From Equestria and Beyond

by Bulbasaur

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Romance
Length: 5785

Applejack and Rainbow Dash expore Equestria together, armed with a guitar and some flasks of whiskey.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash go on vacation together. However, they get just a bit more than they bargained for when disaster strikes.

Perhaps, this could be an opportunity, to explore their land, the past, and their future together.

Submitted for the 4th Appledash contest, on the topics of "A Place Outside Ponyville" and "Exploring the Past".

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-01-16 01:26:18 UTC

Ponyville

"Hey AJ!" Dash called from above as the farmpony finished ploughing a field of carrots. It was the end of the day, and the Sun was slowly sinking beneath the horizon, hues of red and orange painting the sky.

AJ grunted in mild annoyance. "What brings you here, partner? Ain't you got clouds to manage or birds to catch?"

"Nah," said Dash, landing gently beside AJ. "I'm here to say that I'm off weather duty for a month, starting next Thursday. So if something goes wrong, don't bother lassoing me out of bed. Bother Thunderlane instead."

"Thanks, pard," drawled Applejack.

"So..." said Rainbow. "What're you doing now?" A pause. "I've always wondered what you farmers do come Winter," she quickly amended.

"Well, I'm just wrapping up the season, canning an' preserving, and all that, but after that, not much, really," admitted Applejack. "I mainly just crunch numbers and whatnot. Some winter crops, but not many, and those just take care of themselves, mostly."

"Oh. Then what do you do to pass the time, then? Card games?"

"Naw. We just spend time with our friends and family."

Rainbow perked up. "Well, hey, AJ. I was meaning to ask ya. I'm going on a vacation in the Pegasus Southlands and could really use a friend to spend it with. I'm staying in a resort; you could stay in my room. Wanna come? I mean, if you don't have anything else to do, or something..."

"Whoa, there, pard. That's a lot to take in at once. How 'bout ya come back here in the morning, after I've had some time to sleep on it?"

"Cool." Rainbow flared her wings and gave a couple of test flaps. "See ya later, AJ!"

"You too, partner."Applejack tipped her hat, then, after a brief momet of consideration, went back to work.

It was early in the morning when Rainbow Dash knocked on Sweet Apple Acres' door. She fidgeted to the left and right at length until she was greeted by a stocky red stallion. "Mornin', Dash. We're just havin' breakfast 'round here. Care to join us?"

"Sure," she said. She flew in, and Big Mac closed the door behind her.

A warm scene greeted her. A convival atmosphere filled the room, with Granny Smith in the kitchen preparing the last of the breakfast. Applejack and Apple Bloom were having a conversation, but upon noticing Dash's arrival, AJ beckoned.

"Heya, Dash. You're up early today. Here, take a seat and let me go fetch you something to drink." She got up before Dash could protest.

"Thanks," said Dash, as she settled in her seat, shifting around a bit. She turned and grinned to the rest of the family, then coughed into her hoof.

Luckily, AJ soon came back with a mug of hot mulled apple juice. "Here ya go, pardner. Drink up."

As Dash did so, she looked around the room. The walls were adorned with family memorabilia, little trophies, class pictures, and portraits, seemingly from time immemorial. The worn, cozy chairs and tables looked like they belonged to a different era. Indeed, the whole place looked like an anachronism, except it was very much functional, very much comfortable, and very much alive. The low background noise from the kitchen filled out the cozy ambiance comfortably.

When Dash finished her mug, AJ said, "So, what brings ya here so bright and early?"

"Well, er... have you made your decision yet?"

AJ blinked. "Come again?"

"Do you wanna come with me?"

"Oh! Well shoot, Dash, you sure are excited for the trip. I'd love to go with ya, just lemme know when. Here, have some fruit." Applejack tossed Dash an apple which she eagerly bit into.

When Dash was done, she got up and said, "I'd love to stay longer, but the sky's calling me. I'll let you know the details, alright?"

Applejack chuckled. "Sure, pard. See ya 'round."

She saw Rainbow Dash out the door and into the sky.

En Route

"Hey AJ! Ready for the big trip?" Dash called from outside Applejack's window. A patchy fog surrounded the atmosphere. The air was chill, and dew covered the ground. The Sun was just peeking over the horizon, letting a few rays warm the surface.

Applejack opened the window a bit, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Just give me a few minutes to prepare, and I'll be right out."

Rainbow Dash nodded. "I'm just gonna warm up, then. See ya!" She zipped off into the distance.

True to her word, Applejack came outside just a few minutes later. "Ready, pard?" she said.

"Here!" called Dash, landing right beside her. "All packed up? Forgetting anything? D'you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, --"

"Yup, I'm ready. Let's go!" She climbed onto Dash's back. "Giddyup!"

Rainbow Dash shot a sidelong glare at her, but got off to a gallop, and was soon in the air.

"So..." said Applejack. "How long will it take to get there?" They were above the clouds now, and the undercast was tinged red in the morning Sun. Rainbow Dash was gliding leisurely to the South. The flight was smooth, and Applejack couldn't help but admire Dash's technical prowess. However, she wasn't going to be staying in the sky any longer than she had to.

While flying wasn't a new experience for Applejack -- she had ridden Dash some times before -- it was only for brief periods of time, and always below cloud level. So naturally, she was a bit unsure and queasy.

"We should get there before sunset!" Upon noticing AJ's little shudder, she asked, "Not used to long distance flying?"

"Um-hmm."

They flew on for some time.

"What do ya usually do on long-distance flights anyway? Don't you get bored?"

"Well, I try flying backwards, loops, all that sweet stuff. Wanna try?" she asked with a smirk.

"I'll pass."

Dash felt Applejack shifting on her back. "What're ya doin'?"

"I have an idea how we can pass the time. You know any tunes?"

"You... brought a record player? AJ, are you out of your mind? How'd you even put that in your saddlebags?"

"Hush." She strummed a chord, and then began to sing.

Equestria, the land I love

A land of harmony.

Our flag does wave from high above

For ponykind to see.

Equestria, a land of friends,

Where ponykind do roam --

They say true friendship never ends.

Equestria, my home

"Not as good as the Countess, but still pretty good." Dash snickered. "Lemme try."

"Why don't ya focus on your flyin'. You can pick the next song if ya want."

Below them, the clouds gradually cleared up. Forest, little by little, gave way to desert.

"Hold on, Dash. Am I seeing this correctly?" Applejack squinted into the distance.

"What?"

"Is that... a signpost? Over there?" She pointed to a small sign made of cloudstuff planted on a wispy cloud.

Dash chuckled. "Oh, yeah. Those. Sometimes, you can't reorient from the ground, so these give you directions in a pinch. Pretty handy. You'll see 'em on the big pegasus flying routes." She veered right, in the direction of Stratopolis, if the sign could be trusted.

Applejack stared at her. "Pegasus... flying routes? You mean you don't just flap around wherever you want?" As soon as the question left her mouth, she felt a little bit stupid.

"No! Sometimes, pegasi can be very efficient!"

"I'm sure," said Applejack. "Anyway, are we gonna stop for lunch, or am I gonna have to hope you don't collapse and crash on me?"

"If you want." Dash scanned the area for clouds. "Where do you want to land?"

"It all looks like sand and shrubs to me, really."

"Yeah, yeah. Hold tight!" Dash angled her descent and spiraled to the ground, landing gently in just a couple of minutes.

Applejack hopped off of her, and Dash stretched and flared her wings before tucking them in place. "You pack anything to eat?"

"Yup," said Applejack. "Some hay sandwiches and apples."

Dash stuck her tongue out. "Do you guys eat that every day?"

"Pretty much," admitted Applejack.

"I've got to show you some pegasus cuisine before we leave." That notwithstanding, Dash took a sandwich as well as a flask from AJ's bag.

"Whoa, sweet! Is this what I think it is?" Dash started to twist off the top, but Applejack stopped her.

"Now, now, Dash. This stuff's a mite stronger than cider, and you're gonna be flying and orienting. We'll have some once we get there."

"You know there's free drinks there, right?" Dash asked incredulously.

"Come again?"

"Free drinks. The place is all-inclusive. You should save this stuff for Ponyville."

"Oh," intoned Applejack. "Well. It's nothing special, really. Just whiskey. I'm sure there's better there."

When they'd finished their sandwiches, they lied down. The Sun shone bright, and there was nary a cloud in the sky.

Within minutes, Dash was about to fall asleep. Applejack prodded her. "Dash? Remember? You can't be dozing off if we're to make it by nightfall."

Dash got up, shook herself, and stretched. "We'll be back in the sky in just a few minutes!

"We're gonna need to go higher up to cross those mountains. Is that fine with you?"

Applejack nodded. "Yup".  Up ahead, the desert gave way to mountains. Below the pair, foothill upon foothill passed by, like waves on the sea. They had just passed a signpost advising fliers to attain an altitude of 750 mb, and Dash, for once, took the advice.

Gradually, they ascended aloft, until Dash said, "Hang on tight! There's a lot of turbulence and waves that comes with mountains. And you sure -- whoa!"

"Dash! What in tarnation?!" Applejack held on tight, but couldn't help but spare a glance at the ground far, far below. She tightened her grip on the harness and leaned into Dash's mane.

"Sorry! As I was saying... waves. Yeah." Dash shot back a sheepish grin.

AJ glared at her crossly for a bit before she laughed it off. " 'Sokay, Dash, you couldn't have known. Besides, whatever keeps me up, eh?" She looked to the ground a second time. For Applejack, this was the first time she felt so... ungrounded. She considered herself relatively down-to-Earth, so to speak, and hadn't really been interested in the sky until now. But as she looked around at the vast amounts of empty space all around and above her, she couldn't help but admire the freedom afforded to pegasi. Although she still felt unrooted, she felt, in a way, calm, content, even, in a word, carefree.

And she could respect that, enjoy it, even, if just for this brief day.

Looking down at the snow-capped peaks, Applejack turned inward in introspection. Don't the peaks ever get lonely? What would she do? Was she going to be a farmer forever? Was she doomed to stay single? How would she cope?

Further thought revealed no answer. Instead, she contented herself with enjoying the flight in the knowledge that she had a couple of weeks of relaxation down South.

Seabreeze

The Sun had almost set by the time the two landed in front of the resort.

"Made it!" said Dash with a grin. "I'll get us checked in."

Applejack looked around. A vast, open lobby showed some ponies milling about and chatting. Palm trees lined the entrance (Is it even warm enough for 'em to grow here? she thought), and the name of the resort, Seabreeze Sunshine, was plastered on to an enormous sign.

Walking in, she saw a few ponies milling about, but most were further ahead, on the beach, enjoying whatever last rays of sunshine the day would give them. She walked up to Dash just as she finished checking in.

"Here," said Rainbow Dash, handing her a bracelet. "Put this on your hoof."

"What's it for?" she asked as she tied it around her hoof.

"Free food! Duh."

"Ah, pardon me."

"Here, follow me." Dash led Applejack to a room near the edge of the resort. Upon arriving, Applejack shrugged off her saddlebags into a corner, as did Dash.

"I don't know about you, but I'm starving!" said Applejack. "Maybe we could grab a bite to eat somewhere?"

"Sure thing!"

"What is that?" Applejack said as Dash put something on her plate. They were in the spacious buffet hall, so close to the ocean they could smell the salt.

"Hey, when in Pone, do as the Ponans," said Dash. "This is traditional pegasus food! You're in the Pegasus Southlands, might as well try some, eh?"

There was nothing Applejack could say as Dash put another generous portion on her plate.

They found a table and got eating. "How is it?" asked Dash.

"Not bad," said Applejack between bites. "You still haven't told me what is yet, though."

"Oh," said Dash. "It's fermented something or another. Like sauerkraut, or something, except it's another vegetable."

"Well, it's real good. Thanks for sharing."

"Heh, well, I mean, you share your cider with me, so it's only fair."

"Any plans for this evening?"

"Get shit-faced drunk. Wanna join me?"

"I don't see why not." A pause for consideration. Then, "Bet you can't outdrink me!"

"I wouldn't be saying something so rash if I were you, AJ!"

"Is that Rainbow Dash backing out from a challenge I see?"

"You're on!"

Hic. "Guess you beat me this time," mumbled Dash, as she saw she was two mugs of cider behind. On their table were several empty mugs of cider.

"Wow, Dash! That was even worse than your last showing!" said Applejack as she sipped at her cider.

"Shaddup, AJ," said Dash. "I" *hic *"I'm gonna beat you next time."

"Sure,"  said AJ. "Just don't die on me, pardner." She let out a blech.

"Wanna go to the club tonight?"

"Excuse me?"

"You know. Clubbin'. Or another kind of club, that's fine too." She winked at Applejack.

"I'm not feelin' it tonight, sugarcube." Or probably ever.

"Mmmmokay, that's cool too." Dash yawned. "Wanna head back to our room?"

"Sounds good."

"Hey Dash?" Applejack asked, as they approached their room. Applejack was supporting Dash's unsteady gait, and she had to admit that she was finding it hard to focus as well.

" 'Sup, AJ?"

"There's only one bed in the room. How're we gonna deal with that?"

"Ah." Dash unfurled her wings. "Just give me a moment." She zoomed off unsteadily before Applejack could stop her.

She was soon back, with a big lump of cloudstuff between her hooves. "Cumulus. Hard to find at night, but the comfiest of all."

Applejack looked at the cloud. "That's stratus, Dash."

Dash looked at it. "Yeah. Whatever. Here, could you open the door?"

Applejack obliged.

"You should shower first, Dash," Applejack said, once Dash had finished making her bed. You're more drunk than I am.

*Hic* "Sure."

As Applejack sat on her bed waiting for her turn in the shower, she sort of, just sort of, regretted not going clubbing that night. Sure, she hated the crowds and the "music", but it seemed like that was where all her friends went to have fun and possibly score someone. Maybe I should throw myself out there some more before I end up a spinster.

Before she could further bury herself in that thought, Dash came out of the shower. "Yer turn," she said as she dripped onto the floor before plopping herself on her cloud bed.

Applejack rolled her eyes as she walked into the shower. "Geez, why are you pegasus types always so wet?" She immediately blushed as Dash let out a snicker. As she let the hot water wash over her body, Applejack relaxed. She quickly washed up and dried off, hoping to get to sleep soon.

When she walked out of the shower, she saw Rainbow Dash still very much awake.

"What's up?" asked Applejack.

"Just thinking about things," replied Rainbow Dash.

"That's strange. You're not normally that type." Applejack walked up to the edge of the bed. "Anything you wanna say, sugarcube?"

"Nothing..." said Dash. She fidgeted around in her bed while Applejack stood patiently by.

"Well... fine..." she started again after a while. "Applejack, you're always so --" *hic* "so understanding and unwavering, and, just awesome in general. Wanna try --" *hic* " -- going out once we get back to Ponyville?"

Applejack hesitated only a moment before saying, "I don't think a try would hurt, would it?"

Rainbow Dash perked up immediately. "Really? You're willing to be my marefriend?"

Applejack chuckled. "Sure, Dash. I'll be your marefriend."

Rainbow leapt out of her bed and hugged Applejack, a gesture which Applejack gladly accepted and returned.

"Rise and shine!" sang Applejack as she shook the still-sleeping pegasus. "It's a new day."

Rainbow Dash groaned. "Not so loud, please," she whispered.

Applejack raised an eyebrow at that. "Lemme get you some water, sugar," she whispered. She went to the faucet to retrieve a cup of water and gave it to Dash.

She drank it quickly, then settled back into her bed. "Just give me ten more minutes, alright? I think I'll be better then."

"Okay, then. I'll reserve some seats by the beach. Come down when you're ready."

"Hey Dash," called Applejack. She was sitting in the relatively quiet dining hall. "Here's some food I got ya." She motioned to a plate full of fruits and a glass of milk. "You feeling alright?"

"Heh. I'm okay." As Dash took some bites from the food, she said, "You know, I normally don't eat breakfast."

"Huh, really? Knowing you, it shouldn't surprise me."

Dash finished her food in record time. "Come on, let's soak up some rays and catch some waves."

"Hey girl," said Dash. "You're looking pretty hot tonight." The two were sitting at a fairly crowded bar, the conversation around them far overpowering the music, and Dash was directing her attention at the mare sitting beside her.

"Rainbow Dash! What in tarnation are you thinking?!" asked Applejack.

"Just trying to net us a cute mare for tonight," said Dash with a grin.

"We need to talk. Outside. Now."

"Sorry!" Dash said to the subject of her ministrations as she was dragged off by an apoplectic Applejack.

"What makes you think I'm that kind of mare?" asked Applejack.

"I... you're not?"

"No! And I would thank you to refrain from implying that I am."

"I'm sorry..."

"Heck, we haven't even done anything yet, and you're already fixin' t'chase two tails at once?"

"A mare can always dream, right?"

"Well, let's keep those dreams dreams, okay?" Applejack's voice softened a bit. She knew that Dash meant no harm, and that she would never attempt something like this again. "Anyway, I think we'd best head back to our room now. Is that okay?"

"Yeah..." Dash dipped her head in deference. "I'm sorry."

Applejack nuzzled her. "I forgive you."

They spent the rest of the evening quietly making conversation. When the time came to go to sleep, they kissed each other good-night.

"Did you feel that?" asked Applejack. She was relaxing on her beach chair when she felt a little tremor.

"Yeah, I -- whoa!" The whole ground was shaking, and nowhere was that more evident than in the pools in front of them, where water sloshed up and down and left and right. The soda she was sipping on on the table fell off.

Just as quickly as it began, it was over. Nobody appeared to be hurt. But then several pegasi yelled, "Get to higher ground!"

Applejack glanced at Dash, but she was already zipping to their room. Applejack galloped after her. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"They think there might be a tsunami coming in a bit," said one stallion galloping past her. Applejack's eyes widened in comprehension, and she stayed rooted in place, until Dash flew out with their saddlebags.

"Hurry!" she said. "We need to move as far as we can."

When they reached the Seabreeze town square, huddled with a mass of other ponies, they waited, in each other's hooves, uncertain of the rest of their vacation.

"What do we do if the tsunami destroys the place?" asked Dash.

"I dunno... do you think that's likely?"

"Nah," said Dash. "But just in case?"

"Hmm, maybe we should just wait and see."

"Okay, then."

The wave broke two hours later. Many ponies were about to give up on waiting, judging there to be no tsunami after all, but the resulting wave, several meters tall, crashed violently into the resort. And while they could conceivably fix the place, the water damage was too severe for anyone to stay in the near future.

"Well, then," said Dash. "What are we gonna do?"

"How about... how about we take a road trip back?" asked Applejack.

"A road trip?" asked Dash.

"Yeah! Like walking back to Ponyville. How does that sound?"

"I... Hmm."

"Well, I don't know how else we're gonna spend our vacation, sugar."

"In that case, then, sure!" Dash flapped her wings a couple of times. "How could I say no to a road trip with my marefriend? You get whatever you think you'll need, and I'll go look for a road map. Meet me back here in an hour?"

"Sure thing, sugarcube."

We travel the road of generations,

Joined by a common bond;

We sing our song 'cross the pony nation,

From Equestria and beyond.

We're Apples forever, Apples together:

We're family, but so much more.

No matter what comes, we will face the weather:

We're Apples to the core

Wispville

It was the following day, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash had made good progress on their trip. "Bienvenue à Wispville," proclaimed the sign. "5 kilomètres au centre-ville; montez jusqu'au 600 hPa pour la ville aérienne" read a plaque beneath it.

"What in tarnation does that mean?" asked Applejack. " Is that French?"

"Yup!" confirmed Rainbow Dash. "We're in the French part of the Southlands. Luckily for you, I learned that in school."

"Huh. Did you have to?"

"Yup. Now, give me your guitar. I wanna sing something."

Applejack chuckled. "Only if it's in French. Don't want to mark us as outsiders, after all."

Dash rolled her eyes. "Fine."

"So... how did this area become French?" asked Applejack. "I mean, when the rest of the country is English, and whatnot."

"I think we learned that in history class, at one point. Pegasus migration, or whatnot."

"Pegasus migration?"

"Yeah, I'm not too sure on the details. They taught it, but I really doubt anyone remembers."

"Huh. Well then, I guess I'll have to read about it when I have time."

"Mm, sounds like a good plan," said Dash. She yawned. "Anyway, it's been quite the long day, so I think I'm gonna get some shut-eye. Bonne nuit!"

"Night," said Applejack, curling up beside her.

V'là l'bon vent, v'là l'joli vent,

V'là l'bon vent -- ma mie m'appelle

V'là l'bon vent, v'là l'joli vent,

V'là l'bon vent -- ma mie m'attend

The Southern Mountains

"Wow," said Applejack, as she surveyed the mountains in front of her. They rose up high into the sky, nearly, she would swear, as high as Stratopolis. Their peaks were tipped with snow, their sides heavily forested. A lone road wandered into their midst.

"We have to cross that?" asked Dash.

"Ayep. Looked easier from above, I can tell ya that."

"No kidding."

"Welp. Ready, partner?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

The pair trekked the entire day on the valley's rough trail beside the river. Taking only occasional breaks, they reached a small village before nightfall.

"Ya think this one's got an inn?" asked AJ.

"I dunno. Can't be too many ponies passing by, though."

"I guess you're right."

The village was bustling for a small place in the middle of nowhere. Many of the ponies they saw were loggers, although...

"Hold on, Dash. Is that... it is! Uncle Strudel!" called Applejack.

"Why... Applejack? What are you doing around here?" Strudel ran forward and embraced Applejack into a hug.

"It's a long story, one I'd be more than willing to share. But the short version of it is, we need a place to stay tonight. Do you have one?"

"Of course! Here, come with me."

"So, I was wondering." Dash sipped on some cider that Apple Strudel had poured her. "On the map we have, there's a bunch of towns that don't exist anymore. And some Earth pony settlements it seems like were abandoned quite long ago, for seemingly no reason. Could you know why?"

Strudel nodded. "Yup. Has to do with the pegasus migration."

"What's that?" asked Applejack.

"Well, just a hundred years ago, some French-speaking pegasi migrated to Equestria because of famine and war in their old country. So they were granted residence in the Central part of Equestria, in the hopes that they would cultivate the land there. You see, back then, Central Equestria was mostly forest. With pegasi working the soil, Equestria could prosper. And no one had any problems with that.

"Eventually, though, the pegasi wanted access to the better land down South. And who could stop them? But back in those times, many Earth ponies had a deep hatred of pegasi. So instead of working together and sharing their resources, ponies just... left. Sometimes, whole communities just up and went." He paused. "Ponyville, for example. Although now it's forgotten its past, Ponyville used to be a community right in the Southlands."

"That's it?" asked Applejack.

"Yup." Apple Strudel nodded.

Rainbow Dash cocked her head. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."

"Rainbow Dash!" admonished Applejack.

"It is stupid, though," said Apple Strudel. "And strange. But true."

They sipped at their ciders, until, at length, they went to sleep.

Almost heaven, West Virginia,

Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.

Life is old there, older than the trees,

Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze.

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong.

West Virginia, mountain mamma,

Take me home, country roads.

The Desert

The little-used road ran straight as an arrow through the Appleloosan Desert. The air was chill this time of year, and there was some snow on the ground. The vast open expanse, in tandem with the biting wind, created snow dunes on either side of the road. The next city was Appleloosa. They would have to hurry if they were going to make it by nightfall.

The sun was blocked by overcast, but it still provided some diffuse light around them.

The two huddled together for warmth. The snow crunched beneath their hooves. A gust of wind kicked up some snow from the ground. Still they trodded forth.

Eventually, the clouds above broke, and a few beams of light reached the ground, almost blindingly bright. From the red colour, Applejack could tell it was almost dusk.

The two trod ever forward, together, on the never-ending road.

This land is your land, this land is my land:

From Fillydelphia to Manehattan Island

From the E'erfree Forest to the Southland waters

This land was made for you and me.

As I was walking that ribbon of highway

I saw above me that endless skyway

I saw below me that golden valley

This land was made for you and me.

I roamed and I rambled and I followed my footsteps

To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts

While all around me a voice was sounding

This land was made for you and me.

Well, the sun came shining, and I was strolling

And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling

A voice was chanting, As the fog was lifting,

This land was made for you and me.

This land is your land, this land is my land:

From Fillydelphia to Manehattan Island

From the E'erfree Forest to the Southland waters

This land was made for you and me.

Ponyville

"So, AJ. You enjoy the road trip?" asked Dash. They were almost at the city limits of Ponyville.

"Sure did, pard!"

"Wanna do it again sometime?"

"Sure, sugar, but next time, maybe somewhere else?"

"Where do you have in mind?"

"Mm, the North sounds nice."

"The North it is, then!"

They duo finally reached the sign reading, "Welcome to Ponyville." Just before entering, Applejack hesitated for a moment. "Ready to go back home?" she asked.

"Ready," said Dash. She leaned in for a kiss, and Applejack happily obliged.

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts.

As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart.

Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few;

Laughter and singing will see us through.

We are a circle of pony friends;

A circle of friends we'll be to the very end.

Equestria Route 75

The straight gravel road, going to Canterlot, was Dash's choice for the road trip. "This wagon road," she read from the guide, "was originally built for Earth pony settlers in the Southlands. However, much of the ground in the Southlands is now abandoned, because of the recent trend in urbanization and other historical reasons. Only resort tows, some farming villages, and pegasus cities now exist along the route."

The land around them definitely looked that way. Secondary-growth forests lined the area, with no trace of agricultural activity, and even the road itself didn't seem very well-used at all.

"How far 'til we get to the next town?" asked Applejack.

"Fifteen kilometers 'til we hit 'Ponito', but I can't tell how big it is." Dash squinted at her map. "Or if it even exists anymore."

"Well then, we'll just have to hope."

"M'kay."

Ponito, in fact, turned out to be a decently-sized town, with an inn. "You're the lucky mares today," said the receptionist. "Last room of the night."

"Sweet," said Dash. She grabbed the keys and trotted off to the room, Applejack following closely behind.

"Uhh, Dash?" Applejack said upon seeing the room.

"Yeah?"

"There's only one bed. You gonna make a cloud bed or something?"

"Well..." Dash hesitated. "I wouldn't mind sharing a bed with you."

"Oh!" Applejack blushed. "That could work, sugarcube."

"Awesome," said Dash. "So... got any plans for tonight?"

Applejack did indeed have some plans. She brought out a flask of whiskey. "Remember this?"

Rainbow Dash smirked. "Yeah. I won't go overboared with it this time."

Applejack nodded. "Good." She poured two small glasses. "So... how many days'll it take for us to reach Ponyville?"

"We've got plenty of time. We should stop by some places and check 'em out."

Applejack sipped on her drink. "Great. So what's next on the map?"

Rainbow Dash squinted at it. "Bunch of small Earth pony towns. Nothing much until we reach some pegasus places."

"I wonder what drove Earth ponies away," mused Applejack. "The soil seems good enough here. No reason why farms should lie fallow."

"I dunno either, but it seems like it's been like this way for some time now. Any dying towns have long since died. I wonder what happened."

How many years can a mountain exist

Before it’s washed to the sea?

How many years can some ponies exist

Before they’re allowed to be free?

How many times can a mare turn her head

Pretending she just doesn’t see?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind

The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Stratopolis

Soon, they came to what Dash claimed was "the oldest Pegasus settlement in Equestria."

"Doesn't that honour go to Cloudsdale?"

"Nah; that's the biggest. This is just old."

Applejack looked around her. There was no indication there was a city around, until she glanced up at the sky and saw the outlines of a large cloud. "Well, I guess a quick trip up couldn't hurt, but you've made sure that the next town is large enough for an inn and close enough to get to by nightfall?"

"Yup! Hold on tight! ETA in fifteen minutes!"

Applejack held on for dear life, and the pegasus leapt up like a rocket, flying vertically at an amazing speed, far beyond what most normal pegasi could accomplish. Which brought her to one of her most presistent worries.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash. I've been meaning to ask ya."

"What is it?"

"You're fixing to join them Wonderbolts, right?"

"Yup!"

"Do you... plan to settle down anytime?"

"Wha'd you mean?"

"Like, settling down. Like with a family. Doing family things. Which would be hard for someone in the Wonderbolts."

Rainbow Dash was silent for a while. "Well, I wouldn't give up the Wonderbolts. It's been my dream, you know? I couldn't forsake that, AJ, even for you."

Applejack felt tears welling in her eyes. "Ah -- Ah understand. I --"

"But you're worth something, something special to me." Rainbow Dash turned her head around so that she could meet Applejack's eyes. "If I  get in, I'll fly with them for seven years. No more. Is that okay to you?"

Applejack could only embrace Rainbow Dash tightly around her neck. "That sounds perfect," she said in a trembling voice.

The first thing Applejack noticed about Stratopolis was its architecture. Cloud columns, street design, and the construction in general were all highly characteristic and charming, in a way.

The second thing she noticed was that everyone was speaking French.

Rainbow Dash gave her a brief fly-by tour of the city, its buildings, and its monuments, but they couldn't stay long, as night was about to fall, and Applejack was getting exhausted from hanging on to Dash. So they glided into the nearest Earth pony town and rested there until morning.

Moi j'ai quitté mon pays bleu

Moi j'ai quitté mon pays bleu

Moi j'ai quitté mon pays bleu

Et je n'ai pas su lui dire adieu

Petit enfant dans mon château

J'aimais voir dormir la belle au bord de l'eau

La belle a grandi, mais mon beau château

S'est envolé, oh volé, volé, volé, volé, vole...