priceless

Chapters

Prologue
Let the games begin
Hello Filthy and... Twilight?
first round, first feelings
Repay
Round three is a tricky one
Facing the beast
I've got to admit
The price
credits

Prologue

It was early in the afternoon now. So that meant that it was time for Rainbow Dash’s afternoon nap.

The cyan pegasus flew to her favourite apple tree and placed her pillow and her blanket on a branch. She rested her exhausted body upon the same branch, and tucked herself in. She closed her eyes, and just when she was about to sleep, the tree started to shake, and a noise of iron smacking upon iron could be heard.

“Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash yelled, and she turned around and looked down. “I told you this isn’t …” her angry face turned into a stunned one. The mare who caused the interruption wasn’t her friend Pinkie Pie… or even a mare.

A tall brown stallion, levitating a hammer, was nailing a piece of paper to the tree. “excuse me, ma’am.” He apologised. “I didn’t see you out there.”

Rainbow was still surprised, but managed to say “no problem sir… I euh… it’s nothing.”

The stallion smiled and walked away to the next tree to nail a similar paper to it.

The cyan mare flew down to see what the brown unicorn hung up. It was a placard with a leaden pot of gold, surrounded by fire with a bunch of words around it. Rainbow started to read out loud.

“Dear ponies of Equestria. For the first time ever, the citizens of Dodge Junction will organise a competition, possibly the biggest competition ever held in Equestria.”

Rainbow skipped the introduction and searched for the important stuff like the cash. “If you and a friend can pass through all five rounds, and win the finale, then you can earn ….” Her eyes widened when she saw how big the jackpot was. “Oh my…” was all she could say.

She was amazed, and tired, so she sat down at the ground to think about it. “This … this is awesome!” she smiled. “I so gonna enter this and win!” she tore the paper from the tree and flew back to her branch. “Wait a sec… me and a friend…” she scratched the back of her head. “Who would be good enough to be my partner for this?”

Elsewhere, Applejack was busy bucking some apples. The orange mare placed her basket under a tree and got ready to kick. But before she could fulfill her task, a rainbow coloured blur tackled her, knocking her down. “Rainbow! What in tarnation are you doing?!” Applejack yelled.

“Sorry…” the two ponies were laying on each other, against a tree. Applejack lost her Stetson hat, while Rainbow had the basket upon her head.

Rainbow Dash got up and helped Applejack to get up as well. Applejack mumbled something incomprehensible and picked up her hat.

The rainbow coloured pegasus stretched her wings and turned to her friend. “Say Applejack. I just read something.”

“What?” Applejack asked still a bit annoyed.

“There is a competition coming up, and I want to join it” Dash said joyful.

“And that’s why you’re here?” Applejack asked, a bit confused. And she took the basket from Rainbows head and placed it back under the tree.

“No, there is something else I want to say.” Rainbow scratched the back of her head again. “See, it’s actually a competition for duos… so, now is the question…”

“If I could be your partner?” Applejack said with a monotone voice. And she kicked the apple tree, as hard as she could. And in just a few seconds, her basket was filled with apples.

“Yep.” Rainbow announced. “See, I could beat every duo by myself, but if I want to win this ‘fair’ than I will need a partner. However, there is nopony who could keep up with me, and you’re the closest one to my perfection.”

Applejack smiled and rolled with her eyes. She knows that Rainbow Dash didn’t really mean this. “Sorry sugarcube. Ah’d love to do a competition with ya, but the barn needs some maintenance. We need extra money, so Ah don’t have time for games.” And she picked up the basket on her back and walked back to a carriage.

“But why work if you can win this!” Rainbow jumped in front of Applejack and showed the placard.

Applejack sighed and started to read. “…the finale, then you can earn ….” Applejack stopped reading, her eyes wide and gasped. “Holy smooch! That’s enough for a whole new farm!” in all her emotion, she accidentally dropped the basket.

Rainbow giggled. “You should see the look on you face.”

“Rainbow?” Applejack asked without an expression on her face.

“Applejack?” Rainbow Dash, who could barely hold her joy, smiled

“Count me in. I’m with ya!” Applejack said.

“Awesome!”

*****

“Are you two sure you want to compete alongside each other?” Twilight asked confused.

Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in the library, sitting around the table. The actual meaning of this was that Rainbow and Applejack would tell Twilight about the competition, but that turned out to a big discussion.

“Why would that be such a problem?” Rainbow asked.

“Well, you two normally compete against each other. And remember the running of leaves? You two ended up tied for last place.”

“Ah know that. But think about it. After that, we ran together, and that went good. Right?” Applejack said.

“And you’ve got to say that Applejack is the only one who can beat me in some competitions.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Some?” Applejack cocked her eyebrow.

“Yeah. Some.” Rainbow Dash said. “And that makes you the perfect partner for me in this competition.” She smiled, and slapped Applejack softly on her shoulder.

Applejack sighed, and Twilight rolled with her eyes.

“Anyway.” Rainbow Dash continued. “We actually wanted to ask you or you know something about this competition. You know,… what we have to do there.”

Twilight looked a bit confused. “It isn’t explained on the paper?” and she levitated the paper with her magic.

“No. It’s barely described.” Applejack said. “Just the prize and the way how you have to sign in.”

Twilight looked up from the paper. “I can’t find something either.” She said. “That’s weird…” she walked to a chest with some scrolls in it. “And I haven’t heard about this competition before.” And she took a scroll and scanned it.

“Of course not, egghead.” Rainbow Dash said. “It’s a first time competition.” She took the paper and pointed with her hoof at the text. “It’s been told here. On the first line.”

“No, that’s not what I mean.” Twilight said. And she took another scroll. “See, since I became a princess, Celestia gave me the duty to control the finances of Eastern Equestria. And I never received a letter from Dodge Junction that they were about to spend so much money.”

Applejack smiled. “Twilight. Don’t make this sound suspicious.” And she wrapped her hoof around Twilight. “See, it could probably be a mistake from the sheriff there.”

“Yeah, and Dodge Junction ain’t exactly filled with brainiacs, so they probably forgot to write a better description.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Case closed.” Applejack smiled. but Twilight still looked through the scrolls.

“Twilight?” the cyan pegasus asked. “Can we borrow an blank scroll and a quill? So we can sign ourselves in?”

Twilight dug a bit deeper in the chest. “Of course.” She said. “You can ask Spike to send it for you.”

Applejack took the needs and left, together with Rainbow Dash, the library. Leaving Twilight alone.

“This is unbelievable.” Twilight said. “what is going on with that competition?”

“Twilight?” it was Spike. He came from the kitchen with a bucket of ice-cream. “Was that Rainbow Dash and Applejack?”

“Yeah. Why?” Twilight asked. And she took another scroll and read it through.

Before Spike could answer, his tummy growled. The noise was followed with a belch and a magical green fire.

Spike took the letter with his claws and opened it. “It’s from Dodge Junction.” He said.

Twilight looked up and snatched the paper from Spikes claws. “Give me that.”

“Oh… okay. Now it’s okay.” Twilight said.

“What is it?” Spike asked before he stuffed his mouth with ice-cream.

“The financial record of the competition.” Twilight said, and she read a bit farther. She turned the page, but when she read it, her eyes grew. Her face was filled with confusion and astonishment when she finished it. “Except this part.”

Let the games begin

Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat on the train to Dodge Junction. The competition started tomorrow, and there was still a lot of training left.

“Next stop, Dodge Junction.” The conductor yelled.

“I can’t believe we’re almost here.” Rainbow Dash said excitedly.

“Eeyup. After all these weeks. We’re finally here.” Applejack said. The watched through the window and saw the city appearing at the horizon. “And ah’m still a bit curious of what we will have to do.”

“And I’m curious how many ponies are going to compete.” Rainbow Dash said. And she laid back in her chair.

“Why’s that?” Applejack asked.

“If I know that, means that I also know how many ponies I gonna beat.” And she smiled confident. And she rested her forelegs behind her head.

Applejack rolled with her eyes. “Don’t be too sure of that Rainbow. I guess there will be more competitive types around there.”

“Yeah… but they’re not us.” Dash smiled.

“Rainbow” Applejack slapped herself in the face. “Ah admire your confidence, but you act like we already won. While the game isn’t started yet. Why are you so sure?”

“Because I’ve got you.” Rainbow Dash said.

“What was that?” Applejack asked, a bit confused.

Rainbow realised what she said and quickly turned her head to hide her blush. “Nothing.” She said. She hesitantly moved her eyes to find something to change subject. “We’re here.” Rainbow said. And she pointed at a board with ‘station’ on it.

“Well then. Time to get out.” Applejack said. And she took her saddlebag and got off of her seat. “You comin’?”

Rainbow Dash sighed in relief and convinced herself that nothing odd happened. “Yeah. I’m coming.” She took her saddlebag and walked with Applejack to the exit.

Outside the train, there was a stallion with a moustache and a Stetson hat, similar to Applejack’s. He was looking at everypony who stepped out.

“That’s a weird one.” Rainbow Dash whispered. Then, the two noticed that he held a placard with ‘Dodge Competition’ on it. The name of the game.

“Ah guess that’s the one who has to welcome every competitor.” Applejack whispered back.

“That guy?” Rainbow Dash cocked her eyebrow. “He looks like he hasn’t washed himself for over a week.”

“We can always ask.” Applejack asked.

“Okay. I’ll do it.” and with that, Rainbow Dash stepped forward to the stallion with the hat.

“Excuse me.” Rainbow started when she got close enough to the stallion.

The stallion turned his head so he fully faced the rainbow maned pegasus.

“How long has it been since you washed yourself?” Rainbow asked. But immediately, Applejack jumped next to Rainbow Dash and stuffed her hoof into Rainbow’s mouth and grabbed her wings in the other front hoof, so Rainbow Dash couldn’t move anymore.

Rainbow Dash tried to resist, but failed.

“What she wanted to ask…” Applejack made her grip tighter. “We’re here for the competition.”

“Ah grrrreat.” The stallion said. “the last duo has arrived.” He said with a Russian accent. (how the hay can they know Russia?)

“We’re the last ones?” Applejack asked a bit stunned.

“That’s what I said. Are you deaf, mare?” The stallion said. And he threw the placard behind him.

Rainbow Dash wrestled herself out of Applejack’s grip. “Told you we should have left earlier.” She said furiously. She stretched her wings and her neck. “so you’re the one who brings us to the our hotel and the administrative pony … stuff… thingy?

“Exactly.” He said. “First I’ll bring you to your hotel, so you can ditch your luggage. After that, I’ll bring you to Filthy Rich. The organizer.”

“Do we have to see that guy? I don’t like him very much.” Rainbow Dash said.

Applejack knew that and smiled a bit.

“No exceptions.” He said. “He wants to meet everypony who’s going to compete. And you also have to fulfil some final bit of paperwork.” And he turned around a stepped forward. “Come. Follow me.”

And the two mares followed the weird pony and left the train station.

“Tell me…” the weird pony began. “Why don’t you like Filthy. He’s well mannered and an honest business pony.”

“See, every year, at the Cider season, he buys the first load to sell it elsewhere. Which leaves me to wait a day longer before I get my Cider.” Rainbow Dash said.

“And don’t forget that we always run out of cider, just before you get one.” Applejack smiling added.

“Don’t remind me.” Rainbow said a bit down.

“Well, bad luck. You should try wodkhay. It’s a traditional drink at my hometown, and there is always enough.” The stallion said.

“And where are ya come from? If ah may ask.” Applejack asked polite.

“I’m from Igloo Sin. A small village in the frozen north. You won’t find it on a map. But I’m here to gain some extra money.” He turned around the corner and stopped by the first door. “Here it is.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash stopped too, when they were standing next to the stallion. “This is a hotel?” Rainbow asked.

The building was more like a big house, which could use some paint. The windows were at most places broken, and the balcony was just gone at one side.

“It’s bigger from the inside.” The stallion said. “So, I gonna leave now for a little moment. But I’m back in one hour That will be enough time to find your room and unpack.”

“Okay. Thanks mister…” Applejack trailed of. She just realised that she doesn’t know his name.

“Roban. Is the name” and he bowed a bit. “and you two?”

“I’m Rainbow Dash.” Dash said. And she proudly flew a quick loop in the air.

“And Ah’m Applejack.” AJ said.

“Rainbow Dash? I know you from somewhere…” Roban said and he tapped his chin for some reason. “But from where…”

Rainbow Dash stroke her manes backward and smiled. “Well, you might know me as the fastest flier of Equestria. Winner of the Best YOung Flyers Competition. Element of Loyalty. Guest star of a Daring Do book. The only pony who can pull a Sonic Rainboom. VIP at the Grand Galloping Gala. Personal friend of the princesses…”

“No, no…” Roban said. Then he stamped his hoof on the ground. “Now I remember.” He said cheerfully “You’re the moron who kicked that dragon on his nose.” And he smiled.

“Oh yeah… that…” Rainbow Dash sighed monotone.

Applejack couldn’t hold her laugh any longer. And burst into laughter. “Ah… c'mon Rainbow.” She giggled. “let’s look for our room.”

“Okay then…” Rainbow said a bit embarrassed.

Hello Filthy and... Twilight?

It was a bit later than an hour when Rainbow Dash and Applejack were back at the entrance of the hotel. And as Roban said, he would be there too.

“You had enough time?” he asked. “Found your room? Fully unpacked?”

“Yeah. We’re checked in.” Rainbow Dash said.

“And Ah unpacked.” Applejack said. And she looked a bit angrily toward her friend.

“Did I miss something?” Roban asked, and lifted his eyebrow.

“No. Only the fact that Ah had to unpack everythin’ while Rainbow Dash here.” And Applejack turned her head to Rainbow “was too busy with her practicin’ flights.”

Rainbow Dash turned with an annoyed face to the orange mare. “Hey! Sitting four hours on a train without stops is very uncomfortable for a pegasus.” And she opened her wings in a defensive way. “Before you know it, your wings get stiff and useless. So I needed a flight to stretch my wings.”

“And that takes fifty minutes?” Applejack asked upset.

“Hey, you want me with two inflexible wings on that tournament? Well, be my guest.” And she turned around. “That way, we won’t win.”

Applejack stepped next to Rainbow Dash. “But that doesn’t mean that you can’t help a bit.”

“Ladies. Please.” Roban interrupted. “Things are done and over now. Forget it and go on. Okay? We need to get to Filthy Rich. And the other judges wants to meet you two too.” He walked in front of the two arguing mares. “You two are friends, right?” he asked when he got there attention.

Applejack and Rainbow doubted a little while and nodded.

“And you two are going to compete right? Right. So an arguing is not good to start with. Am I right? Of course I’m right. Now. Hug each other and follow me.” He turned his back to the mares and walked two steps forward to give them a bit privacy. But all the two mares did was lifting their noses and stepped side by side behind Roban.

None of the three said anything during the walk. At the end of the walk, Rainbow Dash felt a bit guilty, but was too proud to openly admit it.

“Here we are” Roban said.

“Wow.” Rainbow Dash and Applejack said astonished. They stood in front of a big house. Too small to call it a villa. But surrounded by those little shacks, it looked awesome. The garden was well maintained, the front door was painted pale blue, while the house was crystal white. No windows were broken. The roof was pale blue as well, without holes.

“I know. Ugly, isn’t it? who would ever make this colour combination?” Roban said with a smile. He tried to sound sarcastic, but it wasn’t really noticeable with his bad accent.

“This reminds me at Rarity.” Applejack said.

Roban cocked his eyebrow.

“Rarity is a friend of ours who has a colour combination, kinda like that.” Rainbow Dash explained when she saw the confusion.

“Okay then.” He said. And he opened the fence. “Now. Go in.” he said, and he made a friendly gesture.

The two mares stepped inside the domain, and walked to the front door. “All those hedges, perfectly cut… in different shapes and figures.” Rainbow Dash said when she saw the whole collection of figures. “Poor gardening colt.”

Applejack smiled. “He gets paid for doing that, you know.”

“I hope so.” Rainbow Dash said.

The three ponies stepped on the front terrace where the front door was found. Roban pull at the rope, asides the door. A loud bell could be heard, after it.

“Fillies, may I ask you to behave yourself. Okay? It might be an advantage if you show good manners.” Roban whispered.

Rainbow rolled with her eyes. “Sure.”

A white unicorn in a smoking opened the door. “Ah, Roban.” The butler said with an annoying polite accent “Sir Rich expected you.”

“Yeah… I know that.” Roban said with a monotone voice. From the corner of his eyes, he could see two giggling mares, laughing at the butler’s face, and accent.

“Euh… please, come in.” the butler said, and he trotted aside to make place for the three to come in.

“Thank you.” Rainbow Dash said, trying to copy the accent.

“Rainbow.” Applejack whispered between her teeth.

“What? I’m trying to be polite.” She said and they all walked in.

The butler brought them to a gigantic double door with ‘library’ on it. “Please wait here.” The butler said. “I’ll take a look and give you a sign when you can come in.” and with that, he stepped inside.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack nodded. “This place is big.” Rainbow said.

“Ah know. It’s bigger than my farm.” Applejack said.

They heard the butler mumbling something and they recognised two familiar voices, and one new.

“I know one of those voices…” Rainbow Dash said. “But I can’t put my hoof on it.”

“Me neither.” Applejack said. “But ah swear, I know them.”

“One of them is Filthy” Rainbow Dash said.

“And the other…”

The butler opened the door again. “You can go in.” he said, and he leaded the three ponies inside. They walked a bit farther and recognised two familiar faces, and saw one new. “Good afternoon Mr. Rich, and… Twilight?!” the two mares said together.

“You know the princess?” Roban asked astonished.

Twilight smiled. “Of course we know each other. We’re friends.” She said.

“Twi, what in tarnation are you doing here?” Applejack asked.

“May I explain that?” Filthy rich said, and he stepped in front. “But please, take a seat first.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash said together on one couch, and Roban took a chair. The butler took his stand, next to the door.

“As you know, I’m Filthy Rich. I organised the competition. I will also judge together with Princess Twilight” and with saying that name, he pointed at Twilight

“Please, just Twilight is enough. And they already know me.” Twilight interrupted.

“I just like it to say Twilight. And it’s only a formality. From now on, you know nopony who joins the competition. So, it’d be fair. Okay?” Filthy said.

“Okay.” Twilight rolled with her eyes.

“And this here is the sheriff of Dodge Junction. He’ll be the third judge.” Filthy continued. The Stallion nodded as a ‘hello’ “and your good friend Roban over there, is the Stallion-who-does-and-can-everything. He knows all the rules, guide you all through the challenges, makes sure that you’re all in time, and that kind of stuff.”

“That’s me.” Roban said.

“Before I go on, can I offer you something to drink?” Filthy asked.

“The usual.” Roban said immediately

“For us some cider” Applejack said.

Filthy looked at the butler and gave him a sign. The butler nodded and left the room.

“So.” Filthy rich said. “First of all, welcome. And I’m happy to see that you two want to compete in this tournament. You are one of the six duos who are going to compete.”

“Just 6 duos?” Rainbow Dash asked. “How is that possible? I thought there would be more interest in this.”

“There was.” Filthy said. “But remember that list you had to fill in? That was the first ‘test’” he smiled. “We can’t accept too many competitors.”

“That’s the reason why the list was so long.” Applejack said.

“Exactly.” Rich said. “And I’d like you to pay attention to Twilight now. She’s going to explain the general rules.”

The butler interrupted by entering the room and deliver the drinks.

“So…” Twilight took a scroll and unrolled it. “The rules of each round will be explained right before the game starts. But, there are some rules which counts for the whole tournament. Beginning with: no magic, do not harm or insult other competitors, and the most important. Play fair. If we find you’re cheating, or behave rudely against other players, you’re out.”

“So, behave yourself, is the general message.” Filthy Rich interrupted.

“And what are the games actually?” Applejack asked curious.

W“we can’t tell. It must be a secret to the competitors. To ensure, it’s fair game.” The sheriff said.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m prepared for everything.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

“The first round starts tomorrow morning at nine o’clock. Roban will pick you up and bring you to the place of instant.” Filthy Rich.

“So make sure you’re in bed at a decent time.” Twilight smiled. “It’ll be a big day.”

That evening, Rainbow Dash and Applejack said in there room. Rainbow was laying in her bed with Applejack on a chair near her. “So.” Rainbow Dash started. “Sorry about the unpacking thing this morning.” She mumbled.

Applejack looked up “What?” she smiled.

“I said sorry.” Rainbow Dash said.

“It’s okay Dash.” Applejack smiled. “Just… never do that again. Okay?”

Rainbow sat up. “What do you think we are going to do tomorrow?”

“Ah guess we’re going to do something with sport, most likely. Something with conditions?” Applejack said.

“A race?” Rainbow asked excited. “Awesome.”

“Ah’m not sure Dash.” Applejack said.

“But it would be great if it would be a race.” Rainbow said. She fell backward of excitement. She turned her face to Applejack. “Thanks for doing this for me.”

“You’re welcome sugar cube. It’s really nothing. You know Ah can use the money” Applejack said.

“Yeah, but still. I’m glad YOU want to do this with ME.” Rainbow Dash smiled. “Together, we’re just… unbeatable.”

“Ah guess so…” Applejack smiled.

first round, first feelings

“Good mornin’” Applejack said. She was standing in the tiny kitchen and preparing some breakfast.

Rainbow Dash stood a bit dazed in the doorway, and looked at her friend with sleepy eyes. “You’re up already?”

Applejack placed two bowls on the table and giggled a bit. “Already? Ah slept longer than Ah usually do on the farm.”

Rainbow Dash took a seat, and immediately dug in. “That’s cool and weird at the same time you know that?” she said with her mouth filled with oats.

“Dash, Ah would appreciate it if you eat with your mouth closed.” Applejack said a bit annoyed. She still didn’t heard a ‘thank you’ or a ‘good morning.’

“Sorry” Dash said, again with her mouth stuffed.

After they finished breakfast, they heard a hard knock on the door. “That would probably be Roban.” Applejack said.

“Now?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I wanted to do some warm-ups before the competition.” And she stretched her wings.

Roban came in and smiled brightly. “No time for that miss Dash. Time to go to the arena.”

“Fine.” Dash sighed.

Roban smile again, and walked outside the kitchen. “You follow me?”

The two mares brought their dishes to the sink, and followed Roban outside. “So, where is this arena exactly?” Rainbow Dash asked, a bit curious.

“Not far from here.” Roban opened the door which leaded to the old stairway. “It’s a five minute walk or so.”

The three ponies left the building, and walked over the dirt road.

“If you don’t mind” Rainbow Dash started. “then I’ll make some practice rounds.” And without waiting for an answer, she took off and left the two earth ponies behind.

“What was that?” Roban asked.

“Don’t mind her.” Applejack said. “She’s just a bit stressed out, because she really wants to win this competition.”

“And may I be so curios to ask you why?” Roban asked while they walked around the corner.

“Of course. Ah guess.” Applejack answered. “See, Rainbow Dash always wanted to join the wonderbolts one day. She already took an entry exam, but she can’t afford to go to college. It’s all too expensive.”

“So she needs the prize money to finance the college.” Roban said.

“Exactly.”

“And what about you?” Roban asked.

“Ah can use some money to fix our barn.” Applejack responded.

They both turned around the corner. “there it is.” Roban said.

In front of them stood a humongous building. It had the shape of a giant circle, with walls, as big as two apple trees. The wooden walls were decorated with tiny statues and ribbons. The colourful lights shone brightly on the crystal peaks on top, and spread a beautiful prisma of colours.

“wow.” Applejack said astonished.

“Big isn’t it?” Roban said.

Rainbow Dash fell out of the sky. “Is this the arena?”

Roban guided the two mares inside, and brought them to a small room. Rainbow Dash flew immediately to a tiny window, which gave her a view from the inside of the arena.

“Applejack?” Rainbow Dash started. “You’re not going to belief this.

Applejack stepped next to Rainbow Dash and tried to get a view too. “This is insane.”

In the inside, there was an open field, surrounded by tribunes. And it seemed like every single seat was taken. On the field, there were little hill, and as far as they could see, also a gap. Which could be a sort of a valley. On the edge of the field, there were wooden planks, and other building material. Probably for the next challenges.

“Seems like all of Equestria is gonna sit here.” Applejack said.

“You would think so.” Roban said. “You two, wait here. I’m going to check out the other competitors, and when everypony is here, we can start. Just wait here, until somepony brings you to the stage.”

Rainbow Dash turned back to the window. “I don’t see a stage.”

Roban smiled. “That’s because the stage is above us.” And he walked outside.

Rainbow Dash turned to the astonished Applejack. “Can you believe it? We’re here. In the biggest competition EVER.”

Applejack nodded slowly. “Ah’ve got to admit. This is big.”

All of a sudden, a new mare stepped in she was pale white, with short aqua manes. She levitated some paperwork with her magic. “Rainbow Dash and Applejack?” she asked.

“That’s us.” Applejack said.

“Please follow me. It’s time to start.” The unicorn said.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” Rainbow Dash could barely hold her excitement. “Finally…”

After they walked a bit, the mare stopped at a door. She opened it, and revealed a stairway. “Go upstairs, and wait for your names. When you hear your names, go through the doors, and stand with the other duos on the stage.” The unicorn said.

“Got it.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Okay.” Applejack nodded.

The unicorn walked away, and left the two mares alone.

“Seems like this is it.” Applejack said.

“No turning back.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

The two friends walked upstairs. The higher they got, the stronger the voices from outside were. When they were on top, they could fully understand the voice. “Cloud Kicker and Thunder Rush.” The voice said.

Rainbow Dash listened carefully now. “Cloud Kicker and Thunder Rush?” She asked herself.

“You know these two ponies?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, we were in the same class back in flight camp.” Rainbow Dash said. “they’re pretty cool, but not as good as me.” And she smiled confidently.

Applejack rolled with her eyes. “Of course they weren’t.”

“Applejack and Rainbow Dash” they heard.

“That’s us.” Applejack

Rainbow Dash opened the door. A ray of bright sunlight hit their eyes, and blinded them for a moment. When their eyes were accustomed the light, they found their self on a huge stage with five more duos. The two walked over the other competitors, and waited for what happened next. They looked at the huge crowd in front of them.

Rainbow Dash looked behind her and saw Filthy Rich, together with Twilight and the sheriff, on a special tribune, right behind them.

Filthy rich walked to the megaphone and tried to calm down the crowd.

“Please… May I have your attention…Thank you” He yelled through the giant wooden megaphone. “In front of me, you see twelve brave and sportive ponies. They will all compete against each other. In this, particular field in front of them. They will compete… for the prize, of a lifetime.”

With that, He made the audience cheer again.

“But…” He continued. “What do they have to do? I’ll leave that to Princess Twilight.”

Twilight stood up, and walked to the megaphone. “Our competitors must prove their mental, and physical strength during this whole game. And we will test every single term of that. One, by one. The first test, is a race. Our Competitors must prove that they are the fastest, and also the best team player. Because the time of the slowest one, counts. The last duo who arrives, will not compete in the next test. But, to make this more difficult, we have filled this path with little obstacles. Like low hanging branches, spiky rocks, and stiff climbs. So our competitors have to watch their hoofs.”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack observed the path. Their rout was around the field. Close to the tribunes, but far enough for the crowd to watch the running.

“And remember, no wings, or magic are allowed. Play fair, and be careful. Cheating will be punished.” Twilight ended.

Filthy Rich walked back to the megaphone. “May I ask the competitors to go to the starting line. We’ll give the start signal in several minutes.”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at each other. “This is going to be easy. It’s like Running of Leaves all over again.”

“But we ended last, remember?” Applejack said while they trotted to the start line.

“But we were competing against each other. Remember? Now, we’re going to beat all those ponies, and get to the next round.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack got to the start, and stretched their bodies, before they had to start. Next to them stood a few ponies who they saw earlier in Cloudsdale, Appleloosa, and Manehatten. But they couldn’t remember all the names.

“Get ready.” Filthy yelled through the megaphone.

Rainbow and Applejack, and all the other duos set themselves ready to go.

“Set…”

Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash for the last time, and focused back to road ahead.

Rainbow Dash licked her dry lips and watched the path.

“GO!”

All the competitors flew out of their starting positions. Rainbow Dash led ahead, followed by Cloud Kicker and Applejack.

“Come on Applejack!” Rainbow yelled. “Get your flank in gear!”

“I’m on it.” Applejack yelled back. “But you don’t have to yell.”

Rainbow Dash jumped over some spiky rocks. “I don’t see you next to me.” She yelled.

“I know!” Applejack jumped over the rocks as well. She was overtaken by Thunder Rush.

Rainbow Dash looked behind. “For Celestia’s sake.” She yelled. “I thought you could keep up with me.”

“I know!” Applejack yelled. “Just calm down a bit.” She yelled back.

“Calm down? And trot behind to have a tea party? This isn’t a joke Applejack.”

“Well, You’re not helping me.” Applejack snapped back.

Rainbow Dash climbed up the hill, without decreasing speed. “What do you expect? That I carry you to the finish?”

Applejack bit on her teeth. “Some cheering would do.”

“Fine.” Rainbow Dash was on top, and ran downward. “Good job Applejack. Now, three ponies overtook you.”

“DASH!” Applejack yelled. “Stop yelling at me like that!”

Rainbow Dash turned her head and looked at Applejack. “If you’d run faster, then I don’t need to jell!”

“Watch out!” Applejack warned. But it was too late. Rainbow Dash ran straight into a tree, and slammed her head into a branch.

“Oh no.” Applejack mumbled. Rainbow Dash laid unconscious on the dirt road. She doubted for no second, and lifted Rainbow Dash on her back. “Ah have to do EVERTHIN’ by myself.”

Applejack continued the race with her unaware friend on her back. In front of her, she saw two ponies going down by those branches.

Applejack had some experience to run in forests, since she lived on an apple orchard. She got out the close flora as fourth, and ran the last piece with all the power she had left. Running with a friend on your back isn’t that easy. Luckily for her, the finish was near.

“Al…most…” Applejack panted. She jumped the last metre and laid on her belly. She made it as the seventh pony to cross the finish line. “Thank Celestia…” She turned around and saw three more ponies running behind her.

“My head.” Rainbow Dash mumbled. she woke up in the room of her hotel. “What happened?” she asked. She laid on her bed.

“You ran into a tree, and fainted.” Applejack said.

“I.. I fainted?” Rainbow Dash yelled. “Does that mean… we lost?” Rainbow asked afraid.

“Nope. Ah carried you on My back, and we made it as the fourth duo.” Applejack answered. “So, we’re still in.”

“You carried me? How…” Rainbow Dash stood amazed.

“Could Ah do this?” Applejack trotted a bit closer. “You’re not the only fast pony around here.” She smiled.

Rainbow Dash needed some time to progress this. “So… you are telling me that you beat every team on your own, with me unconscious on you’re back?”

“As I said. Not every team. Just two of them” Applejack smiled even brighter.

“That is just awesome and insane. You proved… This… How… Thank you… Why did you do this?” Rainbow Dash said excited. “You know how awesome that is? It’s…”

Applejack placed her hoof on Rainbow’s mouth and looked deep in her eyes. “Can you please shut it. This was important for you, right? And Ah promised you to help you win this. Right? So all I did was keeping a promise.” She removed her hoof .

Rainbow Dash nodded.

Applejack turned around and started to trot away. To her room “You’d better sleep. You were away for a pretty long time.” she stated. “And you will need the sleep for tomorrow.” And she left the room. “Good night.”

Rainbow Dash nodded again. “Good night” She felt a bit warm in her chest and sighed with a smile. She fell down on her bed and grabbed her blanket. “She IS awesome…”

Repay

“Where is she?” Applejack was sitting in the private room under the stage. “Round two will be starting any minute.”

With that, the door of the room slammed open, and a rainbow maned pegasus trotted inside. “No need to worry. I’m here.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

“Dash. What in tarnation took you so long?” Applejack asked.

“Sorry about that, I needed to do something first..” Rainbow Dash took a paper bag from under her wings. “I made these for after the test.” She said.

Applejack looked inside the bag. “Apple turnovers? Ah never knew you could make those.”

“Me neither. I got up really early to go to the bakery, and asked for the recipe. Then I asked if I could bake some on my own.” Rainbow Dash explained.

“That’s why you weren’t in your bed this morning.” Applejack said.

“I left a note.” Rainbow Dash smirked.

“Yeah, but next time, be a little bit more specific, will ya? I mean… ‘Don’t look for me, I’ll see you at the arena’ isn’t really specific.” Applejack said.

“That was the meaning.” Rainbow Dash smiled. “This was meant to be a surprise.”

Applejack cocked her eyebrow. “And why do Ah deserve this?”

“For being so awesome. And to say thank you, for carrying me while I was unconscious. It means a lot to me.” Rainbow Dash said.

Applejack noticed the sweet smell of fresh baked apple sweets. “Ah’ve got to say, they smell good.”

“Thanks. I really tried to do my best.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Ah see that.” Applejack said. Before she could say something else, a mare interrupted the two, by entering the room.

“It’s time.” the mare said. It was the same mare as yesterday.

“Yeah, yeah. We’re coming.” Rainbow Dash said.

The white unicorn rolled with her eyes and left.

“You’re coming?” Rainbow Dash ask.

“Sure.” Applejack smiled. And the two left the room as well. A few minutes later, they found themselves on top of the stairs, which leads to the stage.

“About yesterday…” Rainbow Dash started.

“Will you please shut it?” Applejack said annoyed. “Ah know you’re grateful, Ah know Ah saved your chance for that money, Ah know it all. But please… shut it.”

Rainbow turned away. “Okay. Got it. I’ll shut it. but I just wanted to say that I owe you one.”

“Fine” Applejack said.

“So, any idea what kind of a test it is today?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Nope. Not the slightest.” Applejack responded. “But Ah saw that they changed the field into an apple field.”

“An apple field?” Rainbow Dash asked confused.

“Yeah. The whole field is filled with apple trees. But Ah have no idea why.”

Rainbow Dash stretched her wings. “I don’t even need to know.”

From the outside, they could hear crowd cheering, while a voice was yelling some names.

“I’m ready for everything.” Rainbow Dash said.

Applejack smiled and shook her head. “Don’t lose your head.”

“Rainbow Dash and Applejack.” The voice from the outside said.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash said a bit bothered.

Applejack opened the door, and walked to the other duos, with Rainbow Dash behind her.

“That was an accident. You were pulling me behind, so I got distracted.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Oh, you’re saying that it’s my fault that you ran in that tree?” Applejack snapped back.

“Sorry.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “I… didn’t want to say that.”

“It’s okay Dash.” Applejack said.

“Dear competitors.” Filthy yelled through the megaphone. “You proved that you are fast. But now, we want to know… are you strong enough… to carry the prize money.” He joked. “To test that out, we set up a new test for you. Twilight will explain that to us.”

Filthy Rich stepped backward, and passed the megaphone to Twilight.

“Thank you. Like Mister Rich said, our competitors will have to prove that they are strong. So, as you can see. There are many apple trees in front of you. It’s divided in five sections. Every duo gets one section. They will have to harvest every single apple, and then make apple juice. The last one who completed the task, will not go to the next round.”

Applejack’s eyes shimmered when she heard that.

“This is something for you Applejack.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Yup. Ah’m born for this job.” Applejack said back.

“I know. Sweet.” Rainbow Dash said excited. There was no way she could lose this with Applejack on her team.

“As for the rules,” Twilight continued. “No magic, stay in your part of the orchard, and don’t steal somepony else’s apples. Make sure you deliver a good quality, and most of all, have fun.”

Filthy Rich took the megaphone back. “May I ask the competitors to go to their part, thank you.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked to the left part of the gigantic apple orchard. Every section was separated with iron bars, and it had a placard with the names of the duos.

“Now. There aren’t that many apples.” Applejack said. “Ah estimate that Ah buck those in… one… maybe one and a half hours.”

Rainbow Dash saw all of the desperate and depressed faces of the other competitors. “We’re totally gonna win.” She looked around. “How are we supposed to make apple juice?” The only thing she saw were a few barrels and a tub. The wooden tub was twice the size of an average pony.

“With the tub, the old fashioned way.” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash cocked an eyebrow. “How?”

Applejack walked to the tub, and climbed on the edge of it. Rainbow Dash flew next to her, so they both looked inside the tub. “See, you stand here, Ah’ll buck the apples, and load them into this tub. Then, you get into this tub, and squeeze them with your bare hoofs. Like in the old days. With the spigot, the apple juice can drain out into the barrel.”

“Wait. With my hoofs? I never heard of that?” Rainbow said.

“That’s because this method is real old. It’s more labor heavy than the machine we’ve got on the farm.” Applejack explained.

“Oh, okay. That explains.” Rainbow Dash said.

“On your marks!” Filthy yelled through the megaphone. “get set… GO!”

Applejack jumped off of the tub, and ran to the closest apple tree. Rainbow Dash ran to an empty barrel and placed it under the spigot. Applejack kicked the tree on the right spot, and every apple fell out. She found herself a basket and loaded every apple into it. Rainbow Dash flew over to help.

“Take these, and start squeezing.” Applejack said when they grabbed every apple.

“I’m on it.” Rainbow Dash flew to the Tub, and threw every apple in it. she jumped inside the tub, and squeezed every apple in it. Before Rainbow Dash was finished, Applejack returned with another basket. “I overestimated it. I only need half an hour.”

“Sweet!” Rainbow Dash said. And she started to jump on those fresh apples. After a little while, and a few baskets, Rainbow Dash flew out the tub, and opened the spigot. A stream of goldish liquid drowned out. Straight into the barrel. “And… that was our first barrel already. This is going way faster than the last cider season.” She exclaimed.

Applejack ran to Rainbow Dash with another basket filled with apples on her head. “Less talkin’, more squeezin’.” She said.

“yeah, yeah… It’s on the top of my list” Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack worked harder than they ever did. The sweat was dripping from Applejack’s face. And Rainbow Dash’ hooves were starting to hurt from all that trotting and jumping. They saw all the other competitors having problems too. And the worst thing was that the sun was burning on there heads. But there was no time for refreshments.

Applejack accidentally dropped the basket it the tub too. Right on top of Rainbow Dash.

“Hay! Watch out.” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Sorry.” Applejack apologised. “Anyway, that was the last one.”

“Great!” Rainbow Dash said. And she did a last effort. “It’s warm in here.”

“I know. I can use something to drink too.” Applejack said.

“I’ve got enough!” Rainbow Dash responded.

“Then I’ll take it away.” Applejack said.

“Good. I’m ready too.”

Applejack closed the last barrel, and Rainbow Dash crawled out of the tub. “We did it.” Rainbow Dash panted. “We…‘re even first.” She could feel her heartbeat in all four hoofs.

Applejack laid her exhausted body in the grass. “Yup… We made it.”

“Maybe it’s time for those apple turnovers” Applejack suggested. “To celebrate this.”

“Maybe later. I saw enough apples for now…”

Round three is a tricky one

“So…” What would be next?” Rainbow Dash asked.

They already had their sleep, and now, they were waiting for the third round to begin. “Ah don’t know I can’t see anything. Someone planted a bush or somethin’ in front of our window.”

All of a sudden, Roban entered the room. “Congratulations young mares. You made it to the third round. But be careful. This is a tricky one.” He warned.

“How tricky?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Tricky enough to send everypony home.” Roban said.

Applejack cocked her eyebrow. “So, what’s the test this time?”

“I can’t tell you.” Roban said. “You know that it must be a secret.”

“Oh, come on.” Rainbow Dash said. “Can’t you give us a hint?”

“I said it was tricky. And even that was too much information.” He said.

“Fine.” Dash mumbled. she watched around, and looked for a chair. “Why aren’t there any chairs in this room? or other furniture?”

“Low budget, and it’s not like you’re here for a long time. right?” Roban said.

“Low budget? Have you seen this stadium? It’s big!” Applejack said.

“Yeah, but this building was also for the Equestria Games, a couple of years ago. Filthy just hired it.” Roban explained.

“That makes sense.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Now, it’s time to get ready. They will call you out a few minutes.” Roban said.

“May Ah ask you. Who’s yelling the names?” Applejack asked.

“The sheriff does that.” Roban answered. And he opened the door. “Why?”

“Just askin’” Applejack said.

The three walked to the stairs and walked up, until they were in the tiny hall with the door to the stage. “And where are the other competitors? Why don’t we see them around after the rounds?” Applejack asked.

“They are in different waiting rooms. And the judge wants to keep every duo separated. All rules to keep this ‘fair’. If you want to have the exact reason, you must ask the princess.” Roban answered.

He listened carefully and heard the name of the two mares. “Your turn. Now go and beat the others.” He opened the door, and let Rainbow Dash and Applejack pass.

“Thanks Roban.” Applejack said.

After they walked on the stage, and stood together with the remaining participators, Filthy Rich started his monologue about the next round. “Dear competitors. You have all proven your strength and speed. But now, it won’t be that easy. You will have to prove that you’re smart as well. With a good memory, and some insight, you can pass the next test. Twilight…” Filthy turned to the princess “Explain for us.”

“In the middle, you can see a maze now. And, to be honest. It’s probably the biggest ever made. Every duo gets twenty minutes to observe the labyrinth. After that, they will have to enter the maze, and find the exit, as soon as possible. This time, every duo goes separately. The other three groups will wait in their room.” Twilight explained. “And again. No magic, no wings. Play fair, and have fun.”

Filthy Rich took the megaphone back. The first duo who can start are Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

“Shucks. We have to go first.” Applejack said.

“So? What’s the big deal? If we go first, we can show the other teams that they don’t have to try anymore.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Sometimes Dash…” Applejack said. “your ego is just too big.”

“May I ask Rainbow Dash and Applejack to go to the start position?” Filthy Rich said. “And to the other competitors, please leave the stage.”

The start position was on a little platform on the edge of the stage. So they would have a better view of the maze.

“And your observation time starts… now!” Filthy said.

“Okay… so, the entrance is right in front of us, and the exit is over her.” Applejack said. “so, if we go in here, and then… to the left…”

Rainbow Dash started to giggle.

“What’s so funny?” Applejack asked.

“You don’t solve many mazes, do you?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Oh, like you do them everyday.” Applejack said.

“No, but I know how to solve them. See, the secret is that you have to start from the exit.” Rainbow Dash said. “it may sounds weird, but if you start looking from the exit, it’s easier to find your way to the entrance.”

“And how do you know it?” Applejack asked.

“Daring Do, book two.” Rainbow Dash said excited. “Daring do has to find her way in a maze with two broken wings. But the maze is filled with traps, fire and enemies. But there is no other way. She must find her way before the moon shines on the temple of seas, and summons the demons of…”

“Dash!” Applejack yelled. “Focus.”

“Oh, right… Sorry.” Rainbow Dash said.

“So, starting from the exit…” Applejack mumbled. After a little while, they found a way through the maze. “Heck, it’s true. It is easier if you start from the exit.”

“Told you.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

“But now, we have to remember that.” Applejack turned back to Rainbow Dash. “Did you read something in the daring do books about that too?”

Rainbow Dash thought for a little while. “Daring Do watched special marks. Like a broken wall, or cracks in the floor. But since this is a dirt path, with bushes… no… I don’t have anything.”

“Shucks.” Applejack said. “Then we’ll have to remember it like… the best we can do.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried to do there best to remember the exact path, but it was no use. It was just to long.

“This is nuts. We will get lost, like back when we first fought Discord.” Applejack said.

“But now, I won’t leave you.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

“Your time is over.” Filthy Rich yelled. “Get to the entrance please.”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack did what Filthy asked them.

“This is it.” Applejack sighed. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this round.”

“Trust me. We will get through this.” Rainbow Dash assured.

“On your marks.” Filthy yelled “Set… GO!”

The first part was easy to remember. They ran straight ahead, and after a few moments, they had to turn right. And then left.

“And now… right.” Applejack said.

“You’re sure? I thought we had to go to the left.” Rainbow Dash said.

Applejack closed her eyes and tried to remember the way. “No, first… to the right… then… left… no wait… First left. Right?”

“Great. We forgot the road.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Hey, you’re not even trying.” Applejack said.

“I say nothing, so we won’t confuse each other.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well, You failed” Applejack said.

“Stop arguing. Or else we will forget the right road for sure.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Right! That was it. first, to the right.” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash rolled with her eyes. “Let me navigate us through this. I’m used to reorienting myself after a bad trick makes me spin out.” She looked at the sun. and then, she turned herself, so the sun was now on the left side of her. Then she looked at the path which laid in front of her. “That way.”

Applejack cocked an eyebrow. “And… you see that…?”

“With help of the sun. The exit is on the southern side of this maze. And it’s still morning, so the sun is standing in the east. So… keep the sun on our left, and we’ll be fine. That’s one of the thing I learned in flight camp.”

“What? That you have to keep the sun on your left?” Applejack asked.

“No. navigating with the sun.” Rainbow Dash smiled. and she walked in. on every crossroad, she stopped, and pondered for a while, what the best route could be.

After a little while, they found the exit. “See. That wasn’t that hard. Was it?” Rainbow Dash said proudly.

Applejack was too amazed to say something.

“Who said that this round would be tricky?”

Facing the beast

That evening, Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat in there room of the hotel. They expected a letter from the judges to know their time, and if they made it.

Applejack laid on her bed, while Rainbow Dash was stressing out. “Calm down, please.” Applejack said. “Where is that confident daredevil now?”

Rainbow Dash trotted circles, right in front of Applejack’s bed. “You’re not going to tell me that you are all relaxed.”

“Of course I’m a bit curious.” Applejack said. “But I’m not gonna run circles like you.”

*knock knock*

“The door.” Rainbow Dash yelled. And she flew as fast as she could to the door and opened it.

“Oh, it’s you” Rainbow Dash said.

A lavender alicorn stood in the doorway. “Not happy to see me?” and she cocked an eyebrow.

Applejack trotted over. “don’t mind her. She’s waiting for Roban. So she finally knows whether we pass or not.”

“But then I’ve got sad news for you Rainbow” Twilight teased

“We failed?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Nope.” Twilight smiled. “I’m bringing the news. Roban is reporting another duo.”

Rainbow Dash’ eyes widened. “So, we’re still in?”

“Yep.” Twilight smiled. “You were almost the fastest. You were second.”

“YES!” Rainbow Dash yelled. She hugged Applejack in her joy. “This is amazing! We’re almost halfway.”

“Hmpffff.” Applejack could barely breathe “Rainbow… let… me…” She broke out Rainbow Dash’ grasp. “GO!”

“Oops…sorry.” Rainbow Dash blushed.

“So…” Applejack started. “We can go to the next round?”

“Yes,” Twilight said. “But you won’t have to go to the stadium.”

“What?” Applejack asked. “How?”

Twilight smiled mysteriously. “You will see.” She turned to the door, to leave the room. “You should better get some sleep. You will need it.” and she left.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack stared at each other. “What does she mean with that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Ah don’t know. But Ah do know it’s late. So, we should better hit the hay.” Applejack yawned.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Rainbow Dash smiled. “I guess we just have to wait.”

Applejack trotted to the door of her room. “Good night Rainbow.” She said.

“Good night.” Rainbow Dash said. And she walked to her bedroom too. “One day, I’ve got to tell her.” She thought by herself.

*****

The rays of bright sunlight, shone on Dash’s muzzle and eyes. Which irritated her sensitive eyes. “Applejack…” She mumbled. “Close the curtains please.” After she started to think a little more, she realised something. “Wait a sec… I closed the curtains yesterday evening” She opened her eyes, and found herself in the middle of the forest.

“What the hay is going on here?” it seems like she was teleported with her bed to this open space in the woods. She wondered around and started to think of something important. “Applejack!” she jelled. “Applejack! Are you here?”

“Over here!” Applejack hang upside down in a tree. She was wrapped in her blanket, but she was tight to a branch with a thick wire.

“Applejack? How do you get there?” Rainbow Dash giggled.

“Stop laughin’ and get me out of this thing!” Applejack said annoyed.

“Sorry, I’ll fly over there, and get you out.” Rainbow Dash smiled. Just as she wanted to spread her wings, a magical, purple aura, forced the wings to get back against her body. “What the…”

“What’s wrong?” Applejack asked.

“My wings!” She said anxious “They’re cursed! I can’t spread my wings!” Rainbow Dash started to panic. “This is bad! How is this possible?!?”

“Calm down Dash…” Applejack comforted.

“Calm down?” Rainbow Dash jelled. “How can I calm down? My wings are blocked!”

“And Ah’m stuck in this tree! So get yourself up here, and let me go!” Applejack said.

“Oh, Yeah… sure.” Rainbow Dash said. “Right after I found a way to spread my wings…”

“Dash!” Applejack jelled. “All my blood is pumpin’ to mah head! So please, put that problem aside, and help me. Please…”

Rainbow Dash calmed herself down “You’re right. Sorry.” Rainbow Dash walked to the tree and looked for the easiest way to climb. She did a few steps back and jumped on a low hanging branch. Then to a higher one. And so on, until she stood on the branch with Applejack.

“Okay. Now Be careful now, will ya?” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash grabbed the end of the wire between her teeth.

“Whatever you do, don’t jangle the rope in one piece. Or else Ah’ll…” But it was too late. Rainbow Dash loosened the rope in one quick pull, which caused Applejack to fall.

“Darn it Rainbow.” Applejack cursed. “Ah tried to warn ya.”

“Sorry.” Rainbow Dash said. And she jumped out of the tree. “But hey, you’re free. And my wings are still blocked.

Applejack broke out of her blanket, and the remaining rope. “There. NOW Ah’m free.”

A little envelope flew out of the blanket. “What’s that?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow Dash grabbed the envelope and opened it. “It’s a letter.” She said.

“And what’s in the letter?” Applejack took her Stetson hat from the ground and placed it back on her head.

Rainbow Dash opened the letter, and started to read. “Dear competitors. You proved your strength, speed, and memory. But are you also brave and creative? You’re dropped in the west side of the Hayseed Swamps. Your task is to find the stadium back as the first duo.”

“That’s all?” Applejack asked.

“No, there is a map included. And also the rules.” Rainbow Dash said. “Oh, and the letter says that we don’t have to freak out. They will watch us. So, when We’re in real trouble, we will be teleported to the stadium.”

“Who is they?” Applejack asked.

“Probably Twilight and Filthy rich.” Rainbow Dash said.

“And how do they watch us?” Applejack.

Rainbow Dash rolled with her eyes. “I don’t know. Magic? I’m not the smart one. And we should better focus on the task.”

“Sorry. You’re right.” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash observed the map. “Isn’t this task similar to the maze from yesterday?”

Applejack pondered about that. “In a way, Yes. But we have to find our way, in the woods. And it’s filled with wild animals here.”

Rainbow Dash looked to the sun. “Do you have any idea how late it is?”

“Ah guess it’s still mornin’.” Applejack said. “you want to navigate with the sun again?”

“Yeah, but I can’t find the sun. All the leafs and branches blocks the sight. And it’s kind of cloudy right now.” Rainbow Dash sighed.

“So, No sun navigation?” Applejack asked. “How do we find our way back now?”

“I’ll climb up a high tree, and I’ll try to find something that could help us.” Rainbow Dash said. And she did what she said. A few minutes later, she was standing on a high branch looking for a clue.

“Do you see anythin’?” Applejack asked.

“No, only trees.” Rainbow Dash yelled back. And she climbed downward.

“The only thing I can say is that we have to go west.” Rainbow Dash said when she was back on the ground.

“Is there Anything from a Daring Do book you remember?” Applejack asked.

“Hey, Daring Do is awesome enough, to not lose her way.” Rainbow Dash said. And she sighed. “So, no… I’ve got nothing.”

Applejack pondered for a little more. “Ah’ve got it!” Applejack said.

“What?” Rainbow Dash asked excited. “You know a way to get out?”

“Yup. Just, give me a sec.” Applejack walked to the bed which was still there. She kicked the wooden frame as hard as she could, so it’d break into pieces.

“My bed!” Rainbow Dash said shocked

“Don’t worry about it.” Applejack looked through the broken parts, until she found something. “That’s what Ah need.” And she grabbed an iron nail from the pile.

“A nail?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yeah, here, hold it.” Applejack passed the nail to Rainbow. Then she walked to a puddle, and took her hat of. She filled her hat with water.

“What are you doing?” Rainbow Dash asked confused.

Applejack ignored the comment, and walked back to Rainbow Dash. She placed the hat in front of her and took the nail back.

“An energy source…” She mumbled. “Dash, spread your wings, will ya?”

“I’d love to, but they are blocked with magic. Remember?” Rainbow Dash said.

“Ah know, but that’s the meaning. Ah need that magical aura.” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash completely lost track of Applejack’s thoughts. But she did what Applejack asked.

Applejack rubbed the nail against the purple aura of Rainbows blocked wings. Then, she placed the nail in the water.

“For Celestia's sake. What are you doing?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Ah made a compass.” Applejack said proudly. “See, with Equestria’s magic field, all magical object which can move free, will point at the Crystal Empire. The source of the strongest magic.”

“Since when do you know that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Twilight’s slumber parties are okay, but you’ve got to be prepared for some science.” Applejack giggled.

“So, this part of the nail is pointing at the Crystal Empire?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yup.” Applejack smiled.

“Awesome!” now it’s easy to find our way.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

Rainbow Dash laid the map next to the hat, and looked for the way they had to go. “Okay, I know enough.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. She turned herself in the right position and trotted straight ahead. “You’re following?”

“Ah’m right behind ya.”

So, they walked on for a pretty long time. they stopped every now and then to set up the compass again, so they could check out the rout. But, like Applejack predicted, there were a lot of animals in the woods, but they weren’t a real problem. It was mostly birds, squirrels and such. Until …

“Hey Applejack!” Rainbow Dash said. “Do you think that it’s still far away?” Rainbow Dash turned her head to her friend behind, so she wasn’t watching her steps.

“Ah don’t know.” Applejack said. “Ah guess it’s not that far anymore.”

Rainbow Dash turned her head back, Right before she bumped into a big brown hairy, and flabby substance. “Eww. Hair in my mouth.” She tried to get rid of all the hair. but then Applejack tapped on her shoulder. “What?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“You know what you bumped into?” Applejack startled.

Rainbow Dash turned around to face the hairy substance again. She spread her eyes wide when she realised that there was a sleeping bear in front of her. “I… Euh…”

The bear Spread his eyes filled with anger. He got up on his hind legs, and rose far above the two little mares. He growled and showed his white and sharp teeth in his deadly mouth. His claws shimmered in the shades of the tree. And his big muscles were clear to see under his short fur.

“Run!” Rainbow Dash yelled. But on that moment, A magical orb appeared and opened a portal. Princess Twilight stood on the other side. “Come in. Quick.” She said.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack doubted for no moment, and jumped into the portal.

The bear wanted to jump behind, but grabbed thin air, when the portal disappeared, right before he touched it.

*****

Rainbow Dash laid on the ground and slowly opened her eyes. Applejack was right next to her. She was shaking as well. “Applejack.” Rainbow Dash whispered. “The bear is gone. We’re safe now.”

Applejack slowly opened her eyes and sighed relieved. “Celestia thanks.” She said. “where are we?”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked around and found themselves on the stage of the stadium. Together with the other two duos.

“And now, here you all are.” Twilight started. She was sitting on her special tribune. “We all teleported you here, because you were in great danger, or completely lost.”

Filthy Rich stepped to the megaphone and interrupted Twilight. “So, in a way, you all lost.”

“But, we can’t send you all back home. We all observed you, and we selected the two best duos.” Twilight continued. “One of you, will have to go home. The others, will go to the finally.”

“Wait…” Rainbow Dash said. “I thought there were five rounds and a finale.”

“True,” Twilight admitted. “But some technical errors occurred. So, Round five will also be the finally.”

“So, the two duos, who goes to the next, and final round are…” Filthy Rich started. “The team of Cloud Kicker and Thunder Rush.”

“And the team of Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Congratulations.” Twilight cheered.

*****

Rainbow Dash and Applejack were back in their room in the hotel. “I can’t believe it. We’re in the finale. So awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed

“Yeah, we’ve got a good chance now.” Applejack said. “Just one more round.”

“Yeah, This will be awesome.” Rainbow Dash said. And she fell on Applejack’s bed. “Wait a second…where am I gonna sleep tonight? My bed was destroyed. Remember?”

Applejack looked around. “You can sleep with me if you want.”

Rainbow Dash’ cheeks heated up. “With you? In one bed?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yeah, why not?” Applejack asked.

“I…nothing. Thanks anyway.” They both laid down, and Applejack switched off the lamp.

“Good Night Rainbow.” Applejack said.

“Good…Night.” Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash was snoozing away, but right before she fell asleep, she shot up, still awake. “That’s it!” She thought by herself. She pondered a bit about her new theory in her head. “It…” she looked at the sleeping Applejack next to her, and couldn’t do else then let out a little “D’aww.” Then she nodded, and laid herself down again. “Finally, I know why…”

Author's Note

again... thank you arishi69 for editing

I've got to admit

Rainbow Dash and Applejack stood on the stage again. The once so open field, changed into a deep valley, with tricky edges, and stiff climbs.

“Dear competitors.” Twilight started her speech again. “As you can see, the landscape changed for the last time. You will have to race through this valley. It will test your guts, speed and strength. The first one who is on the other side wins the price.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash scanned the gorge, and were already looking for the easiest way to go.

“As usual, there are no wings allowed. And to be sure, your wings will be blocked with magic, like yesterday.” Twilight continued. “Good luck, play fair, and have fun.”

“May I ask the duos to go to their starting positions?” Filthy Rich said.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack walked of the stage, and stood still in front of a thick white line. A few feet farther, Thunder Rush and Cloud Kicker did the same.

“Get Ready.” Filthy said. And Twilight cast a spell, so the wings of the three pegasi would be blocked. “Set… GO!”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at each other. “You want to go down to the bottom?” Applejack asked.

“Nah, it takes to long.” Rainbow Dash said. She pointed at a ledge, a bit under the left side of actual edge of the valley. “See, we can walk over that.”

“Are you sure?” Applejack said. “It will be faster, true, but also riskier.”

Rainbow Dash trotted a bit closer to the edge ravine “It’s a risk I want to take.” She turned to her friend. “You’re coming too?”

Applejack looked at the other duo. They were climbing down to the bottom. And slowly nodded. “Let’s do this.”

“Awesome!” Rainbow Dash trotted slowly downward, while she was followed by Applejack. “Watch your steps. The rocks are a bit loose here.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Got it.” Applejack said. And she walked right behind Rainbow.

The climb to the ledge took a bit longer as they hoped so. Rainbow Dash looked at the other duo, and saw that they were running far ahead. “Shoot.” Rainbow Dash cursed. And she turned to Applejack. “We’ve got to hurry. If we’re fast enough, we can overtake them on the other side of the valley.”

“Are you nuts? Ah’m not goin’ to run on this small ledge! Who knows how unstable it is?” Applejack protested, a bit scared.

Rainbow Dash took her friend by her shoulder. “Listen, Twilight is still around. When we fall, she’ll catch us. But we’ve got to take this risk, or else we have nothing!”

Applejack sighed. “Okay!” she yelled. “Okay.”

And together, they ran over the small ledge of the canyon. Rainbow Dash in front. “We’re over taking them.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “We can make it!”

Applejack was still a bit frightened by the unstable rocks. Each step they made, some rocks fall down. “Great. Maybe we can slow down a little now?” she asked.

“Are you kidding?” Rainbow Dash laughed. “Victory was never been so close. If we can hold this for a little longer, then there is no way we lose!”

Applejack sighed. “Okay, but please, tell me you watch your steps.”

“Of course I do.” Rainbow Dash smiled. and she looked at the other duo. “We’re on one line with them now.”

Applejack looked at the other duo too now. “Yeah, I start to belief you now…”

At that moment, Rainbow Dash hind hoof slipped away. “Watch out here, it’s unstable here!” But it was too late. A big part was crumbling down. Rainbow Dash jumped forward to get on a stable spot, and she turned around to check out Applejack.

Applejack’s hind hoofs were hanging over the edge, while she tried to get some grip on the edge.

“Applejack!” Rainbow Dash jumped to her friend in need, and she slid over on her belly to her. The hard rocks hurt her tummy. “I should have thought this through.” She mumbled to herself. She grabbed Applejack’s front hoofs, and pulled her over. But just Dash started to pull, the ledge started to crumble a bit more.

Rainbow Dash held Applejack’s hooves in her front hooves now, while her hind legs, and half her belly were laying on a stable part of the edge now.

“Applejack” Rainbow Dash said with pain in her voice. “Can you hold yourself somewhere? Because there is no way I can pull you up.”

Applejack looked around. “Nothin’ here.” She sighed. Tears formed in her eyes. “Dash, Ah’m a bit scared now…”

“I know. Me too.” Rainbow Dash admitted. She tried to pull Applejack up, but slipped a bit farther in the canyon. “Come on Twilight, where are you!”

“Rainbow…” Applejack started. “I don’t think I can hold it any longer…”

“Just… hold on a sec…” Rainbow Dash said. And an expression of pain showed on her face.

“Dash…” And one hoof slipped away.

“Applejack!” Rainbow Dash yelled. She held Applejack’s hoof in her both hooves now. Dash looked around, searching for help, but nothing could be found.

“Applejack, I’m not somepony who sees the things on a negative way…” Dash started.

“Ah know Dash…” Applejack cried.

“But I’ve got to tell you something.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Tell me, before it’s too late.” Applejack said. And she slipped a bit farther away.

“I… I figured something out yesterday.”

“What?” Applejack looked downward. There was no way she could survive the fall. It was too deep, and the rocks were like sharp spears down there.

“I finally know what makes me compete in this.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Because of a strong desire, you said once.” Applejack said.

“And you know what desire?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The money? So you could join the wonderbolts?” Applejack guessed. She tried to pull herself up, and grab Rainbows hoof, but failed.

“No. You wanna know what keeps me going? It’s not the money, or the adrenaline. It’s the fact that I’m with you, competing with you on my side. I competed with many ponies, but you gave me a special feeling. The feeling that I should improve myself, to get better. I thought it was fear for failing, and being the second best pony in sports.”

Applejacks eyes were wet, and her head turned red. “Dash, what are you trying to say?” She cried.

“I love you Applejack. I really do. I love to compete with you, and to be with you. You gives me the feeling that I must go on. And I’m sorry that I was such a fool who was too blind to see that. But this is new for me too.” Rainbows Eyes were bloodshot red, and filled with tears. “I can’t explain it…”

“Dash…” Applejack whispered. And she locked her gaze, and looked into Rainbow’s eyes. she could see the spark in her eyes. she pulled herself up. She felt stronger now. She grabbed Rainbows hooves with both hooves, and pulled herself up a little. Her face was coming close to Rainbow Dash.

“Applejack…” their lips were really close now. Little teardrops dripped from Rainbows cheek on Applejack’s. But right before their lips met, Applejack slipped away, out of Rainbow’s hooves.

“Applejack!” Rainbow Dash fell all her emotions boiling in her chest. she spread her wings, with all the force she had, and broke the spell. She jumped behind the pony she loved.

Just before Applejack hit the ground, Rainbow Dash grabbed her. She pressed Applejack tight to her chest, and flew straight up.

Applejack hugged Rainbow Dash, and cried in her shoulder. “It’s okay now.” Rainbow Dash comforted. “It’s okay. It’s all over.” And she stroked Applejack’s mane. Dash flew to the closest open spot she could find, and placed Applejack on the ground. They were both shaking off adrenalin and fear.

Once Applejack got everything back under control, she turned to Rainbow Dash. “Do you truly love me?” she asked.

The rainbow maned pegasus nodded slowly. “I guess so. I figured it out yesterday evening. I’m such a fool…”

Applejack placed her hoof on Rainbow Dash’ mouth. “You’re not a fool Dash…” She smiled comfortingly to her friend and brought her mouth closer to Rainbow’s. she kissed her quickly on the cheek, and smiled like a little school filly.

“Do you mean…” Rainbow Dash said with a spark of hope.

“Ah have to admit… you are pretty awesome.” Applejack smiled. “And you saved mah live, so I owe you one. So, I’ll give you a chance.”

Rainbow Dash smiled with all the happiness she had. “Do you mean pretty AND awesome?” she joked.

Applejack giggled and rested her head on Rainbows shoulder. “Mostly pretty…”

The price

It was two months since the incident in Dodge Junction. Because of the accident, Applejack and Rainbow Dash lost the competition. But, As Applejack promised, she gave Rainbow Dash a chance. They started to date, and it all went good. Rainbows newfound feelings got stronger, and slowly but sure, Applejack started to love her cyan friend too.

They decided to live together at the farm. Rainbow Dash sold her house, and with the money, they restored the old barn.

Rainbow Dash was laying on the couch with her favourite Daring Do book, while Applejack laid with her hind hoofs on Rainbows shoulder. Listening to Rainbows story.

“But then, Daring Do took her lasso, and threw it around the ancient artefact, and snapped it away from the evil doctor…” Rainbow Dash got interrupted by a knock on the door. “Were you expecting somepony?” she asked her marefriend.

“No,” Applejack responded. “And it’s pretty late now too.” Rainbow Dash walked to the door and sighed. “I was just getting comfy.” And she opened the door. A lavender alicorn stood in the doorway.

Applejack sat up in the couch, and looked at the pony who got in. “Twilight? What are you doin’ here at this hour?”

“I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t interrupt something?” she blushed.

“No, It’s fine.” Rainbow Dash smiled. “But may I ask why you’re here?”

Twilight took a quill and a scroll from under her wings. “I was bringing these. It’s been two months since the competition, and you still haven’t wrote a letter to princess Celestia.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each other “Right.”

“Dear Princess Celestia.

First of all, our apologies for the delay, but we were distracted by really important things.

Two months ago, we competed together, for a big prize. That didn’t go very smoothly. We argued in the first round. Which almost caused our undoing. But it went better in the second round.

The longer I competed, the more I started to think. And at the end, I realised I wasn’t competing for the money. But for my friend.

I realised what my feelings were. I used to compete with Applejack before. She always gave me a strong feeling. I thought it was fear. Fear for failing, because she’s the only pony who can keep up with me, and understand me.

But after a while, I realised that It was something stronger.

I am so happy to pronounce that we’re living happily together now. Loving and caring each other.

Some ponies said I lost the competition, but if you’d ask me, I won the best price I could ever dream of.

Your loving and faithful subjects

Rainbow Dash and Applejack”

credits

Credits

First of all, I want to thank you, yes you, the reader, to get through this. I know it’s not the best story ever, and you might dislike it, or leave a bad comment. But still I want to thank you to read this.

There are also some people around here who I want to thank.

I thank
- Evia the unicorn
- Com-
- Goldyboi
- RainbowCoolDash
- Chocolate Shadows
- And A follower

To proofread the first three chapters. (I’ll explain it later.)

And I want to thank Arashi69 to edit this mess for me. You should go to his page. He has some stories you can adopt. (for free XD) (Arashi69: SO long as i at least get a little advertising :twilightsheepish: )

So, this was my entry for the third Appledash Competition. And I finished… (I don’t know)

But, let me tell you something.

I heard of this competition, one week after it got announced. And I really wanted to compete. I don’t know why, well… actually I do… but… let’s just say that it felt like destiny.

So I wrote the first chapter, the same evening. But, unfortunately, we went to Hungary for two weeks. And I couldn’t write there. So that took a lot of time away.

After I got back, I still had to sign in for my new school. So, that also took a lot of time. (just two or three days… but still.)

And then I got writers block… it had the shape of a three dimensional rectangle, with a disk in it called ‘Halo combat evolved’ … the original… (I found it on a yard sale. XD) so… bad me… and before I realised, it was the September the 29th, and I had three chapters. Proof read and unedited. So, I hated myself. BUT THEN, October the second… I heard of the extension… I doubted for no minute, and I started to write. No time for proofreaders. But I needed an editor…

I was working on a collab with Arashi69 and I asked him to edit 4400 words, on one day… (I didn’t want to lay pressure on it, but still… I’m a duck) I wrote over 9000 words in four days. Which is much for me. And most of the time I was writing at night. And he edited for me. That’s how you find a true friend.

And now, he edited every chapter. When I send it to him, I get it back in the afternoon (his morning) edited and ready to publish. So… he’s kinda fast… Thanks for that.

Thank you all to read this. I hope you enjoyed it.

Hugs from your friend

Derec mc coy

edit, I know you're thinking 'you're to late for the competition'
my bad.
sorry, I was to lazy to publish the final chapters