The Requirements of Love : Sacrifice

Eight months... 8 blissful months had passed since the union of Rainbow Dash and Applejack had taken place.  In those 8 months, there had not been any problems what so ever.  Spring time was now here, and very soon... the two would deliver a pair of foals into the world.

Big Mac had agreed to allow the two to take off work until the foals had been delivered and weened, so this meant that Rainbow and Applejack had a lot of free time on their hands.  They spent their days in bed, cradling each others bulging tummy, feeling for kicks, and listening for signs of movement.

“Oh oh!” Rainbow whispered.  “Look!”

Applejack watched as the foal inside her moved a leg.  She felt as if she was fluttering every time the foal kicked, and each time let out a giggle.

“Rainbow, AJ... you have mail.”  said Big Mac as he brought it upstairs to them.

“Thanks Mac” Rainbow said, accepting the letter graciously from him.

“Who's it from hun?” Applejack asked.

“The princess.”  Rainbow whispered.

“What's she want, I wonder?”  Applejack asked, as Rainbow opened the letter.

Dear Rainbow and Applejack:

I am pleased to hear from Twilight Sparkle that you two are doing well.  It has come to my attention that you two are in the final 2 months of your pregnancy, and I would love to get together with you two soon.  So if you would like, might I propose a royal banquet after a day of leisure activities?  I look forward to your response.  Xx Celestia xX

“Wow... a royal banquet... us invited?” Rainbow said, staring down at the letter.

“What's with the whole..... first name thing?” Applejack said, placing her hoof in front of Celestia's name.

“No clue” Rainbow said, shrugging her shoulders.  “Maybe she forgot?  Or maybe she's just being friendly.  She DOES know my parents after all so... maybe she's just being friendly, or acting like family?”

“Hmm I wonder sometimes...” Applejack said, wandering off into her world of thought.

“You want something to drink?” Rainbow asked while placing her hooves on the ground and lifting herself out of bed.  Rainbow looked back at her wife, noticing that she was spacing out, she went to grab them something to drink.

Rainbow met Granny Smith in the kitchen.  She was layering on a crust for an apple pie for dessert tonight.  “Hey Granny” Rainbow said, attracting her attention.

“Oh hello there deary.  What might you and Applejack be up to today?” She asked, through those well worn eyes.

“Ahh not much Granny, you know how it goes.  We're just at the point where it's a pain to get around.  I didn't know carrying a foal was so tiring.” Rainbow said, as Granny Smith sat there nodding with her eyes shut.

“It's been.... 52 years since ah've carried a foal... last one bein Applejack's momma, Apple Blossom.” Granny said, walking over to the cupboard and grabbing a dusty old photo album.

“Right here” Granny said, opening the book up about half way.  “Here's little Apple Blossom right here.  Looks just like Applejack right?”  Rainbow nodded, looking at her late mother-in-law, and the striking resemblance to her wife.  “And this... is on her wedding day.” She said, turning the page there was a old black and white photo of Apple Blossom in her wedding dress, cuddling up against her soon to be husband.  “Mighty fine looking lad eh?”  Granny chuckled.

“Northern Spy... never was a better farmer round than him... he could grow just about everything... now here..” she continued, turning the page to the couple holding a newborn Applejack.  “Now here... is you wife... although only a few months old.  She already had the appetite of a full grown stallion.”  Granny turned the page once more.  “This is the day that they passed away... Apple Blossom.. and Northern Spy... were headin up to Manehatten to visit their cousin's... the Oranges...”

“How... did they...?”  Rainbow asked, being cut off by Granny, putting a handkerchief to her face.

“They.... mm..... Their train derailed... just outside of Fillydelphia... Bandits... robbed it... then they...” Granny couldn't finish, she immediately went into a storm of tears.

“I'm sorry I shouldn't....”

“No Rainbow... you have every right to know what happened to yer wife's parents... Not even Applejack knows this story... never wanted to hurt her....” Granny said.

“It's ok.” Rainbow replied, giving the old pony a hug.  “I need to get something for us to drink, then I need to write the princess a letter.”

Granny nodded, grabbing two cups from the cupboard and filling them with some sweet tea that she had made earlier.

“Thanks Granny” Rainbow said, taking the cups from her and placing them on a tray.

Rainbow handed a cup to Applejack who took it, quite delighted for some sweet tea.  “Ya know Rainbow” Applejack said after taking a sip of her tea.  “Granny Smith makes the BEST sweet tea in all of Equestria!”

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow replied.  She took her cup and took a sup and nodded in agreement.  “You're right.  This is AWESOME!”

She sat the cup down on her nightstand, and retrieved a piece of parchment, a quill and a bottle of ink from inside.

“Whatcha doin sugarcube?” asked Applejack.

“Writing a letter to the princess.” Rainbow replied, taking the quill in her mouth and writing.

Dear Princess Celestia:

Applejack and I would love to spend some time with you for the day.  A banquet sounds awesome, I've never been to one before, I don't think Applejack has either.  We will have to arrange a train to Canterlot, so we'll have to choose a date and a time.  But for starters, we haven't been doing much of anything lately, so we have a lot of free time, so whenever you would like to have us over is fine with us.    ~ Rainbow Dash ~

“There” Rainbow said, rolling the parchment up and tying it so it could be sent later.

The next few hours flew by.  Rainbow had gone back downstairs to grab the photo album, and had spent the time looking through it with Applejack.

“Awe look at the cute little filly.” Rainbow squeed, glancing at a photo of a baby Applejack jumping in a mini wash basin.

“Stop Rainbow, yer embarrassing me” Applejack retorted, causing Rainbow to laugh in delight.

“Well... that's kind of the point.” Rainbow replied.

“Rainbow! Applejack!” Called Big Mac from downstairs.  “Ya got company!”

Moments later Twilight appeared in their bedroom door.

“Hey guys.”  She said.

“Hey Twi” replied Rainbow.

Applejack sat up, and smiled warmly at her.  “Hey there sugarcube, long time no see.”

“Yeah...” Twilight started.  “It's been WAY too long.  Princess Celestia has had me helping Cadence out in the Crystal Empire, and we finally finished today.”

“Golly, what'd she have ya doin there?” Applejack asked.

“Well, since Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were called back to Canterlot on an urgent call.  Cadence needed a little help with cleaning up around the Castle.

“Umm, don't they have maid's for that hun?”  Applejack asked.

“Yeah they do, but... they were busy with other things.” Twilight responded.  “Celestia said you would have a letter to send to her?”

“Here it is.” Rainbow said, grabbing the letter from the nightstand and handing it to Twilight.  “But... how are you gonna send it without Spike.... where IS Spike anyway?”

“He's home... sleeping.”  Twilight said.  “I can send the letter to the Princess myself though.”

“Really?” Applejack asked.  “When did you learn that magic?”

“The Princess taught me a few days ago.  I'm surprised she didn't teach it to me sooner... it's SO easy.”

“Well let's see it then!” Rainbow cheered.

“OK” Twilight said.  Walking to the center of the room, she closed her eyes.  A purple glow emanated from her horn and surrounded the letter.  As the letter floated up, it began a slight spin before poofing into thin air.”

“Wow ya really did it Twilight!” Cheered Applejack.

“That was AWESOME!”  Rainbow cheered.  “I wish I could do magic.  That would be SO cool!”

Seconds later a letter formed from thin air and landed in front of Rainbow.

“That was fast!” Twilight stated.

Rainbow unrolled the letter and read it.

Dear Rainbow and Applejack:

I look forward to our upcoming get together, I will send a Pegasus drawn carriage to transport you to the Crystal Empire where we will hold the banquet.  It will arrive at dawn tomorrow, I hope it isn't too soon.  I would transport you myself via magic, however I am currently tied up with my duties in Canterlot.  Until then, I look forward to tomorrow.  Xx Celestia xX

“Umm...”

“What's wrong Twilight?” Rainbow asked.

“Why is the princess so....... average when writing to you?” Twilight asked.

“What do ya mean sugarcube?”  Applejack asked.

“I mean... She talks to you two as if you are her equal.  Any pony else... she would sign that letter as Princess Celestia.” Twilight added.

“Ah was wondering the same thing hun.” Applejack replied.  “Ah reckon it's cause the princess is friends with Rainbow's parents.”

“Makes sense I guess....”  Twilight said.  “Look, I hate to run after just getting here, but I really have to get back to my studies.  It was nice seeing you two.”  She said, giving each of them a hug.

“Twilight.” Rainbow said, as she turned around.  “Tell the others we said hi, and we'll catch up with them as soon as we get back.”

Twilight nodded.  “Sure thing Rainbow.  We'll all go out for dinner like old times.”

“Sounds great!” Rainbow said.

As Twilight left, Rainbow watched from the window as she flew towards Ponyville.

“Hey she's getting pretty good with those wings.” Rainbow stated.

“Yeah, hard to believe a year ago she didn't even have them.” Applejack added.

Rainbow nodded, walking back to the bed and curling up next to her wife.  “Oh!”

“What is it sugarcube?” Applejack asked.

“It just kicked!”  Rainbow said, placing her hoof on her stomach to try and feel again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Pegasi carriage arrived early the next morning.  When Applejack woke up, she noticed it hovering just outside her bedroom window.

“Rainbow.. shhhhh” Applejack whispered, while nuzzling her wife.”  Rainbow stirred a bit, then slowly opened her eyes, blinking them.

“Morning AJ.” Rainbow said, through yawns.

“Come on, we gotta git ready.” Applejack said, placing a small kiss on Rainbow's muzzle.  “The carriage is waiting.”

Rainbow looked out the window and nodded.  Her eyes seemed to linger on the sky for a few moments, an ominous feeling overcoming her as she watched a steady stream of dark clouds float by.  Walking back to the bed, she dug out an old weather planner from last year, checking today's date.  She was surprised to find that there was no clouds scheduled for today, and that there should have been clear skies.

“Maybe we should reschedule AJ?” Rainbow said, looking once again at the sky.  “It is looking pretty bad out there.”

Applejack walked to the window to take a look, agreeing with what Rainbow suggested.  “Yeah maybe we should.”

“Hey guys,” Rainbow said.  “The sky doesn't look too good, maybe another day.”

The Pegasi guards looked at each other before one of them spoke.  “Oh well it's quite OK miss Dash, there is a storm coming, it won't start for another hour.  The princess ordered it so that we can get you out of Ponyville without the fear of anyone following behind that shouldn't be.”

Applejack turned to face Rainbow and placed a hoof on her shoulder.  “Works for me” she said.  Rainbow nodded in return.

On their way out the door, Applejack and Rainbow grabbed a couple of apples for breakfast to eat on the flight.  As they made their way outside, one of the guards unhooked his harness and opened the carriage door to allow the two to make their way inside.

The ride to the Crystal Empire was nice, although a bit bumpy until they were outside of the Ponyville limits.  Although the ride was a bit long at 2 hours, Rainbow and Applejack had no problem keeping each other entertained as they shared some jokes and a few stories.

As the carriage neared the Crystal Mountains, Applejack retrieved a pair of scarves and boots from her bag.  She gave a pair to Rainbow as she put her own on to prepare for the endless snow the mountains were famous for.

As the carriage descended into the mountains, a frigid coldness overcame Applejack who curled up in a ball on the floor.  Seeing her wife shivering, Rainbow cuddled up next to her attempting to help warm her up.

“Celestia only knows why she had us go by carriage and not train” Rainbow shouted.

“At least... if we.... were on a.... t..t...train.... we...w.w.w... would be w.w..warm” Applejack stuttered, through chattering teeth.

“Sorry misses, only a few more minutes and then we can pull up.  The upper clouds are too strong for us to get above at the moment.” The lead Pegasi shouted.

And indeed, after a few minutes, they flew above the clouds and immediately relished in the warmth of the sun.  Not wanting to break the closeness, Rainbow continued to hold her wife, placing small kisses down her neck.

“You know... I was scared Rainbow” Applejack said.

“Oh?  About what?” Rainbow replied.

Tearing up, Applejack replied, “I was scared... when you found out I was raped... that maybe you wouldn't want me anymore”

Rainbow increased the strength of her hold on her wife.  Between rubbing her back passionately, and placing kisses on her cheek, she replied, “Now why would you think that?”

“Because...” Applejack answered, “Ah thought... if you weren't my first... you wouldn't want me”

“Applejack” Rainbow whispered, laying her head down softly on her wife's neck.  “I love you very much, I love your foal very much.  I don't care if he or she isn't mine... because... the foal is part of you, and I will unconditionally love your foal as if it were my own.”

Applejack closed her eyes, enjoying the closeness of her wife.  It was rare that they had a chance to cuddle outside of their bedroom anymore, let alone above the clouds in a Pegasi drawn carriage.  There was something, romantic about this to Applejack, and she thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

“Hey Rainbow?” Applejack asked suddenly.

A few seconds passed where Rainbow ignored her question, and continued nuzzling her.  Finally curiosity overcame the Pegasus, forcing her to reply.  “Yeah?”

Applejack had seen the game Rainbow just played.  Following suit, she took her time nuzzling her wife, leaving Rainbow in a stage of wonder as she purposely avoided her next question.

“Oh come on AJ!” Rainbow giggled, as Applejack placed a few kisses on her neck.

Smiling, Applejack withdrew from her wife, and stared deeply into her eyes.  “Well... what are your plans Rainbow?  For... the future?”

Rainbow stood in shock, not once had she thought about this since their marriage.  Their days were spent bucking apple trees, and more recently caring to each other during the final stages of their pregnancies.

“Well...” Rainbow replied.  “To be honest... I never have thought about that.  I'm quite happy working on your family's farm though.”

“You sure about that sugarcube?” Applejack replied.

Rainbow inched closer to her wife, until their muzzles were only inches away.  “If it means waking up to this every morning.” She said, while eying Applejack's lips, “Then I could care less about where we're at.... I have you... and that's all that matters for my... our future.” Rainbow replied.

Satisfied with this answer, Applejack pushed forward to fulfill Rainbow's previous advances.  As they kissed, their bodies slowly sank to the floor, and upon reaching it, Rainbow extended her wings and placed them around the two of them, making a sort of crude privacy shield.

“That feels weird.” Rainbow laughed.

“What does?” Applejack asked.

“My wings.” Rainbow replied, shaking one of them.  “That's the first time I've actually DONE anything with them now in about a year.  Applejack laughed at her wife, pulling herself back into that kiss.

Moments passed and the carriage flew through a permeable pink bubble.  Instantly the Crystal Empire came into view, and any weather ailments seemed to just magically vanish.  Noting this, the two ponies stood up, and watched in awe as they flew over this magical kingdom.

“Golly, the Crystal Palace sure is pretty up high like this” Applejack exclaimed.

“Yeah” Rainbow replied, standing just so that Applejack was in front of the Palace.  “It's even prettier when a certain pony is in the picture.”

“Well gee Rainbow” Applejack replied, covering her face with her hat in an attempt to hide a blush.  “You sure know how ta make a girl smile.”

“Touchdown in 5 minutes.” Yelled one of the Pegasi.

“Cool!” Rainbow cheered, walking over to her wife and nuzzling her gently.

Holding back a giggle, Applejack replied, “What's that for?”

“Just being awesome.” Rainbow replied.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A few minutes had passed and the carriage had landed safely in front of the Crystal Empire palace.  As Rainbow stepped out, she was met with a smile from her... 'welcoming committee' consisting of; Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Shining Armor.  Celestia stepped forward and gently nuzzled her while placing a wing around her.  Luna, placed a hoof to her mouth to hush a giggle, while Cadence and Shining Armor stood in shock at what they were witnessing.

“How have you been?” She asked.

“Ohmygosh ohmygosh, Celestia is NUZZLING me.. the PRINCESS of freaking all of EQUESTRIA is... NUZZLING ME!” Rainbow thought to herself frantically.  “Umm... Ummm...” She stuttered.  “OK Rainbow, keep cool you got this.” She thought to herself.

Calming herself back down, she tried speaking once more.  “Oh you know” she said, while pointing at her bulging tummy.  The princess smiled, and gently rubbed the spot, causing a quick kick from the foal inside.  She giggled and continued to rub away as the foal squirmed around.

“And how about you Applejack?  Have you been doing ok?” Celestia asked, though not as intimately as she had with Rainbow.

“Ah reckon everything is just dandy.” She said with a smile.  “If ah didn't know any better princess, ah'd say you were her momma or somethin.”

Celestia blushed at the comment.  “I wish for a daughter like her yet, only in my dreams could I ever have such a daughter” she replied, letting off a shy giggle, while Luna busted out in hysterics.

Breaking free, Celestia found herself back in company with her sister.

“Princess?” Rainbow said.

“Yes dear?” Celestia replied.

Rainbow was a bit nervous at what she was about to ask.  Crossing her legs, she looked a bit more on the level of Fluttershy than the pony who won the best fliers competition.

“Um, I'm not trying to be rude or anything princess,” Rainbow asked, thinking of the best way to word this.  “But um... why did you invite us?”

“Rainbow, you may call me Celestia... there are no need for formalities between us I believe.”  Celestia said, shocking everypony in her presence.

“Sounds good to me, sounds.... normal.”  Rainbow said, half smiling.

Smiling, Celestia allowed Cadence to lead the way into the palace.  Applejack watched as they walked by familiar corridors, before turning to go down one unknown to her.  Following a couple of turns, they all came to a set of stairs.  Upon reaching the top, everypony stood in awe at the surroundings of the main tower they were now in.

Many rooms were laid out in a circular fashion, offering every form of accommodation possible.

“As you can see, we have everything a mare may need in her busy lifestyle” Cadence announced, pointing a hoof at the closest shop.  “Here we have our personal spa... followed by our salon” Cadence continued, moving her hoof to point at each door.  “And here, we have our boutique, Hoity Toity brands.  If you follow that corridor, it will take you to the roof top observatory, and finally this last door here... our jewelry shop, fresh packed with only Canterlot's finest jewelry.” Cadence said, with a sparkle in her eye.

Shining Armor slowly made his retreat.  “Well girls, you have fun... wouldn't want a boring old stallion here to ruin your girls day out” Shining said before running away at full gallop.

Cadence shook her head.  “Silly boy” she said, letting out a laugh as he ran away.  “How about we hit up the spa?”

Everypony seemed to have no objections, so away they walked.

“Rainbow?” Celestia said.

“Yes princ...... err... Celestia?” Rainbow replied.

“Please allow me to treat you as a princess today?” Celestia said, trying her best not to blush yet couldn't hide the pink tint which radiated from her white cheeks.

“Me?  Princess?” Rainbow stuttered.  “Why?”

“Well...” Celestia began.  “Being good... friends with your father... I should have been around when you were younger.  Allow me to opportunity to make up for the lost time.”

Rainbow stood awestruck.  “You... were really good friends with my dad huh?” she asked.

Celestia nodded.  “Lightning... er... your father... he was my best friend.”

Rainbow stopped walking.  “My father.... best friends with the Princess of Equestria? And he never tells me this?” She thought to herself.  “What else is he hiding?  This... where my mom lives... what else is he hiding from m....”

“Rainbow?  Rainbow?” Celestia said, gently nudging the young Pegasus back into reality.

“Sorry.” Rainbow said.

“So Applejack... how is the farm doing?” Celestia asked, attempting to make small talk with the farm pony.

“Well... ah reckon it's all hunky dory.” Applejack began, “Mac is having a bit of trouble this year doin all the work himself... Applebloom tries her best ta help out... though she's jest getting in the way... we can't tell her that though... ya know?”

Nodding, Celestia spoke once more.  “If it's not too much trouble Applejack, I would really love some of your Granny's apple pie.  I'm afraid the menu at the castle is quite... lacking.”

“Well sure, ah'm sure 'Ol Granny Smith would be delighted to whip you up a couple of apple pies.”

As they entered the spa, the 4 of them were instantly swarmed by 8 ponies, who showed them to a hot tub, where after entering it, each pony was given a mud mask treatment while they soaked, except applejack who politely refused the mud.

“Rainbow?” Applejack cooed.

“Yeah?” Rainbow replied.

“Ah bet Rarity would kill a pony just for an opportunity to come here.” Applejack said, followed by a round of laughter from everypony.

One by one, they were escorted from the hot tub to a massage table.  Rainbow shut her eyes and fell into a blissful ecstasy as the pony kneaded away all the stress she had built up in her legs and back.  Letting out an innocent moan every now and then as she graced the base of her wings.

“Now Rainbow... a certain student of mine mentioned that you don't like hooficures?”  Celestia asked, as she suppressed her giggles.

“No it's not that, I've never gotten a hooficure before.  I just... don't like other ponies touching my hoofs.” Rainbow said shyly.

“Well” Celestia said, as she thought for a moment.  “I have a solution.”

And a solution she did have.  As they were shown to their chairs for their hooficures, Celestia asked for a Unicorn spa pony to attend to Rainbow.

“Why a Unicorn Celestia?” Rainbow asked quizzically, not understanding why she would specifically ask for a Unicorn, when anypony could do the job just as well.

“You'll see in a moment Rainbow Dash, I'm sure you will be most pleased.” Celestia chuckled.

As the pony drew ever closer to Rainbow, she instinctively drew her hooves back, that is... until a yellow magic surrounded the hoof file, and floated with magic.

“Will this suffice Rainbow?  See... she won't physically touch your hooves.” Celestia giggled.

“Yeah this... OHHHH!” Rainbow moaned out.

“Enjoying yourself sugarcube?” Applejack asked, smiling as she watched her wife slip into a euphoric state.

“Oh... yes!” Rainbow moaned.  “Now I see why Rarity was so dead set on getting me to try this.... it feels amazing!”

One hour and a long massage later, Rainbow put her freshly tended to hoofs on the ground, enjoying the feather soft feeling as she stepped lightly across the marble floor.

“My my sister, HOW elegant the rainbowed one looks” Luna giggled, watching Rainbow trot out of the corner of her eye.  Celestia smiled warmly and giggled along with her younger sister as they watched Rainbow trot out of the spa.

“Now...” Celestia said, looking at Applejack.  “What's a princess... without her royal gown?”

Applejack snickered, as did Luna and Cadence, before Rainbow spoke up.  “Royal gown?  Thanks but no thanks.”

“Oh come now Princess Rainbow, thou must get thyself ready for the ball tonight” Luna giggled.

Reluctantly, Rainbow followed them into the designer shop, where after another hour Rainbow emerged with Luna hovering 4 large bags above her head.

“Ya know sugarcube... for some pony who didn't want a gown, you sure did go all out”  Applejack teased, watching as her wife's cheeks flushed a rosy pink.  She tried to hide her blush as best as she could, shoving as much food into her mouth as she could.  Cadence couldn't help but giggle at the sight.

“Oh Rainbow Dash, you look just like a chipmunk!” Cadence joked, giggling at the puffy cheeked Pegasus.

“Oh what is this? Pick on Rainbow Dash day?” Rainbow retorted.

Everypony giggled, and although she tried her best to hold it back, Rainbow couldn't stay upset at them as her lips curled into a smile, letting out a faint laugh, which soon took hold of the whole room.  The entire Restaurant stared at the unruly sight emanating from the table that was occupied by 3 official princesses mind you.

“So..” Rainbow began, “you said something about a ball tonight?”

Celestia nodded.  “Tonight marks Equestria's 1500th year under the rule of Luna and myself, and well... I'd be honored if you would be my guest of honor, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow was awestruck as the Princess of Equestria, bowed to her in that very Restaurant in the presence of many of her subjects.  Rainbow nodded, taking Applejack's hoof in her own and replying, “deal, as long as she's my date.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That evening, Princess Cadence ordered a few of the royal attendants to assist Rainbow with getting ready for the ball.  Rainbow however, was less than thrilled at this idea, even more so as the two ponies poked and prodded her as they attempted to tie her gown sashes while doing her hair at the same time.

Celestia had teleported Rarity in so she could assist with the preparations for Applejack.  The earth pony was a great deal easier to dress.  Rarity decided upon sticking with simplicity for the work pony, dressing her in the same dress she had worn to Princess Cadence's wedding, along with a similar hairpiece.

“So are you excited?” Rarity asked.  “I would be ever so honored if I had been asked to attend a royal ball.  Like... us normal ponies rarely EVER get even a GLIMPSE of one.”

“Uh...huh” Applejack groaned, not impressed with Rarity's rambling.  “To be honest, Rainbow seemed to be lookin forward to this a lot more than ah am.”

“Really?!?” Rarity imposed, pushing her muzzle ever so close to Applejack's face, her eyes glistening with envy.  “You must tell me all about it!”

“O.........ok.” Applejack replied.

“Well.... Rainbow actually got a hooficure for once.” Applejack began.

Rarity's eyes snapped open as she questioned “What?!?  Really?!?”

Applejack nodded.  “Then after that, the Princess took her to some fancy pansy Hoity Toity shop and bought Rainbow a full outfit for tonight.”

Rarity slumped to the floor as she heard that, screaming “WHAT?!?  Of ALL the ponies to be treated to a free outfit from the princess, it goes to Rainbow who doesn't even appreciate fine design.”

“Rare...” Applejack said, putting a hoof on the white Unicorns shoulder.  “Apparently from what ah heard, the princess goes way back with Rainbow's dad.”

Rarity pulled herself back up.  “Really?  I never would have guessed.  I wonder how Rainbow is coming along with getting ready?”

The attendants took a step back so Rainbow could look at herself in the mirror.  She barely recognized the mare who stood before her.

“Such elegance” one attendant said.

“Such beauty, surely the Princess was right” said the second attendant, turning to the first and nodding.

Rainbow looked at the mare in the mirror.  The mare stared back, wearing a beautiful golden silk gown embellished with a white sash and black onyx gemstones running down the midriff.  She wore matching gold hoof shoes, and a gold choker which had an onyx infused into the center section, and was outlined with a cloud engraving.

“I... I could get used to this...” Rainbow whispered

knock knock

Rainbow turned to face the door as it opened softly, and behind it, peeking her head inside was Celestia.  “Rainbow are you read..... oh... my” she trailed off, as she witnessed the mare who now stood before her.  Celestia looked at Rainbow, she was no longer that filly she met in Ponyville all those years ago, no... she had grown and matured into a fine mare.

“Hiya” Rainbow said enthusiastically.

“Come with me Rainbow, I have one last thing for you.”  Celestia said, as Rainbow followed, intrigued as to what else Celestia could possibly bestow upon her.

They reached the room Celestia and Luna were staying in, and she promptly invited Rainbow inside.  Celestia walked to the bed where there lay a small worn orange box, small sun and moon designs were engraved into the edges.  With a glow of her horn, Celestia unlocked the box magically.

Opening the box, she removed the contents and hid them inside her wings as she walked towards Rainbow.  “This is for you... after all... what would a Princess be without...”

“Her crown.”

Rainbow's eyes widened and her head snapped back in surprise, as Celestia unveiled a beautiful silver crown, evenly placed around the front were 4 small diamonds, with one large on in the center.  Rainbow instinctively bowed on one knee, as Celestia slipped it onto her head.

“Celestia... I...” Rainbow whispered.

“Hush now... this crown....” Celestia began.  “Was given to me by my father 1500 years ago today, when he and my mother relinquished their thrones to Luna and myself.  And now... I am giving it to you.”

“I can't... no...” Rainbow said, shaking her head.  “There's no way I can accept this from you.  Why would you give this to me in the first place?”

Celestia continued setting the crown onto Rainbow's head.  “You'll find out some day Rainbow, but for now... just accept this as a gift, from me... to you.”

Celestia summoned a mirror, letting it float in front of Rainbow, she stared and blushed at her reflection.  “I look... just like a princess...” Rainbow whispered.

The next half hour was work for Rainbow.  In this time Celestia did her best to teach the young mare the ropes of walking formally.  Rainbow however... tripped over her hoof shoes half the time, but after 20 minutes she had the hang of it, and after another 20 minutes, she could fool an entire royal court into believing she was a princess, of course a princess lacking a horn.

“Princess... it's time.” spoke the attendant.

Celestia nodded at the attendant, dismissing her for the evening.  “Well Rainbow... are you ready?”

For the first time in awhile... Rainbow was nervous, but albeit that she nodded, agreeing that she was ready.  Celestia took the lead, with Rainbow close in tow behind her.

“Oh my Applejack it's time!” Rarity said frantically.  “Quick quick, here!” she shouted, putting the hoof shoes on Applejack before rushing her out the door.

They trotted along until they reached a marble staircase, with Celestia standing at the top of it.

“Ready Applejack?” Rarity asked.

Applejack licked her lip with envy, awaiting her princess to appear.

“Oh my!” Rarity cooed, “she's GORGEOUS!”

Applejack watched in awe.  Celestia stepped to the side to reveal a Pegasus, quite fitting to be a princess.  She blushed and smiled as Rainbow blushed back.  Rainbow took one step onto the stairs, and descended slowly, placing one hoof in front of the other, walking slowly, and gracefully.

“Oh... dear... Celestia....” Rarity stuttered.  “Is that REALLY Rainbow Dash?”  she asked, before falling to the floor.

As Rainbow reached the floor, she held out her front leg.  Applejack took it, and was immediately pulled into a loving embrace.  Upon breaking free, they walked side by side into the ballroom.

From the moment Rainbow walked through the archway into the ballroom... every-pony’s eye's were on her.  She was greeted by many ponies, some reminding her of their proposal in Canterlot, others... meeting her for the first time.

“So umm.... you wanna dance?” Rainbow asked shyly, blushing at Applejack.

“Course ah do” Applejack smiled back, and followed Rainbow onto the dance floor.

As their bodies swayed side to side, they attracted even more attention.  Of course, a few stallion's tried their best to cut in, but as they did, Rainbow altered her foot work to draw her and her wife away from them.  “Sorry boys, we're married.” She called out.

The stallions walked away, their heads hung low at their pitiful attempts, they quickly spotted another mare and immediately approached her.

“Boys!” huffed Rainbow.

“Such... revolting creatures.” Applejack replied.

Rainbow stopped dancing, staring at her wife.

“Do ah got somethin on mah face R.D?” Applejack asked.

“Umm.... revolting?  When did you learn that word?” Rainbow asked, laughing away.

Applejack smiled, and began dancing once more.  “Well, when we're taking a break on the farm, you usually go nap.  Me on the otherhoof, ah got a book bout grammar from Twilight, been studying it ya know?”

“Egghead” Rainbow snickered.  Being met with a giggle from Applejack.

“Rainbow look!”  Applejack said, pointing her hoof at the glass ceiling as a magnificent fireworks display raged.

“Got a wish?” She asked her wife.

“Why would I need a wish?” Rainbow replied.  “I already have you.”  She cooed, pulling her wife into a passionate kiss.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Many ponies kept showing up throughout the night.  Rainbow noted that she must have been there around at least 3 hours by now, and still the princess has yet to make her appearance.

“Seriously.. where IS Celestia?” Rainbow asked.

“Maybe she had ta get ready?  She didn't look any different than she normally does.” Applejack replied.  Thinking back, Rainbow nodded her head, until she saw the white Alicorn walk through the main archway into the ballroom.

Celestia made her way through the crowd, smiling and greeting each pony she passed with a wave.  Some gave her roses, which she took graciously.  Luna followed closely behind, blushing as she made her grand appearance, and was shocked to receive the same treatment as her sister had.  As they reached the podium at the far end of the ballroom, Celestia lit her horn signaling for silence.

“Fillies and Gentle Colts”  Celestia began.

“I want to thank, each and every one of you for coming out to this event.  As many of you know, tonight marks the 1500th anniversary of Luna and My leadership of this grand kingdom.  As you all know, 1500 years ago, my mother and father, handed... their thrones to Luna and Myself, after they led this kingdom for more than 2500 years before finally growing too old to continue.  These many years, though long, have flown by.  1250 years ago was the arrival of Discord, and 250 years following that was the birth of Nightmare Moon.  I have met many challenges while ruling this kingdom, but I couldn't do such things without wonderful ponies such as yourselves.

I want to introduce tonight, a special guest of mine.  A young mare who... not only helped transform Nightmare Moon, bringing back my sister Luna... she also played a part in the rehabilitation of Discord, who know uses his magic for the benefit of the kingdom.  Though not alone, she has many friends who all played a part in these events.  So tonight without further ado, please assist me in welcoming... Princess Rainbow Dash, and her lovely wife Applejack.”

Hundreds of ponies stamped the ground in cheer, as a spot light shone on the two mares who were making their way up to the podium.  Upon reaching the podium, Celestia embraced Rainbow who asked.  “I didn't know you were making me a princess.”

“Rainbow...” Celestia whispered.  “You've always been a princess.”

“I have?” Rainbow asked confused.

Applejack looked at her just as confused.

The three of them looked up momentarily as the lights flickered gently.

“Yes Rainbow, you have you see.... RUN!!!!!!” Celestia shouted.

Instantly the south wall collapsed in a cloud of smoke, as a dozen black Pegasi swarmed in.  Celestia turned to face them, putting up a magic barrier.  “DO AS I SAY RAINBOW!  TAKE APPLEJACK AND GET OUT OF HERE!” She shouted.

Rainbow nodded, and together she and her wife ran at full gallop out of the ballroom.  Shining Armor was running full speed towards the ball room with his entire unicorn army close behind.  Stopping only for a moment.  “Rainbow, Applejack... go to our bedroom, behind the second bookshelf to the left is a secret passage.  Take that and get to our private escape carriage!”

“But!!” Rainbow interjected.

“No buts Rainbow!  Cadence has already left.. Celestia and Luna will be fine.” He shouted, as he took off into the ballroom, multicolored glows of magic shot back and forth.

“Rainbow!” Applejack shouted.

The two ran full speed, up the stairs, down the hallway and turning at the last door on the right.  Rainbow pulled on the bookcase, and just as Shining Armor said, was a passage leading outside.  The carriage was already ready to go.  As soon as the two got inside the Pegasi took off, not even wasting time to lock the door.

Immediately they were pursued by 3 Pegasi.  They were quick, but the Pegasus carriage was faster.  Rainbow assumed that since this was used for emergency getaways, it would be important to make sure they have the fastest fliers to operate it.

They were soaring through the sky at a high rate of speed.  Rainbow watched in horror as the pursuing Pegasi swooped trying their best to crash into the carriage.  Up ahead Rainbow saw Cloudsdale approaching fast, just as soon as it had come, Cloudsdale was behind them.  But still they were pursued.

Out of the darkness a 4th Pegasus joined in, this one crashing straight into the lead flier of the carriage, causing it to immediately go down into a death spiral.  Rainbow grabbed Applejack, and at the last second, jumped from the carriage and landed upon the edge of a large cliff.

Coughing, Rainbow pulled herself to her hoofs.  She bent down and lifted Applejack up, and pulled her into an embrace.  They watched the 3 Pegasi swarm down on the carriage at the bottom of the cliff, and upon seeing the damage they took off and flew back in the direction of the Crystal Empire.

Rainbow looked around, a vision overtaking her mind.

“I've.... I've... been here before.” She stuttered, holding Applejack tight.  “In... in my.... dream”

“Oh boo hoo Rainbow Dash” spoke a harsh voice.

Rainbow turned around to see the 4th Pegasus land down on the hard ground behind her, she couldn't make out the face as she was completely shrouded in a black cloak.

“And my oh my... Equestria's newest princess too.” She said, pulling off her cloak, revealing her face to be...

“Shooting Star!” shouted Applejack.  “Why?  Ah thought you were Rainbow's friend?!?”

“Why?” Star laughed.  “Why INDEED”

“What the hay Star?  Why would you go through all this just to get to me?” Rainbow shouted.

“Not just this Dashie... oh no... I thought that blow to your head would have killed you in Canterlot... but no it didn't.”

“That was you?!?” Rainbow shouted furiously, glaring into the eyes of the one she once called her friend.

“Yes it WAS me, and at the same time.. it WASN'T me!” Star announced.

“You see Dashie... she had a little helping hand.”

“Who's there?” Rainbow asked, looking into the direction of the voice, but nothing was there until... a Unicorn version of Shooting Star formed out of thin air.  “Who the hay are you?”

“Oh forgive me Dashie...” The orange Unicorn said, her horn lit up a bright purple covering the Unicorn in a dark cloud.

“You!” Applejack shouted as the cloud cleared.

“Yes Applejack it's me.  How are you?  You're belly is looking quite nice... is my foal growing properly?”

Furiously Rainbow charged her half brother.  “Buster Cloud I'm gonna KILL YOU!”

“Uh uh uh, I wouldn't do that if I were you Dashie.”

Rainbow froze, witnessing as Star teleported directly behind Applejack, grabbing her.

“You... How?!?”  Applejack asked, fear overcoming her eyes.

“How indeed.” Star said, pulling her mane back to uncover a 4 inch Unicorn horn.

“You're an ALICORN?!?” Rainbow shouted.

“I am now... thanks to this baby.” Star said, displaying the stolen Lexicon hanging from her neck, it emitted an eery pink glow.

“Is that?”  Rainbow whispered.

“Yes Dashie, this is the Lexicon that I stole from the basement of the Canterlot Castle that night.  Until now it was fully inoperable, but... now... it has granted me the powers of a Unicorn!” She shouted, laughing menacingly into the night.

“But why?” Rainbow cried.  “Why kill all those innocent people?”

“Why Dashie?  Have you not forgotten?  All those years ago at junior speedster flight camp?” Star shouted.  “You humiliated me!  You didn't even know me... but because you were so special because of your SONIC RAINBOOM you had to insult me, and break my heart.  Then... over time I fell in love with you... watching you from the distance at every weather meeting... your attitude never changed yet... I loved it... I make a move and get you lunch... and I even move to the town where you lived, just so I could be closer... and what do you do on the first day?  You announce that you are dating Applejack!”

“What... The... BUCK!”  Rainbow shouted.  “You did ALL THIS!  Because of something as STUPID as that!”

“And you!” she shouted, facing her half brother.  “You are my blood, how could you HELP her do such a thing?”

“You'll never need to know Dashie, but... it's because of your attitude.  Look here... little gay Dashie in the flesh.  Always standing out, showing off.  You never even knew I was your brother until recently.  Then you date this filthy earth pony... the same kind that raped my whore of a mother... OUR MOTHER and I was born!”

Rainbow slapped Buster.  “Don't you EVER insult my mother like that!”

“You don't even know the bitch!” Buster retorted.

“I don't have too.  I know she loves me, and I know.. SHE'S NOT! A! WHORE!”  She shouted, tackling Buster, unleashing a volley of blows to his face.

“Rainbow!” Applejack cried.

“AJ!” Rainbow yelled.  “Don't you dare hurt her Star!”

“Rainbow...” Applejack cried.  “I... I love you so mu”

Rainbow shouted as a green light emanated from Star's horn surrounding Applejack.

“Filthy bitch.” said Star, as she tossed Applejack off the side of the cliff.  Without a moments hesitation Rainbow charged full speed off of the cliff after her.  Putting her legs out in front of her, and swooping her wings back, she quickly caught up.  1 second later and Rainbow had her legs around her, and immediately pulled her close into her chest.

“AJ!” she shouted.  “AJ!” she wasn't breathing.  Rainbow opened her wings flapping furiously, but now she remembered... She had not used her wings in over a year now... they were weak and feeble... she flapped furiously before realizing that this entire time she wasn't flying... she was falling.

“No! No!” Rainbow shouted, tears steaming from her eyes.

“Daddy do you think Mommy will come with me to my first day of flight school?”

“Your right daddy, I don't know what that means, but I know I love you, and I love mommy too...”

“Daddy... Mommy...” she whispered.

“When ah lost my parents Rainbow... I was pretty hurt, but Big McIntosh told me something that really made a lot of sense to me.  He said... the past is just that... the past... you can't change what happened, but you will always have good memories to pull from it.  Instead of thinking about the things that made you sad, you should focus on the things that made you smile.”

“Smile...” Rainbow thought, she looked at the orange pony who lay slumped in her arms.

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

“I love you”

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes”

“Why?” Rainbow cried.

“I was scared... when you found out I was raped... that maybe you wouldn't want me anymore”

“I'll always be yours.”

“You've always been a princess.”

“Got a wish?”

“Why would I need a wish?  I already have you.”

Rainbow saw the ground draw ever closer.  She pulled her wife tight into her chest.  “I'll be with you soon... I love you.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She didn't feel a thing when her body made impact.

Rainbow opened her eyes, she was in a hospital bed, with many tubes and wires running into her body.  Beside her bed stood Celestia.  Behind her, was Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity... Cadence, Luna, Shining Armor... and... her dad.

“Where's.... AJ?” Rainbow said, tears running down her face.

“Sweetie...” Celestia said, tears running down her face.

Rainbow heard all of her friends sobbing.

“Applejack... died before you made impact on the ground...”  Celestia spoke softly.

Rainbow couldn't hold it in... she screamed out in agony.  “Why?!?  Why?!?”

“Rainbow please shh... listen.” Celestia said, wrapping her forelegs around Rainbow.  “They... saved her foal...”

“It's.... ok?” Rainbow whimpered.  “Can I... see it?”

“Her... Rainbow... her.”  Celestia nodded, a nurse walked in and handed Rainbow a little sleeping filly.

Rainbow held her, an orange Pegasus, with pink hair.  “What color are her eyes?” she asked.

“She has AJ's eyes.” Celestia replied.

“Pacific Rose” Rainbow said.

“Hmm?” Celestia questioned.

“Her name... Pacific Rose.” Rainbow said, cradling her daughter in her hoofs.

Celestia nodded.  “That's a wonderful name.”

A minute passed, as the nurse came in.  “Princess...”

“Right” Celestia replied.  “Rainbow....”

“Y... yeah....” She replied.

“There's something else you need to know....” She started.  “You can't feel anything from the anesthesia, but... if you don't have surgery... you're gonna die.”

Rainbow widened her eyes... she was gonna die... but... “Why tell me this?  Why didn't they just do the surgery?”

“Because...” Celestia started, tears streaming down her eyes once more.  “If they do the surgery, your foal will die.”

“What?” Rainbow said.  “Can they... save it?”

Celestia nodded.  “They can... but... you won't survive then.”

Rainbow closed her eyes, she hadn't expected to wake up here.  “Save... my foal...

Celestia nodded, you have about a half hour until they have to start.

Rainbow nodded.  “Guys... come here please.”

Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity all drew closer.  They all put their hoofs into Rainbows.

“You guys are... the best... I know... I've been a jerk and all but....”

“Rainbow no.” Twilight said.  “You've been a wonderful friend as well.

“That's right Dashie!”  Pinkie exclaimed, “We're... really gonna miss you.”

“Rainbow...” Fluttershy spoke weakly.  “You've been my best friend ever since junior speedster flight camp.  You've always been there for me, always.  And now... just like you... you're gonna sacrifice yourself for your foal.  You're... the best mother possible.”

“Rainbow, I'm gonna miss you.” Rarity spoke up.  “I just saw you yesterday, but...”  She lost herself, sobbing terribly.  “We all love you Rainbow... and we all love Applejack and.... we're gonna miss you both terribly.”

Rainbow embraced each of her friends.  “Daddy...” she whispered.

“Yes sweetie.” The Pegasus said.

Rainbow had never once seen him cry in her entire life.  But... this was completely unlike him.  He was sobbing like a little filly.  “Daddy I love you so much... thank you for raising me to be the mare I am.  Tell Mommy I love her too OK?”

“You can tell her yourself Rainbow...” Lightning said.

“What do you mean...” immediately Rainbow was embraced, she felt the most loving sensation she had ever experienced.  Lifting her head, she realized it was Princess Celestia that was embracing her.

“You're... my mom?” Rainbow said.

Celestia nodded.  “My little Dashie... I've been waiting forever for the day to tell you this.”

Rainbow shook her head.  “It doesn't matter.  I always had this feeling.”

Celestia pulled her daughter into her arms, lifting her from the bed, she cradled her, much to the nurses dissatisfaction.  “I love you so much Rainbow.  I always have, I just wish I had been stronger to be able to raise a Pegasus as my daughter.”

“Mommy... I don't care.”  Rainbow cried.  “Just hold me... hold me until....”

Celestia buried her face into her daughters hide.  Rainbow wrapped her legs around her mothers neck, holding her close.

“Spectrum Sky... That was the name I originally gave you... before I left...”  Celestia said.

“Then...” Rainbow began.  “Name my child after me Mommy.  And... promise me you'll take care of them... please... I don't want them to grow up without a mommy but...”

“Shh... I'll take care of them as if they were my own daughters... I promise Rainbow.” Celestia said.

“Princess?” said the nurse.

“Please, a few more minutes.” Celestia responded.

“Also mommy...”  Rainbow began, telling her how to deal with her funeral, the ashes, and her daughters.

Minutes passed and the time came for their final goodbyes.

“Rainbow... I'm gonna miss you my daughter.”  Celestia said, tears soaking her daughters fur.

“I... really am a Princess after all.” Rainbow said smiling.

“Yes sweetie... you really ARE a princess.” Celestia said.  Biting her lip, drawing her own blood to keep herself from breaking down.

Celestia nodded reluctantly at the surgeon, as he administered a stronger anesthesia.

“Good...bye... Mommy.... I... Love you...” Rainbow cried weakly.

“Good bye my daughter...” Celestia said, kissing her sweetly on the forehead.  “Take... care of your wife... and say hi to her for me.” Celestia cried.

Rainbow nodded, closing her eyes, falling into sleep eternal.