A Dark Summer Night

Two years ago, on a hot summer night, sitting on the porch of the apple family farm, Applejack confessed her love to Rainbow Dash. To her surprise, Rainbow Dash had felt just the same way. From that point on, the two continued what they thought was a secret relationship. For the first time since the loss of her parents, Rainbow had felt happy. She no longer had to hide under that hard exterior. When she was around Applejack, she didn't have to be tough, she didn't have to act like a badass, she could just be the girl she wanted to be.

   A month after their one-year anniversary, war broke out. Equestria's ally to the north was being invaded and Princess Celestia was encouraging ponies to join the war effort. It was a week later that Rainbow dash decided to enlist. She insisted that her tremendous flying skills could be of use. All of her friends were very supportive. Applejack, of course when around everypony else said it was brave and noble of her. But, when she was alone with Rainbow, she cried and begged her to stay. Despite all the arguments and tears, Rainbow Dash went off to fight that september. She loved Applejack, and for that reason, believed she had to go. If the war wasn't brought to a quick end, it would spread to Equestria- then there would be no way she could protect her AJ.

   Applejack wrote her Rainbow everyday. And, every week she would get a letter back. Rainbow Dash had been stationed outside the battle zone and had been put on standby to do bombing runs. Applejack was at least a little comforted knowing that Rainbow was safe.

   After 5 Months, a whole tour for Rainbow, the invaders had been pushed to the uninhabited areas of the land. The war seemed to be declining with victory in sight. Most importantly, after those 5 months, Rainbow had come back home. Applejack was the first to greet her with the tightest hug she could; tears of joy, sadness, and love ran down their faces. This obviously seemed a little odd in front of the rest of the ponies, but she didn't care. All that mattered was that she had her Rainbow again.

   Three months later, Rainbow received the news. She was going to be forced to fly for another tour. She reassured Applejack that she would be ok. The war was coming to an end, she would be home again soon.

   Again, Applejack would write everyday, and she would get a letter at the end of the week.

   Three months later, something changed. Applejack was writing but no letters came back. Maybe Rainbow had been put into the field? Could she be in the line of danger? She couldn't help but worry for her Rainbow. The stress didn't go away till two weeks later when Applejack was sorting apples in the field. She was working alone but it was relaxing; she could work at her own pace and enjoy the nice weather. Eventually the sun started to set so she headed back to the house. That's when she noticed two young stallions that noticed her back. "Are you Applejack?" One asked. "Yessir!" replied Applejack. And that was when she noticed the two stallions were dressed in their green military uniforms-the same kind Rainbow was wearing when she had seen her last. They handed her a letter. Applejack knew what was written inside but she didn't want to accept it. She wanted to open it and read anything else.

   She opened it and read the typed letter:

"Dear Mrs. Applejack,

I extend my most profound condolence to you on the loss of your kin, Private Rainbow Dash, 28th Air Support company, who was killed in action August 7th......."

   She could only run into the apple orchard and pretend this was all a dream. A terrible dream.

   It was all too real. Her deepest fears had come true. She would never be able to hold her little Rainbow ever again.

   Later that night, when coming home, Big Macintosh heard the sobbing from the orchard. He instantly knew what had happened. He had known about Rainbow Dash and Applejack from the beginning, it was as obvious as a ripe apple. Nothing he could say could fix this. So, he did what he could- without saying a word he grabbed his sister and carried her into the house. Tears still flowing for her one and