Chapters Prompt #1: Birth
Couple: RariJack
Ten wonderful years married, excellent careers, decent income, and two children in. They certainly couldn't want anything more. Rarity and Applejack most definitely had what many could label as a perfect life. Of course, nothing truly was flawless, but still - some things could come close to the definition of it. Sure, they had their issues, like any couple, and some nights ended up with one of them sleeping on the couch, but nonetheless, they were happy.
And now, they were only going to add to their joy.
With a seven year old daughter and a five year old son, another little one was on the way.
Magic number three.
Sometime after their first child was born, they had made a pact to have three children - not too many, but a decent amount. Rarity liked the idea of a small yet tight-knit family, and Applejack was always one for more than a few children. Somehow, they had met in the middle and chosen the odd number of three, so that was their plan.
...but sometimes, not everything can go according to plan.
"But Mama, I don't wanna clean out the attic."
Applejack let out a sigh, and rolled her eyes. "We ain't cleanin' it out, hon," she assured. "We're jus' gettin' some stuff outta there."
The little filly pouted, as she crossed her forehooves in an adorable protesting manner. "It's the same thang," she muttered, blowing navy bangs out of her vision. "I don't wanna do it."
"I don't mind," her younger brother piped up, with a wide smile. He bounded forward towards his mother, pushing his thin-framed glasses further his muzzle. "What do you need, Mama?"
"Now that's the kinda can-do attitude Ah'm lookin' for," Applejack replied, with a smile as she ruffled her son's choppy violet mane.
"You just wanna help 'cause you got magic!" the filly accused. "I betcha if you didn't have that fancy horn of yers, you wouldn't wanna do squat!"
However, this comment caused her mother to look down at her in a somewhat disapproving manner. "Sonya, what'd Ah tell ya b'fore?" she questioned.
The earth pony filly identified as Sonya let out a huff, and rolled her pretty seagreen eyes. "That just 'cause Alex has magic and I don't doesn't anything," she replied halfheartedly, only for her little brother to levitate over a pillow and smack her in the face with it. "Hey! Mama, ain't you gonna yell at him?"
"Alexandrite, be nice to yer sister," Applejack scolded, summoning the young colt to simply toss the pillow back to where he found it. "Now, c'mon, you two are gonna help me git some stuff outta the attic an' ya ain't gonna complain 'bout it, ya hear?"
Both letting out sighs and relenting with the demand, both foals followed their mother up the stairs and into the dusty old attic of their house - a place where long forgotten stuff had been put away for either safekeeping, memories or the fact that nopony knew what to do with some of the items, as noticed by the not-so-straightened out appearance of the room.
"So what're we even lookin' for?" Sonya whined as she sneezed at the musty odor of the attic. "I don't wanna be up here any longer than I have to." She caught her brother sticking his tongue out at her and shook her hoof at him, causing their mother to loudly clear her throat and the two siblings simply turned away from each other.
Letting out a light huff, the farmpony shook her head. "How're y'all supposed t' get along with yer new brother or sister if'n ya can't get along with each other?" she said simply.
"Is that what this is about?" Alexandrite questioned, his expression scrunching up in a very cute way. "Because when we get our new sibling, could we trade them for Sonya?"
"Hey!" the filly exclaimed. "I ain't that bad, am I?"
The colt took a moment to think, only before giving a nod. "Yes, yes, I'd say you are," he replied, with a sly and snarky grin.
His sister pouted once more and stomped her hoof, now giving him the cold shoulder. "I refuse to work with him, Mama," she muttered. "He's mean."
Applejack shook her head. One day, her children were the best of friends, and the next, they seemed like mortal enemies.
She removed a box from the mess of junk, pushing it over to her son. "Take that down, will ya, Alex?" she requested, as she took another box, motioning it towards her daughter. "An' Sonya, hon, try not to mess these up. Th' last thing Ah want is t' have yer mother make another new wardrobe."
Looking into the box she was given, Sonya pulled out a tiny pink and purple frilly dress, pretending to gag as she held it up. "How did you make me wear these?" she muttered in disbelief. "Ain't forcing your child to wear something this snooty a form of torture?"
"Don't blame me," the Element of Honesty chuckled. "It wasn't mah idea."
Shoving the dress back into the box, the little filly began pushing the box out of the small room, only for a thick mattress to whap her right in the side, knocking her over.
"Mama, do you have to bring this downstairs too?" Alexandrite asked, as he levitated the mattress out of the crib that sat in the corner.
"Eeyup," Applejack replied, with a proud smile at her son's will to help. "Don't strain yer magic, though, if'n ya cain't handle it."
"I got it," the little unicorn smiled as he paraded out of the room.
Mumbling about her younger brother was nothing but a show-off, Sonya continued to shove the cardboard box along the floor, however, within seconds, right after Alexandrite had left the room, a sudden thump was heard, followed by a loud "WHEE! crash .
And then a voice called from down below, "I can see somepony has been very productive today."
Wincing, Applejack exited the attic with her daughter in tow, trotting all the way down to the living room, to see Rarity standing there, with Alexandrite splayed out on the floor, and the mattress meant for the crib crashed straight into the couch.
"Alex, what in the hay didja jus' do?" Applejack groaned.
"Mattress surfing," the young colt laughed, as he magically fused his broken glasses back together. "I did it at the castle with Aunt Dashie and Auntie Twi a while back, and I really wanted to try it on my own."
With a huff, the earth pony mare held back swearing under her breath. "Then remind me t' nev'r let 'em foalsit you again," she declared. "Now both of ya, go put th' boxes Ah gave ya up in the nursery."
Whining and moaning to themselves, the two foals went back upstairs to do what they were assigned, leaving their mothers in peace.
"Hey, Rares," Applejack said, with a smitten smile as she leaned forward to nuzzle her wife. "Yer home from work early."
"Well, I figured that this was worth coming home early to," Rarity chuckled, placing a quick kiss on the farmer's cheek. "And, I have some news."
Raising an eyebrow, Applejack gave a nod, as a beckon for the unicorn to continue.
Trying not to hesitate and show a bit of confidence, the fashionista levitated an envelope out of her saddlebags. "These were sent to me in the mail from the doctor," she said simply. "It's about the foal."
Taking it from her wife, the orange mare looked to the pamphlet, and then back to Rarity. "Is everythang ok?" she asked in concern.
"Oh, yes, it's just..." the dressmaker stopped, taking a moment to choose her words as she felt slight movement in her abdomen, which caused her to give a hopeful smile. "surprising. That's all."
"What, is the 'lil one gonna be an alicorn?" Applejack remarked, with a smirk, as she opened the top of the folder, taking out the paper and reading over it.
Status: Healthy
Sex: M
Race: Earth
Status: Healthy
Sex: F
Race: Unicorn
With her eyebrows knit and expression confused, the farmpony looked up to her wife. "Rares, ya wanna explain t' me why there's two reports on this here paper?" she inquired, only before she noticed Rarity's face - which was a mixture of hope and worry. "Wait, hold up, y'all don't mean-"
"Yes," the unicorn replied. "We're having twins."
A moment of silence passed, only before the dressmaker spoke up.
"Darling?" she murmured. "Are you alright?"
"Course Ah am," Applejack replied. "Jus'... shocked, Ah guess. Four kids. Geez."
Giving a small smile, Rarity held her wife's hoof and smiled. "We've made it this far with two, and we've faced many other challenges even before we were married," she released a chuckle. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm sure that we'll be able to handle it."
Applejack returned the grin. "Yeah, Rares," she agreed. "Yer right."
After months of waiting, weeks of worrying, days of anticipation and hours of death threats, finally, the both of them were blessed with two more lovely children.
Jade Gala, born first, a beautiful unicorn filly, and Jasper Adam, born five minutes later, a dashing earth pony colt, were identical twins - save for the fact of their species and genders. They had light russet brown coats, curly platinum blonde manes and brilliant sapphire eyes.
And while they were content, Rarity and Applejack both very well knew that the birth of the new foals was just another small step in the adventurous thrill ride of a life that they shared.
~la fin~
Prompt #2: Reunion
Couple: FlutterDash
Fluttershy let out a sigh, and looked up to the pristine, crystal clear blue sky. She could remember the days where she'd see rays of rainbow streaking across, and it'd put the biggest, most irreplaceable of smiles on her face. She'd know that it was for her, and sometimes, that streak would fall to the ground, sit beside her, cuddle with her, kiss her, make her feel loved...
Unfortunately, the last time that happened was almost a year ago.
She felt a single tear trickle down her cheek, and she wiped it away, releasing a deep breath. She couldn't fall apart this weakly, at a silly memory - she had to be strong.
After all, the letters once a month were always very heartwarming.
Ever since Rainbow Dash had gotten admitted to the Wonderbolt Academy, it only escalated from there. She had special appearances at the shows, earned a permanent slot, and now, she was a full-time member of the team - the newest rookie, in all of the tabloids. Nopony could not see it.
...and each time Fluttershy saw one of those papers or magazines, her heart stopped.
It hurt seeing her Dashie just in photos, when she used to have the real thing loving her.
Just looking at the pictures, she could feel her marefriend's hooves around her, the soft kisses near her wings, the silly little attempts Dash used to make at flirting, and the cute yet priceless moments they would share.
Trying to ditch the memory of her lover out of her mind for the time being, Fluttershy retreated back inside her cottage and noticed as there was an envelope sticking in the window. Derpy must've mistaken that for the mail slot again...
Gently removing the letter from the crevice, the shy pegasus looked on the front of it and she was baffled by who it was from.
From Rainbow Dash
321 Breezy Street - Wonderbolts Training Grounds
Cloudsdale, Equestria
Not only was Fluttershy just thinking about her mare, but Dashie had already sent her monthly letter a few days back. What in the world was another one doing - getting sent to her?
Nonetheless, she ripped open the top of the envelope, fishing out the piece of paper and beginning to carefully read each and every word.
Fluttershy,
Yeah, it's me again. I know I already sent you a letter this month - but trust me, I wish I had time to send you more. This one, however, is actually important and totally awesome! I bet you know why too!
My Wonderbolt training is finally over! The Season's gonna be done in a week! I'm coming back home!
I don't have time to really say much more, because I'm tired, and Capt. Spitfire is making us do extra laps for the big season finale show, but you know I still love you, right? I mean, I wouldn't be the Element of Loyalty if I didn't! You're awesome and I can't wait to see you again, butterfly.
(...remember, we both agreed not to tell anypony that I'm being romantic by sending you these letters and junk.)
Love, Dash
p.s. I hope you and the girls come to the show! But you, especially. Remember, you're my favorite fan!
p.p.s ...Yay.
Fluttershy could feel it - that irreplaceable smile - spreading across her expression once more, for the first time in a long time. She loved it, and she couldn't resist it. Sure, Rainbow Dash's words were awfully blunt and simple, but that's what made them special. They weren't too flowery, they got straight to the point and hit Fluttershy's heartstrings in all of the right ways.
Noticing five golden exclusive Very Important Pony box-seat tickets to the Wonderbolts' big finale show in the envelope, Fluttershy took them out and lightly giggled.
Finally, after waiting so long, she would have her Rainbow back.
The crowd was going crazy, and none of the Wonderbolts had even showed up yet. It was wild, but oddly enough, Fluttershy was calm as a butterfly on a flower during Springtime. She sat in the stands with her friends, all of them ready and waiting to enjoy the show - but most importantly, to finally see Rainbow Dash after so long.
Finally, the show began.
Spins, swirls, somersaults and so much more were performed by the elite flying team. Fire decorated the clouds, and stormclouds danced in the sky, but what really took everypony's breath away was the flawless Sonic Rainboom showed off by everypony's favorite rookie.
"Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash!" the crowd chanted as the spectrums of color flowed up above, raining down slowly.
And as the star herself barreled back down towards the track, nopony seemed to notice the wink that she gave to a certain somepony sitting in the stands...
...Fluttershy, however, just waved her tiny little Wonderbolt flag and gave her usual light cheer.
As the Wonderbolts bowed, the crowd burst into cheers and thus, the short but stunning show was over, as was the season for the famous flying group. It'd be another six months until they began touring.
But that didn't matter to Dash.
She didn't even wait for the crowd to file out as she burst right into the box her friends were sitting in, giving her usual "Yeah, I know I'm awesome" pose before them.
"Hey, guys," she said casually, with a smile. "Miss me?"
Instantly, she was bombarded with hugs from her friends, but surprisingly, one of them stood back, just smiling her sweet little smile with tears of happiness in her pretty blue eyes.
That one was, of course, Fluttershy.
Appreciating her friends' amazing returning messages, Dash stepped forward and slightly melted as she met her marefriend's gaze.
"You missed me the most, didn't ya?" she laughed, with a bit of a smirk.
Giving a small nod, Fluttershy threw her forelegs around Rainbow Dash's neck and pulled her in close for a sweet, simple, passionate, and loving kiss.
"I missed you, Dashie," the shy pegasus murmured, with a bit of a blush across her cheeks.
Letting out a light chuckle, the Wonderbolt nuzzled her mare. "Missed you more, Flutters," she murmured, with a smile in return.
It might've been a long time apart, but the reunion was definitely worth it.
~la fin~
Prompt #3: Illness / Injury
Couple: RariDash
***Equestria Daily
Monday, April 15th
Crash Course!
After famous Wonderbolt starlet Rainbow Dash had an accident at one of her shows, it is now proven that the accident was fatal for the elite flying team's most popular member. Official papers from Cloudsdale Hospital state that Rainbow Dash's wings are in terrible condition. Reports on when she will be able to fly again is currently unknown. (Read more on page twenty-five.)***
Rainbow Dash let out a sigh, tossing the newspaper into the box of old things, fishing out her old Wonderbolt uniform. A bittersweet smile formed across her expression, and she held onto it, screwing her eyes shut and trying to remember the days she'd effortlessly glide through the sky, skim across the clouds, perform Sonic Rainbooms...
...those days had been long gone.
Placing the uniform into the box, tears suddenly formed in her rose eyes. Phantom pain coursed on the sides of her body, and she didn't want to look - really, it was the last thing she wanted to do - but somehow, her gaze had fallen down.
She wasn't like how she used to be.
Where her wings used to be, they were gone.
They had been for a while now, almost a year.
She could easily remember hearing the doctors as if it were only yesterday.
"The bones in your wings are completely shattered, ma'am. They have no chance of healing. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you'll never fly again."
Those were the words that used to be in her nightmares.
Never being able to fly again was one of Rainbow Dash's uncontrollable fears, and she was genuinely worried about it from time to time, but she had always considered it as irrational. She was a pegasus, how could she not be able to fly?
"Now, I'm afraid there's only one way to heal your pain. We'll have to amputate your wings, in order to relieve of the stinging of your broken bones."
And now, she was nothing.
She stepped down from the Wonderbolts before the surgery, and afterwards, it only went downhill from there. Not being able to fly out the window on a flight when she was upset or frustrated only increased her anger, moving had become more difficult - she wasn't used to being on her hooves 24/7 - and the memories of the crash that had caused the whole downward spiral of events haunted her.
It was too much.
The mare who thought she was invincible, the amazing Rainbow Dash, had attempted a Double Rainboom - which would've been two Sonic Rainbooms in a row... and she had failed. The power and speed was too much. She had collapsed right into the ground, a crumpled mess, broken and bruised. According to the hospital papers, she was in coma for three weeks, and it only got worse from there.
Of course, everypony else was saying it was better, but they didn't know the pain that Dash was going through.
Fortunately, she was good at hiding her true emotions.
Unfortunately, she couldn't keep it in for too long.
This was when it finally snapped.
Gritting her teeth, with hot tears billowing down her cheeks, Rainbow Dash scooped up the box of old Wonderbolt memories - both good and bad - and tossed it right into the trash can by the bed. Then, she bit her lip, let out a light growl and finding no other outlet for her current mixed emotions, she reached out, slamming her hoof against the wall in a wicked punch that left a few chips on the wallpaper.
She slumped onto the floor, in a crying mess.
Why?
Why did this happen to her?
Nopony deserved this kind of torture, to be robbed of what they had since birth, and yet, Rainbow had been suffering from it for months now.
She heard a voice - murmurs, but she ignored them. Curling up into herself, like a scared foal would, the pegasus (former pegasus? ) shivered and shuddered. Everyday, she wished that this was just a bad dream, that the crash never happened, she still had her wings...
But alas, dreams were far from reality.
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash was lifted up off of the floor, and felt a warm, comforting, sweet, snow-white, lavender-scented embrace around her.
It was an embrace she knew very well.
"R-rarity?" she choked out, returning the powerful hug and flickering her gaze up to look deep into concerned sapphire eyes. "Wh-what are you-"
"Shh," Rarity murmured, as she looked straight at Rainbow Dash. "I know what you're going to say, dearest, and I'm here because I heard what was going on. I know what's wrong."
Dash sniffled, furiously wiping away her tears. "I - I'm f-fine," she fibbed. "I just had a bit of a breakdown." She stammered over her words, and took a minute to think. Damn that stupid crash, not only did it take her wings, but it destroyed some of her brain cells too. Literally. Ever since it had happened, she had been a stuttering, forgetful mess.
"Isn't that what I'm here for?" Rarity questioned, with a halfhearted smile.
Although, it was quite difficult to smile when the mare she loved most was broken.
"You don't have to," Rainbow Dash managed. "I - I can t-take care of myself." She fought out of her loved one's grasp and staggered to her hooves, noticing that the unicorn was now a bit hurt. "R-really, Rarity, I - I'm not a foal."
"I know you aren't," Rarity replied as she stood up, her gaze never leaving Dash's broken expression. "But when I married you two years ago, I did make a promise, did I not? For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, through sickness and-"
The cyan mare glared daggers and stomped her hoof angrily in defense. "I'm not sick," she spat.
Releasing a deep breath, the fashionista reached out to hold her wife's hoof comfortingly, but Rainbow Dash recoiled at it. Rarity tried not to show her own frustration, and shook her head. "I can never help you if you keep pushing me out," she declared.
"I don't want your help, and I definitely don't need it." Rainbow argued as she began to storm off.
Just as she looked back, noticing her mare about to exit the room, Rarity spoke up, "Then why are you so upset?"
"I - I'm not upset," was the slow reply.
"You sure look like it."
A sudden moment of silence passed, only before Dash glared at her wife once more. "Why don't you just get off my back?!" she snapped. "I don't need help from you, or our friends, or anypony! None of you can change me back, so who even cares?!"
Rarity's expression fell, and melted into sudden realization. "Oh, darling, is that it?" she said softly. "You're frustrated because of ... that? "
"Why wouldn't I be?" Rainbow Dash muttered, as the tears came back. "How would you feel if you had your horn chopped off?" She sniffled and hesitated, "I'm not me anymore, Rarity. I feel lost."
The dressmaker pursed her lips, taking a moment to choose her words carefully, only before replying, "I understand what you're saying, but if you'd like my opinion on the matter, I never cared about your wings." She caught Dash's now slightly offended scowl, and backtracked on what she said. "I didn't care about them, because they had no effect on why I love you. Everypony who truly cares about you, Rainbow dear, your wings didn't matter to them either. They had no factor on why you have a special place in our hearts. Ponies love you for you, not because you can do fantastic stunts and you were an idol." Her pretty blue eyes met her wife's gloomy rose ones, and Rarity could see the pain. "Rainbow Dash, do you really know why I love you?"
Dash hesitated, and stammered, but before she could get any real words out, Rarity continued.
"I love you because you're a fighter, you're loyal, you're brilliant, and as much as you don't like to admit it, you have brains to back up your brawn. I know that if you go out at night, I could trust you, while some mares are unable to have that feeling of security with their partners. You astonish me with the secret logic you have behind your exceptional skills. Even when the going gets tough, you want to jump headlong into it. If somepony's hurt, you rush to help... but lately, ever since that crash, you haven't been yourself." Rarity stopped, taking a moment to catch her breath, only before giving into the finale of her speech. "And I don't expect you to walk out of something so dramatic with no scratches. But as I've said before, the clothes don't make the mare. That works for general appearance as well. Even if you had a grey mane, and you were stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of your life, I would love you as much as the day I first met you."
Silence passed between the two mares only before the dressmaker added, with a bit of a shaky tone to her voice, "So, please, Rainbow Dash, don't let this injury be a major setback in your life. Don't focus on the pain, darling. Remember that everypony who cares about you, especially me, we love you for who you are inside."
Letting out a light sniffle, Dash stepped forward, wrapping her forelegs around Rarity and pulling her lover into a firm, tight embrace of tears and breathless laughter.
"I - I'm sorry," she sobbed. "You're right, Rares. You're so right it hurts."
With a bittersweet smile, Rarity comfortingly nuzzled back. "It's alright," she assured. "It's ok to cry, let it all out."
Burying her muzzle into the unicorn's silky soft violet mane, Rainbow Dash let out a shaky breath, only before faintly murmuring, "I love you too, Rarity."
"But I'll always love you even more, my darling Dash."
~la fin~
