Fluttershy was taking a gentle stroll through the deserted high street of Ponyville; she had come to meet Rainbow Dash after she finished work. Looking up to the grey clouds she couldn’t help but admire her work.
The blue Pegasi had got the grey clouds put together perfectly. Sighing once again she wished she were as good a flier as her fillyhood friend.

She made her way to the little pub 'The Foaming Mug' that had a couple of tables outside under the canopy, she ordered a couple of beer’s shuddering at the thought of Rainbow Dash drinking hers without a head. “Just the way I like it” The blue mare once told her.

A good half an hour passed and Fluttershy sighed, it looked like Rainbow Dash had forgotten their weekly meeting. Looking towards the un-drunk beer and waved the glass collector over. He took the drinks and smiled at her in what he obviously thought was a nice complimentary way. She retreated behind her pink mane as she got up to leave, not noticing when the glass collector followed after shedding his apron.

“Good afternoon.” He said to her making her jump out her skin nearly “EEE!” She squeaked out before turning her head to the stallion. “H . . .He . . .Hello.” She quietly replied. “Sorry about that miss, didn’t mean to startle you.” He answered her.
“oh. . .it’s alright.” She answered him, looking around for a good escape, not realising he had gently herded her down a side street.

Turning back she saw he was looking at her with a distinctive leer on his face now.
“Wh. . .what?” She managed to get out before he backed her against a wall.
“I’ve heard about you miss, oh so quiet, can’t even scream loud. . .” He finished approaching her.

“n . . .no please!” Fluttershy whimpered out trying to escape to the side only to be blocked by his forehoof. Dodging to the other side his other hoof slammed in front of her.

“Now, we can do this silently. . .” He let out a little chuckle at his next words. “Or silently”
“NO! DASH HEEELP!” She somehow managed to shout fear lending strength to her words.

He slammed his hoof into her face, breaking her lip. “Quiet!” He shouted back. Fluttershy’s eyes went wide in fear at this before she screamed as he approached. “I already told you how this will go down, I ain’t got a mare-friend no more, so you’ll do for now.” He said in a harsh tone of voice. Just as he got nose to nose with Fluttershy a shout interrupted him.

“STAY AWAY FROM HER!” A voice Fluttershy thanked the stars to hear.

Turning she saw Rainbow dash at the entrance to the street, wings flared, body poised, tensed for action.

-o.O.O.o-

Rainbow dash cursed her awesome bad luck. She was not only going to be late to meet Fluttershy, but she wouldn’t even make it ‘Fashionably Late’ as Rarity was wont to do, no she was going to be stupendously late for their weekly meet at the pub. Why? Because the weather factory was late sending the last rainclouds so she and the best, fastest fliers in her team had flown to the factory to collect them themselves.

As soon as the last piece was done, she took the names of the pegasi that had helped her and finished the paperwork to get them extra pay plus a 100 bit bonus this week, none of them had needed to go with her, their shifts were over, yet as soon as she put the call for volunteers out, Cloudkicker, Firestorm, and Bloomer had all shown up, before she had even got to call out about bonuses.

With this in mind she made a note to check the Ponyville's weather teams and see if it was viable to train them up as a crisis weather team, could they do with losing those three for a month or two? Ponyville hadn’t had one since before she joined the team fresh out the orphanage, yet they could certainly do with one what with them bordering on the Everfree Forest. She would talk to Futtershy about it as they shared a pint, a second opinion from her was always welcome.

Finishing up she spotted the other three waiting outside her office. “Hey Rainbow, We know you’re meeting Fluttershy shortly, you do every week after all, but would you mind if we tagged along and got you your first drinks?”

Dash looked at her team as if they were bonkers, but decided on the whole it would just be un-cool to turn them down so nodded.
“Only if you can keep up she shouted over her shoulder, her multi-coloured mane being swept back by the wind of her flight as she leapt into the air wings snapping open before she barrel-rolled and disappeared through the clouds.

She could hear here them laughing behind her, she knew that they knew if she meant it there was no way they could keep up with her, she did do Sonic Rainbooms after all. As they got in formation to resist the drag on their wings they flew over the town.

As they got close to The Foaming Mug she noticed Fluttershy wasn’t at their usual table, but before she could feel the disappointment of missing her friend, knowing she'd have to apologise, her ears picked up a fear filled voice on the wind.
A voice that had been her friend ever since the shy pale yellow mare had been abandoned to the orphanage, her friend who was always there for her, wasn’t just scared – there was true terror in the voice. It was Fluttershy screaming.
“NO! DASH HEEELP!”

Her wings suddenly aided her speed, she noticed out her exceptional peripheral vision how the others all lined up behind her, slip-streaming as their wings blurred to keep up, obviously all having heard the cry on the wind.

She flew above buildings, between chimneys looking for that pale pink mane, finally spotting her in a dark side street being accosted by the stallion from the pub who would never take a hint in the pub and she always had to get him to back off.
This time he’d gone too far!

Banking and side-slipping to lose height fast her hooves slammed to the ground her wings flared in rage, as she saw his hoof impact her friend she screamed at him to stay away from Fluttershy.
He tuned and smirked before grabbing a hoofull of Fluttershy’s mane as he dragged the screaming mare away he spoke.

“She’ll be coming with me.” He said dangerously. Rainbow started stalking down the street following, unaware of her team above waiting for the right moment to dive down and grab Fluttershy, it was general knowledge when the shy pegasus was scared her wings would lock to her sides.

Rainbow flared her nostrils and blew a breath of hot air from them. “You will unhoof her or I’ll make you.” She said quietly. The stallion just laughed at her having got to the end of the street. The next thing Rainbow saw was a lasso tied rope slip over his head.

-o.O.O.o-

Unknown to anyone Applejack had decided to pay the Cakes a quick visit to help organise a surprise party for her Pinkie, glad nopony was around to see her, she couldn’t help but giggle after she’d left the shop. the day Pinkie had surprised her on the farm one day trying to buck apples would last in her memory forever, that was the day they became each others special someponies.

-flashback-

Applejack yawned as she awoke with the sound of the morning rooster. Going to her sisters room after settling her trademark Stetson upon her head she was surprised to see Applebloom already awake. “Nah wat’cha doin’ getting’ up afore me missy?” She asked with a smile.

“Lookee sis, Pinkie’s tryin’ buckin’!” Applebloom said pointing a hoof out the window.
Applejack looked out and sure enough, by the cart that Big Mac pulled were several barrels of apples, yet from the way Pinkie looked and how many apples were NOT falling it was obvious she’d been at it for hours. “What in tarnation is she up to? “ She asked galloping out Applebloom's room and down to the field.

As she got to where Pinkie Pie was she gasped at the state of her hooves, they were cracked and bleeding, and somehow she still had that silly smile on her face. “Pinkamena Diane Pie Stop that Raght NOW!” She shouted making the Pink pony jump.

As she fell Applejack went forwards and caught her and got her settled across her back. “C’mon you, let’s git’ya back to th’ farmhouse, Ah reckon y’alls hooves gonna take a while to heal up.”
“Oh don’t worry ‘bout that Apples!” Pinkie giggled out.

‘Apples?’ Applejack thought, wondering when she had a) Been given said nickname, and B) Why in the hay wasn’t she flying off the handle at the name? Shaking her head she looked over her shoulder as she spoke.
“You jus’ make sure ah don’t drop ya, ya hear?” Pinkie giggled some more and nodded.

Once back in the farmhouse she called Big Mac to come help her with bandaging Pinkie’s hooves up in the guest room as she made her own way there. Once in she settled Pinkie on the bed and went and got a bowl of clean warm water.

It didn’t take long for Pinkie’s hooves to be treated, coming from a family of Applebuckers she and Big Mac had to deal with injuries like this a fair bit, but nopony had ever hurt themselves to this extent before.

It was obvious the pain was now getting to the cute pink pony.
'Wait, Cute?’ Applejack thought shaking her head to clear of the thoughts. She had long ago come out to her family that she preferred mares to stallions, but had told nopony else, and now here she was falling for her friend.

Letting out a sigh she looked to the pain-filled expression of her friend and finally spoke as she heard Big Mac telling Applebloom to run and get the Doctor as soon as possible.
“Allraght you, what in the HAY d’you think you were doin’ girl?” Pinkie motioned with her forehoof for Applejack to move closer so she could speak quietly.

In the most serious tone she had ever heard the poofy maned and tailed pony speak she heard the whisper.
“I wanted you to be proud of me.” This stunned Applejack as she sat back on her haunches, she was sure a kick from her big brother between the eyes was less stunning, and she knew that feeling . . . Well.

“Say WHAT? You think seein you ruin your Hooves is abaht t’make me proud? WHAT IN THE HAY?”
She had stood and was nearly in Pinkies face at this, fury running through her veins. Right up until she heard Pinkie cry. “Ah hell” she muttered as she sat up on the bed next to the mare.

“Talk t’ me sugarcube, Ah can’t understand what ya tryin’ tah prove if yeh don’ tell me.” She said quietly, A crying Pinkie was not something anybody should see, an that she was the one to cause it pulled at her heart.

“I wanted YOU to be proud of me, nopony else just you. I wanted to show I could buck apples like you. Show I’m not just a crazy, useless party pony.” She heard Pinkie say quietly. Hearing the despair in the pony’s voice she couldn’t ignore, she settled on the bed leaning up against the headboard she pulled the pink pony into her forelegs.

“Now you listen an listen well ya hear?” Applejack said quietly. Waiting until Pinkie nodded. “Now ah can’t do the actions raht now holdin’ onta ya, but ah Cross mah heart, Hope tah fly, Stick a cupcake in mah eye, you are not a useless pony Pinks. Yehv got a gift, ya make ev’rypony laugh and smile. Ah aint the best judge, but ah rekkin tha’s no uselss.”

“You mean it?” Pinkie asked.
“Hey Ah Pinkie Pie promised didn’t ah?” Applejack said quietly. “Now, why did you want mah approval so bad Pinks?” Pinkie finally looked up to Applejack, her blue watery eyes meeting Applejack's own steady reassuring green.
“Promise you won’t hate me?” Pinkie asked. If Applejack had to be honest, seeing Pinkie this vulnerable and serious was freaking her out slightly, where the hay was the bright bubbly pony she knew and cared about?

“Pinkie, no matter what ahl always be yer friend ok?” Pinkie nodded before she seemed to nibble her lip slightly as she took a breath to start.
“I. . .Well you see. . .Damn it!” She shouted before leaning up and pressing her lips to Applejack's.

Applejack's eyes widened slightly before she felt Pinkie start to pull away. In that moment she had a hundred thoughts about the pony she was holding, how she always tried to cheer everyone up, but seemed to work harder at it if Applejack was sad, how she had always held a cupcake back at the end of the day for her, how she showed her care in many ways that she never noticed until now.

Not letting the pink pony pull away she deepened the kiss. It was only when both pony’s pulled away to breath that she spoke again. “Pinkie, ah am proud of ya, not for the buckin’ till ya bleed, but for how yer able to make ev’rypony laugh, how you liven the place up. Ah don’t know what’s goin’ on in that pink head of yours, but ah’m already proud of yah ok?
Pinkie smiled up and simply said “Okie-Dokey-Lokie.” Before getting a thoughtful expression on her face.

“Sooooo, will you be my marefriend Apples?” Applejack smiled down at her and simply nodded before kissing her again. When the kiss finished she spoke. “of course ahl be you’re marefriend pinks. Now, the doc will be here soon to look at yer feet, Ahl sit with ya when he does, an until you’re fully healed you’ll be stayin here on the farm ok?” Pinke nodded.

-End Flashback-

Applejack had been surprised at how accepting everyone had been about the pair, that had been six weeks ago, and the Doctor said she’d be able to go back home soon, so to surprise her she’d arranged to have a party with a pink theme. Talking about pink wasn’t that pink mane Fluttershy’s? Then she saw what was happening fully.

Growling in the back of her throat she ran into the hardware store she was in front of, slammed 5 bits on the counter and grabbed a rope, already lasso tied from the shelf, swinging it above her head as soon as she cleared the doorway.

As soon as she got closer she saw the three pegasi circling above and saw Rainbow Dash further down the street. She flung her rope out and it slipped over the strange stallions head, just as it did she pulled hard.

As she did, the Pegasus Cloudkicker swooped down and grabbed hold of Fluttershy as Rainbow started charging the street, the other two landed near and were also advancing on the stallion.
It was then said stallion proved his strength, whipping his head around he bit the length of rope and pulled hard.

“Whoa Nellie!” Applejack shouted just before she impacted a wall.
No sooner had that happened than he span on the spot and bucked his hooves, one connecting with Rainbow Dash’s wing, an audible snap was heard, as his other hoof hit where the wing joined the rest of Rainbow Dash’s body.

-o.O.O.o-

Fluttershy looked on in abject terror at what had happened, what had nearly happened.
When she heard Rainbow’s wing snap she gasped, seeing the other hoof connect where it did she whimpered. How was Rainbow Dash still standing? Fighting through the pain, these thoughts crossed her mind as she saw Rainbow slam into the Stallion, knocking him to the ground on his back before rearing up above him whinnying in her rage.

Her hooves came down on his ‘Equipment’ and from his neigh of pain it was obvious that she had caused major damage. Hopefully permanent Fluttershy thought as Applejack finished tying the Stallion up as the last Pegasus flew to the nearest guard station to report the incident.

As soon as her hooves hit the floor Fluttershy ran to Rainbow Dash. “Oh Dashie! It’s my fault. . .” She said. “I should have stayed at the pub, I’m so sorr-“
Rainbow interrupted her. “Hey no problem flutters – it ain’t your fault, I was near an hour late.” Rainbow said. “I figured you’d head home, didn’t expect the trash to follow though.” She said grimacing in pain as two Guard stallions flew in.

Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind Rainbow Dash. “Flutters it’s ok.” She heard Rainbow whisper to her as she put her foreleg around her. “Come on, I’ve got to go to Ponyville General and get my wing looked at.” Rainbow finished as Applejack came up along side her, slipping under the broken wing and supporting its weight on her back.

Fluttershy heard Rainbow Dash’s sigh of relief at this. “Thanks A.J.” She said as they made their way to the hospital, looking back over his shoulder her called back. Cloudkicker, you’re in charge of the Weather Teams until I’m back in the air.” She said, somehow not able to muster the energy to worry about her image.

Cloudkicker nodded as Applejack and Fluttershy helped Rainbow walk away.
Fluttershy was looking towards her cyan coated friend, feelings bubbling to the surface again, She’d long held a flame for Rainbow Dash, but never told her. She couldn’t stand it if she didn’t want to be around her if she came out as a Mare-lover.

As they got to the hospital, Rainbow Dash was wheeled away to surgery as to how bad her wing was busted. Fluttershy sank down to the floor and started crying. Applejack came up next to her.
“Fluttershy, sugarcube. She’ll be ok.”
“i. . . I know” Fluttershy whispered out as she started crying into Applejacks shoulder, letting her mane hide her face.

Applejack simply held her and let her cry until she was out of tears, and after, only letting go when the others arrived to see her and Rainbow. Apparently the guard had written the Princess Celestia about the attack on one of the embodiments of the elements of Harmony.

She of course wrote Twilight and told her of the occurrence near The Foaming Mug.
Needless to say they all would be taking a personal interest in the Stallions trial.
A nurse stepped closer and whispered something to Twilight.
The purple Alicorn stepped over to where Applejack was comforting Fluttershy before she spoke.

“Hey, Rainbows doin ok, They’ve nearly finished, they had to take her down to surgery, and she’ll be ok for visitors in a couple of hours.” Twilight informed the group.
Applejack smiled a bit before she spoke. “Ah reckon wi’ the farm bein’ so close y’all better come an rest thar. Ahl go on ahead an put kettle on.”

As she made to move away however Fluttershy refused to let go. “Nah then Fluttershy, whatcha doin?” Applejack asked her quietly.
“D. . .don’t go. Please. You were there, you made it so Dashie could get me. Please stay. If you stay I know she’ll be ok.” She asked quietly, desperately.

“It’s ok Applejack, I’ll fly ahead and talk to Big Mac if you want.” Twilight offered. Applejack nodded as Pinkie came over to lay a calming hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Hey Fluttershy, no worryings, me an Apples will stay, right here by your side. It’ll be our quiet partaaay!” Pinkie said in her usual exuberant way but somehow keeping quiet.

Rarity stepped up and spoke. “Darling, Rainbow will be fine, honestly. Now lets take ourselves from these drab surroundings to the farm – I’m sure you’d like a nice hot apple cider down you.” She finished with a wink to the others.

“oh. . .okay.” Fluttershy whispered, glad that her friends were with her.
“Come on y’all, the sooner we git to the farm, the sooner we git back.” Applejack encouraged.
As they made their way to the farm Twilight’s silhouette shadowed over them as she flew back around to land near them having just returned from the farm.
As they crested the hill the last person any of them except Twilight it seemed expected to see was stood at the entrance. Princess Celestia.

-o.O.O.o-

Princess Luna was enjoying having a rare day of relaxing with her sister Princess Celestia. That all came to a stop when an urgent message arrived by High Priority Pegasi. These messengers were only ever used by the guard, and only in high emergencies.

Watching her older sister opening the letter using her magic she started to read, the further she read the paler she got, Impressive for an all shining white being, until at the end she went from pale, to red faced fury.

“CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD!” Celestia called out. Moment’s later Shining Armour stepped in.
Celestia went forward to have a quiet word with him as Luna pulled the letter to her and read.

For the Attention of Her Highness's Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Report Subject: Attempted attack in Ponyville

Details: Earlier this morning a Pegasus from the weather team in Ponyville a Mr Bloomer flew into our Station Post at Ponyville calling for help.

Two Guards departed with them, once at scene of trouble it was reported that an employee of ‘The Foaming Mug’ Public House had accosted, and attempted to sexually assault one miss Fluttershy.

They had also in an ensuing fight to prevent this, damaged one miss Rainbow Dash’s wing causing her to be taken to the General Hospital.

It is understood two others on the weather team, miss Cloudkicker and miss Firestorm, as well as the owner of ‘Sweet Apple Acres’ were also involved in the fight.

We are happy to report that apart from a single blow, it seems that the attack miss Fluttershy was stopped in time.

We only bring this instance of attack to your attention as it involves three of the living embodiments of The Elements of Harmony. We have the accused perpetrator in custody. We await your orders.

Sgt. M. A. Rine
Ponyville Barracks

By the end of the letter Luna was ready to tear this unknown person in four personally.
It was only then she realised she was shaking in her rage. Celestia came up beside her and spoke.
“Calmly sister, we will deal with this – he will face justice. Come now, Shining Armour will be sending a guard detail to escort us. We shall go th Aweet Apple Acres farm and speack with Applejack. We will then get the details from the others separately. Make no mistake, this . . .Horseapple. . . will face justice. I swear.”

Luna took a deep breath at this. She being the mare of the night knew the dreams of everypony, sometimes the dreams sickened her. Other times, as with a young filly called Scootaloo she merely entered their nightmares, helping them overcome them. Then there were the dreams of longed for companionship, both Fluttershy and Rainbow longed for the other. She only hoped that this would give them the kick they needed, and not make the young shy canary coloured mare retreat further into herself.

“Now, I must write Twilight, she will need to be there for her friend.
With that a parchment and quill flew over enveloped in Celestia’s magical aura. As the quill flew across the parchment Celestia spoke to her sister once more.
“As soon as this is sent we shall go to Sweet Apple Acres, I have also left orders that our schedules are to be cleared for the week.” She finished as her letter flew out the window in a puff of smoke on its’ way to Twilight.

“Let us depart then.” Luna said in a smooth silken voice, silk over steel. “However, see too it I do not cross paths with the one who would hurt her. I am still living to the values of a thousand years past, you remember the punishment back then?”

Celestia nodded.
“I believe it was gelding and branding. Something I fought not to be repealed, however the council of the tribes changed the law. As of now though, I have just sent a message – The old punishments will return. Too many times has the punishment not fit the crime since.”

Luna nodded at Celestia’s words as they stepped out to the flier’s launch, foregoing the chariot they spread their wings and launched. A brace of 12 Guards falling into formation around them.
They flew hard and fast landing on the farm a mere two hours later.
Just as they landed they saw the purple alicorn that was Twilight flying into the farm.

“Princess Celestia? Princess Luna, what are you doing here?” She asked as she moved towards the farmhouse. Celestia went on to explain everything she had decided. Twilight nodded and told them that the other four were on their way.

“Rainbow Dash had to go to surgery, they think she’ll be ok the last we heard, we’ll be going back to visit in a couple of hours. Fluttershy’s really shaken but we think she’s coping ok. She seems to have clung to Rainbow until she had to go to surgery, then refused to let Applejack go. She says as long as Applejack's near she knows Rainbow Dash will be ok.”

Celestia nodded at this as Luna closed her eyes a moment, a tear falling at the emotional pain that Fluttershy must be in. “BIG MAC” Twilight called into the kitchen, as she stood by the door.

“Eeyup” Big Mac said coming to the door.

"Applejack’s asked can you put the kettle on? There’s quite a few of us.” Big Mac looked around seeing all the guards and the princesses. “Eeyup. Will we need food to?” Big Mac asked. Twilight looked towards the princesses for an answer. When they both nodded she turned back to Big Mac.

“Sure thing. I’ll go and walk back with A.J. and the girls, Rainbow won’t be visiting yet, she’s in hospital, we’ll explain later. Big Mac just nodded as Twilight took to the air. Turning to the princesses and guards he spoke.
“Come on in, the tables big enough.” He said. Luna watched as she and the guards all took a seat, however her older sister didn’t join them. “I shall wait for them by the gate.” Celestia said and matched her actions to her words heading to the gate.

-o.O.O.o-

Applejack saw how Fluttershy retreated and carried on reassuring her as Princess Celestia made her way slowly over to them.
“Fluttershy, it is ok, you’re not in any trouble I promise. Applejack, I’m sorry to say we’ve taken your brother up on the offer to feed all of us, I’ll be sure to send you the compensation as soon as I return to Canterlot.” Celestia informed them.

“The only compensation ah want is t’ see th’ bastard git whut’s a’commin to ‘im.” Applejack said quietly. Celestia nodded and then quietly addressed Fluttershy.
“I would like to hear what happened, if it’s ok?” Fluttershy looked up, green eyes wide with nervousness. “I’d like to wait until Rainbow Dash is next to me.” She said before retreating behind her mane again. “if. . . if that’s. . .ok?” She trailed off her natural shyness taking over.

Applejack watched as Celestia smiled down at them. “Of course Fluttershy, that won’t be a problem.” Celestia spoke as they walked in to the kitchen. When Applejack saw how many there were to feed, and already eating she spoke up again, feeling her eyes go wide.
“Ah princess. . .” Getting the Princesses attentions’, both of them.
“Yes?” Celestia prompted.

Swallowing a big gulp as she saw her mare-friend taking Fluttershy to a seat on the end.
“Ah think ah will take up that compensation offer if it’s still available.” Applejack said as she sat in shock.

“Of course.” Princess Celestia answered, before smiling as she turned to eat while she proceeded to interview Applejack's recollections of the events. Before they knew it a couple of hours had passed.
“I believe we will be able to visit Rainbow Dash now.” Celestia informed the room.

Applejack who had sat the other side of Fluttershy, sandwiching her between herself and Pinkie Pie, noticed how this once statement picked her friends mood up better than any of Pinkie’s strange antics.

Celestia stood and addressed her guards. “I need six of you to pair off in to two’s, go and interview the other three pegasi, we will either be at Ponyville General or back here.” The six on the end all nodded and left the room Applejack and the others all got ready to head to the hospital.

Applejack turned to Fluttershy and had a question she somehow just knew that she would know.
“Say, how baht we take some flowers for ‘er?” Fluttershy smiled at this. “Oh yes that would be really lovely, she loves tulips!” She said at normal conversation volume, which for her was shouting.

Shaking her head Applejack put her Stetson back on having removed it when they sat to eat.
“Come on then, Ah reckon we kin pick some up from the florist on the way ah bet.”
Fluttershy’s smile at this lightened the hearts of all there. Having known what nearly happened to her, and what had happened to her friend to save her, no pony was going to deny her this.

Moments later they were all making their way, first to the florist, and then on to Ponyville General Hospital.

Applejack thought Rainbow Dash had the best friend in Fluttershy.

Author's Note

A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Let me know.
Constructive criticism welcome.
Flames will be ignored