Heritageby bahatumayChaptersDiscoveryFarmingCiderSensualityResolutionStingerDiscoveryRainbow Dash looked at the pictures on the mantle. Images of Apple family reunions were captured there, forever reminding them of the happy memories (and great food) that could be found there. She grinned as she recognized a few of the ponies there from in town that she wouldn’t have pegged for Apples; the Apple family was fairly wide-reaching, even if many of their branches didn’t actually grow their namesake. But one little pony seemed out of place. She squinted and brushed off the glass, but sure enough, she was still there. She looked over her shoulder. “Hey, Applejack? Who’s this filly?” she asked, pointing. Applejack trotted over. “Who?” she asked. “This one, right here. Cream coat, red mane?” Applejack walked over for a better look, making sure she brushed up against Rainbow Dash as she did. She squinted, then looked up as she recognized her. “Liberty Belle?” “Yeah. Her. You know her?” Applejack blinked. Where was Rainbow going with this? “Yeah; I mean, as best as I know the fillies that live in another city, anyway. Why?” “And she’s Apple family?” Rainbow asked to confirm. “Yeah…? Why?” “Well, she’s got a horn,” Rainbow said. There was a pause. Applejack blinked. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with having a horn, Rainbow,” she said slowly. Rainbow backpedaled, suddenly realizing how wrong that might have sounded. “No, no, it’s not that… I mean, you’re all earth ponies.” Applejack shrugged. “Most Apples are, yeah. Earth pony magic makes growing things easier. But it ain’t like it’s earth-pony exclusive.” She paused and glanced down at her hooves, and then cracked a smile. “Well, it kinda is,” she amended, “but that don’t mean we don’t welcome the help of everypony. I mean, look at you. You’re not an earth pony, but you're a major part of the orchard now. It's great having you around the farm, and it ain’t just because now we can customize the weather down to a cat’s whisker.” Rainbow shrugged even as she briefly flared her wings and folded them back down. “It’s fun to be here.” Applejack had recognized the pegasus flirting ritual, and grinned. That grin widened as a new thought occurred to her. “Maybe you’re part earth pony,” Applejack suggested. Rainbow barked a laugh. “Not likely. I mean, check these babies out!” She flared her wings, proudly this time. “I’m, like, pure pegasus! I bet I could trace my lineage back to Commander Hurricane herself!” Applejack chuckled and shook her head. “Whatever you say, Rainbow,” she said. “Matters more what’s in your heart than in your bloodline. Being yourself is the best self you can be; doesn’t matter where you came from.” “Yeah, mhm,” Rainbow Dash waved dismissively. “Now, Fluttershy, I bet she’s part earth pony.” Applejack shrugged, but decided to play along. “She’s got a way with animals, that’s for sure.” “Twilight’s pure-bred unicorn, definitely,” Rainbow continued. “I bet she sleep-casts.” Applejack rolled her eyes as Rainbow continued postulating about their friends’ heritages. But even as Rainbow talked, she wondered. Was she really pure pegasus? * * * Rainbow was an only filly, and was fiercely independant. For no other reason than to prove that she could, she moved out from her father’s the day she could; and only the fact that she was too young to legally own her own house kept her from moving out sooner. This meant that her father now had a lot of free time on his hooves, especially now that he was an empty-nester. He took this in stride, though. Much like Rainbow Dash, he enjoyed living life full throttle; acting first and thinking second. Thus, it came as no surprise to Rainbow Dash when she pushed open the door to her father’s cloudhouse and found him busy at yet another hobby: painting. Rainbow Blaze was currently surrounded by easels, many of which were filled with (true to his style) started and incomplete paintings that he’d ‘get to later’. She cracked a smile. He was still on the upward swing of this new hobby; he’d be painting for a few weeks more before moving on to something new. But still, she had questions, and she needed answers. “Hey, Dad?” He looked up and brightened as he recognized his visitor. “Hey, Dashie,” he said, reaching out for a wing-hug. Rainbow Dash returned it. “Hey, can I ask you something?” she asked. Rainbow Blaze looked down at the brush in his hooves, then back up at his daughter. “Well, I’m not going to Rain-brush my favorite daughter off,” he said, setting it down. “What’s on your mind?” “I'm a pegasus.” Rainbow Blaze blinked, but then gave what he hoped was a soft smile. “Yes, you are; and you've grown up to be a beautiful-” “Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow Dash cut him off. “And we're all pegasi, right? Like, you, mom, grandma…” Rainbow Blaze hesitated. “What?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Rainbow, your mother…” He exhaled. “Your mother was the greatest pony I’ve ever met. You know why I’ve never remarried? There’s literally nopony else like her in all of Equestria. I dated, sure; but it always felt like I was downgrading.” “But…?” “She was an earth pony.” Rainbow Dash blinked. “Really?” “Really, really,” Rainbow Blaze nodded. “How did I not know this?” Rainbow half-asked, half-demanded. Rainbow Blaze looked flatly at her. “Her name was Amber Waves, Rainbow. As in Amber Waves of grain?” “Ohhh,” Rainbow realized sheepishly. “I thought it was… color… you know… sunsets on… on the clouds and… everything,” she lamely defended herself. Rainbow Blaze continued, somewhat wistfully now. “Met her by accident. She hated my guts at first… said she’d never, ever date somepony like me. Oh, good times…” “So I'm half earth pony?” Rainbow Dash asked to confirm. “And have been for some time now,” Rainbow Blaze said brightly. “Daaad,” Rainbow groaned. “I’m being serious.” “Hey, Serious; I’m-” Rainbow had prepared for this; she had reached back, scraped up a bit of cloud off the wall, compressed it between her hooves into a tight hailstone, and thrown it at him before he’d had a chance to finish his sentence. He laughed even as he ducked. “But seriously, though. I think you’re awesome just the way you are.” “Huh,” Rainbow snorted. “I know I’m awesome.” “You sure are. Are you staying for lunch?” Rainbow Blaze asked hopefully. Rainbow Dash heard her stomach growl. A couple years ago, Rainbow Blaze tried to pick up cooking as a hobby. That had been long ago, and by now all he really remembered was how to put on that goofy hat and the proper way to scramble an egg; but at least he didn’t burn anything anymore. “Actually, yeah,” Rainbow Dash said with a small smile. “That sounds great.” * * * “Applejack!” Applejack’s ears pricked up as she heard somepony calling her name. “In here, Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom poked her head in the door. “You got a visitor!” her little sister announced. Applejack set her book aside and trotted over to the door. But then she stopped short. There in the doorway stood Rainbow Dash, wearing a hat identical to Applejack’s. Applejack blinked. “Nice… hat,” she said, briefly reaching up to make sure that she was still wearing hers. “What’s up?” “Oh, not much,” Rainbow said, buffing a hoof against her chest. “Just discovered something amazing about myself.” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Yeah…?” “I’m half earth pony.” If she had been expecting applause or cheers or perhaps even a celebratory hug to follow this announcement, none were forthcoming. Applejack nodded hesitantly. “And?” “And so I figured I should try and do some earth pony things. You know, get in touch with my earth pony-ness?” She waggled her eyebrows. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Rainbow…” “What?” Rainbow asked innocently. “It’s great that you want to get in touch with your heritage, Rainbow. Really, it is. I can understand that. But Rainbow, you’re a pegasus.” “So?” Rainbow demanded. “So you should be doing pegasus things, Rainbow. You’ve got wings. You’ve got weather magic, not earth pony magic. Ponies are all different for a reason, Rainbow.” She gave her a comforting smile. “If’n we were all the same, that’d make life real boring.” Rainbow Dash scowled. “That makes it sound like you think I can’t do it.” Applejack backpedaled. “No, that ain’t what I meant at all! It’s just that some ponies are better at different things than others, and-” But this only made things worse. “You think I can’t do it,” Rainbow Dash growled. “I’ll show you.” She pushed her way into the house and loudly announced, “I’m an earth pony now! I’m gonna do earth pony things! I’m gonna grow stuff and buck apples just like an earth pony!!” Applejack facehoofed. Apple Bloom, drawn by the sound of somepony yelling, poked her head in. She took in Rainbow’s triumphant stance, one hoof raised high (her previous statement somewhat marred by the fact that her wings were spread triumphantly, a feat no earth pony could accomplish) and Applejack’s facehoof. She briefly processed this, then raised her own hoof. “Does this mean I should set another place for dinner?” she asked. “Yes!” Rainbow Dash said, pointing at her. “I’m gonna eat like an earth pony! Bring me seconds and thirds and then dessert! I’m in full earth pony mode now!” Applejack set her hoof down so she could slam it into her forehead again. Apple Bloom raised her hoof once more. “Does this mean I don’t have to do the dishes tonight?” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, but Applejack brightened. “Sure does, Sugarcube,” she said quickly, walking over and throwing a foreleg over Rainbow’s shoulders. “Rainbow here’s trying the earth pony life. That means all the chores and the farmwork, to go along with all the food.” “Yes!” Apple Bloom pumped a hoof and darted off to set another plate. Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash in close. “Get to bed early tonight, Rainbow,” she whispered. “You’ve got an early morning ahead of you.” “Hah,” Rainbow snorted, pushing her away. “I bet I could do it in my sleep.” Little did Rainbow Dash know that those words would prove to be almost prophetic. Farming“Up and at ‘em, Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow let out a pained groan and batted weakly at the general direction of the voice with a hoof. That groan doubled again as Applejack grabbed the blankets with her teeth and yanked them off, abruptly exposing Rainbow Dash to the cool morning air. “Rainbow, you want to be like an earth pony, you’ve gotta get up like one. That means now, Sugarcube.” “Can't we just cuddle for a while?” Rainbow wheedled, burying her face back in the pillow. “Morning sex train left thirty five minutes ago, Rainbow. Now it’s time for work.” Rainbow’s ears pricked up. “Morning sex?” she asked through the pillow. “I woke you up and offered,” Applejack said, trying—and failing—to hide a smirk, “but you said, and I quote, ‘uhhghmhmgh’ and rolled back over and fell back asleep.” Rainbow scowled. She didn’t remember that. “Maybe tomorrow,” Applejack grinned as she pulled her hat over her head. With a deft toss, she plopped Rainbow’s hat on her head. “Last warning ‘afore I drag you out by your tail!” Rainbow grumbled something incomprehensible under her breath as she slowly pulled herself out of bed. She collapsed on the ground with a thunk, and with a groan, elected to lay there a bit longer. I'll show you, she silently promised as she made an effort to stand up. Her hoof gave way and she landed with a thump back on the ground. She grimaced. Tomorrow… * * * Applejack whistled contentedly to herself as she finished hitching Rainbow Dash up to the wagon. “Now, remember,” she said as she pulled the strap tight. “Cart has to go around the orchard, I’ll be bucking, while Mac gets the baskets ready in the barn. Apple Bloom will be catching apples and loading the full baskets into your cart. Keep it moving; it’s easier to keep the cart moving than…” Her voice trailed off. Rainbow Dash had her head bowed and was snoring softly. She was asleep on her hooves. “Rainbow!” Rainbow jumped. “I'm awake!” she cried, looking wildly around. “Uh-huh,” Applejack deadpanned. “Look, if you need another few hours to sleep-” “No!” Rainbow nearly shouted, standing up straight. Applejack held up a hoof placatingly. “I won’t think poorly of you-” “I can do it!” Rainbow strode forward confidently. “I’m not even tired!” Digging her hooves into the dirt, she pushed forward, pulling the cart behind her. Applejack let her take a few strides forward before clearing her throat. “Uh, Rainbow?” “What?” “We’re doing the east orchard today, Rainbow.” “Oh.” Rainbow blinked. She glanced up at the sky and quickly realized that she was going west. “I knew that.” * * * Rainbow dragged the cart and stopped in front of Applejack. “I am here,” she announced. “Rainbow?” “I have gotten here and I made Macintosh wait for me!” “Rainbow.” “I’m catching up! I’m getting faster!” “Rainbow!” “What?” Finally, Rainbow Dash looked around, and realized that Applejack was waiting, leaning against the tree, with still-empty baskets around her hooves. “We’re done?” she gasped. Apple Bloom giggled. “Nope. It’s breakfast time, now. Come on!” Rainbow Dash pulled at one of the straps on her hitches. “Sweet!” She took a step forward, but found herself jerked to a halt. She hadn’t managed to unattach herself from the cart. Applejack reached up with a hoof and pulled lightly on a different strap. The whole harness fell loose, setting her free. She couldn’t help but smirk as she headed back to the farmhouse. Rainbow merely glowered. * * * Granny Smith prodded Rainbow Dash with the butt end of a serving spoon. “You awake there, young filly?” she asked. Rainbow’s eyes opened. “Huh? Yeah. I'm awake. Why?” Granny Smith shrugged. “Er, no reason. You’re just nappin’ on a pancake, that’s all.” Rainbow realized that she was, indeed, resting her head on a pancake. She quickly sat up, and as she did, she flung apple syrup across the table. She winced as she watched it fly through the air and hit Macintosh in the nose. He merely cracked a smile and wiped it off with a piece of toast, which he quickly popped into his mouth. Rainbow glowered at nothing in particular as she picked up her fork. The fur on her cheek was all sticky from the syrup, but she resisted the temptation to lick at it. She would not show weakness. * * * Dinner with the Apple Family was always an enjoyable experience. Besides the mountains of things to eat, the dining room was aglow with the sound of food steaming and pleasant conversation. This time, though, there was a new sound, one that Applejack didn’t quite recognize. She glanced over to see if Rainbow had heard it, too; only to find that Rainbow was the source. She was slumped over on the table in front of her apple pie, snoring softly. Apple Bloom noticed and giggled. “Guess she had a long day.” Applejack slowly adjusted her hat. “Yeah, she did; but I’ll say this for her: she did last the whole day.” “Eeyup,” Macintosh agreed, nonchalantly reaching over her prone body for her abandoned slice of pie. Applejack smiled wryly. “But I doubt she’ll be up for it tomorrow.” Macintosh cracked a smile. “Nope.” * * * Bright and early the next morning, Applejack stood, lookinng over the fields. “Hm,” she mused. “Hey, Rainbow?” Rainbow's eyes flicked open, and she smacked her lips. “Mh?” she answered blearily. “Mac’s gonna need to plow this, and it’s hard as a rock. You mind gettin’ us some water?” “No problem.” Rainbow raised a hoof in a shaky salute and turned around, ducking back into the harness. Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You can’t, I dunno, grab a cloud or something?” “I’m half earth pony,” Rainbow answered. “So I’m going to do things the earth pony way.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “The ‘earth pony way’ is to ask a pegasus to help out, Rainbow.” “But I’m being an earth pony,” Rainbow said, emphasizing 'earth pony'. “Hauling it from the river it is!” Applejack shook her head as Rainbow began to drag the cart. This was shaping up to be a long week. CiderApplejack exhaled and adjusted her hat, impressed. Rainbow had not only adapted to farm life; she'd thrived. She had shifted her sleep schedule and worked powernaps into the rare down times to make sure she was always awake when she needed to be. This morning, she had even managed to get up early enough to take advantage of Applejack's morning sex offer (a request Applejack had cheerfully honored). Currently, she was finishing stacking the barrels. Her wings helped as she lifted the last barrel into place. “Perfect, just like me,” Rainbow grinned. She dropped back down to the ground. “What’s next, Applejack?” Applejack shrugged. “That’s it for this week. We got everything done, and with plenty of time to spare.” Rainbow grinned and nudged Applejack lightly with her elbow. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Fine, I admit it. I was wrong. You did make it.” “Told you,” Rainbow Dash said proudly, flexing her foreleg. “I’m half earth pony.” Applejack nodded. For some reason, she doubted that it had been Rainbow’s heritage so much as her innate sheer stubbornness and refusal to give up. Still, she had made it to the weekend, and so she, like all big ponies (regardless of how loudly Apple Bloom proclaimed she was such) deserved to be there for the weekend celebration. So thus it was that Rainbow got a seat with the two older Apples at the table for their little weekend celebration. It wasn’t too big, of course; but still. Granny Smith (before she’d settled down for another nap, that is) had provided a whole slew of food. And they were going to take advantage of that. Applejack had just loaded her plate full of fritters when a sizable tankard caught her eye. She reached for it… and froze. Her eyes widened in horror. Macintosh frowned and followed her eyes, and it took him a few seconds longer to realize what was wrong. Unfortunately, he hadn’t realized anything was wrong until he had already picked it up and popped the top off. Granny Smith had pulled out the hard cider. Rainbow’s head shot straight up. “I smell cider.” Oh, there ain’t no way this can end well… “Rainbow, this is the hard stuff.” “Sweet!” Rainbow’s ears pricked up. “I’ve always wanted to try this. I've never had it before.” “And there’s a good reason for that,” Applejack said. “If you ain’t ever had this before, it’ll knock you flat into next week.” Rainbow pointed. “Mac’s drinking it just fine.” Applejack scowled. “Mac!” she scolded. Macintosh swallowed. “What?” Applejack massaged her temples with her hooves. “Rainbow, Macintosh is a big stallion, even if he ain’t got much brain to speak of, and-” “And I'm half earth pony. I can take it.” “He's full earth pony,” Applejack protested, but she knew it was a lost cause already. “I can take it,” Rainbow growled. “I’ve been working like an earth pony, I can drink like an earth pony!” Applejack knew when she was beat. She threw her hooves up in defeat. “Fine. Fine. Go ahead. But I'm not dragging your sorry flank back to bed when you pass out.” “Heh,” Rainbow smirked as she poured herself a mug. “Not a chance.” * * * Applejack pulled her hat down, firmly covering her eyes. “Thanks, Fluttershy,” she mumbled. “Oh, it’s no problem,” Fluttershy said as she pulled the cloud down. On top of this cloud was Rainbow Dash, snoring softly, sleeping in a position that looked as though she were doing her best pretzel impression. “I don’t know why she did this,” Fluttershy fretted as she brought the cloud to the ground in reach of Applejack. “Pegasi are notorious lightweights. I tried some of Pinkie’s coffee once, and I couldn’t sleep for a whole twenty-four hours.” Applejack wasn’t sure if that was because of the coffee, or if because Pinkie had probably brewed it strong enough to dissolve steel and loaded it with more sugar than you needed for apple marmalade. So she made a noncommittal shrug and started pulling Rainbow off the cloud. “She really does have a nice singing voice,” Fluttershy continued. “Even if her lyrics were…” “Filthier than a hog in slop?” Applejack deadpanned. “I was going to say ‘inappropriate’,” Fluttershy corrected. “I had no idea there were so many terms for a mare’s…” She blushed harder. Applejack had had no idea either, especially since she had been the mare with the parts Rainbow had been singing about. “Yeah, well… that’s Rainbow Dash for you.” Applejack bucked her hips slightly, shifting Rainbow Dash’s weight across her back. With a wry smile, she turned around and started to trudge the long way back home through town. “She’ll have a major headache tomorrow. You’ll have water set out for her, right?” Applejack barked a sarcastic laugh. “Not a chance.” * * * Applejack awoke, bright and early the next morning. She never could sleep in. Resigning herself, she slowly slid out of bed, shivering in the cool air. Her headache was very mild; a large glass of water and a nice shower would soon set her right. Frankly, Rainbow Dash had given her a bigger headache last night. Speaking of Rainbow Dash, she, on the other hoof, had had no such good fortune. That little motion of Applejack leaving the bed had been enough to wake her up, and Rainbow quickly regretted this development. She groaned, and that just made it worse, so the groan grew louder and more pained. “Mornin’, Rainbow!” Applejack said, a bit more cheerily than she felt. “Ready for the day?” “Please, leave me alone to die…” Rainbow whimpered. “No promises, Sugarcube,” Applejack smirked, “but I’ll see what I can do.” She leaned in close. “Maybe next time, leave the heavy drinking to Mac,” she whispered. “Yeah,” Rainbow muttered. “That… that sounds good.” She groaned once more. “Don’t worry. I’ll get up soon.” Applejack cocked her head. “For what?” “I’m still… still helping on the farm today,” Rainbow said determinedly (if a bit shakily). “I won’t let you down, Applejack.” Applejack felt something warm in her heart at Rainbow’s loyalty, and she somehow found herself taking mercy on Rainbow Dash. “Hey, Rainbow,” she said, coming back over to the bed and gently stroking her mane. “Look, you don’t have to get up this morning. Hay, you can take the whole day off, if you want. Promise. I won’t mind.” “No,” Rainbow protested, forcing herself up on one elbow. She looked up at Applejack with the only eye she could open. “I’m… I’m half earth pony. I can do it!” Applejack shook her head, and a tiny smile played at her lips. “I’m sure. Sleep, sugarcube.” Rainbow tried to push herself up further, but just ended up falling face-first back into the bed covers. Applejack chuckled. She set her hoof down firmly but softly. “Go back to sleep, or I’ll tell Apple Bloom that you’re willing to be a subject for nursing cutie mark practice,” she threatened. Rainbow quickly closed her eyes and feigned sleep. Applejack cracked a smile and headed down the stairs. She knew how to play with Rainbow. She made it back to the kitchen, where she found Apple Bloom making herself a snack. Apple Bloom’s peanut butter spreading motions on the toasted bread seemed to grow a bit more aggressive as Applejack walked in. “So, did the big ponies enjoy their little weekend shindig?” she asked, her voice biting. Applejack exhaled through her nose. “Not really,” she confessed. “Rainbow got into the hard cider and I had to chase her down. Honestly, I think Mac was the only one to have a good time.” “Eeyup!” came Macintosh’s cheerful confirmation from upstairs. Applejack could have sworn she heard Rainbow Dash moan in protest. She cracked a smile. “But I got her back safe and sound, so there’s that.” “Huh,” Apple Bloom said, reaching for another piece of bread. “Can’t say the same thing about some houses she hit,” Applejack amended. “So if an angry pony shows up, just send ‘em my way.” Apple Bloom shrugged as she continued spreading the peanut butter. “I’m heading out,” she replied. “Crusader outing.” Now that Applejack looked, she realized that, aside from her breakfast, Apple Bloom was also making a whole stack of sandwiches. “Where are you going?” Apple Bloom shrugged. “We’re gonna go try and help somepony with their flying. It’s gonna take all day, so I’m bringing plenty of food.” One side of Applejack’s mouth curled up in a wry smile. “Is it Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom grinned. “I can neither confirm nor deny that allegation,” she said. Applejack snorted. “Of all the cutie marks, I think that politics cutie mark was my least favorite.” Apple Bloom put on her most innocent, charming smile. Something else occurred to her. “And if anypony ever comes asking about a brewing cutie mark, you turn them right down.” Applejack chuckled dryly. “Trust me, Apple Bloom, there’s stuff you ain’t never old enough to hear, and I heard plenty of that last night. If Rainbow ever reaches for the hard cider again, you have my permission to knock it out of her hoof.” Apple Bloom grinned. “Where is Rainbow, anyway?” “She’s in bed, sleeping last night off,” Applejack replied. “I’m gonna go deliver a basket of apples to Fluttershy for helpin’ me last night. If Rainbow comes down, let her know. She may have a headache that’s poundin’ like an earthquake, but she’s determined to do her share of chores today.” “Oh.” Apple Bloom glanced back up towards the stairs, and she squinted. “Does she know that today’s our day off?” Applejack smirked. “What she don't know don't hurt her.” SensualityRainbow Dash had eventually recovered from her hangover of epic proportions, and though it had taken her until early afternoon, she was rip roaring and ready to go by three. And she couldn’t quite hide her annoyance at being told she had gotten up, out of bed, and completely ready for whatever assignment Applejack was to lay on her, only to find that there were no chores scheduled for today. But it seemed apparent that her focus could shift quickly. She took Applejack up on her offer to go take a walk around the farm’s fence posts, one of the many daily requirements that didn’t count as ‘chores’. Applejack’s ears pricked up as Rainbow’s tail brushed against her cutie mark again. Once could have been accidental. Twice a coincidence. Three times was pushing it. This was touch number five. Applejack gently bumped her back with her hips. “Rainbow, if’n I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to get frisky with me.” Rainbow waggled her eyebrows. “Maybe I am,” she said. “I’m not hearing a ‘no’.” “Well, I ain’t sayin’ ‘yes’ either,” Applejack protested. “We’ve still got another half of the farm to go.” “Come on, Applejack,” Rainbow whispered in an attempt to sound inviting. She darted in front and began swaying her hips. “Take me for a ride.” Applejack couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter. It just looked and sounded so unnatural for Rainbow Dash to be doing things like this. Her usual invitations were more along the lines of a wink with accompanying nudge to the ribs and a spontaneous, ‘Hey, Applejack, you wanna?’, and this attempt to be seductive was more amusing than arousing. Rainbow Dash quickly realized this, too, so she rapidly switched tactics. She spread her wings and flew, looping back around. And then she gently landed on Applejack’s back. “Come on, Applejack,” she whispered into her ear. “I won’t bite… any place you don’t want me to.” Applejack grit her teeth. She did like it when Rainbow Dash did that, yes. The whispering into her ear thing, not the biting… Ok, the biting part, too. That was actually kinda nice. Rainbow acted brash and wild, sure; but her lovebites were always gentle and tender. She always remained in complete control, and she always seemed to know just where and how hard Applejack wanted to be bit. Applejack slowed her pace as she felt herself reacting to Rainbow’s advances. She crinkled her nose, feeling mildly betrayed by her own body. Rainbow noticed, too. She gently took Applejack’s ear into her mouth and gave it a gentle nibble, drawing a sharp inhale through gritted teeth from the earth pony. “I’ll make it worth your while,” Rainbow whispered, now wearing a triumphant smile. “I’ll rock your world, AJ. Trust me. I’ve got the stamina of an earth pony.” Applejack stopped short. Oh, so that was how she was going to play? “You’d better,” Applejack growled her challenge as she began walking again, this time heading towards a barn she knew would be unoccupied. “Because once I start, I ain’t stopping until I’m satisfied.” Rainbow smirked. “Bring it on, cowgirl,” she whispered as she flicked Applejack’s cutie mark with her tail. * * * Applejack stepped out into the light and shook her whole body. “You were right, Rainbow,” she said. “That was fun.” Rainbow lifted her head, panting heavily, eyes unfocused. “Yeah,” she wheezed. “Anything… anything for you, Applejack.” “Welp, I’m gonna go rinse off in the stream,” Applejack said. “You coming?” “Actually…” Rainbow tried to move her hind legs, but all she got was a pathetic tail motion, not even strong enough to be a flick. “I think I’ll just… stay here for a bit.” Applejack shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she said. “Just remember to close the doors when you leave.” Rainbow nodded. “You… you got it, Applejack.” Smirking to herself, Applejack turned and left. Rainbow Dash, exhausted, could only listen to her leave. She raised a hoof up and let it slam against the wooden board she lay on. It barely made a sound. It was strange, to feel so good and so bad at the same time. * * * The next morning, Applejack was awoken by soft tickles on her neck, as if somepony were cuddling her and breathing lightly on her. She opened her eyes and realized that this was what was actually happening. Rainbow Dash was pressed up tightly against her. “Good morning, Applejack,” Rainbow whispered. “Morning, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “Has the morning sex train left the station yet?” Applejack pricked up one ear. “You’re still rearin’ to go?” “What can I say?” Rainbow whispered. “I can’t get enough of you.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “I seem to recall having to bring you dinner in the barn last night.” “Ok, fine; but that was then, and this is now. Call it ‘breakfast in bed. First one to finish, wins!” “Finish ourselves or finish each other?” Applejack asked suspiciously. “Each other,” Rainbow decided. She flicked her tail, keeping it a bit higher than strictly needed. Though she wasn’t showing Applejack anything yet, she left no doubt as to her intentions. Well, maybe a little bit of doubt. Applejack massaged a temple with her hoof. “Rainbow, this… this ain’t right.” “What’s not right?” Rainbow demanded. “Sex is supposed to be two ponies comin’ together-” Rainbow ‘snrked’. “-and this is… you’re makin’ it into a competition.” Rainbow glared. Applejack’s ears pinned. “Not that you’re… you know… I mean…” Rainbow grinned. “Say it,” she urged Applejack sighed and rested her chin against the blankets. “Love havin’ sex with you,” she mumbled. “You know I do. But you’re turnin’ it into a competition. And… Rainbow, it just seems wrong.” Rainbow leaned down into her face. “You’re just saying that because I’m going to win.” Applejack exhaled sharply, blowing Rainbow’s mane out of her face and making her flinch back ever so slightly. “Fine,” she conceded, rolling over onto her side so she was facing Rainbow Dash’s hindquarters. She lifted a hind leg slightly. “Fine.” She extended her tongue all the way out and pulled it back in, giving it just a quick stretch. “But I ain’t gonna go easy on you.” Rainbow looked back at Applejack under her spread wings and grinned. “Promise?” she challenged. She gasped as Applejack reached up with a hoof and yanked her tail. “Th- that’s cheating,” she accused. “I’m just using my resources,” Applejack smirked. “And I thought you said you were going to use that tongue somewhere else.” She rested her hoof over Rainbow’s cutie mark and gripped tightly. “Winner showers first.” * * * Rainbow rested the back of her head against the bathroom door. If she imagined really hard, the sound of the water running was almost enough to drown out her shame. Beaten. Again. She exhaled and hung her head. At least nopony else was around to- Sure enough, a nearby door opened, and Macintosh stepped out, ready to greet the day. But by the way his nostrils flared, it was clear that he hadn’t been expecting the day to give him such a strange greeting in return. His eyes flicked over to Rainbow Dash, and he snickered as he walked by. “Aw, go throw a shoe,” Rainbow grumbled irritably. ResolutionWithout even bothering to knock, Rainbow Dash burst through the door. “Dad!” she called. Rainbow Blaze jumped, nearly knocking over the easel in front of him. He quickly shuffled a few of his canvases around, hiding the one he had been working on. “Dashie! Dashie. Dash, Dash, Dash. Hi,” he said nervously. “What’s… what’s up?” He winced as he realized that he’d opened himself up to one of his favorite bad jokes. But Rainbow Dash didn’t take the opportunity. “Not much. Can I talk to you?” This, more than anything, let Rainbow Blaze know that something was wrong. He slid over and wrapped a wing around Rainbow Dash. “What can I do, oh favorite daughter of mine?” Rainbow looked down, looked around the room, and then finally spat it out. “I’m a failure!” she blurted. Rainbow Blaze blinked. “You’re…?” “I’m a failure!” Rainbow Dash repeated. Rainbow Blaze’s mouth worked wordlessly as he tried to process this. “In what way?” he managed to stammer. “I’m half earth pony, but I don’t act like it! It took me almost a full week to adapt to Applejack’s schedule! I still can’t pull the carts as fast as she can! I can’t hold any hard cider! And don’t get me started on her stamina--it’d take two of me just to keep up! I came onto her, and she rutted me senseless! I just…” Rainbow sighed and bowed her head. “I wanted to be like mom, you know? An earth pony. And I… I kinda feel like I’m letting her down.” Rainbow Blaze laughed. Rainbow Dash squinted. Wha-? “Dashie, your mother…” Rainbow Blaze shook his head and brusquely rubbed a hoof across one eye. “I sometimes wondered what she saw in me. Amber Waves was amazing, she was strong, she knew how to bake, and she had a mean left hook; and I was… I was a crazy, foolhardy pegasus, thinking less with my ehh-” here, he gestured vaguely towards his temple, “-and more with my ehh,” and here he gestured vaguely towards his hips. “You know why she ended up marrying me? Because I was different. I was real. I was… me. You know how earth ponies are. They’re steady, they’re solid, they’re… grounded. Me? I’m… I’m like you. I fly fast first and think second.” He cracked a smile. “Turns out she was bored with her life, and I gave her life a little of the spontaneity she needed.” Rainbow Dash squinted. “That’s a big word.” Rainbow Blaze shrugged modestly. “What? I remember some words from the writing gig.” Rainbow Dash nodded. “Oh, yeah. Didn’t you sell a couple books?” “Couldn’t even get a recipe published,” Rainbow Blaze admitted sheepishly. “The thing is, Applejack might need you for the same reason. It’s like having nothing but cloud candy for a while. It’s good, yeah; but eventually, you’re gonna need a change.” He poked Rainbow Dash’s barrel. “You’re that change, Dashie. You’re what she needs. You make an ok earth pony, sure; but you should probably leave being an earth pony to Applejack, and stick with being a good pegasus.” Rainbow Dash nodded. Convinced that the crisis was over, Rainbow Blaze let his teasing nature back through. “Don’t forget, as a pegasus, you’ve got an advantage others don’t. Two big advantages.” He wiggled his wings. “Don’t forget to brush your feathers over her lower stomach, and take it slow. Earth ponies love that stuff.” He grinned lecherously. “And since they can’t return the favor with wings, they usually use their tongues instead.” Rainbow Dash grinned. She knew all about earth ponies and their lingual dexterity. “And feathermark her every chance you get. It’s best when she’s not looking and doesn’t see it coming.” Rainbow chuckled. In her urge to be as earth pony as possible, she’d almost forgotten about that. “And do it in front of other earth ponies. They'll get jealous and it'll make her feel really special. Hay, do it in front of other ponies in general.” “Nah,” Rainbow said with a dismissive shrug. “She's not much for the whole public affection thing. But when she's alone…” Her voice trailed off, and a devious grin crossed her face. “Actually…” * * * Applejack poked her head back inside the barn. “Hey, Apple Bloom?” she called. “Yeah?” “You seen Rainbow Dash?” “Uh-uh,” Apple Bloom answered. “Not since last night at dinner.” “Mm. Thanks,” Applejack said distractedly as she headed back out. Where could she be? Though she did make a lousy earth pony, it had been nice to have her around all the time. She was probably asleep somewhere, the exhaustive pace finally catching up to her- And then she heard a burst of thunder, and a simultaneous sharp jab on her flank. She jumped. “What’n the hay!?” She spun around. “Rainbow!” Rainbow laughed uproariously. “Oh, AJ, you should have seen your face!” she howled. “Oh, that was perfect!” Applejack reached back and dolefully rubbed her flank where she’d been zapped, but she couldn’t help but grin. “You know, I can’t remember the last time you were on a cloud.” Rainbow stood upright on her cloud. “Yeah, well, I did a little soul-searching, and I realized something. Being half earth pony is great. Really, it is. It’s fine to be with your heritage. But you also have to be yourself. So I’m just going to be the bestest, most awesome me I can be.” She flared her wings. “And that means all of me.” She dropped to her stomach, rested her chin in her hooves and grinned. “So don’t be surprised if I start stealing apples and taking naps in your trees again.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Gee. Just be the best you, eh? Sure wish somepony would have told you that earlier.” Rainbow Dash jumped off the cloud, landed, and flicked Applejack’s cutie mark with the tip of her wing. “Yeah, me too,” she said, but she couldn’t keep the smile off her face. Applejack brightened. “Actually, if you’re back to doin’ pegasus-y things, would you mind takin’ a cloud over to where Macintosh is? He didn’t get as far as he needed to last week, and the earth’s as dry as a tumbleweed and hard as a rock again.” Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulder and did an exaggerated double-take. “Oh, look! A cloud! Why, I’ll just use my pegasus wings-” and here she extended them as wide as they’d go, “-and go take it over.” Applejack grinned. “Thank you kindly, Sugarcube.” Rainbow grinned as she did a loop-the-loop and pushed the cloud over to the eastern orchard. Her wings felt great, the air rushing over them felt comfortingly familiar. When was the last time she’d really flown? She couldn’t remember. But she was certain about one thing: it was good to be back. StingerThere was a knock at the door. Rainbow Dash lifted her head, snorted derisively towards the door, and then placed her head back down on Applejack’s flank. Whoever was there could wait. She was busy. Applejack stirred. “Who is it?” she asked. “Don’t know, don’t care,” Rainbow Dash mumbled into Applejack’s cutie mark. “Rainbow?” “What?” “That was the bedroom door, Rainbow.” Rainbow grunted. “So? You don’t smell that bad.” She sniffed in Applejack’s general direction. “Actually, you smell pretty good.” Applejack bucked her hips, knocking Rainbow Dash to the floor. “That means they know we’re in here, Rainbow,” she said as she got out of bed. Rainbow rolled over and reached up for Applejack’s leg. “Says you.” Applejack rolled her eyes and lifted her leg just out of Rainbow's reach as she picked her hat up off the nightstand. She walked over towards the door and slid it open. Her eyes widened. “Hi,” she said. Rainbow Blaze reached a hoof up to his head respectfully. “Hey,” he said. “I, uh… I was going to bring this over as soon as I finished, but in hindsight…” His nostrils flared subconsciously. “Maybe I should have waited for after breakfast or… or something.” No thought, just action. He really was Rainbow Dash’s father. “Hey, no worries,” Applejack said. “We were gonna get up soon anyway.” “Great,” Rainbow Blaze said, shifting uncomfortably. “I, uh… I brought you this.” He held out a wrapped canvas. Applejack took it. “Hey, Rainbow? Get up and look at this.” Rainbow pushed herself up, and quickly oriented herself. She raised an eyebrow. “Dad? Did you paint something?” “I did,” Rainbow Blaze said proudly. “And it’s finished?” Rainbow Blaze snorted indignantly. “I’ll have you know that I finish things all the time, Dashie.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say, Dad.” Applejack finished unwrapping it. Her eyes widened. “Well, butter my buns and call me a biscuit,” she murmured. “That’s amazing.” Rainbow Dash peeked over her shoulder and her jaw dropped. It was a painting. Rainbow Blaze had painted them, together. Applejack was running along a hill, and Rainbow Dash was flying alongside. Though they seemed to be facing towards their destination, their eyes were on each other. “Blaze, this is beautiful,” Applejack whispered. “Yeah, Dad,” Rainbow Dash added. “This is… whoa.” Rainbow Blaze shrugged. “Thanks. I’m glad you like it. Just never lose sight of what makes each of you special.” “Never,” Rainbow Dash promised. And then she looked her father in the eye. She extended her wing. And she brushed the full length of it against Applejack’s cutie mark. Applejack squealed and jumped out of the way. “Rainbow!” she scolded, blushing redder than the apples in the painting. “You were right,” Rainbow Dash laughed. “That is more fun in front of other ponies.” Applejack pulled her hat down over her eyes and grumbled under her breath as both pegasi laughed, as if at an inside joke.
DiscoveryRainbow Dash looked at the pictures on the mantle. Images of Apple family reunions were captured there, forever reminding them of the happy memories (and great food) that could be found there. She grinned as she recognized a few of the ponies there from in town that she wouldn’t have pegged for Apples; the Apple family was fairly wide-reaching, even if many of their branches didn’t actually grow their namesake. But one little pony seemed out of place. She squinted and brushed off the glass, but sure enough, she was still there. She looked over her shoulder. “Hey, Applejack? Who’s this filly?” she asked, pointing. Applejack trotted over. “Who?” she asked. “This one, right here. Cream coat, red mane?” Applejack walked over for a better look, making sure she brushed up against Rainbow Dash as she did. She squinted, then looked up as she recognized her. “Liberty Belle?” “Yeah. Her. You know her?” Applejack blinked. Where was Rainbow going with this? “Yeah; I mean, as best as I know the fillies that live in another city, anyway. Why?” “And she’s Apple family?” Rainbow asked to confirm. “Yeah…? Why?” “Well, she’s got a horn,” Rainbow said. There was a pause. Applejack blinked. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with having a horn, Rainbow,” she said slowly. Rainbow backpedaled, suddenly realizing how wrong that might have sounded. “No, no, it’s not that… I mean, you’re all earth ponies.” Applejack shrugged. “Most Apples are, yeah. Earth pony magic makes growing things easier. But it ain’t like it’s earth-pony exclusive.” She paused and glanced down at her hooves, and then cracked a smile. “Well, it kinda is,” she amended, “but that don’t mean we don’t welcome the help of everypony. I mean, look at you. You’re not an earth pony, but you're a major part of the orchard now. It's great having you around the farm, and it ain’t just because now we can customize the weather down to a cat’s whisker.” Rainbow shrugged even as she briefly flared her wings and folded them back down. “It’s fun to be here.” Applejack had recognized the pegasus flirting ritual, and grinned. That grin widened as a new thought occurred to her. “Maybe you’re part earth pony,” Applejack suggested. Rainbow barked a laugh. “Not likely. I mean, check these babies out!” She flared her wings, proudly this time. “I’m, like, pure pegasus! I bet I could trace my lineage back to Commander Hurricane herself!” Applejack chuckled and shook her head. “Whatever you say, Rainbow,” she said. “Matters more what’s in your heart than in your bloodline. Being yourself is the best self you can be; doesn’t matter where you came from.” “Yeah, mhm,” Rainbow Dash waved dismissively. “Now, Fluttershy, I bet she’s part earth pony.” Applejack shrugged, but decided to play along. “She’s got a way with animals, that’s for sure.” “Twilight’s pure-bred unicorn, definitely,” Rainbow continued. “I bet she sleep-casts.” Applejack rolled her eyes as Rainbow continued postulating about their friends’ heritages. But even as Rainbow talked, she wondered. Was she really pure pegasus? * * * Rainbow was an only filly, and was fiercely independant. For no other reason than to prove that she could, she moved out from her father’s the day she could; and only the fact that she was too young to legally own her own house kept her from moving out sooner. This meant that her father now had a lot of free time on his hooves, especially now that he was an empty-nester. He took this in stride, though. Much like Rainbow Dash, he enjoyed living life full throttle; acting first and thinking second. Thus, it came as no surprise to Rainbow Dash when she pushed open the door to her father’s cloudhouse and found him busy at yet another hobby: painting. Rainbow Blaze was currently surrounded by easels, many of which were filled with (true to his style) started and incomplete paintings that he’d ‘get to later’. She cracked a smile. He was still on the upward swing of this new hobby; he’d be painting for a few weeks more before moving on to something new. But still, she had questions, and she needed answers. “Hey, Dad?” He looked up and brightened as he recognized his visitor. “Hey, Dashie,” he said, reaching out for a wing-hug. Rainbow Dash returned it. “Hey, can I ask you something?” she asked. Rainbow Blaze looked down at the brush in his hooves, then back up at his daughter. “Well, I’m not going to Rain-brush my favorite daughter off,” he said, setting it down. “What’s on your mind?” “I'm a pegasus.” Rainbow Blaze blinked, but then gave what he hoped was a soft smile. “Yes, you are; and you've grown up to be a beautiful-” “Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow Dash cut him off. “And we're all pegasi, right? Like, you, mom, grandma…” Rainbow Blaze hesitated. “What?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Rainbow, your mother…” He exhaled. “Your mother was the greatest pony I’ve ever met. You know why I’ve never remarried? There’s literally nopony else like her in all of Equestria. I dated, sure; but it always felt like I was downgrading.” “But…?” “She was an earth pony.” Rainbow Dash blinked. “Really?” “Really, really,” Rainbow Blaze nodded. “How did I not know this?” Rainbow half-asked, half-demanded. Rainbow Blaze looked flatly at her. “Her name was Amber Waves, Rainbow. As in Amber Waves of grain?” “Ohhh,” Rainbow realized sheepishly. “I thought it was… color… you know… sunsets on… on the clouds and… everything,” she lamely defended herself. Rainbow Blaze continued, somewhat wistfully now. “Met her by accident. She hated my guts at first… said she’d never, ever date somepony like me. Oh, good times…” “So I'm half earth pony?” Rainbow Dash asked to confirm. “And have been for some time now,” Rainbow Blaze said brightly. “Daaad,” Rainbow groaned. “I’m being serious.” “Hey, Serious; I’m-” Rainbow had prepared for this; she had reached back, scraped up a bit of cloud off the wall, compressed it between her hooves into a tight hailstone, and thrown it at him before he’d had a chance to finish his sentence. He laughed even as he ducked. “But seriously, though. I think you’re awesome just the way you are.” “Huh,” Rainbow snorted. “I know I’m awesome.” “You sure are. Are you staying for lunch?” Rainbow Blaze asked hopefully. Rainbow Dash heard her stomach growl. A couple years ago, Rainbow Blaze tried to pick up cooking as a hobby. That had been long ago, and by now all he really remembered was how to put on that goofy hat and the proper way to scramble an egg; but at least he didn’t burn anything anymore. “Actually, yeah,” Rainbow Dash said with a small smile. “That sounds great.” * * * “Applejack!” Applejack’s ears pricked up as she heard somepony calling her name. “In here, Apple Bloom!” Apple Bloom poked her head in the door. “You got a visitor!” her little sister announced. Applejack set her book aside and trotted over to the door. But then she stopped short. There in the doorway stood Rainbow Dash, wearing a hat identical to Applejack’s. Applejack blinked. “Nice… hat,” she said, briefly reaching up to make sure that she was still wearing hers. “What’s up?” “Oh, not much,” Rainbow said, buffing a hoof against her chest. “Just discovered something amazing about myself.” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Yeah…?” “I’m half earth pony.” If she had been expecting applause or cheers or perhaps even a celebratory hug to follow this announcement, none were forthcoming. Applejack nodded hesitantly. “And?” “And so I figured I should try and do some earth pony things. You know, get in touch with my earth pony-ness?” She waggled her eyebrows. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Rainbow…” “What?” Rainbow asked innocently. “It’s great that you want to get in touch with your heritage, Rainbow. Really, it is. I can understand that. But Rainbow, you’re a pegasus.” “So?” Rainbow demanded. “So you should be doing pegasus things, Rainbow. You’ve got wings. You’ve got weather magic, not earth pony magic. Ponies are all different for a reason, Rainbow.” She gave her a comforting smile. “If’n we were all the same, that’d make life real boring.” Rainbow Dash scowled. “That makes it sound like you think I can’t do it.” Applejack backpedaled. “No, that ain’t what I meant at all! It’s just that some ponies are better at different things than others, and-” But this only made things worse. “You think I can’t do it,” Rainbow Dash growled. “I’ll show you.” She pushed her way into the house and loudly announced, “I’m an earth pony now! I’m gonna do earth pony things! I’m gonna grow stuff and buck apples just like an earth pony!!” Applejack facehoofed. Apple Bloom, drawn by the sound of somepony yelling, poked her head in. She took in Rainbow’s triumphant stance, one hoof raised high (her previous statement somewhat marred by the fact that her wings were spread triumphantly, a feat no earth pony could accomplish) and Applejack’s facehoof. She briefly processed this, then raised her own hoof. “Does this mean I should set another place for dinner?” she asked. “Yes!” Rainbow Dash said, pointing at her. “I’m gonna eat like an earth pony! Bring me seconds and thirds and then dessert! I’m in full earth pony mode now!” Applejack set her hoof down so she could slam it into her forehead again. Apple Bloom raised her hoof once more. “Does this mean I don’t have to do the dishes tonight?” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, but Applejack brightened. “Sure does, Sugarcube,” she said quickly, walking over and throwing a foreleg over Rainbow’s shoulders. “Rainbow here’s trying the earth pony life. That means all the chores and the farmwork, to go along with all the food.” “Yes!” Apple Bloom pumped a hoof and darted off to set another plate. Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash in close. “Get to bed early tonight, Rainbow,” she whispered. “You’ve got an early morning ahead of you.” “Hah,” Rainbow snorted, pushing her away. “I bet I could do it in my sleep.” Little did Rainbow Dash know that those words would prove to be almost prophetic.
Farming“Up and at ‘em, Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow let out a pained groan and batted weakly at the general direction of the voice with a hoof. That groan doubled again as Applejack grabbed the blankets with her teeth and yanked them off, abruptly exposing Rainbow Dash to the cool morning air. “Rainbow, you want to be like an earth pony, you’ve gotta get up like one. That means now, Sugarcube.” “Can't we just cuddle for a while?” Rainbow wheedled, burying her face back in the pillow. “Morning sex train left thirty five minutes ago, Rainbow. Now it’s time for work.” Rainbow’s ears pricked up. “Morning sex?” she asked through the pillow. “I woke you up and offered,” Applejack said, trying—and failing—to hide a smirk, “but you said, and I quote, ‘uhhghmhmgh’ and rolled back over and fell back asleep.” Rainbow scowled. She didn’t remember that. “Maybe tomorrow,” Applejack grinned as she pulled her hat over her head. With a deft toss, she plopped Rainbow’s hat on her head. “Last warning ‘afore I drag you out by your tail!” Rainbow grumbled something incomprehensible under her breath as she slowly pulled herself out of bed. She collapsed on the ground with a thunk, and with a groan, elected to lay there a bit longer. I'll show you, she silently promised as she made an effort to stand up. Her hoof gave way and she landed with a thump back on the ground. She grimaced. Tomorrow… * * * Applejack whistled contentedly to herself as she finished hitching Rainbow Dash up to the wagon. “Now, remember,” she said as she pulled the strap tight. “Cart has to go around the orchard, I’ll be bucking, while Mac gets the baskets ready in the barn. Apple Bloom will be catching apples and loading the full baskets into your cart. Keep it moving; it’s easier to keep the cart moving than…” Her voice trailed off. Rainbow Dash had her head bowed and was snoring softly. She was asleep on her hooves. “Rainbow!” Rainbow jumped. “I'm awake!” she cried, looking wildly around. “Uh-huh,” Applejack deadpanned. “Look, if you need another few hours to sleep-” “No!” Rainbow nearly shouted, standing up straight. Applejack held up a hoof placatingly. “I won’t think poorly of you-” “I can do it!” Rainbow strode forward confidently. “I’m not even tired!” Digging her hooves into the dirt, she pushed forward, pulling the cart behind her. Applejack let her take a few strides forward before clearing her throat. “Uh, Rainbow?” “What?” “We’re doing the east orchard today, Rainbow.” “Oh.” Rainbow blinked. She glanced up at the sky and quickly realized that she was going west. “I knew that.” * * * Rainbow dragged the cart and stopped in front of Applejack. “I am here,” she announced. “Rainbow?” “I have gotten here and I made Macintosh wait for me!” “Rainbow.” “I’m catching up! I’m getting faster!” “Rainbow!” “What?” Finally, Rainbow Dash looked around, and realized that Applejack was waiting, leaning against the tree, with still-empty baskets around her hooves. “We’re done?” she gasped. Apple Bloom giggled. “Nope. It’s breakfast time, now. Come on!” Rainbow Dash pulled at one of the straps on her hitches. “Sweet!” She took a step forward, but found herself jerked to a halt. She hadn’t managed to unattach herself from the cart. Applejack reached up with a hoof and pulled lightly on a different strap. The whole harness fell loose, setting her free. She couldn’t help but smirk as she headed back to the farmhouse. Rainbow merely glowered. * * * Granny Smith prodded Rainbow Dash with the butt end of a serving spoon. “You awake there, young filly?” she asked. Rainbow’s eyes opened. “Huh? Yeah. I'm awake. Why?” Granny Smith shrugged. “Er, no reason. You’re just nappin’ on a pancake, that’s all.” Rainbow realized that she was, indeed, resting her head on a pancake. She quickly sat up, and as she did, she flung apple syrup across the table. She winced as she watched it fly through the air and hit Macintosh in the nose. He merely cracked a smile and wiped it off with a piece of toast, which he quickly popped into his mouth. Rainbow glowered at nothing in particular as she picked up her fork. The fur on her cheek was all sticky from the syrup, but she resisted the temptation to lick at it. She would not show weakness. * * * Dinner with the Apple Family was always an enjoyable experience. Besides the mountains of things to eat, the dining room was aglow with the sound of food steaming and pleasant conversation. This time, though, there was a new sound, one that Applejack didn’t quite recognize. She glanced over to see if Rainbow had heard it, too; only to find that Rainbow was the source. She was slumped over on the table in front of her apple pie, snoring softly. Apple Bloom noticed and giggled. “Guess she had a long day.” Applejack slowly adjusted her hat. “Yeah, she did; but I’ll say this for her: she did last the whole day.” “Eeyup,” Macintosh agreed, nonchalantly reaching over her prone body for her abandoned slice of pie. Applejack smiled wryly. “But I doubt she’ll be up for it tomorrow.” Macintosh cracked a smile. “Nope.” * * * Bright and early the next morning, Applejack stood, lookinng over the fields. “Hm,” she mused. “Hey, Rainbow?” Rainbow's eyes flicked open, and she smacked her lips. “Mh?” she answered blearily. “Mac’s gonna need to plow this, and it’s hard as a rock. You mind gettin’ us some water?” “No problem.” Rainbow raised a hoof in a shaky salute and turned around, ducking back into the harness. Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You can’t, I dunno, grab a cloud or something?” “I’m half earth pony,” Rainbow answered. “So I’m going to do things the earth pony way.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “The ‘earth pony way’ is to ask a pegasus to help out, Rainbow.” “But I’m being an earth pony,” Rainbow said, emphasizing 'earth pony'. “Hauling it from the river it is!” Applejack shook her head as Rainbow began to drag the cart. This was shaping up to be a long week.
CiderApplejack exhaled and adjusted her hat, impressed. Rainbow had not only adapted to farm life; she'd thrived. She had shifted her sleep schedule and worked powernaps into the rare down times to make sure she was always awake when she needed to be. This morning, she had even managed to get up early enough to take advantage of Applejack's morning sex offer (a request Applejack had cheerfully honored). Currently, she was finishing stacking the barrels. Her wings helped as she lifted the last barrel into place. “Perfect, just like me,” Rainbow grinned. She dropped back down to the ground. “What’s next, Applejack?” Applejack shrugged. “That’s it for this week. We got everything done, and with plenty of time to spare.” Rainbow grinned and nudged Applejack lightly with her elbow. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Fine, I admit it. I was wrong. You did make it.” “Told you,” Rainbow Dash said proudly, flexing her foreleg. “I’m half earth pony.” Applejack nodded. For some reason, she doubted that it had been Rainbow’s heritage so much as her innate sheer stubbornness and refusal to give up. Still, she had made it to the weekend, and so she, like all big ponies (regardless of how loudly Apple Bloom proclaimed she was such) deserved to be there for the weekend celebration. So thus it was that Rainbow got a seat with the two older Apples at the table for their little weekend celebration. It wasn’t too big, of course; but still. Granny Smith (before she’d settled down for another nap, that is) had provided a whole slew of food. And they were going to take advantage of that. Applejack had just loaded her plate full of fritters when a sizable tankard caught her eye. She reached for it… and froze. Her eyes widened in horror. Macintosh frowned and followed her eyes, and it took him a few seconds longer to realize what was wrong. Unfortunately, he hadn’t realized anything was wrong until he had already picked it up and popped the top off. Granny Smith had pulled out the hard cider. Rainbow’s head shot straight up. “I smell cider.” Oh, there ain’t no way this can end well… “Rainbow, this is the hard stuff.” “Sweet!” Rainbow’s ears pricked up. “I’ve always wanted to try this. I've never had it before.” “And there’s a good reason for that,” Applejack said. “If you ain’t ever had this before, it’ll knock you flat into next week.” Rainbow pointed. “Mac’s drinking it just fine.” Applejack scowled. “Mac!” she scolded. Macintosh swallowed. “What?” Applejack massaged her temples with her hooves. “Rainbow, Macintosh is a big stallion, even if he ain’t got much brain to speak of, and-” “And I'm half earth pony. I can take it.” “He's full earth pony,” Applejack protested, but she knew it was a lost cause already. “I can take it,” Rainbow growled. “I’ve been working like an earth pony, I can drink like an earth pony!” Applejack knew when she was beat. She threw her hooves up in defeat. “Fine. Fine. Go ahead. But I'm not dragging your sorry flank back to bed when you pass out.” “Heh,” Rainbow smirked as she poured herself a mug. “Not a chance.” * * * Applejack pulled her hat down, firmly covering her eyes. “Thanks, Fluttershy,” she mumbled. “Oh, it’s no problem,” Fluttershy said as she pulled the cloud down. On top of this cloud was Rainbow Dash, snoring softly, sleeping in a position that looked as though she were doing her best pretzel impression. “I don’t know why she did this,” Fluttershy fretted as she brought the cloud to the ground in reach of Applejack. “Pegasi are notorious lightweights. I tried some of Pinkie’s coffee once, and I couldn’t sleep for a whole twenty-four hours.” Applejack wasn’t sure if that was because of the coffee, or if because Pinkie had probably brewed it strong enough to dissolve steel and loaded it with more sugar than you needed for apple marmalade. So she made a noncommittal shrug and started pulling Rainbow off the cloud. “She really does have a nice singing voice,” Fluttershy continued. “Even if her lyrics were…” “Filthier than a hog in slop?” Applejack deadpanned. “I was going to say ‘inappropriate’,” Fluttershy corrected. “I had no idea there were so many terms for a mare’s…” She blushed harder. Applejack had had no idea either, especially since she had been the mare with the parts Rainbow had been singing about. “Yeah, well… that’s Rainbow Dash for you.” Applejack bucked her hips slightly, shifting Rainbow Dash’s weight across her back. With a wry smile, she turned around and started to trudge the long way back home through town. “She’ll have a major headache tomorrow. You’ll have water set out for her, right?” Applejack barked a sarcastic laugh. “Not a chance.” * * * Applejack awoke, bright and early the next morning. She never could sleep in. Resigning herself, she slowly slid out of bed, shivering in the cool air. Her headache was very mild; a large glass of water and a nice shower would soon set her right. Frankly, Rainbow Dash had given her a bigger headache last night. Speaking of Rainbow Dash, she, on the other hoof, had had no such good fortune. That little motion of Applejack leaving the bed had been enough to wake her up, and Rainbow quickly regretted this development. She groaned, and that just made it worse, so the groan grew louder and more pained. “Mornin’, Rainbow!” Applejack said, a bit more cheerily than she felt. “Ready for the day?” “Please, leave me alone to die…” Rainbow whimpered. “No promises, Sugarcube,” Applejack smirked, “but I’ll see what I can do.” She leaned in close. “Maybe next time, leave the heavy drinking to Mac,” she whispered. “Yeah,” Rainbow muttered. “That… that sounds good.” She groaned once more. “Don’t worry. I’ll get up soon.” Applejack cocked her head. “For what?” “I’m still… still helping on the farm today,” Rainbow said determinedly (if a bit shakily). “I won’t let you down, Applejack.” Applejack felt something warm in her heart at Rainbow’s loyalty, and she somehow found herself taking mercy on Rainbow Dash. “Hey, Rainbow,” she said, coming back over to the bed and gently stroking her mane. “Look, you don’t have to get up this morning. Hay, you can take the whole day off, if you want. Promise. I won’t mind.” “No,” Rainbow protested, forcing herself up on one elbow. She looked up at Applejack with the only eye she could open. “I’m… I’m half earth pony. I can do it!” Applejack shook her head, and a tiny smile played at her lips. “I’m sure. Sleep, sugarcube.” Rainbow tried to push herself up further, but just ended up falling face-first back into the bed covers. Applejack chuckled. She set her hoof down firmly but softly. “Go back to sleep, or I’ll tell Apple Bloom that you’re willing to be a subject for nursing cutie mark practice,” she threatened. Rainbow quickly closed her eyes and feigned sleep. Applejack cracked a smile and headed down the stairs. She knew how to play with Rainbow. She made it back to the kitchen, where she found Apple Bloom making herself a snack. Apple Bloom’s peanut butter spreading motions on the toasted bread seemed to grow a bit more aggressive as Applejack walked in. “So, did the big ponies enjoy their little weekend shindig?” she asked, her voice biting. Applejack exhaled through her nose. “Not really,” she confessed. “Rainbow got into the hard cider and I had to chase her down. Honestly, I think Mac was the only one to have a good time.” “Eeyup!” came Macintosh’s cheerful confirmation from upstairs. Applejack could have sworn she heard Rainbow Dash moan in protest. She cracked a smile. “But I got her back safe and sound, so there’s that.” “Huh,” Apple Bloom said, reaching for another piece of bread. “Can’t say the same thing about some houses she hit,” Applejack amended. “So if an angry pony shows up, just send ‘em my way.” Apple Bloom shrugged as she continued spreading the peanut butter. “I’m heading out,” she replied. “Crusader outing.” Now that Applejack looked, she realized that, aside from her breakfast, Apple Bloom was also making a whole stack of sandwiches. “Where are you going?” Apple Bloom shrugged. “We’re gonna go try and help somepony with their flying. It’s gonna take all day, so I’m bringing plenty of food.” One side of Applejack’s mouth curled up in a wry smile. “Is it Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom grinned. “I can neither confirm nor deny that allegation,” she said. Applejack snorted. “Of all the cutie marks, I think that politics cutie mark was my least favorite.” Apple Bloom put on her most innocent, charming smile. Something else occurred to her. “And if anypony ever comes asking about a brewing cutie mark, you turn them right down.” Applejack chuckled dryly. “Trust me, Apple Bloom, there’s stuff you ain’t never old enough to hear, and I heard plenty of that last night. If Rainbow ever reaches for the hard cider again, you have my permission to knock it out of her hoof.” Apple Bloom grinned. “Where is Rainbow, anyway?” “She’s in bed, sleeping last night off,” Applejack replied. “I’m gonna go deliver a basket of apples to Fluttershy for helpin’ me last night. If Rainbow comes down, let her know. She may have a headache that’s poundin’ like an earthquake, but she’s determined to do her share of chores today.” “Oh.” Apple Bloom glanced back up towards the stairs, and she squinted. “Does she know that today’s our day off?” Applejack smirked. “What she don't know don't hurt her.”
SensualityRainbow Dash had eventually recovered from her hangover of epic proportions, and though it had taken her until early afternoon, she was rip roaring and ready to go by three. And she couldn’t quite hide her annoyance at being told she had gotten up, out of bed, and completely ready for whatever assignment Applejack was to lay on her, only to find that there were no chores scheduled for today. But it seemed apparent that her focus could shift quickly. She took Applejack up on her offer to go take a walk around the farm’s fence posts, one of the many daily requirements that didn’t count as ‘chores’. Applejack’s ears pricked up as Rainbow’s tail brushed against her cutie mark again. Once could have been accidental. Twice a coincidence. Three times was pushing it. This was touch number five. Applejack gently bumped her back with her hips. “Rainbow, if’n I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to get frisky with me.” Rainbow waggled her eyebrows. “Maybe I am,” she said. “I’m not hearing a ‘no’.” “Well, I ain’t sayin’ ‘yes’ either,” Applejack protested. “We’ve still got another half of the farm to go.” “Come on, Applejack,” Rainbow whispered in an attempt to sound inviting. She darted in front and began swaying her hips. “Take me for a ride.” Applejack couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter. It just looked and sounded so unnatural for Rainbow Dash to be doing things like this. Her usual invitations were more along the lines of a wink with accompanying nudge to the ribs and a spontaneous, ‘Hey, Applejack, you wanna?’, and this attempt to be seductive was more amusing than arousing. Rainbow Dash quickly realized this, too, so she rapidly switched tactics. She spread her wings and flew, looping back around. And then she gently landed on Applejack’s back. “Come on, Applejack,” she whispered into her ear. “I won’t bite… any place you don’t want me to.” Applejack grit her teeth. She did like it when Rainbow Dash did that, yes. The whispering into her ear thing, not the biting… Ok, the biting part, too. That was actually kinda nice. Rainbow acted brash and wild, sure; but her lovebites were always gentle and tender. She always remained in complete control, and she always seemed to know just where and how hard Applejack wanted to be bit. Applejack slowed her pace as she felt herself reacting to Rainbow’s advances. She crinkled her nose, feeling mildly betrayed by her own body. Rainbow noticed, too. She gently took Applejack’s ear into her mouth and gave it a gentle nibble, drawing a sharp inhale through gritted teeth from the earth pony. “I’ll make it worth your while,” Rainbow whispered, now wearing a triumphant smile. “I’ll rock your world, AJ. Trust me. I’ve got the stamina of an earth pony.” Applejack stopped short. Oh, so that was how she was going to play? “You’d better,” Applejack growled her challenge as she began walking again, this time heading towards a barn she knew would be unoccupied. “Because once I start, I ain’t stopping until I’m satisfied.” Rainbow smirked. “Bring it on, cowgirl,” she whispered as she flicked Applejack’s cutie mark with her tail. * * * Applejack stepped out into the light and shook her whole body. “You were right, Rainbow,” she said. “That was fun.” Rainbow lifted her head, panting heavily, eyes unfocused. “Yeah,” she wheezed. “Anything… anything for you, Applejack.” “Welp, I’m gonna go rinse off in the stream,” Applejack said. “You coming?” “Actually…” Rainbow tried to move her hind legs, but all she got was a pathetic tail motion, not even strong enough to be a flick. “I think I’ll just… stay here for a bit.” Applejack shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she said. “Just remember to close the doors when you leave.” Rainbow nodded. “You… you got it, Applejack.” Smirking to herself, Applejack turned and left. Rainbow Dash, exhausted, could only listen to her leave. She raised a hoof up and let it slam against the wooden board she lay on. It barely made a sound. It was strange, to feel so good and so bad at the same time. * * * The next morning, Applejack was awoken by soft tickles on her neck, as if somepony were cuddling her and breathing lightly on her. She opened her eyes and realized that this was what was actually happening. Rainbow Dash was pressed up tightly against her. “Good morning, Applejack,” Rainbow whispered. “Morning, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “Has the morning sex train left the station yet?” Applejack pricked up one ear. “You’re still rearin’ to go?” “What can I say?” Rainbow whispered. “I can’t get enough of you.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “I seem to recall having to bring you dinner in the barn last night.” “Ok, fine; but that was then, and this is now. Call it ‘breakfast in bed. First one to finish, wins!” “Finish ourselves or finish each other?” Applejack asked suspiciously. “Each other,” Rainbow decided. She flicked her tail, keeping it a bit higher than strictly needed. Though she wasn’t showing Applejack anything yet, she left no doubt as to her intentions. Well, maybe a little bit of doubt. Applejack massaged a temple with her hoof. “Rainbow, this… this ain’t right.” “What’s not right?” Rainbow demanded. “Sex is supposed to be two ponies comin’ together-” Rainbow ‘snrked’. “-and this is… you’re makin’ it into a competition.” Rainbow glared. Applejack’s ears pinned. “Not that you’re… you know… I mean…” Rainbow grinned. “Say it,” she urged Applejack sighed and rested her chin against the blankets. “Love havin’ sex with you,” she mumbled. “You know I do. But you’re turnin’ it into a competition. And… Rainbow, it just seems wrong.” Rainbow leaned down into her face. “You’re just saying that because I’m going to win.” Applejack exhaled sharply, blowing Rainbow’s mane out of her face and making her flinch back ever so slightly. “Fine,” she conceded, rolling over onto her side so she was facing Rainbow Dash’s hindquarters. She lifted a hind leg slightly. “Fine.” She extended her tongue all the way out and pulled it back in, giving it just a quick stretch. “But I ain’t gonna go easy on you.” Rainbow looked back at Applejack under her spread wings and grinned. “Promise?” she challenged. She gasped as Applejack reached up with a hoof and yanked her tail. “Th- that’s cheating,” she accused. “I’m just using my resources,” Applejack smirked. “And I thought you said you were going to use that tongue somewhere else.” She rested her hoof over Rainbow’s cutie mark and gripped tightly. “Winner showers first.” * * * Rainbow rested the back of her head against the bathroom door. If she imagined really hard, the sound of the water running was almost enough to drown out her shame. Beaten. Again. She exhaled and hung her head. At least nopony else was around to- Sure enough, a nearby door opened, and Macintosh stepped out, ready to greet the day. But by the way his nostrils flared, it was clear that he hadn’t been expecting the day to give him such a strange greeting in return. His eyes flicked over to Rainbow Dash, and he snickered as he walked by. “Aw, go throw a shoe,” Rainbow grumbled irritably.
ResolutionWithout even bothering to knock, Rainbow Dash burst through the door. “Dad!” she called. Rainbow Blaze jumped, nearly knocking over the easel in front of him. He quickly shuffled a few of his canvases around, hiding the one he had been working on. “Dashie! Dashie. Dash, Dash, Dash. Hi,” he said nervously. “What’s… what’s up?” He winced as he realized that he’d opened himself up to one of his favorite bad jokes. But Rainbow Dash didn’t take the opportunity. “Not much. Can I talk to you?” This, more than anything, let Rainbow Blaze know that something was wrong. He slid over and wrapped a wing around Rainbow Dash. “What can I do, oh favorite daughter of mine?” Rainbow looked down, looked around the room, and then finally spat it out. “I’m a failure!” she blurted. Rainbow Blaze blinked. “You’re…?” “I’m a failure!” Rainbow Dash repeated. Rainbow Blaze’s mouth worked wordlessly as he tried to process this. “In what way?” he managed to stammer. “I’m half earth pony, but I don’t act like it! It took me almost a full week to adapt to Applejack’s schedule! I still can’t pull the carts as fast as she can! I can’t hold any hard cider! And don’t get me started on her stamina--it’d take two of me just to keep up! I came onto her, and she rutted me senseless! I just…” Rainbow sighed and bowed her head. “I wanted to be like mom, you know? An earth pony. And I… I kinda feel like I’m letting her down.” Rainbow Blaze laughed. Rainbow Dash squinted. Wha-? “Dashie, your mother…” Rainbow Blaze shook his head and brusquely rubbed a hoof across one eye. “I sometimes wondered what she saw in me. Amber Waves was amazing, she was strong, she knew how to bake, and she had a mean left hook; and I was… I was a crazy, foolhardy pegasus, thinking less with my ehh-” here, he gestured vaguely towards his temple, “-and more with my ehh,” and here he gestured vaguely towards his hips. “You know why she ended up marrying me? Because I was different. I was real. I was… me. You know how earth ponies are. They’re steady, they’re solid, they’re… grounded. Me? I’m… I’m like you. I fly fast first and think second.” He cracked a smile. “Turns out she was bored with her life, and I gave her life a little of the spontaneity she needed.” Rainbow Dash squinted. “That’s a big word.” Rainbow Blaze shrugged modestly. “What? I remember some words from the writing gig.” Rainbow Dash nodded. “Oh, yeah. Didn’t you sell a couple books?” “Couldn’t even get a recipe published,” Rainbow Blaze admitted sheepishly. “The thing is, Applejack might need you for the same reason. It’s like having nothing but cloud candy for a while. It’s good, yeah; but eventually, you’re gonna need a change.” He poked Rainbow Dash’s barrel. “You’re that change, Dashie. You’re what she needs. You make an ok earth pony, sure; but you should probably leave being an earth pony to Applejack, and stick with being a good pegasus.” Rainbow Dash nodded. Convinced that the crisis was over, Rainbow Blaze let his teasing nature back through. “Don’t forget, as a pegasus, you’ve got an advantage others don’t. Two big advantages.” He wiggled his wings. “Don’t forget to brush your feathers over her lower stomach, and take it slow. Earth ponies love that stuff.” He grinned lecherously. “And since they can’t return the favor with wings, they usually use their tongues instead.” Rainbow Dash grinned. She knew all about earth ponies and their lingual dexterity. “And feathermark her every chance you get. It’s best when she’s not looking and doesn’t see it coming.” Rainbow chuckled. In her urge to be as earth pony as possible, she’d almost forgotten about that. “And do it in front of other earth ponies. They'll get jealous and it'll make her feel really special. Hay, do it in front of other ponies in general.” “Nah,” Rainbow said with a dismissive shrug. “She's not much for the whole public affection thing. But when she's alone…” Her voice trailed off, and a devious grin crossed her face. “Actually…” * * * Applejack poked her head back inside the barn. “Hey, Apple Bloom?” she called. “Yeah?” “You seen Rainbow Dash?” “Uh-uh,” Apple Bloom answered. “Not since last night at dinner.” “Mm. Thanks,” Applejack said distractedly as she headed back out. Where could she be? Though she did make a lousy earth pony, it had been nice to have her around all the time. She was probably asleep somewhere, the exhaustive pace finally catching up to her- And then she heard a burst of thunder, and a simultaneous sharp jab on her flank. She jumped. “What’n the hay!?” She spun around. “Rainbow!” Rainbow laughed uproariously. “Oh, AJ, you should have seen your face!” she howled. “Oh, that was perfect!” Applejack reached back and dolefully rubbed her flank where she’d been zapped, but she couldn’t help but grin. “You know, I can’t remember the last time you were on a cloud.” Rainbow stood upright on her cloud. “Yeah, well, I did a little soul-searching, and I realized something. Being half earth pony is great. Really, it is. It’s fine to be with your heritage. But you also have to be yourself. So I’m just going to be the bestest, most awesome me I can be.” She flared her wings. “And that means all of me.” She dropped to her stomach, rested her chin in her hooves and grinned. “So don’t be surprised if I start stealing apples and taking naps in your trees again.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Gee. Just be the best you, eh? Sure wish somepony would have told you that earlier.” Rainbow Dash jumped off the cloud, landed, and flicked Applejack’s cutie mark with the tip of her wing. “Yeah, me too,” she said, but she couldn’t keep the smile off her face. Applejack brightened. “Actually, if you’re back to doin’ pegasus-y things, would you mind takin’ a cloud over to where Macintosh is? He didn’t get as far as he needed to last week, and the earth’s as dry as a tumbleweed and hard as a rock again.” Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulder and did an exaggerated double-take. “Oh, look! A cloud! Why, I’ll just use my pegasus wings-” and here she extended them as wide as they’d go, “-and go take it over.” Applejack grinned. “Thank you kindly, Sugarcube.” Rainbow grinned as she did a loop-the-loop and pushed the cloud over to the eastern orchard. Her wings felt great, the air rushing over them felt comfortingly familiar. When was the last time she’d really flown? She couldn’t remember. But she was certain about one thing: it was good to be back.
StingerThere was a knock at the door. Rainbow Dash lifted her head, snorted derisively towards the door, and then placed her head back down on Applejack’s flank. Whoever was there could wait. She was busy. Applejack stirred. “Who is it?” she asked. “Don’t know, don’t care,” Rainbow Dash mumbled into Applejack’s cutie mark. “Rainbow?” “What?” “That was the bedroom door, Rainbow.” Rainbow grunted. “So? You don’t smell that bad.” She sniffed in Applejack’s general direction. “Actually, you smell pretty good.” Applejack bucked her hips, knocking Rainbow Dash to the floor. “That means they know we’re in here, Rainbow,” she said as she got out of bed. Rainbow rolled over and reached up for Applejack’s leg. “Says you.” Applejack rolled her eyes and lifted her leg just out of Rainbow's reach as she picked her hat up off the nightstand. She walked over towards the door and slid it open. Her eyes widened. “Hi,” she said. Rainbow Blaze reached a hoof up to his head respectfully. “Hey,” he said. “I, uh… I was going to bring this over as soon as I finished, but in hindsight…” His nostrils flared subconsciously. “Maybe I should have waited for after breakfast or… or something.” No thought, just action. He really was Rainbow Dash’s father. “Hey, no worries,” Applejack said. “We were gonna get up soon anyway.” “Great,” Rainbow Blaze said, shifting uncomfortably. “I, uh… I brought you this.” He held out a wrapped canvas. Applejack took it. “Hey, Rainbow? Get up and look at this.” Rainbow pushed herself up, and quickly oriented herself. She raised an eyebrow. “Dad? Did you paint something?” “I did,” Rainbow Blaze said proudly. “And it’s finished?” Rainbow Blaze snorted indignantly. “I’ll have you know that I finish things all the time, Dashie.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say, Dad.” Applejack finished unwrapping it. Her eyes widened. “Well, butter my buns and call me a biscuit,” she murmured. “That’s amazing.” Rainbow Dash peeked over her shoulder and her jaw dropped. It was a painting. Rainbow Blaze had painted them, together. Applejack was running along a hill, and Rainbow Dash was flying alongside. Though they seemed to be facing towards their destination, their eyes were on each other. “Blaze, this is beautiful,” Applejack whispered. “Yeah, Dad,” Rainbow Dash added. “This is… whoa.” Rainbow Blaze shrugged. “Thanks. I’m glad you like it. Just never lose sight of what makes each of you special.” “Never,” Rainbow Dash promised. And then she looked her father in the eye. She extended her wing. And she brushed the full length of it against Applejack’s cutie mark. Applejack squealed and jumped out of the way. “Rainbow!” she scolded, blushing redder than the apples in the painting. “You were right,” Rainbow Dash laughed. “That is more fun in front of other ponies.” Applejack pulled her hat down over her eyes and grumbled under her breath as both pegasi laughed, as if at an inside joke.
