Applejack wakes up to a delicious smell coming from the kitchen. Sitting up slowly she wipes the sleep from her eyes and looks to see Rainbow still deep asleep. Smiling to herself, Applejack grabs the red hair bands and ties them around her tail and mane in their usual fashion.

Trying not to wake her new marefriend, Applejack slowly slides out of bed and trots downstairs to the kitchen. In the kitchen was Apple Bloom cooking eggs in a pan. Not cleanly, but still cooking. Apple Bloom looks to Applejack and smiles.

“Mornin' sis!”

“Mornin’ Apple Bloom. Whatcha doin’?”

Apple Bloom responds with a smile.

“Makin’ y'all's breakfast!”

“Ah can see that.” Applejack says looking around the kitchen.

“Sorry 'bout the mess. Hope the breakfast makes up fer it.”

“Yer an Apple. Ah'm sure it tastes fine. Now ya better run along ta school ‘fore yer late again.”

“Oh alright. Ah love ya sis.”

“Ah love ya too Apple Bloom. Now get goin’.”

Apple Bloom slings her saddle bags around her back and runs out the door. Meanwhile Applejack scoops the eggs out and places two per plate. Satisfied with this, she goes back upstairs and sees Rainbow still in bed asleep.

‘Ah swear that pony sleeps longer than anypony else Ah’ve ever met.’ She thinks to herself.

Walking over to the sleeping Pegasus, Applejack nudges Rainbow's back with her muzzle.

“Rainbow. Rainbo~ow. Come on sugarcube it's time ta get up.”

No response. Just a lot of comically loud snoring.

“Rainbow Dash, it's time ta wake up.”

Rainbow Dash continues to snore. Applejack rolls her eyes.

“Alright Rainbow, ya asked fer it.”

Applejack jumps back up onto the bed and getting really close to Rainbow Dash’s ear, she yells.

“RAINBOW J. DASH!!! AH'M GONNA GIVE YA ‘TILL THE COUNT OF THREE TA GET YER LITTLE BLUE HINDQUARTERS OUTTA BED RIGHT NOW MISSY!”

Rainbow Dash immediately wakes up startled and falls out of bed, hitting her head on the hard wood floor.

“Ow...”

“Oh good. Yer awake.” Applejack says with a smile.

“I am now.”

“You alright sugarcube?”

“I'm fine. I can't hear outta my left ear now, but I'm fine.”

“Then maybe you'll get outta bed the next time Ah call fer ya?”

“Whatever. What's for breakfast?”

“Eggs.”

“Cool.”

Both mares trot back downstairs and into the kitchen. Once they reach the kitchen they sit down and feast on the delicious breakfast bestowed upon them.

“These eggs are really good AJ.”

“Apple Bloom made ‘em.”

With a surprised look, Rainbow Dash swallows her food and asks.

“Really?”

“Yup.”

“Wow. I guess great cooking runs in the family.”

“That's what happens when yer an Apple. Now hurry up and eat. Ah gotta run ta Twilight's house.”

“Okay.”

Once Rainbow finishes her food, she and Applejack make there way to Twilight's library.

“What do you need to talk to her about.”

“Ah need a book on how ta get rid of a bunch of varmints tearing up my land.”

“Gotcha.”

Soon they both are at the front door step. Applejack knocks on the door and waits for a response.

“Come in!”

Both mares enter the library and see Twilight frantically looking for something.

“Hey Twi. Whatcha lookin’ fer?”

“One of my letters to the Princess! I was sure I had it!”

“Where was the last place ya had it?”

“I was in my room!”

“Then check there.”

Twilight then stops with a baffled look on her face.

“Oh. Right.”

Twilight teleports upstairs and a few seconds later a distant “Got it!” emanates from the room.

“Good. Now. Ah need ta borrow a book from ya right quick.”

“What kind of book?”

“Anything that can help me get rid of any pests that destroy my orchard.”

“Of course.”

The purple mare skims through her library looking for said book.

“Here it is. ‘Pest control & Removal: A reference guide.’”

“That'll work.”

Twilight levitates the book into Applejacks saddlebag.

“Here you go AJ. Just return it when you're done.”

“Thanks Twi. Ah really need ta figure this out before my apples p–...uh Rainbow? You okay Hun?”

Applejack gets worried when she notices that Rainbow Dash is struggling to stand, wobbling from side to side.

“I...I dunno. I just don't, feel so good...”

What happens next causes terror to strike the faces of the other two mares. Rainbow Dash collapses.

Twilight is the first to speak.

“RAINBOW DASH!!”

Applejack is immediately by Rainbow Dash’s side as she holds the mare in her hooves, supporting her head with one of them.

“RAINBOW DASH! WHAT’S WRONG SUGARCUBE?! COME ON DASH SAY SOMETHING!”

Rainbow Dash opens her mouth to speak but to everypony’s horror, as soon as she opens her mouth she begins to cough violently, puking up blood while doing so. Soon after, little trails of blood begin leaking out of Rainbow’s ears and snout.

“NO! RAINBOW DASH!! DON’T DIE ON ME!!!

Seconds later, the door of the library swings open, revealing a mysterious pony hidden within a cloak. A unicorn. Seeing this pony enter the library raises red flags for Twilight and Applejack as they take an offensive position in front of the dying mare.

“YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER OR AH'LL MAKE SURE YA DON’T WALK OUTTA HERE!!!”

Twilight’s horn glows a bright almost white color as she arms herself to attack.

“Who in Equestria are you?!”

The figure says nothing, instead they fire a bolt of light blue magic at the two still standing ponies, hitting Twilight in the chest before she can react. The force of the blast throws Twilight into one of the many bookshelves throughout the library, knocking her unconscious.

“TWILIGHT!! YER GONNA PAY FER’ THAT YA SON OF A–”

The cloaked figure fires another shot aimed at Applejack, just missing the pony by inches. Swiftly dodging the attack, Applejack leaps toward the figure attempting to tackle them to the ground.

However the assailant is too quick and swings a purple forehoof catching Applejack squarely in the lower jaw, throwing her into the same bookshelf Twilight collided with.

The force of the punch knocks the wind out of the cowpony, making her go dizzy. Struggling to regain focus, Applejack watches in horror as the unicorn levitates a knife out of the kitchen, and brings it to Rainbow Dash.

Applejack’s eyes widen in horror before she screams.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!!!”

The attacker turns around glaring at Applejack before turning their full attention to her.

Before the assailant can get close enough, Twilight wakes up from her daze and pounces on top of the unicorn, her wings flaring. Once again the unicorn is able to throw Twilight off and into the staircase, wounding her but she still remains conscious.

The unicorn only gets closer to Applejack, the knife drawn and ready. Applejack clenches her eyes shut and awaits for her impending death.

Suddenly, the attacker speaks.

“Three down, three to go...”

This makes Applejack open her eyes in horror knowing the meaning of these words. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Applejack hears a very familiar but distant voice.

“Applejack! Wake up! Applejack! Wake up Applejack!”

“What?...”

The unicorn standing over the earth pony brings the knife up higher, then quickly brings it down for the kill.

Then, everything goes black.

Applejack’s eyes shoot wide open. Her forehead practically sweating bullets. Still in a daze, she doesn't realize it was all a dream and feels a pair of hooves on her shoulders. Not knowing what else to do, Applejack swings violently at the unknown pony and screams.

“NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!! RAINBOW DASH!!”

“No! Applejack! It's okay! It was just a dream!”

Applejack's right forehoof connects to The pony's jaw, sending her tumbling to the floor.

“ACK!”

Finally, the realization hits her and she sees that she is in her bedroom in no real danger. She also realizes exactly who it was that she had just assaulted.

“Is that how you say good morning here on the farm?” Rainbow Dash asks while rubbing her sore jaw.

“Oh Celestia...Rainbow Dash, Ah'm so sorry Sugarcube. Are ya alright?”

“I'm good. But for the love of Luna you have the meanest right hook I've ever felt!”

“Sorry. Ah was just...havin’ a bad dream.”

“Yeah, I noticed. You want to tell me about it?”

“Ah don't wanna scare ya sugarcube.”

“Hey. This is Rainbow Dash you're talking to. I don't scare easily.”

“Alright fine. We had just woken up and Ah had ta go ta Twilight’s like Ah said we were gonna do today. So we get there and as she drops the book into my saddlebag, you tell us ya start feelin’ weird, then ya just collapse right there in front of both of us. That alone nearly gave me a heart attack. Then as Ah'm holdin’ ya in my hooves, Ah try gettin’ ya ta talk, but ya started coughin’ up a lotta blood. It just came out yer mouth, out yer ears, and out yer nose. Ah was so scared. Then somepony kicks in the door. Ah couldn't see who it was cause they was disguised by a cloak. Twilight and Ah both stood in front of ya ta protect ya. But the pony knocked Twilight out cold. Ah tried ta get the jump on ‘em. But they up and punched me before Ah could even touch ‘em. Knocked me into a daze. Then...Then they had a knife. A big one. They got closer ta me and just before it ended, they said somethin’ Ah will never ferget. They looked right at me an’ said, ‘three down. Three to go.’ Then it all went black and Ah woke up and hit ya.”

Applejack wipes away the tears that had formed and looked up at Rainbow Dash, who looked back at Applejack with loving but nervous eyes.

“Ah'm sorry. Ah shouldn't have told ya. It just felt so real Dash. Everythin’ felt so damn real. Ah was so scared Ah'd lost you and Twilight.”

“No. No I'm glad you told me AJ. Tell you what, how about we go over to Twilight’s right now and I'll show you that she’s just as safe as I am. Okay?”

“Okay Rainbow.”

“Don't worry Applejack. I'm not going anywhere. I promise. Now let's get to Twilight’s alright?”

“But, it's five in the morning. Are ya sure Twilight is up at this hour?”

“Trust me AJ, it doesn't matter what time of day it is. Twilight would do anything to help a friend in need. How do you think she earned the title of ‘The Princess of Friendship’?”

“Well, alright. If yer sure.”

“I am.”

“Well then gimme a minute ta get ready. Ah ain't goin’ nowhere lookin’ like Ah just got busy with a bull.”

Applejack realizes too late what she said and now Rainbow Dash is struggling to keep her composure as she bites onto her fetlock trying not to laugh. Applejack gives Dash an extremely bemused look.

“Shut up.”

“I didn't say anything!”

“You were thinkin’ somethin’. Ah got a gut feelin’ that Ah know what that somethin’ is. So keep her trap shut, and Ah won't have ta hog tie ya and throw ya into the cellar.”

Rainbow’s smile only grows bigger.

“Kinky.”

“DAGGUMMIT!!”

Rainbow Dash can no longer hold it in, she bursts out into hard laughter clutching her sides.

“You made it too easy Applejack! Hahaha!”

Applejack flashes an angry look at the Pegasus.

“Alright! Ya had yer laugh. Now get out so Ah can get ready.” She says with a blush.

“Seriously AJ? Were ponies, were naked all the time.”

“Ah mean ta put in my hair ties and grab my hat!”

Applejack’s blush grows in intensity.

“Do I really need to be out in the hall for that?”

With a defeated huff, Applejack responds.

“No...Ah guess not.”

“Great.”

“But don't ya be gettin’ any ideas!”

Applejack points an accusing hoof at her marefriend.

Rainbow holds her forehooves up in submission. “Wouldn't dream of it.”

Applejack grabs her red bands and puts her mane in its usual braid and does the same with her tail. But she notices that her hat is nowhere to be found.

“Where in tarnation is my hat?!”

“I got it.”

Applejack looks at Rainbow Dash who is proudly wearing a brown Stetson belonging to the orange pony.

“Give it here!”

Applejack swipes at the Pegasus, but Rainbow Dash is too quick and gallops out of the room with the hat. Applejack quickly follows and soon this playful activity turns into an all out chase through Ponyville. The hour long chase turns into hysterical laughter the longer it goes on.

Eventually Rainbow Dash decides that Applejack has had enough and slows down enough to place her hat back on top of the farm ponys head.

“Thanks Rainbow.”

“Don't mention it.”

“So uh, AJ. I've been meaning to ask. When are we gonna tell the girls that were like, a thing now?”

“Whenever the times right Ah reckon. Ah never really put a whole lotta thought into it sugarcube. Reckon we could tell `em all tomorrow afternoon once Ah get everythin’ taken care of. Sound good ta you?”

“Works for me.”

“Alright.”

After a few more minutes of walking, the newly formed couple arrives at the Golden Oaks Library.

Applejack knocks on the door and waits for a response. A few moments later the door handle starts glowing a light purple aura.

The door opens and a very tired Twilight Sparkle come into view. With a deep yawn, Twilight forms a small almost forced smile.

“Applejack? Rainbow Dash? What are you girls doing here? It's 6:00 in the morning.”

“AJ had a bad dream and I told her it would do her a lot of good to talk to you about it.”

“Of course. Come on in. Would you girls like some tea?”

“Sure. I'll take some.”

“Thank ya kindly, but Ah think Ah'll pass on that.”

“Alright. I'll be back in a minute. Make yourselves comfortable.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash take a seat beside each other on the couch waiting for Twilight to return. Rainbow looks at the farm pony who is staring hard at the floor, seemingly off in her own world.

Rainbow Dash places a gentle hoof on Applejacks back, making the mare jump at the contact.

“You okay?”

“Ah'm fine. Ah'm just...thinkin’.”

“Hey. I told you I'd be fine. And so will Twilight. Alright?”

Applejack smiles a little at the reassurance.

“Thanks Rainbow.”

“Anytime.”

A couple of minutes later, Twilight returns from the kitchen levitating two small cups and a pitcher of tea in her magic. Gently setting the supplies down she takes a seat across from the other two mares.

“Alright. So what's been going on? Tell me about your dream.”

For the next few minutes Applejack explains to Twilight about her dream, stopping every once in a while to regain her composure.

Once she finishes the story she looks up at Twilight who has a look of shock and confusion plastered over her face.

“...And that's when Ah woke up and ended up punching Dash in the jaw by accident. Sorry 'bout that by the way.”

“It's alright. I'm a big pony. I can take a punch.”

“Still don't excuse the fact Ah hit ya.”

“Really. Don't worry about it. I know you were scared.”

“‘Scared’ ain't the word fer it. What do you think it means Twi? Ah'm hopin’ it was all just a dream, and not the future.”

“Well, it's possible that it could have been a vision. Though there's a less than 5 percent chance of that happening. So it was more than likely just a dream. Let's hope that's all it was.”

“Ah hope yer right Twilight.”

“I'm sure it was just a dream. But there's something that AJ told me that she remembers from the dream that the attacker said. Something that chilled her to the bone. They said, ‘three down, three to go.’”

Twilight places a hoof on her chin in thought.

“Hmmm. Sounds like whoever it was in your dream was going after all six of us. That's oddly specific.”

“Can you remember anything about what they looked like? Any features that stood out to you?” Rainbow asks.

“Not really. Ah mean, it was obviously a unicorn, their magic had a light blue color to it. And they had purple fur. And the voice sounded feminine.”

Rainbow Dash's eyes go wide.

“Okay this is getting weird.”

“Whaddya mean Rainbow?”

“Those details sound exactly like the pony who attacked me.”

“Hmmm. This is strange. This almost never happens.”

“What almost never happens Twi?”

“Applejack, you, like the rest of us have never seen who attacked Rainbow Dash, correct?”

“Right.”

“Rainbow Dash, according to you, the pony AJ just described is exactly who you saw, correct?”

“Yeah?”

“The correlation between you two describing this pony is an extremely rare event. Making it sound more like a vision than a dream. But that still doesn't mean it wasn't a dream.”

“Well, what do we do?” Rainbow asks.

“We find them before they can hurt anypony else.”

“Gotcha.”

“There's something I've been wondering for the past few minutes though.”

“What's that Twi?”

“Why were you two in the same room when Applejack woke up?”

This question completely throws Applejack and Rainbow Dash off guard, causing them both to blush deeply.

“We'll tell ya later sugarcube. We're gonna have the others meet us here. Alright?”

“Well, okay. Is there anything else you need?”

“Nah. Ah think we're okay fer now. Thank ya kindly though.”

“Alright. Well if either of you need me, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks egghead.”

“You are both very welcome.”

“We'll see ya in a little while, Twilight. Dontcha ferget we're comin’ back in a bit with the other girls.”

“Okay Applejack. You two take care now.”

“We will. And thanks for the tea Twi.”

“No problem.”

After Twilight makes her way back upstairs, Applejack and Rainbow Dash exit the library and start their journey back to Sweet Apple Acres.

“You feel better now?”

“Yeah. Ah guess Ah was jus’ bein’ silly.”

“Nah. Nothing silly about it. It's good to be concerned. Let's ponies know you care.”

Applejack notices that Rainbow Dash is walking with a slight limp.

“You feelin’ alright sugarcube?”

“I'm alright AJ.”

“Yer limpin’.”

“I'll live.”

“Rainbow. Ya know yer talkin’ ta the element of honesty right? Ya can't lie ta me. Stop tryin’ ta be Miss Tough Feathers and just say that yer achin’.”

“Ugh...fine. I guess my leg does cramp a little bit. But I'll be okay.”

With a frustrated sigh, Applejack says to Rainbow Dash.

“Ah swear sometimes Ah think ya might be more stubborn than Ah am. Let's get back ta the farm and Ah'll give ya some o' my painkillers.”

“Fine.”

Sometime later, the two ponies make their way back up to the house. Once they get to the front porch Applejack slowly and carefully turns the knob and pushes the door open with her forehoof. Applejack slowly tiphoofs into the kitchen with Rainbow following closely behind her. Once they reach the kitchen Applejack opens the cabinet and reaches in before pulling out a small bottle of red tablets. With a twist of the cap Applejack takes the cap off and pours out two of the red tablets. Taking each one in her forehooves Rainbow Dash tosses them into her mouth and swallows. But instead of going down smoothly, the pills get caught in her throat and she immediately starts choking. Before anypony can even blink, Applejack runs to the sink and fills up a glass of water and comes back to Rainbow Dash who is still choking on the stubborn pills. Applejack gently tilts the glass up to Dash's lips and tells Rainbow Dash to drink.

“C'mon Dash, drink a little water. It'll help.”

Finally the pills slide down her throat and into her stomach. Rainbow Dash can finally get some air and starts coughing.

“Thanks AJ...I almost died...again!”

“Yer welcome sugarcube. That's exactly what Ah'm tryin’ ta prevent. Ya feelin’ better?”

Applejack pats Rainbow on the back who is still catching her breath.

“Yeah. I'm good. Thanks.”

“No problem. Ya still tired? We can head back ta bed if'n ya want.”

“I'm not tired now. Kinda hungry actually.”

“Well alright. Ah'll whip us up some grub. You just sit there and look pretty.”

Applejack turns to walk away and hears Rainbow Dash mutter something along the lines of, ‘I'm not pretty. I'm awesome.’ Applejack giggles at her embarrassment.

Rainbow walks into the family room and lays down on the couch. Soon after the smell of eggs and pancakes float into the room. Rainbow Dash takes in the heavenly aroma, making her mouth water. A few minutes later, Rainbow Dash gets bored and decides to walk back into the kitchen, where Applejack is standing by the oven on her hind legs flipping pancakes over. Rainbow Dash gets right behind the earth pony, stands up on her hind legs and wraps her forehooves around Applejack's barrel and lays her head on her shoulder. Applejack looks back into Rainbow's eyes and smiles.

“It'll be done ‘fore ya know it sugarcube. Don't ya worry.”

“I know, I'm just so bored.”

Rainbow leans in a little further and quietly whispers into Applejack's ear.

“I wanna do something other than stand here.”

Applejack's face suddenly grows noticeably red with embarrassment. Her body tenses up before she says with a stutter.

“W-Well, uh, Ah ain't really in the mood fer that, right now. U-Uh, why don't ya jus’ take a nap and Ah'll wake ya when the food's done.”

Noticing Applejack's embarrassment, Rainbow Dash smirks before lowering her forehooves and gently rubbing small circles around the earth pony's cutie mark, getting a small whinny from her.

“Nah, I'm too energetic for that right now. I was thinking something a bit more...personal.”

Rainbow whispers the last part into Applejack's ear, causing her blush to grow intensely.

“But the others are upstairs.”

“C'mon Jackie, let me show you why I'm the fastest. And the best...at everything.”

“R-Rainbow, now ain't the time fer stuff like that.”

In a bit of frustration, Rainbow Dash drops back down to all fours and walks away back to the couch.

“Fine...”

“As much as Ah'd like to.” Applejack says to herself.

About ten minutes later, Applejack places the last of the eggs and pancakes on two separate plates and carries them to the table. Going back to the cabinet she grabs two more plates and places them at both ends of the table.

“Soups on Dash. Get it while it's hot.”

“Okay.”

Rainbow Dash walks back into the kitchen and sits down in one of the chairs. Applejack takes the other chair. Applejack grabs her fork with her teeth and scrapes a pancake onto Rainbow's plate before scraping an egg onto her own. Applejack watches Rainbow's facial expression go from happy, to pure joy as she takes a big bite out of her pancake.

“Mmmm. These are awesome AJ! How do you do it?”

“With love Rainbow, with love.”

“That's so cheesy.”

“Well it's true.”

Applejack bites into her egg and chews in silence. By the time the two ponies are finished with breakfast, everypony else was just starting to get up out of bed. Big Macintosh is the first to get down the stairs.

“Mornin’ Big Mac. Sleep well?”

“Eeyup.”

“Ready ta get goin’ with the chores?”

“Nope.”

“Ah hear ya. Well Ah gotta take care of Rainbow again so ya mind takin’ over again?”

“Nope.”

“Thanks Big Mac.”

“Eeyup.”

Big Mac walks out of the house, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash in silence. The next few minutes go by in silence until a thought comes to Rainbow's mind.

“Y'know, I was just thinking, we haven't changed my bandages yet.”

“Ah woulda done it by now but we don't got any new ones yet.”

Suddenly a knock on the door interrupts the conversation. Applejack goes to the door and opens it where a mailpony is waiting outside.

“Package for Applejack.” He says.

“Well, if that ain't good timin’, Ah reckon Ah dun’ know what is.”

Applejack takes the package from the stallion and waves.

“Thank ya kindly. Ya have yerself a good day.”

“You too Miss Applejack.”

Applejack closes the door and walks over to Rainbow Dash before setting the package down on the floor. Applejack opens the package and looks at the contents inside. Three large rolls of gauze, one bottle of painkillers, a large roll of tape, and a splint. Applejack pulls out a letter that was laying on top of everything. She takes a moment and reads the note.

‘Dear Applejack, I realized that when you left the hospital I had forgotten to give you everything you need to tend to Rainbow Dash's injuries. In this box is everything you will need. Take care of her. Sincerely, Doctor Trotter.’

Setting the letter off to the side Applejack pulls out all of the supplies.

“That the stuff I need?”

“Yup.”

“Great. These bandages are getting uncomfortable.”

“Alright. Well let's just take care of that now.”

“Okay. Just be careful. I'm still a little sore.”

“Don't worry sugarcube. Ah'll get it done.”

Taking extra caution to not hurt the Pegasus, Appejack slowly and carefully unwraps the injured wing to allow air to get to it. Rainbow Dash steps back a few feet.

“That's better. Gimme a minute to stretch it out. It's been cramping for a while now.”

“Take all the time ya need sugarcube.”

Rainbow Dash slowly extends the injured wing as far as she can without pain coursing through it. She only gets about half way before she cringes and pain shoots up and down her entire wing. Rainbow's wing reflexively snaps back to her side. She tries again a little slower this time. She manages to extend her wing farther than the previous attempt before the pain becomes too much to bear and she closes it again.

“Reckon it ain't ready to be let loose jus’ yet.”

“Yeah. It still hurts a little.”

“Good thing we got the painkillers huh?”

“Yeah but considering I just took two of them, I can't take anymore for another four to six hours. Since painkillers are nothing more than blood thinners, if I were to get another deep gash or reopen one of my wounds, I'd probably bleed out.”

“How exactly do you know that?”

“I'm not a moron AJ. I payed attention in school.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow in disbelief.

“Somewhat.”

“That's better. Anywho, Ah reckon yer right. We'll jus' wait a few hours. In the mean time, let's get that wing redressed.”

“Right.”

“Now Dash, ya ain't gonna like this idea. But Ah'm gonna need ya ta fully extend that wing. Ah know it hurts, but Ah need it ta be straight out so Ah can put it on this here splint. Otherwise it ain't gonna heal right.”

“Okay. Just be careful.”

“You have my word sugarcube.”

Slowly and painfully, Rainbow Dash extends her left wing as far as she can before the pain gets to be too much.

“Sorry AJ, that's as far as I can go.”

“Ah'm sorry Dash. But Ah'm gonna need ta extend it the rest of the way myself.”

Rainbow Dash gulps and starts shaking.

“Sorry Dashie, but Ah need ta do this if ya want ta fly right again. Do ya trust me?”

“Of course I trust you Applejack. It just hurts really bad.”

“Believe me hun, Ah know. When Ah was a little'n Ah had my right front leg broken when one o' the wheels to the apple cart fell off and the cart itself landed on top o' me. Ah couldn't applebuck fer half the year.”

“Ouch.” Rainbow says cringing at the thought.

“Hurt like a motherbucker. Now please hold still fer me. Ah'll be as gentle as Ah can.”

“Okay...” Was all Rainbow managed to squeak out before clamping her eyes shut bracing for the pain.

Applejack gently took both sides of Rainbow's wing between her forehooves, being careful not to cause anymore pain.

“Are ya ready Dash?”

“I guess...”

“Alright. On three. One...”

Applejack pulls the wing out slightly.

“Two...”

She stretches the wing out a little more.

“Three...”

Applejack extends the wing as as far as it will go. Rainbow Dash is biting down on her fetlock trying to ignore the pain.

“Ggggggrrrgggh!!!!” Rainbow grunts trying not to scream.

“Ah know sugarcube. Ah know it hurts. We're almost done.”

Somehow managing to keep the feathered appendage in one forehoof, Applejack uses the other to pick up the splint and place it at the base of the wing, making sure one end is touching the joint where the wing connects to the rest of Rainbow's body. Applejack presses her muzzle against the splint to keep it in place while she grabs the tape in her forehoof. She places the tape in front of Rainbow's muzzle.

“Here Dashie. Bite down on this. It might help distract ya from the pain.”

Rainbow Dash grabs the roll of tape in between her teeth and bites down hard. She is almost in tears at this point. With the tape secured in place, Applejack rips off a long strip of the tape and wraps it around Rainbow's wing and the splint, making sure the wing stays straight. Applejack repeats this process over and over until the splint is in place.

“Yer doin' great sugarcube. Ah just need ta wrap it in gauze and we'll be done.”

Applejack grabs one of the rolls of gauze in between her forehooves and wraps it snug around the wing until not a single feather can be seen. Finally, Applejack rips off one last strip of tape and places it over the gauze to keep it wrapped.

“We're done sugarcube. You did great.”

Rainbow Dash stands up and spits out the roll of tape. She looks at Applejack, obviously still in pain.

“Ow...”

“Awww. Ah'm sorry Dashie, Ah tried ta be as gentle as Ah could. C'mere.”

The two ponies embrace in a tight hug. A hug which seemed to last forever, but in reality was only a couple minutes. Finally they break the hug and Applejack speaks.

“The meds should be kickin' in right about now. How ya feelin'?”

“It's starting to go away. Thank you AJ.”

“T'weren't nothin' Rainbow. Just tryin' ta make sure yer doin' alright.”

Applejack places her hoof on Rainbow's cheek.

“I love you AJ.”

“Ah love ya too Dash.”

The sound of hoofsteps emanates from the stairs to reveal Apple Bloom walking down the stairs with a curious look on her face.

“What was all the hollerin' about?”

“Dash was just in a bit o' pain is all. She's better now. Ain't ya Dash?”

“Yep! Never better!” She says a little louder than she had intended.

“Oh. Alright.”

“Ya best get along if'n yer gonna be playin' with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo today.”

“Okay! See ya sis! By Rainbow Dash!”

“See ya A.B.!”

“So now whaddya wanna do?”

Rainbow Dash smiles deviously making Applejack facehoof herself.

“Not that. Ya ain't in the condition ta be doin' stuff like that right now.”

“Awww...”

“Sorry Dash. Tell ya what? When yer all better and nothin's broken. How about Ah teach ya all about Apple family hospitality.”

Applejack winks at Rainbow Dash, who's other wing had fully extended at AJ's last statement. Applejack giggles to herself.

“Ya look excited Dash. Somethin' ya wanna tell me?”

“Uhhhh...” Was all Rainbow could say before she snaps back to reality.

“Um. I like that idea.”

“Ah thought ya might. Now let's get on over ta Twilight's. Ah think it's time we told everypony the news.”

“Right. Let's go!”

“We gotta let the others know first.”

“Alright. Let's head to Sugarcube Corner first. It's the closest. Then we'll stop by the Carousel Boutique, then head out the the Everfree Forest to get Fluttershy.”

“Sounds like a plan. Let's git!”

With that, the two loveponies head toward Ponyville. After fifteen minutes of walking, they finally reach Sugarcube Corner. They walk inside and immediately spot Mister and Mrs. Cake at the front counter, but not a pink party planner to be found. They walk up to the counter and ask where Pinkie might be.

“Howdy Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Ya'll don't happen ta know where Pinkie Pie might be would ya?”

Without missing a heartbeat, Pinkie Pie somehow manages to sneak up behind the two ponies undetected.

“HERE I AM!!”

“Gah!”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash all but jump out of their coats at Pinkie's surprise appearance. After checking that her heart is still beating, Applejack yells.

“Sweet Celestia Pinkie! Yer gonna give ponies heart attacks if'n ya keep doin' that!”

The pink pony's grin just widens.

“Heehee! Sorry!”

“We're glad your here Pinkie. We need you to meet us at Twilight's in a few minutes. AJ and I have a surprise for you all.”

“A surprise? Oh! Oh! Is it a dragon?! No! Wait! Is it another gator? Gummy needs a new friend!”

“If we told ya it wouldn't be a surprise would it?” Rainbow asks rhetorically.

“Good point! I'll see you there!”

Without so much as a goodbye, Pinkie Pie speeds off like a bullet.

“How does that pony do that?”

“Reckon it's best if we never found out.”

“You're probably right. Let's go.”

Shortly after their departure from Sugarcube Corner, they arrive at the Carousel Boutique. Applejack rings the bell and waits for a response.

“Just a min~ute!” A voice called with a singsong tone.

A few short moments later a white unicorn with a purple fancy styled mane and tail enter the main room. Rarity.

“Hello darlings. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Hey Rarity. We're gatherin' up the other gals and havin' them meet us at the library. We need ya ta meet us there too.”

“Oh, of course. I'll be done very soon and I shall meet you both there.”

“Thanks. We'll get outta yer mane fer now. C'mon Rainbow.”

“Ta ta!”

After exiting the Boutique they begin their walk to the Everfree Forest. About five minutes into the walk, Applejack notices that Rainbow Dash has a worried expression written across her face.

“What's eatin' at ya sugarcube?”

“I'm just nervous. What if they don't accept us? What if they don't want to be our friends anymore after we tell them?”

“It'll be alright Dash. Just wait and see. They're our best friends. They won't judge us fer the simple fact that we fancy each other. And if they do reject us, then they weren't our real friends ta begin with.”

“Yeah. I guess you're right.”

“Don't you fret none. It'll all work out fine. Let's just get ta Fluttershy's and we can head back to the library.”

“Right.”

About twenty five minutes later, Applejack and Rainbow Dash reach Fluttershy's shack at the edge of the forest. Applejack knocks on the door three times and waits. A few seconds later the door opens just enough for a pony to peek out with one eye. Fluttershy looks through the crack in the door and replies nervously.

“Um....H–Hello?”

“Hey Flutters.”

“Howdy.”

“Oh...Applejack. Rainbow Dash. What are you two doing all the way out here?”

“We just came by ta tell ya that Dash and Ah have a big announcement and we need ev'ry one o' ya'll ta meet us at Twilight's library.”

“Oh...U-Um...o-okay...I'll see you both there in about a half an hour...um...I-If that's okay with you...”

“Perfect! We'll see ya there Flutters!”

“Bye girls.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash walk in silence for most of the trip to the library. Until Applejack finally speaks up.

“What's got ya down this time?”

“Just thinking about some stuff.”

“Like what?”

“My job as lead weatherpony. The Wonderbolts Academy.”

“Oh...”

“I guess I'll have to quit them both. Kinda hard to fly when I got a busted wing.”

“Dash...Ah really am sorry–”

“It's fine. Really. Besides. I'd rather be down here with you. Even though you can't fly.”

“Well thank ya. Ah think.”

Rainbow Dash smirks.

“Don't mention it.

Applejack just rolls her eyes and smiles.

Sometime later they arrive at Twilight's library. Once again, Applejack knocks on the door and shortly after Twilight's voice follows.

“Come in!”

AJ and Rainbow Dash walk into the library and see Twilight reading on of her many...many...many...books. Twilight looks up and smiles.

“Hello girls. What's going on?”

“The others are coming by.”

“Okay. Spike!”

“What's up Twilight?”

“The other girls are coming over. We're going to need some nachos.”

“Coming right up!”

Spike gives Twilight a salute before running off into the kitchen.

“So how are you feeling Rainbow?”

“I feel better. AJ has been taking extremely good care of me. She's the one that actually dressed my wing. Which reminds me AJ, how did you learn to do that?”

“When ya grow up with a sister that's constantly gettin' cuts, bruises, and broken bones, ya tend ta learn a thing 'er two about healin'.”

“That makes sense.”

After another half and hour of conversing, the rest of the Mane 6 walks through the door.

“Hey girls.” Twilight says.

“HI!”

“Hello Darling.”

“Um...h-hello...”

“So what pray tell was the big announcement?”

“Ya'll may wanna sit down fer this. It's gonna be a bit of a shock to ya.”

The other members of the Mane 6 sit down on the couch eagerly awaiting the news. Rainbow Dash gets off of the couch and starts pacing nervously around the room.

“Now spill the beans!”

“Well...uh...we both hope that ya'll will still be our friends when we tell ya this. We hope it don't change nothin' between us. But...here goes.”

Applejack clears her throat nervously before continuing.

“Rainbow Dash and Ah...are datin'.”

The four seated ponies gasp in disbelief.

“OH MY GOSH!! THIS IS SO INCREDIBLE!!!”

“Yay...”

“Why that's wonderful news darlings.”

Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all have looks of pure joy on their faces. Twilight's expression however remained unchanged.

“Well? What do ya think Twi? Ain't ya happy fer us?”

“I have to admit I didn't see this coming at all. And it does seem strange to me. But if you two are happy. Then I'm happy for you both. After all, who am I to get in the way of love?”

“Thanks Twi.”

“Thanks egghead.”

“No problem girls.”

“Oh my...I need to sketch some designs for your dresses! Oh they are going to be absolutely exquisite!

“Rarity...we're dating, not getting married.” Rainbow deadpanned.

“Oh...uh, of course. Heh heh. How silly of me.”

“When did all this happen?” Twilight asked.

“‘Member when Ah told ya'll that Ah needed ta talk ta Dash after ya left?”

They all nod their heads.

“It was about five minutes after ya'll left the room.”

“Awwww.” They all said together.

“Yeah yeah we're a cute couple whatever. Enough of this mushy stuff!”

“Now hold on just a gosh darn minute. Ah seem ta remember you gettin' all mushy with me yesterday all afternoon. Why ain't ya like that now?”

“Not now AJ!” Rainbow says quietly through her teeth.

“Oh fine. Don't get yer mane in a twist. Now come over here and sit by me.”

“What if I don't wanna?” Rainbow says crossing her hooves over her chest.

With a bemused look Applejack points to the floor beside her and says sternly.

“Rainbow Dash. Here. Now.”

Rainbow reluctantly and slowly walks back over to where Applejack is sitting. Twilight decides to mess with Rainbow Dash and cracks her tail like a whip. Rainbow turns around and gives Twilight a death stare. The purple Alicorn just smiles innocently.

“So other than the obviously painful wing and everything, how do you feel?” Twilight asks with her smug grin still present.

“Other than that I feel better. I can't wait for my stitches to dissolve and my neck to stop cramping. I still don't know why they didn't put me in a neck brace.”

“Doc said yer neck wasn't too broken to put one on. There was only a light fracture in it.”

“Still. Fracture or not, aren't you suppose to put a pony in a neck brace if they so much as crack a bone in their neck?”

“Guess they didn't feel it was necessary.”

Suddenly, Spike comes running from the kitchen holding a scroll in his hand.

“Hey Twilight. Got another scroll.”

Twilight levitated the paper in her magic and reads the side of it. On the side in the fanciest of fancy writing was the name, ‘Rainbow Dash’.

“It's for you Rainbow.”

Rainbow grabs the scroll with her mouth and rolls it open and begins to read it.

‘Dear Rainbow Dash. First, how are you feeling? I hope your recovery is going well. Second, I think we are getting much closer to finding the culprit who attacked you. Meet me and the rest of my squad in the waiting area in the hospital today as soon as you can. Thank you!’

Rainbow's eyes go wide.

“Uh oh.”

“What?” Twilight asks.

“We need to meet Officer Thunder Hoof at the hospital. They may have found more evidence that may help them find out who tried to bump me off.”

“Well what in tarnation are we standin’ here for? Let's go!”

Without so much as another word, the Mane 6 plus Spike make their way toward Ponyville General Hospital, not knowing what to expect.

Author's Note

It's finally here! It's been sooooooooo long! Hope you enjoy!