Fading Colors

by J-Webb

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Romance, Spike, Big Macintosh, Sad, Main 6
Length: 32323

Applejack confesses her feelings to Dash. Only to find out that Dash's past stills haunts her.

Applejack is struggling with her feelings for a certain speedy Pegasus but when she admits them Rainbow Dash is reminded of her school years where she was bullied. Can Applejack help Dash come to terms with her past and embrace who she is? or will Dash never recover from her minds slow slip into the past.
Cover art Done by: http://cosmicwaltz.deviantart.com/ Please check him out!
The fifth chapter is now remastered with grammatical and spelling fixes, enjoy!

Published 2011-10-31 12:23:04 UTC
Last updated 2011-12-03 22:07:30 UTC

Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

|Shipping| |Sad| |Dark|

*Note* The concept of this fanfic is based upon real life events that I went through in school. The story is fiction, but the emotion is real. Please enjoy.

The skyline was glowing faintly, as the sun cast out its final rays of the day. Two friends stood upon a low hill, casting long shadows over the ground below them. Their manes danced in the calming wind, seeming to float elegantly in place.

"Rainbow, Ah… Ah got somthin' to tell ya," Applejack confessed in a nervous tone.

Across from the Earth pony stood Rainbow Dash, gazing into Applejack's eyes with content. The cyan Pegasus's natural rainbow mane was slightly messy from her flight to Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash's full attention was on Applejack, her face full of excitement and curiosity as to what the farmer pony had to tell her.

"Well, duh! That's why you told me to meet you here, remember?" sneered Rainbow Dash, becoming a little annoyed with the Earth pony's loss of words.

Applejack had not forgotten why she asked Rainbow to meet her on top of the hill just south of her farm, but she had forgotten what she was going to say. Even after rehearsing it many times, it seemed to disappear as she looked at the pony in front of her.

The Earth pony lowered her head a little and let out a long sigh. "Rainbow, promise me we'll still be friends after Ah tell ya this?"

"Applejack, I'll always be your friend, no matter what," Rainbow Dash assured.

The rainbow-maned Pegasus swung around to the Earth pony's side, draping a wing over her friend, pulling her closer in a comforting embrace.

"C'mon, Applejack. If something's on your mind, you can tell me. I'm sure it can't be so bad that it would make me hate you."

Basking in her newly found confidence, Applejack turned to look the multicolour-maned Pegasus in the eyes. The farmer pony found herself becoming lost in those rose-colored eyes of her crush. Time seemed to slow to a stop, her vision tunneling around the Pegasus. The only thing left that Applejack could see was Dash's eyes. She felt her soul melting in pure ecstasy at how beautiful they were. Applejack shook her head, coming back to reality. She wondered how long they spent locked eye-to-eye; it could not have been too long she thought, as Rainbow Dash did not seem to mind.

"Rainbow… Ah… Ah love you!"

Closing her eyes, Applejack braced herself for the worst. An eerie silence lingered in the air, causing the Earth pony to reopen her eyes. The pair stood rooted in place for what felt like hours, staring into each other so deeply their souls seemed to intertwine.
Finally, Rainbow Dash broke the painful silence; Applejack feared the worst as the Pegasus began to speak.

"Applejack… I, Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!"

Applejack slowly drifted back into consciousness at the call of the morning rooster.

Wiping the sleep from her eyes, the Earth pony yawned. "Just another dream…"

Applejack found herself having them a lot lately. Some were nightmares, with Dash not accepting her affection and running off, never wanting to speak with her again. Alternatively, it would be a good dream, where Dash confirmed her feelings, and all her stress would dissipate as she embraced her lover in a blissful kiss. Sadly, they were just dreams, and they were starting to get to the Earth pony.

It had been weeks since she really got a restful night's sleep. She was exhausted, and if she wanted to get any bucking done this apple buck season, she had to get this off her chest.

"Now which one of mah friends would keep this between us? Hmm…" Applejack thought aloud.

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Are ya'll home?" called Applejack, knocking loudly on the timid Pegasus's cottage door.

The apple farmer had made herself a quick breakfast, which she had inhaled. In addition, she had half-assed her morning chores to get to Fluttershy's as fast as she could. She had to get this off her chest right now, or she felt like she was going to explode.

'Now where could that silly filly be at?' Applejack asked herself. "Fluttershy?" she called out, knocking harder and more frantic this time. The door swung open before Applejack was finished knocking, causing her to fall face first into the doorway of the cottage.

A pony answered her, but not the pony she expected. "Hah hah! Hey there, AppleSmack! What brings you out here so early?"

Applejack slowly pulled herself off the floor, rubbing her head with a hoof and letting out a soft groan. She then realized who had spoken to her. "R-Rainbow Dash!" Applejack jumped back from the cyan Pegasus.

"The one and only!" Dash replied, puffing out her chest in confidence. "You still never answered my question." The Pegasus lifted an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly to the left in curiosity.

"Ah… Ah, uh… Um…" Applejack stumbled in speech. Her mind held a million words, but it was still drawing a blank.

"Hah hah, what's the matter, AJ? Cat got your tongue?"

Dash let escape a soft giggle at her friend's expense before turning her attention back to Fluttershy, who was standing not far behind her. "Thanks again for the help, Fluttershy. I'd love to stay and see what Applejack has to say, but I think I can hear my bed calling my name." The cyan Pegasus let out a yawn before turning back to face the stuttering Earth pony at the door. "Cya later, Applesmack!"

Dash walked past Applejack, giving the pony a light smack in the face with her tail before taking off into the skies toward her cloud home. As Rainbow's tail passed over Applejack's face, she inhaled deeply, scrambling her brain even more. The only thing she could focus on was the newly found fragrance of her friend. It held a musky scent of a humid rainstorm, charged with static and the sensation of brisk wind. Applejack let the scent engulf her senses, savoring every second of it. Applejack's mind was lost in her daydreams about Rainbow Dash. She could not take it anymore, she needed to let the cyan Pegasus know how she felt, now!

"Umm… is there something you need, Applejack?" questioned Fluttershy, appearing in the doorway. Applejack jumped, having forgotten where she was, not to mention who she came to see.

Applejack snapped back to reality. In her daze, she had absently watched Dash take to the air, a fading rainbow trail left behind. Applejack turned to face Fluttershy before realizing her face was lit deep red from blushing so hard. She turned away from the shy pony, blushing even more from embarrassment.

Fluttershy giggled at the love struck sight of her friend. "Would you like to come inside?"

"Would you like some tea, Applejack?" the timid Pegasus quietly asked as her friend slowly made her way into the cottage.

Closing the door behind her, Applejack finally spoke. "Sure, tea sounds great, sugarcube."

Fluttershy walked off into the kitchen to grab the requested pot of tea. Applejack made her way over to the couch, settling down atop of the soft green sofa. She had been to Fluttershy's cottage many times before, but she never really noticed how critter-friendly the home was. Birdhouses hung from nearly every corner of the living room, and there were mice holes in some of the walls. The one thing Applejack found off was the lack of critters themselves. She wondered silently to herself where they could be when the yellow-coated Pegasus returned, carrying a tray with two cups of tea laid upon it.

Fluttershy placed the tea on the oak table in front of the Earth pony. Applejack picked up her cup, drinking from it slowly. Her nerves seemed to calm with every sip as the hot liquid flowed down her esophagus. Walking around the table, Fluttershy took a seat on the couch next to Applejack.

"So what brings you here today, Applejack?" questioned the yellow-coated Pegasus, picking up her cup of tea, sipping from it slowly.

"Ah'm sure you know why Ah'm here Fluttershy…" Applejack trailed off, thinking back on what had happened only moments ago.

The timid Pegasus let out a small laugh. "It wasn't that hard to guess." Fluttershy smiled at the orange Earth pony sitting beside her. "After being around my animal friends for so long, picking up on love comes easy."

"Where are the little critters anyway?" Applejack asked, wanting to buy some time before having to discuss her emotions toward her friend.

"Oh well," the timid Pegasus answered, "Dash likes it quiet when she comes over to, umm… talk about her past."

Applejack stared at Fluttershy with a face full of confusion. What in Dash's past could she only talk to her about? "Fluttershy, if ya don't mind me askin', what happened to Dash?"

Fluttershy looked away from the Earth pony, clearly thinking hard if she should say anything about the subject. "Umm… I guess I could tell you. But, this never leaves the two of us."

Applejack placed a hoof to her chest. "Ah promise, sugarcube."

"Pinkie Pie promise?" demanded Fluttershy, whose gaze focused intently on the farmer, before falling back into her calm demeanor. "I mean, if you want to that is…"

As silly as the Earth pony felt going through the motions, she knew it meant a lot amongst her friends. She signed out the promise, repeating its mantra. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in mah eye."

Fluttershy looked comforted by the ritual. "All right, if you really want to know…"

"Nice going, Kluttzershy!" laughed a brown-coated colt, flying down to where the yellow filly had crashed. "They ought to ground you permanently."

A tan colt with three basketballs for a cutie mark soon joined him. "Ha! My baby brother could fly better than you!" he exclaimed.

Fluttershy lay there, accepting the insults of the two colts. As she looked up at her tormentors, she saw a rainbow streak pass through the clouds behind them. In just a moment, a young filly with a rainbow mane landed between her and the colts.

"Leave her alone!" the filly yelled. The bullies stood in surprise at the defensive sight of the Pegasus. Rainbow Dash had seen the spectacle from above and was not going to let the colts continue to berate the shy Pegasus.

Regaining his composure, the orange colt spoke. "Ooh, what are you gonna do, Rainbow Crash?"

"Keep making fun of her and find out!" Dash retorted, narrowing her sight on the pony before her.

"You think you're such a big shot? Why don't you prove it?" challenged the brown colt, stepping towards the pair of fillies.

"What do ya have in mind" replied Dash.

"Before Dash pulled off the Sonic Rainboom and earned her cutie mark, she wasn't really noticed in flight school," Fluttershy explained. "After that race, she was the talk of the school for the longest time. She really seemed to enjoy it, too. Nevertheless, some ponies grew jealous of her newly gained popularity, and they started picking on her. Dash still has not told me much about it, although I was around her sometimes when it happened. Oh, it was just terrible, Applejack. Listening to the names float around the school about her, I just do not know how she could stand the teasing for so long… I remember her last day at flight school perfectly; I don't think I'll ever forget it…"

Fluttershy was walking down the hall of flight school. She and Dash were going out for lunch that day instead of eating in the cafeteria. Dash had told the quiet Pegasus to meet in the lobby after class.

Running a little late after visiting her locker, Fluttershy was pushing her way through the busy hallways trying to get to the lobby. Suddenly a rainbow blur flew by overhead, drawing her attention. No question about it, Rainbow Dash was the pony making the rainbow trail. She knew Dash was reckless when it came to rules, but flying in the hallways is a serious offence. Many Pegasi found that out the hard way. Soon Fluttershy noticed two other ponies chasing after Rainbow Dash. She picked up her pace, forcefully pushing her way toward the colorful Pegasus now.

By the time Fluttershy got to the lobby, a large crowd had gathered. Many ponies were laughing and pointing at a sobbing Rainbow Dash, while the two bullies she had once stood up to loomed over her. Backed into the far corner of the lobby was Rainbow Dash, hot tears streaming down her cheeks and falling into the cloud floor below. Her wings stood flared out, waiting for the moment her mind told her body to get the hell out of there. The two colts stepped toward the filly, now mere inches away from her. Rainbow Dash screamed through her tearful expression, rocketing off towards the front door of the school and plowing right through it. The last words the bullies uttered lingered in the halls long after the scene; "Rainbow Dyke!"

Fluttershy found Rainbow Dash on the edge of Cloudsdale, the crying Pegasus' face buried in the clouds. There was an eerie silence, broken only by the hard sobbing of the cyan Pegasus. "D-Dash? It's me, Fluttershy…" the timid Pegasus spoke, her voice just above a whisper.

"Go away! I want to be left alone!" hissed Rainbow Dash, lifting her head from the cloud floor to face her only friend. Fluttershy noticed her eyes were bloodshot from crying. She cringed at the sight of the cyan Pegasus.

Fluttershy pulled back. "Oh… Um, okay… if that's what you want…"

As the quiet Pegasus turned to walk away, Dash shot a pleading call. "Wait, Fluttershy, come back. I didn't really mean it..."

Fluttershy turned back, walking over to the crying Pegasus and hugging her for comfort. They sat together for a long time, and soon enough Rainbow had stopped crying. "Thank you…"

The yellow Pegasus looked down at Dash, locking eyes with her. "What did I do?"

Rainbow sniffed. "Fluttershy, if you hadn't shown up, I… I, don't know what I would have done."

It was then that Fluttershy realized they were only feet from the edge of the cloud city. She was struck with a fear that Rainbow may have jumped if she had not come along. She embraced the cyan pony again. "Don't worry, Dash. Those bullies won't bother you anymore," she promised.

"You're right, Fluttershy…" Dash replied. "Because I'm leaving."

Fluttershy stood up, a look of pure horror across her face. "B-but, Rainbow Dash, where will you go?" she managed to question, holding back tears of her own.

"I don't know," replied Rainbow Dash, joining Fluttershy on her hooves. The cyan pony cast a glance over the edge of the cloud city. "But I have to get away from here." Rainbow Dash had made her decision; there was no going back now.

The two ponies shared one parting goodbye hug before Rainbow took off, leaving the cloud city and her only friend behind.

"Years later, Dash ended up in Ponyville," Fluttershy concluded. "I saw her in town one day and invited her back to my cottage. Next thing I knew, she was living here in Ponyville." The Pegasus reached down for her tea, finding that it was now cold.

Applejack, for the most, part was at a complete loss of words. Something that had been happening to her a lot recently, she thought. "Gee, Fluttershy, Ah had no idea that Dash had such a rough past."

Fluttershy finished her tea, placing the empty cup back on the table. "She's only told me some of what happened, but I know it still haunts her every day. I fear it will stop her from embracing what she truly wants."

Applejack turned away from her friend, looking out of the window beside the cottage door. "Fluttershy, Ah gotta tell her, Ah just gotta…"

"Applejack, please don't be mad at her if she isn't ready to be true with herself yet," pleaded the timid Pegasus. "She just needs time to heal."

Applejack sat for a minute, thinking over her friend's advice.

"Thanks for the advice, sugarcube. Ah know what I gotta do." With that, Applejack left the simple home, running towards a certain cloud castle.

"Rainbow!" Applejack yelled up to the cloud home hovering just outside Ponyville. "Rainbow, get up ya lazy filly!" she called again.

The only thing that returned her calls was silence. As the Earth pony turned to leave, she heard a sleepy voice answer her pleas. "I'm coming, geez…" The voice from above could only belong to the rainbow-maned tomboy Pegasus.

Applejack's spirits lifted immediately from hearing Dash's voice. It was like music to her ears. She quickly turned herself back around, looking up at the cloud home again. Dash poked her head over the edge of the cloud, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Applejack?" she questioned, flying down to join her friend. "I needed that nap you know…" she started, only to be cut short, finding an orange hoof jammed in her mouth.

"Sugar," Applejack asked, "are you busy tonight?"

Removing her hoof, Applejack let the pony speak. "Well I do have weather duty, but I should be free after dinner, around sunset. Why?"

Sunset, thought Applejack. The same time it was in all of her dreams she'd had about admitting her feelings to the Pegasus in front of her. "Meet me behind Sweet Apple Acres at sunset then. Ah got a surprise for ya." She spoke as nonchalantly as she could muster, secretly brimming with anxious emotion as to what she was planning.

Dash immediately lit from her tired expression. "I love surprises!" she exclaimed joyfully, flipping in the air before coming back to the ground.

Applejack couldn't help but giggle at the sight of the cyan Pegasus's joy. She felt a hotness rush to her face, lowering her head from her friend to try to hide her blush. "Alright then, sugarcube. Ah hafta get back to tha' farm. Big Mac is probably wonderin' why my afternoon chores ain't done yet." Feeling her blush subside, she raised her head back up and locked eyes with the rainbow-maned pony before her. "Ah'll see ya tonight then?"

"You betcha!" replied Rainbow, brimming with confidence. With that, Applejack smiled and said goodbye as she started towards home.

Applejack stood on the little hill behind Sweet Apple Acres. Sunset was just minutes away. 'Rainbow will be here any minute,' she thought to herself. She looked to the sky, trying to calm her nerves a little. The sky was clear, not a cloud in sight. 'The weather team did an excellent job today,' Applejack remarked. The atmosphere held the slightest orange tinge, interlocked with light purple, as Celestia's sun just touched the horizon. With her hat fastened tightly on her head, the earth pony did her best to keep from shaking out of it from nervousness.

Applejack thought back on how the rest of the afternoon had gone. It was painfully slow for her, not to mention her nerves got the better of her more than once. She put dinner on and had forgotten all about it, her mind clearly too focused on what she was going to say to the mare of her dreams tonight. It also didn't help that Big Macintosh had found out about her feelings. He had pulled her aside after dinner to talk with her. She tried lying to him but it was no use.

"Big brother, Ah told ya Ah'm fine. Ain't nothin' Ah need ta talk about," she explained to him with a stern tone.

The big stallion just stood there, looking at her with his usual neutral expression. "AJ, look at yerself…"

Applejack complied with her brother, glancing over her body to try to understand what the stallion was getting at. She didn't see what the big pony was referring to.

Big Macintosh rolled his eyes. "Ah ain't seen ya this tired an run down since last Applebuck season."

It was true, she had seen better days. Sadly, two weeks without good sleep will do that to a pony, she thought. "Ah've just had a lot o' stuff on mah mind," she stated, hoping the stallion would settle for it.

"Come with me," Big Mac insisted. She followed the workhorse out of the farmhouse. After a short walk, she found herself alone with Mac inside the barn.

"Now, just what in the hay are we doin' out here?" she questioned, becoming a little angered with her brother's antics.

His voice was soft but stern at the same time. "Somthin's been eatin' ya up Applejack. It's best not to keep these things locked up." His calm tone sent chills running up her spine; she hated her brother for that.

She sighed deeply, knowing her defeat. It wasn't something she admitted often, but she knew her brother's persistent nature. Eventually he would get it out of her. "Mac, this stays between us! Ya got that?" She was face to face with the stallion, glaring daggers at him.

The big stallion looked unfazed by the threat, giving a simple unjustifiably bleak response in return. "Eeyup."

She breathed in, preparing herself to say what was on her mind. "This ain't easy ta say Mac… Ah've sorta fallen' for some pony."

"Who is she?"

"She… Wait! How did ya know it was a she?" The stallion had caught her off guard, revealing that he knew more than she expected.

Big Mac laughed softly. "AJ, Ah am your brother after all. Ah reckon Ah know ya better than ya think Ah do."

Applejack took a breath, trying to calm down her racing heartbeat. 'At least the hard part is over with,' she thought to herself. "Well… Ya see Mac, Ah've fallen' for Rainbow Dash…" Her nerves stood on edge at ever little sound, thinking it would be one of her friends eavesdropping on the private conversation.

The red stallion's expression never faltered at the answer, as if he already knew. "You gonna tell 'er?"

"Actually, Ah am t'night."

"Well Ah shouldn't keep ya from it then." With that, the stallion started towards the farmhouse.

He was passing by the open barn door when Applejack called out to him. "Mac?"

The red stallion turned around, hearing the call from his sister.

"Thank ya kindly for bein' so understandin'." The stallion just smiled back at her before turning to leave again, but that smile was all she needed.

Something moved out of the corner of Applejack's eye. She quickly snapped back to reality, investigating the spot where she had spotted the object. It must have been moving swiftly, as there was no sign of anything left. 'Am Ah losin' mah head?' she thought to herself.

Rainbow Dash approached the grassy hill where Applejack stood, the downward force of her wings causing the grass to blow violently as she touched down atop of the hill. The knoll sat just outside Sweet Apple Acres, not far from the last row of apple trees. Sunset was minutes away as the sun grew restless in the sky. Mere feet in front of the Pegasus stood the orange Earth pony with a vibrant blond mane, adorned by three freckles on each cheek. Upon her head sat a straw cowboy hat, made only better by time. The rainbow-maned Pegasus was smiling with anticipation and curiosity of what surprise the Earth pony held for her.

Applejack was taken aback by the sight before her eyes; she felt star stuck. The rainbow-maned Pegasus looked better in this moment than she ever had in any of Applejack's dreams. For a third time today, the Earth pony found herself at a loss for words.

"So… Applejack! What's my surprise?" the Pegasus asked joyfully.

'Now or never AJ, C'mon you can do this.'

"Well ya see…"

'This is our only chance, quit stallin.'

"Rainbow… Ah..."

Fluttershy's words rang loudly in her head. 'Please don't be mad at her if she isn't ready to be true with herself yet'

Applejack clenched her eyes tight, forcing out the words that fought restlessly in her throat. "Ah love you, Rainbow Dash!"

Silence fell deafly between the two. A silence that Applejack knew she would be remembering for the rest of her days. If Rainbow Dash's thoughts could have been heard aloud, it would have sounded like a Sonic Rainboom had gone off.

The expression on Dash's face suddenly snapped to one of anger. "NO! I am not a filly-fooler!" the Pegasus screamed, tears now streaming down her face. "I thought I escaped you bullies back in Cloudsdale! Stay. Away. From. ME!" she screamed, taking off into the sky faster than ever before, flying on pure adrenaline and anger.

Applejack wanted to call out to the Pegasus, but she was far-gone, leaving only a fading rainbow trail in her wake. Applejack found hot tears running down her cheeks. At the rejection of her love, at her friend's hurtful words that now stung at her heart and at herself for her confession. The Earth pony's body finally gave in and she collapsed atop the hill. "Well, Ah did it," she told herself. "Ah've ruined our friendship…" As much as she wanted to cry right now, her body and mind begged to sleep more.

Applejack found herself drifting into a deep slumber, her dreams filled with vivid scenes. However, something had seemed off about her dreams that night, almost as if the color itself was slowly fading away.

Rainbow Dash flew in no particular direction. Tears stained the Pegasus' face as they flowed freely down her cheeks, and ripped back by the wind. The only thing on her mind was the painful memories that haunted her every night. Memories of how she had always been picked on by bullies in school for being 'different.' On top of old memories came the new ones, which until just now remained deep down inside. She had repressed them so far into the back of her head that she had forgotten about them until Applejack had admitted her feelings. Unfortunately, for Applejack, Fluttershy was right. While Dash's heart was fully ready to accept her, Dash's mind was not. She snapped, slowly losing her grip on the real world, descending into the madness locked away in her head.

Rainbow Dash burst through the door of her cloud castle, not even bothering to close the door behind her, as she made a beeline for her bedroom.

Dash felt nauseous, her world now flipped upside down.

"Go away!" she yelled aloud, as the memories of her fillyhood came rushing back all at once.

Collapsing on the cloud bed, Rainbow Dash began to weep uncontrollably. She was powerless against the agonizing assault that had just been unleashed upon her mind.

"Oh Celestia, I love you too, Applejack!" she shouted, grasping her head as a sharp pain shot from deep within.

"Remember, Dash, you are not a filly-fooler!" replied her mind, hitting the rainbow-maned Pegasus with another bolt of pain.

Rainbow Dash screamed. "Make it stop!" she pleaded, as fresh tears spilled forth rolling down her cheeks. Her mind slowly continuing its decent into insanity; her body shook in torment as it was continuously assaulted by painful bursts. Every time her mind released another bolt of pain, the cyan Pegasus would scream. The pain was becoming too much for her, and soon she found her world fading away.

As Applejack awoke, the first thing she noticed was a wooden ceiling above her. Slowly coming to her senses, she rolled over on her side. Looking around the simple room, she recognized it as her own. The Earth pony cast a glance out the window. By the looks of the sun, she was able to guess that it was just after sunset. 'What in the hay is goin' on?' she thought to herself. 'Was it just a nightmare?'

The door to her room opened. A tall red stallion stepped in, carrying a plate of food. He set it down on the dresser.

"How ya feelin'?"

"Well rested, thank ya. Mac, how did Ah get here?" Her eyes went wide, suddenly remembering what had happened between her and Dash. The Earth pony sprang to her feet, forgetting about her previous question, "Mac, how long 'ave Ah been out?" Her voice carried a panicked tone. She looked around her bedroom for her hat.

"It's downstairs, AJ," reassured the stallion, somehow knowing what she was looking for. "Ah brought you back a day ago."

"What! Ah've slept a whole day?!" she screamed, feeling as though only minutes have passed. "Ah'd love to stay for dinner, Mac, but Ah had to find somepony right now…"

"Ah understand, AJ. Be safe."

With that, Applejack took off toward Fluttershy's home.

Applejack's panicked mind made her journey to Fluttershy's cottage seem longer than it really was. She found the timid Pegasus tending to her chickens for the night. Immediately, she told Fluttershy what had happened.

"Applejack, it's not your fault," Fluttershy told her, embracing the crying Earth pony in a comforting hug.

"Ah don't want our friendship to be over," Applejack sobbed. "But Ah'm sure she hates me now…"

"I am sure she will still be your friend, Applejack. How about we go see if she's home? She must feel worried too, I'm sure." Fluttershy was right. Applejack almost forgot how hurt the cyan Pegasus had looked.

The walk to Rainbow's home was short, but it did help Applejack regain her composure. "I'll be right back," Fluttershy told Applejack, as she flew up to the cloud castle above them.

Applejack found herself alone with her thoughts. 'Ya know she'll never talk t'ya again, right?'

'You're wrong! Even if she don't feel the way Ah do, Ah'm sure we'll still be friends.'

'Even after she took off like she did?' her mind retorted back to her.

'She… just didn't know how ta handle it.' Applejack's confidence was falling by the second.

'Ya ruined the best friendship ya ever had.'

Before she could respond to her own mind, Fluttershy's voice broke the silence. "Applejack! Help!" The timid Pegasus's voice was not the calm quiet one it always was. It sounded frantic. The farmer looked up to see the yellow Pegasus swiftly descending toward her, carrying something on her back. Fluttershy touched down seconds later, almost collapsing under the weight of her newly acquired load. Applejack became aware of what she was carrying; her face recoiled in utter horror at the sight of her motionless friend. It was the worst state she had ever seen Rainbow Dash in and it scared her. Under her eyes were heavy bags. Her rainbow mane and tail were tattered and almost completely void of the vivid colors that usually adorned them.

Applejack's mind went into survival mode. "Give 'er here." Applejack rushed to Fluttershy's side, bending down as Fluttershy slid Rainbow onto the Earth pony's back. As soon as Applejack was sure her unconscious friend was secure, she took off towards Twilight's library as fast as her legs could take her.

Fluttershy was struggling to keep pace with the toned Earth pony. "Where are we going?" Fluttershy yelled from behind.

"Twilight's. Ah'm sure she'll know what ta do," AJ called back, pressing on harder.

Twilight was hunched over her desk, reading 'Canterlot History,' while Spike was finishing stacking the remains of her latest studying binge. The library's door burst open, nearly ripping from its hinges. The sudden commotion caused Spike to fall off his ladder, taking multiple books with him. Twilight also managed to fall back in her chair, landing hard on the floor. It took Twilight a few seconds to right herself; she looked at the now half destroyed door. Applejack stood just inside the doorway, a look of pure fright drawn across her facial features. On her back was a familiar, speedy Pegasus who had seen better days. Beside Applejack was Fluttershy, who was now lying on the floor, panting for air.

"Applejack? Fluttershy? What happened?" Twilight questioned, rushing over to help the Earth pony lower their friend to the floor.

"Fluttershy found her like this. Twilight, ya gotta do something'!" Applejack pleaded, tears now finally making it out of the apple farmer's eyes.

Twilight hugged her friend, comforting her. "Applejack, I don't know how I can help… I've never seen anything like this before," she said hesitantly.

Applejack pulled away from Twilights embrace. "Well then you send a letter to Celestia! Now!" A flurry of anger and panic rose in her voice. "Ah won't lose her, not if Ah can help it…" Applejack broke down, falling to the ground and sobbing harder than she ever did before. By this point, Fluttershy had caught her breath; she started running her hoof through the Earth pony's mane, comforting her once again.

"But, what if she's busy? I can't just send her a letter. There must be another way," Twilight assured, digging through the piles of books for something to offer a cure.

"Twilight, please. Ah'm beggin' ya. Please save my Dashie…" pleaded Applejack.

Twilight now found tears stinging at her eyes. Afraid of losing her friend, only one solution came to mind. "Spike!" she yelled, looking around for the little dragon.

A pile of books moved, "Ughh…"

Twilight grabbed the books with her magic, throwing them in all directions. "Spike, no time for fooling around. This is serious!" she half yelled, panic gripping her deeply. "Take a note please."

Spike rushed over to an empty scroll and quill, which had fallen from earlier. "Dear Princess Celestia, we have a very big problem. I am requesting your assistance right away, your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. Now, send it!" Spike took a deep breath, blowing out purple and green fire, engulfing the scroll. 'Now for the hardest part,' Twilight thought, 'the waiting game.'

Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

|Shipping| |Sad| |Dark|

Twilight Sparkle sat quietly beside Fluttershy and Applejack. The Earth pony wept softly to herself, still grieving over the state of her best friend.

The weather had took a turn for the worse, as the skies opened up, unleashing a torrential downpour upon the town. Glancing out the window Twilight Sparkle could only make out darkness, setting her on edge. 'Of all the times, the weather patrol could have scheduled a storm, why did it have to come up now!' She thought to herself, as the rain continued to pelt the great oak. The only other sound at the time was Applejack's sobbing. It pained the lavender Unicorn to see her friend in such a hurt state; she cast her glance to Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus lay not far from the group of friends, her mane and coat nearly colorless. It was clear that wherever she was internally, she was far beyond her friends' reach.

Spike deciding to do something useful, had returned to putting the library back in some sort of order. Fluttershy did her best to explain to Twilight what had happened, Applejack occasionally filling in the blanks when needed.

"Well, that is quite the story, Applejack. I must say this is 'different,' but I accept you for who you are," Twilight reassured her broken friend.

Applejack gave her a weak smile in return. It seemed to take a load off the Earth pony.

There was a knocking sound at the door. "D-did you hear something?" Fluttershy questioned her two friends.

Twilight had heard the rapping, hope of Princess Celestia's arrival springing in her. "It's just somepony at the door, Fluttershy. There's no need to be so worried," 'Not over the storm, anyway,' she thought looking down to the colorless Pegasus they were taking care of. Using her magic, Twilight opened the door, revealing a tall pony hidden under a dark blue cloak. Lightning flashed in the distance, casting the visitors shadow long across the room. Fluttershy jumped at the flash, diving under a table for cover. Twilight rolled her eyes at her friend's behavior, though she knew how the pony got when the weather was bad. She turned back to the pony at the door. "I'm sorry, but we're closed…" She stopped mid-sentence as the figured stepped into the library. Applejack looked ready to charge but stopped as the figure dropped its hood.

"Princess Luna!" Twilight and Applejack called out.

Fluttershy poked her head out from beneath her cover, realizing who the pony was; she quickly joined her friends in a bow.

"Tia is out of Equestria at the moment, visiting the Griffin lands," Luna explained. "I have taken over her duties for the time." The royal pony removed her cloak, hanging it by the door. "Now, your letter did not give much detail, Twilight Sparkle. Please fill me in on the situation." her voice was soft but stern.

Chills ran up Twilight's back as the princess spoke her name. "Well Princess… Take a look for yourself."

The three friends moved aside revealing their unconscious friend. Luna merely glanced over the Pegasus, instantly grasping the situation. "Well it looks like she is battling with her mind."

Twilight's expression became one of confusion. "I'm not sure I follow, Princess?"

Luna cleared the confusion. "Her mind is very confused, and as such it has locked her in the dream realm until she can figure out what is right. Not much we can do for her I'm afraid."

The three friends shared an exchange of gasps and scared looks. "Hang on just one applebuckin' minute!" Applejack exclaimed in frustration, almost forgetting she was speaking with royalty. "Yer tellin' me that tha' only thing we can do is sit around and wait fer her ta wake up?"

Luna grinned shyly, trying to ease the tension in the room. "Yes that is what needs to be done."

Applejack bit back; after all, it was her fault that Dash was in such a state. "…How long?" she choked out, tears threatening the corners of her eyes.

"The mind is a complex thing, my little pony," the Princess cooed, trying to soothe the worried farmer. "You must understand this. She could wake up any time now, or not at all. How bad was the incident that drove her to this state, may I ask?"

A silence loomed over the friends. Twilight Sparkle thought she would have to say it. She opened her mouth to speak. Only to find herself cut off by the timid Pegasus at her side.

Fluttershy of all ponies, answered the Princess. "It started years ago when she was in flight school. Bullies tormented her so hard that she pushed it to the back of her mind… It's just now coming back…"

"This is more serious than I thought," the Princess spoke regretfully. "If she's repressed these problems for so long, there's no telling-"

"It's all mah fault!" interrupted Applejack, desperately pleading the Alicorn for help. "Princess, ya gotta do somthin'! Ah can't just sit 'ere an watch her suffer like this…"

A sad look came across Luna's face, "there is one thing."

"Anything, Princess!" the Earth pony pleaded, now on the brink of tears.

Luna sighed, realizing the gravity of the request. "If you are really up to it, I can send you into your friend's mind. There, you can help her find her way back. However, you have to be careful! Her mind is very troubled, and any danger you encounter within will be just as real in there as in our physical world."

Without missing a beat, the Earth pony gave her answer. "Ah'll do it!"

"B-but, Applejack," Fluttershy interjected. "Are you sure you want to do that? I mean, it could be dangerous."

"Fluttershy has point Applejack," Twilight followed. "We don't know what Dash is going through right now. This could be very bad."

Applejack had made her choice. "Girls, this is somethin' Ah hafta do. Ah couldn't live with mahself knowing Ah caused her this trouble and did nothin' about it," explained the apple farmer, offering her friends a hopeful smile.

Her two friends knew she would not change her mind. "Please be careful." Fluttershy hugged her friend, shallow tears leaking from her eyes.

"Good luck, Applejack." It was Twilight's turn to hug her friend.

"Thank ya'll," expressed Applejack, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Are you ready?" Luna questioned the Earth pony.

"As Ah'll ever be."

Luna motioned for her to lie down beside her friend. Applejack did as instructed. "Now close your eyes, and let your mind go blank."

Applejack let her eyes rest, her last thought ran through her head. "Don't worry Rainbow, Ah'm coming."

Applejack felt herself sink back into consciousness from some distant, ethereal darkness. As her senses returned, she could feel the new surroundings beneath her coat. She felt damp and chilled. A cool breeze blew past making her skin crawl. Applejack's eyes slowly opened, taking in the new world of Dash's mind. Almost immediately, she noticed the strange texture she lied on was that of a cloud. She bolted to her hooves, sending her head into a whirling confusion from the sudden fright. She dropped into a curled ball, thinking she would slip through any moment and fall helplessly to her death. After a few seconds of waiting, she realized how solid the cloud was under her hooves. She stood again, letting her senses analyze the world better.

The Earth pony cast a glance into the sky, noticing for the first time the strange lack of color this new place held. It was as if somepony had sucked all the life out of the sky. Nerves on edge, she looked at her fore hooves, seeing her own orange coat in unsettling contrast against the gray world around her. Applejack didn't understand why there was no color, but she was happy she to still have her own.

"Ah'm sure Ah'll stick out like a rotten apple…" the apple farmer thought aloud.

Turning around, the Earth pony found herself just outside of a massive cloud city. Despite being there only one in her life, Applejack knew the city as Cloudsdale.

"Might as well start there…," decided Applejack, sighing loudly as she started to move towards the city.

'So…what are ya gonna say ta her?' her mind asked.

'Ah'm sorry?'

'Pfft, what a lame apology, might as well give up now with that kinda attitude.'

Applejack was becoming very annoyed by her minds doubts. 'Well, what in the hay am Ah suppose ta say?'

'Calm down, Sally, Ah'm on yer side.'

'Ah don't need any help,' she snorted to herself.

'Ah'm here weather ya'll like it or not. Ah'm all you got.'

Before she knew it, Applejack found herself wandering the streets of the massive cloud city. Many levels of the city left inaccessible, requiring flight, but it seemed she could search around well enough in spite of the hindrance.

'Alright, where ya gonna start?' her mind asked.

Applejack cast a glance around her. This was Cloudsdale, but it was Cloudsdale as Dash viewed it. She needed a clue to where the Pegasus would be in her own world. At the intersection was a sign that read. 'Cloudsdale Flight School.' Next to the sign was an arrow pointing left.

"Of course!" Applejack thought aloud, if Dash was anywhere in this world, she would be at her school. The Earth pony quickly crossed the street and followed the sign's direction.

The bare streets of the massive cloud city took Applejack by surprise. It felt like the city was empty, with the normal bustle of life replaced by a low buzz in the back of her mind. She had seen a few Pegasi flying above, but, to her surprise, none of them seemed to notice the out of place Earth pony walking around the streets.

One pony moved down the street towards her, flying low. Applejack could clearly see this Pegasus. Something was off with the pony, as it came closer, Applejack could pick out why. The floating pony shape was faceless, lacking mane, tail, and Cutie Mark. With motionless wings, it looked as if was one of Rarity's mannequins, flying as if on strings. She moved aside to let the animate statue pass, unnerved by the event.

With this discovery, she looked closer at the world. Many of the buildings she passed had looked normal before, but with a more scrupulous eye, she noticed they were without doors, and the windows only revealed a small box of what would really be inside. Many of the city's towering structures were twisting and bending at odd angels, with few straight lines. Looking to the distance, she could see the world's end, almost disappearing back into a white haze. She had not considered it before, but the more she thought, the more she realized just how little detail really existed in dreams without the delusion of the experience. Here, she was free of the clouded perception of sleep, and could see what was really around her. It was all so surreal.

After a quick trot, Applejack arrived in front of the flight school. Luckily, there was a small bridge of cloud leading to the door. She stood on the path halfway to the entrance of the school. Just then, the school doors burst open, pouring forth hundreds of faceless school-aged Pegasi. Applejack jumped off the bridge, landing softly on the cloud floor below. The faceless Pegasi swarmed unto the surrounding area joining into groups of their friends. Applejack scanned the mob of ponies, trying to spot her friends familiar features in the sea of pony shapes.

Several minutes passed, not more than a couple dozen ponies remained. Most moved in groups of three or four, spread about in front of the school, chatting in impossibly soundless voices about what Applejack interpreted as the day's activities. About to give up and try somewhere else, the doors to the school opened again, drawing her attention. Stepping through the open doors were two fillies. On the left stood a young filly, though Applejack couldn't make out her mane and coat color, as there was no color to be made out. Standing next to the Pegasus was another filly, though very familiar, even with all the color gone. She could tell it was Rainbow Dash. Applejack's jaw dropped. It was the first time she had seen Dash so young. The duo took off trotting, zooming right past the stunned Earth pony as if she stood invisible. Quickly, Applejack spun herself around to see the duo turn, heading off down the street she had just come from. Applejack took after them, trailing behind the pair to remain undetected.

After a short distance the two Pegasi slowed down, soon after they stopped completely. The pair stood in front of a cloud home. It was like all the other houses Applejack had seen since being here, made entirely of cloud on the outside, but something made this one different. The entire building seemed more real than the world around; she swore she could see color fighting to shine through. Applejack shook her head, reclaiming herself. She had to get closer if she wanted to hear what the two were saying.

She expertly crept towards them, hiding behind a street lamp made of none other than cloud.

"Alright, Skyfire, I'll see you tomorrow?" filly Dash questioned, smiling intently at her friend.

Skyfire smiled at the brash Pegasus. "You betcha, Dash," she cooed, leaning over and kissing Dash lightly on the cheek.

Skyfire pulled away, giggling softly at Dash, whose wings stood completely flared out. If color still remained, Dash's face would be the brightest crimson ever seen. Skyfire walked forward, opening the door in front of her. "See you tomorrow, Dashie," she called, as she blew a kiss goodbye and shut the door.

Applejack's jaw once again fell open at the display. She looked at the filly in front of her, noticing something off about her younger friend besides the lack of color. She couldn't figure out what it was. Applejack took another glance over the filly, dragging her eyes from head to hoof trying to piece together what was different. "No Cutie Mark!" she shouted aloud before she could stop herself.

"Who the hay are you! And what are you doing watching me, you creep!"

The Earth pony snapped back to reality, if that is what you could call this place. Rainbow Dash was feet from her, glaring daggers.

"R… Rainbow…"

Applejack could feel her eyes filling up at her friend's sharp words.

The small Pegasus seemed to grow angrier. "How do you know my name? Are you a spy?"

Applejack had only ever heard Dash use a tone like that once before, when she had told her to go away. "Dash… it's me, Applejack. Ah'm yer friend."

Dash's death stare faltered and faded to one of confusion. "You're lying! I've never seen you before in my life!"

"Sugarcube…"

"Hey wait a minute. You're an Earth pony. How can you walk on clouds?"

"Umm…"

"Hey Rainbow Dash, who are you talking to?" interrupted an approaching colt.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack turned in the direction of the voice, both stunned to see another Pegasus heading their way. Getting closer to the pair was a colt, a little taller than Dash but obviously the same age. He stopped just before the two ponies.

"Oh hey Cloud Twister, I was just asking this SPY some questions!" Replied Dash, making the Earth pony cringe at the anger in her friend's tone.

Cloud Twister looked around in bewilderment. "Spy? Where? I don't see anypony."

Dash looked between the Earth pony and her friend, now more confused than ever. "She's right here!" Dash exclaimed pointing a hoof at Applejack.

"Umm… Dash, are you ok? There's nopony there," Cloud Twister explained, a concerned look upon his face.

Dash looked utterly dumbfounded. How could her friend not see the pony right in front of them?

"Umm… So, you want to go to the park?" Cloud Twister asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

Dash quickly regained her composer. "Uhh, sure, last one there is a featherbrain!" she yelled, taking off past her friend. Not wasting any time, Cloud Twister took off after her.

Applejack stepped around the pole to get a better look at the fleeing Pegasi. She noticed Dash glancing back at her. They locked eyes for just for a brief second, and Applejack could have sworn she seen something click in Dash's eyes. 'Maybe, not all hope is lost.' she thought to herself, as a shimmer of hope radiated from her eyes.

After an hour of walking, Applejack finally found the park. It was not too far from the school, just in the opposite direction than she had been going. It was a simple park; it offered a seesaw, a jungle gym, and a field. Applejack took note of how soft the cloud was, knowing that she would probably have to sleep here for the night.

She hung back, out of sight from the rainbow-maned Pegasus and her friend. After a couple of hours, the two school Pegasi left, going their separate ways back home for the night. The Earth pony cast a glance skyward. Judging by the sun's position it was just after sunset and darkness would be approaching fast. Dream world or no, the day seemed to follow a pattern similar to reality, for which she felt thankful, realizing just how tired her body was. Walking over to the edge of the field, she lay down. She pulled a sheet of cloud over her as a blanket from the cool of the night. She shut her eyes, drifting off into a deep, dreamless slumber.

As the Earth pony slept, no dream came to her. Instead, a strange being greeted her. The being offered her a riddle of advice, warning her of the dangers that lay ahead.

Her darkest hour nears; it has bothered her for years.

Help her through, and she will remember you.

Fail to do this; truly, she will be missed.

Her life is fading, an inner demon needs persuading.

KABLAM!

Applejack shot into consciousness, eyes wide open from the startling sound. She was on her hooves already. Glancing around the small park, the Earth pony could see little featureless Pegasi with their parents all pointing their empty faced eyes skyward as a seemingly colorless rainbow was being drawn across the sky. The Earth pony knew this spectacle to well, having seen it in full spectrum at the Best Young Fliers competition. She broke into a full gallop towards the source of the rainbow; in the back of her thoughts a rhyme rang out warning her about Dash's state of being.

Time seemed to fly by for the Earth pony, before she knew it she was back at the school. This time Applejack walked right in, knowing nopony could see her. Luckily, she had slept most of the day away, due to exhaustion and stress. Being within another's dream was more taxing than she could have imagined, as if the very matrix of it fought to expel the foreign intruder. She would not have to wait long now for the school day to be over.

'This school is huge!' she thought to herself. She had already spent a good hour searching the halls, going from class to class to find the multicolour-maned Pegasus. Midway down the second floor hallway, she heard a familiar, confident voice coming from a nearby room. Quickly, she galloped to the door, stopping just outside. The Earth pony peaked into the classroom. In the middle of the room stood Dash, her filly friend, Skyfire stood beside her. Applejack noticed two differences about Dash. The first being that she was now the center of attention, the second being she now had a Cutie Mark.

Before Applejack's brain could register what it had just heard, the bell rang, the halls began filling with more faceless school Pegasi. Applejack scrambled to get away from Dash's class, knowing her friend could see her. As she galloped down the hall, a little pony stepped out in front of her. Applejack slammed on the breaks trying to stop, but it was too late; she was barreling down on the figure. Applejack closed her eyes and braced for impact, but it never came. She opened her eyes soon after. The Pegasus was nowhere in sight. Casting a glance backwards, she spotted the pony, walking as if nothing happened. Applejack was stunned; she had past right through the Pegasus. Just then, Dash and Skyfire had appeared in the hallway, walking the other direction. The Earth pony let out a sigh of relief; she started pursuing the pair, trailing far behind to stay hidden. Applejack was a good two heads taller than most of the school Pegasi. She tried to stay low to remain hidden.

After a short time, she managed to follow the duo out the front door. This time, a huge gathering of Pegasi surrounded the front yard, all cheering Dash on in there bizarre toneless voices. Applejack looked stunned. Everypony seemed to be congratulating Dash on her Sonic Rainboom. She joined in at the back of the crowd, knowing she would be safe from Dash's eyes.

"Nice Sonic Rainboom, Dash!" yelled a colt in front of Applejack. "It was so… Awesome!" shouted another voice from her left. She noticed Dash basking in all the glory of her peers. The rainbow-maned Pegasus looked so happy, like it was the best time in her life. Applejack had only ever seen Rainbow Dash that happy once before, when she pulled off her second Sonic Rainboom at the Best Young Fliers competition. After what felt like an hour, Dash finally said her goodbyes to her newly acquired fans, and her filly friend Skyfire.

Applejack had trailed the Pegasus home. Bewildered by how happy and confident her friend had become since yesterday. Finally, Dash turned off the sidewalk, moving up to another vivid-looking cloud home. She opened the door and stepped in, shutting it behind her. Applejack, however, walked along the side of the house, trying to find the Pegasus' room. The second window on the right side of the house seemed to be a perfect match. She ducked down below it waiting for the familiar voice.

After some time, the door to the room opened out of sight. The Earth pony peered over the bottom of the window. Sure enough, standing just inside the room was Dash. The cyan Pegasus was busy admiring her newly acquired Cutie Mark.

"So, that's what yer first Rainboom looked like." Applejack stated, jumping through the window of the Pegasus' room.

Rainbow Dash leapt into the air, all her limbs going stiff. She fell onto her back, frozen in fear.

Applejack giggled. "Whoa, nelly, Ah didn't mean ta startle ya."

"Oh, it's you…" Dash retorted, righting herself back on four hooves. "You're not real," Dash exclaimed. "Just my imagination," the little Pegasus said bluntly, sizing the Earth pony up.

"Rainbow…" Applejack felt a lump well up in her throat. "Ah'm here to help you."

"You! Help me? Bahaha, are you kidding me?" The small Pegasus fell onto her back, holding her sides in laughter. "Did you see the way those ponies praised me? Everything's going great for me now!"

"Dash, this ain't real. Look around ya." Applejack motioned to the room around the two. "Do ya see any color, besides me?"

"Hmm…" The filly put on a look of deep thought at the Earth pony's question.

'Ah'm on ta somthin' now,' Applejack thought.

"Now that you mention it that is kinda weird…" the Pegasus replied, still pondering what it could mean.

"Ya see? None of this is real Sugarcube. Ah came to help you." Applejack stepped closer to her lost friend.

"If none of this is real, then where am I in the real world?"

"Yer in Twilight's Library, in Ponyville."

"Twilight who? I've never left Cloudsdale! Let alone heard of Ponyville!" the Pegasus replied, her tone becoming more skeptical.

Applejack wasn't going to let the bridge she had been building to her disconnected friend fall so easily. "Twilight is yer friend Dash. She's the main reason Ah was able to get here. If it wasn't fer her, the Princess woulda never sent me here."

Dash looked shocked, "The Pr-Princess?"

Applejack nodded. "Well, one'a 'em, Princess Luna, but Ah'm guessin' you don't remember her either?"

"Alright, even if it is true," Dash began, "Why am I here? What happened to me?"

Applejack's smile faded. Somehow, she knew this question would come up. She fiddled with her brain, trying to find the best way to drop the bad news to her friend. She took a deep breath, letting it out softly.

"Well… ya see. When ya were younger, bullies teased ya a lot. See, yer older in the real world. Ah guess ya pushed the painful memories to tha' back of yer head, but Ah sorta brought 'em out again, and well… Ya didn't react so good to 'em." She paused, making eye contact with Dash. She wanted to see any reaction, but got none. She started again. "So, Ah came here, into yer mind ta help ya overcome them."

Dash's face held a mix between anger and confusion. "Me? being bullied? Ha! That's a good one! To think I almost bought that! Bahaha!" wiping a tear of laughter from her eyes, the Pegasus turned on the Earth pony.

"Now why don't you. Leave. Me. ALONE!" screamed Dash, flaring her wings as she took a fighting stance, ready to change the Earth pony at any second.

Applejack recoiled, backing into the wall behind her. "Dash… What Ah'm sayin' is tha' honest truth." Tears ran softly off the Earth pony's cheeks.

"You know who I think you are?" the irate Pegasus spoke. "You're the self-doubt I get, always telling me that I can't do it, or that I should just give up. Well, you know what? I will never ever give up my dreams! Now, leave!" Dash pressed forward, forcing the Earth pony back out the window she had entered.

Dash approached the window. "I don't want to ever see you again, you got that!? Even if you are real, I'm sure you only caused me pain! I'm living the dream! I have an amazing filly friend! Ponies respect me! And I'm not going to drop it all just cause some colorful Earth pony that only I can see and hear tells me to! So long, Applejack, if that is your real name!" shrieked Dash, pushing a cloud over the hole she used as a window.

Applejack collapsed, sobbing heavily. She would stay that way until she drifted into another dreamless sleep.

"Stupid imagination, creating ponies that don't exist," murmured Rainbow Dash aloud. Falling unto her cloud bed, the Pegasus closed her eyes in relaxation.

Deep down inside the mind of the cyan Pegasus a voice of a much older version of herself rang out.

"Applejack, help me!" echoed the voice, unheard by any through the darkness.

The filly Pegasus drifted off, thoughts of her newly gained popularity taking over her mind.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3:

|Shipping| |Sad| |Dark|

Prepare for the worst, don't go headfirst.

Her mind is almost broken, do not remain soft-spoken.

Tell her how you feel, she'll return her zeal.

The end is near, hold on dear.

With the impending night creeping upon them, Twilight and Fluttershy found the calling of sleep too hard to resist. Twilight Sparkle offered Luna the guestroom, which the Alicorn was more than happy to accept. Making her way to the guestroom, Luna bid them goodnight.

Wishing their friends a safe night, the pair found themselves falling asleep on makeshift beds of blankets and pillows. The mess of bedclothes lay sprawled out across the library floor, reaching the farthest corners of the main floor. Afraid of being alone, Spike moved his basket downstairs, sleeping beside the lavender Unicorn.

The storm continued to rage on long into the night, setting the mood on edge. Distant lightning crackles rang out, showering the black sky with electricity. As the lightning exchanged blows with the darkness, thunder boomed with fiercely, deafening the sound of the torrential downpour assaulting the giant tree. As the lightning continued, the library danced with light, revealing a now completely colorless Rainbow Dash, whose unseen inner battle was taking a turn for the worst.

The darkness faded, the gray morning sunlight came rushing back to the Earth pony. Applejack's sense of smell came into consciousness before her mind wanted to, the foul odor of decay filing her nose. She awoke, coughing heavily at the unsettling smell that lingered in her nose. She inspected the crumbling world around her; collapsing house and structures were scattered on broken pieces of the cloud floor as far as she could see. Even after falling asleep mere feet from Dash's house she was now easily 50 feet away.

"Great…" the Earth pony sighed loudly, dropping her head. She could not see it, but the world was also taking a toll on her. Darkened bags lined the bottoms of her eyelids, seeming to suck the life from her spirit. Applejack's mane was in no better shape, it hung lifelessly, frizzy and out of place. If Rarity had seen her in this state, she would have a fit, Applejack thought.

"Gettin' around this place just got harder," confessed her mind.

"Well, genius, ya got a plan?" she called out to her mind.

"Yeah, Ah do…tell her ya love her," the Earth pony's mind retorted.

"Have ya'll lost yer marbles?"

"What's wrong with tellin' her how ya feel?" her mind asked.

"Ain't that what got us into this mess in tha' first place?" she scolded herself for not thinking of a better plan.

"Well it's only that-hey, where is that voice is comin' from?"

"Ain't any voices-" Applejack stopped herself mid-sentence, her ears standing straight up. There was a voice, it sounded alive, not like the sound of the eerie emotionless tones of the faceless ponies. Applejack began to notice that the only parts of this world with details seemed to be important to Dash, possibly significant parts of her past. Everything else seemed abstract, like a backdrop. Nonetheless, this voice stood out above the faded details, it was quiet but it was there.

Applejack glanced around, trying to pinpoint exactly where the voice was coming from. It seemed to chime from down the disjointed street, in the direction of the park. Applejack cautiously started in the direction of the call, jumping over the broken cloud floor when necessary.

Getting to the park did not take a lot of time for her, even with hitting a dead end once or twice where the ground was no longer connected. The dreamscape was definitely taking a physical toll on the Earth pony. She stopped that the edge of the park, feeling the exhaustion of traversing the roads. The toned Earth pony quickly caught her breath, and began surveying the park for any signs of life. The sound was louder here, and seemed to be coming from behind the twisted and distorted jungle gym that sat in the middle of the park. She could clearly make out more than once voice now, and…

"Is that crying?" she asked aloud.

The Earth pony galloped towards the jungle gym, panic setting in, renewing her tired body. Surprisingly the cloud floor around the park was in much better shape than the streets had been. After a quick gallop, she rounded the side of the playground equipment, skidding to a halt. Applejack could not believe her eyes, in front of her lay filly Rainbow Dash, curled into a ball. The colorless filly was shaking violently from how hard she was sobbing. Towering over Rainbow Dash were two colts, both laughing and teasing the distraught Pegasus. The two bullies had facial features and clear Cutie Marks. Whoever they were, Applejack thought, they were a part of the problem in Dash's mind.

Reacting in the only way she could think of, Applejack jumped in front of Rainbow Dash, taking a fighting stance. "Leave her alone, ya good fer nothin' vermin!" she screamed at the pair, adrenaline flowing freely through her veins.

The bullies did not flinch at the Earth pony's words, they continued to verbally assault the tormented Pegasus. "Ah said LEAVE HER ALONE!" Applejack screamed. This time Rainbow Dash noticed the new voice, lifting her head to see the Earth pony standing over her, trying to shield her from the bullies.

"You… You came back," Dash managed to choke out.

Applejack heard the Pegasus behind her. "Ah'd never leave ya Dash. Yer mah friend, even if ya don't remember that yet." The Earth pony turned her head, offering Dash a comforting smile.

The Pegasus was completely ignoring the bullies now, focused only on the Earth pony in front of her. "I'm sorry, for what I said to you before…" Rainbow Dash admitted, hanging her head in shame.

Applejack turned back to the bullies. They didn't seem to want to do more than laugh. "Ah forgive ya, Sugarcube. Ah know yer not thinkin' straight in this place."

"This… Place," Rainbow Dash uttered, as she looked around. "It feels so real. How can it not be?"

"Take a look at them bullies, Dash. Ah can't make contact with em," the Earth pony demonstrated to the Pegasus what she meant. She walked up to the colt on the left, who was still in a fit of laughter. Turning around, she kicked her hind legs straight at the colt's face, the powerful buck passing right through him. "Ya see?" she concluded, walking back over to her friend.

"Whoa! How did you do that?" Dash asked, her face holding an expressing of utter astonishment.

"It's not real sugarcube," she explained. "Look at the jungle-gym. It's falling to pieces. D'ya really think it looks like that in real life?"

Dash inspected the equipment for a good solid minute before speaking. "Hey, you're right! Why would anypony build a jungle-gym that you can't even use?" She jumped to her hooves. The bullies reacted immediately stepping away from the Pegasus. The filly Pegasus noticed the motion, stepping around Applejack to confront the colts. "And you guys are nothing but my imagination!" she snapped at them.

"What are you talking about, Filly-fooler!" sneered the bully on the right.

"You're not real! Which means you can't hurt me!" She smiled feeling victorious for once. Both colts went silent, before dissolving into thin air.

Applejack watched in horror as the rainbow-maned filly started to tremble violently.

"Rainbow! What's wrong?!"

The Pegasus turned back to the Earth pony. "Applejack…W-what's happening? Where am I?" There was a tone of pure fear in her voice.

Applejack knew that voice, it was not the one of the filly anymore; it was the Dash she knew. "Rainbow, Ah'm here. Ah'm gonna help you through this," she called, reassuring her scared friend.

The world started shaking violently beneath her hooves. Applejack had to fight to stay standing. The ground between the two started cracking and splitting, the clouds seemingly as brittle as the Earth far below. The ground that Dash was standing on drifted farther away from Applejack by the second, frozen in fear, Rainbow Dash watched helplessly as they continued to drift.

"Applejack! Help me!" Dash screamed, a haze engulfing the fractured cloud she stood on. Slipping into the empty world, the Pegasus was fading away fast.

"Hold on, Dash!" the Earth pony screamed, still fighting for her balance. A loud cracking sound came from behind her. Applejack turned around just in time to find a piece of the jungle-gym come crashing down on her head.

"Ugh…"

Applejack's eyes slowly opened, her head exploding with pain. She quickly shut her eyes, blocking out the light of the sun. She rubbed the top of her head with a hoof, finding a huge lump had formed where she had taken the blow. Luckily, for her, the impact did not break skin. After a few minutes of regaining herself, she shakily stood up. Her legs felt weak, wobbling as they tried to hold her up. Once steady, she turned her attention to the pounding headache she now felt. Grimacing at the throbbing pain, Applejack could make out a distant sound of somepony crying.

Disregarding her pounding head, the Earth pony glanced around, finding herself still in the playground from earlier. Using her ears, Applejack pinpointed the direction of the sound. The apple farmer let lose a sigh of relief, as she noticed the sound coming in the direction opposite to Dash's house.

Appearing at the top of the mountain of mangled clouds, the apple farmer cast a glance over the remains of the park and neighboring streets. It seemed impossible to her, but apparently, this world could get worse. Few houses actually remained standing, most just empty spaces or piles of big, shapeless clouds. The supporting cloud floor of the city floated freely, separated by massive gaps, far too big to jump over. It was clear that getting around was going to be much tougher. Climbing down from her elevated position, Applejack started toward the sobbing.

"Fer a cloud, that impact sure hurt a lot…" Applejack remarked aloud, once again rubbing her newly acquired goose egg.

A couple of backtracks and near falls later, Applejack found herself standing in front of a house. It was not hard to miss, as it was the only house left standing as far as she could see. The house seemed vaguely familiar to her, although it was impossible to tell with how damaged it was. The cloud home was missing pieces of walls and rooms; however, just enough of the house remained to hide its contents. If she wanted to find out what was going on, the Earth pony needed to go in. "It's too late ta turn around now Applejack. Ya can do this," she assured herself, stepping forward towards door.

The smell at the entrance was that of rotting apples and wood. Applejack stumbled backwards as the powerful odor almost knocked her off her hooves. She felt like she was going to be sick, a cold bitterness twisting in her gut. Her mind screamed at her not to go into that house, but she needed to find out who was crying. Braving the repulsive smell, Applejack stepped up to the door.

Opening the door, the Earth pony stepped through its frame. Her jaw almost hitting the floor at what she saw. The inside of the cloud home was intact, uncanny to its outward appearance. Despite smelling repulsive, it looked like a perfectly normal house.

The crying grew louder with every step she took inside the home. The wailing seemed to be coming from upstairs, now. Applejack swiftly ascended the staircase at the far end of the living room. On the second level was a long hallway with several doors on each side. She walked up to the first door on the left, opening it.

A sheer volume of intense light immediately blinded applejack. When the light cleared, the stunned Earth pony found herself standing in a field clouds. Applejack was in shock. This world was perfect, color and all. She took in the sights of the colossal cloud city stretched out behind the field she stood in. Not far from her, Pegasus ponies laughed and played, none of them carrying the featureless qualities of the colorless world's denizens. The only pony that stood out as odd was a grey-coated Pegasus that flew by, her golden eyes looking in different directions. Applejack could have sworn she heard the Pegasus say something about muffins.

Applejack started walking, taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding area. Unsure of where she was heading or how she had even gotten where she was, the Earth pony continued. Out of the corner of her eye a Pegasus landed. Instinctively the farmer cast a glance towards the pony. Applejack froze mid-step; shaking her head to confirm she was really seeing what her eyes told her.

"Rainbow!" Applejack called, galloping full speed at the cyan filly. Her colors had returned since last Applejack had seen her. She skidded to a stop right in front of the Pegasus, reaching out to scoop the filly up into a hug. Applejack fell through Dash landing face first into the cloud floor. "What in the hay is going on here?" she said aloud, rubbing her chin with a fore hoof.

"Hey Dash!" called a voice that Applejack remembered belonged to Skyfire. Sure enough, approaching Dash was a white Pegasus filly, with a fiery orange mane and tail, a streak of pure crimson through the middle.

Applejack turned her glance back to Rainbow Dash, whose face was just as red as the streak in Skyfire's mane. "H… Hey there, Sky!" Dash smiled back to the filly, nervousness clearly detectable in her voice.

Skyfire giggled at the usually brash Pegasus. "So, Dash. Why did you want me to meet you here?" she asked playfully, flying circles around the grounded Pegasus.

"Well… You see, I was wondering if you, umm… Wanted to…" Dash paused, trying to find the right way to say what she wanted.

Skyfire touched down in front of Dash. "To…?" She moved her head closer, turning it a little to the right to get a better chance of hearing what Dash had to say.

"To… Go out some time!" Dash burst out, backing away from Skyfire a little.

Skyfire giggled again, "Well, it's about time…" she gave Dash a happy smile. "I was starting to think you were going to chicken out!" she admitted, laughing again.

Dash's face turned from a look of rejection to one of pure happiness in under a second. She flew off the ground, doing flips of pure joy. After a few seconds, she landed again. "Me? Chicken out? Yeah, right!"

Skyfire joined in laughing with the Pegasus. "Hey, I still didn't give my answer yet, silly," she said, moving closer to Dash.

"Well, what do you say?" Dash asked playfully, seeming to be free of all nervousness now.

"How about this?" Skyfire leaned in, closing the gap between the two. Their lips meeting for the first time, both Pegasi found themselves in a blissful embrace. A warming feeling radiated out from deep inside both Pegasi, washing over them, as their world seemed to melt away. A flutter of wings broke the silence as the pair's wings unfurled to full length, gloriously displaying all their feathers. As the two parted, fierceness burned in their eyes, signaling the start of their relationship. Their eyes met, emitting a love so deep their souls seemed to intertwine with one another. For once in her life, Rainbow Dash felt complete, wishing it would stay that was forever.

Applejack stood feet from the Pegasus duo, watching as the display of affection unraveled. The Earth pony felt overcome with a heart-warming feeling; just seeing Dash happy, was enough for her. Soon, she found the world slowly fading away into nothingness.

Applejack's vision soon came back. She was standing in the doorway still, an empty, colorless room in front of her now. "Whoa, Nelly, That was weird…" She closed the door. The sound of somepony crying still invaded her ears. Crossing the hall, she opened the opposite door.

Just like before, a powerful light filled her vision. When she regained it, she was standing just outside Skyfire's house. The Earth pony cast a glance around the neighborhood, finally seeing it in its true form. She was stunned at how high end the neighborhood was. Huge cloud structures lined both sides of the street. A pony truly needed to be well off to live in this place, she thought to herself.

Just then, two fillies, flying side by side, came into view. The Earth pony knew right away, who they were. Skyfire and Rainbow Dash stopped right in front of the house, paying no mind to the seemingly invisible Earth pony standing beside them.

"Are you sure you want to do this Sky? You don't have to," Dash insisted, dropping down to the doorstep.

Skyfire followed suit, landing beside the other Pegasus. "Yes, Dash. I'm sure," she replied, a hint of nervousness present in her tone. She glanced at her house, seeming to be thinking something over.

Dash draped a wing over her filly friend. Making eye contact, Dash offered her friend a confident smile. "No matter what happens, Sky, I will be here for you."

"Thanks, Dash." She pushed closer to the cyan Pegasus, nuzzling her neck.

After a moment, the two broke the embrace, walking into the house. Applejack followed close behind the pair.

"Mom? Dad? I'm home," Skyfire announced, stepping into the house.

A white Pegasus mare poked her head out from around the living room corner. "Oh welcome home, sweetie, why don't you and Dash get washed up. Dinner will be ready shortly," she indicated, disappearing back into the kitchen.

"Last one up the stairs doesn't get dessert!" Skyfire challenged Dash, as she galloped off towards the stairs.

"Hey! No fair!" replied Dash, quickly catching Skyfire at the base of the stairs. Both Pegasi took off, flying up the staircase. The two found themselves on the floor atop of the stairs, both laughing hysterically. "I totally won that!" exclaimed Dash, puffing for breath.

"As if, I clearly had my hooves up here first," Skyfire pushed back, also out of breath.

"Haha! Oh, you two, so full of energy," Skyfire's dad indicated, walking towards the stairs.

"Hey, dad!" yelled Skyfire joyfully, quickly jumping onto all four hooves and running at her dad, hugging him tightly.

"Whoa, Hey there, kiddo," replied the stallion, returning the hug. "You kids go get washed up. Your mother will have dinner ready any minute now."

"Sure thing, daddy," Skyfire replied, signaling Dash to follow her to the washroom.

As the two Pegasi were washing up for dinner, an idea came across Rainbow Dash's mind. The brash Pegasus smiled, mischievously as she pieced together her idea.

"Hey Sky, what's white, orange, red, and dripping wet?" she questioned her filly friend.

"Hmm… What is it?" replied Skyfire, facing her friend with curiosity.

"You are! Splash fight!" yelled the cyan filly, throwing water at Skyfire.

"Oh no you don't!" challenged Skyfire, returning fire on Dash.

Skyfire tossed another round of water; Rainbow Dash blocked the water with a hoof, tackling her friend to the ground. The pair wrestled for control, limbs flailing in all directions. When it was over, Rainbow Dash stood victorious, looming over her defeated pray.

"You have lost, evil villain! Give in to Rainbow Dash's demands at once!"

"And just what does the great and powerful Rainbow Dash desire?" questioned Skyfire, mimicking a helpless tone.

"Close your eyes and find out, evil scum!" demanded the rainbow-maned Pegasus, taking a confident stance over the defeated Skyfire.

Skyfire giggled, she had a hunch on where this was heading. Smiling she did what she was told, closing her eyes, she waited for Dash to make the next move.

As Skyfire's eyes closed, Rainbow Dash swooped down upon her pray. Pressing her lips hard against Skyfire's, in an aggressive manner. Skyfire's hunch was correct, wasting no time she returned the kiss. As the kiss drew on, their tongues danced, fighting for control of the other. Reaching up, Skyfire ran her hooves through Dash's mane, pulling the Pegasus closer to her until their stomachs touched.

Breaking the embrace, the pair locked eyes, both panting for breath. A crimson streaked lay painted across their cheeks, and wings at full length. The couple giggled happily to each other, sharing another quick kiss.

"Thanks Dash," Skyfire expressed, pulling herself off the bathroom floor.

"For what?" the cyan Pegasus questioned, her face still shining lightly with a hint of crimson.

"Calming my nerves, if I'm going to tell my parents about us tonight, I don't want to be a nervous wreck," admitted Skyfire, nuzzling the brash Pegasus's cheek.

"Heh heh, no problem, Sky," winked Dash, returning the loving nuzzle.

"Dinner is ready!" called a motherly voice from below.

"Last one there is a featherbrain!" challenged Dash, galloping out of the washroom.

Sure enough, when they reached the dining room, the fresh scent of food signaled the start of dinner. They all gathered round the table in the dining room. Skyfire's father sat across from Dash, and to the right of his wife. To Rainbow Dash's right sat Skyfire, and across from Skyfire sat her mother. Applejack stood in the corner of the room watching the memory take place. Skyfire's mother had made a daisy and daffodil casserole, with a side of steamed oats. Dash dove in, attacking her food. Applejack could not help but giggle at how big her friend's appetite always seemed to be. Skyfire, on the other hoof had barely made a dent in hers. Something was on her mind, but the Earth pony could not put her hoof on it.

"Sky, dear, you've barely touched your food. What's wrong?" Her mother asked.

Skyfire glanced at Rainbow Dash, who had intern stopped mid-bite to focus on her. Dash finished her mouthful of food and nodded at her friend. By this point, nopony was eating; all eyes were on Skyfire.

The young Pegasus finally spoke. "Mom… Dad… Rainbow and I… Have something we'd like to tell you," Skyfire was clearly nervous about the whole situation. Dash put a fore hoof over Skyfire, comforting the Pegasus. Her parents sat listening attentively, clearly curious to what their daughter had to say. "Well, you see… Rainbow Dash and I are together." Skyfire tensed, the relief he confession obviously being leashed by the fear of parent's reaction.

Suddenly, Skyfire's mother shattered the quite atmosphere. "Aw, isn't that just adorable? Our baby's first love!" The mare seemed truly overjoyed at the announcement.

"heh heh, well good for you, honey!" her father added.

"You… you guys aren't mad?" Skyfire questioned her parents.

"Heavens no, why would you ever think that, darling?" her mother asked, warmth radiating from her voice.

"Well, I just thought you guys would think less of me… because I like fillies," replied Skyfire, dropping her head.

"Sky, we would never think less of you for who you like. Be it an Earth pony, Unicorn, or Rainbow Dash." Her father gave Dash a wink, who intern gave the biggest smile Applejack had seen.

The on looking Earth pony had to do a double take on the situation. She never thought about having to tell Granny Smith that she like mares before, but knew that when the time came, it would take a lot of courage. Applejack took note of the room starting to get smaller, waiting for it to fade away into nothingness again.

Applejack found herself back in the destroyed and faded version of Cloudsdale. Again, she was in the doorway of a colorless room, only this one was not empty like the last had been. The Earth pony walked into the room, noticing something on the corner of the large bed, something colorful. She walked over to take a better look. It was a picture, sitting in a small glass frame. She held it up. The image was of filly Dash and Skyfire, held together in a close embrace. Their faces outlined in a pink heart. In the bottom right hand corner, it read, "Rainbow Dash & Skyfire's six month together!" Applejack stood looking at the picture for a long time, she found herself holding back tears. She put the picture back down on the bed and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

|Shipping| |Sad| |Dark|

*Note* Before you read this chapter I would like to give you the definition to a name that will come up in this chapter.

Dashielle. Meaning: its source is chiel, an Old French name meaning "Page."

Applejack let out a soft sigh. The weeping was still ringing in her ears from somewhere down the grey hall. "Two doors left." she said aloud, pressing on quietly. She crossed the hall once again, slowly opening the last door on the left. Bright light poured forth once again as she drifted into another flashback.

Applejack found herself standing in a bedroom of another cloud home. The room itself was small. Within, there was only a bed and a desk, both made from cloud and small like the room they adorned. The Earth pony glanced at the wall behind the bed, noticing a huge poster of the Wonderbolts. Applejack immediately knew whose room this was.

"Oh, Thank Celestia! She's home!" a motherly voice rang from behind the closed bedroom door. Applejack trotted over to the door, opening it, she stepped out into the connecting hallway. At the end of the hallway stood a tall, dark blue-coated Pegasus mare, with a half red half yellow mane and tail. In front of this mare, a very distraught and soaking wet filly Rainbow Dash stood.

"Where have you been young lady? Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?" scolded Dash's mom.

"I told you yesterday where I was going… Maybe you would remember that if you listened to me once and awhile!" retorted Dash, glaring angrily at her mother.

"I thought I told you not to be hanging around with that filly! She's a bad influence for you!" barked Dash's mother.

"Hey! You take that back! She cares about me more than you or dad ever will!" yelled Rainbow Dash, slowly backing away from her mother.

"Watch your tone, missy!" the mare yelled, her voice matching Dash's volume. "Your father and I do so much for you, and this is how you treat us? We provide you shelter, feed you, pay to send you to school. What does that filly do for you, huh?"

Dash bit her lip, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes. "Whenever I have a bad day she is there to cheer me up. She supports me, encourages me to go farther and do better. And most importantly, she loves me."

Dash's mother froze, stillness settling into the argument. As the seconds passed, the mare spoke again, her voice eerie and soft. "You love her, don't you?"

Dash's anger subsided, in the new emotion piercing the conversation. She lowered her head in defeat. "Yes…"

"I… I can't believe it!" her mother recoiled in shock. "My daughter, my own little girl a… A filly-fooler! I am truly disappointed in you Dashielle." her mother's tone full anger and dismay.

Upon hearing that term, Dash erupted in anger. "How dare you call me that! I don't need you! Or dad! You guys are nothing but complete jerks! Screw this, I'm outta here!" shrieked the cyan filly, tears rolled freely down her cheeks as she left the house, back into the stormy night.

Applejack felt sick to her stomach again. "How awful that musta been for her…" she admitted, feeling on the verge of tears again. The Earth pony shut her eyes, trying to force the tears away. It was no use.

A wicked wind blew past Rainbow Dash as she flew, causing her to focus more on compensating against the added resistance. The haze produced from the thunderstorm certainly was not helping her see any, flying almost blindly; she fought to avoid approaching buildings at the last second.

"Stupid parents, hating me for who I am," she mumbled between breaths, trying hard to force all of her thoughts away from her.

Feeling lost and alone, the dejected filly set her course to the one place she knew would take her. Even the thick fog of the storm could not keep Rainbow Dash away, having visited Skyfire's place many a times before, she knew the route off by heart.

"Coming!" replied a motherly voice from within the home. The door opened, revealing a drenched rainbow-maned Pegasus. Still breathing heavily from her fight against the weather across town, Rainbow Dash wobbled in place.

"Oh my goodness! Rainbow Dash, darling, come in," she insisted, ushering the little filly inside from the storm and closing the door behind her. "Gale! Could you bring me some towels please." she called into the home, her tone carrying a hint of concern.

Rainbow Dash noticed the mare's tone; it relaxed her, knowing that some pony actually cared about her wellbeing. Feeling tired all of a sudden, Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, collapsing to the floor with a thud.

Rainbow Dash awoke suddenly, sitting up she found herself inside a dark bedroom. The soft crackles of thunder raged on, signaling that the storm was moving on.

"You're awake?" questioned a sleepy Skyfire, wiping the sleep from her eyes.

Surprised by the sudden movement, Rainbow Dash looked down at the stirring pony. "Skyfire? Where am I?" questioned the cyan filly, casting another glance around the dark room.

"My bedroom silly, you got here a couple hours ago, but passed out on the floor. You looked really tired…" Skyfire explained, sitting up beside her filly friend.

Dash sat quietly, thinking back on today's problems. An eerie moment of silence pierced the atmosphere while both ponies thought of something to say.

"Rainbow, what's wrong? Why were you out in that storm tonight?" asked Skyfire, voicing her concerns for her friend's safety.

The rainbow-maned pony spoke without breaking her vision from the window, "I told my mom about us Sky… She freaked out and called me a filly-fooler. So I left, and came to the only place I have left to go."

The silence returned, accompanied by the soft sound of whimpering as Rainbow Dash tried desperately to hold back her tears.

"Shh, it's ok Dash. I'm here for you," Skyfire reassured, wrapping the Pegasus into a tight embrace.

"Thanks, Sky," sniffed Dash, burying her head into the white Pegasus's mane.

After a couple of minutes, Applejack opened her eyes again, noticing she was standing in the doorway to a colorless bedroom. The Earth pony stepped into the room, drawn to the colorful note perched in the middle of a desk on the left side of the room. Sitting down, she began to read the note.

Dear Dashielle,

You may be wondering to yourself where your father and I went. We see now how much pain we have caused you. As such, we have decided it was for the best that we left. Yes, I know it's hard dear, but it truly is for the best. I know we don't get along all the time, you sister was the same way, right up until she moved out. You seem to be doing just fine on your own, and we are so proud of you. You are strong, just like your father; we know you will do just fine. We have left some bits. It should be enough until you're old enough to get a job.

Regarding your little filly-friend, I know that right now you don't understand. I'm sure you will when you're older. Showing affection towards other mares is just not natural dear. Your father and I do not want to risk our reputation, nor do we want you to hurt your own in some silly phase. We have left to Canterlot to pursue our weather research farther. If you need us, you can always contact us there.

Never forget we love you Dashielle. Please don't hold it against us. This is for the best. You will understand one day.

Love,

Mom & Dad

Applejack felt her skin crawling with rage, resisting the temptation to tear the note up. She wiped away the stale tears on her cheeks, placing the note back down and leaving the room. The weeping sounded like yelling in her ears now; she crossed the hall a final time, opening the last door. Light again flushed over her senses.

Opening her eyes, Applejack felt a cool breeze wash over her, putting her scenes on high alert. The crisp scent of fresh air lingered in her nostrils with every breath she took. She glanced around, noticing that she now stood on a single cloud, high above the cloud metropolis. Lying beside her was the filly Rainbow Dash. The Earth pony could see that Dash had been crying. Applejack wished she could reach out and comfort the filly, but knew that the boundaries of this strange world prevented such an act.

The soft beating of wings broke the silence, signaling the approach of somepony. Seconds later, a familiar face poked up from the edge of the cloud. It was Skyfire, the white Pegasus landed on the cloud, placing a protecting wing over the cyan pony.

"Dash, what's wrong?" the white filly questioned her distraught friend.

"Sky…" sniffed Dash. "The bullies… It's so hard to take." Dash buried her head into her fore hooves. Skyfire sat down beside her filly-friend, nuzzling her vibrant rainbow-mane.

"Sky…" Dash called again, looking to her.

"Yes, Dash?" Skyfire replied, lifting her head to meet Dash`s eyes.

"This… isn't easy for me to say... But, I think it's best if we stop seeing each other…" Rainbow Dash revealed, her voice cracking at points as she held back sobs. She tried to lock eyes with her filly-friend, overwhelmed by emotion, she found herself unable.

Applejack stood watching the scene unfold like a guardian angel, just as she had done in every other flashback. The wind picked up, whipping her blonde mane in all directions. This did not phase the Earth pony, as she continued to watch the flashback, deep in thought.

As the moments past, Skyfire still found that she was unable to speak. It was like her whole world had come crashing down around her, and she was incapable of finding a way to repair the damage. "Why…" She choked out, tears stinging at her eyes.

"Sky, the bullies are becoming too much for me, I… I just can't take it anymore," the cyan filly admitted, still unable to meet Skyfire's gaze.

"You think it's easier for me?" Skyfire screamed, the impending tears finally getting the better of her and spilling forth.

"I didn't say that!" defended Dash, hopping on her hooves; finally meeting Sky's eyes.

"I just… Thought that they might stop if we broke up..." finished Dash, lowering her head in shame.

"Well, you didn't think right!" Skyfire retaliated, practically spitting venom at Dash. She turned around, facing the cloud city far below. "Goodbye, Dash. I hope you make out all right."

Skyfire flared her wings, before leaping off the lone cloud. She closed her wings, letting herself plummet towards the fast approaching city below. The white filly stayed in her death-dive for as long as possible, pulling up at the last possible second narrowly avoiding the cloud street inches below.

Applejack found herself staring over the edge of the cloud at Skyfire as she disappeared down the street. Rainbow Dash could not bring herself to watch the spectacle; she was far too busy regretting her decision. As Applejack leaned further over the cloud, the breeze picked up once again. Her front hooves slipped over the cloud's edge, dropping her like a stone. She began tumbling through the air, falling straight towards the cloud streets below. The Earth pony panicked, flailing her limbs to no use. She had no wings, and nopony could see her in this strange memory. She was going to hit the ground, and it was going to hurt. A couple of seconds into the free-fall, the Earth pony noticed a haze coming over the world. Moments before making contact with the hard cloud ground, the world went black.

Applejack collapsed in the doorway to the room, panting for any air her lungs could get. Her body twitching from the adrenaline high she was still experiencing. Panicked thoughts still rang in her mind. "Too close…" she breathed, feeling grateful for having her hooves back on solid ground, so to speak.

After Applejack had regained herself, she stood up, taking in the room that she now found herself in. Making her way farther into the room, Applejack noticed the Pegasus filly on the bed in the right corner of the room. A quick look over determined this colorless pony to be Skyfire.

Suddenly, Skyfire sat up, hopping off the cloud bed. She reached into the side of the cloud bed, withdrawing a piece of paper and placing it upon the bed. The white filly proceeded to rummage the closet on Applejack's left; pulling out a saddlebag, she swung it over her back. With the saddlebags secured on her flanks, the Pegasus approached the open window on the far wall. She cast one last look around the room before turning back to face the window.

Skyfire hopped out the window, taking flight into the sky. Applejack swiftly crossed the room to get a better look out the window. Unable to find the Pegasus in the distance, the Earth pony returned to the room. She approached the note that Skyfire had laid out. Placing her fore hooves on the bed to get a better look, she began to read it.

Dear Rainbow Dash

If you are reading this, then you already know I have run away. The bullying was just as bad on my end as it was yours. You, Dash, were the only thing keeping me from leaving Cloudsdale behind. Now, I guess I don't even have you. I am truly sorry for yelling at you. I hope you aren't mad at me.

You're strong, Dash. I know you can pull through this and show those bullies whose boss. You will always be in my thoughts, Rainbow Dash. Please take care, and have a good life. Who knows, maybe we will run into each other again one day. Please Dash, whatever you do, wherever you end up, don't forget all the great times we had together.

Love,

Skyfire

"Hey! Skyfire!"

Somepony was coming. Applejack's ears picked up the voice immediately. She ran for the nearest hiding spot, the closet.

"Skyfire! I'm so sorry about earlier. Skyfire!" sang the voice again, much closer now.

From her position in the closet, Applejack could pick up the sound of soft hoof-clops on the cloud floor, they sounded very close now.

"Skyfire?" The voice was clearly that of filly Dash.

Applejack remained hidden in the closet, waiting for the right time to reveal her presence. Dash had stepped completely into the room now, unaware of the pony watching intently in hiding. Dash scanned the room, looking for Skyfire. She then seemed to notice the note, moving over to the spot it laid. She stood facing the bed for minutes on end; Applejack could only assume she was still reading the note at this point. Dash collapsed to the cloud floor, viciously pounding it with her hooves. Clearly, Rainbow Dash understood the message, and knew of her mistake. It was clear to Applejack that the rainbow-maned filly needed some comfort. Silently opening the closet door, the Earth pony stepped out. Applejack approached the now tear-stricken Pegasus, placing a hoof on her shoulder. Dash looked up, instinctively locking eyes with the Earth pony.

"Why do you always come around when things get bad for me?" questioned Rainbow Dash, remembering her last encounter with the Earth pony. She turned away from the pony, burying her head back into her hooves.

Applejack was trying her best to hold her composure. "Ah guess Ah only see what yer mind wants me to, sugarcube."

"Sky, left me, I have nopony left…" Dash trailed off, seeming unable to finish the sentence herself.

"Sugar, Ah know this is hard. Ya'll hafta remember this ain't real," Applejack continued speaking, "Skyfire did leave ya, Dash, but that was years ago. She felt like ya do right now. Like there was nopony to care for her, or ta help her through this tough time. She may not be with ya today, but ya helped her Dash. If ya didn't break up with her, she'd be living in this nightmare also."

"But… I miss her," replied Dash, giving the Earth pony a look of pure sadness that would melt anypony's heart.

Applejack's composer was faltering again, "You have me, Dash. Ah'll always be here for ya." The Earth pony wrapped her hooves around the filly, squeezing her into a tight meaningful embrace.

"Thanks, Applejack," replied Dash, returning the embrace. "Can we get out of here?" she questioned the Earth pony.

"Sure thing, sugarcube." Applejack offered the Pegasus a friendly smile as the two left the room.

The duo was on their way to Dash's house. In the short time they spent inside the house, the cloud floor beneath them split further apart, making the trip take a lot longer than usual. Both were quiet for the first part of the trip. Applejack's mind, however, was abuzz with thoughts.

"Why aren't ya trying ta get her to remember you again?" she nagged herself internally.

"Ya'll seen what tha' world did to us last time, and Ah'm sure ya remember what it felt like," she smiled, thinking for once she finally outsmarted her head. "Besides, if tha' world is fixin' ta keep us separated, if she doesn't remember us we can spend more time with her."

"Not a bad idea, about time ya started using me…" laughed her inner voice.

Before she had chance to respond, a small voice penetrated the quiet atmosphere, "Applejack, why do ponies hate me for liking other fillies?"

She looked to the filly beside her. Dash was staring at the Earth pony, pain and sadness filling her eyes. She deeply wanted an answer.

"Well, sugarcube, some ponies think its wrong ta have feeling for some pony of the same gender..."

The Earth pony found herself cut off before she could continue. "Is it wrong to?" Dash questioned her.

Applejack stopped in her tracks, halting their stroll. She did her best to hide the disappointment in her tone as she spoke. "Dash, it is never wrong ta love anypony, whether they're a Unicorn, Earth pony, or Pegasus. Do not let the hurtful words of others change who ya are. Friends will love ya no matter what, and that's all that matters." Applejack gave a warm smile to the little filly.

"Thanks, Applejack," replied Dash, smiling back at the Earth pony before they continued walking.

Applejack felt exhausted, she felt as if they had been walking for hours. Finally, the pair arrived at Dash's home, putting an end to the long journey across the broken cloud floor.

Unlike the other structures, the small cloud building was still perfectly intact. Rainbow Dash offered to let Applejack stay, and the Earth pony gladly accepted. Once inside the duo made their way to Dash's room, where they fell asleep sharing an embrace.

"Everypony! Everypony!" Pinkie Pie shouted, waving her hooves, frantically trying to get her friends attention.

"What is it, darling?" questioned Rarity, approaching the pink pony.

"You guys! Look!" exclaimed Pinkie. The five ponies and one baby dragon gathered around the two sleeping ponies on the floor, trying to get a good look at what Pinkie was pointing out.

Twilight tilted her head, trying to get any sign of change in the unconscious ponies, "Pinkie, what are you talking about? I don't see anything?" complained the Unicorn, not feeling up to dealing with Pinkie's antics right now.

"Look harder, silly!" Pinkie exclaimed happily, bouncing over to Rainbow Dash. "Look! She has some color back!"

Numerous gasps shattered the quiet atmosphere all around. Pinkie smiled, hopping circles around the group as they all stood in shock.

"Oh, this is just wonderful!" exclaimed Fluttershy in her hushed tone.

"Truly a miracle," Rarity added.

"Don't celebrate yet, my little ponies," Luna interrupted. The room went quiet again. Even Pinkie stopped bouncing midair, falling to the ground softly.

"What do you mean, Princess? Is she not getting better?" questioned Twilight.

"Whatever Applejack is doing is working," replied Luna, keeping a soft tone. "However, such a small change could be taken away just as easy."

"I hope Applejack knows what she's doing…" admitted Twilight, glancing at the unconscious Earth pony that lay beside Dash.

"Twilight, Dear. Applejack can handle herself, you know this." explained Rarity, pulling the lavender Unicorn into a tight embrace, and soon found the remainder of their friends sharing the same big hug. Twilight sighed, closing her eyes as a wave of hope washed over her. Applejack was strong, she knew this, and she had to be as well, for her friends' sake.

Home stretch is in sight, now you must fight.

For she cannot pull through, wait for the cue.

With her secrets revealed, she will be healed.

Applejack came into consciousness again, blinking the sleep from her eyes. The constant riddles that assaulted her mind every time she slept were taking their toll. Trying to clear her head, the Earth pony inspected the room, noticing how beat up it looked compared to last night. The walls were practically falling apart from all the holes, and the floor was now missing pieces.

"This place is fallin' apart…" Applejack spoke aloud to the empty room. It dawned on the Earth pony at that moment that she was alone. "Dash?" she called out, only to have silence return her call. Hopping off the bed, she started towards the door, only to find it was no longer there. Carefully stepping out of the room, the Earth pony made her way down the hall into the living room.

At the far end of the room was a cloud table with some chairs. Sitting in a chair with her back to Applejack was filly Dash. The body language the Pegasus gave off told the Earth pony that something was wrong. Applejack slowly approached the Pegasus, not knowing how she would react. As she moved to Dash's side, she could see a note laid on the table. The Earth pony knew already what it said, remembering it from the flashback she had seen earlier.

"They left…" Dash spoke without even looking up, giving the Earth pony a feeling of uneasiness.

"Ah know sugarcube…" Applejack sighed, waiting for the worst.

"My parents. They care more about their damn work than me…" Dash was in shock, so much that she could not even cry. The Pegasus was at a total loss. Her world was slowly crashing around her. Her parents were gone, her filly-friend had left, and most of her friends refused to talk to her anymore. She was alone with nopony to turn to.

"Rainbow… What your parents did was wrong. If they can't love ya for who ya are, then ya don't need 'em."

Applejack really did not know what to say to Dash at this point; she was doing her best to calm the Pegasus down.

"You don't understand," Dash raised her head, looking around the living room before returning it to its original sulking position, "My parents left me… alone."

Dash was shuddering now, tears slowly leaking from her eyes. The Earth pony noticed the display, embracing the broken Pegasus once again.

"Sugarcube, Ah do know what it's like ta be alone. Dash, Ah'm gonna tell ya somethin'
Ah have never told anypony before."

Applejack cleared her throat and began to tell the tale.

"Ah was just a little filly, a little younger than you. Ah lived on tha farm with mah parents, Big Mac, and Granny Smith. Sweet Apple Acres was mighty small back then, but Mah parents were always busy. So busy that they left Granny Smith in charge of me an Mac. Ah never had any friends in school, or even real parents for that matter. They would just work all day, an pretty much ignore us. Then, one day, Ah remember coming home from school, mah parents were gone. Ah looked everywhere for 'em, finally giving up, Ah asked Granny Smith when they would be back. She looked at me; Ah can still remember her face… It was the saddest look Ah ever did see Granny Smith make. She told me, 'They were never coming back'. Ah never felt so lost before as Ah did in that moment. Time seemed ta stand still for me. Ah didn't understand it then, but Ah do now. They left me and Big Mac so they could branch out. They never cared about me; all they wanted was more money. Ah grew up alone, Dash. You girls were mah first real friends. Ah may not have been bullied like ya have, but Ah know what it's like ta feel alone, it ain't nice…" Applejack finished, wiping the tears from her face.

"Applejack… I had no idea…" Replied a much older sounding Dash, the change in voice caught the Earth pony off guard, causing her to stumble backwards.

The world started to rumble.

"Whoa, Nelly!" exclaimed Applejack as she toppled over. The cloud began to change shape around the pair.

"Applejack!" cried Dash, launching herself towards the falling Earth pony, only to find walls of cloud blocking her path.

"Ah'm fine, Dash!" the Earth pony yelled, finding herself trapped in some sort of cloud labyrinth.

The last thing Applejack heard from Dash was a bloodcurdling scream, making her skin crawl. "Rainbow!" the Earth pony screamed as loud as she could. It was no use. Rainbow Dash was gone.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

|Shipping| |Sad| |Dark|

Applejack stumbled for a sense of direction, having only enough vision to make out the faint outline of walls in this dark tomb. The stale air lingered, weighed down with years of undisturbed dust. Applejack took a breath of the old air, coughing as the musty acrid undertone of mold invaded her nostrils.

Having no choice, Applejack braved the stale air, navigating the labyrinth, not sure in which direction to head. She had been so close to setting Dash free, just to have it all taken away by Dash's own denial. Her body felt exhausted, every muscle ached, begging her to stop this crazy nightmare. She faltered, almost giving in to her body's demands. However, finding her rational thought kick in, Applejack remembered just who was in trouble here. With the glistening sight of her lover filling her mind, the Earth pony pushed on with renewed vigor.

Applejack's body continued feeling its way around the labyrinth, with no correct direction to go. Meanwhile, her mind was elsewhere, reminiscing back on the time she had met Dash, years before Twilight had come to Ponyville.

Celestia's sun beat down upon the land, casting its warming rays to the far reaches of the world. Ponyville sat in the middle of the sun's assault, soaking up every ray of sunshine that came beaming towards the small town.

Applejack trotted along the dirt road leading into town from Sweet Apple Acres. Her pace having slowed considerably from the fully loaded apple cart she tugged along behind her. Sweat dripped slowly from her brow, but she paid it no mind. After a short while of hauling the overstuffed cart, the Earth pony had made it into town, and began setting up shop for the day.

Lunchtime came and passed, and Applejack found herself making sale after sale with no signs of it slowing anytime soon. Less than half her stock remained when she spotted her best customer approaching. "Well, howdy there Fluttershy." She greeted the timid Pegasus with a friendly smile.

"Oh, hi, Applejack," replied Fluttershy, with her usual quiet demeanor.

"What brings mah best customer around today? Need some more apples for them animals o' yers?" the farmer pony questioned, trying to push another big sale.

The Pegasus shifted slightly, her mane draping over her face. "Actually, I need some apples for a pie that I am making for-"

"Hey, Fluttershy!" called a unique tomboyish voice, cutting the Pegasus off mid-sentence.

"Eek!" The timid Pegasus jumped up with a start, falling to the ground in a heap.

"Heh, sorry about that Shy, didn't mean to startle you," replied the tomboyish voice, just as its owner stepped up beside the yellow Pegasus to help her up.

The apple farmer caught sight of the new pony, guiding her eyes from head to hoof as she took in the full sight of the newcomer. She took note of the Pegasus's sleek toned body, and found herself staring, lost in the vivid colors of the wild rainbow mane and tail.

The new pony noticed Applejack's gawking; a smile came to her face as she rejoiced in the attention. "It's the hair isn't it?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow at the Earth pony, as if she was used to this kind of attention. "They don't call me Rainbow Dash for nothing!" she bragged, confidence practically spewing everywhere.

Regaining herself, Applejack smiled, "Well, it's nice ta meet ya, Rainbow Dash," announced the Earth pony, stepping around to the front of her stall to offer a hoof to the Pegasus. Rainbow Dash eagerly accepted the friendly gesture, holding out a hoof of her own.

"So what brings ya to Ponyville?" the Earth pony questioned, releasing the Pegasus's hoof.

"Well, me and Fluttershy go way back, and when I found out she was living here, I just had to drop by for old time's sake you know? But after seeing this place I decided it was time that I settled down in a house myself," boasted the rainbow-maned pony, pointing off into the distance at a newly built cloud castle in the sky.

"Well, any friend of Fluttershy's is a friend o' mine," stated Applejack. "Now, how many apples can I do ya for today, Fluttershy?"

"A dozen should do just fine," Fluttershy answered calmly.

"One dozen apple coming right up! That'll be six bits."

Fluttershy reached into her saddlebags, dropping six six bits on the stall and accepting the basket of apples.

"Thank ya, kindly. Ya'll come again now, ya hear!" Applejack called after the two Pegasi as they walked off.

Snapping back from her thoughts, Applejack came to a dead end. Turning around, she began feeling her way back through the corridor, letting her mind continue to wander…

Ever since meeting the brash Pegasus, Applejack could not help but notice how fast time had slipped by. Over the years, the Earth pony found herself going from no friends, to five of the best she could ask for. In just the past year, the six of them had been through a lot. The whole Nightmare Moon ordeal and the countless troubles they found themselves in sure made for an interesting twist on her normal everyday farm pony life.

As time came and passed, it brought with it new feelings. Ones that Applejack never thought she would have developed for a certain Pegasus. Dreams of the rainbow-maned pony began assaulting her shortly after the running of the leaves. In the beginning, they were seemingly normal, nothing more than her and Rainbow Dash hanging out. In fact, she was starting to like just how natural the dreams felt. Nevertheless, as time wore on, the dreams had become more romantic. They startled the Earth pony at first, having never felt a romantic connection to anypony before, especially not a mare. Scared, Applejack tried everything to make the dreams go away, to no use. The dreams were too strong, too real, too right. Night after night, they slowly revealed the inner secrets of the Earth pony's mind. Coming to terms with herself, Applejack accepted that she had in fact fallen in love with the brash Pegasus. Soon after, the Earth pony found herself enjoying the dream world, the only place where she could be together with the mare she loved.

Then came the Grand Galloping Gala; the best night ever, or so the group of friends thought. Applejack remembered that night like it was yesterday. The Gala was not the important part of that night. No, the Gala down right sucked for all of them. What happened in the hours after the Gala changed Applejack's life, forever.

The carriage ride back from Canterlot passed by quickly, as the six friends chatted away about how bad the night had gone. In the end, the group decided it was not that bad, and were even able to laugh at their antics. Shortly after, they arrived at Rarity's Boutique, and parted ways for the night.

Living outside of town meant for long walks, however, they never bothered Applejack, tonight would be no different. She trotted down the lone road back to Sweet Apple Acres. It was late; a calming cool breeze rushed past her, she shivered as the cold wind invaded the thin fabric of her Gala dress. Trying to take her mind off the chilled night, Applejack cast a glance towards the moon, taking it in. Luna's moon shown almost as bright as the sun itself, Applejack found herself becoming lost in its unmatchable beauty. That was until; a multicolored streak whisked by in front of the moon, causing her vision to focus on the trail maker. She watched intently, as Rainbow Dash soared peacefully across the night sky. Suddenly, the Earth pony felt very lonely. She loved Dash, and longed to be with her, but knew that it would probably never happen. She had planned to tell Dash how she felt before, but had always come up short on courage. As she watched her fly solely across the sky now, her heart ached to sing its love for the brash Pegasus to the world.

The cyan Pegasus disappeared from sight. Applejack let out a soft sigh, dropping her gaze from the sky as she continued to peregrinate on towards home.

"Hey, Applejack!"

Applejack jumped at the sudden call, she stopped mid stride, cursorily searching for a sign of anypony. Suddenly, the soft sound of beating wings reached her ears. Returning her glance to the sky, Applejack found Rainbow Dash hovering close above her. Applejack chuckled at her friend's antics, as the Pegasus slipped into a fit of laughter. The Earth pony smiled at the simplicity of her brash friend, noticing that the Pegasus had already discarded her ruined Gala dress.

"I saw you walking and you looked upset, is something wrong AJ?" Rainbow Dash questioned a look of concern upon her face.

"Uhh… Ah ain't lone- Ah mean upset," Applejack stuttered, offering a fake smile to Dash.

"Applejack? You know you're a terrible liar, right?" Dash replied, setting down next to her friend. "What's up?"

The Earth pony sighed, knowing her honest nature had betrayed her. "Ah guess Ah'm just lonely, sugarcube…" she replied, sadness heavily detectable in her tone.

"Well, we will just have to fix that, won't we!" exclaimed Dash excitedly pumping a hoof in the air.

"And just how are ya gonna do that?" question Applejack, cocking an eyebrow at the cyan Pegasus.

"Follow me," Dash replied, giving the Earth pony a sly smile as she took off towards the lake.

Applejack took after her friend. The rush of wind was cold against her face but she managed to power through it. Catching up beside the speedy Pegasus, "Where are we going!" she shouted through the sound of the wind.

"There!" replied Dash, motioning with her head for the Earth pony to look forward.

Returning her head forward, Applejack gazed out over the land. Up ahead, the lake was fast approaching, "Why are we goin' to tha' lake?" she questioned her Pegasus friend.

Rainbow Dash did not answer the way Applejack thought she would have. Instead, the rainbow-hued Pegasus said nothing, instead, she picked up the pace, forcing the Earth pony to concentrate all her energy on catching up. Before she knew it, Applejack found herself nearing the edge of the lake, slowing her gallop to a stop; she stood beside an equally tired Rainbow Dash. The Earth pony focused her vision on Dash, smiling as she felt the emotions of true friendship course throughout her veins.

"Look." Rainbow Dash pointed a hoof out over the lake towards the sky; Applejack followed her friend's instructions and found herself in awe.

"Awesome, isn't it?" she asked the Earth pony, before returning her gaze skyward to soak up the moonlight.

The moon's bright ray reflected across the calm darkened lake, recreating a perfect picture of the sky across its surface. The stars twinkled off the lake's surface, dancing calmly with every ripple of water. It was breathtaking; Applejack was so lost in the sheer beauty of the scene before her that she failed to notice the cyan wing now draped around her back, holding her in a comforting embrace.

"I come here a lot when I need to get away." Dash told the Earth pony, nuzzling the side of her cheek. "AJ, don't forget, you have five amazing friends who would drop everything to help you," Rainbow Dash reassured, pulling the apple farmer closer.

Applejack fought hard to contain her blush, in the end; she failed to do so as her body's true emotions took over and a faint streak of crimson spread across her cheeks. "Thank you sugarcube, Ah feel a lot better now."

"You want me to walk with you back to the farm?" Dash questioned, looking to her friend.

"Actually, Sugar, Ah want to stay here for the night," Applejack admitted, focusing her vision on the cyan Pegasus. As Rainbow Dash returned the expression, Applejack slipped into a trance, finding herself lost in those bright rose-colored eyes.

"We can do that!" Dash exclaimed, removing her wing and lying down beside the Earth pony.

Under the moonlight, two friends shared an embrace, falling asleep in each other's hooves. It was on that night, that Applejack knew for sure she wanted to be more than friends with Rainbow Dash.

In the darkness of the labyrinth, Applejack stumbled, landing hard on the solid cloud floor below with a soft thud.

The quiet surroundings of the library suddenly erupted, as a loud groan shattered the still atmosphere. Everypony froze mid-task, staring intently at the unconscious Earth pony.

Moving first, Pinkie Pie happily hopped over to Applejack, violently shaking the orange Earth pony. "Wakey, wakey!" she exclaimed, continuing to rock her sleeping friend back and forth.

"Wakey, wakey!" sounded a familiar happy voice, pounding its way through Applejack's head. The Earth pony stood back on her hooves, wobbling a little. She hit her head hard on the floor below, but it was almost as if she heard her friend Pinkie telling her to wake up.

"Pinkie, stop!" came a less familiar voice, echoing off the walls of the labyrinth. The booming voice held a soft but regal tone to it.

Jumping at the sudden loudness, Applejack frantically searched the empty corridor. "Ah'm going crazy…" she said aloud, finding herself unable to pinpoint the location of the echoes.

"The spell will fade soon, she doesn't have much time left," echoed the voice again. Suddenly, Applejack felt the realization of who was speaking collide with her brain, revealing the true nature of the voice.

"Princess?" the Earth pony shouted, standing quietly she listened. Nothing but the fading echo of her own voice eerily made its way back to her ears.

"The spell is hours from fading. After that, Applejack will return to us here in the real world. The boundaries are weak now, it is important that we stay quiet and do not disturb her. If she wants any chance at bringing Rainbow Dash home, she must act swiftly," Luna explained, "and I know you can hear us, Applejack. Hurry!"

Panic sunk into the depths of Applejack's mind, she found herself breathing fast shallow breaths. Realizing that she needed to get out of this labyrinth fast, Applejack rocketed off, galloping blindly down the twisting and turning hallways, frantically searching for a means of escape. A low, but harsh voice inaugurated, slowly creeping into Applejack's ears. It took her a sometime to notice it over the sound of her ragged breathing, but now that she had, it seemed to be growing louder. Pinpointing the sounds, she followed the direction of it.

"haha! Rainbow Dyke!"

Turning the corner, she pressed on faster.

"Get lost, filly-fooler!"

She rounded another corner, picking up more speed.

"You don't belong here, freak!"

Applejack drifted around another corner, accelerating to her max. She galloped as fast as the adrenaline flooding her bloodstream would let her travel. Again, she reminded herself of the time crunch she want now facing. Applejack grew more frantic by the second. Another corner passed her by, she was pushing her body to the limits to find any means of an exit.

She took another corner, losing her grip on the cloud floor, Applejack smashed side on into the wall. If not adrenaline, or the will to save the one she loved; that impact would have stopped the Earth pony in her tracks. Instead, she pushed off the wall regaining lost speed. At the end of this hallway, she could see a faint hint of light. As she charged closer, the light seemed to be coming from the ceiling of the labyrinth.

In seconds, Applejack was upon the light source. Taking her time to catch her breath, she deemed that the light source was in fact an exit. Atop of the stairs, blocking the exit lay a trap door. The Earth pony ascended the stairs, forcefully pushing up on it. Deterred by the lack of movement, Applejack spun around; delivering the hardest buck she could muster to the trapdoor.

A splintering crack rang out as hoof met wood. The trapdoor shattered open, and the Earth pony quickly pulled herself up through the opening. Emerging from the dark tunnels, the Earth pony glanced about, temporarily blinded by the powerful light of day. Once her eyes adjusted to the new level of light, Applejack began to take note of her surroundings. Big mounds of cloud lay piled up around her, and basic pieces of building structure remained. The fragmented structure had received so much damage, that she could only assume it had been a house at one point. Applejack trotted over to the half-standing doorframe of what was once the front door. Scanning the area, the Earth pony spotted the flight school just across the street. She let out a sigh of relief; the apple farmer knew that is where she would find Dash.

Still feeling the effects of her panicked gallop, Applejack settled for cantering towards the school.

"Whoa, Nelly!" called Applejack coming to an abrupt halt. In front of her was a massive gap in the street, at least 25 feet across.

"Just great!" yelled the Earth pony, "Dash, yer mind is tryin' ta kill me!"

Applejack retreated into the house. She had not come this far to let a little gap stop her. Moving all the way to the broken-down back wall, she turned around to face the school again and readied herself.

"Ok, AJ. Ya got this. C'mon, Dash is dependin' on ya," she told herself, doing anything to boost her confidence for this seemingly impossible jump. With one final release of breath, Applejack once again poured all her energy into her legs. She took off galloping with a fierceness nopony had ever seen, the burning compassion that she felt towards Rainbow Dash allowed her to dig deep. Finding that inner strength thought to be unusable, Applejack worked her muscles to full capacity.

Grunting, the Earth pony felt her muscles straining under the intense pressure they were undergoing. She knew that she could not keep up this pace for much longer. Her muscles were burning now, begging her for rest, she ignored their cries and pushed on. With the last ounce of strength she had, Applejack leapt forward. The Earth pony was midair now, soaring high above the ground below. Her muscles ached and cramped, the pain almost too much to handle. Applejack was going to make it; she was going to clear the gap. The opposite side drew closer.

Applejack noticed her speed decreasing, as panic set in. "Ah'm not gonna make it!" the Earth pony yelled, clearly full of disbelief. Not sure of what to do, she stretched out her body, reaching for the fast approaching clouds. The apple farmer did not know what lied beneath the dream world, but knew she didn't want to find out first-hoof.

Applejack landed hard on the other side, collapsing as her hooves slid from beneath her.

"Ah made it!" she exclaimed happily between heavy breaths. It took the Earth pony some time to recover from her jump. The apple farmer wobbled uneasily as she stood up, her legs begging her to lie back down. Applejack's mind forced her to stand, having already made the decision; no matter the amount of pain she went through, she was going to tell Dash how she felt, properly this time.

Applejack stood uneasily at the bottom of the school stairs. Slowly, she began walking up them approaching the door. The soft faint sound of laughter invaded her ears as she approached the door. Pulling at the closed door, the world seemed to fade.

Applejack awoke, sharply inhaling a lungful of air. Her eyes opened wide, blurry vision and all she could still make out the bright colors of the room before her. Realizing that she had left the dream world, the Earth pony quickly shut her eyes, letting her mind slip blank.

What the Earth pony failed to notice, was the group of friends huddled quietly around a book, all their attention now directed intently at her.

"Princess did the spell fade?" questioned Twilight Sparkle, a look of sadness shown through her facial features.

"Not yet, my little ponies. Not yet…" Luna replied, reassuring the lavender Unicorn.

"Applejack…" Dash's voice lingered in Applejack's head as the Earth pony came back to consciousness.

A sharp pain rang throughout Applejack's head, as the world exploded into light when her eyes opened. Whatever had happened to her, it was enough to push her back through the boundaries of the dreamscape. Realizing that time was of the essence, the Earth pony forced her battered body to stand. Her whole body ached, screaming at her to stop. Applejack ignored her body's cries, Dash needed her help. After all, it was her own fault that the Pegasus was in this situation.

Applejack continued her attempts at steadying herself. When she finally did, she cast a glance at the school. Her jaw dropped, shocked to Find it in a completely destroyed state. Shaking her head to confirm her vision, she surveyed the area. After a quick look over the Earth pony concluded, that the world was swiftly breaking apart. In the distance, Applejack could see a lone house standing perfectly among the ruined world. It was Dash's little cloud home. The apple farmer forced herself towards the cloud home as fast as her crippled body could move.

--

The path to Dash's home had since improved, making the apple farmer's journey relatively swift. Applejack wasted no time in entering the house, slowly limping down the hallway towards the brash pony's room.

Passing through the doorframe, Applejack's jaw fell limp. Her heart skipped a beat, as she took in the sight before her eyes. In the center of the bedroom, a rope hung from the ceiling. A colorless Pegasus hovered just below the ceiling, rope tied tightly around her neck. Tears slid down the cheeks of Rainbow Dash, as the Pegasus mentally prepared herself.

The Pegasus' wings retracted, dropping her like a stone. Her body turned midair, locking eyes with Applejack. The Earth pony could make out the sadness in the Pegasus' face as she fell. Time slowed to a halt for the Earth pony, her mind kicked into panic mode. Sprinting forward, she hopped to stop Rainbow Dash's fall.

Applejack slid into place under the Pegasus. The heavy thud of hooves landed on her back as her own legs strained to support them both. She had caught the falling filly, saving her life.

"What the hay…" replied Dash, with a tone of sadness and annoyance.

"Sugarcube, don't ya do this!" Applejack pleaded, her broken body straining under the newly acquired load.

"Why not? Everypony hates me! They're right… I don't belong here," Dash replied, her tone switching from anger to depression.

"Rainbow, accept who ya are, don't try ta change just 'cause somepony laughs at ya. Remember how happy ya were with Skyfire?" The Earth pony paused, allowing the Pegasus time to reminisce.

"Yeah, I guess I do…," replied the Pegasus, clearly not amused.

"That was 'cause ya were happy being who ya were, Dash. Nopony bothered ya, so you didn't think nothing was wrong. Ya need to remember that, Dash. Don't let them bullies in yer head."

Moments passed in silence, Applejack shut her eyes tightly, the strain of her muscles picked up. Gritting her teeth together, she put mind over matter, as her body neared its failure point. A long drawn out sigh escaped Rainbow's lips, as the Pegasus gave in and removed the noose from her neck.

"You're right AJ" she said with a renewed purpose, Hopping off the Earth pony's back, calming Applejack's nerves and reliving her strained muscles.

Applejack grabbed the Pegasus, pulling her into a tight embrace. In this instant, she felt contempt. She had helped Dash begin to accept who she was; the road to recovery was in sight now. Or so she thought…

"Hey, Rainbow Crash!"

The two friends quickly separated, their ears telling them the voice came from outside the house.

"Will they ever just leave me alone?" questioned Dash, becoming increasingly frustrated.

"This is it Dash. Show 'em that it doesn't bother ya anymore," the Earth pony instructed, smiling at her friend.

Dash returned the smile and nodded. "All right."

The pair made their way out of the house, with Rainbow leading the path. The Earth pony was limping, finding it hard to keep pace.

The duo came to a stop just before the front door, looking into each other's eyes. Each gave a reassuring nod, as the cyan Pegasus opened the door.

"Why are you still here? I thought we ran you out of town?" replied a lone Pegasus colt, standing on the sidewalk.

"Guess again, Cloud Twister. Nothing you say can bother me," Rainbow Dash retorted, confidence radiating through her tone.

"Ha ha, Oh yeah?" asked the bully. He spoke again without waiting for a reply. "Gee, you must wish your filly-friend could say the same thing. Don't you? Hey, where is she anyway? Oh wait, I remember! She ran away!" He erupted into another fit of laughter.

"You…" The filly lost all confidence, she stood their silently, at a complete loss of words.

"Ha ha! What's the matter Rainbow Dyke? I thought words didn't hurt you?" Cloud Twister continued verbally assaulting the filly.

"They…" Rainbow Dash recoiled, hiding her face, as she grew closer to the verge of tears.

"Hahahah!" Cloud Twister fell to the ground, in a fit of laughter.

Dash glanced back to Applejack, as tears slowly leaked from her eyes. The sight of her friend made the Earth pony's heart sink; she stepped forward to comfort the distraught Pegasus. "Ya can do it, Dash. Ah believe in ya," Applejack reassured, stroking Dash's mane with a fore hoof.

"I… I don't think I can…" Dash choked, her voice cracking as the salty tears raced down her face.

"Nopony will ever love you, Rainbow Crash! Ha ha!" came Cloud Twister's voice from behind the pair. At that sentence Applejack became enraged, she wanted to buck him right out of Equestria. Before her impulses could take over, her mind returned to the crying filly in her hoofs.

"He's right… nopony, will..." Rainbow Dash repeated, pushing her face deep into Applejack's mane, and bursting into tears.

The Earth pony was unsure about this whole situation, her mind looked everywhere for an answer. Applejack's heart took over, finding the answer easily. "No, he's not right, sugarcube, 'Cause, Ah love you."

What happened next surprised the Earth pony, as she had fully expected the world to burst. Instead, Cloud Twister faded away, leaving her and Dash still sharing an embrace.

The rainbow-maned pony's crying ceased, slowly, she removed her face from the Earth pony's mane. "Applejack, do you really mean that?" questioned a much older sounding Dash.

Applejack couldn't help but smile. Rainbow Dash was back, her Dash. "Yes, sugarcube, Ah mean it." The Earth pony found tears of joy trying to escape her eyes.

"AJ… I'm sorry. For what I put you through, I think I'm ready f-" The shaking of the ground below them cut the Pegasus off mid-sentence.

A deep rumble erupted.

Dash and Applejack separated, both fighting gravity to stay upright. Cloudsdale collapsed, disappearing into nothingness. Dash's instincts kicked in as she took flight instantaneously. She stayed hovering a few feet from the dissolved cloud floor, trying to get a grip on the situation. The one thing that she failed to notice, though, was the Earth pony falling towards the ground at a blistering speed.

7500 feet

The world slowed to a standstill for Applejack, as she tumbled helplessly farther away from Rainbow Dash. The Earth pony spun around in midair facing the ground, her eyes confirmed her fear. The ground was there, and it was getting increasing closer by the second. Applejack spun back around to face the Pegasus. Luckily, she had noticed the falling Earth pony, diving after her. Even though she was far away, Applejack could make out the frightened look on Dash's face. The apple farmer knew there was no way that Rainbow could catch her in time, she flashed a weak smile towards the Pegasus. Tears flew out of Applejack's eyes, taken upwards by the wind. She accepted that she wouldn't make it.

5000 feet

"Well, ya did it AJ. Ya saved her," she told herself in triumph, a weak chuckle escaping her lips. Casting one last look at the speeding Pegasus, Applejack took in every detail before closing her eyes. As the moments past, she held on to that picture as it slowly began to fade from her mind.

Her thoughts wandered as she began reminiscing back on the great times she had with Rainbow Dash. From the time they first met, that summer day in the town market. To the Iron Pony Competition, and how much fun it had been to race with Dash in the running of the leaves. The night where she had fallen asleep in the Pegasus's hold by the lake was now but a peaceful memory, helping her find comfort, as she knew her last moments were upon her.

3000 feet

"Applejack!" shrieked Rainbow Dash.

Applejack opened her eyes, finding the cyan pony still barreling down towards her. The Earth pony smiled, even when there was no hope left, no chance at safety, Dash still never gave up on her. She always admired Rainbow for that, and in this moment, that is all she needed. Applejack felt at peace, as she knew that her friend would never give up on her.

2500 feet

"Goodbye, Rainbow... Ah love you," she said calmly to herself, closing her eyes once again waiting for impact.

2000 feet

"Noo!" cried Dash, her voice alive with hysterics. She pushed herself harder, the Mach cone growing smaller as she poured all her power into her wings. She had both fore hooves pointing straight ahead at this point, her mane and cheeks blowing back wildly from the sheer speed. Speed, is what she needed to have more of at this moment. Rainbow Dash knew she was not going fast enough. Nevertheless, she refused to give up on Applejack.

1000 feet

Rainbow Dash's concentration faltered, as she felt something wet hit her forehead. Confused at where it could be coming from, Dash focused in the direction the water was coming. Up. The Pegasus realized in that moment, that they were the faint remains of Applejack's tears.

300 feet

Dash's adrenaline kicked into overdrive, her feelings for Applejack pushed her over the top. The familiar blur of the world slowly crept into her vision, focusing hard on her target; she exploded past the sound barrier.

Ka-boom!

At that moment in time, the blurring of the world disappeared. Regaining all her vision, Dash rocketed forward, accelerating madly with every passing second. The colors of the Rainboom washed over the sky, restoring the color back to the dreamscape.

50 feet

Rainbow Dash reached out, latching on to Applejack with her fore hoofs. Immediately, she began pulling out of the downward dive with all her force. It was too late. The pair was too close to the ground.

1 foot

The cyan Pegasus tried one last attempt to save the Earth pony, quickly; she maneuvered herself under the Earth pony, preparing to take the full impact of the fall. The two ponies, gripped tightly in each other's embrace, quietly shared their last moments together.

The low-pitched hollow tone of flesh striking the Earth rang out, shattering the soundless atmosphere. The force of impact ripped their embrace apart, sending both ponies bouncing along the ground. An eerie silence flushed over the land, time seemed to stand still. Slowly, the unconscious ponies skidded to a halt, lying motionless mere feet from one another. A calm breeze blew over their battered bodies, lifting their lifeless tails from the dirt. As the breeze picked up, their tails danced gracefully in the wind, entangling in a swirl of gray and blonde. As the wind died, so did the energy in their tails, falling back to the motionless Earth together as one.

The Earth pony's eyes shot open, her body ached and pained. Ignoring it, she turned her concentration to the motionless Pegasus pony that lay across from her.

Rainbow Dash lay lifeless, her coat revealing faint traces of color. Sparking a faint speck of hope in Applejack's soul, however, it was short lived, as she realized that Dash was not stirring.

"She's awake!" Fluttershy shrieked, forgetting her quiet demeanor.

Applejack's friends all rushed to her side, sweeping her up in joyful embrace.

"Let me go!" Applejack shrieked, tears running freely down her cheeks. Her friends released their embrace, concern quickly washing over them.

Dropping to the ground, Applejack dragged her tired body over to Rainbow Dash. Lying down next to the cyan mare, she closed her eyes and cried. Applejack felt her world crumbling, overcome by a tidal wave of sorrow.

"Ah'm sorry, Dash…" Applejack croaked her voice slow and quiet. "Ah, failed."

The group of friends stood shocked, nopony dared say a word. From the actions of Applejack, the group could easily infer that Rainbow Dash did not make it. A deathly silence tore through the room, deafening all other sounds but that of Applejack's hysteric cries. Looks of concern and disconsolateness fastened upon all their faces as the group tried to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Outside, the bright sun was shining high in the sky. Animals ran free, birds chirped, and butterflies flew by gracefully. The raging storm that had engulfed Ponyville throughout the night had ended. However, that was not what was capturing everypony's attention; all across Equestria, ponies stopped their daily tasks to share a glance towards the sky. For there, adorning the sky in all its glory was the biggest and brightest rainbow ever seen in Equestria.

Chapter 6

chapter 6:

|Shipping| |Sad| |Dark|

*NOTE* Well this is the last chapter I hope you guys enjoy it...

Time felt like it was at a halt for the group of friends as reality began to sink its sharp teeth into their minds. They all lost a dear friend today, a fellow Element of Harmony, and the world felt a little colder. The hanging silence was broken as the sound of a balloon deflating drew everypony's attention. Pinkie Pie collapsed to the library floor, her once poofy pink mane deflated and hung straight.

"Dash… is gone?" Pinkie questioned, glancing up at her surrounding friends. Tears stung at the corners of the pink earth pony's eyes, as she fought hard to control her composure.

"Pinkie…" Twilight started, but found herself unable to keep a hold on her emotions. Breaking down, Twilight too collapsed to the floor, forcefully shutting her eyes as tears streamed wildly down her cheeks.

"Come now, my little ponies," Luna insisted, keeping a firm tone. It was clear to the group that she too was upset at the tragic event. "Not all hope is lost. She needs time. She will wake up," The Princess reassured.

"No. No, she won't…" sounded Applejack's weak voice from behind; the earth pony was clearly the most shaken by the loss of their friend.

"W-why, won't she, Applejack?" Fluttershy questioned, her voice cracking from the impending tears.

Applejack seemed to grow angry at the question. Without intending to, she lashed out at the timid Pegasus. "Because, Ah seen and felt her smash into… Th- the ground," Applejack shrieked, exploding into a state of emotional turmoil. "And it's all mah fault…" she added, her tone switching to one of great pain.

"Oh, Applejack. It's not your fault," Fluttershy assured, calmly flying over to the earth pony. The timid Pegasus touched down next to her emotionally distraught friend, embracing her tight.

Applejack gave in, burying her face into Fluttershy's mane. "It's not fair…" she lamented between her muffled cries.

"Applejack, darling, we all miss Rainbow Dash. You must not blame yourself for this. I don't know how, but I'm sure we will get through this," Rarity whispered in a calm reassuring tone, as she drew closer to the earth pony. The white unicorn threw her hooves around Applejack, in an attempt to ease the pain of such a huge loss.

Soon, the remainder of the friends found themselves slowly making their way to the tearful Applejack. One by one, the others joined in the embrace, until all were participating. Even Luna had joined in, mourning the passing of Equestria's best flier.

"Give her time," Luna again reassured, holding the group tightly in her hooves. "She may still come out of this yet. We just have to be patient…"

The Group of friends spent the rest of the afternoon, taking turns telling and reliving the tales and adventures, they all shared with Rainbow Dash. From first meetings, to last embraces, from good days, to bad ones. Each pony had a unique adventure to share about how wonderful the cyan Pegasus had been. Tears of sorrow and laughter of joy accompanied many of the stories. The one thing all the stories did have in common, however, was loyalty.

Loyalty. It was what Dash had lived for. She defined herself by being loyal to all her friends, all her duties, all her dreams. It is true that, Rainbow Dash was a legend. Nopony could compare to the speedy Pegasus when it came to what she did best; flying. Even though she did not manage to become a Wonderbolt, she saved more lives and flew faster than any Wonderbolt ever had before.

With the memories of all her great feats still fresh in their heads, the group of friends found peace. Each one falling asleep into a peaceful dream filled night, where the rainbow-maned pony lived on, eternally, and just how they wished to remember her.

A cooling breeze washed over the motionless pony. Hours had passed since impact with the cold, unforgiving ground. Any hope of survival was fading away. In the stillness, somepony moved. It was a faint movement, almost unnoticeable. Rainbow's eyes fluttered open. Her vision was blurry. Her body ached with the fading sting of a thousand needles. Her mind raced, trying to recall the last events that had unfolded. Searching all over her barely conscious brain for any hope of what had transpired.

Applejack.

She suddenly remembered the earth pony, and her attempts to save her in the fall. Glancing from her collapsed position on the ground, Rainbow Dash could not see the earth pony anywhere. She forced herself to stand, her body paining under the stress, ready to throw in the towel. Luckily for the Pegasus, her spirit and will to fight were more than ready to keep going. She finally stood, breathing hard. It had taken a lot more energy to stand than she remembered.

"Applejack?" Rainbow Dash called out, searching the dim landscape for her friend. The light seemed focused around her, cutting off abruptly into darkness not far from where she stood. She could almost see the shadowed line drawing nearer to her with each second. "APPLEJACK!"

"She's gone kiddo," replied a voice, sounding very similar to her own.

Startled, Rainbow Dash swung around instantly. Standing in front of the stunned Pegasus was a slightly taller Pegasus mare. Complete with the same sleek muscular build, covered in a soft pelt of cyan blue. Her mane, a little longer but still wore the same six colors as Dash's own. She grew nervous as the mare in front of her continued to star. "W-who are you?" the battered Pegasus questioned, shocked to see the doppelganger.

The mirror-pony answered her request. "I am your spirit, Dash. I am all that you are, and all that you will be," the voice echoed in a calm, off-putting tone.

"Whoa," Rainbow Dash uttered in shock. "Wait… What did you do to Applejack? Where did she go?" she sneered, glancing around again for any sign of her friend's orange coat.

"Relax. She's not here. She has gone back to join the others in the real world."

A weight seemed to remove itself from Rainbow Dash, as she released a lungful of air.

"She cares about you a lot, Dash," the double continued, "she risked her own life to save you. If that can't make you accept yourself, I don't know what will."

Dash stayed quiet for a few minutes, thinking over her copy's words. "I understand," she said finally, raising her head to meet her doubles eyes. "My fillyhood may have sucked, but that doesn't mean the rest of my life has to, just because of some bullies." A wave of confidence washed over the Pegasus, filling her with positive thoughts of things to come. Wherever their next adventure might take them, she, along with all her friends would conquer it together.

"Very well, you have learned much. You are free to leave," her double beamed, stepping aside to reveal an aura of shining light. "And to think I almost got to take you away to the Eternal Lands, such a shame I'm not able to, maybe next time."

"The what?" asked Rainbow Dash, stopping her slow painful walk towards the orb of light.

"Oh nothing," her spirit said calmly, laughing a little. "I'll cya again soon Dash." with a quick wink and a sly smile, her spirit faded into thin air.

Dash felt a heavy sense of uneasiness come about her. She would definitely have to ask Twilight about the Eternal Lands later. Slowly, she started limping towards the orb again.

Dash took one last look over her shoulder, the darkness drawing in to absorb the last of the dream world. She smiled, knowing that all would be okay. She was going home, and Applejack would be there, waiting for her. Tears of happiness and joy ran down her cheeks. She hated crying, but in the instance, she accepted it. From here on in, she was a new pony. All because of Applejack, her best friend, the one she truly loved more than anypony else. The Pegasus slowly stepped into the light, letting it engulf her every being. The aura grew at an alarming rate, causing her to shut her eyes. Even though she could not see anything, Rainbow Dash felt the ground leave her hooves. She was on her way home, and it felt great.

Dash's eyes opened, slowly coming into focus. The first thing she noticed was how unbelievably dark it was in her cloud home. Finally, her remaining senses caught up to her, revealing her true place. She was in Twilight's Library. She breathed in deeply, taking in the soft scent of the giant oak. Raising her head to get a better look around, Dash cast a glance out the window on the other side of the room. She was able to catch a glimpse of the full moon in all its beautiful glory.

Returning her gaze to the room, Dash saw for the first time the sad looks upon all her friends' faces as they slept quietly. Mainly, Dash noticed the stale tears on Applejack's face. It brought a warm smile to the Pegasus' face knowing she had somepony who cared about her in a special way. Dash leaned over and gave the earth pony a tender kiss on the cheek. Applejack did not as much as move. The Pegasus kept going, playfully nipping and pecks at the sleeping Earth pony. Disappointed by her lack of reaction from Applejack, Dash turned up the heat. Taking in a deep breath of air, she planted her lips firmly against Applejack's. Dash closed her eyes, her tongue forcing its way into her lover's mouth.

Applejack fluttered back into consciousness at the feeling of her airways cut off. Her eyes opened, greeted unceremoniously by the darkness. Applejack could barely make out the pony having a full on smooch war with her lips. A cloud covering the moonlight gently blew aside, lighting the floor beside them with the bright rays of the moon. Applejack now had enough light to see the pony clearly. Blinking once or twice, she began to see in detail, the face of her lover pressed up against her own. Applejack's body buzzed with a warm feeling of euphoria. "What a wonderful dream…" she thought to herself.

"Wait, a minute…" her mind rationalized.

"What do ya want now?" Applejack questioned her mind telepathically.

"Stop and think for a sec, would ya…" retorted her mind, playing puzzle games with the earth pony.

"Now that ya mention it… this feels, a bit too real," replied Applejack internally. Opening her eyes again, sure enough Dash was still there assaulting her lips. Applejack's mind exploded into thought, at that same moment Dash broke the kiss.

"Morning, sleepy," cooed Dash, giving the earth pony a wink as if this whole ordeal had not happened.

Applejack's face now wore the biggest smile Dash had ever seen.

"Heh… AJ, don't look at me like that. You're killing the moment," teased Dash, playfully stoking Applejack's mane from her sleepy face.

The Earth pony's faced blushed a deep crimson. Applejack pounced at Dash, screaming in excitement and joy. "Ah thought you were gone, sugarcube!"

The duo continued rolling over until; a sleeping Fluttershy broke their momentum.

"Eek!" the timid Pegasus shouted in reaction to awaking abruptly.

The shriek of terror from Fluttershy awoke everypony in the library. The overwhelming darkened state of the library made it hard for the group of friends to make out what was happening. In the silvery moonlight, the outlines of a Pegasus an Earth pony danced together, coming to a halt one on top of the other. To the group, it looked like a tussle. However, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were doing just the opposite. Fearing the worst, Twilight used her magic to light the room. As the flash pulsed across the library, the occupants found themselves temporarily blinded. Once the fuzziness had cleared, the real scene began to unravel in front of them.

Multiple gasps broke the lingering silence all around, as all eyes turned upon the two friends. Applejack was standing over Rainbow Dash, their lips pressed firmly together, in a passionate meeting. Dash's wings stood stretched to full span lying against the library floor. Finally, after what felt like minutes the two broke the kiss, smiling deeply at each other.

"Rainbow Dash! You're not grey anymore!" shouted Pinkie pie, jumping at her friend and pulling her into a hug. Soon after, the rest of the group joined in on the embrace. Even Princess Luna could not resist the joyful celebration, and too found herself embracing the group.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash! We're so glad to have you back!" praised Twilight, as she broke off the hug.

"Yeah! I was all sady wady. But then, I had a dream," exclaimed Pinkie, joyfully.

"Pinkie pie…" Dash interrupted. Pinkie did not seem to either notice, nor care that her friend had interrupted her.

"And in that dream, my Pinkie sense went off, and boy! Was it a doozy…" continued the pink pony, stopping only to inhale.

"Pinkie…" Again Dash tried to break Pinkie's rambling.

"But it felt like a good doozy, not a bad one! And then I thought, what's the most super, awesome, cool, unique thing that could ever possibly happen, and then it hit me like. Huuuuuuuuuuu."

"Pink-"

"And then I woke up, and you and Applejack were kissing. And I was all like 'aww'! You two make such a cute couple!" finished Pinkie, hopping around the group of friends joyfully.

"Well, I must say, dear, it is quite true. You and Applejack make such a splendid couple. Oh, I can see it now, all the fashion possibilities…" Rarity babbled, as she became lost in the moment of her fashion fantasies.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each other, sharing the same disposition towards their friends fashion choices, before falling to the ground together laughing.

"You simply must tell us what happened… I mean, that is, if you want to…" Fluttershy insisted, in her always-quiet demeanor.

"Yes. Please, do!" exclaimed Twilight, as she happily levitated a quill and paper from the desk. "This will make for an excellent story!" the lavender Unicorn concluded.

"Ugh… Can't it wait till morning? I'm sooo tired…" Rainbow Dash complained, offering a yawn to validate her argument further.

"Ah, hafta agree with Dash, Twilight. Ah'm pretty tired mahself," reinforced Applejack, tossing a wink to her Pegasus friend. Dash returned the gesture playfully, kissing Applejack on the cheek. Applejack's face turned a bright crimson, a loving giggle escaping her.

"They are right, Twilight. It is best for everypony to get some sleep. Especially, Rainbow Dash," explained Luna, tossing Dash a sympathetic smile. It was as if Luna had known just what happened to the Pegasus in the dream world.

Any signs of protesting quickly washed away, as everypony shared a yawn. Sleep was quickly tightening its grip on the group of friends. Soon after, they had one big makeshift bed built in the center of the room, snuggling up close; Rainbow Dash and Applejack, both had each other locked in a tight hug, their head's touching, as a peaceful sleep shortly came to them all.

They had come so close to losing a very good friend, and nopony, epically Applejack, ever wanted to leave Rainbow's side again.

Once again, the library had settled down for the night, the soft sounds of breathing took over as the only noise. Peaceful smiles of joy adorned everypony's face, as their chests rose and fell softly with every sleeping breath. Luna could not help but smile at the sight of the six. With her work here completed, she gave the sleeping group one last look over before collecting her cloak. With that, the Princess left in the night; returning to her rightful place in Canterlot. After all, she had a country to run, and some parents that needed a chat.

Applejack's dreams were pleasant. Scenarios of her and Dash hanging out as new found lovers played through her head. The Earth pony was overjoyed to be home safely with Dash. No more wild goose chases through an ever-decaying grey world, she thought peacefully as she slept.

Morning came quickly for Applejack, wonderful memories of her dreams still lingering vividly in the back of her mind. Drifting back into consciousness, the earth pony could not help but get a feeling of uneasiness. As if something happened in her dream that she could not quite remember. Applejack sat up, recalling all she could from the dreams. There is was, like a long forgotten memory. She remember being in the Ponyville General Hospital. "But why?" thought the earth pony, aloud. Realizing she was not going to get the answer she wanted, Applejack scanned the mess of ponies sleeping close by. Her heart began to pound, with the unbarring though that is had all been a dream. Rainbow Dash was nowhere in sight, and neither was Princess Luna. The Earth pony had barely been awake last night when the incident occurred, now she was not sure if it had been a dream or not. She stood up quickly, wobbling a bit as the blood rushed from her head.

"No Rainbow Dash," she mumbled to herself, slowly walking to the kitchen for her morning cup of coffee.

After gulping down the coffee, Applejack quietly headed out. She needed some fresh air to clear her head, after all the mare of her dreams seemed pretty up to the idea of them being together. Applejack spent so much time thinking she would say 'no', that she had not truly thought over how life would change if she said yes.

Rainbow Dash had awoken hours before Applejack. She had pondered waking the earth pony out of sheer boredom. Realizing she needed her sleep, Dash left the earth pony to it. She quietly and gently escaped the clutches of mare, hovering over to the door. The cyan Pegasus made sure not to let it slam behind her.

A cool breeze passed by, the morning air felt crisp and damp against her coat. Dash wasted no time in taking to the air, with a powerful thrust of her wings she was off. She held the steady incline until she was beside the clouds. Leveling off, Dash continued flying.

She had been flying for minutes without paying attention, her mind alive with thoughts of what has to come next for her. She had so many questions, which desperately needed answers. Rainbow Dash returned her attention to flying. Glancing down, she could see the lake up ahead. Doubling her efforts, Dash closed the distance, touching down on the water's edge.

The lake was calm. Shallow waves slowly made contact with the grassy shore, before retreating back into the waters. The sun hung low off to the left, easily visible from lack of clouds. The sun's radiant beams bounced off the water's surface, reflecting in all directions, causing the lake to sparkle with every movement.

Dash knew this place well. Whenever a problem that needed deep thought occurred, she would come here. She sat down beside the lake, the same place her and Applejack spent the night together just months ago. Rainbow Dash began thinking back on that night. Not for one moment did she think that Applejack wanted to be with her. The cyan Pegasus's mind wandered further back. The signs were so clear now. "How could I have missed them before?" she asked the silence of the lake, glancing out over the water, deep in thought.

"It's simple, my little pony," answered a regal tone.

Dash snapped from her thoughts, turning to find Princess Luna standing at her side. "Princess?" replied Dash, with a bow. She was shocked to see Alicorn standing beside her.

"Please, call me Luna," replied the Alicorn, casting a glance out over the lake. "This truly is a beautiful spot, Rainbow Dash. I see why you come here often," she continued, her tone carrying a calming effect.

"How did you know I would be here?" Dash questioned quietly, keeping her eyes on the Alicorn.

"Dreams are my world, Rainbow Dash. Everything that happened in the dreamscape, I saw. I even gave Applejack some riddles to help her out," giggled Luna, amused by her cryptic word problems she had presented to the Earth pony. "Dash, you must realize ponies will hate you for any reason they can find. To this day, I am still hated upon for my actions a thousand years ago. Keeping the feelings bottled up will only hurt you more. If you ever need somepony to talk to, I suggest you let Applejack listen. She will be there for you Dash. Tia and I thought this wouldn't happen for a while yet, but it seems to already be in effect, so I see no harm in telling you." Luna paused, looking for the correct words to use.

"Tell me what?" replied Dash, expression full of wonder.

"When two bearers of the elements fall in love, the element they represent grows on the other. This will happen over a two year period, with grave danger waiting to test the bonds," finished Luna, a hint of hesitation present in her regal tone.

"Whoa. Wait, so you're saying that if me and Applejack become a couple, she will start to get loyal to me, and I will become honest to her?" replied Dash, diving into deep thought.

"Precisely, Rainbow Dash, Fate will make it so, along with testing the bonds of your love," Luna stated, returning her gaze to the cyan Pegasus.

"So, we will be in danger?" Dash asked hesitantly, her mind thinking of all the worst possible scenarios.

"Greatly, all the previous bearers faced a trail. Some passed; others failed. I believe that you and Applejack will be able to handle whatever the cosmos decide to throw your way. You two are set to become the first mare couple to bear the elements. It is truly a remarkable day." Luna smiled at Dash, reassuring the Pegasus that the dangers that lie ahead can be beat.

"Thanks, Luna," Dash responded, flashing the Alicorn a confident smile.

"I must be getting back to Canterlot, Tia is probably back now. Surely she is mad at me for not being there…" laughed Luna, taking to the air.

"Princess, wait!" cried Dash, stopping Luna in mid-flight.

"Yes, Rainbow Dash?" the Alicorn questioned.

"Say 'hi' to my parents for me," Dash called up to the Princess.

"Sure thing, Dash," replied Luna, offering the brash Pegasus a smile. Luna turned back, flying a short distance before disappearing.

Dash stayed rooted to the spot. Minutes had since come and passed. About to turn and make her way back to the library, Dash heard the sound of somepony approaching.

"Hey, sugarcube…" announced Applejack, making her presence known to the cyan Pegasus.

"Oh, hey Applejack," Rainbow Dash replied, turning around to face the approaching Earth pony.

Applejack stopped just in front of the pony. The pair locked eyes. Both locked in a state of deep thought, minutes slipped away without words.

"Ah heard what the Princess said, Dash. If ya'll don't want ta do it, Ah understand," admitted Applejack, a hint of disappointment in her tone.

"Applejack… Don't say that. You gave me back my life. If you hadn't told me how you felt, I would still be living in denial. Thank you," reassured Dash, lifting the earth pony's chin with a hoof, causing them to lock eyes again.

"Sugarcube, Ah… Ah love you," admitted Applejack, blushing at her own words.

"Applejack, I l-" Dash's back hoof slipped off the edge of the shore, sending her catapulting backwards into the lake. The cold water swiftly surrounded the thrashing Pegasus, plunging her deep into its depths. Seconds passed, and the water calmed. Applejack began to worry as Dash showed no signs of surfacing.

Applejack, was at the water's edge now, second from jumping in after the Pegasus. Suddenly the calm surface of the water broke. Rainbow Dash was gasping for breath. Applejack dove in, swimming out to help carry her friend to shore.

Once ashore, Applejack helped Rainbow Dash, onto her stomach. Her breathing slowly steadied, as she coughed up bits of water.

"Why. Can't. I. Say. It?" questioned Dash between breaths, her mane and coat dripping wet, and matted down. Applejack was in no better shape, she too was soaked from head to hoof.

"Hah ha," giggled Applejack, at the sight of the flustered Pegasus. "C'mon, get up," demanded Applejack, bending down to help Dash to her hooves.

"Thanks, Applejack," replied Rainbow Dash playfully smiling at the earth pony. Once on all four hooves, Dash shook herself dry, causing more water to fly at Applejack, and once again soaking the earth pony.

"He he, uh, sorry Applejack," Dash smiled slyly. "How about a Rainblow dry?" Dash asked playfully, offering a cheap smile and a raise of her brow to Applejack.

"No, thank you. Ah, heard what yer little Rainblow dry did ta Twilight. It ain't happening, sugarcube," the earth pony replied, slowly backing away from the Pegasus.

"Alright, but I still have to tell you something," Dash advised, motioning for the earth pony to approach her.

Applejack complied, stopping inches in front of the Pegasus. "Is this close enough?" she whispered into Dash's ear.

A chill ran through Dash's body, ascending her spine. Every nerve in her body crawled, making the Pegasus shiver. A deep crimson blush raced across her face like a wildfire, causing the earth pony to giggle.

"Applejack," Dash whispered back, causing the earth pony a similar reaction.

"Mhm?" moaned the earth pony.

Dash smiled, continuing her teasing whispers. "I love you," admitted Dash, pulling away from the side of Applejack's face to get a better look at her.

Applejack was blushing hard, a huge smiled spread across her face. "Ah, know. Sugarcube," Applejack indicated, closing the distance between the two.

Their lips met once again in a passionate kiss, each one feeling a blissful ecstasy creep over their being. After what felt like an eternity, they broke the kiss. Deep blushes crossed their faces as they stared deeply into each other's eyes. Breaking eye contact, Applejack giggled, pointing behind the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow Dash glanced behind herself, full of wonder as to what the earth pony was laughing at. She noticed what Applejack was laughing at instantly. During the kiss, her wings had unfurled, and now stood at full length.

Turning back, the cyan pony's face had managed to turn a deeper crimson. "Yeah, yeah… laugh it up," insisted Dash, playfully smiling at the earth pony.

"Don't ya worry yer pretty little head Dash. Yer secret is safe with me," reassured Applejack, returning Dash's smile. "That is, if ya can catch me before Ah make it back to the library!" Applejack took off, knowing the Pegasus would never refuse a challenge.

"Hey! No fair!" Dash called after the earth pony, thrusting herself into motion with a powerful kick of her hooves.

Celestia's sun lingered high in the sky, as the pair raced back to the library, back to their friends, and onward to better days. Not only were they best friends and bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Now, they had a new, stronger connection, one of true love.

-Fin

Epilogue.

364 days later

Rarity was sitting at her workstation. A new order had just come in from Canterlot. Business certainly picked up in the last year for the dressmaker, more or less because of word getting around about her fabulous Gala dresses from last year's Grand Galloping Gala.

A knock at the door drew her attention away, causing the dressmaker to miss a stitch.

"Oh, just great…" complained Rarity, knowing she would have to start work all over again.

Regaining her composure at the possibility of a new client, Rarity fixed her mane as she walked to the door.

"Come in," she called, opening the door with her magic.

Rainbow Dash stepped through the doorway to Carousal Boutique, saddlebags around her flanks allowing her room for wing use.

"Hey Rarity," exclaimed Dash cheerfully, hugging the unicorn.

"Hello, Rainbow Dash," replied Rarity, returning the friendly gesture. "I take it you're here to collect the ring?" the unicorn asked, lowering her tone.

"Yeah! You have it done right?" Dash exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement.

"Of course, dear, wait right here," replied Rarity, walking over to her workbench.

After a couple seconds of searching, with many items flying about, Rarity returned. "Here it is dear." Rarity dropped a case lined with black fabric into Rainbow's hooves.

Dash opened the box. Inside was a hoof ring. The ring itself is 24 karat, pure gold, infused with magic to make it glisten and shine brightly. Engraved On the side of the band read the words "Applejack and Rainbow Dash". On top of the band rested a big heart-shaped gem. The left half of the gem was pure emerald, matching Applejack's eyes. The right side of the gem was pink sapphire, perfectly matching Rainbow Dash's eyes. Just when Dash thought she had seen the best ring ever, Rarity reached over and tilted the ring. The light rays caught the ring in such a way, reflecting back a rainbow of colors from the gemstones.

"Oooh…" expressed Dash, lost in pure amazement at the ring's intense beauty.

"It is definitely my best work," confessed Rarity, complimenting herself.

"Rarity… it's beautiful…" replied Dash, returning the ring to its case and placing it in her saddlebags, "how much do I owe you?"

"Oh, for you darling, it's nothing. Just make me proud. That's thanks enough dear," Rarity insisted.

"Really? Wow, Rarity… thanks so much."

Reaching out, Dash pulled the unicorn into a crushing embrace.

"It's, ugh, really n-no problem, dear," sputtered Rarity, as the Pegasus crushed her in a powerful embrace.

Dash released her death grip, dropping Rarity back to the floor.

"Well I would love to stay and, uh… help you work. But I have to get to Twilight's," admitted Dash.

"Twilight's? Whatever for?" questioned Rarity.

"I'll tell you and the girls later, it's a surprise," Dash called back to the unicorn from the doorway. "Bye!" the Pegasus yelled, as she shot out of the door towards the library.

My Story

Well, if you remember back to when you started reading this story, I stated that this story was based of true feelings and emotions. Here is the explanation to that. I have only told this story to one person in real life. Now I share it will all of you.

So sometimes I get comments on my story like; "Wow how did you ever come up with this idea?" or "You must have some good imagination to come up with this stuff, good job!" Well sadly, some of it is more real than imagination. If you can't see where this is going yet then… what you are about to read is the story of the hard times in my life and how I related them into Fading Colors. So for some of you it will probably get real sad real quick…

Here we go…

I was born in the town that I currently live in now. I will not name it for the fact that I don't really want to… When I was a couple months old, we moved back to where my parents are from. Newfoundland, for the first three years of my life we lived on the east side of Newfoundland. After that, we moved to the west side where we lived until I was seven. During the time on the west side of the island, I grew up mostly. I had two friends, and started school over there. My two friends lived down the street from me, they were brother and sister, they were my first friends and I pretty much loved them to death. We hung out everyday and such. See, I lived in a house with my parents and grandparents, and aunt. Big house, very big. The town we lived in was very small, consisting of 4-5 streets. I only really played at their house or mine, I can remember feeling like such a badass the one time the three of us walked through the little forest to get to a part of town where we had never been. Great times, all the sleepovers and the general innocence of imagination. Then came the sad day I moved away… Back to the city I live in now. I still have the goodbye card they made for me I honestly don't think I could ever get rid of that card. I was only seven at the time but I remember crying really hard that day… Anyway to sum that up, I have yet to see them since, I don't know if they still live there or where they are gone to. Probably never will… Which saddens me greatly, as I do not remember their last names.

Anyway, once I moved up to my current city, I started grade one! I met my best friend days after moving here. I grew up with him, hanging out everyday. He was a troublemaker though, and has gotten me into quite a bit of trouble over the years but hey nobody is perfect and I still considered him the best friend ever. Noticed how I said 'considered', as in past tense. Well during grade 4 we both moved, across the city from each other. At first we still continued to hang out pretty much every opportunity we could get, then in grade 8 he moved out of town. He was now living a couple hours away, in a different city. He got in with the wrong crowd and started doing drugs. We started hanging out less and less. When grade 10 came around for me, he had since moved another 5-6 times, because of fighting with his parents and such. He got put into foster care and everything. Now he is in grade 12, I am in 11. I don't even talk to him anymore, he is too heavy on drugs and skipping school. It's funny you know, how when we were kids I could have never guessed that we would ever stop being the best of friends… I really do hope he gets his life turned around and comes out good, as such he will always be in my thoughts. Maybe one day we can go back to being good friends.

Now back to grade one. In grade one I met a group of four guys, they were the same grade as me. We hit it off amazing, we also became inseparable always hanging out as a group at one of our houses. In grade 4 when I moved away, I never heard from them again. Now they all go to my high school, and none of them talk to each other or me… Boy would I love to get us all together and just play video games like we did when we were younger.

Alright, so my life was awesome until grade 4. I moved schools, which as I'm sure most of you know sucks… big time. In my new school I got in with a crowd, but they were bullies… Thinking back on it now I am glad I did get in with them or I probably would have gotten it much worse than I did. Anyway the rest of grade 4 was fine other than a few names I was called ever so often.

Grade 5, another new school. The school I moved to only went up to grade 4, so we had to move to the other school which was from grade 5-8. So everyone in my grade 4 class and the other one ended up moving over too. In grade 5 I started to put on weight, I don't know how much nor will I guess as I will probably be very wrong. Just know that I was fatter than the rest of the people I hung around with. Well and as such, they started picking on me for my weight, I would prefer to leave the things they said to me out because of obvious reasons. All through grade 5 my self esteem dropped and self confidence went out the window. Grade 5 ended, and the school closed down. Making me and some of the assholes I hung around with move to another new school. Grade 6, some people from grade 5 went to a different school, some stayed. Grade 6 was very hard, new crowd, new bullies, more names… I continued putting on weight through grade 6, and heard more and more names. There were days where I would come home and just cry, nights where I would wake up from nightmares and not get back to sleep. It got the point where I didn't want to go to school anymore, and as such faked sick many times to give myself a break from the name calling.

Grade 7, By this point in school I met my current best friend. We hung out all the time in grade 7 and still continue to do so today. In fact, he is the only person that I know in real life that knows I am a brony. From meeting him in grade 7, I started to feel better from having a real friend. But no matter how hard I tried to block out the names they got worse. And continued to have an impact on me. It was around grade 6-7 that my 3 remaining grandparents passed away. All within months of each other. That was very tough, it was the first time I had lost family that I knew well. It was so bad that I cried myself to sleep almost every night, until one day I just got tired of the pain and tried to kill myself. This is where it gets hard to write for me… I won't go into details on how, but just know that I now have a scar up the length of my arm from it. I lied to my parents about it, said I was working on a project and cut myself by accident. 40 stitches it took to close the cut. I missed my vein by ¼ an inch. The doctor told me I was lucky to be alive, I didn't think so…

Grade 8 came around, by this point my hair was down to my lower back. I hadn't cut it since grade 5 forgot to mention that. So on top of the fat jokes I was hearing all the time, I started to get called a women. All of the time! I'm pretty sure they didn't even call me by my name at this point it was just, fatass or women, or bitch. One day when my parents were out, I wrote a note. I'm sure you can guess what type of note it was… It had all the names of the assholes that had ever made fun of me. I was planning on doing it again, but in a way it would work this time. Sorry that I am avoiding the term "attempting suicide" but I just really hate saying it… I was getting ready to try the second time. I felt like there was no point in going on anymore if I was just to be bullied and picked on all the time for looking different. Honestly, it sucked, having others put you down for being you really makes you feel like shit. To this day I still hate the way I look. People need to realize that words hurt too, and if you hear it enough you start to believe it. By this point I had no confidence or self-esteem left what so ever. The phone rang, it was my best friend. I answered it, he asked if I wanted to come over. I said sure. Even though I told him this story, I have still yet to tell him he saved my life. I went over to his house, and ripped the note up on the way. I ended up cutting my hair to get the girl names to stop, they did. But the jokes about my weight continued. I started working out. I don't know how I made it through grade 8 but I did.. Took it one day at a time I guess.

Grade 9 came around, more of the bullies now left me alone. I was still big though, but I continued working out with little change. Something was wrong, I needed to change what I was eating. But I didn't figure that out until grade 10. Grade 9, I gained some more friends, people that treated me right, however because of being picked on all the time. I ended up becoming an asshole myself. I treated my real friends like complete assholes, I made fun of them for my own pleasure. I didn't realize it at the time though, I just knew I was feeling better and wanted to keep it that way.

Grade 10. In October of grade 10, ironically one year ago today(October 16) I went to the doctors, I weighed in at 216 pounds. Now you might be saying 216 pounds for a 15 year old ain't bad. To me it was over the top, after being made fun of for so long I have found that no matter how much I weigh I will always feel fat… After that trip to the doctors I gave up all junk foods, no pop, no candy, no chocolate. Everything bad was cut out of my life, and I started a workout plan. Eight months later, this would be June now. I had dropped 51 pounds and now weighed around 165-170 pounds. I felt great! More strength, more endurance, more will to live. However I still treated my friends like shit. And during the summer I found myself diving back down into depression. Last July there was a week where I just felt pathetic, I was thinking back on how much I was picked on and how bad it had been for me. I was greatly depressed, I started not talking to my real friends and when I did I was nasty. Then one day I was on memebase, I seen a pony meme. I laughed at it, thinking of how dumb it was. A couple days later a new memebase site popped up called membase.bronies. It was new, so I checked it out. Went through the four pages that were up at the time and found myself laughing at how silly I thought this was. I decided to watch an episode, so I found one on youtube. I watched the first episode, I was laughing at it. Not with it, I was enjoying laughing at the people who watched it, so I decided to try another. Little did I know, I was hooked. I soon started laughing with the show instead of at it. Three days after watching the first episode I was finished the first season. MLP:FiM, showed me just how bad I was treating my friends and everyone around me. I changed, I went from calling my friends names and not helping strangers when they needed it. To never saying any bad things to my real friends and helping people all the time. And you know what, ever since I started doing that I have never felt happier in my life. I managed to let go of the grudge I held against the bullies I had, and with that I felt my anger dissipate. Soon after finishing the first season, I started reading fan-fic, at this point I was still feeling depressed. As it wasn't until early to mid August that I really found myself being truly happy. I remember the first fic I read, "This Party Hasn't Ended" I cried. Pretty much from that day on I found myself more moved and emotional at things now than I had ever been. Before if I watched a movie or read a book, I wouldn't even get emotionally attached because I had to much hate in me, that or a wall just blocking out all emotional caring for anything fake. But now, it's hard to finish anything sad without getting misty eyed. I don't know if that's bad or not yet.. I guess I will find out. So yes, My Little Pony a show made for little girls changed my life. I am not afraid to say, that without this show I would still be a grump and have continued to treat my good friends like trash. Anyway how Fading Colors relates to my life I guess would be in the sense of Dash being bullied, wanting to and trying to kill herself and trying to repress the memories of it. I was bullied heavily, a lot more than what I wrote in for Dash. I tried to kill myself twice, it was the darkest point of my life so far. I felt horrid, truly like dieing would be the better option. No more pain, depression, sorrow, tears, names, just nothing but peace. And when I thought the names stopped and I was feeling great, they got pushed back into my mind driving me back into a depression that MLP helped me out of.

Well that's about it. I am on the road to being a better person now, and I feel a lot better. I am sorry for making you read such a long story that you probably could care less about but hey, nobody said you had to read it… Anyway, I hope you guys don't have to go through anything I did. And if you ever find yourself in a position like me, tell somebody, anybody. I'm one-hundred percent sure someone will help you. It is not safe keeping it bottled up inside, just look what happened to Dash.

The main reason I wrote Fading Colors was not to get a story off my chest. But to re-shine some light on bullying. Yes as you know from reading my story I have been bullied quite a bit, I still face some of it today. It's funny cause just today I was called a women for drinking tea? Like really? Since when is tea considered a feminine drink? Oh well.... You see, I believe there is not enough light shined on bullying. Every year I read countless articles online about people killing themselves over being bullied. Whether it for being gay, fat, different, etc... One person killing themselves over begin bullied is too many, this needs to stop. The world is a dark place, but it doesn't have to be. Next time you see someone a little overweight or different looking, don't judge them by the cover. Because deep down inside, they are just like you.

Anyway since you have read this story, I would like you to promise yourself that from this day forward, whenever and wherever you see somebody being bullied you will help them out. Make the bullies leave them alone, I don't care how you do it. But please help that person out, I know for a fact that they will be grateful of your help. They may not tell you they are thankful, but trust me when I say this they will be. Bullying is one of the hardest things someone has to go through in school, it has made me change who I am just to fit in and try to make it stop. So from this day forth I expect you to stand up for anyone and everyone who you see getting picked on. Only then will I feel like I did something right. Thanks guys.

Thanks for enjoying my fic, and my story.

Have a great Day.

J-Webb