150 Proof

by TheTrooper121136

Rating: mature
Tags: Sex, Slice of Life, Sad, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Romance
Length: 22774

The magic of friendship goes farther than either Applejack or Rainbow Dash realize.

The magic of friendship goes farther than either Applejack or Rainbow Dash realize, but Applejack hasn't lost her inhibitions yet. This story of love and heart-break exemplifies loyalty and honesty and digs deep into the minds of two best friends who love each other, more than either of them expected.

Published 2012-02-13 21:24:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-03-14 05:36:13 UTC

Memories

Feeling the warmth creep down her throat a certain cyan Pegasus smacked a shot glass on the table with a somber look. She lowered her head and stared at the wooden bar, hearing the distinct sound of more whiskey being poured into the glass. She looked back up to the glass and without thinking, downed the shot in one gulp. She normally didn't turn to alcohol, but there was nothing else left. The bar was completely empty, save herself and the bartender. The whole place seemed to reflect her feelings...depression. The furniture seemed worn from years of age and the glass was faded from the burn of alcohol. She sat there, and suppressed her sadness with forced anger…

She’s just a stupid, close-minded earth pony. They’re all just stupid!

I can’t believe she would do this to me! I just can’t believe it…

Lost in her thoughts, she nearly didn't even notice the full shot glass in front of her…nearly. She grabs the shot and downs it once more, needing to feel the warmth of the liquor.

It’s not like I’ll feel it from anything else…

The bartender walks over and filled the glass once more. He seemed to reek with a certain wisdom and knowledge. His rough-spun tunic had stains from spilled drinks from nights before. But for some reason, his dirty clothes gave him an experienced look. As if he knew just what was wrong and how to fix it. He watched her down the shot instantly.

Should I say something?
I mean it’s been three drinks in just five minutes…

He decided to speak up, truly concerned for the pony in front of him.

“You should really slow down there, filly.”

She looked at him with a depressed look in her eyes, but immediately switched to anger.

“I’m not a filly ya idiot, I know what I’m doing!”

She immediately bit her tongue, and felt excruciating guilt toward the friendly colt. She knew he had meant well.

“I’m sorry miss, I meant no offense. I just don’t want you to drink your guts out and hurt yourself…”

“I know. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

She looked back at the bar thinking, “Well you certainly did that didn’t you…” She stared at the grains in the wood that seemed to reflect her feelings once more. The swirling grains mimicked the swirling emotions she felt.

“That’s quite alright, It seems to me like you’ve had a rough night.”

She looked up and smirked, thinking, “You can say that again…” She then shifted her gaze to the now full shot in front of her. She downed it without hesitation.

“So what’s a pretty mare like yourself doing down here at night?”

The friendly sage walked from behind the bar and, seeing as there was no other business, the colt drew up a seat, refilled her glass, and poured himself a shot as well. The Pegasus drank it and sighed, trying to bring back the memories she had wanted so desperately to forget…

***

The sun was beating hotly in Ponyville. The birds sang their sweet songs with a steady rhythm provided by the powerful noise of the waterfall and filled the fresh air with their gorgeous symphony. But with perfection comes disturbance…

A blue Pegasus blasts\ed through the meadow with a sense of pure thrill. She tore across the plains, causing lines of tall, green grass to fold, as if they gave the space to her. Her mind was full of pure excitement as the air traveled across her aerodynamic body, leaving complete destruction behind her. Rainbow Dash suddenly pulled up to a perfect ninety degree angle, and flapped her wings furiously to gain the speed she desired. The sudden force caused her to smile as the triumphantly took on the bombardment of G’s. High in the sky with her altitude climbing, she stopped her wings and slowed down to a near stop. Time slowed and Dash relished the few seconds of weightlessness, feeling complete bliss. She hadn’t a care in the world.

Her body slowly rolled over as she started her free fall. Dangerously, she closed her eyes, feeling the wind flare around her body and breathes. She divulged her mind to the pleasure of the crisp air. It’s not found anywhere else. She started hugging her body, pulling in her wings and tilted forward into a complete nose dive. She felt exhilarated. A wave of pure ecstasy in flight took her as she reached terminal velocity. She opened her eyes and noticed the ground was dangerously close…

She recomposed herself, waiting for the perfect moment. She focused on a single flower, holding an explosive purple color, to judge distance from the ground. As the seconds passed by, the ground came closer to meet her, threatening direct impact. She closed her eyes. Anyone watching would’ve stood like a deer in headlights and pure awe. Seconds before collision, instinct kicks in; she breathed and flared out her wings. They immediately caught the air and pulled her out of her nose dive instantly and only inches from the ground. Her head exploded in excitement and she couldn’t help but sigh. Both in relief and triumph. She completed the stunt with absolute precision. Her mind raced even as her body slowed down.

You did it!
Alright, get it together, we still have work to do.

She felt her mind groan at her and she slightly chuckled at herself.

Sweet Apple Acres slowly made its way into Dash’s field of view. The night before, she had promised Applejack to help haul some carts of apples over to Ponyville to sell. On a perfect day like this, Applejack was sure to get a lot of business. Dash kept moving, but suddenly looked down as a familiar voice called to her from below.

“Heya Rainbow!”

Dash swung around and dropped her altitude, landing perfectly next to her best friend.

“Hey Apples!” She noticed that her friend was holding two ropes in her mouth, hauling both carts. “You’re…starting without me…?” She frowned, feeling guilty and looked at the ground.

I’m not late am I? Ugh, she must be upset…

Applejack dropped the two ropes and said, “I was just hoping to get a head start ’afore ya got here, but it looks to me like I didn’ have to.”

“Sorry I didn’t get here sooner Applejack…” Her voice trailed off and she stared at the ground once more but she was not as sad as before. After all, you can‘t keep this pony down for long.

“Naw, no more uh that ’sorry’ stuff. It ain’t yer fault, I started early”

She bent down and picked up the rope with her mouth saying through the rope, “Now c’mere and take this.”

Rainbow, even with the new happiness she felt knowing it wasn’t her fault, hesitated for a moment. She stared at her friend wondering if she was serious.

It’s been in her mouth?
Aww who cares, Applejacks a simple pony. She doesn’t mean anything by it. Besides, nopony’s watching…

Dash went over and took the rope from her mouth. To her astonishment, even though she tried to prevent it, their lips touched as the rope was passed along. It was a simple brush and lasted shorter than any measurement of time but Dash feels color fill her face. She quickly pulled the rope away, hoping Applejack didn’t notice her face. But she did…

“…what?” Applejack asked.

“Oh…uhh nothing…”

“Rainbow don’ lie. How come you’re all red ‘n stuff?”

Dash knew that Applejack really didn’t mean anything by it. She felt stupid for not being able to say anything.

Come on Rainbow Dash, get it together. You can handle anything remember?

She looked up with an awkward look on her face. Try as she might, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

Applejack thought a moment to herself.

I don’ understand. Was it somethin’ I did?
All I did was give her a rope. I even gave it to her m’self so she didn’ have to get it from the…

Her eyes grew wide as she instantly understood what had happened. She cursed herself for not thinking about that when she gave her the rope and for not noticing it sooner.

Aww man. It must be all sorts a awkward with me thinkin’ an’ her just sittin’ here.

Real words were of no use to Applejack. The only thing she could say at this sudden realization was a drawn out, “Ohhhhhh…”

Applejack instantly turned beet red from embarrassment. She was only trying to be nice. She hoped Dash would understand.

“I’m sorry Rainbow…”

“Oh, it’s alright…I’m sure you didn’t mean anything by it. It was just an honest mistake.”

Rainbow thought about what she just said, double taking her words. With hesitance, she added, “…wasn’t it?” She wasn’t sure why she asked it. She knew her friend didn’t have feelings for her and she didn't really know why she would think to ask it. Both Applejack and Dash blushed a little more at the absurd question. Applejacks heart started racing for some reason she didn’t understand. Her words choked up but she forced out, “What?…No, uh course it was…”

What in the hay’s wrong with me, why can’t I answer her properly?

Rainbow Dash didn’t give her much time to think about it as she said, “Alright, well we better get moving. We’re burning daylight here and I got other stuff to do.”

Applejack silently agreed and they both started moving. The trail flew underneath them as they walked; they talked about their week and shared stories with one another. Neither of them; however, had anything particularly interesting to talk about. After a few moments, they were left with their thoughts. Dash thought of the sky and the feelings of freedom she was able to experience while Applejack thought of the farm full of apples and her loving family. But slowly, their thoughts drifted over to what had transpired earlier that morning.

Dash didn’t understand why it bothered her so much. She knew Applejack didn’t mean anything by it.

I don’t understand, what’s wrong with me? I mean this is so stupid!
I know she didn’t mean anything. She was just trying to be helpful…

But no matter how many times she rationalized it, she still felt off. She felt weird…empty…

This is so silly, what the hell’s wrong with me!? I’m acting like I gotta crush on her…

She paused and replayed the word…

Crush…

Her thoughts lingered on that one word for a moment.

What the hell? This is Applejack we’re talking about here, my best friend!
I don’t have a crush on her!

Even though it was hard for her to admit, she did find herself attracted to her friend. She immediately dismissed the thought, it had to be something else.

Oh please Rainbow Dash, if you liked her, you’d have no trouble saying it. You never have before.

She chewed on what she just said. Of course she liked Applejack, she was her best friend. She didn’t enjoy anypony’s company more than hers, but she didn’t like like her anymore…

It’s true that she really cared for her friend, Applejack. Dash and Applejack have a unique bond between them. One that became stronger from all the hardships they faced and made it out from. Dash would give her life for that pony without hesitation.

***

Dash had always been there helping Applejack and has always been her loyal friend. Even though she sometimes complained, ‘a lot’ Applejack couldn’t help but think with a roll of her eyes, she had always been there to help Applejack, who in return was always at her friends side ready to pick up Dash whenever she fell down, ‘a lot’ Applejack thought again with a smirk. Even through the worst, Applejack had been there to dust off her friend and say, ‘Just try again when ya can Rainbow. I know you can do it an’ so do you!’

***

Dash constantly held those words to her heart. She couldn’t help but think of the last time she had crashed and Applejack was there to pick her up. It wasn’t even a month ago when her and Applejack had decided to go for a walk through the park and her life was almost cut short.

***

The day wasn’t as fair as it was today, it was partly cloudy with a slight drizzle, but that didn’t stop these two best friends! They walked and talked, sharing their thoughts, letting the rain cool their hot faces. Even though they were soaked, they talked…and they were comfortable. But Rainbow Dash is Rainbow Dash and she started longing for the sky, to feel the wind fly through her feathers…

She looked longingly at the sky and got an idea. Even as Applejack talked to her, Dash placed on her goggles and flexed her wings, preparing for flight. But Applejack wasn’t that oblivious; as soon as she noticed the goggles, she turned to Dash, telling her, her worries.

“Rainbow, you know as well as ah do that flyin’ in this here rain is dangerous. What on earth has gotten into you, you silly filly.” Applejack chimed. She wasn’t the least bit mad at her friend for wanting to interrupt her story with a flight. She knew Dash couldn’t be held to the ground for too long and Applejack understood and respected that.

“Don’t worry Apples, that’s why I’m wearing these.” She says, pointing at her goggles. “They keep the rain from pelting my eyes, I use them all the time at work.”

“Oh, well I guess thas alright. Just be careful Dash, I don’ want you getting’ hurt today, alright.”

“I’ll be fine Applejack, don’t worry about it, just sit back and watch the show. I got this. I’m Rainbow Dash, remember, the best flyer in all of Equestria!?”

Yeah, an’ yer the biggest bragger too.

Applejack couldn’t contain a small giggle which luckily was unheard by her friend. Even if she did brag just a little, Rainbow Dash deserved it. She had accomplished much in her short life that many can only dream of doing. And even through all that, she was still able to always be there for her friends…the epitome of loyalty. Dash reared up and took off from the ground, leaving a harsh torrent of air which flew past Applejack, knocking off her Stetson.

Oh yer gunna pay fer that. No one messes with my hat!

Applejack tried to resist the urge, but chuckled at herself again.

Like I could possibly hurt Rainbow.

Her mind at ease, she turned her attention to Dash, who was doing a nose dive at full speed. Even though Dash had done this multiple times before, it still put Applejack on edge to watch her friend endanger herself like that.

Naw, what am I worried about. Dash is a professional.
She knows what she’s doin’.

A few feet before she would’ve hit the ground, she pulled her wings out and came out of her dive instantaneously. What Dash wasn’t expecting, was the sound of rubber snapping.

Suddenly, Dash’s goggles flew from her face and she was immediately bombarded with heavy raindrops. She instinctively closed her eyes, which turned to be her undoing.

Dash flew at an incredible speed completely blind. She was thrown violently to the left as she felt the unbelievable sting of a tree hitting her outstretched wing. With her left wing out of commission, she started to corkscrew to the left uncontrollably, taking her straight into the fields of the park. She opened her eyes just enough to see the ground spiraling towards her. She immediately clenched her eyelids together, bracing for impact.

Before Applejack could comprehend what just happened, Dash smacked into the ground leaving a small cloud of dust that was immediately settled back onto the ground by the onslaught of rain. Applejack froze in place, staring at the horror in front of her. This hadn’t been the first time Dash had crashed into the ground right in front of her, but this was different, Applejack couldn’t move.

Come on legs, don’t fail me now! Not while Dash is hurt!

She forced her legs to move, even though they felt like lead. She pushed on, acting purely on instinct to help her friend. She ran as fast as her legs could, then a little faster as she pushed the limits on her body. And even when the limits started to take their toll, she kept running, ignoring the fiery pain in her legs. She was closing in on her now, that cyan Pegasus was just in sight, she couldn’t give up now.

As she approached the site, she called out to Dash at the top of her lungs, hoping that perhaps the crash wasn’t as bad as it looked. But when there was no response, Applejack jumped down to help her friend.

“Come on Rainbow, speak to me!” She yelled as she checked her vitals.

Her heart fell from her chest and crashed into her feet, shattering in pieces…she had no heartbeat…no life-giving pulse…

Applejack stood there for a moment in complete agony.

Wh…what…no…It can’t be true…

Applejack felt a sudden anger swell from the pieces in her feet. She screamed at the top of her lungs, “God damn-it Rainbow, Get The HAY UP!!” She started pushing on her chest, trying to put a rhythm back into her friends heart. She bent down and gave Dash the life-giving air she so desperately needed. She kept going bitterly, suppressing her sadness with pure anger. She had no choice; if sadness had taken over, Applejack would’ve bent over her friend and started sobbing.

I don’ think so. Yer not gettin’ away that easy Rainbow!

She hit her chest hard; suddenly afraid she may have hit too hard. Tears started forming around her eyes

God no! What if I just…

She wouldn’t accept it, she tried again desperately to give her friend the air she needed. Applejack covered her mouth with her own and pushed all the air in her lungs into Rainbow’s.

No reaction…

Applejack sat there and started to cry, her sadness took over her anger and she fell, sobbing to Dash, even if she couldn’t hear her, “Oh Rainbow no! Come back. Ya can’t leave me like this all by my lonesome. Come back please.” She fitfully begged her friend to come back to her and after what seemed like eternity, she just fell over onto Dash and broke down. She was alone. No other ponies were there to help her or Dash. She was broken, snapped. A part of Applejack just died on the inside. She had just lost the one pony that meant the most to her.

What Applejack didn’t know was that as she said those words, a small flicker of life found it’s way into Rainbow Dash…

***

Consciousness started coming back to Dash. She didn’t know what had happened or where she was. All she could hear was a voice calling to her to come back. She immediately recognized the voice as her friend, her most trusted friend Applejack. Dash became desperate and ran towards her voice. She didn’t want to be here, she didn't know where here was. She was in a place of every color and everything. And yet nothing…she wanted to be with her friend. She smashed her eyes shut and imagined her dear friend, Applejack. She never wanted to leave her. Applejack had always been there for her and Dash wasn't going to give up now. She could hear her now more clearly than ever. She knew she was so close and jumped directly at the voice, taking a leap of faith, not knowing what was going to happen but knowing she always wanted to hear that sweet voice. She broke through and found herself underneath a sobbing Applejack. Tears welled up in her eyes, and not just because of her friend. All at once, she felt the pain of the crash…

The pain that followed was indescribable, insurmountable by any means. She did not cry because for some reason, she didn’t know how. Her wing was out of place and her fore leg was shattered. Something primal rose from within and she let out a loud guttural and ear-splitting scream…it was all she knew.

Applejack jumped at the awful sound; it was too much for her to hear, too much for her to handle. It shook every part of her; she had to hold her hooves to her ears to try and cushion the sound…It didn’t help…

She looked down at Dash and started uncontrollably sputtering and sobbing. Her head was spinning out of control. Her legs gave way. She fell to the ground, nauseated by the scream. Afraid that Dash released something so primal and angry, but mostly so hurt. She vomited…her grip on reality slowly faded from fear, nausea, and happiness. She could make a out a purple form in the distance, followed by a large white form. She couldn’t see what it was, her eyes wouldn’t focus. But Applejack knew one thing, whatever it was wasn’t going to hurt her Rainbow without a fight!

The shapes closed in on them and Applejack attacked! She jumped through the air and flayed about wildly at anything that moved. She didn’t know what was happening but she knew that Dash was alive, and she intended to keep it that way.

In an instant, Applejack was immobilized. This only made her even more enraged and she bucked around trying to break free, her nose flaring and her eyes looked wild. She would not stop for anything. She would fight for her friend until the bitter end. Applejack suddenly tensed as her vision came back to her. Standing in front of her was Twilight with a Hospital Chariot and a doctor. All time came to a stand still as she realized that someone had seen and called for help. Rainbow Dash was safe. With that thought in her head, Applejack passed out, content with Dash in Twilights care…

***

Dash walked looking puzzled and lost. She just didn’t understand what was wrong with her. No matter how she tried to deny it, she couldn’t help but feel a slight affection for her beloved friend.

But she’s my best friend, why am I suddenly having feelings for her again…?

She looked over at Applejack and saw her deep in thought.

I wonder what she’s thinking…

***

Applejack looked to her left and saw a puzzled look on her face.

This must be about this mornin’

Applejack lowered her head in sadness and pity for her friend. She knew she made her feel really uncomfortable and Applejack felt just awful about it. She didn’t mean to put her friend through that. But the more she thought about it, the smaller of a problem it seemed.

Weirder things have ‘appened before. Why is Rainbow really chewin’ this one? I don’ understand…She’s actin’ like she fancy’s me er sumthin…

Just as Dash froze on the idea, so did Applejack. She couldn’t help but think about it as they continued walking…

Naw…it can’t be that. Rainbow don’ like me like that. She promised. I mean, we’re really good friends an’ all, but she don’ like me like that. She can’t, it don’ make no sense. She don’ like like me…she’s…a mare…

Applejack cursed herself for thinking that way. She had friends who weren’t into stallions, like Bon-Bon, but she never held it against her. She was stuck on two fields. “She can‘t like me” she thought once more. “That’s weird.” But at the same time, a part of her couldn’t help but accept it. She didn’t know why the thought of Rainbow Dash liking her felt weird and yet at the same time felt fine. As far as Applejack was concerned, she concluded that the reason a part of her thought it was ok was because Dash was her best friend. Mimicking Dash’s reaction, she immediately dismissed the notions of affection.

Naw…it’s gotta be sumthin’ else chewin’ at her…

She took another look at her friend and is shocked at what she saw. A nearly panicked Rainbow Dash moved her eyes around like someone was watching her. Even in motion, she fidgeted and can’t seem to…walk still?

Ugh, this here filly needs to take a moment an’ relax, she looks like she’s gonna explode…

Applejack let out a very tired sigh and came to a halt. Dash seemed to not notice her friend and kept moving forward, unaware that her friend had stopped.

“Hey Dash, yall can stop now!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you stopped…”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it sugar-cube. I just thought we could take a lil’ break.”

Rainbow Dash turned her cart and came back to her loving friend with a look of forced understanding on her face. Applejack wasn’t sure if the look was just or not, but she didn’t give any thought to it. She was tired.

The minutes wore on as they refreshed themselves on a running stream nearby. The cooling water brought rest to their weary minds as they relished in the crisp taste of the flowing stream. With her thoughts at ease, Applejack looked to her friend, who had a serious, almost concerned look on her face.

***

Dash’s mind was racing, trying to understand all the things happening inside her head. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess.

I can’t like my best friend

Well you obviously do…

I can’t, why am I having these thoughts again? Why?

Perhaps because you never expected this…

Duh, I obviously didn’t expect it or I wouldn’t be freaking out.

Maybe it’s because you never expected it from her…

Dash thought about the conversation in her head. Applejack was a simple, farm pony who probably rarely thought about affection.

Oh please, she’s a normal pony! Of course she thinks about it…everypony does. She has to think about romance sometime.

But it made sense. The reason she never thought about her affection towards her Applejack was because she didn’t expect Applejack to be interested in any kind of romance. The more she thought about it, the more it ate at her. She has confessed her feelings to many ponies before Applejack, why was it so hard to realize her affection for her friend again. Her head sank in thought realizing what she had thought of.

Is it true? Do I love Applejack?

The more she thought about it, the more sense it made, and yet the less it made sense. She liked her friend, she was sure of that. Rainbow Dash is always sure. But that statement is what made her thoughts make less sense. If Rainbow Dash is always so sure about herself, why can’t she tell her friend how she feels.

Why can’t I tell her? I’ve never had this problem before…

Get it together Dash, you haven’t had this problem before and you aren’t going to let it bother you now. You’re Rainbow Dash! Apples is always telling you to be honest to yourself.

She made the resolution…she was going to tell her, her conflicting feelings. Applejack would understand…

She didn’t know how she was going to talk about it; she didn’t care. She just let whatever was going through her mind roll off her tongue.

“Hey Apples?”

“Yes Rainbow?”

Dash felt slightly uncomfortable asking Applejack her next question.

I hope I’m not out of line in asking this…

“Do you ever think about love?”

Applejack wasn’t sure how to immediately respond; she was stunned by the bluntness of the question.

Naw, you shouldn’t be surprised. It is Rainbow Dash after all…she don’t let nuthin back…

Of course she thought about it, everypony does. She admitted that perhaps she didn’t think about it as often as one should, but the simple farm life was all she knew. She didn’t have time for such trifles. Anytime she started thinking about it, she stored it away in the back of her mind, “There’ll always be a time for this stuff, but now ain’t it. I got more important things to deal with.” Her thoughts were interrupted with a call.

“…Applejack?” Rainbow Dash muttered. Applejack was taken aback. Dash didn’t sound like her usual self. She sounded timid and bashful, like Fluttershy.

“Huh?…Oh, sorry…I was just thinkin’ to m’self…”

“Well, do you?”

“Well a course I do…doesn’t everypony?” Applejack giggled slightly, then gave Dash an inquisitive look, “Why would you ask me something so silly?”

Rainbow Dash ignored her question, showing her assertive character, much to Applejacks relief, and asked her a different question, “How do you know you’re in love…?”

Applejack was stunned. She couldn’t comprehend why her friend would ask her such things. She didn’t know much about love.

Yall should be askin’ Rarity ‘bout that kinda stuff.

Applejack threw the notion away. It didn’t matter who she asked. It touched her heart to know that Dash trusted her with such a delicate matter. She wouldn’t let Dash down.

She sat there for a while, thinking about what it meant to be in love. The only real love she felt was her love for her family and the love for her friends. Love for someone else couldn’t be too different. She thought long and hard, thinking that being in love meant always wanting to be with a certain person. But something wasn’t right. The explanation didn’t make sense. She knew her thoughts were wrong and thought harder, skipping explanations that went along the lines of, “Ya just know…” or, “It’s something you feel on the inside…” The explanations were true but they didn’t seem to cut it. Something was missing. She thought long and hard about her family and friends and the things they did together; she thought about all the fun they had. Most ponies believe love is a sensation that magically, spontaneously generates with Mr. or Ms. Right . And just as easily, it can spontaneously degenerate when the magic "just isn't there" anymore. You fall in love, and you can fall out of it. But that’s not what real love is. Love is deeper than that and yet simpler than that.
.

It suddenly struck her. The reasoning seemed a little weird but at the same time, true…like it explained everything. She didn’t know if she was right, but she felt right…she let the explanation roll off her tongue as it formed in her mind.

“Ya know when yer in love when ya can’t picture yer life without ‘em. Ya know it’s true when you’d do anythin’ for ‘em. But the one that matters the most…ya know yer in love when every decision you make reflects upon the person; when you base yer thoughts an’ decisions around them…when ya think to yerself, ‘Hey, I’m goin’ to hang out with my friends!’ then think, ‘ I wonder if so-and-so would wanna go…’ That’s when you know yer in love. When ya passively think about ‘em, without realizing’ it. It‘s spontaneous yes, but passively spontaneous. Ya don’ even know that person makes such a difference in yer life till ya really think about it…love is peace of mind…”

Applejack smiled at her friend as she saw Dash’s face become brighter than the sun itself. She was very satisfied with her answer. But just as quickly as it appeared, her brightness vanished and Rainbow Dash was left with her thoughts once more…

***

Dash smiled as she heard the words.

Of course! It makes sooo much sense now! I knew it, I’m not in love with Apples…how could I be so silly! If that were true, I’d be thinking about her all the time even when I don’t realize it. I don’t base my decisions off her…

Dash’s heart skipped a few beats. A sudden thought smashed her understanding.

But I do think about her like that…

She smashed the thought to the back of her head, but it came coming back. No matter what she did, Dash could not get the thought out of her head. It was true!

Even if her mind didn’t want to believe it, her heart already did. Even today, when she wanted to go flying, she thought about her friend.

Well of course you did! She’s your best friend.
You were only trying to make sure she’d be ok with it…you didn’t want to be late…

It made sense if she put it in perspective to that situation. The problem was it didn’t explain all the other times she ever made a decision. Hell, she even passively thought about her friend when she ate food. Thinking to herself, “I bet Applejack would love this!” Dash felt a numbness enter her. She started going down the list of times she passively thought of her filly friend, but the number grew too high and she lost count…

A mass of conflicting emotions swept over her. She couldn’t possibly be in love with Applejack. She couldn’t! But her mind was already taken by the thoughts. She had to. She did love Applejack.

Even as she thought this, her legs grew stiff and her heart rate increased dramatically and she felt slight tears well up around the base of her eyes. A small drop of sweat creased from her face She started taking in short, desperate breaths. Color entered her face as she repeated the thought in her head.

I’m in love with Applejack

She felt butterflies in her stomach. She suddenly felt the urge to blurt it out at her friend, who was staring dumbfounded. Dash mustered up the necessary courage, her convictions realized. She was in love with her and she would make sure Applejack knew it…

***

The Unfaithful

What in the hay is she thinkin’?

Applejack tried to discern her friends thoughts but found nothing. Just a second ago, Dash was undeniably happy, now she’s just as bad as before if not worse! Applejack thought about everything she just told the cyan blue Pegasus.

Did I say sumthin’ wrong?

She thought intently about the words she had lazily rolled over onto her friend.

Naw, I said everythin’ right…

She looked at her puzzled friend hoping to find a resolution but instead found and immediate switch. Something clicked inside Dash that she couldn’t quite put her hoof on. She seemed serious and very sure of herself…much to the relief of her friend.

There she is…there’s the Rainbow I know.

Applejack finally smiled, happy that her friend had figured out her problem. She sighed and looked into her friends captivating, violet orbs. After some time had passed, Applejack thought it was safe to ask her friend about the nature of the conversation. She casually asked, “So…yall gunna tell me who yer thinkin’ about?”

“Yeah, but you gotta answer one more thing..” Dash replied, slightly leaning in closer to her friend.

Applejack didn’t notice her friends advances and answered simply, “Alright, shoot!” She slightly smiled feeling better that Dash felt better about her thoughts. She felt like she really helped her friend somehow. She knew that Dash already possessed the knowledge she had given her.

Ah guess all she needed was sum closure…

“How would you tell someone you love them?” she asked as innocently as possible. Dash was anything but innocent when she asked this question.

Applejack thought for a moment, trying to understand her friends sudden interest in the subject. Truthfully, the more she thought about it, the less she cared for the reason. She wanted only to help her Rainbow. “Ah guess you’d just be honest with ’em. Just come out an’ say it, ya know?” She felt her response was adequate. It fit Rainbow Dash’s personality of admirable gusto perfectly.

Dash crept nearer toward Applejack, finally catching her attention as she felt her hot breath on her nose.

“Wha…what are yall doin’ so close at me?” Applejack was truthfully at a loss. She didn’t understand what her friend meant when she replied, “Killin’ two birds with one stone…” Applejack felt color rush to her face as her friend neared her without hesitation.

“What? Rainbow what’re ya doin’? I asked ya a question. I didn’ ask ya to get all up in ma face like this. Just answer me.” Applejack, even through her convictions, couldn’t help but enjoy the breath as she felt its wet heat spread across her neck. Her heart allowed herself to close her eyes, focusing only on the heat…

Without hesitation, Rainbow said with confidence, “Ok then, I love you.”

Applejacks head exploded into thought. In a split second, Applejacks mind races with hundreds of thoughts pouring into her head, none of them making, sense. In fractions of a second, Applejacks legs and arms turn numb, leaving an awkward feeling throughout her body…she couldn’t think straight.

She composed all of her thoughts, all of her doubts and morals into a single question, “Wha-” was the only fragment of a word that was allowed to escape her lips as her mouth was suddenly invaded by a kiss, filled with passion and desire.

The whole world seemed to fade away as their lips met, destroying all feelings of doubt and all convictions that where in both of their minds. Nothing but ecstasy was left in the wake of such destructive desire. Rainbow Dash could not describe the feeling coursing through her entire body other than feeling…whole…

Applejack hesitated to the blissful intrusion, pushing at Dash’s shoulders trying to break it, but the more she fought, the more she slowly learned it was fruitless. She couldn’t hold back any longer. Her mind screamed about how wrong it was, but in her heart, it felt so…right. Her heart pulled at her mind, slowly twisting it around and she began to fight it less and less.

Oh what the hay…

She gave in and returned the kiss, letting the slight electricity flow between their lips. Applejack let out a slight sigh, as if she had just the weight of the world slip from her shoulders. The kiss between them was peaceful and calm, yet at the same time, it’s fiery passion made slight moans escape their mouths. The sounds reverberated throughout their whole bodies in a symphony of destruction and peace.

A flame twitched inside Applejack and a feeling of anger surged through her. She didn’t know where it came from, but when the truth finally dawned, it dawned in fire. She didn’t quite understand what her anger was derived from or the target. All that went through her head was Dash. She just assumed it was her…

She broke the kiss, leaving a small strand of saliva sink onto her chin. She was suddenly revolted, disgusted that her friend could do such a thing to her. She fought the strong urge to hit her adored Dash and instead sat there in disbelief and discontent.

What in the name of Celestia just ’appened?

Everything happened so fast; she didn’t know why she let herself succumb to such actions. She wasn’t even into mares! Pure anger and anguish were the only things left in Applejacks mind after the intrusion and unwanted bliss.

Dash, how could you? I thought I could trust you. I thought I was your friend…
I thought you were loyal…

Dash was supposed to be the epitome of Loyalty and now here she was invading Applejacks sense of security. No true friend would ever do such a thing. Her anger boiled into a rage. It prevented her from thinking straight, but she didn’t care. If Dash didn’t care about her personal space, then why should she. She let her have it. All of her thoughts came pouring at once, sending her beloved friend into the rapids leading to a waterfall of hate.

“Dash, how could you! What in the HAY has gotten inta you? I thought you were ma friend. I can’t believe you’d do this to me!”

The words hit Dash like a moving train.

Wha…What do you mean ‘thought’…

“Applejack, you are my friend! Please don’t say stuff like that to me.” Dash felt tears build in her eyes. Her breath left her…she felt like she’d just gotten punched in the stomach.

“No Dash, a REAL friend wouldn’t do me like that, you betrayed me! You took advantage o’me. I can’t believe you’d do that to me!” The thoughts in Applejacks head just kept coming, sending Dash into a tear-filled retreat.

“I was only doing what you told me to do! You said to come out and say it so I did. I thought you’d be happy for me.” Dash was slightly sobbing now, trying to say how she felt in between her fits of crying.

“I can’t believe you’d do this to me Dash. Yer horrible!” Applejack let her thoughts take hold of herself. She started screaming at her friend. “You’re supposed to be loyal to yer friends, not stab ‘em in the back like this. Yer just plain awful…you…You…YOU FILLY FOOLER!” Applejacks breathing had changed to big anger-filled breaths. “Get outta here now! I just can’t stand to even look at ya!”

Dash wouldn’t budge. She couldn’t move. Her mind just could not comprehend Applejacks fury. She just stood there with a dumb look on her face, unflinching.

“I done told ya at get outta here ya disloyal pony! Yer no friend a mine anymore Dash…get outta my sight…”

She finally went over the waterfall, plummeting into the hate filled water below. Rainbow Dash, feeling broken and crying, turned and flew away from the person she loved. She didn’t know where she was going and she didn’t care, she just wanted to escape Applejacks hate. She just flew, with tears in her eyes and a broken heart.

***

With tears around her eyes, Dash finished her tale and downed another drink, looking longingly at her shot glass, trying to discern her next course of action. Dash didn’t want anything to do with this town anymore. Applejack is her best friend, “No!” she thought, “was her best friend…” If she didn’t have her best friend, there was no point in staying. She just wanted to run away and not look back. She just wanted to forget.

The bartender soaked in her story. Glancing back he saw anguish in her eyes. He couldn’t bear the thought of seeing them for much longer.

“Listen…uh, Rainbow Dash was it? That story was enough to break an old bartenders heart. I’ve been around the beer glass a few times. We’re all victims of irrational design. Ya ever hear the ol’ saying, ‘Fight fire with fire?’”

“Yeah…” Dash felt like she was starting to understand the colt.

“Well the way to approach a problem is to attack it head on…the only way to fight irrationality is with irrationality. And it seems to me like the most rational and irrational thing you could do right now is approach your friend. You still love her, don’t you?”

Dash chewed on the words. He was right. It was the most rational and yet irrational thing she could do. And of course she still loved her. Even through all those words of hatred, a greater part of her still dearly loved her friend. She was still willing to try and climb the rock wall back to her friend, who had carelessly pushed her into the pool of hatred. She was no longer angry or sad, but she wasn’t happy either. She was determined. She still had a promise to keep, to an old friend. Applejack had always told her to be honest and loyal and even if she hated her for it, Dash would make sure she knew it….

With her decisions made, she silently got up and nodded to the bartender. She spoke no words, but the gentle stallion knew exactly how she was feeling. As for the liquor…lets just say it was on the house…

Dash pushed open the door and took in a fresh breath of air.

I don’t care if she hates me, I still have a promise to keep!

With her thoughts in order, she took off into the clear and starry night sky.

***

Dash flew toward her love’s house in Sweet Apple Acres Farm, not stopping for anything. She was determined, and nothing got in her way. Nothing could stop her now.

The house slowly made it’s way into view and Dash felt stronger and stronger as she drew closer. Without a doubt in her head and without a doubt in her heart, she landed at her front door and knock three times on her door. One way or another, this would be the beginning of the end.

“Who is it?” Applejack inquired. She was curious and yet irritated that someone would be at her doorstep this time in the evening.

“You know who it is Applejack, open the door. We need to talk…” This was true, Applejack had a feeling her ‘friend’ would show up. Her anger started up again.

“Yall get outta here. I got no more business with you, backstabber!” She shot her venomous words at Dash like a cobra. But Dash seemed undeterred. She had unfinished business.

“Applejack open up the door. We need to talk, now! Open up the door.”

Applejack seemed un-phased. “I told ya to get outta here. I don’t wanna talk to you. I don’t want you here.”

But Dash was a confident and stubborn pony, “I’m coming in anyway.” she said with a roll of her eyes. She didn’t have time to hear excuses. She forced her way into the barn and was met by a very angry Applejack.

“You deaf ‘er sumthin, cuz last I checked I told ya to get away from my home. Yer either really brave or really stupid for comin’ here after what you pulled!” Apparently, time had not healed her wounds. She was just as mad as she was when the situation occurred.

“Applejack, you listen to me and you listen good because I’m only saying this once.” Dash continued, not caring about the rolled eyes in response. “A long time ago, I was practicing a trick at flight school and I crashed. Three awful ponies sat there and laughed at my face calling me ‘Rainbow Crash’ and told me how much of a failure I was. Out in the distance came an orange earth pony who came up to me and defended me. You were the only one who helped me. You told me just get up and try again because ‘they weren’t worth the grass they stood on.’”

“You had no idea who I was and I had no idea who you were but you came and helped me onto my feet. That orange pony came back nearly everyday and watched me practice and helped me get back up when I fell down. That orange pony became my best friend. We did everything together. Any time either of us was in trouble, the other one was there to help, no matter how big or how small.”

“You taught me honesty and loyalty. You taught me to always be there for others and to always be there for myself and you taught me to never doubt myself. So I’m here show my loyalty and honesty to my friend, whether she wants to hear it or not.” Dash could feel the tears building up but she pushed them back.

Be strong Dash. You can do this…

“We were best friends for years. And I got closer to that pony more than anyone else. I’d follow that pony wherever she went. Do anything for her. I’d die for that pony. I loved that pony. I still love that pony…”

“I made a promise to that pony. She told me to always be honest and I’m not gonna break that promise. I don’t care if you hate me or not; I made a promise to a friend…and even if that friend doesn’t exist anymore, I‘m still gonna keep it…”

“I love you Applejack.” she said between sobs. “You’re the only person I’ve ever felt this way about. Now look what’s happened. You won’t even look at me. Now that I need you the most, you shut me out.”

Dash tried hard not to break down and cry, but it was a losing battle. “Applejack, I’m not asking you to love me back. I’m asking you to accept me for who I am and to be my friend. I can’t lose you Apples, not now…”

Applejack listened to the passion-filled words of Rainbow Dash. Her emotions attacked her speech at once. She fell back onto the floor crying.

“Dash, you promised. You PROMISED! I told you to forget about me! I told ya to get over me. You talk about how you made a promise, well you did! An’ ya BROKE it!” She could barely form words between her sobs and gasps of air. She recalled that promise almost immediately, pulling the memories she had pushed into the back of her mind so long ago, forming the memories in her head…

***

Promise Broken

It was a perfect autumn day; the sun was slowly sinking into the horizon, leaving a dazzling display of multi-colored purple and pink hues. The leaves were spectacular as well, consisting of leaves clad in golden color and leaves hot on fire with flaring orange and red. It was an almost too perfect time for the Princess of Equestria to visit. “Sounds to me like an important lesson was learned.” She brightly enhanced the already perfect scenery.

It was the end of the Running of the Leaves contest that year and it was an important lesson that was learned. Applejack and Rainbow Dash wanted to see once and for all who the most athletic pony in all of Equestria was, so they decided to compete against each other in The Running of the Leaves, a racing event which had another purpose, to shake the leaves from the trees. In the heat of competition, both Applejack and Dash tried to inhibit the others ability to perform, trying to get the upper-hand; however, after they both tied for last place, they learned that such un-sportsman like conduct only backfires.

The Princess walked through the rows of spectators. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash suddenly chimed in surprise, “Princess Celestia!?” Applejack stopped the awkward silence, asking, “What are you doin’ here?” They were all utterly shocked that the Princess would be visiting, but the Princess admitted, “Fall is one of my favorite seasons. So I came to celebrate the running of the leaves!” The two friends felt ashamed that their Princess had to witness their rude actions. Applejack then apologized, “I’m sorry ya had to see us bein’ such poor sports, Princess…” But Princess Celestia was understanding and incredibly forgiving, she replied, “That’s alright Applejack. Anypony can get swept up in the excitement of competition.” Her words were wise, full of intellect. Those words sat on the two friends for a moment. Twilight, Celestia’s personal student and friend to both ponies then said, “It’s important to remember that the friendship is always more important than the competition.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash understood their faults and embraced the kind words. Princess Celestia then added, “Exactly Twilight!”

She paused a moment, catching her breath, then continued, “Now unfortunately, because the two of you were busy tricking each other instead of shaking down leaves, many of the lovely trees in Equestria are still covered.” Applejack understood the words completely, “Why Princess, I bet we could knock those leaves down for ya lickety-split!” She then turned to Dash and said, “Waddaya say, friend?” She then smirked and added, “Ya wanna go for another run?” Dash said in her usual gusto, “I’d love to stretch my legs!” She took off, Applejack close behind, and started the run again. This time it wasn’t a race between rivals, it was a race between friends…if a race at all…

***

They ran, leaving the ember colored leaves in their wake. Neither was interested in the actual race. They ran, side by side, and enjoyed the sweet sound of wind-stirred leaves and gently galloping of hoofs. The didn’t even say a word for the longest time, and when they finally exchanged words, they were simple, even for Applejack.

Dash started the conversation first, apologizing for her behavior, but Applejack wouldn’t hear it, as far as Applejack was concerned, it was her own fault. She told Rainbow that she was just jealous that she had won. Rainbow Dash, mimicking Applejack, insisted it was her own fault. Finally Applejack sighed, “Let’s just agree to disagree alright?” The only response she got was a slight nod from Rainbow Dash. At that slight gesture, Applejack found a new admiration for her friend. She was strong, sure, and accomplished; these traits seemed to be exemplified whenever Applejack was about. Dash felt stronger in Applejacks presence and vice versa. In fact, if it wasn’t for Dash, Applejack wouldn’t have know who she was and what she was truly meant to do. After learning that Dash’s Sonic Rainboom was the same rainbow that led Applejack home from Manehattan, Applejack felt an even stronger connection with her. She lazily let her eyes wander about her friend, watching the toned legs push with incredible precision and strength.

Dash couldn’t help but notice the staring and blushed a little. She turned away and pretended to look at the scenery to hide her face from her best friends prying eyes.

Applejack felt happy, just plain happy. She had never been so content and joyful than she did right now. She wished that the trail would go on forever, locking them in a never-ending run through the beautiful forest.

I could go on forever…

She thought to herself, becoming lost in the deep violet eyes, accentuated by the explosion of purple in the sky. Those eyes spoke to her, they were full of excitement, passion, and utmost determination. She loved those eyes.

She finally broke the trance and looked further behind her running friend to her mane. The hair whipped about in the wind, creating an almost blurry rainbow coming about her head and back. It was so free. The air swept through each strand, creating life in each hair. It was a magnificent sight. She loved that mane.

She then concluded; she loved that pony.

This was truer than anything else in the world. She loved Rainbow Dash more than apple bucking. She was her best friend and she would always be. She was so happy and she could contain it no longer. In pure bliss, she told her friend, “I love you, Rainbow Dash.”

Applejack hadn’t considered the consequences of her words. She didn’t realize them. All she knew in that moment was that she loved her best friend. Rainbow Dash; however, thought a little differently.

The words hit her like a freight train. She could no longer move as her legs started failing her…

What did she just say?

She slowly came to a stop, her mind racing as it tried to process the new information. Little did she know, she was drastically over thinking it.

Did she just say she loved me? What is going on in that pony’s head?!

Applejack meant nothing by it but she didn’t realize what was happening. Dash looked at her dumbly. There’s no other word to describe it. She was dumbfounded. Not only did she not understand, but it’s almost as if her mind didn’t even try to grasp the concept that her friend just threw at her. Through her emotional storm inside her, she spoke indifferently, “You love me?” Dash still wasn’t sure of Applejacks meaning yet, so she braced herself for anything.

“Of course I do, why would you ask something so silly?” Applejack was still oblivious to the underlying meaning of her remark. Dash just stood there, transfixed at her friends words.

“I love you too.” Dash smacked herself for her remark.

That was the best you could do!? You don’t even like her like that, why would you say something like that? Are you nuts! Good luck with this one…

On that thought, it seemed like her sense had just gotten up and left. She turned and was met by a warm embrace from Applejack. It was the happiest moment of her life and yet the most horrible moment. Dash thought Applejack was talking about intimacy; in truth, Applejack meant nothing of the sort. She did love Dash, but as a friend and nothing more. Dash, no matter how hard she wanted to push away, accepted the hug and returned it with renewed strength. However, Dash was a little more than just uneasy at this point. Her heart was beating fast and sweat was starting to form. As the hug was ended, all Dash could do is smile awkwardly at Applejack, who was still blind to the implications before her.

Applejack looked back into those eyes, and in an instant, suddenly understood the gravity of the situation. “Oh no, Rainbow Dash. I meant only as a friend…”

Somehow, Dash was joyful and yet pained at the same time. She knew the happiness, but not understand the pain; she would years later. She felt relieved at the words. Applejack; however, seemed nervous. Her feelings became mixed up without warning, with no cause or justification. Feelings of love, hate, happiness and sadness expertly clouded her judgment; she couldn’t think straight. She started blinking quicker than normal. Dash could feel her heart increase in rate and saw her eyes start to dart back and forth, not really focusing on anything and yet focusing on everything. Dash was curious. Applejack noticed.

“Sugarcube, yall gotta keep this here thing a secret, ya hear? Ya gotta promise.”

“What?!”

“Dash, I know how you feel right now, but you can’t. Just move on before it starts, I’m not interested. I just want to be your friend.” That was the first time Applejack had lied to Rainbow Dash. She didn’t know she lied to Dash, it went against everything she stood for. But all the same, she did. In truth, in that one moment, in that fraction of infinite existence, she did love her friend more than usual; perhaps intimately. She wasn’t quite sure how she felt, or what she felt and she wouldn’t get swept up in confusing feelings and do something she would regret. She couldn’t. Her thoughts immediately switched gears as she saw Dash as a friend; nothing more.

Dash wasn’t sure if she really felt that way about Applejack. She couldn’t discern anything from her jumbled thoughts. The more she thought about it, the more a lingering feeling rose in her. She hadn’t felt it before and was immediately bewildered. She pushed it back, un-accepting of the confusion. After all, Rainbow Dash is always sure.

All she could reply was a simple, “Alright. I promise.”

Dash smiled. She didn’t understand why, but frankly, she didn’t care. She agreed without giving a second thought. They said not another word and went back to running. The sun slowly setting down into the twilight sky.

***

Dash and Applejack had kept up that charade ever since. It was as if nothing had ever happened. They both just pushed the awkward experience into the back of their minds and never talked about it. It never came back into conversation. Time passed by, and years later, Dash had forgotten about that fateful day and that promise.

“Do ya remember now Dash? Huh? Do ya remember? Ya promised me you wouldn’t talk about things like this again. You promised me that day. Then ya came up an’ started this again. You broke that promise Dash!” Applejack spewed the words in between the fits of crying, “I’ll never forgive ya for this. Now get outta my sight. I don’t want to talk to you again.”

Even through Dash’s convictions, the words still stung more than ever. She had come here to try and make amends and instead, only worsened the situation. She couldn’t understand how things had gotten so bad. Here stood her best friend, the person she loved more than anything, and she didn’t want anything to do with her. Some time had passed when Rainbow Dash decided to say it once more, as if to put some concrete down on this crumbling building of friendship, “Applejack, I love you…”

Applejack fought the urge to say it, but she lost. In all her frustration and mixed convictions, she said the unthinkable, “I hate you…”

***

Those words, those three simple words completely destroyed Dash. She was finished, broken-hearted. She was spent, utterly obliterated in the wake of those three words. She never would have expected such a thing to escape Applejacks lips, let alone have them directed to her. She felt all the pain she could that day, and more; so much more. Tears flowed down her cheek; she didn’t even try to stop. She felt alone for the first time in so many years; she was abandoned. With a final sigh and tears roaming freely around her face, she said, nearly inaudible, “I’m sorry, Applejack…” With those last words spoken, Rainbow Dash turned and left, flying at incredible speeds towards the Everfree Forest, never looking back; it was the only place she knew that no ponies would venture. The feeling of the wind flowing past her was the only freedom she could have.

***

Dash had gone but Applejacks crying still ensued. The thought that she could say that to anyone disgusted her more than anything. She hated Dash even more because Dash made her hate.

This is all her fault. She just couldn’t listen.

She just sat there and cried, unable to do anything else. She thought about all that had transpired. From where it all began. Dash was her best friend. And for Dash to make her feel such hatred was horrid. But it made no sense. No matter how she sliced it, she could never truly say it was her friend’s fault. Such anger didn’t arise because of her, it couldn’t. Her eyes grew wide as she started understanding where her hate came from. It came from herself; and was directed toward herself; she was mad…at herself.

At first, it seemed unfeasible, but it gradually started sinking in. Such implications were alien to her. She had never felt hate from anypony; now she was feeling it from herself. She realized her hatred stemmed from her reactions toward her friend. Applejack had lied to her, and hated herself for it. She had just blamed her best friend, her Rainbow Dash, for her feelings of self-loathing. She couldn’t believe she could have been so blind.

Her mind screamed at her, begged her to stop, but her heart continued exploring her true feelings. She loved Rainbow Dash, she always had, but her conscience had kept it tucked away, never letting her experience and indulge in such feelings. That was the last time she listened to her head. Since then, she’s only listened to her heart. And her heart was telling her that she had to go and find Dash, and be honest.

It suddenly hit her. The whole honesty situation. Her mind hadn’t allowed her to be honest. She was an Element of Harmony, the epitome of Honesty, and her mind had clouded her true feelings. She had decided; it was time for her to be honest with herself and be honest with Dash. All her beliefs and convictions melted away at the realization of her love for Rainbow Dash

I gotta find Dash an’ tell her how I really feel. I can’t live another day in this lie!

With her thoughts finally in line, she ran, following the depressed rainbow left in the wake of pure anguish in the night sky.

***

On the other side of the forest, a blue Pegasus rocketed across the bright sky. Dash felt numb as she flew above the forest floor. She could no longer feel the wind as it passed about her blue body; she could no longer feel her wings as they beat rhythmically up and down. She could no longer feel anything; not her usual determination, not her sadness or her anger. She couldn’t feel anything; not even the affection of her acclaimed companion. She felt nothing, no love, no hate, no happiness or sadness, no anger or anguish…nothing…

She no longer felt the need to eat. No longer felt the need to sleep or be awake, drink or rest. She no longer felt the need to love or hate; she no longer felt the need of anything or anypony.

She no longer felt the desire of other ponies, of her friends or enemies. No desire to do anything, or see anypony. She no longer felt the desire of triumph; she had lost the one pony that meant the most to her. Quite frankly, she no longer felt the desire the live at all. Not like this. Rainbow Dash did not want to die, but she could bear this burden no longer; she couldn’t live like this. At least in death, she’d have peace.

Was there anything to feel? Was it pain that made her real? Her heart, her very soul, cried out in protest, but was immediately silenced by her head.

She doesn’t love you! Stop! Enough with the hope! She won’t come back! She hates you; deal with it! It’s over, the person you love HATES you! You have nothing and nopony left!

Forcing her heart into submission, she began her steady climb into the sky. She didn’t want death, but she’d gladly accept it over life; over the pain and suffering. She turned over, no longer feeling the enjoyment of the second of weightlessness, and sped towards the ground. She flew at blinding speeds, faster than she ever had before. The air sharpened to a point in front of her. All the shades of light became fused into one at the tip of her hooves. She went faster and faster. Soon the whole world was a blur as the point of radiance exploded into a fiery and dazzling display of color that erupted forth from her hooves. Spreading over miles and shaking the soil to it’s core. The ground was 100 feet away and closing fast, even through the roar of her Sonic-Rainboom, she was able to scream, “I LOVE YOU APPLEJACK!” She closed her eyes awaiting impact when she heard a distant, “I love you too, Rainbow Dash!” Dash in surprise slowed and looked over to see her beloved racing toward her. Time slowed as she witnessed her admirer close in to help her. She looked down and gasped, meeting the earth with a heavy thud.

***

Convictions Lost

She awoke several hours later, feeling uncomfortable to put it lightly. Her entire body was sore. She hadn’t broken anything; she had slowed down enough before impact, but she had still been knocked unconscious. She tried to recall what had happened but her head only hurt the more she tried to remember. And to top it all off, something heavy was laying awkwardly on top of her, not letting her focus on anything. She didn’t know what it was, for she hadn’t found the strength to open her eyes yet. Something had fallen on her in her unconscious state of sleep. It was uncomfortable.

She finally mustered enough strength to open her eyes and was immediately taken aback as she saw a familiar orange pony, with her head laying atop her chest. All thoughts failed to process as she was overcome with content and love. A warmth spread through her body that she had never felt; all thoughts of comfort slowly faded away. She was more comfortable now than she ever had been. She lifted her sore arm, ignoring the pain, and placed it gently around Applejack's body, pulling her closer to herself. She closed her eyes, the happiest she had ever been, and let a sleep she hadn’t experienced in years take her.

I love you, Applejack…

That was her last thought before she lost her grip on reality and let a sweet intrusion of dreams take over…

***

Rainbow Dash felt awoke slightly to a strange feeling. She wasn’t fully conscious yet but she knew instantly what it was. She heard a faint, “Rainbow Dash, wake up. I wanna see you. Come back to me.” She felt warmth spread across her face as the lips of her beloved met her own in a certain passion Dash could barely conceive. At first she didn’t understand, but then all the memories from last night flashed into her mind instantly. She remembered everything, her confessions, her exile, her near suicide. She slightly flinched at the thought. But most of all she remembered her screaming for all to hear that she loved Applejack, and the returned words of, ‘I love you too, Rainbow Dash!’ She felt herself returning the kiss to Applejack, which slowly brought her back into reality.

During the kiss, she opened her eyes and stared at the beautiful pony in front of her. Applejack’s Stetson hat was placed at the foot of the bed. Her mane was free of it’s usual pony-tail and was hanging loosely around her. Even her tail was let loose of it’s usual bonds and was left flowing over the blanket. It was a spectacular sight. She had never seen anypony look so compassionate, beautiful, and loving. She never wanted this to end. They were joined in perfect harmony; loyalty and honesty combined.

That blissful time lasted for thirty seconds. Applejack soon opened her eyes and was met by a gaze from deep violet eyes. Dash looked intently at her emerald green orbs; they were brilliant. Both became lost in their own company. They had forgotten to shift their lips and they just laid there, staring into each others stunning eyes. They slowly separated their mouths and smiled at each other. Letting no words ruin the perfect moment they had created together. They laid next to each other in a warm embrace.

It was several minutes before anyone had said anything. Applejack looked up from Dash’s chest and said, “G’morning sleepy head.” Dash couldn’t help but smile at the remark. She was so happy her mouth started to hurt. “I love you too, Applejack.” They both giggled but soon, Applejack's expression changed from happiness to guilt.

“I’m so, so sorry Rainbow Dash. I can’t b’lieve I did such a thing. What I did was jus’ awful, to you and to m’self. I was angry because I lied to you. I was mad at myself and I took it out on you. I’m so sorry. I know there’s nothin’ I can do to make you forgive me…” Applejack let out a stifled sob. She was crying more than she ever had.

“Applejack, there is one thing you could do to make me forgive you.” Rainbow Dash said in her usual ‘full of herself’ tone.

“Is that right? Well I reckon I’d like to hear it.” Applejack smiled as she said it. She already knew what Dash was going to say, but never in her entire imagination had she thought Dash would say it like she did.

“Take another piece of me and give my mind a new disease, so our black and white world never fades to gray, because I don‘t think I‘ll make it on my own” Dash smiled, with almost a pleading look on her face; she held out her hoof, offering Applejack to stay with her always. To never leave her.

Applejack would never forget those words, they were the most touching words she’d ever heard. Those simple words tugged at her heart and soul pushing her even closer to Dash. She took Dash’s hoof and without a single doubt in her mind said, “I love you Dash, I’ll never leave ya. Never.” Even her mind agreed with her heart.

A terrible feeling of tiredness overcame the both of them. Even after the hours of sleep, they were both still exhausted. I’d been a long day. They both exchanged a sacred, ‘I love you.’ before they both fell into each others arms and fell asleep, face to face. Thoughts of the other filled their dreams as pure pleasurable sleep fell unto them, combining them in a state of indescribable feeling.

***

They awoke from their blissful sleep together. It seemed all that sleeping had allowed Rainbow Dash to heal because she stretched without trouble

Can’t keep this pony down…

Applejack stretched, then flopped back onto Dash, pulling her close to herself. She never wanted to let go. Even when Dash said, “Alright, c’mon lemme go.” Applejack merely shook her head. Dash could do nothing but chuckle; she didn’t want her to let go either.

Applejack scooted closer to Dash and planted a soft kiss onto her relaxed lips. Dash let out a slight moan, passing her hoof through Applejack's soft mane. She drew out a long sigh from Applejack, giving her encouragement to continue. Their kiss, continued, becoming slightly more assertive. Applejack, ran a hoof across Dash’s cheek, causing her to blush and let out a slight squeak. Rainbow’s hoof lazily wandered across Apple’s back, letting moans escape from her mouth. The sounds reverberated through both their bodies, causing them to both smile and pull each other closer in warmth and ecstasy

Authors Note: Due to some misunderstandments, I have decided to include this warning that a 'clopfic' is about to ensue. Anyone not wishing to read it's contents may skip the rest of the chapter and move one to the next one.

Their kiss was broken, but in an instant, Dash forced another one, never breaking the pure enjoyment. Applejack's hooves moved up Dash’s side, making her squirm in bliss. They circled around and traced the outline of her folded wings, making Dash moan very loudly. She returned the favor, running her hooves down her sides; she then traced circles around the three apples on her thigh. Applejack stopped and immediately groaned in pleasure as Dash massaged her cutie mark. But she wasn’t gonna have all the fun.

Apples switched gears; with one hoof massaging her wing, the other lazily copied Dash’s movements, firmly running circles on and around the lightning bolt on her flank. Dash stifled out a cry before smirking and firmly getting atop Applejack, pinning her hooves and silencing her loving protest with a very heated, passionate kiss. All thoughts of rebellion against her lovers will ceased to exist as she let Dash take the lead. Their tongues intertwined in a battle for control. They broke only to catch their breaths, then, with small strands of saliva hanging from their mouths, they’d attack again in a heated battle of passion. Dash inherently won the battle of passion through her usual tactfulness as Applejack became lost in a world of uninhibited pleasure. Their bodies intertwined in a remarkable display of passion and love as Dash took to the next step. Applejack felt hot as Dash continued stimulating her body with light kisses and, once every so often, a slight lick across her chest. Applejack could feel a wetness develop from down below, but she barely noticed due to her feeling of utter pleasure; but Dash definitely noticed.

Wasting no time, she took Applejack, who was still lost in bliss, in an aggressive kiss that enveloped the both of them in feelings of pure passion which neither had ever experienced. Dash could contain herself no longer as she slowly reached her hoof down to her lovers stomach, running her limb around the contours of Applejack's body as the sweet and alluring scent of her lover filled her lungs with a desperate desire. Dash reached lower, and felt the wetness from Applejack cover her hoof as she massaged her, sending Applejack into desperate fits of pleasure, which in turn, drew heavy sighs and loud moans from her. Dash moved her body lower and ran her hooves across Applejack's legs, slightly separating them, and dove her face and tongue aggressively into her sex. The sudden intrusion drove Applejack to the point of insanity and she was thoroughly explored in a quest of passion by Dash's quick tongue, bringing shouts of pleasure from deep within her lover. Applejack's body began to heat up as the explosions of feeling took her into a clouded mass of thought. She could feel it, the pressure started to build as Dash continued to love Applejack.

Dash became determined to please her lover and increased speed with a new-found vigor. She twirled her tongue on Applejack's sex, and continued massaging her lover with her hooves. Applejack was close at this point, and was letting out primal screams of pleasure and loudly told Dash not to stop. Applejack let out a long and loud yell as she drew into her climax. Her entire body clenched while all the nerves in her body exploded in a fiery display of love and desire and her body was shaken to its core as she was overcome by an immense feeling of pleasure as her sex slightly exploded and covered Dash in a bath of warm, lustful liquid. Dash couldn't help but feel triumphant as she was covered in Applejack's juices, a sure sign that she had accomplished her mission. She took one last moment to smell the sweet smell and to taste the sweet taste of her companion before she reached up and kissed Applejack, giving her just the slightest taste of herself.

They both laid there for a few minutes covered in sweat and sex juices while they mustered up the necessary energy to bring themselves close to each other, wrapping themselves in a loving embrace as the exhausted ponies drifted into yet another peaceful slumber, leaving all the world to it's own affairs. This was their time...

***

Aftermath

In all their years of life, neither Dash nor Applejack had ever experienced a happiness beyond what they experienced now, locked in a never-ending embrace of love. It seemed as though nothing could ever pry the two away from each other, and they both intended to keep it that way. The warm, apple-filled room was complimented by the most adorable setting of two ponies that could ever be imagined; Applejack was laying on Dash's right side, clenching their bodies closer while laying her head upon Dash's chest while Dash hugged Applejack's neck. The true epitome's of Loyalty and Honesty were extenuated by the situation.

Dash had awaken first and taken to the action of gently running her hoof through her lovers mane, feeling it's soft texture run across her limb like a river. In context, the situation couldn't have been more perfect. Applejack slowly came to at the soft pawing of her illustrious, blonde mane. She feigned sleep for a few minutes longer, enjoying the feeling, then slightly rubbed her face into her lovers side, meanwhile opening her eyes to make contact. She became absorbed in the fiery determination that flooded those violet orbs. Dash; however, became absorbed in her emerald-like eyes that complimented the entire scene, filling the room with an almost transparent coating of honesty and love.

Through the peace and quiet of the house came a slight knock on the front door that startled the both of them. Through the muffled gasp in surprise, they heard a familiar voice call out, "Applejack, are you okay? We haven't heard from you and Dash in a few nights." Applejack could hear the worry in her voice and continued listening. "And we can't find either of you. Are you there, Applejack?" Neither Applejack nor Rainbow Dash had considered their friends in the passing of the night and suddenly felt ashamed for keeping them in the dark. But both were also glad for the reminder that their friends still cared.

The two scrambled trying to get out of the bed, meanwhile they both answered a, "Yeah" in response to their purple friend's question.

Their friend pointedly asked, "Wait, is that Dash in there? What are you guys doing in there?" With her cover blown, Dash rushed to answer the door, but tripped and fell onto the floor. Applejack stifled a slight laugh and went over to help her lover off the floor. They both exchanged an embarrassing smile and went up to greet their friend.

Applejack opened the door to a very confused Twilight standing at the door, who only became more confused as she saw her friends sweating, red in the face, and messed up hair. She carefully asked, "What were you two doing?" Neither Applejack nor Rainbow Dash could ever lie to their friend, but they were stuck. Should they tell their friend? What would she think? Would she be okay with it? A million questions flooded Applejack's mind as she pondered over what she should do.

Luckily, it seemed Rainbow Dash could think on her feet as she answered nonchalantly, "Applejack needed some help around the farm, so I offered to help and we just had a sleep over!" Even though Applejack didn't like hiding information from her friend, she had to admit it, Dash wasn't lying.

The answer seemed to suffice as Twilight's demeanor changed from confused to happy. She then stated, "Well if you guys aren't too busy, Pinkie Pie is throwing another party tonight. It seems we have a new visitor in town." She reached and gave both her friends an invitation that showed the address. "The party's at six, I hope to see both of you there!" she happily pronounced as she walked away from the house. They both knew they'd be there, nobody misses a Pinkie Pie Party!

***

It was 5:30 before the duo had even left the house and went out into the sweet smelling air outside. The sun was just starting to set as they started walking, leaving beams of golden light to hit the two lovers, caressing them in a soft and warm blaze of light that reflected off their coats with sheer beauty. Each looked at the other in awe as the light inspired view stole them from their thoughts. The view was simply stunning.

The walked together in the fiery light toward the address on their invitation. The house they came to thirty-two minutes later had a warm feel to it. The two story house had the sweet smells of delicate party food, sweat, and drinks. The party had just started and had opened with a monster beat that had the whole street shaking! Neither remembered who the new pony was while they were in their company. They walked about, taking in the party atmosphere. The music was loud, the food was great, and the drinks were strong. A classic Pinkie Pie Party.

They walked past a group of stallions indulging in a drinking game who, as they passed by, took a nice look at the beautiful mares in front of him. The two lovers noticed and playfully said, "Hey buddy, our eyes are up here."

The stallion apologized and laughed at himself, then offered the two a seat. All in good fun, Dash and Applejack accepted the offer and sat at the nearby table. Applejack laughed pointed out to Dash a stallion who had toppled over after three drinks. The friendly stallion eyed them with curiosity and said, "It's powerful stuff. I'm not surprised he's out." The liquor was a deadly concoction known as the Death of Equestria. The drink was 80% pure alcohol. Even the hardiest of ponies had trouble holding it in their stomachs without vomiting. He then mockingly added, "You think you gals can do better?" This was a deadly mistake on the stallions part, for if he had known either Dash or Applejack, he would've known not to challenge them, for they were sure to win. The two readily accepted the drinking challenge as a round was set down in front of them. Dash and Applejack downed the drinks simultaneously, grinned, and set the glass onto the table upside down. The stallion, so as not to look like a fool in front of his friends, mimicked the action and set the glass down as well. With the two parties tied, a second round was brought to them, which was drank in a similar manner. The stallion admitted surprise; he had yet to see mares handle one round of the powerful liquor, let alone two.

The friendly game continued continued as the third round was pronounced. The drinks started taking their tolls on both parties. After the third round, their heads were swimming in an alcoholic abyss. The two parties seemed to be able to take the extra onslaught of liquor, but as the fourth round was brought out, Applejack toppled over in defeat, with a loving and concerned catch from Dash to prevent her from hitting the floor. The stallions friends cheered as he outlasted one of the mares. Applejack looked up to her lover and said, "Sorry Dashie, I couldn't hold no more."

Dash held a smirk and said, "Don't worry about it, I'll kick their asses twice for ya." And with that statement, Dash was eager for the next round. The stallion slightly backed away at the determination. Deep down he knew he was probably going to lose. Then he thought to himself, "Well, I'm not going to make it easy for her!" With his conviction set, the last two remaining players downed their fifth round of shots. Then a sixth.

At this point, there was a crowd of ponies that surrounded the two players. No one had ever lasted this long in a drinking game. The crowed placed bets and picked their champion as they brought on the seventh round, which was downed simultaneously once more, drawing out cheers from the crowd. Dash knew she wouldn't last much longer as she felt her heart slow down and she lost feeling in her legs. Not a single coherent thought entered her mind as the eighth round was killed. Thirty minutes into the party, and she was already completely smashed. She couldn't see straight and forced herself to focus on the stallion in front of her, who was ready to keel over as well. The ninth round was brought out and Dash felt her stomach churn, but as soon as the glass hit the table, she drank it and forced it down, showing tremendous willpower. No matter how much her body wanted to vomit, she wouldn't let it. She forced it down and looked sternly at the stallion, who barely got the drink to his lips before he fell over. The crowd cheered at the victory of Dash. The bets were paid and the crowd slowly dissipated.

Dash forced her legs to move as she not only made her way to the couch on the middle of the room, but also carried her love on her back. The party-goers looked in awe as the obviously drunk Pegasus dropped onto the couch, her lover in her arms, and drifted into an alcohol induced sleep. Her last conscious thought was of Applejack.

***

Dash awoke to a menacingly massive headache and fuzzy memory. She hadn't drank that much since her twenty-first birthday. Her vision adjusted and focused and she stared, wide-eyed at her friends, who stared at her. She looked down and saw her love hugging her torso, smiling in her sleep. Her friends shifted their gaze from one to another, fitting the pieces of the puzzle together. Dash let out an awkward smile, utterly embarrassed for being caught by her friends in the situation she was in. Her friends simply laughed and helped Dash wake up Applejack. It was four in the morning and the party had worn down as the goers started leaving with thoughts of their warm beds invading their minds. Pinkie Pie seemed undeterred by the time. She acted like only an hour had passed as she bounced around, talking, drinking, and dancing her little heart out.

Applejack was slowly awakened to her friends slightly giggling at her, she looked down and saw that she was holding Dash close to her in a loving embrace. She looked up to her lover who just lovingly smiled and helped her to her feet. The six friends walked the duo to Applejack's house, giving support when needed, for the effects of the drink hadn't worn out completely, even after the several hours of loving slumber. Conversation started between the friends, and naturally, it was about Dash and Applejack, who walked in silent embarrassment. The four others talked about it amongst themselves as the two lovers simply focused on walking straight.

"You know, I knew something was going on between you two when I went to your house, Applejack." She wasn't necessarily talking to Applejack, who seemed lost in her thoughts. She actually directed the statement toward Dash, who seemed better able to control her walking movement.

Although Dash already knew the answer, she still asked, "How did you know?"

Twilight giggled and said, "Well Dash, when two friends come out of a house sweating, blushing, and with messed up hair, it's not hard to figure out. Plus, well...the smell kinda sealed the deal."

Dash hid her red face in embarrassment as her other friends burst uncontrollably into a laughing spasm. Twilight then added with a smile, "Besides, we all actually saw this coming. You two are perfectly complimentary." Dash smiled warmly at the compliment. Each of their friends added their approval, some pointedly saying they should date.

Dash, looked at her friends and simply asked, "You guys are okay with this?"

Her friends stared at her in disbelief at the absurd question. Twilight answered, "Of course we are Rainbow Dash. We are your friends. We just want you to be happy. We accept you for who you are! Dash, we wouldn't have it any other way." With those words, the friends approached Applejack's home. The warm, moonlit night gave the whole house a whitish glow, which was invitingly wanted.

Dash turned to her friends, then to Applejack, who was still walking funny, then back to her friends with a frown. Her friends knew what she was thinking and quickly, Fluttershy added, "Go ahead Dash, she needs you."

Applejack jolted at the mention of her being and asked in confusion, "Huh...what?"

Her friends simply giggled and replied, "See...?"

Dash said her goodbyes and led her lover into her house, directing her toward her bed. Dash fell backwards onto the bed, letting Applejack fall atop her. The resumed the same hold hey had on the couch at the party; Applejack wrapped her hooves around Dash in a passionate hold, while Dash placed her hooves around her lovers neck. Even with the slight smell of alcohol on her breath, Dash was eventually lulled into a loving sleep by the sweet smell of Applejack's breath.

***

Family Relations

Applebloom woke with a start at the slight shuffling in the dark house. It was 4:35 in the morning as she crawled out of bed to investigate the noises. Reason would have told her to get help in case it was an intruder, but Applebloom was a young and direct pony. She wasn't afraid of anything...except not getting her cutie mark.

If there was one thing her friends in the Cutie Mark Crusaders valued, it was courage to try anything. And since her time in the group, she had become fearless. She followed the noises down the moonlit hall and stopped outside her sister, Applejack's, room. The dark room contradicted the fearlessness of the Crusader as she slowly pushed the door aside, gaining full view of her sisters room. The small pony stared at the sight, partly because she had slightly hoped it was an intruder so she could show it what for, and partly because she saw her sister in the arms of another pony, a mare, fast asleep.

The Apple family has always been a little...old-fashioned. Applebloom was surprised to see something so...taboo...to her family. The Crusader was young, understanding, and objective, but still surprised and now somewhat frightened. She knew this would be somewhat frowned upon in the extent of her family. As to whether Granny Smith or Macintosh would approve, she couldn't truly say; nothing of this nature had happened before to give an indication of their feelings toward a similar situation. She knew for a fact; however, that the extended family wouldn't like it at all. Applejack had a great reputation with other ponies and her family. They were so proud of her and her accomplishments. Applebloom was afraid the family would disown her, something the young filly never wanted to see, over something she believed to be trivial. "Who cares who she likes, as long as she's happy!" she thought to herself. In her mind, she hoped the rest of the family would think the same.

She looked at her sister and her beloved once more and was overwhelmed by feelings of happiness for Applejack. Applejacks hooves were wrapped around her lovers waist while her love, Rainbow Dash, had her hooves around her sisters neck. Her head sank in reverence as she smiled at the sight in front of her. Her sister and her lover looked so happy in that embrace. She was a little too young to understand how far their feelings for each other went, but she knew that her sister had never felt peace like she did now. She thought to herself, "How could anypony disapprove this...?" The rhetorical question played back in her mind as she silently closed the door, leaving the two to their loving slumber. Applebloom crawled back into bed, now much happier than she had been, and closed her eyes, welcoming the last few hours of sleep she had left. Her last thought before drifting into a dream induced sleep was the same rhetorical question that had played in her mind just a moment ago, "How could anypony disapprove this...?" With that final thought, the young filly fell asleep.

***

It was 9:00 in the morning when Dash and Applejack wakened to the sweet smell of apples. Applejack sleepily rose up to Dash's face, planting a loving kiss onto her beloveds soft lips. Dash returned the kiss, sat up and smiled saying to her lover, "Good morning Applejack."

"Good morning, sugarcube." Applejack replied, suddenly smelling the freshly baked apple products that swept about the house. This meant one of two things, either Applebloom was baking when she's not supposed to, or Granny Smith and Macintosh had taken the day off. She hoped for the latter as her and Dash climbed out of the soft bed. Applejack went over to her mirror and delicately brushed her mane into place. Dash; however, took a more direct approach and shook her mane into place, then proceeded to stretch out her lustrous wings in salute to the morning light. Applejack merely giggled and tied up her mane, then, with great care, gently placed her Stetson hat upon her head.

Once the two were ready, they walked, side by side, into the large kitchen where Granny Smith was busy baking and Macintosh was busy eating. Warm light burst into the room, leaving feelings of comfort behind. Applebloom was no where to be seen; Applejack assumed she was with her friends. Both Applejack and Dash silently swiped a couple foods, but much to their disappointment, Granny Smith caught them. Laughing to herself, she said, "I might be old, but you hide anything from me, Applejack." She ended her statement with a wink, which put Applejack on edge. She wasn't quite ready to tell everypony what exactly was going on. "But", she thought to herself, "Maybe she's talkin' bout sumthin' else." She let the comment go with a simple shrug. Her and Dash said their goodbyes and left the house. As she shut the door, Granny Smith called out, "Don't be gone all night. We have a lot of work ta do t'morrow!" Applejack instinctively replied, "Okay!" but then thought about what Granny Smith had just said. "What was going on t'morrow that was so important?" she thought to herself.

Then, she suddenly remembered. Summer was coming to a close, it was time for the Apple Family Reunion! The family always loved this time of the year. It brought their whole family together in one place to show how much they love one another. She loved her family, especially her direct family, they all meant so much to her. She had never not wanted to go. That is until today. She loved her family, she really did. But she knew that what happened between her and Dash was...distasteful...in their eyes. She felt a sudden pang of guilt as she thought that perhaps she had let her family down. But one look into her lovers face broke those thoughts into a million pieces. "She is a part of mah family..." she thought.

Tears formed around her eyes, which brought the attention of Dash, who quickly asked what was wrong. Applejack just smiled, reached over, and kissed her beloved on the front steps of her house, not caring who was watching. She slightly laughed and said, "Nuthing, Dash..." Even though Dash was still worried for her, she knew she was okay; Applejack wouldn't lie to her.

As they walked away from the house to begin the day and all its contents, Macintosh sank away from the window.

***

The day went on, uninhibited by anything. Both Dash and her companion spent the day together, which consisted of a beautiful walk through the morning, a well deserved lunch and afternoon show from Rainbow Dash, who pronounced to all the onlookers that the routine she'd performed was dedicated to Applejack, who sat in the grass, red in the face. The routine was spectacular and complex, consisting of perfect nose dives, corkscrews, rolls, and other gut-wrenching tricks that caused her eyes to tire. In a spectacular finish, she executed, to utter perfection, a Sonic Rainboom right above her lovers head. The fact she had executed two of her signature moves in such a short time was unfathomable.

And just as she had on that fateful day, she screamed at the top of her lungs, "I love you, Applejack!" and, instead of plunging into the earth, she split off into a ninety degree angle directly in front of Applejack, who was then bombarded by a dazzling display of all the colors in the light spectrum. She was thrown back by the sudden force from the power of the maneuver and lastly, covered in the remnants of the bright rainbow left behind in the wake of the beautiful destruction as Dash continued into the distance. The onlookers cheered and applauded Dash's wonderful feat, but none more so than Applejack, who jumped to her feet and cheered for her Dash.

The day was ended by Applejack, who brought together a picnic into the park. The two sat there, eating and telling stories to each other. And as the day started to wear down, they held each other in their arms in the same way they had for nights now. Each caressing the other in a hold of love. As the sun sank into the horizon, the sky caught fire as the sun threw hues and colors of bright emblazonment and fire. The ember-like color laid itself atop Applejack and her beloved in a blanket of fiery passion and love for each other. They locked their lips once more in a sign of love, then fell asleep in each others loving embrace, covered with the warmth of the sun.

***

The next morning was hectic. Applejack had to get home quickly to help set up the reunion and she was already running late. Dash helped her to her feet and they both ran towards the farm. It seemed however, that luck was on their side, for as soon as they entered the warm home, they heard the others shift in their beds, ready to tackle the new day. They met Applebloom in they sunlit hallway, who eyed her sister curiously and asked, "Why'd she spend the night again?" Of course, Applebloom knew they were out all night again. Both were sweating and shaking a little from the long run home.

Applejack couldn't have noticed the coyness in her voice as she asked the question in a somewhat mocking manner. She couldn't lie to her sister, so she simply responded, "She's mah friend and I enjoy her company." Applejack didn't understand the bluntness of the question, but she forgave her.

Her sister smiled at her and brightly added, "Okay then, you two better get ready. We gotta start early t'get it done on time." Applebloom happily trotted away downstairs to prepare for the days events.

Macintosh was the next to appear from his room. He took one look at the two ponies and said, "Eeyup..." Applejack thought on those words for a moment. "That sounded like he expected it..." she thought to herself. She wasn't sure what he meant by it. Did he perhaps know what was going on between the two? She had no time to ponder; however, as Granny Smith came from her room and proudly instructed the two mares to go outside and help set up.

She replied with an automatic, "Yes'm"

***

The decorations were set up much faster than usual, naturally, for though it's quite difficult to place banners if you're an earth pony, it's not so difficult if you can fly. Dash quickly flew about the yard setting up banners and signs and other decorations. The chores were done so quickly that Dash still had the time to deal with her job at the weather observation, who called for a clear and sunny day; not that Dash needed much time, for in 10 seconds flat, the sky was clear of clouds and the sun shined brightly on the jade-colored field and the beautiful apple orchards that surrounded the farm. With the preparations completed ahead of schedule, Dash and Applejack retreated into her room for some time together. It seemed in the new-found love, they couldn't get enough of each other.

The minutes dragged on, pulling stifled laughs from the lovers as they exchanged stories about their past. Applejack told of farm mishaps and her longing for her place in life. Dash spoke of her experiences in flight, keeping her companion entranced in the stories of danger and adventure.

"I'll never forget the look on everypony's face when I pulled off that Sonic Rainboom for the first time. I felt so accomplished!" Continued Dash with a look of nostalgia covering her face as she remembered that day. Applejack thought about that day. It was that action that had lit the way back to Ponyville from Manehattan. She let her thoughts out toward her lover.

"You know, I won't ferget that day neither. That bright rainbow in the sky led me back home, to my real family and friends." She shifted closer toward Dash, who welcomed the presence. She continued, "You know, in a way, that Rainboom led me to you, Dashie." She nuzzled her face into Dash's side while she used her hoof to gently rub Dash's leg. "And it's a good thing too, cuz I don' know what I'd do without ya." Dash felt new warmth flood her heart as she heard Applejack recount the tale, and a new warmth in her body as she felt Applejack run her hooves along Dash's legs and side.

Authors Note: Because of some confusion and discrepancy, this is a warning to those who are not interested in 'clopfics'. If you so not wish to read it, skip ahead to the next note. For those who are going to read it, I apologize for the break in story and hope it hasn't affected you too much

Dash had taken the lead in their last experience and left Applejack to feel all the ecstasy, but not this time. Applejack made sure she took the lead in this one, partly because she wanted to show Dash how much she loved her, and partly because she'd been outshone. She grinned evilly, yet lovingly at her partner, who was slowly falling into the trap she'd laid out for her, let out a sharp gasp as Applejack rubbed her cutie mark in the same manner as before, and was instantly silenced as she was taken into a deep kiss from Applejack, who thought to herself, "You're mine now, Dashie..."

Dash looked into her fiery green eyes and gave them a look that begged for more, which Applejack happily obliged. She took her in another kiss while her hooves moved with expert precision around all the sensitive spots on her body, save one. Dash could feel her temperature begin to rise as she slightly sweated and experienced the wonderful feeling of her lover. She felt her everywhere, except one spot.

Applejack grinned as she toyed with Dash, driving her to the point of insanity. Color filled Dash's face as she continued to taunt her, coming ever so close to the sweet spot, but never actually hitting it. Dash was going mad with pleasure and anticipation. Applejack just slightly stood back and watched her work her lover to the limits. Dash's body began to tremble and squirm in anticipation as Applejack not only stroked, but licked her, driving her over the edge. Dash, now insane with ecstasy, nearly yelled, "Please, I can't take it anymore, take me Applejack! I need it!"

Applejack, apparently amused and satisfied with her lovers cries, indulged and swept her tongue across her, which bought a long and drawn out moan as Dash's body was given the pleasure it so desperately needed. Applejacks tongue proved to be just as precise as her hooves as she brought out more desire from Rainbow Dash than the poor Pegasus had ever known. Applejack continued licking her sex, tasting and exploring her lover's insides with her tongue, while her hooves switched gears and massaged her wings, bringing out even more stifled moans from Dash, who had finally sank into the passion-filled trap. She was gone now, in another world of pleasure and bliss. Applejack took advantage of the situation and rubbed Dash, feeling her wetness cover her hoof, relishing in the feeling. Dash knew she was close. Even through her bliss-filled mind, she knew she was close. Her cheeks burned with desire as Applejack continued to bring her closer to her climax. Lost in an ocean of pleasure, Dash let out un-muffled moans and slight yells of passion, which encouraged Applejack to proceed in driving her love to the edge of a desire-filled abyss.

The pressure, the pressure that Applejack had built up was unbelievable. Dash had never felt anything even close in comparison to all that she felt now. All her feelings swarmed about her, driving her to the brink. The only thing her body registered was complete bliss as Applejack pleasured her in ways unimaginable.

The resulting orgasm that Dash felt was inconceivable. In no way had anypony ever felt the sensuality and desire that she felt in those seconds of utter bliss.She screamed in desire while she was shaken to her very foundation as the resulting orgasm exploded her nerves in a fiery dance that stopped her breathing. She completely exploded onto Applejack, much to her liking, and covered her in a warm bath of love and passion. The smell was as breath-taking as the taste was tantalizing as Dash continued to orgasm and send light sprays onto her lover, who accepted them with covetousness. With her face covered in the lustful liquid, Applejack copied Dash by reaching up and kissing her, giving her lost lover the slightest taste of herself as Dash had done before. With her tongue rolled out of her mouth and her eyes nearly in the back of her head and her face burning with passion, Dash barely understood Applejack's four familiar words, "I love you, Dashie..."

***

They let an hour pass by before either of them even dared to come out of the bedroom, partly because they were both hot and needed time to cool off, and partly because they needed the smell to settle before others got a whiff of the sweet, lustful scent. Even after a whole hour, Dash still had trouble walking after her ordeal, which Applejack wasted no time in pointing out. Dash giggled at the friendly teasing, which nearly caused her to lose her balance. While Dash took a moment to stand and recompose herself, Applejack couldn't help but look at her lovers trembling flank and giggle seductively.

Authors Note: The 'clop' part of the fic is over, those who skipped over it may now read on without fear.

Finally they opened the door. They didn't quite know what to expect as they left the room for they knew that in their time they had spent together, they had made a lot of noise, but they found the house surprisingly empty. It seemed that Macintosh was outside working the fields, Applebloom was with her friends in the Crusaders, and Granny Smith had gone to the market for last minute shopping, but it didn't take long for them to return, for the Apple Family Reunion was coming fast. They had but a half an hour left before their expected guests arrived. Everyone moved quickly and finished everything moments before Applejacks family knocked at the door.

***

The Reunion proceeded without a hitch, just as all the others before her had. She felt at home once more, and even more so with her Dashie by her side. She exchanged greetings, shook hands, gave hugs, and engaged in conversation with all her family members. If Dash was the slightest bit uncomfortable, she showed no signs as she let her companion enjoy the company of her family. All her friends and family conversed and played together in the setting sun, which left beams of yellow light across the hill, giving her home an even more secure feeling than before.

Her family discussed multiple things, ranging from farming to fun, and entertained the whole party with stories that tapped into the imagination. But fate is two-faced. And just when things were starting to look good, it seemed that fate had conspired against them.

At one point during the reunion, her and Dash went into her room just for a few moments to discuss what was happening.

"Well, gotta love mah family, huh sugarcube?" Applejack laughed.

"Yeah, they seem pretty cool. The have a lot of stories to tell, I could barely focus." Dash thought about the amazing stories told, some believable, others completely ridiculous, and reflected and compared her own stories.

"Yeah" Applejacks voice trailed off, she continued in a sweet voice, "I missed you, sugarcube."

Rainbow Dash blushed at the obvious compliment of company, "I missed you too, Apples..." she replied.

With that, they both reached over for a short, loving kiss and embraced each other in a peaceful kind of manner. They were truly in love with each other. But the perfect moment had something dark arise as one of her cousins quickly ducked away from the window. The little filly quickly stole away into the yard, panicking over what had just transpired.

***

With the sun finally setting into the tree-lined horizon, both Applejack and Rainbow Dash went back outside to continue with the reunion. But as soon as Applejack re-entered the yard, she knew instantly something was amiss. She looked around, getting awkward glances from her family; each one seemed to look at her in a different kind of manner, some with pity, others with shame.

Applejacks cousin couldn't have known that what she had just told her family would have such a negative impact. The little filly was simply curious as to the situation she had witnessed and had asked her family out of curiosity.

But no matter the intentions, everypony that had looked up to her suddenly looked upon her with shame. Applejack knew exactly what was going on; she had been caught, found out. She knew the culture in her family forbade such actions. "I guess I jus' thought they'd be more understandin..." she thought with shame.

After a minute of awkward silence, Applejack finally spoke up, "I guess you guys know then, huh...?" She didn't really know what else to say. Of course she knew her family customs looked down on this situation, she'd just hoped they could see past that, but apparently her hopes were in vain. The setting sun seemed to correspond with her happiness; with each passing second, it lowered and lowered. Her family simply stared in disbelief. They felt betrayed.

As for the exact nature or reason for their feelings, Applejack didn't know, nopony knew. It seemed tradition had a funny way of blinding ponies from the truth, and apparently her family was no exception. Each of her family members gazed upon her with a disgusted eye, each telling their grievances. Some told about betrayal, others about tradition, while others spoke about corruption and the ways of Celestia, their ruler. Even though the reasons were different, the feeling was the same...disgust. So many of her family members had looked up to Applejack as a role model, but no longer it seemed, for her family members started becoming slightly more aggressive in the things they said.

Her family was relentless as they poured out their thoughts and feelings onto a crying Applejack, trying to get her to renounce her feelings for the mare. But it only caused Applejack to cry even more, for though she loved her family, she knew she could never leave Dash. Perhaps it was her curse, but she loved her and wouldn't let anything break them apart, not even her beloved family. "How ironic..." Applejack thought to herself.

She knew her family cared for her and simply wanted her to be happy. What they didn't realize was how happy she truly was with her love. But her family did realize they were losing the fight as Applejack accepted a hold from Dash in the midst of the chaos. She knew her family wouldn't give up on their values that easily, and was proven right, for as she was held by her love, her family became even more merciless, shouting obscenities and slanderous phrases that broke Applejacks heart. She knew their intentions, but that didn't stop the hurt.

Dash hugged her closely, trying to comfort her companion. The anger Dash felt in that instance was enough to catch the whole city aflame. Applejack looked up into her violet orbs for comfort as she had done multiple times before, only to find her eyes ablaze with contempt. For the first time in her life, she feared the look in her eyes, but she knew that wasn't really Rainbow Dash, and with one look of her loving, emerald glistening eyes, the fire in her lovers eyes was extinguished. Applejack buried her face into her lovers shoulder, no longer holding back her tears; Applejack knew her love would stay there and hold her till the end of time, which she briefly considered for a moment. Dash opened her embrace, much to the disliking of her lover, but she was instantly taken aback as Dash lifted her chin, looked into her eyes, and took her in a loving kiss.

Silence enveloped the yard as her family stared, not able to register what was happening. Her family stood there in disbelief; that is, most of her family. Applejack slightly gasped as she saw her direct family, Granny Smith, Macintosh, and Applebloom, move through the crowd toward Applejack with tears covering their faces. They looked at her with a hurt and somber look, which broke Applejacks heart. "Please, Celestia, no more..." she thought through her anguish. Her closest family turned away from her, casting a shadow from the setting sun onto her face. She closed her eyes, unwilling to look at them, and waited for the shadow to pass. But it never did.

Applejack opened her eyes to see her closest family members facing to crowd of the rest of her unhappy family. Granny Smith, with the same somber look in her eyes addressed the crowd, "You should all be ashamed of yourselves..." Macintosh asserted her statement with his signature response, "Eeyup..." It was all the two could say. They hadn't the heart to continue, but Applejacks younger sister, Applebloom, did.

"I never thought in my entire life that anypony in mah family could've ever said anythin' so spiteful." Applebloom said with her face covered in tears. She couldn't stand to see her older sister so hurt, especially from her own family that was supposed to support her. "In all mah years lived on this here farm, the most important thing I ever learned was from that pony" she said, with her hoof extended toward Applejack. "She taught me about honesty, and how lying to anypony, including yourself, just leads you down a path of hurt." With tears flowing freely, yet not a single quiver in her voice, the brave filly continued to face her family in rebellion. "I may not be the oldest pony here, but I'm not blind, either. Last night, after hearing noises in the house, I went to check on Applejack, only to find her not only okay, but never better. They were holdin' each other in their hooves, and I knew for a fact, they were the happiest mares in all of Equestria!" She looked back, still addressing the crowd, but facing Applejack and Rainbow Dash, "I know these two were meant fer each other. I love my sister, and I'll stand by her in anything!"

With her feelings said, it seemed Granny Smith had mustered enough courage to respond, "I always taught Applejack to be honest, and she hasn't let me down yet. If she truly is in love, and I know she is," she replied with another wink, "Then I'll stand by her too." All the while, Macintosh let out his simple, "Eeyup..." No more needed to be said.

The happiness that Applejack now felt was inconceivable. Unimaginable. Applejack had never felt closer to her direct family, Applebloom, Granny Smith, Macintosh and Rainbow Dash, than right now, as they stood by her ready to support her and give her comfort. They drew themselves into a large, welcoming hug that burned with characteristics like that of the sun and bonded them together like never before.

The rest of the family disbanded in shame of themselves and, unable to face Applejack, let out loud, audible apologies to their role model and to their new family member, who accepted and understood their previous grievances; quite frankly, being judged for her sexuality was a concept that wasn't unfamiliar to her. She learned to accept people opinions for what they were, opinions; not fact.

The sun finally sank completely in the sky, settling the fiery dispute between Applejack and her family as it settled the fiery dispute between night and day. This reunion was the worst, and yet arguably the best, Applejack had ever experienced. She hadn't experienced more sadness than she had when she was disowned, and yet she hadn't experienced any more happiness than she did when her direct family had stuck with her. Not only that, but now her family accepted Applejack for who she truly was, breaking away the ties of cultural tradition and letting in a new light and understanding.

As the stars began to streak across the sky, both Dash and Applejack retired to their bedroom, welcoming the sleep in exchange for the exhaustion, trading their weary thoughts with sweet dreams that challenged sweetness itself. Once more assuming their loving position of slumber, the two lovers slept peacefully, without doubt. The moon rose into the starry sky, sealing their loving fate in a contract with the heavens.

***

Revelations

The morning sky, set ablaze by the burning sun, reflected the deep, burning compassion Dash and Applejack felt for each other since the night before. All their life, all their experiences, all their feelings, seemed to contract into a single point of unshakeable bliss as pure happiness poured out of their beings like waterfalls. The world was a simpler place, a happier place; for that point of feeling, that point of the known and the unknown, of passion and lust, of kindness and caring, imploded, creating a single point, which consisted of every known emotion they felt throughout the passing of the night, that took the form of a single thought, a single feeling. Love.

Any doubt, any subconscious thoughts of ambiguity, unknown, or apprehension, are no longer conceivable in the state the two mares were in. All those words suddenly held no meaning in time and space as they knew it; it was as if they had never existed, leaving the trail of stout love behind as a cushion to the world, a soft mattress of love that rested on an unshakable box spring of life.

The beautifully lit morning was uncharacteristically quiet; not a sound resonated throughout the house; the birds were interestingly quiet; it seemed as though the whole world stood still for them, bending to their unconscious will. Not a single disturbance presented itself as the two slept; not one.

The entire world corresponded as Applejack and Dash awoke without hinder, allowing their minds to become accustomed to the conscious world of Equestria. Their eyelids slowly parted, allowing the life-giving sun to flash soft, warm light to enter their eyes, giving them new perspective to the room, which was flooded with the same golden light, giving the room a Celestial-like aura. The room radiated with life, causing both Dash and Applejack to smile as they wakened, extremely happy for the day off.

The sharp, yet refreshing morning air was there to greet them as Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked outside, starting their new day together. The air reminded them of their own selves; they were both intense, yet caring at the same time. Their walk started their advance on the new days activities, which included a trip to the meadow outside of Ponyville. It had been a long time since Rainbow Dash had taken to the skies in a dangerous dance of aeronautics, and she yearned to feel the wind once more; but furthermore, Dash had noticed over the last few days that she had completed a succession of Sonic Rainbooms, a signature flying feat that only she, herself, could perform, one after the other without fault, and she intended to learn why. For she had only been able to do it a couple times before.

She had tried to learn to do her Sonic Rainboom at will multiple times, but it never quite turned out the way the mare had wished, pointedly because she ended up never actually performing it once at will. It had only happened under tremendous amounts of pressure and by accident, which she intended to rectify by learning to do it at her whim.

It wasn't exactly unexpected to Applejack as she learned of her lovers intent for the day. She too had noticed the abnormality in the frequency of the signature move and was also curious, and was delighted to help her love discover the origin of the Sonic Rainboom. She happily followed Dash to the meadow, casually conversing with the mare as they walked, sharing stories of years long gone, trying to pass the time as they neared their destination.

The green sea of the meadow finally rose from the horizon and met their eyes. Both Dash and Applejack stared in awe at the beauty of the flowing plains complimenting the sharp, green forest and the coincidental cyan colored sky. Dash continued to stare at the sky, glistening with a perfect hue that resembled the color of herself. Standing still, she relished as the soft, warm fall breeze made it's way across her sleek, slender body that was perfectly aerodynamic. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to indulge in the simple pleasure, and after a few seconds, proceeded with her partner down the hill into the green fields below.

***

High in the atmosphere, characterized by thin air and cold temperatures, a Cyan Pegasus, blended perfectly with the sky, was in her element. She flew across the aerial heights, showing her dominance as a flyer. This was her kingdom, her territory. No one else challenged her as she took hold of the caelum, the miles of atmosphere dedicated to be her grounds of property, and rocketed toward her goal, literally and figuratively.

Today solely existed for Dash to learn her trick at whim; it served no other purpose. She recollected all the information she could in regards to her previous experiences with her Sonic Rainbooms. She had always been flying at top speed and she only did it under pressure and when she had absolute determination.

'This can't be too bad to figure out...' she thought once again. She was too determined to let her previous experiences hinder her actions. With nothing in her mind except the overwhelming power of determination, she set off in high speed toward a general direction of east. She then turned and rocketed skyward, quickly gaining altitude and carving her way through the atmosphere. She flew as high as she was comfortable with and turned over, using gravity to help her reach past her terminal velocity and soar downward, her velocity slowly increasing.

The makings of her Sonic Rainboom presented themselves as she beat her wings furiously in an attempt to complete her aerial trick. The high speed caused the air particles to swarm around her, creating the beginnings of a mach cone; which, after longer exposure and increased velocity, took shape, and coated Rainbow Dash in a nearly transparent veil of white. She could hear the screeching of the air flying past her ears as she neared the sound barrier, steadily increasing in pitch like a teapot nearing it's full boil.

Applejack watched the whole scene in complete awe; it was just as exciting and stupefying as the first time she saw her beloved complete the move during the young flyers competition. The mach cone's degree had gotten considerably smaller as Rainbow Dash, still quite a ways from the ground, rocketed closer and closer. The white veil of the cone seemed to envelope her whole body; small sparks of electricity erupted around her and the cone slowly changed not to just one color, but to all of them as the hues of the rainbow swarmed around her. Applejack held her breath, knowing that she was close to the end result. She stood in silence, consternation, and utter respect as Dash came closer and closer to the completion she so desired; but it seemed fate had conspired against them that moment, for when she thought she was going to execute the move, the mach cone leveled out, slowing her down to a complete mid-air stop, then rebounded, propelling her into the opposite direction. Applejack, thoroughly frightened for her lover's safety, stole after her in a frantic chase.

***

If this situation hadn't occurred on the past, then it would be safe to assume that Rainbow Dash would be in considerable danger; however, under the circumstances that this had happened multiple times opposite of the future, Rainbow Dash had learned, with incredible precision, how to safely come out of the tailspin, resume steady flight, and safely land without any problems, and though Applejack knew this had happened many times without incident, her instinct still drove her to run after her.

Dash, who was moving across the blue plains of the sky, after noticing she was in a counter-clockwise tailspin, eased out her left wing and dropped her right wing to the side, which inevitably brought her spin to a stop, where she then proceeded to extend her right wing fully, bringing her into a steady glide, and after a few moments, she landed safely one half of a mile away from her starting position. She looked back, seeing Applejack quite a distance away, quickly making her way to Dash's current position. She slightly smiled, but something weird happened, she noticed that Applejack stopped moving, and was frantically looking back and fourth at what seemed to be dark figures that surrounded her. Dash was already flying toward her love before she even realized what she was flying to. A pack of wild wolves had surrounded Applejack, quickly closing in. She raced as fast as her wings would take her toward Applejack.

***

Dash had made her was into Applejack's view and she judged Dash to be approximately a half a mile away. From what she could see, Dash was in good health; she wasn't lying on the ground and she wasn't limping, to the great relief of the chaser. She bought her run to a steady jog, still making her way towards Dash, when her peripheral vision noticed a dark figure around fifty feet to her left. At first she paid it no mind, but after but a few seconds, it was clear it was heading toward her location. She reeled back, unsure of what the being was or it's intentions. She focused, and, upon further inspection, realized that she was being stalked by a feral wolf.

She'd heard many stories about wolves in her early childhood; they were dangerous, carnivorous wild dogs that hunted in packs ranging from six to over twenty and, if given the chance, would hunt nearly anything, including ponies. The only real experience she'd had with timber wolves was whenever they howled; it signified the harvest time of Zap Apples, a special breed of apples that were rather difficult to properly harvest, for just the slightest miscalculation, and the apples would cease to be ripe; however, other than that, she'd had no experience with a wolf, especially in person and the very idea frightened her a great deal. She quickly turned around to run, but found herself surrounded by the wolves on all sides. She looked around, trying to formulate a plan in the desperate situation. She glanced past the wolf and saw Dash flying fast toward her, but something else caught her eye about her flying; Dash had a sharp mach cone surrounding her.

The pack of wolves quickly closed the distance between them and their newly anticipated prey. A normal pony would have probably lost it from the fear, but not Applejack, who stood still and held her ground. As they drew nearer, she could hear there guttural snarls and noticed, with much concern, that the pack now blatantly showed her their teeth. She felt the color drain from her face and a chill run throughout her body; she had a difficult time keeping her misgivings hidden from her predators, who, after noticing this, growled all the louder. She glanced one more toward Dash, who was closing fast; she was taken aback in slight shock as she saw the mach cone rightly refined and acute, vivid with color, she stood, frozen in awe, for but a second as she heard a particularly loud snarl and turned to see one of the wolves airborne, closing in for the kill. The gravity of the situation didn't quite sink in until just now, as Applejack realized the fruitlessness of moving, for it was already too late, there was no time for defense, only bracing for connection of teeth and claws on flesh and fur; she closed her eyes, prepared for the attack

***

Rainbow Dash, full of adrenaline, sped away toward her lover in a fitful race between her and the wolves. She unconsciously thought of the mach cone around her; what had normally taken her a whole mile to form had been formed in well under half of a mile. She pushed the thoughts out of her mind, allowing only Applejack to dwell in her sub conscience. The circumstances from her previous attempt at the Sonic Rainboom reoccurred as the cone shrank in degree and increased in sharpness. The white veil once again changed into a swirl of color and enveloped her whole body as her wings propelled her at speeds that shamed all others. She noticed her beloved was staring at her in what seemed to be amazement, but more pointedly, she noticed one of the wolves closing in, then a split second later, he became airborne.

Dash was traveling at a velocity completely unknown to her. The air around her seemed to vanish, the sound was unbearable as it whistled past her ears, threatening to deafen her, and with a final push of her strong wings, Dash broke the barrier, sending a circular wave of vivid and spectacular color. It was unbelievably spectacular; her heart stopped, the color threw it's bright hues in all directions, enveloping to ground below in a bath of iridescent pigmentation that contained every tint that could be seen with the naked eye. Dash was propelled forward in a speed never seen before and she flew through the pack of wolves, past the rancid, airborne wolf prepared to attack Applejack, and in the blink of an eye, both Rainbow Dash and Applejack were well past the dumbfounded wolves who stared at the ground where their prey had been but a moment ago.

It had struck Dash in mid-flight as to the characteristics involving a successful Sonic Rainboom, and she smiled as she stared into the eyes of a frightened, happy, and loving Applejack, who clutched her in a powerful embrace in salute to her lovers action, which, according to Rainbow Dash, was unequivocally unnecessary, but, according to Applejack, it unequivocally was. She finally noticed, with great veracity, that the key to the completion of her signature move was, ironically, love! The love for her friends and the love for flying had driven her to success every time, it gave her a determination and a boost of adrenaline unlike anything she'd ever experienced in her colorful life. The two flew away from the scene, leaving a trail of brilliant coloration in their wake.

***

The two could barely speak a single word to each other as Dash softly landed on the porch of Applejack's farm house. The gravity of the situation that had just transpired still hadn't fully set in; Applejack's life was just threatened. The two did the only thing they could, which was hold each other and cry, expressing their feelings and throwing meaningless apologies trying to explain what had just happened. Dash just hushed her lover, saying, "It's ok, Apples. You're ok!" Applejack stopped her sobbing but continued to slightly cry. She was lost for words.

"Come on, Applejack, let's go to bed."

The manner in which she spoke would have reflected a situation that was in no way dire, but only the both of them needed to know the contrary. The bond that was strengthened that day needed no words of explanation; there were none to be found, so the two abandoned the fools errand of explanation and proceeded upstairs to their room, ready to retire. It was 5:30 pm, but both of them were completely exhausted after their ordeal.

The two climbed into bed, with remnants of tears in their eyes. They could not explain the feelings they felt, so they stopped trying. They assumed their signature hold, Applejack hugging Dash's waist while Dash wrapped her arms around Applejack's neck.

"I love you, Dashie." Applejack said softly.

"I love you too, Apples." Dash lovingly replied.

Fate has a funny way of always turning things around. They both turned in for a kiss, but stopped, and looked into the glistening orbs of the other; they then slowly closed their eyes, and felt their lips connect in a loving contract, forever bonding one to the other. Their field of dreams went undisturbed that night and many to come as the one dreamt of the other. Their souls had made a pact, and there was no turning back. After what had happened today, both Dash and Applejack knew that they would not and could not ever be separated from each other; their love bonded them together, in an infinite chasm of pure affection and need; they slept, knowing that their love for each other would last an eternity and beyond, challenging the test of time.