Contest of Love?

by AnimeKid22

Rating: everyone
Tags: Applejack, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Comedy, Romance, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life
Length: 6953

Applejack and Rainbow Dash have been dating for a while and things seem to be going pretty well. They every time they can't come to an agreement on something, they do random competetions, just as they always have. This time around is no exceptio

Applejack and Rainbow Dash have been dating for a while and things seem to be going pretty well. Every time they can't come to an agreement on something, they do random competitions, just as they always have. This time around is no exception. When they can't compromise on a dating spot, they decide to do what comes natural. Who will win? Applejack? Or Rainbow Dash?
This story is an entry for the AppleDash contest.

Published 2014-09-30 21:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2014-09-30 21:50:01 UTC

The Date Dilemma: How Do We Choose A Date?

It was another fine day on Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and it was a cool temperature. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. It was a perfect day that couldn't possibly be bad in any way. At least that's what these stories are supposed open up with. Applejack had been going out with Rainbow Dash for about a year at this point and they couldn't be happier with how it was going, aside from the arguments and constantly trying to outdo each other which got them worked up and eventually led to them making out. It all worked itself out after that. Then again trying to see who was the most affectionate worked out for both of them pretty well. Anyway, on to AJ and RD who are still asleep.

Applejack knew she had to get up to do chores, but her bed was soooooo comfy and she didn't want to part from the sleeping pegasus next to her. RD looked adorable when she was sleeping like that and her coat was so soft and warm... Applejack found herself falling asleep again which she knew she could do unless she wanted Big Mac getting mad at her. For a stallion of few words, when he actually had something to say, he could be downright scary. Applejack got out of bed and stretched her legs and then yawned. Still a bit sleepy, she decided to make some coffee to help wake her up. Oh the magic of coffee. The smell of that wonderful brew lit up her sense of smell with pleasantries and happiness which were the only things to use to describe it's aroma. Other words could be used to describe it but that would have to wait till she was fully awake as words required thinking and that wasn't even considerable till her second cup.

Back in Applejack's room, a wonderful smell filled the air, causing Rainbow's ear to twitch.

"Coffee." Rainbow muttered to herself as she opened her eyes and smiled slightly. "Need coffee." Rainbow got up and stretched her wings and proceeded downstairs groggily and wobbled a bit as she was as much a morning pony as Applejack. When she got downstairs, she saw that AJ got the first cup out of the pot. Horse apples. The first cup is always the best. She thought it would be pointless to voice a complaint though since she was to sleepy to care. Or form words. Words required effort and effort required using your brain. Applejack noticed that Rainbow was awake and in the room getting a cup of coffee in her favorite wonderbolts mug and smiled at how cute the cyan pegasus looked when she was sleepy.

"Well hey there Rainbow. How did you sleep? I slept like a foal myself." Applejack was quite awake at this point after having two cups of coffee. Rainbow simply groaned in response to Applejack as she started on her first cup and made a comment about not being alive before her second cup of coffee. Applejack laughed and made her way to the door to go outside. "Well I'm off to do the morning chores Rainbow. If I don't, Big Mac'll be madder than a bull seeing red." Applejack always did love working on the farm and it was a great way to stay in shape. She especially loved apple bucking and apple buck season was one of the best times of the year. It was a little after two in the afternoon when Rainbow came out to see Applejack and after bucking all those trees, AJ decided to take a break. After talking a bit about how the cutie mark crusaders tried their newest way to earn their cutie marks and how Granny Smith was going on about how cute AJ and RD were together which made her blush. Big Mac just agreed with a "eeyup." It was hard to read him sometimes since was a stallion of so few words.

"By the way, I had a great idea earlier today." Applejack smiled brightly at this statement.

"Did it hurt?" Rainbow asked with a snicker.

"Haha. Very funny Dash." Applejack cleared her throat. "As I was sayin' before y'all interrupted me, While I was buckin' trees earlier, I had an idea. Next week will be one year that we've been together and I thought that we should celebrate by goin' on a date somewhere." Rainbow Dash loved the idea and smiled so big it was almost a Pinkie Pie smile.

"I love that idea! And it's been a bit since we've had a date. You know with you being busy on the farm and all." Applejack rubbed the back of her head and laughed nervously.

"Yeah I know. It's just so hard to get away when I've been so busy with all the extra work here lately I haven't had time to do much o' nothin'." Applejack looked at Rainbow apologetically and twirled her mane a bit. "So." Applejack proclaimed suddenly. "I have a plan for a date." She looked as though she had a moment of brilliance as she had a triumphant grin on her face. "There's this great country restaurant with dancing and music that looks like a heck of a good time!" Rainbow looked at Applejack with skeptical eyes and interrupted her.

"Woah woah woah." Rainbow didn't like the idea of this at all. It sounded boring. "AJ. I... have a better idea." Applejack looked a bit annoyed being interrupted like that.

"Oh yeah?" Applejack said with less enthusiasm than an alcoholic at an intervention. "What did y"all have in mind?"

"Weeeeeeeell... There's this awesome ice rink that opened up a few months ago and I figured we could go there." Rainbow smiled like the Cheshire cat but Applejack just got annoyed at having her idea so quickly dismissed.

"Well t' be honest, I liked my idea better Dash." Applejack was not gonna back down on her idea. I mean how could Rainbow not want to go to a restaurant with her?! "So why don't we go with my idea this time around and use your idea next time?" Applejack thought she had won.

"Hahahaha good one Applejack. How about we go with my idea this time around and go with your idea next time?" Rainbow Dash was laughing all the while.

"I don't think so Rainbow Dash." Applejack went back into alcoholic at an intervention mode. "I think we should use my idea." Applejack had her eyes narrowed to try and get across her seriousness. Rainbow wasn't having it.

"Oh yeah? Well I think we should use MY idea." Rainbow narrowed her eyes as well. No way she was losing this one.

"Well I don't!" Applejack exclaimed, practically fuming by this point. They were staring each other down. You could cut the tension with a knife and slather it on a piece of toast. It was then that Rainbow had an idea. She looked back at Applejack with a determined grin on her face.

"Well it's obvious we're not getting anywhere with this so I have an idea." Rainbow puffed out her chest proudly at this statement.

"What do ya have in mind Rainbow?" Applejack asked skeptically.

"A competition!" Rainbow exclaimed. "A series of tests to see who's idea will be used for our date!"

"Sounds good t' me!" Applejack smiled determinedly back at the cyan Pegasus.

"Now we need to find a judge for the competition." Rainbow thought aloud to herself as she tapped her hoof to her chin.

"How about Fluttershy?" Applejack thought she might be a good choice. Rainbow just stared at her awkwardly.

"Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked skeptically. "The timid pony who has an anxiety attack just thinking about competition?" Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Well who do you have in mind then?" Applejack was about at the limit of her patience.

"Twilight. Duh. She's the one who manages events the best with her lists and stuff. That and she's level-headed and will judge the events fairly." Rainbow had a smug look on her face. Applejack thought that was a good idea surprisingly. Rainbow was rarely one to think in terms of being level-headed.

"Well I guess you're on this one Dash. We'll go ask Twilight and get everything set up for the events. Next is to decide what events we'll do."

"We can figure that out as we go along." Rainbow seemed excited now to whip AJ in the competition and go on the date she suggested. Once they had agreed on where to host the event which would be at Sweet Apple Acres, they went to go find Twilight and ask her to judge it.

Meanwhile, at Twilight's castle
Twilight was quite tired after the days events. She had a conference with the mayor, went to Sugarcube Corner to test Mrs. Cake's new cupcakes, helped Fluttershy briefly with her animals, signed a few document for the mayor of Fillydelphia, and read a few books with Spike. Now it was time to relax and take a much needed bath to soak her aching hooves. She soaked for a bit until the water started to get cold and got out. She was about to retire for the night when she heard a knock at the door.

"I wonder who that could be?" Twilight thought aloud to herself. "Spike! Could you see who that is please?"

"Sure thing, Twilight." Spike went to open the door and saw Rainbow Dash and Applejack standing there.

"Well howdy Spike." Applejack said in a somewhat forced friendly tone. Seemed like she was angry about something. Oh well. "Is Twilight here? We need to ask her somethin' if she's not too busy."

"Sure I'll go ask her." Spike waddled away like a penguin when it tried to run. "Hey Twilight! It's Applejack and Rainbow Dash. They want to ask you a question but didn't really say what. They're at the front door." Twilight got up and went to go greet her friends and see what they wanted to talk about. She saw AJ and Rainbow standing at the doorway and trotted up to them.

"Hello Applejack, Rainbow Dash. How are you two?" She noticed that they seemed upset about something. "Is something wrong?"

"You could say that." Applejack huffed. She went on to explain the situation and see if Twilight would judge the contest.

"You want me to do it? Sure. I have no problem with that, but isn't there another way to solve this?" Twilight looked worried as she said this.

"NO!" Rainbow and AJ yelled simultaneously. At least there was something they finally agreed on there. Twilight giggled slightly at how bullheaded the both of them could be and yet agree on something like this.

"Well I would love to judge your competition. When do you plan on doing it?" Applejack and Rainbow thought it over a moment.

"How about two days from now?" Applejack looked over at Dash and she nodded her head in approval.

"Sounds good to me AJ!" Rainbow gave her a determined look of "I'm gonna whip your flank" and Applejack gave the same look. Twilight looked at them and nodded her approval.

"Sounds like a plan. I will see you both in two days. I assume you have the events planned?" Twilight wanted to make sure they were planning ahead.

"We sure do Twi." Applejack had planned in advance so as not to be last minute as to not confuse themselves or forget. And thus the date was set to determine who would choose the date.

Author's Note

It's been two days since then and Rainbow Dash and Applejack are at Sweet Apple Acres preparing for the days events that will decide who chooses where they both go. Who will win? Applejack? Or Rainbow Dash? Well I'm not gonna tell you so you'll have to wait to find out.

I used to wonder what friendship could be, until you gave the first cup of coffee to me.

The Beginning of the Contest: The Winner Will Be Decided By A Contest of Strength and Stamina!

The sun had just risen, and for possibly the first time ever, Rainbow Dash was awake without having coffee. Soon the moon would be eclipsing the sun and cows would flying around. Not really. That would that would make this interesting and less predictable wouldn't it? Unfortunately Discord isn't in this story so there will be no chaos or anything. Anyway, back to Rainbow Dash who is now doing morning exercises so she can whoop Applejack and go on her dream date. She could picture it now, Applejack and herself skating along like genuine bad flanks and laughing for no apparent reason other that the fact that they were having fun and doing awesome spins and stuff. After that, they would totally make out and cuddle. Yeah. Cuddles are awesome. Now wasn't the time for mushy stuff though so Rainbow went to the bathroom to wash her face and clear her mind. She started stretching and did a bit of cardio to get herself pumped up for the first event and was raring to go as she jumped from side to side in place.

Applejack was waking up and going to get coffee as was her normal routine. Ain't nopony doing nothin' till she had her coffee. She was waiting for Rainbow to come get some as well because everypony knew that pegasus couldn't do without her coffee and if, and I mean IF, she managed to go without it, it would be Armageddon. Applejack laughed at the idea of RD waking up without coffee. It was inconceivable. It was just then that somepony was knocking on the door.

"Well just who could that be at this hour?" Applejack was rarely visited by anypony so early, and she hadn't even finished her first cup yet. This was bound to be less than fun. Applejack opened the door and was about to say hello when she was jumped by a pink blur that sent her flying and knocked her to the ground. Only one pony could possibly be so energetic this early and greet her like this. If you guessed anypony other than Pinkie Pie, then you need to watch more ponies man. As Applejack collected herself and looked up to see a Cheshire cat smile on the pink ball of energy, she noticed that Pinkie Pie was shaking from head to hoof. Only one explanation could be found. Pinkie Sense. Oh crap.

"Hey AJ! I started shaking and my tail started twitching, so I ran over here super duper fast so I could tell you something was gonna happen so you better keep an umbrella, unless you don't have one in which case I have one for you!" Pinkie Pie pulled an umbrella from... well I have no idea where and I'm not gonna question it so just go with it. This is Pinkie Pie we're talking about here.

"Well that's mighty kind of ya Pinkie, but I don't really need this." Applejack took it anyway and set it aside. She was used to Pinkie's randomness already and was never really surprised anymore.

"Well you should keep it cuz I feel like something will happen so.... just. in. case. Pinkie backed away slowly and exited the house, disappearing completely. Applejack went back to drinking her coffee, pretending that Pinkie being there was just an effect of her tiredness and started her second cup while she dreamed about beating Rainbow and going on her dream date for their anniversary. They would go to the restaurant, have a few glasses of cider, dance for a bit and eat some good food. Afterwards, they would go home and make out and cuddle. Yeah. Cuddles are awesome. Now that she had her coffee, she could prepare for the days events and win! There was no way she would lose to Rainbow Dash because they were on Sweet Apple Acres, her territory that she grew up on from the time she was just a filly.

Rainbow Dash was excited for the day ahead. It had been a while since they competed against each other and she was looking forward to it with anticipation. It was almost time and she could never be more ready for some aside from being accepted into the wonderbolts which would be the icing on the cake. She made her way to the big open pasture and waited for Applejack to get there, which didn't take long fortunately. Waiting was probably one of the worst things ever and she wanted to get started so she could win already! Applejack and Rainbow Dash decided to sit under a tree since they had to wait for Twilight to show up. After 20 minutes or so, Twilight appeared and Rainbow trotted over to her, feeling annoyed by how late she was. Okay she wasn't more than a few minutes late, but I mean come on! She could've hurried up and been early or something.

"What took you so long Twilight?! My hooves were tingling from sitting for so long!" Rainbow tapped her hoof on the ground impatiently. Applejack just looked at her.

"We didn't wait very long Dash. Y'all are more impatient than a kid going to a toy store." Rainbow got more annoyed at that statement.

"I am not!" Rainbow fought to defend herself. She wasn't some filly who couldn't wait her turn. Well was a few times... That's beside the point! She wasn't losing to Applejack today and there was no doubt about it!

"Well I guess we'll see who is more mature here when I whip your flank!" Applejack was determined to win and nothing would stop her from her dream date and cuddles.

"I guess we will AJ! Just don't hold it against me when I win." Rainbow Dash was as determined to win as Applejack. They looked into each other's eyes with determination. You could feel the tension in the air so thick that a pony with social anxiety would be having a panic attack. And now ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Conway Twitty.

It was now time for the first event which Applejack chose. AJ and RD decided to choose two events each and who ever got the best 2 out of 3, would be the winner. The first event being apple bucking. I know it's a bit unfair due to Applejack having the home field advantage, but this is my story, not yours. And besides, Rainbow isn't exactly unfit. They positioned themselves at the starting line and waited for twilight.

"You're going down AJ!" Rainbow stared determinedly at Applejack and readied herself for take off.

"Now I reckon you're the one that'll be goin' down sugarcube!" Applejack returned the determined stare. Twilight looked at them both and then back at the flag she was going to wave to signal them to start, which disappeared somehow. She looked around frantically and noticed that Pinkie had run off with it.

"Pinkie!"

"What?" Pinkie sported a Cheshire cat grin.

"You know you could've just asked and I would've let you wave the flag." Twilight actually wanted to do it, but she didn't really mind letting Pinkie do it.

"Sorry Twi, I just always wanted to wave a flag but never had a chance till now and I was so excited I forgot!" Pinkie smiled apologetically. "Cinnamon bun?" She pulled a cinnamon bun from... well use your imagination. Again, this is Pinkie Pie.

"Where did you... Never mind. It's fine Pinkie, you can wave the flag." Twilight just giggled at her pink friend's antics. "So whenever you're ready."

Pinkie looked at AJ and Rainbow, lifted the flag, and with the loudest possible voice she could use, yelled "GO!"

Rainbow Dash and Applejack took off, making Pinkie Pie spin and get dizzy. There were buckets at the base of each tree for them to put the apples in and the both of them wasted no time at all. Apple quickly spun around and, with a mighty kick of her hind legs, knocking the apples in the tree with a *thwack* sound, causing them to fall into the basket. She quickly galloped to the next tree and repeated the process. Meanwhile, Rainbow was kicking the trees as hard as she could and filling buckets almost as fast as Applejack. She got a bit flustered that Applejack was filling more buckets so she moved faster and did the best she could. For Pinkie and Twilight, it was a blur watching them because they were moving so fast. The two ponies bucked tree after tree, filling buckets as quickly as possible, until they came upon The Tree. The biggest tree in the orchard. One that Applejack couldn't possibly buck by herself. She looked at RD who nodded her as though she already knew what she was going to say. They galloped as fast as they could, spun around and kicked with all their might and with the tree shaking, the apples fell from the tree, which were larger than normal apples. Twilight and Pinkie cantered over to them and Twilight began counting the buckets. After a few moments, Twilight announced that Rainbow Dash had bucked the most trees.

Applejack conceded, however Rainbow Dash didn't want to accept that.

"Wait a minute Twilight. We did the last one together, and there is an equal number of trees, so I think it should be a tie." Applejack stared at Rainbow Dash with a what-are-you-thinking look on her face. "I just felt like giving us both a point for this one, Okay?!" Rainbow blushed and looked away. Such a tsundere she was. Twilight looked at Pinkie Pie and shrugged.

"Okay. Give them both a point Pinkie." Twilight never figured that Rainbow would say something liken that, but nonetheless, she was okay with it.

'Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie Pie pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and wrote down the score. "So what's the next event Dashie?" Pinkie Pie stared at Rainbow in suspense in rather overdramatic manner. Rainbow Dash looked back at Pinkie and smiled. She was about to speak when Applebloom came galloping up to 4 ponies with a distressed look on her face. She skidded to a halt and caught her breath before speaking.

"Applejack! I need your help! If you don't, the situation will more hopeless than a group of people fighting over the last piece of turkey on thanksgiving!" Applebloom was sweating and obviously nervous about something. Also, I want turkey now.

"What the hay is going' on Applebloom?" Applejack was concerned about her sister and wanted to help her in any way possible.

"Well... Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were supposed to help me with a fundraiser for the school, but they both got sick and I need y'alls help if you can give it." Applebloom gave them puppy eyes. You know the ones. Those soul crushing, tear inducing, I'll-give-you-whatever-you-want eyes. And if you can say no to those, you're either heartless, or a veteran parent.

"Sure Applebloom. I'd love to help. What kind of fundraiser is it exactly?" Applejack was curious. Fundraisers are fun and competitive.

"Anything you can do to earn bit really. Within the legal boundaries anyway." Applebloom had no idea what that meant, but Miss Cheerilee told the class that and she would never disobey a teacher. For fear of... PUNISHMENT. "I had a great idea, but Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo weren't too keen on the idea. I wonder if they didn't just skip out on me." Applebloom consider that possiblitry and felt annoyed by it.

"Friends don't do that silly." Pinkie giggled. "Friends help friends, and if a friend doesn't help a friend when that friend is in need, well that isn't very friendly now is it?" Applebloom thought about it and it sounded kinda weird the way Pinkie put it, but it made sense in the moment.

'You're right Pinkie." Applebloom smiled brightly. Pinkie wasn't right. They actually skipped out on her.

"So..." Applejack changed the subject to get back to the subject at hand. "What was your idea exactly?" Applejack's curiosity was getting the better of her.

"A hardcore parkour challenge." Applebloom seemed excited about it. Applejack suddenly realized why Sweetie and Scootaloo were "sick". Rainbow Dash perked up at the thought of doing some hardcore parkour. It wasn't something she did often because had nopony to do it with. Rainbow had an idea and rubbed her hooves together.

"So... You need somepony to help you out? We could do it. It would be a great event for our competition to decide who choose a date!" Rainbow thought it was a great idea. Applejack wasn't so sure but decided to go along with it.

"I don't have any other ideas, so let's do it y'all!" Applejack was determined to win this one. Applebloom gave her big sister a bear hug at this statement.

'Oh thank you, Applejack! This means more t' me than y'all know." Applebloom jumped up and down excitedly like a kid who had been give too much sugar. Which makes me wonder if Pinkie had given her a cupcake.

"I didn't give her a cupcake! I pinkie promise!" Pinkie said nervously.

"Who're y'all talkin' to Pinkie?" Applejack wondered.

"The narrator." Pinkie smiled back at AJ

"I'm not even gonna ask." Applejack knew better than to question Pinkie's mind.

They all advertised so that ponies could watch and give money to the fundraiser for the school. There was a jar for Applejack and Rainbow Dash so they could decided who won based who had the most bits in their jar. Applejack and Rainbow were stretching their muscles so they didn't pull anything as hardcore parkour takes a lot of muscle and stamina to do. Applejack had done it once or twice, but nothing major and certainly not what Rainbow Dash was planning. Rainbow was the type to do the most extreme thing possible, and this would be completely insane, if she had no wings. The only issue however, is they were tied down so AJ and Dash would be even and not be able to cheat like a certain event that will not be named. Rainbow hated being restricted like that, but Applejack knew she would use her wings if given the chance.

After about an hour of getting ready, quite a few ponies had shown up to watch the event. A lot of the ponies in town loved to watch Rainbow Dash in action, and Rainbow loved the attention, so it worked out for everypony. After warming up for a good half hour, Rainbow was ready to win. She was determined and had no doubt that was the most extreme of the two. She was thinking about making her middle name "extreme". Rainbow 'Extreme' Dash. Aww yeah. Pinkie Pie was getting impatient and wanted to this started so she could watch them jump and stuff. Or whatever it was they were gonna do. She had no real idea.

It was time to begin and AJ was as ready as Rainbow Dash. They had an obstacle course set up and Applebloom was at the stand getting ready for the bits to flow in the jars. Twilight and Pinkie were sitting in a hot air balloon waiting to give the signal for them to start. Everypony got really quiet, Rainbow and AJ were at the starting position, Pinkie was eating a cupcake loudly and a bag of popcorn. Twilight lifted the flag, looked at the two ponies who looked back at her, and with the use of her magic, waved the flag.

"GO!" Twilight yelled. And they were off faster than you could blink. Dash immediately went for the nearest wall and started climbing it until she found a window, which jumped into and used it to jump onto the nearby roof and started galloping across it until the edge of the roof which she easily cleared and made it to the next roof. Applejack located a series of walls which she hopped over, using her right forehoof as leverage and saw that the last one led to a roof. She started wall jumping and made it to the top and galloped across quickly, clearing roofs just as Dash did. She eventually caught up to her when they spotted a trapeze that had been set up and looked to Dash and Dash looked back at her. They galloped as fast as possible, jumping into the air, Dash grabbing the trapeze and AJ grabbing Dash's hind legs. They swung upward, giving AJ enough speed to grab the second trapeze and reaching out for Dash to grab her hooves. Dash held on and they swung towards the trampoline on the ground nearby. All the ponies on the ground gasped anxiously. How were they gonna pull this off? Like bad flanks. Duh. They let go and fell rapidly, both with looks of fierce determination and aimed for the trampoline. They bounced and both did awesome front flips as they landed on the ground, once again taking off. Everypony cheered them on and the bits started piling up in the jars rapidly. They found a pair of skateboard which the pole grinded with and jumped down several flights of stairs, landing back on the skateboards on their forehooves with ease.

They were both determined to win and they couldn't be stopped, the goals in their minds quite visible and within their grasps. That is, until the jars were full of bits. Pinkie blew a whistle and they both stopped.

"Time's up!' Pinkie yelled. After a few minutes, everypony left and it was time to determine the winner of the event. Twilight counted all the bits in each jar and turned around to face AJ and Rainbow Dash.

"After carefully adding up the total in each jar, I can determine that... it was a tie." Twilight knew they wouldn't like this. Rainbow and AJ were both pretty miffed by the outcome.

"Well consarnit. I guess the winner will be the one that wins the last event then." Applejack said with frustration.

"I guess it will." Rainbow was still determined as ever. She was NOT gonna lose to Applejack. No way, no how.

"See you at the finish line Dash." Applejack said mockingly.

'I guess I will when I whip your flank AJ." Rainbow Dash was completely flustered at that statement, but no way was giving up!

It was all down to the last event. The last one that Applejack chose. Something she knew she was good at. Rock Climbing. See what happens in the final chapter!

Author's Note

And so it was decided, that Rainbow Dash would be nicknamed Tsunderella

The Decisive Conclusion: The Grand Finale!

It was finally time. This would decide who would win once and for all. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were more than ready and were itching to get this thing started. They both were pretty good at climbing and had never been more ready for this moment. The image of their goal that was pictured in their mind were within their grasps and it was as if they could reach out and touch it. They had planned to start in the morning, but they had to wait for Twilight and it was about noonish when they finally saw Twilight and Pinkie Pie. Pinkie wasn't missing this one for anything. Except for chocolate rain of course. Then again... yeah. No Discord here. So no chocolate rain to be had, which Pinkie thought about from time to time. She wished the narrator would add one of those delicious cotton candy clouds, but that's not about to happen as this is about Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Anyways, going back to story; the judges were ready and RD and AJ had finished their exercises and were ready to get climbing. Rainbow's wings had been securely fastened down to ensure that she didn't try to cheat again. She was offended that the notion that she would cheat was put out there, but hey, you never know.

Applejack and Rainbow had been rock climbing before and were using a rope to climb instead of a harness or something. They were fully prepared and waiting for Pinkie Pie since it was her turn to wave the flag. Pinkie Pie looked at the two which complete seriousness. There was silence all around and Twilight was feeling an awkwardness due to how quiet it was. Applejack and RD felt it too. Awkward silences are weird. Pinkie Lifted her arm with the flag in it, and took in a big gulp of air, and she yelled

"WHO WANTS A CUPCAKE?!" They all just stared at her.

"PINKIE!!!" They all yelled in unison.

"Oh. Right. Sorry!" Pinkie smile apologetically and was going to offer a cinnamon bun, but then they stared harder. "Ok ok. Got it." Pinkie lifted the flag and waved it and with her loudest voice possible, yelled "GO!" and Applejack and Rainbow started climbing.

It was easy for Applejack, she was used to climbing and using her muscles for things like this. Her confidence was high and her goal was just at the end of those rocks. She could almost taste it like so many apple pies she had devoured in the past. Rainbow Dash was moving almost as quickly, but almost wasn't good enough. She had to catch up and pass her marefirend, for her ice skating and cuddles were in sight! Nothing would stop THE Rainbow Dash and her awesomeness! They were climbing at an equal pace now, head to head and not even an inch ahead of the other. AJ and Rainbow were sweating quite heavily from the combination of the weather and climbing ropes up a rock wall. They looked at each other, narrowing their eyes and tryingn their hardest to climb faster.

"Y'all ready to give up Dash?" Applejack said smugly.

"Nah. If you decide to give up because you can't beat my pure awesomeness, I wouldn't blame you. I am Rainbow Extreme Dash after all!" Rainbow kept a smug grin on her face while Applejack muttered something about her nickname being Tsunderella just quiet enough that Rainbow couldn't hear. Seriously. Rainbow is a Tsundere. It fits her perfectly. "What was that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am!" Rainbow exclaimed. Actually she just couldn't hear her.

"Uhm... I'll see y'all at the finish line!' Applejack wasn't gonna hear the end of it if she actually told her.

"Of course you will. You'll also have a great view of my flank!" Rainbow shook her flank for emphasis which made Applejack blush. She looked away in frustration and looked up, noticing something off. It looked like something was wrong with Rainbow's rope. Applejack gasped and turned to Rainbow.

"Rainbow! Y'all need to slide down the rope! It's about to snap!" AJ was scared it was gonna break and Rainbow just laughed.

"Of course you'd say that. You just want me to lose! There's no way i'm doing that and i'm gonna win this thing to prove how awesome I am!" It was at that moment, that Rainbow heard a peculiar noise which followed by a weird sensation. As though she were falling. Rainbow was falling. She blacked out.

Rainbow Dash had lived her life almost consuming herself with confidence. Not necessarily a bad thing, except to the degree in which she did it. She remembered her mother telling her something.

"Pride comes before a fall, Rainbow Dash. Never forget that. You should have confidence, and certainly take pride in what you do. However, never ever let your pride take hold of what you do. Never let it get in the way of friends or loved ones, because it will only bring your downfall." Rainbow finally understood what her mom meant by that. Too little, too lat I suppose.

Rainbow woke up to the sound of a machine beeping and weird smells. Oh, and white. White everywhere. She felt groggy and her head hurt. She looked to her right, and then her left. She saw Applejack with her head next to her foreleg. Sitting up, she felt a dull pain in her side, she noticed the gauze wrapped around her wing and her leg in a cast and being propped up slightly. She decided to lie down again so she wouldn't hurt herself. The doctor came in and noticed she was awake and smiled.

"I see you're awake miss Dash. How are you feeling?" The doctor inquired.

"I'm feeling ok. My head hurts a little, but other than that i'm doing ok." Remembering the fall, she assumed the worst. "How bad is it doc? Am I gonna be stuck here for weeks or something?" That worried Rainbow greatly. She wanted to go on a date with Applejack. Oh. Right. She lost. Rainbow felt kinda sad about that. She looked back over at AJ and then the doctor. "How long has she been here?" Rainbow asked.

"She's been here for a day. You've been out for 36 hours miss Dash. Shen said she wouldn't leave your side." The doctor smiled at her. "Young love is a curious thing." Rainbow just blushed.

"Yeah. She's pretty great. I'd be a mess without her." Rainbow felt overjoyed that Applejack stayed with her. It was moments like this that she fell in love all over again. She leaned over and ran her hoof through AJ's mane while she smiled and in that moment, felt that having Applejack and being alive was the most important thing to her. She may have a lot of friends, but she only had one marefriend. And one life. Applejack started waking up and looked up at Rainbow to find that she was awake. She bolted upward and hugged her tightly. Applejack started crying.

"I thought I'd lost ya Rainbow." Applejack was so happy to know that Rainbow was ok. "I'm so glad y'all are alive. I was so scared." Rainbow stopped her with a hoof on her lips and then kissed her. Applejack smiled and kissed her back. It was one of the best moments of her life knowing that Rainbow was ok.

"I suppose I lost the contest then." Rainbow was a bit sad about that.

"Oh I don't care about a contest Rainbow. I'm just glad you're ok." Applejack nuzzled Rainbow and kissed her again. Just then, a knock was hear at the door. "Y'all can come in." Twilight and Pinkie came in the room with worried looks on their faces. Pinkie looked like she was about to start crying and her mane and tail had flattened.

"How are you feeling Rainbow/" Twilight asked. Pinkie just started wimpering.

"I'm feeling awesome! Shouldn't have to be here for too long." Rainbow gave them her best smile. Pinkie started crying and hugged Rainbow Dash.

"Oh Rainbow i'm so glad you're alive! I thought you were dead when you didn't respond to anything we said!" Pinkie rubbed her face into Rainbow's coat. Rainbow hugged Pinkie until she calmed down. Then out of nowhere, her man and tail went back to their poofy self and she grinned like the cheshire cat. She offered Rainbow a cupcake which she ate because she had been out for a day. She couldn't find a box or anything that Pinkie could've put that cupcake in. She was the only one to question Pinkie's randomness. She needed to quit though. No one can solve the mystery that is Pinkamena Diane Pie. After a while, Rainbow gave up because her brain hurt. After a good talk, Twilight and Pinkie left. No doubt Pinkie would be planning a party for Rainbow for when she got back.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were alone and decided to talk about the contest and what they were going to do about a date for their anniversary.

"What?!" Rainbow thought she had heard wrong.

"Y"all heard me Dash. I'm compromisin' so we both get what we want." Applejack was serious.

"But you were the one that won the contest!" "Rainbow exclaimed.

"I know. And this is my decision. When you got hurt, it made me realize somethin'. We both let our pride get in the way of something silly. I love you Rainbow, and no contest will ever change that. We're not perfect. Fat from it. Relationship[s are something you gotta work with to nmake it work. So for both our sakes, i'm setting aside my pride, and compromisin'." Rainbow was surprised by this, but she learned a lesson about pride from all this, so she decided to do the same.

"I think I can do the same AJ. I love you too much to let something like pride get in the way. Something my mom taught me as a filly but never really understood till now." Rainbow laughed. Applejack joined her and laughed and then they kissed agAIN.

"So what happens now?" Rainbow asked.

"Well, we wait till you're better and then go on a date.' Applejack stated.

"Yeah. I can't go anywhere with my leg like that." Rainbow laughed. "Oh. And by the way AJ, I need to tell you something." She motioned Applejack to come closer to her. Applejack leaned in and Rainbow held her face and kissed her passionately. After a few minutes had passed they parted and Rainbow looked into her eyes. "Happy anniversary babe."

THE END

Author's Note

Thanks for reading my story everyone! This one was a challenge for me as I've never written an AppleDash story, but I absolutely love the ship. All aboard the SS AppleDash!