It was a warm summer day on the Apple Family Farm. Applejack was taking the last bucketful of apples to the barn when a shadow fell over her. She looked up, and saw a lone cloud drifting above her. She frowned slightly, intrigued by it’s presence. One of her closest friends, Rainbow Dash, usually took care of all the clouds over Sweet Apple Acres well before midday, and it was well past midday now. As if able to read her mind, a flash of rainbow swept through the cloud, dissipating it completely. The cyan pegasus landed next to Applejack.
“Sorry ‘bout that AJ, I was just grabbing a quick snack and I didn't notice that cloud” She explained.
“Let me guess, your ‘snack’ was some of mah apples?” the farm pony accused with a not-quite-serious frown.
“Ummm.... maybe?” the pegasus ventured. “They sure were good apples though. Oops... Hehe.”
“Ah knew it! Get over here, you little scoundrel!” Applejack laughed.
“Only if you can catch me!” Rainbow replied before galloping off with Applejack in pursuit. As she ran, Applejack thought about the last couple of weeks. Shortly after the end of Applebuck Season, Rainbow Dash had requested a demotion from the Ponyville Weather Institute so that she could work exclusively above the farm. Ever since then, the weather had been perfect all over sweet Apple Acres the rain clouds were only ever over the fields that needed it, and the sun always shone everywhere else. Applejack wasn't sure why Dashie had chosen to demote herself just to work above the farm. It was a big thing for the boastful pegasus, especially since she used to be captain of the weather team!
“Hang on, did Ah just call her ‘Dashie’? What sorta name is that? Still, it kinda suits her, it’s cute.” She though absent-mindedly. “Wait, what?! Did Ah just call her cute? Getta hold of yourself Applejack!”
“Hey AJ! Am I too fast for you?” Rainbow laughed, snapping Applejack out of her thoughts.
“Oh no ya don’t!” Applejack called back, then sprinted ahead, tackling the other pony to the ground. They tumbled head over hooves for a few metres before coming to a stop with AJ on top, pinning the pegasus down.
“Who’s too fast now Sugarcube?” Applejack teased.
“Ok, Ok, you win, get off of me, get off!” Dash conceded, struggling to free herself. Applejack stepped away, smiling.
“Hey, AJ” Rainbow began after she had gotten up.
“Yeah sugarcube?”
“Could I... well... can you.. can I help on the farm? Please?” Dash asked, with a hint of.. ..pleading? Applejack rolled her eyes and sighed heavily.
“What have you broken this time Dash?” Applejack asked. The last two times Rainbow Dash had offered someone help for no apparent reason was to try to get on their good side before telling them what she had broken, first Twilight’s not-so-secret laboratory under the library and then twilights chicken coop.
“Nothing, I swear! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! I just want to help!” She exclaimed, carrying out the actions for the Pinkie Promise.
“Hmm... I guess you can help. You'll need to be up early, so you can have the spare bedroom next to mine.” AJ replied, still slightly suspicious, but not going to turn down a helping hand. She had learned her lesson there.
“YES! I mean, cool! Thanks AJ” The pegasus said, hugging her friend, then continuing the walk back to the farmhouse.
“This is getting stranger and stranger” Applejak thought, following the blue pegasus home.
