Illustrated Shortsby AllonsbroChaptersThe guys have beardsThe ChallengeHello, New Friend!The guys have beards “Hey, Applejack!” The orange mare looked behind her. “Morning, Rainbow. How you feeling?” “Pretty good. I’d be better if the baby would quit treating my bladder like an apple tree,” the cyan pegasus replied as she waddled up the hill to join her friend. “How’s the harvest going?” “Pretty good. I was just taking a quick breather. You sure you should be out and about? It’s an awful long walk to the house.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I swear, AJ, if you go all worried on me, I’ll scream. I get enough of it from Mac.” “All right,” Applejack replied, waving a hoof to placate her friend. “I’m just looking out for my sister-in-law, is all.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “I know, sorry for snapping.” “S’alright. I was a little short-tempered when I had Cobbler, too.” Rainbow watched as her and Applejack’s stallions worked to bring the harvest of apples. Her eyes stayed especially trained on Big Mac. She watched the red stallion kick a tree with one leg, every apple falling into baskets. She imagined what would happen if he used both legs, how those same hooves that held her with such love and care at night could probably snap a tree in half. Applejack gave her an odd look as she shuddered. “Are you all right, sugarcube?” “Yeah,” the pegasus replied dreamily. “You ever notice how awesome Mac’s beard is?” The orange mare glanced at her brother. “Eh, it’s all right. He’s been really busy lately with work and you and the baby.” “I don’t know what it is, but since he started growing it, I just can’t keep my hooves off him, you know?” Applejack grimaced, then translated Rainbow’s point to her husband. “Yeah, I think I get you. I think Soarin’ started growing one because Mac did. I didn’t think I’d like it, but it’s kinda nice. I like how it tickles when he kisses me.” Rainbow sighed. “Oh yeah, me too. Hey do you, uh, think Mac could get a long lunch break?” Applejack shrugged. “I don’t see why- wait…ugh Rainbow! That’s my brother!” “And damn is he hot. Besides, you and Soarin’ can get a long break, too.” The orange mare smiled. “I guess that’d be nice. I’d be a good time to tell him…” The rainbow pegasus’ curiosity was piqued. “Tell him what?” Applejack smiled warmly. “You’re right. I just couldn’t keep my hooves off him with that beard.” Rainbow’s eyes widened. “You mean you’re…” “Shh. I’m not sure yet, but I’ve been feeling sick the past few mornings. Keep it to yourself until I'm sure, all right.” Rainbow nodded excitedly. “Mum’s the word.” “Thanks.” The orange mare glanced around the orchard. “You didn’t see Fluttershy and Braeburn on your way up here, did you? They were supposed to stop by and help.” Rainbow smirked. “They’re probably running late. Braeburn’s been growing a beard, too.” Author's Note A silly idea that popped into my head. Cutie marks courtesy of these fine people: BlackGryph0n, NavitasErusSirus Akara-art on deviantArt Those perfect falling apples courtesy of TheSharp0ne on deviantArt The Challenge “AJ, you home?” Rainbow called out, hobbling in through the side door to the Apple’s dining room. Practice had been a little harder on her that day, leaving her a little worse for wear. Her body sported a number of scrapes and bruises and she had a nasty looking gash on the inside of her left front hoof. The prismatic pegasus glanced around, sighing with relief that no one would see her in such a state. Not that she really cared what she looked like, it was more of a matter of avoiding pesky questions. Rainbow headed straight for the cupboard with the bandages, grabbing the roll in her teeth and promising herself to resupply the Apples later. The fur on the back of her neck bristled when she heard movement behind her. She jumped, whirling around to face the entrance into the living room. She breathed a sigh at the sight of Big Macintosh standing there, his massive form leaving a long shadow from the light in the living room. “Mac!” she exclaimed, “Jeeze, you almost gave me a heart attack!” The red stallion brought a hoof to his lips, then pointed to the room behind him. Rainbow leaned, looking into the living room and only now noticing the sounds of Granny Smith asleep in her rocker. “Sorry,” she apologized. Mac nodded, accepting her apology and moved toward her. Rainbow took a step back out of his way as he reached into the cupboard and pulled out a bottle, holding it out for her to read the label. “What’s this?” She read the label and grimaced. Mac pointed to her leg. “Oh it’s, uh, not that bad. I was just gonna wrap it to stop the bleeding. It’s not even that deep.” Mac gave her a look, one she couldn’t quite place, but one that still made her squirm, like when she’d used to get busted for staying out too late, or breaking something important when she was young. Rainbow sighed. “Mind giving me a hoof?” Taking the bottle, Mac walked to the kitchen table, offering Rainbow the stool next to him. She tenderly held out her hoof and looked away as Mac held a rag under it, preparing to pour the disinfectant. “Ow!” she yelled. Mac cleared his throat and Rainbow looked at her hoof. She blushed, seeing he hadn’t even picked up the bottle yet. “Uh, heh. Sorry. Go ahead.” The red stallion tenderly held her hoof in his right one, pouring a small amount of the disinfectant from the bottle. Rainbow flinched, hissing through her teeth. Mac held her leg a bit more firmly, reminding her to hold still as he cleaned the cut. Removing a strip of bandage from the roll, he began to wrap her hoof. “So, uh, where’s Applejack?” Rainbow asked, deciding to try and start a conversation. She vaguely remembered Scootaloo talking about spending the night with the crusaders. “Is she dropping Apple Bloom off with Scoots and Sweetie Belle?” Mac nodded. “Eeyup.” Rainbow realized that was the first word she’d heard him say since she came in the house. Also that word and its negative counterpart were the only things she ever heard him say. Smirking inwardly, she wondered if she could get him to say something longer than two or three words. “So, how is everybody? Everything going pretty good?” She internally slapped her forehead, already seeing his answer. “Eeyup.” ‘Open-ended questions only, Dash’, she chided herself. “Good. Uh, how about apples? How’s the apple business treating ya?” The stallion merely shrugged, grabbing the end of the bandage with his teeth and pulling it tight. Rainbow winced, though her pride was hurting more than the cut. She decided to try one more time. The stallion finished wrapping her hoof and released it. Rainbow examined his work, giving it an approving smile. “Hey, that’s pretty good. How’d you learn that?” The red stallion gathered up the roll of bandages and the disinfectant. He hesitated in replying, looking Rainbow directly in the eye. “Scouts,” he said simply. He smirked, his eyes twinkling in a knowing way that irked her. The pegasus realized he’d known all along what she was doing. His back turned to her as he got up and went to put the supplies away. Rainbow gave him the stink eye, then sighed in defeat. “OK, ya got me,” she confessed. “But come on, you hardly ever say anything. Can you really blame me?” He didn’t answer, just turned from the cupboard and looked at her across the room. “Come on,” she urged. “I’m curious. Honestly. How come you never say anything?” The stallion smiled, wordlessly conveying his appreciation of her finally being forthcoming with him. “Economics,” he replied. Rainbow blinked. “What?” Mac chuckled. “No, seriously, what?” Rainbow asked, making other sounds of disbelief. Still laughing, the apple farmer moved past her to the door, opening it. “Care to join me for a walk?” he asked. Rainbow’s confusion was all but forgotten. She silently patted herself on the back. “Yeah, sure.” Author's Note Mac's cutie mark courtesy of NavitasErusSirus Rainbow's cutie mark courtesy of BlackGryph0n Background courtesy of BonesWolbach Hello, New Friend!Thistle Whistle, the daughter of Caramel and Sassaflash, hasn't had a very good day so far. Luckily, she's about to make a new friend who will turn her day around. The day had started so well. Thistle Whistle’s father had made her favorite breakfast, packed her a good lunch and kissed her as she left. Her mother had flown her on her way to work, telling her how much she loved her and hugging her before she took off. How could her first day have gone so badly? The young pegasus sat under a tree as far from the others as she could. She watched the other foals as they enjoyed their recess. She could still hear their giggles when she’d introduced herself. “Why do you talk funny?” some had asked. She didn’t think she talked funny. As the day progressed, it had continued. The giggles had been ever-present. Every time she was called on, every time she spoke, they giggled. She didn't like it. She wished they would stop. “Hello!” Thistle Whistle jumped. She'd been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed one of her classmates coming over to her. This fact was made even more surprising given how this particular classmate looked. Her greeter walked on four legs like she did, but his front ones were too long. He stood a bit taller than her and had no mane. His tail, wagging behind him, was long and narrow. He was covered in short, brown hair. “You’re a dog,” she said, surprised. The canine’s yellow eyes lit up, his tail wagging even harder. “Yes!” He exclaimed, his scratchy voice squeaking, making the word sound like a yip. “And you are it!” He reached out and poked her shoulder with his paw and took off running. Thistle Whistle’s first reaction was to flinch. She watched him as he stopped at the bottom of the hill, waiting for her. “Come on!” he shouted excitedly. “You have to chase me!” He jumped back and forth, then tripped over his own paws in his excitement. He didn't seem to care, and just rolled in the grass until he managed to get up. The pup’s excitement was contagious, and Thistle Whistle found herself smiling. He had righted himself, and got down low, his front paws stretched out in front of him. His tail stuck up in the air, bobbing back and forth like it was trying to get away from him. “Chase me!” He repeated. “Chasemechasemechaseme!” Thistle Whistle couldn’t help herself. He looked so silly, she burst out laughing. He saw her laughing and cocked his head, looking curiously at her. “That’s not how you play tag.” She laughed even harder, then started after him. Her new playmate grinned, running ahead on his long legs. The pegasus leapt when she was halfway down the hill, opening her wings and gliding. She gained a lot of ground and managed to catch him. The dog ground to a halt, leaving skid marks in the grass. “OK, I am it,” he said. “You’re good at tag. What’s your name?” “I’m Thistle Whistle,” she replied softly. Oops. It happened again. The little whistle when she talked that had made so many classmates laugh at her. Now he would laugh at her too. “I’m Bo!” he replied, crouching down to ready himself. “I’m very fast.” She was so surprised that he didn’t laugh that she almost forgot to run. The pegasus galloped away as the puppy gave chase, happy to have found a new friend.
The guys have beards “Hey, Applejack!” The orange mare looked behind her. “Morning, Rainbow. How you feeling?” “Pretty good. I’d be better if the baby would quit treating my bladder like an apple tree,” the cyan pegasus replied as she waddled up the hill to join her friend. “How’s the harvest going?” “Pretty good. I was just taking a quick breather. You sure you should be out and about? It’s an awful long walk to the house.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I swear, AJ, if you go all worried on me, I’ll scream. I get enough of it from Mac.” “All right,” Applejack replied, waving a hoof to placate her friend. “I’m just looking out for my sister-in-law, is all.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “I know, sorry for snapping.” “S’alright. I was a little short-tempered when I had Cobbler, too.” Rainbow watched as her and Applejack’s stallions worked to bring the harvest of apples. Her eyes stayed especially trained on Big Mac. She watched the red stallion kick a tree with one leg, every apple falling into baskets. She imagined what would happen if he used both legs, how those same hooves that held her with such love and care at night could probably snap a tree in half. Applejack gave her an odd look as she shuddered. “Are you all right, sugarcube?” “Yeah,” the pegasus replied dreamily. “You ever notice how awesome Mac’s beard is?” The orange mare glanced at her brother. “Eh, it’s all right. He’s been really busy lately with work and you and the baby.” “I don’t know what it is, but since he started growing it, I just can’t keep my hooves off him, you know?” Applejack grimaced, then translated Rainbow’s point to her husband. “Yeah, I think I get you. I think Soarin’ started growing one because Mac did. I didn’t think I’d like it, but it’s kinda nice. I like how it tickles when he kisses me.” Rainbow sighed. “Oh yeah, me too. Hey do you, uh, think Mac could get a long lunch break?” Applejack shrugged. “I don’t see why- wait…ugh Rainbow! That’s my brother!” “And damn is he hot. Besides, you and Soarin’ can get a long break, too.” The orange mare smiled. “I guess that’d be nice. I’d be a good time to tell him…” The rainbow pegasus’ curiosity was piqued. “Tell him what?” Applejack smiled warmly. “You’re right. I just couldn’t keep my hooves off him with that beard.” Rainbow’s eyes widened. “You mean you’re…” “Shh. I’m not sure yet, but I’ve been feeling sick the past few mornings. Keep it to yourself until I'm sure, all right.” Rainbow nodded excitedly. “Mum’s the word.” “Thanks.” The orange mare glanced around the orchard. “You didn’t see Fluttershy and Braeburn on your way up here, did you? They were supposed to stop by and help.” Rainbow smirked. “They’re probably running late. Braeburn’s been growing a beard, too.” Author's Note A silly idea that popped into my head. Cutie marks courtesy of these fine people: BlackGryph0n, NavitasErusSirus Akara-art on deviantArt Those perfect falling apples courtesy of TheSharp0ne on deviantArt
The Challenge “AJ, you home?” Rainbow called out, hobbling in through the side door to the Apple’s dining room. Practice had been a little harder on her that day, leaving her a little worse for wear. Her body sported a number of scrapes and bruises and she had a nasty looking gash on the inside of her left front hoof. The prismatic pegasus glanced around, sighing with relief that no one would see her in such a state. Not that she really cared what she looked like, it was more of a matter of avoiding pesky questions. Rainbow headed straight for the cupboard with the bandages, grabbing the roll in her teeth and promising herself to resupply the Apples later. The fur on the back of her neck bristled when she heard movement behind her. She jumped, whirling around to face the entrance into the living room. She breathed a sigh at the sight of Big Macintosh standing there, his massive form leaving a long shadow from the light in the living room. “Mac!” she exclaimed, “Jeeze, you almost gave me a heart attack!” The red stallion brought a hoof to his lips, then pointed to the room behind him. Rainbow leaned, looking into the living room and only now noticing the sounds of Granny Smith asleep in her rocker. “Sorry,” she apologized. Mac nodded, accepting her apology and moved toward her. Rainbow took a step back out of his way as he reached into the cupboard and pulled out a bottle, holding it out for her to read the label. “What’s this?” She read the label and grimaced. Mac pointed to her leg. “Oh it’s, uh, not that bad. I was just gonna wrap it to stop the bleeding. It’s not even that deep.” Mac gave her a look, one she couldn’t quite place, but one that still made her squirm, like when she’d used to get busted for staying out too late, or breaking something important when she was young. Rainbow sighed. “Mind giving me a hoof?” Taking the bottle, Mac walked to the kitchen table, offering Rainbow the stool next to him. She tenderly held out her hoof and looked away as Mac held a rag under it, preparing to pour the disinfectant. “Ow!” she yelled. Mac cleared his throat and Rainbow looked at her hoof. She blushed, seeing he hadn’t even picked up the bottle yet. “Uh, heh. Sorry. Go ahead.” The red stallion tenderly held her hoof in his right one, pouring a small amount of the disinfectant from the bottle. Rainbow flinched, hissing through her teeth. Mac held her leg a bit more firmly, reminding her to hold still as he cleaned the cut. Removing a strip of bandage from the roll, he began to wrap her hoof. “So, uh, where’s Applejack?” Rainbow asked, deciding to try and start a conversation. She vaguely remembered Scootaloo talking about spending the night with the crusaders. “Is she dropping Apple Bloom off with Scoots and Sweetie Belle?” Mac nodded. “Eeyup.” Rainbow realized that was the first word she’d heard him say since she came in the house. Also that word and its negative counterpart were the only things she ever heard him say. Smirking inwardly, she wondered if she could get him to say something longer than two or three words. “So, how is everybody? Everything going pretty good?” She internally slapped her forehead, already seeing his answer. “Eeyup.” ‘Open-ended questions only, Dash’, she chided herself. “Good. Uh, how about apples? How’s the apple business treating ya?” The stallion merely shrugged, grabbing the end of the bandage with his teeth and pulling it tight. Rainbow winced, though her pride was hurting more than the cut. She decided to try one more time. The stallion finished wrapping her hoof and released it. Rainbow examined his work, giving it an approving smile. “Hey, that’s pretty good. How’d you learn that?” The red stallion gathered up the roll of bandages and the disinfectant. He hesitated in replying, looking Rainbow directly in the eye. “Scouts,” he said simply. He smirked, his eyes twinkling in a knowing way that irked her. The pegasus realized he’d known all along what she was doing. His back turned to her as he got up and went to put the supplies away. Rainbow gave him the stink eye, then sighed in defeat. “OK, ya got me,” she confessed. “But come on, you hardly ever say anything. Can you really blame me?” He didn’t answer, just turned from the cupboard and looked at her across the room. “Come on,” she urged. “I’m curious. Honestly. How come you never say anything?” The stallion smiled, wordlessly conveying his appreciation of her finally being forthcoming with him. “Economics,” he replied. Rainbow blinked. “What?” Mac chuckled. “No, seriously, what?” Rainbow asked, making other sounds of disbelief. Still laughing, the apple farmer moved past her to the door, opening it. “Care to join me for a walk?” he asked. Rainbow’s confusion was all but forgotten. She silently patted herself on the back. “Yeah, sure.” Author's Note Mac's cutie mark courtesy of NavitasErusSirus Rainbow's cutie mark courtesy of BlackGryph0n Background courtesy of BonesWolbach
Hello, New Friend!Thistle Whistle, the daughter of Caramel and Sassaflash, hasn't had a very good day so far. Luckily, she's about to make a new friend who will turn her day around. The day had started so well. Thistle Whistle’s father had made her favorite breakfast, packed her a good lunch and kissed her as she left. Her mother had flown her on her way to work, telling her how much she loved her and hugging her before she took off. How could her first day have gone so badly? The young pegasus sat under a tree as far from the others as she could. She watched the other foals as they enjoyed their recess. She could still hear their giggles when she’d introduced herself. “Why do you talk funny?” some had asked. She didn’t think she talked funny. As the day progressed, it had continued. The giggles had been ever-present. Every time she was called on, every time she spoke, they giggled. She didn't like it. She wished they would stop. “Hello!” Thistle Whistle jumped. She'd been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed one of her classmates coming over to her. This fact was made even more surprising given how this particular classmate looked. Her greeter walked on four legs like she did, but his front ones were too long. He stood a bit taller than her and had no mane. His tail, wagging behind him, was long and narrow. He was covered in short, brown hair. “You’re a dog,” she said, surprised. The canine’s yellow eyes lit up, his tail wagging even harder. “Yes!” He exclaimed, his scratchy voice squeaking, making the word sound like a yip. “And you are it!” He reached out and poked her shoulder with his paw and took off running. Thistle Whistle’s first reaction was to flinch. She watched him as he stopped at the bottom of the hill, waiting for her. “Come on!” he shouted excitedly. “You have to chase me!” He jumped back and forth, then tripped over his own paws in his excitement. He didn't seem to care, and just rolled in the grass until he managed to get up. The pup’s excitement was contagious, and Thistle Whistle found herself smiling. He had righted himself, and got down low, his front paws stretched out in front of him. His tail stuck up in the air, bobbing back and forth like it was trying to get away from him. “Chase me!” He repeated. “Chasemechasemechaseme!” Thistle Whistle couldn’t help herself. He looked so silly, she burst out laughing. He saw her laughing and cocked his head, looking curiously at her. “That’s not how you play tag.” She laughed even harder, then started after him. Her new playmate grinned, running ahead on his long legs. The pegasus leapt when she was halfway down the hill, opening her wings and gliding. She gained a lot of ground and managed to catch him. The dog ground to a halt, leaving skid marks in the grass. “OK, I am it,” he said. “You’re good at tag. What’s your name?” “I’m Thistle Whistle,” she replied softly. Oops. It happened again. The little whistle when she talked that had made so many classmates laugh at her. Now he would laugh at her too. “I’m Bo!” he replied, crouching down to ready himself. “I’m very fast.” She was so surprised that he didn’t laugh that she almost forgot to run. The pegasus galloped away as the puppy gave chase, happy to have found a new friend.
