to watch the recent construction: a new home was being built and by the looks of it, it was almost complete.

It was a small home, big enough for one or two ponies to live in.  There was a small yard, with a few shrubs, and a rose bush by the mailbox.  The soft white exterior was elaborately adorned with floral inspired trim work leading up to the roof which was topped with rosy red shingles.  It was to say the least, a home that was unusually simple and out of place for Ponyville.

On the horizon, a Pegasi drawn carriage was approaching Ponyville at a moderate speed.  It seemed as if everypony in town had gathered to witness its arrival.  As the carriage drew ever closer, it began its descent upon the town, and before long landed in front of town hall.  The door of the carriage swung open, and in its wake a small orange Pegasus walked out and onto the sandy path.  The carriage attendant retrieved two suitcases from the carriage and placed them on the ground next to their owner, and in the blink of an eye, he had left and the carriage was nothing more than a dot on the horizon.

Everypony was staring in awe at the new resident of Ponyville:  an orange Pegasus, with a long gray mane, and matching tail.  She wore silver hoof shoes and had a large purple bow in her mane.  Extending her wings, she gracefully floated off of the ground and grabbed her bags with her front hooves, but was stopped as mayor Mare approached her.

“You must be new; my name is mayor Mare, and am mayor of Ponyville.” She said extending a hoof.

“The name's Shooting Star,” she replied, placing one bag on the ground and extending her hoof to form a hoofshake.

Mayor Mare smiled warmly as she pulled away from the hoofshake.  “How about a little tour of our town?” she asked.  “Would anyone care to...”

“Oh hey there Star,” came a voice from behind the crowd of ponies.  Everypony turned to see Rainbow Dash making her way through the crowd, being followed by Applejack.

“Hey Dash!” Star called out, making her way through the crowd to meet her friend who welcomed her with a hoof pump.  “Staying out of trouble?”

“Yeah right!” Rainbow laughed.

“Same Rainbow Dash I remember.”

“Hey let us help you with your bags, then we can hang out or something.”  Rainbow suggested, taking the bag out of Star's hoof; Applejack following suit with the other bag which was still sitting on the ground.

“And you are?” Star asked at the pony who was grabbing her belongings.

“Oh that's Applejack, I told you about her.”  Rainbow stated, staring googly-eyed at her marefriend.  “Now then...”

Star floated there bewildered, “I know Dash likes her, but I didn't know she was this attracted to her” she thought, watching the two take her bags up to the door of the house, waiting for her to open the door so that they could set the bags inside.  “Hey Dash... could you give me like an hour or two to get settled in here?  Then we can hang out: maybe you can invite your other friends?”

Rainbow floated at her door, blinking quickly.  “Yeah... sure” she said, turning and nodding to Applejack.  “We'll see what everypony is up to, and hopefully they can join us.”

“Sounds great!” Star said, “maybe we can all do dinner or something?  I haven't eaten since I left this morning, and I could sure use some food.”

“Definitely.” Rainbow said.

“It was nice meetin yah Star, ah look forward to talking to ya tonight.” Applejack spoke, before turning to leave with her marefriend.

Star watched as Rainbow and Applejack walked through the crowd who backed up almost instantly to form a passage way for them to walk through.  Unknowing to everypony, she had taken great interest in the farm pony, watching her carefully as she disappeared through the town with Rainbow.  Letting a slight snort escape her nostrils, she proceeded into her house to begin the chore of unpacking.

Knowing that they had time to kill, Rainbow and AJ took their time in tracking down their friends.  They started with Fluttershy and Rarity's houses since they were the furthest away from Twilight's, where they usually will meet, and finished up at Pinkie Pie's house.

Lastly the two headed over to Twilight's house.  Rainbow knocked on the door, and seconds later was greeted warmly by Twilight, who invited her two friends inside.

Twilight showed her friends to the table they we're accustomed to sitting together at, and quickly disappeared into the kitchen, only to reappear moments later with a tray hovering above her head.

“Thanks Twi,” Rainbow spoke as she accepted a cup of tea from her friend.

Twilight took a seat across the table and smiled at her two friends who were sitting unusually close to each other.  “So...” she began, “are you two?”

In unison, Rainbow and AJ both nodded.

Twilight smiled gently at her friends, “are you both happy?”

“You bet we are!” Rainbow exclaimed excitedly.

Applejack nodded, taking a sip of her tea.  “Ah'm happier than ah've been in a long time Twilight.  Ah don't know if big Mac will ever accept it, but that doesn't really matter.”

Twilight shook her head back and forth.  “No it sure doesn't AJ.  So... have you told the others yet?”

“Actually.” Rainbow began.  “You remember when I told you about Star?”

“Star?” Twilight asked.

“You forgot?  I met her at that weather meeting a month ago.”  Rainbow added.

“Oh!” Twilight said enthusiastically.  “I remember now!  What about her?”

“Well... she arrived today finally.”  Rainbow spoke, taking another sip from her tea, finishing her cup.  “We are going to hang out and do dinner tonight, and we were wondering if you would come along?  Everypony else is coming, and are gonna meet us here.”

“Of course I'll come.”  Twilight said, while using her magic to place everyponies cups on the tray. “As long as you don't get drunk again and wake up in the hospital again.”  She said, while bringing the tray into the kitchen.

“Also...” Applejack said softly.  “Maybe tonight's a good time ta tell everypony about us Rainbow.”

Rainbow leaned over and nuzzled her marefriend gently.  “You bet.”

Twilight returned into the main room of the library.  A smile formed on her face as she saw her two friends sitting there with their heads rested against each others.  “To think I once thought it was impossible for two mares to love each other.  Oh how wrong I was to think that.  Oh! That will make for a wonderful letter to the princess.” She thought to herself as she took a seat back down at the table with her friends.

A few moments had passed before a soft, almost inaudible knocking could be heard from the door.  Twilight approached it and opened it carefully to see Fluttershy standing there, with Rarity approaching close behind.

“Umm hello Twilight... Rainbow said we were meeting here if thats.... umm... ok with you, that is.”  Fluttershy said softly, almost barely above a whisper.

She smiled warmly at Fluttershy, gesturing for her to come in.

“Why hello darling,” Rarity said as she approached the library.  “What lovely weather today, am I not right?”

“Yes Rarity, it sure is lovely.”  Twilight replied.

“My oh my yes, it's warm yet, not too hot, and such a light breez... oh here comes Pinkie Pie.”

Rarity walked into the library as Twilight watched Pinkie hopped quickly down the dirt path and drew closer to the library.

“Hi Twilight!”

“Hi Pinkie, come on in.”  Twilight replied, staring at her friend who continued to hop in place uncontrollably.

“Oh Twilight aren't you excited?  Cause I'm sure excited!  There's a new pony in town, and you know what that means!  Don't you?  Well i'm sure you do, cause when a new pony comes to town I just HAVE to become friends with them, and you know what good friends do right?  Right!  They throw each other... PARTIES!”  A burst of confetti shot from Pinkie's mouth as she finished gasping out her last word.

“Yes well, come on in Pinkie, you're the last one.”  Twilight said, allowing Pinkie to walk inside, and closed the door quickly after her.

“Hey Twi?”  Rainbow spoke up, almost impossible to hear through Pinkie's constant rambling in the background.

“Yes Rainbow?”

“I'm gonna go get Star now.  We'll meet you at the cafe?”  Rainbow asked.

“Sure.” Twilight nodded, opening the door for Rainbow.

With a quick stretch of her wings, Rainbow took off into the sky leaving the library in a cloud of dust.  She flew up high into the clouds, needing to waste a few minutes to give her friends a head start to the cafe.  As she approached the layer of clouds up above her, she noticed her Star laying amongst them, obviously trying to not be found by anypony.  Rainbow landed on the cloud next to her, which startled her, as she was not expecting anypony to approach her.

“Hey Star what's up?  Well besides us I guess.”  Rainbow laughed.

“Hey Dash... not too much” she began, gazing off into the distance.  “I'm just... adjusting, I guess.”

“Yeah I know what you mean” Rainbow began.  “I'm guessing you're up here because you're worried about not fitting in?”

Star only nodded.

“Well...” Rainbow spoke in her usual confident tone.  “When I first came here I was in the same boat as you.  I stood out because of my Rainbow colored mane most of all.”

“I can imagine.” Star added.

Rainbow nodded and continued, “For awhile I watched as everypony stared at me, and they were always mumbling things to each other... I knew they were saying things about me.”

“Well you know how most ponies are dash.  They aren't too accepting of anything outside of the norm.”

“Yeah for real.” Rainbow spoke, looking towards the horizon as the sun had began to make its descent for the evening.  “And now... lately... I'm getting those same reactions from everypony all over again but you know what?”

“What?” She asked.

“In the end... who cares what they think about you?  If you know you're a good pony, and you don't mean any harm... who cares what they say?  In the end it doesn't matter.  As long as you have good friends, that's all you need”  she continued, thinking back to her friends down on the ground, and of Applejack in particular.

“When did you become such a nerd Dash... that story was mushy... so UNCOOL!  But seriously... thanks.”

Rainbow laughed it off.  Never before in her life had she been insulted and complimented at the same time.  “Hey Star...” she spoke softly, “everypony should be at the cafe waiting for us... do you still wanna go to dinner with us?”

Star looked towards Rainbow, then towards the town below.  “Yes.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“So Star, where are you from?” asked Twilight, as she was finishing up her sandwich.

“Skydome” Star replied.

"Skydome?" Rainbow asked... "I thought you said you were from Manehatten?"

Star completely ignored Rainbow, who called her out on her lie right away.

Twilight placed her tea cup on the table in front of her as thought about what Star had just said.  “So... just where IS Skydome at?  I have never heard of it before,” she said.

“Skydome?  What's that?  Sounds like a big ball in the sky!” Pinkie exclaimed, hopping up and down cheerfully.  “I bet they throw AWESOME parties!”

Stars' eyes slowly dropped from Pinkie and onto the table in front of her.  “No...”

“Hmm?  What's wrong there sugarcube?”  AJ asked, noticing the sadness emanating from Stars' eyes.

“Skydome... it's a horrible place, full of mean ponies... Everywhere, at any time you could be robbed... ponies get hurt there all the time... I don't want to go back.  I had to get away from that place because, it is only a matter of time before something happens to me,” she said, looking away from the other ponies.

Twilight walked over and put her hoof around Stars' back.  “Oh I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked...”

Star shook her head.  “No, no... it's ok, really.”

“Are you sure darling?” Rarity cooed softly.  “Oh that reminds me, I have a dress at the boutique I would be honored if you would model it for me!”  she spoke enthusiastically, looking over Star in intricate detail.

“Um... no I mustn’t.” Star whispered.

“Oh but darling, it would match your purple eyes quite marvelously.” Rairty pleaded, forming her lips into her trademark pout, almost graveling at Stars' hooves.

It took most of Applejacks' strength to pull Rarity away from Star.  “Calm on down Sugarcube... ah'm sure she'll say yes when she's ready.”

“But... but Applejack.”  Rarity pleaded.

“No no sugarcube, later!”  Applejack said, as she sat back down next to Rainbow, who placed her hoof on her back.

Twilight watched the two of them, sitting there nonchalantly, their friend oblivious to their relationship with each other.  Clearing her throat, Twilight spoke:  “Maybe it's time you two.”

“Time for what Twilight?  Whatever do you mean?”  Rarity asked.

“Why yes Twilight, please tell us” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight looked around at her friends, seeing them all looking at her, full of questions.  “Umm well that's not for...”

Pinkie, hearing this, jumped up and screamed, “It must be a PARTY!”

“PINKIE!” the group said in unison.

A few seconds passed as Pinkie slowly sat back down.  “Ahem, well what I was trying to say is that... it's not for me to say.”  Twilight said, extending her hoof towards Rainbow and Applejack.  “It's for them to say.”

Applejack looked at Rainbow, who smiled back at her.  “Should we do this sugarcube?” she asked.

“You betcha,” replied Rainbow.

The two of them stood up, only to be met with 5 sets of eyes locked on theirs.  “Well the thing is...”  Rainbow started.

“Oh I know!” Pinkie shouted.

“You... do?”  AJ asked.

“Yeah!”  Pinkie replied.  “Something happened to Rainbow's house.  Last time I went by it was gone, and I was super sad because I didn't know where to find her.  But then I saw her helping out at the apple farm, so I knew she was ok, but didn't want to bother her because she looked so super busy.  So yeah, you don't need to say anything Dashie, we'll all help you rebuild your house in whatever way we can.”

“Oh Rainbow, why didn't you say anything to us, we're your friends.  We would have helped you out.”  Fluttershy whispered.

Rainbow raised her hoof.  “Guys...”

“Rainbow, if you need a place to stay, feel free to stay at the boutique.” Rarity offered.

“Guys!” Rainbow shouted.

Everypony became silent, their eyes once again fixed upon Rainbows'.

“My house is gone because I chose to get rid of it.”  She said.

“Guys... what Rainbow and I are tryin to say is that... well... for the last month, we've been dating.”

A gasp escaped the mouth of everypony who heard.  Twilight smiled at them as they stood there holding each other, blushing madly.

“Wait.. wait... but you are both mares....” Rarity said.

“Yes... yes we are Rarity!  And we both love each other very much!”  Rainbow pleaded.

“Oh Rainbow... Applejack... I'm sooooooo happy for you two.”  Fluttershy cooed.  She walked over and gave both of them a hug.  “I've always been wondering who the first one would be to start dating.  I think it's wonderful that you two are dating because, I know that you two will be very happy together, and that's what I want from my friends.  I want them to fall in love with someone who is special to them.”

“Well, if you two are certain... then I see no problems with it.”  Spoke Rarity.  Seconds passed before her eyes snapping open, full of gleam.  “Oh I will just HAVE to make you two some matching dresses.  Oh my! The possibilities are endless.”

Applejack walked over to Rarity, slowly reaching over, she put her hooves around her friends neck.  “Thanks sugarcube.  Glad y’all approve.”

As Applejack regained her place next to Rainbow, a sudden burst of confetti covered the two mares and the area was soon covered in colorful balloons.  “Party!  Look half of Ponyville is here!”  Pinkie shouted.  The group looked over and noticed that there was indeed half of the town standing in awe of the celebration.  One by one the ponies entered the cafe's outdoor picnic area, some were standing around in idle chitchat.  Others were dancing with each other, while Pinkie could be seen in the back loading more confetti into her party cannon, before setting it off for a second blast.

Applejack held Rainbow close as they watched the party unfold.  They stood in awe, never understanding just how Pinkie could get half of the town here without any notice of their relationship.  As they held one another, their bodies started rocking in a slow rhythmic pattern.  Now in the middle of the spotlight, they slow danced to the melody of a song so familiar, yet a song they hadn't yet heard.

♫  This day is going to be perfect.

The kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small.

At the start of every day, In her arms I will awake.

Until one day when I must bid that mare farewell.  ♫

One by one the town ponies who had been tending to their own small groups, took notice on the two ponies who were dancing together off in the distance.  Some stood watching happily, while others left in disgust.  But to the two who were dancing, this moment was one to be remembered.

♫  This day is going to be perfect.

The kind of day of which I’ve dreamed since I was small.

While some of them may not agree, with what you say you see in me,

The ones who matter most will stay beside our side. ♫

Rarity and Fluttershy approached the circle which was now forming around Rainbow and AJ.  Everypony who remained behind stood silently and watched happily at the two mares who had basically announced their love for each other.  Noticing tears in her eyes, Fluttershy handed Rarity a napkin, who took it graciously.  Star remained seated at the table, not seeming to take notice to the event unfolding around her.

♫ I could care less of what they think

of what I say you mean to me

I know... we will stay strong til the end

I don't fear that I will lose you

Due to those who won't approve

Who don't mean anything to us despite our ways.

For I oh so love you babe

Even if they hate our way

Oh everypony.. we hope this is ok. ♫

Every pony who remained stood in silence, as Rainbow and Applejack's muzzles met one another.  Immediately one pony began stomping her hoof in a round of applause, who was quickly accompanied by another, and then another, until everypony was stomping and cheering for the two ponies in the center of the circle.  Rainbow and Applejack had just now noticed the crowd which had formed around them.  They stood there blushing, while Rarity, Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy all approached them, and one by then exchanged hugs with their friends.

“Twilight?  Did you set this up?” Rainbow asked

“With some help from Pinkie Pie.”  She replied.

“But what about the song?”  Applejack asked.

“Oh, well while everypony came here, I found Vinyl along the way, and after a bit of pleading, she agreed to throw together a song really quickly.”  Twilight replied.

“But when did you leave us sugarcube?”  Applejack asked, seeming to not recall when Twilight left the group on the way over.

“When you and Rarity rushed to the...”

Twilight stopped talking as Rainbow excused herself from the group.  She approached the table where Star remained seated, obviously not enjoying herself.

“You Ok?”  Rainbow asked.

Star shook her head.  “No, I'm not.”

Without warning Star stood up and extended her wings, slowly allowing herself to float off the ground.

“Star what are you?”

“Don't follow me!”  Star shouted, interrupting Rainbow.

“What the hay is the matter with you?!?” Rainbow shouted.

Star only shook her head.  With a quick flap of her wings she propelled herself into the sky, and flew full speed, not knowing where she was going.  Rainbow extended her wings and as she was about to take off after her, she felt Applejack's hoof on her shoulder, holding her back.

“Let her go sugarcube.”  She said softly.

“But...”  Rainbow said, being quickly interrupted when Applejack's muzzle pressed up against her own.  Rainbow closed her eyes and took the moment in.

“She'll be fine.  She has things she needs to sort out.”  said AJ, increasing her hold on Rainbow.

Rainbow watched as her friend flew off into the distance.  The following day, Shooting Star packed her bags and left Ponyville without a single word to anypony.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“Sugarcube can you help me over here for a second?”

Rainbow trotted over to her marefriend who was loading up a cart with apples.  Rainbow grabbed the remaining buckets and tossed them up to Applejack who caught them and dumped the apples into the cart.

“Thanks” AJ said.

“No sweat.” Rainbow replied.

Applejack jumped out of the cart and landed on the ground next to Rainbow.  She removed a handkerchief that was tucked away in the brow of her hat, and wiped the sweat from Rainbows face.  After wiping her own face she returned the handkerchief to it's prior resting spot, and nuzzled her marefriend.

“You wanna get some lunch sugarcube?” AJ asked her.

Rainbow began to shake her head in decline, that is until her stomach started to growl in a fit of hunger, causing a light blush to form on her face, she nodded in approval.  Applejack walked off towards the house while rainbow took the time to wash off in the nearby stream.

As Rainbow washed herself off she took the moment to reflect on her life as of late.  6 months had passed since they had announced their relationship.  Since then, Rainbow has moved in full time with the Apple family and works full time helping around the farm.  Rainbow was living a life much different than that of which she ever would have imagined, but never complained, for she was happy doing whatever she could as long as it involved Applejack.

Under the largest apple tree on the farm awaited Applejack, who was sprawled out on a checker board print table cloth.  Laid out around her was a basket of apples, a few rolls, and an uncut apple pie fresh from the loving hands of ol' Granny Smith.  When she saw Rainbow trotting towards her in the distance, the only thing she could do was smile as her marefriend drew ever closer.

“Sorry I kept you waiting” Rainbow apologized.

“Ah don't you worry bout it sugarcube” AJ insisted, patting a bare area of the table cloth beside her, to which Rainbow sat down in.  “Here Rainbow”  She said, handing Rainbow a small yellow envelope.  Rainbow opened it to find a card inside.

To my ever-loved marefriend:

I wanna wish you much love on your birthday Rainbow.  You have been everything I could ever expect.  Quite frankly, you have over exceeded my expectations of what a marefriend should offer, and I cannot begin to express how much I love you for that.  Ah hope you love your present I got ya.  It's a big thank you from me for not only the amount of hard work you put in around the farm, but it's a big thank you for loving me the way you do.  I love you much sugarcube... Applejack.

And tucked away inside that card were two train tickets, and a reservation to Hotel de Hoovesriche: Canterlot's finest luxury hotel.  She held it in her hoof, eying it over carefully, unable to believe that Applejack had gotten that for her, for them.

Smiling she embraced her marefriend, holding her in complete, loving, passion.  “Really?” Rainbow said, smiling warmly, staring into her marefriend's eyes.

“You know,” Applejack whispered.  “There's a Wonderbolt convention that weekend in Canterlot.  A bunch of the retired Wonderbolts are going to be there, as well as the current ones.  I thought... you'd like to go.”

They laid under that tree for what seemed to be forever, unaware that Big Mac stood off in the distance, eying them with a stern gaze.  He stared for only a few moments before continuing his job and finishing up with the apple sorting.

“Ya know sugarcube.” Applejack started, looking down at her marefriend who laid across her stomach.

“Hmm?” Rainbow muttered.

“Ah'm glad you came that night”

“What night?” Rainbow replied.

“The night that ah told ya we wouldn't work out... ah'm glad you turned around when I asked you to come back.”

Rainbow pulled her self closer to her marefriend's face, and slowly placed her muzzle against hers.  Applejack, who was not expecting this, closed her eyes and pushed back with twice the amount of strength that Rainbow had emitted.

“Ya know...” Rainbow started, staring into AJ's eyes.

“know what?”

“I never had any idea that you would turn out to be a fillyfooler,” Rainbow suggested.

Applejack chuckled, true not even she had ever thought she would be in a relationship with another mare, let alone her best friend and sporting rival.

“Well ah could say about you sugarcube,” Applejack stated.

“Me?  Doesn't my mane and tail scream fillyfooler?”

Applejack shook her head.  “Ah already know that's yer real hair color, ah never thought for a second that ya dyed it.  That would be way too much work for ya.”

“Hey!” Rainbow interjected.  “Are you calling me lazy?”

Applejack shook her head.  “Naw, maybe 6 months ago, but not anymore.  You've been a wonderful help around the farm sugarcube.  Ah never expected ya to move in so fast, let alone actually work like a farm pony.”

“Yeah well, the change of scenery is nice and all,” Rainbow said, staring into her marefriend's eyes.  “Plus... It sure is nice waking up to you every morning,” Rainbow closed in on Applejack's muzzle, moving closer, inch by inch.  “And...” she whispered, placing her muzzle at Applejack's ear.  The heat radiating off of her mouth sent chills down Applejack's spine.  “And...” Rainbow whispered once more, this time taping the brim of Applejack's Stetson, causing it to land on her own head, “ah wanna do this everyday.”

Applejack couldn't contain herself anymore, she turned and in one quick motion leaped up and into her lover, both of them rolling on the ground where Applejack laid on top of her, and pushed her muzzle into Rainbow's in fiery passion.  She allowed her tongue to play softy on the edge of Rainbow's lips, which opened, almost begging for her marefriend to enter.

The two of them laid there with their lips locked on one another, Rainbow forcing her hooves backwards into the ground, while Applejack allowed hers to run up and down Rainbow's body, every now and then just ever skimming shy of an area that Rainbow was just begging for her to find.

“A....J” Rainbow gasped between short breaths.

“What's.... wrong..... done already?”  Applejack panted.

In one quick motion on Rainbow's part, their roles had been reversed and now it was Rainbow in charge while Applejack lay victim on the ground, wondering just what was about to befall her.

Rainbow kissed the side of Applejack's neck softly, placing kiss after kiss down her entire body.  She softly ran her hooves down Applejack's belly, trailing down to her thigh, giving a quick circular motion before leading back up towards her belly.  Sparks flew through Applejack's entire body, this was a new sensation, one she had never dreamed of, or known existed.  Rainbow softly kissed her marefriend while allowing her hoof back towards her lower extremities.  Just a light touch was all that was needed to send Applejack soaring through the skies of Equestria.  Short moments passed while her body arched in positions she never thought possible.

She felt something building up, a bit scared as to what it was.  “Rainbow...” She panted.

“Yeah” Rainbow whispered between kisses.

“Ah'm... uhh...” she moaned, taking everything she had to hold herself back.  “Somethins happenin... something big.... ah feel it.”  and right there Applejack lost it, screaming out Rainbow's name so loud, she was sure all of Ponyville had heard it.

She laid there panting, while her marefriend lapped at the remains, making sure not to miss anything.  Applejack leaned her head closer, kissing her marefriend ever so softly, noticing the sweet taste radiating from Rainbow's lips.  “You taste like apples.” She chuckled, while rainbow grinned menacingly.

Moments passed, while they lay there together, enjoying each others embrace.  Applejack softly planted a kiss on her marefriend's muzzle, standing up, she placed a hoof on Rainbow's belly signaling that she was to remain laying down.  Applejack leaned down and softly kissed her marefriend once more while running her hooves down Rainbow's body, sending chills and shivers through her.  Applejack finally found the source of pleasure from her own ordeal moments ago, and knew exactly what to do with it.

She spent the moments enjoying herself at bringing her marefriend so much pleasure.  She kissed her lips softly while running her hoof in a circular motion, every now and then stopping and reversing the direction.  After a few more moments, she allowed her muzzle to travel to the source and slowly lapped at the outside edges, taking in the sweet taste of Rainbow's marehood.

“A...J.” Rainbow moaned.

Seeing as this was working, she continued to lap away softly, every now and then leaning back up to kiss Rainbow.  Rainbow took a bit more work than she had thought, every few moments Applejack thought she was nearing completion, only to see her marefriend settle down, but once again starting up seconds later.  She continued to lap away, growing ever more vicious.  She took pride in every arch of Rainbow's back, as she rolled softly side to side.

“A....” Rainbow moaned, nearing completion, she put her hoofs into AJ's mane and pulled her muzzle closer into her marehood: Screaming her name out in ecstasy.  If all of Ponyville had heard Applejack moments ago, then surely all of Equestria had just heard Rainbow.

Moments passed as Rainbow and AJ cuddled each other under that apple tree.  They watched as a lone cloud sailed by through the sky.  As they stared into each others' eyes it had just dawned on them... For the first time, that afternoon, under that lone apple tree, they made love and they couldn't had been happier.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The train ride to Canterlot was as fun filled as always.  Rainbow and Applejack were confined to a more private car, one with only a few of the higher class ponies tending to their own business.  As the train passed through the mountains and back into the open, Rainbow took in the sights that she had missed for so long.

“How does it feel sugarcube?”

“Hmm?  How does what feel?”  Rainbow replied.

“Well, ya know... seeing everything from up high that is.”  Applejack said slowly, unsure as to where she was going with the conversation.  “What ah'm trying ta say is... just because you live on the farm don't mean you gotta keep to the ground.  Ya haven't flown once in the last 6 months; ever since you moved in and dissaperated your cloud house, ah haven't seen ya fly, not a single time Rainbow.”

Rainbow nuzzled her marefriend, pushing her body a little firmer into the side of her body.  “That's the way I want it.  I'm tired of being the lazy pony I once was, If I can have my way, I'd rather if I stop flying and maybe, my body will forget how to.  If I forget... then I can't ever hide in the clouds again when I could be down here doing something to help out, like you do.”

“But... Sugarcube, you're a Pegasus, using your wings is a natural part of who you are.  How could you just want to throw that away?  Wasn't it your dream to become a Wonderbolt?  The best flier in all of Equestria?”  Applejack closed her eyes, slowly sobbing as she realized that she was stripping Rainbow of the only means to achieve her life long goal.

“B... being a Wonderbolt, WAS my dream, for a long time AJ.”  Rainbow said, pulling AJ a bit closer.  “But... not all dreams come true, and in reality... I've replaced that dream with one that means a lot more to me.”

“I don't mean to interrupt, but...”

“Yeah?”  Applejack said abruptly, turning to meet the pony who had just appeared before her.  A white unicorn, with ruby eyes that gleamed and perfectly matched his well groom green and pink mane.  He stood before the two mares in a most exquisite manner.

“I just happened to be sitting across the cart from you, and couldn't help but fancy you.  Would you and your friend here be heading up for the Wonderbolts convention by any chance?  He said, speaking in a soft manner, with almost an angel like voice.  “I must say if you are, by all means please feel free to to join me in my private box during the aerial viewing.  As it is quite difficult for an earth pony like yourself to join... i'm sure... I can arrange something for the two of us.”

“Now just what are ya getting at?”  Applejack declared.  “Ah don't even know who y'all are, and here you are invitin me up into some private area with ya?”

The colt blinked wide eyed, almost unconvinced that Applejack was basically turning down his offer.  “Alright, gotta step this up a notch,” he thought to himself.  Placing his hoof in front of his muzzle, he cleared his throat and continued.  “I'm sorry miss, I guess I got a bit carried away with myself.  My name is Buster Cloud, owner of the Fillydelphia Mares, though... the look on your face say's that you don't know about...”

“They are only like Equestria's top Hooviche team!” Rainbow exclaimed, full of joy.

“Yes well...” Buster continued, facing towards Applejack once more.  “I guess I’ll have to be a bit more direct with this, very well...  As I sat across the car I could only gaze upon the magnificent beauty radiating from your very complexion.”

AJ stood in a quizzical state.  “Come again partner?” She asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“What I'm trying to say miss...”  Buster said softly, taking Applejack's hoof and kissing it ever so slightly on the top.  “I'd be honored if you would join me as my guest of honor.”

This ticked Applejack off.  This strange colt had just kissed her, and in front of her marefriend of all ponies.  A sudden anger was forming on her face, as her face turned a deep hue of purple.

“Did I... say something wrong?” Buster asked, only to be met with a firm hoof across the side of his face, knocking him to the ground.

“How dare ya come up ta me, ask me on a date, and kiss me!  And in front of mah MAREFRIEND!”

Buster stood up, holding the side of his face with a hoof, a small trickle of blood running from the side of his mouth, followed by a few teeth that fell to the ground.  “You're gonna regret that.”

“Ah ain't regrettin nothin!” Applejack said proudly, stamping her front hoofs out in protest.  “Now you on the other hand, if ya don't scadaddle on outta here yer gonna be the one who's regrettin things.”

Rainbow stood idly by in disbelief of what was happening.  “She... actually turned down that rich pony... for me?” She thought to herself, in amazement.

Rainbow watched as Applejack chased Buster out of the train car, and locked the door upon her arrival.  To her surprise a small group of ponies started clapping, approving of AJ's decision.

AJ walked back to Rainbow, and continued nuzzling her, just had she had been before Buster came by.  “You... choose me over him?  He is rich AJ, imagine what he could do with the farm with the amount of money he has.”

“Sugarcube... do you really think ah'm concerned with money?”  AJ said, running her hooves across Rainbow's back as she embraced her.  “Ah love you, because of the love you show me.  A rich pony like Buster don't know what love truly is... but you do.  And that's why I'll always stay by your side... always.”

Rainbow lowered her head to rest her chin on Applejack's back.  They allowed themselves to stay that way, swaying their bodies softly from side to side while onlookers looked on in glee.

Nightfall soon approached as the train came into the Canterlot Train Station.  The conductor opened the door, and out stepped Rainbow and Applejack into the lamp lit streets of Canterlot.

A Pegasi drawn carriage descended upon the two, who gladly took the offer to be taxied to the hotel, where the two, tired from the days events, retired for the night.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

An upbeat tune filled the streets of Canterlot while the Wonderbolts put on a spectacular show high above.  Staying in tight formation, the trio flew in intricate patterns, spewing forth a trail of smoke from behind them.  Left, and right they swerved, suddenly pulling into a death spiral heading straight towards the ground, pulling up at the last moment, leaving the crowd cheering in amazement as they flew back towards their dug out.

Rainbow cheered on in amazement as the Wonderbolts left for the moment.  Everywhere she looked there was some sort of exhibit going on, from past show replays, a Wonderbolt themed carnival, all the way down to the souvenir shop which, thanks to Rainbow Dash, was almost sold out.

“Hey hey if it isn't Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow turned to see a familiar face approaching her.  Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts was making her way through the crowd.  Nervously, she smiled, almost shaking uncontrollably at the fact she was now in the presence of her former role model.

“Umm hey.” Rainbow said coolly, crossing her front legs.

“Gotta party up top with the others.  Why don't you come along?  My guest of honor, you WERE the best in your class at the academy.”  Spitfire announced.

“Yeah well...” Rainbow said nervously.  “I'm gonna have to pass up on the offer.”

“Oh that's too bad.  By the way, who's your friend here?”

“Oh this is Applejack, my marefriend.”  Rainbow announced proudly.

Spitfire giggled lightly.  Rainbow was amazed at how laid back she was when she wasn't in uniform.  “Marefriend huh?  Well I always was under the impression you were a fillyfooler, guess I was right... well have a great time you two, stop by the dugout later, I'll get you some front row seats to the main event.”

“Thank ya kindly.” Applejack said, as Spitfire turned to leave.

“Hey don't mention it.  Besides... Rainbow.”

Rainbow turned to face Spitfire once more.  “Yeah?”

“You wouldn't have happened to see an orange Unicorn showing up in Ponyville lately have you?”  Spitfire asked.

Rainbow shook her head.

“Ok I didn't think so.  She was one of our wind managers for our shows, but one day decided to run off with the most of our money.  That's why we haven't had a show lately.  Word was she bought a house in Ponyville but.... I guess they were just rumors after all.”

“I'll keep an eye out in the future.” Rainbow said, to which Spitfire nodded in approval before taking off into the skies.

“You could have gone to the party you know.” Applejack suggested.

“Yeah I know, but i'm having WAYYYY more fun here with you.” Rainbow insisted.

“Oh really?” Applejack questioned.

“Really” Rainbow stated.

The two of them stared at each other, each refusing to blink.  A few moments passed before they both broke out in a fit of giggles.  Applejack began to lean in for a kiss, but instead was knocked down by a Pegasus who flew by at full speed.

Rainbow and Applejack both turned around to the sounds of screaming as a large explosion erupted off in the distance.  The smoke bellowed from the center of Celestia's castle, and as soon as the explosion had gone off, another one followed suit, engulfing the castle in flames.

Rainbow charged full speed towards the castle only to stopped by Applejack once they reached the front gates.  The smoke was too thick to continue any further and they only watched in horror as a team of 6 Pegasi flew back across the sky, dropping explosions that trailed all the way back to the city square, where the convention was being held.

Rainbow watched as the Pegasi turned once more flying back over the castle, dropping the last of their explosives before flying away into the horizon.

“Princess Luna!” Shouted a guard, who flew out of the castle with an unconscious Luna on his back, followed closely behind by Celestia.  Her mane was scorched, but otherwise she appeared to be fine.

Rainbow and Applejack ran head on into the smoke, making their way towards the princesses.  As they arrived, Applejack immediately offered care to Luna, waving her Stetson in an attempt to clear the smoke so that the unconscious princess could breath clean air.

“Princess what's going on!” Shouted Rainbow.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing here, are you insane?  Celestia shouted, her voice being drowned out by the sound of another explosion.  Pieces of the castle flew forth, raining down over the group.  One of the larger chunks striking Rainbow, causing her to collapse on the ground below.

Princess Celestia immediately put up a shield spell, protecting them from the onslaught of falling debris, watching in horror as her castle plummeted to the ground below, while a lone Pegasus flew forth from the castle: clutched in her hoofs a small silver box.

Moments later a Pegasi weather team moved in and immediately started forming rain clouds in attempt to quench the smoke and flames.  In a quick reflex, Celestia's horn shone bright yellow, and instantly they were transported to the castle of the Crystal Empire.

“Princess!” Shouted a white stallion, charging straight forward from the royal throne room.

“Shining Armor, prepare all defensive abilities at once, there isn't any time to explain.” Celestia ordered.

Shining Armor immediately summoned his troops and began to summon a large protective barrier to shield the empire from any chance of an outside threat.  Moments later Princess Cadance emerged from the royal throne room as well, accompanied by two unicorn guards.  She shrieked in horror as she witnessed the two unconscious ponies laying in a pool of blood before her.

“Guards get these two to the infirmary immediately!” Cadance ordered.  The guards saluted and immediately picked Rainbow and Luna up and whisked them away with their magic.  Applejack chased closely behind, only Rainbow Dash was on her mind.

Hours later, Applejack remained at Rainbows bedside and watched as she slept, her head bandaged tightly, and a sharp piercing beep echoed through the room.  As she sat there, oblivious to her surroundings, Celestia emerged and sat next to the sobbing Applejack.

“What happened princess?  What in the hay just happened?” Applejack asked between sobs.

“They stole it.” Celestia responded.

“Stole what?”

“A hidden artifact, buried deep within the confines of the castle's deepest dungeons.  They stole it... she stole it.”  Celestia spoke gently.

“Who stole what?”  Applejack questioned, a bit more impatient this time around.  “My marefriend here is laying here half dead, at least give me the answer as to what the hay happened.”

“Your marefriend?  So the rumors are true afterall...” Celestia said.  Moments later she nodded in approval.  “Very well... the object that was stolen was an ancient work of magic created by Star Swirl the bearded.”

“What kind of magic did this object contain?”  Applejack asked.

“It is the core element needed in the infusion of magical powers into those who do not possess the innate ability to perform magic.”

“So... anypony other than a Unicorn then I'm guessing... could use magic.”  Applejack asked.

“Exactly.”

“But... what's the big deal?  It's not like they would cause any more harm than any other Unicorn out there?” insisted Applejack, only to have Celestia shake her head in disagreement.

“No, that's where it gets tricky.  Not only will the user gain magical powers, but they would also gain all the powers of an Alicorn... including our extended life span, along with our hightened gift of magic.” Celestia said sadly.  “And because I held onto that cursed item, she stole it, and now my sister and Rainbow Dash are both hurt.”

“Princess... you still haven't told me just who stole it.... please... please tell me.” Applejack pleaded.

Celestia sighed, she knew she couldn't hide this information from Applejack, for she was now involved.  “I still don't know her name to this day, or even if she has one, that was never known... The one who stole Star Swirls object... was a Pegasus, and a rather gifted one at that.”

“If she was gifted, how could you not know her name?”  Applejack asked.

“Her name... was once Starshine.  That is, until she ran off after her friend had passed away as a child.  Her friend... like her was exceptionally gifted, although a unicorn, she was the top student in my private school.  But anyway... she has nothing pertaining to this story... Starshine was an exceptionally gifted Pegasus.  She was once a former Wonderbolt until... until she turned on them, and wiped out half of her team, and in the process of a manner similar to today, our former castle was destroyed and my youngest sister died that day as a result... this was... 35 years ago.”

“Your... youngest sister?” Applejack asked.  “Pardon me, but ah thought Luna was yer little sister.”

“She is Applejack, but we also had another sister... half sister I should say.  Princess Maya, although never publically acknolwedged as a princess due to the method of how she was conceived.”

“Was your mother...?”

“I am not going to answer that question Applejack.” Celestia said sternly.

“Yer right, ah'm sorry.” apologized Applejack.

Celestia nodded before continuing with her story.  “To this day, Luna misses Maya deeply, as do I.  We have searched for years of her murderer, but have not found any clues to where Starshine is.  We know for a fact that the Pegasus that attacked tonight was indeed Starshine, though under a different alias than before.  If she... were to use this artifact herself, I can only worry about what devastation might befall Equestria.”

“But... if you have no idea where she is, what are you going to do?” Applejack asked, clearly puzzled, and still upset.

“My son is currently...”

“Your son?!?” Applejack shouted.  “Since when do you have a son?!?”

“Yes I do have a son, but I’ll save that story for a later date... as I was saying, he is on a mission I assigned him.  He should have been able to find out more info on Starshine, however... he was supposed to return tonight.  I hope he is wise enough to go into hiding for the time being until things settle down.”  Celestia spoke.  “As for the time being...” She said, eying Applejack.  “You should get cleaned up, you're covered in her blood still.  Come... the royal attendants shall provide you with a bath.”

“But... Rainbow... I...” Applejack interjected, as she was led away by Celestia.

“Rainbow will be fine Applejack.  I will personally sit here and keep watch over her until you return.”  Celestia insisted.

Applejack continued to stare towards the infirmary room where Rainbow lay, all whilst she was being pushed down a corridor towards a bath.

Celestia hung her head low over Rainbow, a single tear streaming down her face landing onto Rainbow's forehead.  “I'm so sorry,” she whispered.  “For everything.”