Zap Apple Pieby Mochas DungeonChaptersBaby's POVApplejack's POVRainbow's POVThe Wedding part 1The Wedding part 2LaborThe DeliveryChapter 8Baby's POV You look at your Mama and grin. She can’t say no when you ask for a treat and show your teeth. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. You’ve known her for two months, since you entered the world, and in that time she hasn’t said no to you yet, not when you ask nice. “Alright, Sugar, ya get one candy but,” she stops and looks at you with that stern look she gives. “If’n ya ask again yer gettin’ none fer dessert. Now, don’t tell Mom, okay?” “Okay, Mama,” you reply as she goes to the cupboard and opens it. You know what candy she’s going for, the green one with a piece of cloud flavored like sarsaparilla in it. Your favorite! You hop around her legs and run under her as she rears to lean on the counter. Mama grabs one from a blue and green jar with a spoon in it. You eep in excitement and hear her chuckle. She balances the candy on the spoon and drops it down to your mouth. You bite down on it hearing it crunch and crackle in your mouth with your new teeth. As the sugary treat overloads your young senses you feel your knees wobble and you giggle softly. Mama pats your head and adjusts her hat. “Good girl now, don’t get too excited...” Mama’s always wearing that hat, except for when Mom wears it some mornings. Those are the mornings they are gross and nuzzle and kiss a lot. “Now, what’d ya like ta do ‘til school’s out and the rest come home?” Mama asks. For a moment you think and then run under her legs again and giggle. She laughs and watches her step so she won’t step on you. You gallop ahead and into the den where Miss Mommy Quill is reading a book. She’s a mommy, but kinda not, but, she is. Your eyes begin to cross as Miss Mommy Quill giggles. “AJ, I think ya broke her.” “Ah did no such thing, Sugar here’s just excited. Whoo-wee, didja hear that?” Mama says as there’s boom outside that scares you under her for safety. She won’t let anything scary hurt you. “The thunder?” Miss Mommy Quill asks, “yeah, the storm’s almost over. I can feel it in my bones,” she blinks with one eye at Mama. “Well, if they drop too many apples from the trees-” “The trees’ll be fine.” Miss Mommy Quill says. “They’ve been around before you and they’ll be here after you. Now, can I finish this chapter or shall we,” she stopped to ruffle her wings and grin, “talk upstairs for a bit?” “No,” Mama says with finality as she trots over to the fireplace and lays down. You gallop to stay with her and you move over to lay between her legs, facing her breasts. You realize how thirsty you are. “Ya know, yer gettin’ too old fer that,” she says looking at you. You pout and know it. “Oh, fine, but don’t overdo it. Yer eatin’ dinner with us whether ya like it’r not.” Yum! Mama’s milk is the best, except for candy. … You finish with a satisfied exhale and yawn, squeaking as your voice breaks. “Mama, sleepy,” you manage as your eyes get itchy and you rub them. “Go ta sleep baby, Mama’ll be here when ya wake up.” You feel your eyes getting heavy and the storm outside quieting down. The pitter patter of rain on the house and windows is lulling you to sleep. You lay your head on Mama’s hind leg and the world goes dark. The sounds of Mama and Miss Mommy Quill are still talking, you hear your name and your ears swivel to listen. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “She’s already two months old and you’re spoiling her like a bad batch of old apple cider, AJ.” “She’s mah first and only baby, Quill. Reckon the best cider’s sell for the best bits, but they started-” “Yeah, yeah. Cider, hard cider, bits. I do the books with Big Mac, I know how it all works,” Quill chuckled, “but you know what I’m saying? She’s just got her teeth and you’re giving her candy?” “Nursin’ her is takin’ care of that.” Applejack replied as she lightly nuzzled the sleeping filly. Her yellow coat trembling slightly as Applejack’s muzzle brushed against the filly’s legs. The filly’s orange tail flicked Applejack’s muzzle. “Well, Rainbow’s gonna have an issue with that, especially since, ya know...” “Well, it was her choice to wene ‘em onta hay sooner than later. This’ my way.” Quill raised an eyebrow and sighed but remained quiet. “What’s on yer mind, Quill?” “Just, how you two fight so much but love each other so much is still a mystery to me. Sure, I get the love’n, too, but it’s never been the same. I should’a married ya both when I had the chance.” “But, ya didn’t and now, here ya are. The best long term fiance in the history of the nation.” “Meh, I wouldn’t go that far, but thanks. I’m great in the hay, too, right?” Applejack blushed and looked to make sure the filly was sleeping. “Darn tootin’, but ya best not talk like that around this one. We had enough trouble with your helpin’ Scootaloo with Rumble.” “And they’re doing just fine, right?” Quill winked and lay her book page down. “Yeah, and goin’ at it like rabbits! Ah swear if she goes inta estrus and they get knocked up Ah’m cuttin’ ya off fer a week.” “Whatever, Rainbow’ll still dirty a cloud with me.” Applejack glared at Quill then sniffed the air, looking the filly, then winced. “Well, ya got yer Mom’s gas, for sure.” Quill laughed into her hoof as a beam of sunlight entered the window. “And there we go, storm’s over. Hear that, little one, Mom’ll be home with the others soon.” Applejack's POV “Mama! Mama! Wake up,” a filly pushes your muzzle with a hoof as you stir and're pulled from a sweet dream, “we’re home! Where’s Sugar Apple Drop? Is she playing with Miss Quill? Mom said you were gonna be out in the orchard makin’ sure the apples are plumpin’ up but yer sleepin’! School's out and we're home, Mama!” Ya quickly lift yer head and look around but Sugar isn’t there, nor is Quill. Ya know you can trust the mare with your life, but yer still a mom. Some instincts ya can’t get past so ya gotta make sure Sugar’s okay. “Ah’m up, Whispy, Ah’m up,” ya look around and see yer hat on the floor. Ya pick it up quick as a snake strikes and yer outta the farmhouse quick as a cat after a mouse with the filly behind ya gabbin’ about school. Ya hear the gigglin’ sounds of foals at play. Quill ain’t here nor there. “Now, where did that filly get to?” ya ask, tippin’ yer hat up ta get a view’a the clouds. Ya don’t see any sign of them in the sky and Whispy woke you up, she’s right behind you. That leaves... “Mama!” a colt charges inta ya from behind and dang near knocks ya off yer hooves. “Little Dashie!” ya start to scold the colt. “Yer the oldest and ya have to set a better example fer yer kin-” Ya don’t get ta get ta finish as Rainbow done plows ya over and takes yer wind with her. She's huggin’ ya as ya tumble over each other, stoppin’ finally with her on top and kissin’ each’a yer freckles. “Fritter! Ah hope the weather didn’t scare Sugar, where’s she? Ah thought ya had her while Ah was mindin’ the weather,” Rainbow hovers and frowns at you, hooves on her hips like an angry mama should be. Ya look her over as ya take in a breath and get butterflies in yer belly, and a couple bees ta boot. Even after all these years she still holds yer heart in her hooves. But, that don’t make it right ta teach the young’n ta break rules. “Sugar Plum,” ya scold her while pickin’ yerself up and fixin’ yer hat. “Ah’m here tellin’ Little Dashie ta mind his manners and ya go’n knock me down.” She wilts a little in the air and it melts yer heart ta see her hurt. Ya shouldn’t’a scolded her so loudly. Now even Little Dashie’s a bit down in the muck. “Awe, c’mere, ya flyin’ pigeon,” ya jump and catch Rainbow by the tail in yer teeth, pullin’ her to the ground with a protest… then ya kiss her on the lips. “Eeew~,” a chorus of voices sounds. Ya look over ta see yer son’n daughter lookin’ at ya and Rainbow with disgust. “Oh, hush you three.” Quill calls out as she lands next to Little Dashie and drapes a wing over his back. “It’s just their way of saying ‘hi, I love you’.” Oh, good. Sugar’s on Quill’s back and climbin’ off. She knows you don’t like her taking the filly into the sky, but you trust Quill, so it’s a fine line to walk. Look at the filly hop! She’s like Pinkie Pie, bouncin’ all over the place. “Alright, Sugarplum, let’s head in and start supper,” you say as you turn to start back to the farmhouse. “No way! It’s a totally awesome day out’n the children and me wanna play!” Rainbow calls back to you as she doesn’t wait and joins the young’ns for a game of Buckball. You roll yer eyes at Rainbow’s tail and look to Quill who’s moved to your side. “Don’t worry, Dash, I’ll help with dinner, you play and have some fun while we talk about mom stuff,” Quill shouts. Rainbow grins back and waves before movin’ ta catch the ball. Ya look ta Quill and smile. “Just us again?” You laugh when she shrugs. “And ta think, Rainbow’s nearin’ twenty two and still actin’ like the filly Ah fell in love with.” “That’s what makes you two so special, AJ.” “Eeyap,” you respond and enter into a trot, prancing slightly, “now, let’s get supper goin’. Ah’ve got a big day t’morrow with chores and gettin’ Rainbow ta Rainboom some Zap Apples fer the next shipment to Whinney Lake. As ya near the farmhouse ya can’t help but think. ‘Who would have thought life would turn out the way it did? So, perfectly awesome.’ Rainbow's POV Awesome! Little Dashie totally got the ball in the barrel, you knew he could. Hoof bump. “That’s my boy!” You shout after you pick him up and listen to him gasp. A colt, then a filly pegasus, then AJ finally has a baby; you never thought it’d be so perfect. So, amazing. Moming is a piece of apple pie. The chow triangle rings, letting us know supper is ready. “C’mon, guys, let’s get back ta the farmhouse b’fore Mama finishes supper! I bet it’s gonna be amazing, like always.” “Mama’s the best cook ever,” Whispy shouts as she gallops away from the game of Buckball. Sugar following closely, bouncing like Pinkie. Your first instinct is to drop Little Dashie and fly after Sugar, but you can’t just drop your first born, and the little one isn’t doing anything dangerous. She’s two months old, by that age you were flying circles around other ponies. “Hurry, ya can’t lose to a baby, can ya?” you tease the others and Little Dashie begins to fight in your grasp. You let him go and watch as he gallops past the other two, leaving them in the dust. You feel your cheeks hurting from grinning so much. They’re fast, and Little Whisp is movin’ her wings like she’s ready to fly. A prouder Mom you never thought you’d be. You fly after Sugar and make sure she’s trotting safely at her own pace. She’s only two months old and still trips sometimes. Uh-oh, there she goes, now she’s gonna cry. You pick her up and cradle her in your forelimbs as she fights and cries. Why can’t babies be born as tough as you were? She calms down and blinks her eyes clear of tears as you enter the farmhouse. “Here’s Mama, Sugar, here’s Mama.” You give the baby to AJ and hover over to the table where Quill is getting the other children ready and in their spots. A nice floor sitting table that sits you all is new, a certain night of being adults last month broke the old one. Applejack cried for a day. It was one of the last things Granny Smith had helped make before she became too old to wood-work. It had sentimental value. You and Quill, with Big Mac, had made a new one to replace it and Big Mac had scolded you, AJ, and Quill to stop having sex on the furniture. It was built sturdier but you couldn’t see AJ cry like that again. AJ’s taking the baby to the den, must be time for the baby to eat again. Why do they call it eating when the baby’s drinking the milk? You’ve tasted it, milk isn’t that great. Not even Applejack’s. But, it’s not exactly a part of your diet, pony milk. Sweet, sure, but something didn’t feel right about it. You feel a tinge of excitement in your chest at remembering watching Quill taste AJ’s milk as you had AJ’s muzzle pressing against your rump. Sex was certainly more exciting now that you were a mother, for sure. Threesomes were the best. “What’s for dinner, AJ?” you ask as you help Whisp to her seat. “Chowder ‘n mash,” AJ shouts from the other room, “serve it up, Ah’ll be there in a minute.” “Or three,” Quill shouts back cuz it takes AJ that long to feed Sugar then get back. You kind of miss breastfeeding, but that time’s past. You’re done having children ruin your figure and your mareparts. Quill’s glancing at you again. Quill just likes to pay attention to everything, she’s taking care of the farm numbers and all that, so she knows you’ve taken a couple ears of corn more than you should have for a snack. She counts everything, even how many times you file your hooves a week and how many feathers you leave in bed. Whatever. It’s good for her, since you barely passed level 7 mathematics. Calculus, as unicorns called it. What did you need theoretical math for, anyway? Sheesh, egg heads. Pushing clouds is what it is, let the ponies upstairs worry about the weather patterns. Not, your, problem. … You finish cleaning up the table and floor after supper and start dishes. The sounds of young playing fill the farmhouse. You hope Big Mac and Cheerilee are doing good in the house you traded them, they have another foal on the way, so they need the controllable space, not a farm where the foals could hide. Cheerilee has enough trouble with them at school, having to wrangle them at home was already stressing her. The CMC are at Rarity’s for the evening so the night’s a lot easier to clean up. Being awesome as a mom means new responsibilities, and that means dealing with dessert in the best way possible. “Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!” the young chant as they gallop into the room and surround you as you’re up to your posterns with soapy water. “What’d’ya want?!” you shout back. Undeterred they start shouting for candy and treats. “Go ask Miss Quill or Mama, Ah’m doin’ the dishes,” you yell back. They get louder and start shouting in unison for candy. The sound grates on your nerves and you feel your blood pressure rising. Why can’t they let you have a minute of peace?! “Ah’ll get ‘em candy, don’t fret yerself, Sugarplum.” Thank Celestia, you were about to fly through the door screaming into the orchards. After they get their candies they all begin to play again while AJ returns to the den to feed Sugar, AGAIN. You finish the dishes, sweep the floor, then take the garbage out. The compost can be Quill’s problem, you’ll tell her later. It’s nearly sunset so almost bedtime for the foals. Finally. “Mama, can you tell us a story?” Little Dashie asks in the den, “like how you got married? I love that one.” “Okay, well, first we’ll get Sugar ready ta eat and I’ll tell ya while she snacks,” Applejack replied sweetly as she stood and let Sugar have a drink from her plump teats. The sucking sound makes you long for the days when Whispy would suckle from you. You’d kiss her, nuzzle her, and show her all the love you could. You fly into the den and hug Little Dashie tightly. “Mom? What… what’d I do?” he gasps. You let him go and smile. “You’re just being you,” you say as you turn to Whispy and fly to hug her. Her forelimbs are open and she’s ready as you pick her up and swing her around. She giggles and you glance around to see smiles at you for being so affectionate. “What’s gotten into you, Dashie?” Quill asks, “you’re not with foal again, are you?” The room falls silent as all eyes on you change to mixed emotions. Your expressions falls flat. “Not a chance in Tartarus am I going through another birth.” The adults laugh while the children roll their eyes. They don’t wanna hear a birth story tonight, especially not yours. So what if they say you’re too graphic. They have to learn so they don’t find out when they’re nineteen, like you did. The Wedding part 1 “Mama, does it hurt when she bites you like that?” “Or when she sucks milk out?” “Is milk gross?” “It’s not gross, you drank it when you were a foal.” “Did not.” “Did so!” “Mom, Little Dashie is being mean!” “Ah am not! Mama, Whispy’s lying again.” “Okay,” Applejack took her hat off and tossed it aside, “me and Mom were married in the barn right out yonder.” The children quieted and sat, listening intently as one of their favorite stories began. “It was a long time comin’ and she had the most daring expression the whole day, nothing shook her.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh. Ah can’t do this! What was I thinking?! Fluttershy, cancel it all! I’m moving to Cloudsdale and hiding in the foundation until this blows over!” Fluttershy and Twilight giggled. “Now, Rainbow Dash. You can’t just get out of marrying the mare of your dreams like that,” Twilight said. “And I won’t have any part of cancelling this event,” Fluttershy said firmly. Rainbow glared at Fluttershy. “Yeah, after what we caught you and Pinkie doing in our cider cellar, I think you owe me one.” Fluttershy eep’d and blushed fiercely as Twilight’s ears perked. “R-rainbow Dash, please…” Fluttershy trembled. Rainbow flew over and laid a hoof on Fluttershy, calmly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Look, if you want you can walk in on me and AJ-” “Okay! Back to the wedding,” Twilight chimed in trying to keep the topic, “I think I’ll check on Applejack, okay girls?” “Can you send Rarity over,” Rainbow asked, “I need to get into… my clothes,” she blushed and looked away from Twilight’s grinning face. Twilight teleported a towel by Rainbow and winked as she let it fall to the hay covered floor. Rainbow sighed and looked around the small room she was in and sniffled. “I, I never imagined today would happen, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said to the meek pegasus who was beginning to stand again, her blush fading, “I mean, Ah was supposed to be a Wonderbolt. The best at everything in the world, and now-” “You’re settling down?” Fluttershy finished. Rainbow landed and grabbed the towel, patting her face and neck from the sweat. “Don’t think of it like that, Rainbow. It’s not like you have to be on the ground forever and once you have your baby you can still join the Wonderbolts with effort and determination.” “...That’s the thing,” Rainbow said softly as she sat on the wooden floor, her tail swishing hay aside before her body made contact, “I don’t want to anymore. All I want’s AJ,” she sighed, “I’m too sappy and,” she sniffled as Fluttershy moved closer, grabbing the towel and holding it up to Rainbow, “...and fat! I’ll never be able to join anything!” Fluttershy rolled her eyes. “You’re not fat, you’re with foal. In a couple months you’ll deliver and you’ll be back to your old shape in no time.” Rainbow wept softly into the towel. “And if I don’t? Then what? What will AJ think of me? What’ll everypony think of me besides a slow, fat… sappy pony who can’t lift off the ground anymore.” As Rainbow blew her nose loudly into the towel, Fluttershy sided Rainbow and draped a wing over her. Speaking softly she continued. “Rainbow, you can fly now and you’re still faster than me. You’re still the awesome mare that never stops for anything and you’re going to be the best wife you can be, isn’t that more important than what you think other ponies are going to think?” “...” “Rainbow?” “Yeah, I guess,” she looked at the towel and snickered, “my boogers look like a number, wanna see?” she turned it to Fluttershy who winced and averted her eyes. “Maybe later, then. Look, I know I’m gonna be awesome at whatever I do, but what if I’m not? What if--” “Oh Rainbow Da~sh! It’s time to get into your suit and, oh dear. Is everything alright, you’re not getting cold hooves, are you? I won’t stand for it,” Rarity said as she levitated a black suit with white stripes from a rack and held it between herself and the other mares. “Now, are you ready to get dressed and makeup?” “Woah! Who said anything about makeup?” “Rainbow, you’re in an upstairs room in a barn getting ready for your own wedding,” she said deadpan, “if you want this to be a stand out event then you need to stand out. Look your best for our dear Applejack and she’ll remember you that way forever, or you can just go as you are,” she gestured to the mare who was nearly naked but wearing light blue socks that went to her knees and a pair of panties that highlighted her mare parts under a slip. “No, I’m not wearing this out there for anypony but AJ, and if you think I’m going to show myself wearing panties in public,” she frowned. “I wouldn’t imagine it, dear. That’s for your wedding night, not for anypony else to enjoy. Now, stand tall so I can fit this to you.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* Applejack stood in her old room and looked into the mirror. Granny Smith and three other members of the extended Apple family were fussing with her mane, tail, and dress. “Granny, are ya sure you’re okay ta walk me down the aisle? Ah mean, yer hip’s been really actin’ up lately and-.” “Oh, hush yer blabbin’, Ah’ll be honest,” Granny said siding with Applejack and looking at her in the mirror, “Ah never thought you’d be marryin’ a mare, much less that big headed one with the colorful mane-” “Rainbow Dash, Granny.” “Ah’ll call her that when she works a season on the farm,” she joked with a toothless grin, “oh, dangnabit, here’s the deal, young’n. Yer doin’ everythin’ the right way,” she nodded, “yer marryin’, startin’ a family, and givin’ me a great-grandfoal before Ah pass. Ah can’t ask fer anything better ta ask fer.” “Granny, Ah don’t wanna talk about yer passin’. Ya got a long time left in ya.” “Oh hush, this’ yer day and ya gotta be in best shape fer that mare yer in love with. Ah baked a special treat fer ya, too. Ah was gonna surprise ya but it sounds like ya need ta know that there’s a zap apple pie made special fer ya two at yer home.” “Awe, thanks, Granny. Ah love it already.” “Just, remember Applejack, that yer a family after taday. Things’re gonna be tough, but y’all’re apple pie now. Yer the crust, she’s the fillin’ and that little filly’s the apple slice on top. Every foal ya bring inta the world’s gonna be more ta the pie, it’s up ta y’all ta find where ta fit’m in.” “...That was beautiful, Granny,” Applejack said as she turned to hug her granddam, “and no matter what, you’ll be the pan we were cooked in.” Granny smiled and coughed lightly into her fetlock. “Ah wouldn’t have it any other way.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “Wow, so Mom was a sappy weirdo?” “Hey!” Rainbow retorted, “I gave birth to you over eleven hours of excruciating pain, respect your mommy.” “Yes, ma’am,” Whispy said softly. Rainbow sighed motherly and opened her forelimbs, letting the little filly gallop into a warm embrace. “It was the best twelfth hour of my life,” Rainbow said into the filly’s black mane. Little Dashie shot his mom a look. “I said eleventh, not eighteenth, you pain in my belly,” she laughed. “What-ever,” Quill grunted, “can we just get to the wedding night?” “Quill!” Applejack scolded, “that’s not fer little ears.” “They hear plenty when yer screamin’ at night,” Rainbow added sarcastically, petting Whispy’s mane. Applejack frowned and looked between them both. “Do ya mind not ruin’n this story with yer smutty ways?” “Yeah,” Whispy said, “listen ta Mama or yer gettin’ a trouble.” Rainbow grinned to Applejack. “Yeah, Ah don’t want a spanking, do I?” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Is every pegasi like you two?” “You know we are,” Quill replied, “so, about coward Rainbow Dash and you?” “Fine, Ah’ll skip to the weddin’... after we talk about Mom’s jitters s’more.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* The Wedding part 2A trio of knocks on the dressing room door startled Rainbow. Fluttershy placed a calming hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Please, come in,” Fluttershy said. “She's cancelled…” Rainbow muttered with clenched eyes and ears low. Fluttershy felt trembling beneath her hoof and pressed firmly, turning Rainbow’s body slightly. “She would do no such thing. Now, say hello to your daughter,” Fluttershy stated. Rainbow turned quickly to see Scootaloo in a bridesmaids dresses. “Heh. You look good in purple,” Rainbow said with moist eyes. Scootaloo grinned. “It's mauve. I'm glad you like it, the slip is Rainbow Dash blue, through.” Rainbow sniffled and took the tissue Fluttershy had prepared, wiping her eyes. “You look amazing, Scoots. You’re like a little,” she paused to swallow hard, “princess.” “Oh, here we go again,” Scootaloo rolled her eyes as Rainbow turned to Fluttershy to cry softly. “So, is she ready to be married?” Fluttershy turned to look at Scootaloo while consoling Rainbow. “Yes, she’s never been happier.” Rainbow sobbed. “Yeah, it’s just the hormones. I’m not really this sappy, honest!” “I know, Mom. I’ll be honest, you look nice in a tuxedo. Maybe I’ll wear one when I marry the colt of my dreams.” Rainbow wiped her nose on Fluttershy’s shoulder and stepped back. As Fluttershy frowned and grumbled at her dress’ new color addition Rainbow looked at Scootaloo. “Scoots, no matter what happened or happens, I’m so glad you’re my daughter. You’re as awesome as me, well… almost. I am so lucky to have a fan and daughter as great as you.” Scootaloo’s eyes began to water, but she blinked them clear and wiped her eyes quickly. “Mom, you’re the best.” She opened her wings and flew the length distance to Rainbow and hugged her mom tightly. “I love you.” “I love you too, Scootaloo. Now, go get ready, I’ve got a wedding to do.” “Okay,” Scootaloo responded with a final squeeze before she took a step back and looked Rainbow in the eyes. She smiled and left the room, closing the door slowly. “Girls, she’s awesome. I told you she’d--” Scootaloo continued talking with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom as they left. Fluttershy went and closed the door softly. “Let’s finish getting you ready,” Fluttershy said as she wiped her shoulder dry with a hankie. *** “Rainbow Dash,” Twilight called from outside the door to the dressing room, “it’s time.” Rainbow trembled from head to hoof, front to back. Fluttershy flew to the door and opened it once she landed. “We’re ready.” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, exhaled, then began to walk out of the room. The area was awash in conversations that fell silent when ponies saw her. Rainbow looked around the area and felt her anxiety acting up. “You can do this, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow looked to her left, to Fluttershy. She nodded and took to a light hover and flew to the far side of the barn, to the raised platform that was decorated with clouds and flowers in an arch that was tall enough for Princess Celestia and Luna to stand side by side, their manes billowing in a nonexistent wind. Rainbow Dash nodded to the Princesses, they returned the gesture, then a chime rang. It rang again and began to play a soft tone. Birds began to sing in harmony and as Fluttershy raised herself into the air before and all the ponies in attendance stood. The birds began to sing a type of wedding march as Applejack walked past the fully open doors of the barn and came into view. Rainbow felt her heart begin to race as she looked at Applejack. The mare, wearing a new hat that matched her dress. A rainbow colored train flowed from the white dress, but all Rainbow could see was the blush crossing Applejack’s freckled cheeks. Rainbow Dash let a shuddering breath go and watched, trembling with anxiety, as Applejack approached. Granny Smith tipped her hat to Rainbow and bowed her head to the Princesses when Applejack reached the platform, then cantered aside and took her spot, still standing. “Mares and gentlecolts. We are gathered here to honor the unity of these two ponies and guardians of Equestria. Rainbow Dash and Applejack, I have been told you have your own vows to recite?” Princess Luna asked openly. Celestia smiled and nodded her head to Rainbow. Rainbow gulped and closed her eyes, imagining Applejack’s face in her mind’s eye. She calmed significantly and opened her eyes to see the mare of her dreams a leg’s length away. Opening her eyes she looked at Applejack’s slight blush, her freckles stood out from the makeup and she glowed with radiant beauty that Rainbow hadn’t seen in what felt like ages. “You’re the most beautiful pony in the world,” Rainbow whispered. Applejack began to smile as they stared at each other. “AJ. I love you, and I never knew happiness before we were together. All I knew was trying to be the best, and you made me the best. You’re the last thing I want to see before I fall asleep, and the first when I wake up. “You’re the one that I can be sappy with when the world is rough. It’s you, Applejack, that gave me a purpose in life, even if it isn’t the Wonderbolts,” the crowd chuckled, “you’re more awesome than them. Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, and falling in love with you was beyond my control.” Her voice cracked as she continued, “And, AJ, my Fritter… the mother of my foal, and the pony of my dreams… Every time I smile for no reason, it’s because I’m thinking of you.” Rainbow gulped and choked back a sob as she finished, watching Applejack blur from her tear filled eyes. Applejack stood tall and sniffled, tugging her hat back a bit so she could show her entire face. “Ya done, Dash?” Rainbow nodded. “Ah know I have a lot ta learn from ya still... Yer a flyin’ showboat that never takes yer head outta the clouds, and Ah wouldn’t have ya any other way, Sugarcube. “Every night when Ah hold ya against me, Ah listen as ya fall asleep and smell the sky in yer mane. Ah feel yer heartbeat with mine, and I love you as much as I can so Ah know when I wake up, I know you’re all that Ah need to complete my day. Whether Ah’m home from a rough day on the farm or sleepin’ late on a day off, yer what keeps me goin’. Yer my farm, my chores…” she gulped and looked to Granny Smith. With a nod from the elderly mare Applejack turned to Rainbow. “Yer my family, through ‘n through. And, Ah reckon that… ya always were. Rainbow Dash, if I could be anything in life, Ah’d be yer tears.” She waited as Rainbow blinked her tear filled eyes in confusion and the crowd began to murmur. “Ah start in yer heart, move to live in yer eyes, caress yer cheeks fer as long as Ah could, and end mah life on yer lips. If Ah could give you one gift, Rainbow, it’d be ta see yerself through my eyes. Then, you’d know how amazing, beautiful, special, and awesome you are, no matter how ya feel about yerself. “Ah give myself to you, Sugarplum. For all the rest’a my days. Ah Pinkie promise that Ah’ll love ya with all my heart, body, and spirit until a day after the end of my life, so ya know that Ah loved ya with all I had ta give, and then some.” Not an eye was dry, from Princess to foal, in the barn as the two leaned in and kissed. “I am pleased to present, to the ponies of Equestria, Rainbow Dash and Applejack.” With a flourish of their wings, Celestia and Luna looked to the mares with pride. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* LaborThe den was awash in aww’s as the ponies listened to Applejack recount the tale and vows they used for each other. Rainbow rolled her eyes and Quill smiled, remembering it all from the front row. “I can’t believe I was that sappy,” Rainbow said. “Ya still are, Sugarplum, ya just save it fer bed.” “That’s why I can’t marry you two,” Quill said, “there’s no way I could ever be that sappy and mean it.” Applejack smiled back to the pegasus mare and winked. “Ah think it’s worked out pretty good so far.” “Yeah!” Rainbow said proudly as she flew to and then held Little Dashie, “the farm’s totally makin’ more bits than we know what to do with and that don’t count the deals ya make with Filthy Rich ta keep us intra-rational.” “International,” Quill corrected, “but that’s another story that foals don’t care about. It seems Sugar’s asleep,” Quill noticed. The filly had drank her fill and was asleep on Applejack’s hind leg, again. “I’ll take her to bed and tuck her in,” Quill flew over and picked up the filly and smiled. She quietly flew from the room as the remaining two children sighed. “That was so sweet, what you said to each other,” Whispy said. “Ah hope I can meet a pony like that.” “Whispy,” Rainbow said lying between her children, “Little Dashie. As long as you’re happy, and they’re good ponies, Ah don’t care what ya choose. As long ‘s yer happy. Mama and me ’re as happy as worms in the mud after a rain, and it didn’t happen overnight, so Ah guess what I’m sayin, is that ya gotta let it take its time and let it happen. When ya find love, real love, ya won’t know it right away,” Rainbow’s voice cracked, “but it’ll happen. Yeah,” she looked to Applejack and gulped at the orange mare. “Alright, Sugarcubes, what kinda story d’ya wanna hear next?” Applejack asked as she looked between the awake children. She waited as they looked around the den in thought. “Why am I called Little Dashie? That’s not my real name,” He asked. Quill stiffened slightly as Applejack looked to Rainbow. Rainbow sighed. “Okay, squirt, here’s the deal, I’ll tell you, but you can’t ask any more questions about your name for a while, okay?” Little Dashie nodded and lay on his belly, tucking his legs under himself slightly. “I won’t Mom, Mama. I promise.” “That’s good enough fer me,” Rainbow said flying and hovering beside a photo on the wall. A photo of Quill, Lime, herself, and Applejack at the diner Lime worked at when they’d met. “Ah’ll tell this one, Fritter…” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* Rainbow landed in central Ponyville with a slight cramp on her side. Another cramp, another reason to rest her wings. She pressed her hoof against her pained area and let out a pained sigh. “Hey, Rainbow,” a stallion said in passing. “Hey… you,” she replied through grit teeth as the pain began to ebb. She sighed and chuckled as the pain left and she opened her wings to take flight again. She flew a spiral around Ponyville Town hall and began to make her way to Sugarcube Corner for some sweet treats, but another cramp, bigger this time, sent a wave of pain through her right side, locking her wings. With a shout of pain she began a steep glide and nearly crashed, but galloped when she landed and slowed to a stop, her wings still splayed open. A pony trotted over, wearing an ever present smile. “Hi, Rainbow Dash. What’cha doing?” Rainbow couldn’t answer through the unbearable pain, simply grunting and pressing firmly into her side. Rainbow yelped as the pain struck her like a jolt, making her cry out in pain and fall to her hind knees, the pressing she was doing nothing to ebb the pain this time. “R-rainbow! You’re not okay,” the mare shouted and was gone from Rainbow’s vision. The mare returned with a bucket and placed it in front of Rainbow. “There ya go.” Rainbow looked to the mare and blinked her eyes, her mind clearing from the pain slightly. “Pinkie?” “Yuppers, I’m here to make sure ya don’t toss your cookies before you eat them!” “Huh?” “You’re behind Sugarcube Corner, silly filly. Don’t you know where you are?” “Pinkie, stop bouncing… something’s wrong,” Rainbow panted as the pain finally began to ebb. “Ah,” she grunted and lay down, “I need a doctor… and AJ! I think it’s time.” Pinkie screamed and hopped into the air in joy. “Yay, yay, yay! Finally!” she galloped away, into the business, shouting her joy as Rainbow grit her teeth and bared the pain swelling from the most intense cramps of her life. The DeliveryRainbow stumbled over some hay in the delivery room and gawked at the scene before her. Three bales were broken open and piled around the room, making it feel more like the barn than a hospital room. “Uh, Doc, what’s with all the hay and straw?” Rainbow asked as she entered the room and kicked some from her path. “You requested a traditional earth pony delivery, Mrs. Dash. Remember?” the doctor suppressed a chuckle. “Yeah,” Rainbow’s voice cracked as she looked back to the doorway and past the or to her four best friends, Quill, and Applejack. “But, I thought it meant I’d be delivering standing up, not in a bunch of snacks.” The doctor moved aside to let Applejack and Quill in while the others gathered at the threshold whispering amongst themselves, Pinkie held her comments simply beaming with excitement. “Now, Ah guess I coulda been a little more straight with ya. An Apple does tradition the right way, not the modern way. So, yer gonna be delivering here.” Applejack gestured around the small room that was clear of all modern medical supplies, like beds. “AJ, can’t I get a couple clouds? Ya know Ah need a couple ta keep comfortable,” Rainbow said moving to the center of the room and looking around again. Applejack and Quill chuckled. “Ya knew, didn’t you, Quill?” “Well, I might’ve read a bit about it and put two and two together…” Rainbow frowned at Quill, then Applejack. “Ya know, if… Agck,” she nearly collapsed as a pain shot through her side again, this time wrapping around her belly and stinging her back. “Please, doc, get ‘er out.” The doctor chuckled. “Now, now. We can’t just ‘magic’ the baby out. It has to happen naturally, as we discussed and you said you’d handle ‘no prob’,” he gestured with a hoof making air quotes. “The contraction will pass and in a little while we’ll have a little baby for you to ‘hang out’ with.” Rainbow ignored him and focused on Applejack as the pain slowly died away. “Whew, Fritter. That, was intense. I think that was the worst of them,” Rainbow panted and stood tall again. Her wings ruffled and flapped, sending some dust into the air. “Okay, ladies, time to go. She needs her space,” Doctor Horse said to the mares in the doorway, “I’ll keep you abreast of the event, but know she’s in good hooves.” With shouts of encouragement the four mares reluctantly left to the waiting room. “Um, I guess I should go, too,” Quill hesitated. “Ah’ll have no such thing. Yer a part’a this family, too. Yer stayin’ put, so pull up a pile’a hay and rest up.” Quill smiled widely and hugged Applejack. “I’m so glad to be with you.” “What about me?” Rainbow asked as she walked to the hugging mares. “We’re happy you’re here too, Rainbow,” Quill said as she opened a foreleg. “Mares, please,” Doctor Horse said clearing his throat, “let me check on my patient.” For the next minute, Rainbow was poked, rubbed, and pressed in ways that more annoyed her and gave her cramps than anything else. “And, there we are. You’re really in labor, but it’s up to baby to know when it’s time. I suggest ordering some food,” he looked to the mares sternly, “no eating the bales.” The mares laughed as the doctor smiled. “I’ll leave you three alone for a little while. The nurse will check on you periodically. If you have any concerns just call out the door and somepony will be here, okay?” The mares nodded and he took his leave. “So, now what?” Quill asked as she went to a pile of hay and laid on it. The pile exploded, sending hay and straw across the room. Pinkie grinned eerily wide. “I say we get this pre-birthday party started!” Pinkie threw her forelimbs up, raining confetti and streamers across the mares who were huddled in shock. Quill sighed and calmly spoke to Pinkie. “...Pinkie, I’ll ask you once to leave and not come back into this room, the window, peeking through some keyhole, whatever you do until we call you back in, or I’ll shove a storm cloud in your bedroom and let it rain for a day.” Pinkie laughed it off. “Oh, Quill. You’re so silly. My room’s been waterproofed for weeks.” “Don’t push it,” Quill frowned as Applejack stood up and pointed to the door while scowling. “Ugh, fine. You’re gonna miss out on one great pre--” “GET THE BUCK OUT, PINKIE!” Quill shouted. Pinkie’s enthusiasm deflated and she wilted, mane and body. Nodding slightly and slinking to the door, opening it without looking back, and closing it softly, the three were alone again. Applejack looked to Quill but was stopped by a hoof held up. “Don’t start with me, she has no reason to rush poor Dashie into labor. And a party in the delivery room? No. Just, no.” Applejack sighed and looked to Rainbow, who was laying on a pile of hay and resting. “Sugarplum, ya doin’ okay?” “Yeah,” Rainbow replied, “just getting tired. I think this’ normal, right? Right?! Oh no,” she lifted her head and looked at the door with intent, “this isn’t normal, I need the doctor!” “Woah, Nelly…” Applejack placed her forehooves on Rainbow and pushed her back down into the hay. “Yer fine. Ah asked Twilight fer that book on babies and this’ normal. Yer gonna get tired so snack while we wait and Ah’ll be here,” she looked over to Quill, “we’ll be here for ya all the way.” Rainbow relaxed and fell back to her side, sighing heavily. “You’re right. Everything’s fine. Everything is fine. Nothing is wrong. I’m just overreacting again.” “Darn right,” Quill added as she trotted to Rainbow’s other side and placed her hooves on the cyan mare’s back, kneading lightly. “You need to relax to get through this. Worst case it takes an hour, right?” Applejack gave Quill a look while Rainbow moaned a content sigh. “Oh yeah, Quill. A little back, toward my tail… AH! Yeah, that’s it…” Rainbow sighed and smiled as she began to doze. “Quill, why’d ya go and say that?” Applejack asked in a whisper, leaning over Rainbow Dash. “I just don’t want her to worry.” “It can take a few hours, not one. Ya can’t lie ta her like that,” Applejack scolded. “I know, but can’t you understand why I did it?” “...Yes,” Applejack leaned back and placed her forehooves on Rainbow’s belly, feeling the foal move slightly. “And I’m not mad, just don’t do it again.” Quill nodded her purple head and resumed her massage. Rainbow snored softly and the mares stopped their attention of Rainbow, sitting and enjoying the silence for a moment. “Ah, ah, ah, ah, ouchie!” Rainbow sat up and pressed her hoof to her side and grit her teeth, hissing in pain as another contraction sent sharp pain through her back half. “Ouch… almost over…” Rainbow squeezed her eyes shut and waited while Quill began another back massage and Applejack started to sing a soft country song to Rainbow. The contraction passed and Rainbow fell back to her side. “This sucks… Why’d I let you get me pregnant?” Applejack cleared her throat but said nothing as Rainbow stared into space and enjoyed the attention her body was receiving. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “So, Mom, can we skip the boring stuff and get ta where ya named me? Ah really wanna know!” “Well,” Rainbow floated around the room while she pondered, “Ah guess I can skip some of the details and get to the end. Short version.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “OH CELESTIA! OUCH, AHH!” Rainbow screamed and stood, beginning to stumble through the hay and around the room. “Ouch, ouch, owie, ouch! Ah, it won’t stop, AJ. Get the nurse, I need drugs or something to numb the pain. Quill flew to the door. “I gotcha covered, Dash!” She left the room and returned a few seconds later with Nurse Tenderheart in tow. “She’s in a lot of pain, I think she’s-” “Mrs. Apple?” The nurse asked Rainbow as she quickly met Rainbow mid stride. “I’m Rainbow… Dddash,” she whispered and bared her teeth. “Another contraction? How far apart?” The nurse asked Applejack. “She’s been like this fer a good while now. Must be minute, at least.” “Well, that’s good. Great, actually! Has her water broken?” “No water, need pain gone,” Rainbow said as she stumbled into a pile of hay and lied down. “Sorry, Mrs. Dash, you requested no medicine since ‘this’d be a piece of cake’, remember?” Rainbow shot the nurse a look of desperation crossed with pained rage. “Get me something!” The nurse smiled warmly and backed away, out of Rainbow’s reach. “I’m sorry, it’s too late. You’re in active labor, Rainbow. I’ll get the doctor.” Rainbow lunged and landed on her hooves, but well short of the mare. “Dangit… OUCH!” A minute later Doctor Horse entered the room and went straight to Rainbow, who was standing again. “Doc, give me something,” she pleaded, “I’m gonna die!” “You’ll do no such thing, Rainbow Dash. I can see you’re ready to deliver.” Rainbow trembled and shook her head. “We’re here, Rainbow. We’re here,” Quill consoled Rainbow as Rainbow started to cry openly. Rainbow trotted forward on instinct and bore the pain as her water broke, the moment she had looked forward to and dreaded was here. “Wow, that's why we're called dams,” Quill quipped to no one's amusement. She redirected her attention back to Rainbow. “Here we go,” Doctor Horse said, beginning to follow Rainbow and watch under her tail. “Nurse, prepare the blankets.” Nurse Tenderheart went to a small dresser and got two towels ready and some blankets while Rainbow roared in pain. A contraction like no other sent her to her knees and crying. Applejack and Quill sided Rainbow and hugged her tightly as she began to deliver her first child. “We have two hooves, and two fine legs!” Doctor Horse said. “And… here’s the head, we’re almost there, can you feel the baby wiggling out?” “Oh, Celestia it’s awful! Get it out!” Rainbow shouted as she began to stand again, walking a couple shaky steps. “Stay calm, it’s totally normal. The baby’ just anxious to see you.” She collapsed into a pile of hay, her body free of the life she had grown within her. A baby cried softly at first, then louder as Doctor Horse cleaned it up. “You have a son, Miss Dash.” Rainbow winced from pain in her belly and fell asleep before she could see her son. Quill and Applejack stood over the bundled baby, looking him over and sighed. Quill sniffled and turned her face away. “Quill, ya okay?” “Lime, Applejack, he’s got her colors.” Applejack reached and picked him up, nuzzled him and flinched as he began to wail. “We already decided a long time ago, Quill. His name’ll be Lime. In memory of Lime… but he’s got more to him, Ah can see,” Applejack said looked at the crying colt in her forelimbs. A tear left her eye, “he’s got a dash a Lime in him, fer sure. And his Mom’s spirit. Listen ta that cry.” Quill leaned closer to the colt and nuzzled him, causing him to calm down. “Dash ‘a Lime... The perfect name for him.” Applejack smiled and leaned over, kissing Quill on the cheek. “Ah love it.” Doctor Horse nodded to the nurse and bid a quiet farewell to the mares and left while the Nurse took the foal to Rainbow’s breasts and let him have his first drink. Applejack and Quill laid on their bellies and watched the foal, holding each other and holding back tears. A few seconds later Rainbow awoke, groggily lifting her head and looking around with blurry eyes. “What? How? When?” she asked and looked to the foal drinking from her and sobbed. “I… I did it? I’m, a mom, for real?” she asked Quill. With a nod as a reply Quill moved to pick up the foal and gave him to Rainbow. The foal whined as his first meal was interrupted. Rainbow sighed, cooed at the sleeping foal and kissed him on the head. “Hey, glad ya made it out, ouch,” Rainbow winced at a small contraction, “I… AJ, I love him,” Rainbow said softly, holding the colt to her chest softly. “The pain will continue until your body’s clear of everything, Mrs. Dash. I’ll be over there if you need anything,” Nurse Tenderheart said softly, going to start paperwork. Rainbow nuzzled the colt and sniffed him, taking in his scent. “Did we name him?” she asked. “Yup. Dash ‘a Lime,” Applejack softly said as she lay next to Rainbow, nuzzling the mare and trading a kiss. “I love it, AJ. It’s the perfect name for the perfect baby. I love you so much, AJ,” Rainbow said nuzzling the colt again and laying down. “Dash ‘a Lime. I,” she yawned, “love it. Next time it’s a pegasi birth,” she whispered as she fell asleep. “Next time?” both mares related aloud, looking to one another, then back to Rainbow Dash. The mare was cuddling the foal against her neck gently, humming a nameless tune as she slept. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “Eeew! Ah asked fer none ‘a the gross stuff,” Little Dashie complained. “Yeah,” Whispy agreed, “that was gross!” “Well, now you know what to expect, little lady. It took eighteen hours for him to come outta me. Almost a day of pain and a lifetime of love. You’re lucky I told you the gross bits, I didn’t know anything about it all until I was way older.” Whispy looked between her Mom and Mama. “Wait, that’s gonna happen to me?!” “And me?!” Little Dashie asked. The mares laughed. “Yes to Whispy, no to you. You’re gonna be the cause of it, and no matter what, she’ll love you through it all,” Quill said returning to the room and landing next to Little Dashie, giving him a nuzzle and draping a wing over his back. “Isn’t that right, young stallion?” “And now ya know how ya got yer name,” Applejack added, “almost bed time!” she clopped a hoof on the floor in finality. “Yes, Ma’am. Uhm, c-can I have a drink before bed?” he asked and yawned, sending yawns across the room from every other pony. “Reckon it’s neigh on time fer little colts and fillies ta get ta bed, ta bed Ah said,” Applejack sing songed. “Yeah,” Rainbow agreed with Applejack, “Quill, ya good ta put Little Dashie ta bed while I get Whispy?” “I don’t have a problem with that at all,” Quill stood and contracted her wings. “C’mon, let’s hustle, I wanna have a talk with Mom and Mama.” “Yes, ma’am.” Applejack nodded to the colt and began to clean the slight mess that was made, reorganize the blankets, and make the couch presentable while the children were tucked into bed. “Ah swear, life can’t get any better,” Applejack said to herself, “and Ah’ve gotta have a talk about the messy details in her stories.” Chapter 8 Applejack lay by the fireplace, warming her back as Rainbow flapped her wings slowly, hovering in the center of the Den. Quill took her favorite place on the couch and chuckled softly to herself. “What’s so funny, Quill?” Rainbow asked, turning to her. “Oh, just how much you cleaned up your birth story.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I didn’t do much to it, just… left out some details.” Quill laughed into her hoof. “Yes, like the part where you were screaming ‘if you don’t get me medicine I’ll rip your muzzle off.” Applejack hummed a laugh. “‘Get it outta me or I’ll shove his hooves up your butt and see how you like it!’,” she quoted, “that was a good one. Or how about when Little Dashie came out and ya screamed,” Applejack and Quill spoke in unison: “Oh, Celestia, its ruined me for life!” They both laughed and rolled to their backs, kicking the air in jovial bliss while Rainbow crossed her forelimbs and pouted. “Hey, you push a giant baby out and tell me how you feel!” The next couple minutes were filled with laughter as the mares let loose a day’s worth of stress. “So, are ya done yet?” “Yeah, Dashie, I think so,” Quill wiped a tear from her eye and flexed her wings, stretching her back slightly. “Yeah, I’m good. So, anyway,” she left the sentence open. “Ah had a day on the farm t’day. The helps got a long way ta go before they have the chores down, and the farmin’s goin’ good enough. Apple season’s a couple months away so trainin’ the help’ll be key.” Rainbow nodded to Applejack. “Yeah, and Ah’ve gotta make sure the next batch’a Zap Apples are in and ready Tuesday. Ugh, tomorrow,” Rainbow grumbled. “Rainbow Dash,” Quill slightly scolded, “you only have one real job on this farm, and it’s to make Zap Apples.” “Nuh-uh! Ah also take care’a the weather, children, and chores around the house.” “Except the compost,” Quill frowned, “you leave that for me every time.” “Well, ya need chores, too.” Rainbow replied. “Takin’ care of the young’ns is a chore, Rainbow,” Applejack corrected. “Yeah, I do my part,” Rainbow said smugly. “Yeah, you play with them like you’re their friend, more than a parent,” Quill said to Rainbow. “Well, I love them my way, you do it your way.” The mares fell silent. Rainbow was right, in a way. “So, what’s the plan? It’s us time, and I don’t feel too frisky. Wanna play a game?” “We can talk about Daring Do…” “Or, we can plan tomorrow’s chores.” The room fell silent again. “Well, how’s the weather team, Rainbow Dash?” “Quill, it’s great. Well, same ol’ same ol’, I guess. We push the clouds around and, control the weather. Um, I caught a feral cloud the other day from the Everfree…” “Um, the numbers on the farm are fine enough. Big Mac’s better with plowing than anything, but that’s his thing. He keeps count of the growing food, and I make sure he’s right.” “Ah’ve done taught the lot’a new helpers about how ta do the chores and keep the farm runnin’ like clockwork, but it just ain’t the same without me havin’ my hooves on.” “Yeah,” Rainbow sighed and landed beside Applejack, laying her head on Applejack’s cutie mark, “lots happening lately.” “...AJ, Dash?” “Yeah, Quill?” “It’s almost three years since Granny Smith-” “Ah know,” Applejack sighed loudly, “Ah’ll never ferget.” Rainbow began to rub Applejack’s back lightly. “Ah guess it’s time ta have a little meal in her honor.” “That apple salad with cranberries?” Rainbow asked. “Yup, her favorite.” “Never seemed like it was enough, though.” Rainbow looked to Quill. “Maybe not, but it was her favorite. It’s the least we can do, for all she gave us.” “Yeah,” Quill yawned, “I’m bored. Wanna do anything?” The other mares sighed and laid their heads down. “Ah dunno. If’n we leave ya know the children’ll come outta their rooms ta play’n snack,” Applejack said. “And if we stay we don’t have anything ta really do… Ah think we should play Clouds and Cumulus.” “Ah don’t like that game, Rainbow. Ya always win.” … The baby began to cry, gathering all their attention. “Well, Sugar’s up. Think she’s hungry?” The mares chuckled. “She’s always hungry,” Rainbow said as she took to the air and flew down the hall to the baby’s room. Rainbow returned with a cooing filly in her forelimbs. She lay the baby by Applejack and let the filly drink while she took a seat nearby. “Well, she drinks so much she’ll be as big as L.D. in no time.” “Hehehe,” Quill giggled, “Whispy’s really small for her age, Sugar’s already almost as big as her.” “Remember when Sugar was born?” Rainbow asked and swished her tail. “Yeah, it was a year after Granny…” Applejack looked to the filly at her breast and swallowed hard. “Well, Ah remember Granny all too well, and how she left us,” Rainbow said softly, placing a hoof on Applejack’s side.
Baby's POV You look at your Mama and grin. She can’t say no when you ask for a treat and show your teeth. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. You’ve known her for two months, since you entered the world, and in that time she hasn’t said no to you yet, not when you ask nice. “Alright, Sugar, ya get one candy but,” she stops and looks at you with that stern look she gives. “If’n ya ask again yer gettin’ none fer dessert. Now, don’t tell Mom, okay?” “Okay, Mama,” you reply as she goes to the cupboard and opens it. You know what candy she’s going for, the green one with a piece of cloud flavored like sarsaparilla in it. Your favorite! You hop around her legs and run under her as she rears to lean on the counter. Mama grabs one from a blue and green jar with a spoon in it. You eep in excitement and hear her chuckle. She balances the candy on the spoon and drops it down to your mouth. You bite down on it hearing it crunch and crackle in your mouth with your new teeth. As the sugary treat overloads your young senses you feel your knees wobble and you giggle softly. Mama pats your head and adjusts her hat. “Good girl now, don’t get too excited...” Mama’s always wearing that hat, except for when Mom wears it some mornings. Those are the mornings they are gross and nuzzle and kiss a lot. “Now, what’d ya like ta do ‘til school’s out and the rest come home?” Mama asks. For a moment you think and then run under her legs again and giggle. She laughs and watches her step so she won’t step on you. You gallop ahead and into the den where Miss Mommy Quill is reading a book. She’s a mommy, but kinda not, but, she is. Your eyes begin to cross as Miss Mommy Quill giggles. “AJ, I think ya broke her.” “Ah did no such thing, Sugar here’s just excited. Whoo-wee, didja hear that?” Mama says as there’s boom outside that scares you under her for safety. She won’t let anything scary hurt you. “The thunder?” Miss Mommy Quill asks, “yeah, the storm’s almost over. I can feel it in my bones,” she blinks with one eye at Mama. “Well, if they drop too many apples from the trees-” “The trees’ll be fine.” Miss Mommy Quill says. “They’ve been around before you and they’ll be here after you. Now, can I finish this chapter or shall we,” she stopped to ruffle her wings and grin, “talk upstairs for a bit?” “No,” Mama says with finality as she trots over to the fireplace and lays down. You gallop to stay with her and you move over to lay between her legs, facing her breasts. You realize how thirsty you are. “Ya know, yer gettin’ too old fer that,” she says looking at you. You pout and know it. “Oh, fine, but don’t overdo it. Yer eatin’ dinner with us whether ya like it’r not.” Yum! Mama’s milk is the best, except for candy. … You finish with a satisfied exhale and yawn, squeaking as your voice breaks. “Mama, sleepy,” you manage as your eyes get itchy and you rub them. “Go ta sleep baby, Mama’ll be here when ya wake up.” You feel your eyes getting heavy and the storm outside quieting down. The pitter patter of rain on the house and windows is lulling you to sleep. You lay your head on Mama’s hind leg and the world goes dark. The sounds of Mama and Miss Mommy Quill are still talking, you hear your name and your ears swivel to listen. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “She’s already two months old and you’re spoiling her like a bad batch of old apple cider, AJ.” “She’s mah first and only baby, Quill. Reckon the best cider’s sell for the best bits, but they started-” “Yeah, yeah. Cider, hard cider, bits. I do the books with Big Mac, I know how it all works,” Quill chuckled, “but you know what I’m saying? She’s just got her teeth and you’re giving her candy?” “Nursin’ her is takin’ care of that.” Applejack replied as she lightly nuzzled the sleeping filly. Her yellow coat trembling slightly as Applejack’s muzzle brushed against the filly’s legs. The filly’s orange tail flicked Applejack’s muzzle. “Well, Rainbow’s gonna have an issue with that, especially since, ya know...” “Well, it was her choice to wene ‘em onta hay sooner than later. This’ my way.” Quill raised an eyebrow and sighed but remained quiet. “What’s on yer mind, Quill?” “Just, how you two fight so much but love each other so much is still a mystery to me. Sure, I get the love’n, too, but it’s never been the same. I should’a married ya both when I had the chance.” “But, ya didn’t and now, here ya are. The best long term fiance in the history of the nation.” “Meh, I wouldn’t go that far, but thanks. I’m great in the hay, too, right?” Applejack blushed and looked to make sure the filly was sleeping. “Darn tootin’, but ya best not talk like that around this one. We had enough trouble with your helpin’ Scootaloo with Rumble.” “And they’re doing just fine, right?” Quill winked and lay her book page down. “Yeah, and goin’ at it like rabbits! Ah swear if she goes inta estrus and they get knocked up Ah’m cuttin’ ya off fer a week.” “Whatever, Rainbow’ll still dirty a cloud with me.” Applejack glared at Quill then sniffed the air, looking the filly, then winced. “Well, ya got yer Mom’s gas, for sure.” Quill laughed into her hoof as a beam of sunlight entered the window. “And there we go, storm’s over. Hear that, little one, Mom’ll be home with the others soon.”
Applejack's POV “Mama! Mama! Wake up,” a filly pushes your muzzle with a hoof as you stir and're pulled from a sweet dream, “we’re home! Where’s Sugar Apple Drop? Is she playing with Miss Quill? Mom said you were gonna be out in the orchard makin’ sure the apples are plumpin’ up but yer sleepin’! School's out and we're home, Mama!” Ya quickly lift yer head and look around but Sugar isn’t there, nor is Quill. Ya know you can trust the mare with your life, but yer still a mom. Some instincts ya can’t get past so ya gotta make sure Sugar’s okay. “Ah’m up, Whispy, Ah’m up,” ya look around and see yer hat on the floor. Ya pick it up quick as a snake strikes and yer outta the farmhouse quick as a cat after a mouse with the filly behind ya gabbin’ about school. Ya hear the gigglin’ sounds of foals at play. Quill ain’t here nor there. “Now, where did that filly get to?” ya ask, tippin’ yer hat up ta get a view’a the clouds. Ya don’t see any sign of them in the sky and Whispy woke you up, she’s right behind you. That leaves... “Mama!” a colt charges inta ya from behind and dang near knocks ya off yer hooves. “Little Dashie!” ya start to scold the colt. “Yer the oldest and ya have to set a better example fer yer kin-” Ya don’t get ta get ta finish as Rainbow done plows ya over and takes yer wind with her. She's huggin’ ya as ya tumble over each other, stoppin’ finally with her on top and kissin’ each’a yer freckles. “Fritter! Ah hope the weather didn’t scare Sugar, where’s she? Ah thought ya had her while Ah was mindin’ the weather,” Rainbow hovers and frowns at you, hooves on her hips like an angry mama should be. Ya look her over as ya take in a breath and get butterflies in yer belly, and a couple bees ta boot. Even after all these years she still holds yer heart in her hooves. But, that don’t make it right ta teach the young’n ta break rules. “Sugar Plum,” ya scold her while pickin’ yerself up and fixin’ yer hat. “Ah’m here tellin’ Little Dashie ta mind his manners and ya go’n knock me down.” She wilts a little in the air and it melts yer heart ta see her hurt. Ya shouldn’t’a scolded her so loudly. Now even Little Dashie’s a bit down in the muck. “Awe, c’mere, ya flyin’ pigeon,” ya jump and catch Rainbow by the tail in yer teeth, pullin’ her to the ground with a protest… then ya kiss her on the lips. “Eeew~,” a chorus of voices sounds. Ya look over ta see yer son’n daughter lookin’ at ya and Rainbow with disgust. “Oh, hush you three.” Quill calls out as she lands next to Little Dashie and drapes a wing over his back. “It’s just their way of saying ‘hi, I love you’.” Oh, good. Sugar’s on Quill’s back and climbin’ off. She knows you don’t like her taking the filly into the sky, but you trust Quill, so it’s a fine line to walk. Look at the filly hop! She’s like Pinkie Pie, bouncin’ all over the place. “Alright, Sugarplum, let’s head in and start supper,” you say as you turn to start back to the farmhouse. “No way! It’s a totally awesome day out’n the children and me wanna play!” Rainbow calls back to you as she doesn’t wait and joins the young’ns for a game of Buckball. You roll yer eyes at Rainbow’s tail and look to Quill who’s moved to your side. “Don’t worry, Dash, I’ll help with dinner, you play and have some fun while we talk about mom stuff,” Quill shouts. Rainbow grins back and waves before movin’ ta catch the ball. Ya look ta Quill and smile. “Just us again?” You laugh when she shrugs. “And ta think, Rainbow’s nearin’ twenty two and still actin’ like the filly Ah fell in love with.” “That’s what makes you two so special, AJ.” “Eeyap,” you respond and enter into a trot, prancing slightly, “now, let’s get supper goin’. Ah’ve got a big day t’morrow with chores and gettin’ Rainbow ta Rainboom some Zap Apples fer the next shipment to Whinney Lake. As ya near the farmhouse ya can’t help but think. ‘Who would have thought life would turn out the way it did? So, perfectly awesome.’
Rainbow's POV Awesome! Little Dashie totally got the ball in the barrel, you knew he could. Hoof bump. “That’s my boy!” You shout after you pick him up and listen to him gasp. A colt, then a filly pegasus, then AJ finally has a baby; you never thought it’d be so perfect. So, amazing. Moming is a piece of apple pie. The chow triangle rings, letting us know supper is ready. “C’mon, guys, let’s get back ta the farmhouse b’fore Mama finishes supper! I bet it’s gonna be amazing, like always.” “Mama’s the best cook ever,” Whispy shouts as she gallops away from the game of Buckball. Sugar following closely, bouncing like Pinkie. Your first instinct is to drop Little Dashie and fly after Sugar, but you can’t just drop your first born, and the little one isn’t doing anything dangerous. She’s two months old, by that age you were flying circles around other ponies. “Hurry, ya can’t lose to a baby, can ya?” you tease the others and Little Dashie begins to fight in your grasp. You let him go and watch as he gallops past the other two, leaving them in the dust. You feel your cheeks hurting from grinning so much. They’re fast, and Little Whisp is movin’ her wings like she’s ready to fly. A prouder Mom you never thought you’d be. You fly after Sugar and make sure she’s trotting safely at her own pace. She’s only two months old and still trips sometimes. Uh-oh, there she goes, now she’s gonna cry. You pick her up and cradle her in your forelimbs as she fights and cries. Why can’t babies be born as tough as you were? She calms down and blinks her eyes clear of tears as you enter the farmhouse. “Here’s Mama, Sugar, here’s Mama.” You give the baby to AJ and hover over to the table where Quill is getting the other children ready and in their spots. A nice floor sitting table that sits you all is new, a certain night of being adults last month broke the old one. Applejack cried for a day. It was one of the last things Granny Smith had helped make before she became too old to wood-work. It had sentimental value. You and Quill, with Big Mac, had made a new one to replace it and Big Mac had scolded you, AJ, and Quill to stop having sex on the furniture. It was built sturdier but you couldn’t see AJ cry like that again. AJ’s taking the baby to the den, must be time for the baby to eat again. Why do they call it eating when the baby’s drinking the milk? You’ve tasted it, milk isn’t that great. Not even Applejack’s. But, it’s not exactly a part of your diet, pony milk. Sweet, sure, but something didn’t feel right about it. You feel a tinge of excitement in your chest at remembering watching Quill taste AJ’s milk as you had AJ’s muzzle pressing against your rump. Sex was certainly more exciting now that you were a mother, for sure. Threesomes were the best. “What’s for dinner, AJ?” you ask as you help Whisp to her seat. “Chowder ‘n mash,” AJ shouts from the other room, “serve it up, Ah’ll be there in a minute.” “Or three,” Quill shouts back cuz it takes AJ that long to feed Sugar then get back. You kind of miss breastfeeding, but that time’s past. You’re done having children ruin your figure and your mareparts. Quill’s glancing at you again. Quill just likes to pay attention to everything, she’s taking care of the farm numbers and all that, so she knows you’ve taken a couple ears of corn more than you should have for a snack. She counts everything, even how many times you file your hooves a week and how many feathers you leave in bed. Whatever. It’s good for her, since you barely passed level 7 mathematics. Calculus, as unicorns called it. What did you need theoretical math for, anyway? Sheesh, egg heads. Pushing clouds is what it is, let the ponies upstairs worry about the weather patterns. Not, your, problem. … You finish cleaning up the table and floor after supper and start dishes. The sounds of young playing fill the farmhouse. You hope Big Mac and Cheerilee are doing good in the house you traded them, they have another foal on the way, so they need the controllable space, not a farm where the foals could hide. Cheerilee has enough trouble with them at school, having to wrangle them at home was already stressing her. The CMC are at Rarity’s for the evening so the night’s a lot easier to clean up. Being awesome as a mom means new responsibilities, and that means dealing with dessert in the best way possible. “Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!” the young chant as they gallop into the room and surround you as you’re up to your posterns with soapy water. “What’d’ya want?!” you shout back. Undeterred they start shouting for candy and treats. “Go ask Miss Quill or Mama, Ah’m doin’ the dishes,” you yell back. They get louder and start shouting in unison for candy. The sound grates on your nerves and you feel your blood pressure rising. Why can’t they let you have a minute of peace?! “Ah’ll get ‘em candy, don’t fret yerself, Sugarplum.” Thank Celestia, you were about to fly through the door screaming into the orchards. After they get their candies they all begin to play again while AJ returns to the den to feed Sugar, AGAIN. You finish the dishes, sweep the floor, then take the garbage out. The compost can be Quill’s problem, you’ll tell her later. It’s nearly sunset so almost bedtime for the foals. Finally. “Mama, can you tell us a story?” Little Dashie asks in the den, “like how you got married? I love that one.” “Okay, well, first we’ll get Sugar ready ta eat and I’ll tell ya while she snacks,” Applejack replied sweetly as she stood and let Sugar have a drink from her plump teats. The sucking sound makes you long for the days when Whispy would suckle from you. You’d kiss her, nuzzle her, and show her all the love you could. You fly into the den and hug Little Dashie tightly. “Mom? What… what’d I do?” he gasps. You let him go and smile. “You’re just being you,” you say as you turn to Whispy and fly to hug her. Her forelimbs are open and she’s ready as you pick her up and swing her around. She giggles and you glance around to see smiles at you for being so affectionate. “What’s gotten into you, Dashie?” Quill asks, “you’re not with foal again, are you?” The room falls silent as all eyes on you change to mixed emotions. Your expressions falls flat. “Not a chance in Tartarus am I going through another birth.” The adults laugh while the children roll their eyes. They don’t wanna hear a birth story tonight, especially not yours. So what if they say you’re too graphic. They have to learn so they don’t find out when they’re nineteen, like you did.
The Wedding part 1 “Mama, does it hurt when she bites you like that?” “Or when she sucks milk out?” “Is milk gross?” “It’s not gross, you drank it when you were a foal.” “Did not.” “Did so!” “Mom, Little Dashie is being mean!” “Ah am not! Mama, Whispy’s lying again.” “Okay,” Applejack took her hat off and tossed it aside, “me and Mom were married in the barn right out yonder.” The children quieted and sat, listening intently as one of their favorite stories began. “It was a long time comin’ and she had the most daring expression the whole day, nothing shook her.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh. Ah can’t do this! What was I thinking?! Fluttershy, cancel it all! I’m moving to Cloudsdale and hiding in the foundation until this blows over!” Fluttershy and Twilight giggled. “Now, Rainbow Dash. You can’t just get out of marrying the mare of your dreams like that,” Twilight said. “And I won’t have any part of cancelling this event,” Fluttershy said firmly. Rainbow glared at Fluttershy. “Yeah, after what we caught you and Pinkie doing in our cider cellar, I think you owe me one.” Fluttershy eep’d and blushed fiercely as Twilight’s ears perked. “R-rainbow Dash, please…” Fluttershy trembled. Rainbow flew over and laid a hoof on Fluttershy, calmly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Look, if you want you can walk in on me and AJ-” “Okay! Back to the wedding,” Twilight chimed in trying to keep the topic, “I think I’ll check on Applejack, okay girls?” “Can you send Rarity over,” Rainbow asked, “I need to get into… my clothes,” she blushed and looked away from Twilight’s grinning face. Twilight teleported a towel by Rainbow and winked as she let it fall to the hay covered floor. Rainbow sighed and looked around the small room she was in and sniffled. “I, I never imagined today would happen, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said to the meek pegasus who was beginning to stand again, her blush fading, “I mean, Ah was supposed to be a Wonderbolt. The best at everything in the world, and now-” “You’re settling down?” Fluttershy finished. Rainbow landed and grabbed the towel, patting her face and neck from the sweat. “Don’t think of it like that, Rainbow. It’s not like you have to be on the ground forever and once you have your baby you can still join the Wonderbolts with effort and determination.” “...That’s the thing,” Rainbow said softly as she sat on the wooden floor, her tail swishing hay aside before her body made contact, “I don’t want to anymore. All I want’s AJ,” she sighed, “I’m too sappy and,” she sniffled as Fluttershy moved closer, grabbing the towel and holding it up to Rainbow, “...and fat! I’ll never be able to join anything!” Fluttershy rolled her eyes. “You’re not fat, you’re with foal. In a couple months you’ll deliver and you’ll be back to your old shape in no time.” Rainbow wept softly into the towel. “And if I don’t? Then what? What will AJ think of me? What’ll everypony think of me besides a slow, fat… sappy pony who can’t lift off the ground anymore.” As Rainbow blew her nose loudly into the towel, Fluttershy sided Rainbow and draped a wing over her. Speaking softly she continued. “Rainbow, you can fly now and you’re still faster than me. You’re still the awesome mare that never stops for anything and you’re going to be the best wife you can be, isn’t that more important than what you think other ponies are going to think?” “...” “Rainbow?” “Yeah, I guess,” she looked at the towel and snickered, “my boogers look like a number, wanna see?” she turned it to Fluttershy who winced and averted her eyes. “Maybe later, then. Look, I know I’m gonna be awesome at whatever I do, but what if I’m not? What if--” “Oh Rainbow Da~sh! It’s time to get into your suit and, oh dear. Is everything alright, you’re not getting cold hooves, are you? I won’t stand for it,” Rarity said as she levitated a black suit with white stripes from a rack and held it between herself and the other mares. “Now, are you ready to get dressed and makeup?” “Woah! Who said anything about makeup?” “Rainbow, you’re in an upstairs room in a barn getting ready for your own wedding,” she said deadpan, “if you want this to be a stand out event then you need to stand out. Look your best for our dear Applejack and she’ll remember you that way forever, or you can just go as you are,” she gestured to the mare who was nearly naked but wearing light blue socks that went to her knees and a pair of panties that highlighted her mare parts under a slip. “No, I’m not wearing this out there for anypony but AJ, and if you think I’m going to show myself wearing panties in public,” she frowned. “I wouldn’t imagine it, dear. That’s for your wedding night, not for anypony else to enjoy. Now, stand tall so I can fit this to you.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* Applejack stood in her old room and looked into the mirror. Granny Smith and three other members of the extended Apple family were fussing with her mane, tail, and dress. “Granny, are ya sure you’re okay ta walk me down the aisle? Ah mean, yer hip’s been really actin’ up lately and-.” “Oh, hush yer blabbin’, Ah’ll be honest,” Granny said siding with Applejack and looking at her in the mirror, “Ah never thought you’d be marryin’ a mare, much less that big headed one with the colorful mane-” “Rainbow Dash, Granny.” “Ah’ll call her that when she works a season on the farm,” she joked with a toothless grin, “oh, dangnabit, here’s the deal, young’n. Yer doin’ everythin’ the right way,” she nodded, “yer marryin’, startin’ a family, and givin’ me a great-grandfoal before Ah pass. Ah can’t ask fer anything better ta ask fer.” “Granny, Ah don’t wanna talk about yer passin’. Ya got a long time left in ya.” “Oh hush, this’ yer day and ya gotta be in best shape fer that mare yer in love with. Ah baked a special treat fer ya, too. Ah was gonna surprise ya but it sounds like ya need ta know that there’s a zap apple pie made special fer ya two at yer home.” “Awe, thanks, Granny. Ah love it already.” “Just, remember Applejack, that yer a family after taday. Things’re gonna be tough, but y’all’re apple pie now. Yer the crust, she’s the fillin’ and that little filly’s the apple slice on top. Every foal ya bring inta the world’s gonna be more ta the pie, it’s up ta y’all ta find where ta fit’m in.” “...That was beautiful, Granny,” Applejack said as she turned to hug her granddam, “and no matter what, you’ll be the pan we were cooked in.” Granny smiled and coughed lightly into her fetlock. “Ah wouldn’t have it any other way.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “Wow, so Mom was a sappy weirdo?” “Hey!” Rainbow retorted, “I gave birth to you over eleven hours of excruciating pain, respect your mommy.” “Yes, ma’am,” Whispy said softly. Rainbow sighed motherly and opened her forelimbs, letting the little filly gallop into a warm embrace. “It was the best twelfth hour of my life,” Rainbow said into the filly’s black mane. Little Dashie shot his mom a look. “I said eleventh, not eighteenth, you pain in my belly,” she laughed. “What-ever,” Quill grunted, “can we just get to the wedding night?” “Quill!” Applejack scolded, “that’s not fer little ears.” “They hear plenty when yer screamin’ at night,” Rainbow added sarcastically, petting Whispy’s mane. Applejack frowned and looked between them both. “Do ya mind not ruin’n this story with yer smutty ways?” “Yeah,” Whispy said, “listen ta Mama or yer gettin’ a trouble.” Rainbow grinned to Applejack. “Yeah, Ah don’t want a spanking, do I?” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Is every pegasi like you two?” “You know we are,” Quill replied, “so, about coward Rainbow Dash and you?” “Fine, Ah’ll skip to the weddin’... after we talk about Mom’s jitters s’more.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*
The Wedding part 2A trio of knocks on the dressing room door startled Rainbow. Fluttershy placed a calming hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Please, come in,” Fluttershy said. “She's cancelled…” Rainbow muttered with clenched eyes and ears low. Fluttershy felt trembling beneath her hoof and pressed firmly, turning Rainbow’s body slightly. “She would do no such thing. Now, say hello to your daughter,” Fluttershy stated. Rainbow turned quickly to see Scootaloo in a bridesmaids dresses. “Heh. You look good in purple,” Rainbow said with moist eyes. Scootaloo grinned. “It's mauve. I'm glad you like it, the slip is Rainbow Dash blue, through.” Rainbow sniffled and took the tissue Fluttershy had prepared, wiping her eyes. “You look amazing, Scoots. You’re like a little,” she paused to swallow hard, “princess.” “Oh, here we go again,” Scootaloo rolled her eyes as Rainbow turned to Fluttershy to cry softly. “So, is she ready to be married?” Fluttershy turned to look at Scootaloo while consoling Rainbow. “Yes, she’s never been happier.” Rainbow sobbed. “Yeah, it’s just the hormones. I’m not really this sappy, honest!” “I know, Mom. I’ll be honest, you look nice in a tuxedo. Maybe I’ll wear one when I marry the colt of my dreams.” Rainbow wiped her nose on Fluttershy’s shoulder and stepped back. As Fluttershy frowned and grumbled at her dress’ new color addition Rainbow looked at Scootaloo. “Scoots, no matter what happened or happens, I’m so glad you’re my daughter. You’re as awesome as me, well… almost. I am so lucky to have a fan and daughter as great as you.” Scootaloo’s eyes began to water, but she blinked them clear and wiped her eyes quickly. “Mom, you’re the best.” She opened her wings and flew the length distance to Rainbow and hugged her mom tightly. “I love you.” “I love you too, Scootaloo. Now, go get ready, I’ve got a wedding to do.” “Okay,” Scootaloo responded with a final squeeze before she took a step back and looked Rainbow in the eyes. She smiled and left the room, closing the door slowly. “Girls, she’s awesome. I told you she’d--” Scootaloo continued talking with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom as they left. Fluttershy went and closed the door softly. “Let’s finish getting you ready,” Fluttershy said as she wiped her shoulder dry with a hankie. *** “Rainbow Dash,” Twilight called from outside the door to the dressing room, “it’s time.” Rainbow trembled from head to hoof, front to back. Fluttershy flew to the door and opened it once she landed. “We’re ready.” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, exhaled, then began to walk out of the room. The area was awash in conversations that fell silent when ponies saw her. Rainbow looked around the area and felt her anxiety acting up. “You can do this, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow looked to her left, to Fluttershy. She nodded and took to a light hover and flew to the far side of the barn, to the raised platform that was decorated with clouds and flowers in an arch that was tall enough for Princess Celestia and Luna to stand side by side, their manes billowing in a nonexistent wind. Rainbow Dash nodded to the Princesses, they returned the gesture, then a chime rang. It rang again and began to play a soft tone. Birds began to sing in harmony and as Fluttershy raised herself into the air before and all the ponies in attendance stood. The birds began to sing a type of wedding march as Applejack walked past the fully open doors of the barn and came into view. Rainbow felt her heart begin to race as she looked at Applejack. The mare, wearing a new hat that matched her dress. A rainbow colored train flowed from the white dress, but all Rainbow could see was the blush crossing Applejack’s freckled cheeks. Rainbow Dash let a shuddering breath go and watched, trembling with anxiety, as Applejack approached. Granny Smith tipped her hat to Rainbow and bowed her head to the Princesses when Applejack reached the platform, then cantered aside and took her spot, still standing. “Mares and gentlecolts. We are gathered here to honor the unity of these two ponies and guardians of Equestria. Rainbow Dash and Applejack, I have been told you have your own vows to recite?” Princess Luna asked openly. Celestia smiled and nodded her head to Rainbow. Rainbow gulped and closed her eyes, imagining Applejack’s face in her mind’s eye. She calmed significantly and opened her eyes to see the mare of her dreams a leg’s length away. Opening her eyes she looked at Applejack’s slight blush, her freckles stood out from the makeup and she glowed with radiant beauty that Rainbow hadn’t seen in what felt like ages. “You’re the most beautiful pony in the world,” Rainbow whispered. Applejack began to smile as they stared at each other. “AJ. I love you, and I never knew happiness before we were together. All I knew was trying to be the best, and you made me the best. You’re the last thing I want to see before I fall asleep, and the first when I wake up. “You’re the one that I can be sappy with when the world is rough. It’s you, Applejack, that gave me a purpose in life, even if it isn’t the Wonderbolts,” the crowd chuckled, “you’re more awesome than them. Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, and falling in love with you was beyond my control.” Her voice cracked as she continued, “And, AJ, my Fritter… the mother of my foal, and the pony of my dreams… Every time I smile for no reason, it’s because I’m thinking of you.” Rainbow gulped and choked back a sob as she finished, watching Applejack blur from her tear filled eyes. Applejack stood tall and sniffled, tugging her hat back a bit so she could show her entire face. “Ya done, Dash?” Rainbow nodded. “Ah know I have a lot ta learn from ya still... Yer a flyin’ showboat that never takes yer head outta the clouds, and Ah wouldn’t have ya any other way, Sugarcube. “Every night when Ah hold ya against me, Ah listen as ya fall asleep and smell the sky in yer mane. Ah feel yer heartbeat with mine, and I love you as much as I can so Ah know when I wake up, I know you’re all that Ah need to complete my day. Whether Ah’m home from a rough day on the farm or sleepin’ late on a day off, yer what keeps me goin’. Yer my farm, my chores…” she gulped and looked to Granny Smith. With a nod from the elderly mare Applejack turned to Rainbow. “Yer my family, through ‘n through. And, Ah reckon that… ya always were. Rainbow Dash, if I could be anything in life, Ah’d be yer tears.” She waited as Rainbow blinked her tear filled eyes in confusion and the crowd began to murmur. “Ah start in yer heart, move to live in yer eyes, caress yer cheeks fer as long as Ah could, and end mah life on yer lips. If Ah could give you one gift, Rainbow, it’d be ta see yerself through my eyes. Then, you’d know how amazing, beautiful, special, and awesome you are, no matter how ya feel about yerself. “Ah give myself to you, Sugarplum. For all the rest’a my days. Ah Pinkie promise that Ah’ll love ya with all my heart, body, and spirit until a day after the end of my life, so ya know that Ah loved ya with all I had ta give, and then some.” Not an eye was dry, from Princess to foal, in the barn as the two leaned in and kissed. “I am pleased to present, to the ponies of Equestria, Rainbow Dash and Applejack.” With a flourish of their wings, Celestia and Luna looked to the mares with pride. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*
LaborThe den was awash in aww’s as the ponies listened to Applejack recount the tale and vows they used for each other. Rainbow rolled her eyes and Quill smiled, remembering it all from the front row. “I can’t believe I was that sappy,” Rainbow said. “Ya still are, Sugarplum, ya just save it fer bed.” “That’s why I can’t marry you two,” Quill said, “there’s no way I could ever be that sappy and mean it.” Applejack smiled back to the pegasus mare and winked. “Ah think it’s worked out pretty good so far.” “Yeah!” Rainbow said proudly as she flew to and then held Little Dashie, “the farm’s totally makin’ more bits than we know what to do with and that don’t count the deals ya make with Filthy Rich ta keep us intra-rational.” “International,” Quill corrected, “but that’s another story that foals don’t care about. It seems Sugar’s asleep,” Quill noticed. The filly had drank her fill and was asleep on Applejack’s hind leg, again. “I’ll take her to bed and tuck her in,” Quill flew over and picked up the filly and smiled. She quietly flew from the room as the remaining two children sighed. “That was so sweet, what you said to each other,” Whispy said. “Ah hope I can meet a pony like that.” “Whispy,” Rainbow said lying between her children, “Little Dashie. As long as you’re happy, and they’re good ponies, Ah don’t care what ya choose. As long ‘s yer happy. Mama and me ’re as happy as worms in the mud after a rain, and it didn’t happen overnight, so Ah guess what I’m sayin, is that ya gotta let it take its time and let it happen. When ya find love, real love, ya won’t know it right away,” Rainbow’s voice cracked, “but it’ll happen. Yeah,” she looked to Applejack and gulped at the orange mare. “Alright, Sugarcubes, what kinda story d’ya wanna hear next?” Applejack asked as she looked between the awake children. She waited as they looked around the den in thought. “Why am I called Little Dashie? That’s not my real name,” He asked. Quill stiffened slightly as Applejack looked to Rainbow. Rainbow sighed. “Okay, squirt, here’s the deal, I’ll tell you, but you can’t ask any more questions about your name for a while, okay?” Little Dashie nodded and lay on his belly, tucking his legs under himself slightly. “I won’t Mom, Mama. I promise.” “That’s good enough fer me,” Rainbow said flying and hovering beside a photo on the wall. A photo of Quill, Lime, herself, and Applejack at the diner Lime worked at when they’d met. “Ah’ll tell this one, Fritter…” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* Rainbow landed in central Ponyville with a slight cramp on her side. Another cramp, another reason to rest her wings. She pressed her hoof against her pained area and let out a pained sigh. “Hey, Rainbow,” a stallion said in passing. “Hey… you,” she replied through grit teeth as the pain began to ebb. She sighed and chuckled as the pain left and she opened her wings to take flight again. She flew a spiral around Ponyville Town hall and began to make her way to Sugarcube Corner for some sweet treats, but another cramp, bigger this time, sent a wave of pain through her right side, locking her wings. With a shout of pain she began a steep glide and nearly crashed, but galloped when she landed and slowed to a stop, her wings still splayed open. A pony trotted over, wearing an ever present smile. “Hi, Rainbow Dash. What’cha doing?” Rainbow couldn’t answer through the unbearable pain, simply grunting and pressing firmly into her side. Rainbow yelped as the pain struck her like a jolt, making her cry out in pain and fall to her hind knees, the pressing she was doing nothing to ebb the pain this time. “R-rainbow! You’re not okay,” the mare shouted and was gone from Rainbow’s vision. The mare returned with a bucket and placed it in front of Rainbow. “There ya go.” Rainbow looked to the mare and blinked her eyes, her mind clearing from the pain slightly. “Pinkie?” “Yuppers, I’m here to make sure ya don’t toss your cookies before you eat them!” “Huh?” “You’re behind Sugarcube Corner, silly filly. Don’t you know where you are?” “Pinkie, stop bouncing… something’s wrong,” Rainbow panted as the pain finally began to ebb. “Ah,” she grunted and lay down, “I need a doctor… and AJ! I think it’s time.” Pinkie screamed and hopped into the air in joy. “Yay, yay, yay! Finally!” she galloped away, into the business, shouting her joy as Rainbow grit her teeth and bared the pain swelling from the most intense cramps of her life.
The DeliveryRainbow stumbled over some hay in the delivery room and gawked at the scene before her. Three bales were broken open and piled around the room, making it feel more like the barn than a hospital room. “Uh, Doc, what’s with all the hay and straw?” Rainbow asked as she entered the room and kicked some from her path. “You requested a traditional earth pony delivery, Mrs. Dash. Remember?” the doctor suppressed a chuckle. “Yeah,” Rainbow’s voice cracked as she looked back to the doorway and past the or to her four best friends, Quill, and Applejack. “But, I thought it meant I’d be delivering standing up, not in a bunch of snacks.” The doctor moved aside to let Applejack and Quill in while the others gathered at the threshold whispering amongst themselves, Pinkie held her comments simply beaming with excitement. “Now, Ah guess I coulda been a little more straight with ya. An Apple does tradition the right way, not the modern way. So, yer gonna be delivering here.” Applejack gestured around the small room that was clear of all modern medical supplies, like beds. “AJ, can’t I get a couple clouds? Ya know Ah need a couple ta keep comfortable,” Rainbow said moving to the center of the room and looking around again. Applejack and Quill chuckled. “Ya knew, didn’t you, Quill?” “Well, I might’ve read a bit about it and put two and two together…” Rainbow frowned at Quill, then Applejack. “Ya know, if… Agck,” she nearly collapsed as a pain shot through her side again, this time wrapping around her belly and stinging her back. “Please, doc, get ‘er out.” The doctor chuckled. “Now, now. We can’t just ‘magic’ the baby out. It has to happen naturally, as we discussed and you said you’d handle ‘no prob’,” he gestured with a hoof making air quotes. “The contraction will pass and in a little while we’ll have a little baby for you to ‘hang out’ with.” Rainbow ignored him and focused on Applejack as the pain slowly died away. “Whew, Fritter. That, was intense. I think that was the worst of them,” Rainbow panted and stood tall again. Her wings ruffled and flapped, sending some dust into the air. “Okay, ladies, time to go. She needs her space,” Doctor Horse said to the mares in the doorway, “I’ll keep you abreast of the event, but know she’s in good hooves.” With shouts of encouragement the four mares reluctantly left to the waiting room. “Um, I guess I should go, too,” Quill hesitated. “Ah’ll have no such thing. Yer a part’a this family, too. Yer stayin’ put, so pull up a pile’a hay and rest up.” Quill smiled widely and hugged Applejack. “I’m so glad to be with you.” “What about me?” Rainbow asked as she walked to the hugging mares. “We’re happy you’re here too, Rainbow,” Quill said as she opened a foreleg. “Mares, please,” Doctor Horse said clearing his throat, “let me check on my patient.” For the next minute, Rainbow was poked, rubbed, and pressed in ways that more annoyed her and gave her cramps than anything else. “And, there we are. You’re really in labor, but it’s up to baby to know when it’s time. I suggest ordering some food,” he looked to the mares sternly, “no eating the bales.” The mares laughed as the doctor smiled. “I’ll leave you three alone for a little while. The nurse will check on you periodically. If you have any concerns just call out the door and somepony will be here, okay?” The mares nodded and he took his leave. “So, now what?” Quill asked as she went to a pile of hay and laid on it. The pile exploded, sending hay and straw across the room. Pinkie grinned eerily wide. “I say we get this pre-birthday party started!” Pinkie threw her forelimbs up, raining confetti and streamers across the mares who were huddled in shock. Quill sighed and calmly spoke to Pinkie. “...Pinkie, I’ll ask you once to leave and not come back into this room, the window, peeking through some keyhole, whatever you do until we call you back in, or I’ll shove a storm cloud in your bedroom and let it rain for a day.” Pinkie laughed it off. “Oh, Quill. You’re so silly. My room’s been waterproofed for weeks.” “Don’t push it,” Quill frowned as Applejack stood up and pointed to the door while scowling. “Ugh, fine. You’re gonna miss out on one great pre--” “GET THE BUCK OUT, PINKIE!” Quill shouted. Pinkie’s enthusiasm deflated and she wilted, mane and body. Nodding slightly and slinking to the door, opening it without looking back, and closing it softly, the three were alone again. Applejack looked to Quill but was stopped by a hoof held up. “Don’t start with me, she has no reason to rush poor Dashie into labor. And a party in the delivery room? No. Just, no.” Applejack sighed and looked to Rainbow, who was laying on a pile of hay and resting. “Sugarplum, ya doin’ okay?” “Yeah,” Rainbow replied, “just getting tired. I think this’ normal, right? Right?! Oh no,” she lifted her head and looked at the door with intent, “this isn’t normal, I need the doctor!” “Woah, Nelly…” Applejack placed her forehooves on Rainbow and pushed her back down into the hay. “Yer fine. Ah asked Twilight fer that book on babies and this’ normal. Yer gonna get tired so snack while we wait and Ah’ll be here,” she looked over to Quill, “we’ll be here for ya all the way.” Rainbow relaxed and fell back to her side, sighing heavily. “You’re right. Everything’s fine. Everything is fine. Nothing is wrong. I’m just overreacting again.” “Darn right,” Quill added as she trotted to Rainbow’s other side and placed her hooves on the cyan mare’s back, kneading lightly. “You need to relax to get through this. Worst case it takes an hour, right?” Applejack gave Quill a look while Rainbow moaned a content sigh. “Oh yeah, Quill. A little back, toward my tail… AH! Yeah, that’s it…” Rainbow sighed and smiled as she began to doze. “Quill, why’d ya go and say that?” Applejack asked in a whisper, leaning over Rainbow Dash. “I just don’t want her to worry.” “It can take a few hours, not one. Ya can’t lie ta her like that,” Applejack scolded. “I know, but can’t you understand why I did it?” “...Yes,” Applejack leaned back and placed her forehooves on Rainbow’s belly, feeling the foal move slightly. “And I’m not mad, just don’t do it again.” Quill nodded her purple head and resumed her massage. Rainbow snored softly and the mares stopped their attention of Rainbow, sitting and enjoying the silence for a moment. “Ah, ah, ah, ah, ouchie!” Rainbow sat up and pressed her hoof to her side and grit her teeth, hissing in pain as another contraction sent sharp pain through her back half. “Ouch… almost over…” Rainbow squeezed her eyes shut and waited while Quill began another back massage and Applejack started to sing a soft country song to Rainbow. The contraction passed and Rainbow fell back to her side. “This sucks… Why’d I let you get me pregnant?” Applejack cleared her throat but said nothing as Rainbow stared into space and enjoyed the attention her body was receiving. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “So, Mom, can we skip the boring stuff and get ta where ya named me? Ah really wanna know!” “Well,” Rainbow floated around the room while she pondered, “Ah guess I can skip some of the details and get to the end. Short version.” *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “OH CELESTIA! OUCH, AHH!” Rainbow screamed and stood, beginning to stumble through the hay and around the room. “Ouch, ouch, owie, ouch! Ah, it won’t stop, AJ. Get the nurse, I need drugs or something to numb the pain. Quill flew to the door. “I gotcha covered, Dash!” She left the room and returned a few seconds later with Nurse Tenderheart in tow. “She’s in a lot of pain, I think she’s-” “Mrs. Apple?” The nurse asked Rainbow as she quickly met Rainbow mid stride. “I’m Rainbow… Dddash,” she whispered and bared her teeth. “Another contraction? How far apart?” The nurse asked Applejack. “She’s been like this fer a good while now. Must be minute, at least.” “Well, that’s good. Great, actually! Has her water broken?” “No water, need pain gone,” Rainbow said as she stumbled into a pile of hay and lied down. “Sorry, Mrs. Dash, you requested no medicine since ‘this’d be a piece of cake’, remember?” Rainbow shot the nurse a look of desperation crossed with pained rage. “Get me something!” The nurse smiled warmly and backed away, out of Rainbow’s reach. “I’m sorry, it’s too late. You’re in active labor, Rainbow. I’ll get the doctor.” Rainbow lunged and landed on her hooves, but well short of the mare. “Dangit… OUCH!” A minute later Doctor Horse entered the room and went straight to Rainbow, who was standing again. “Doc, give me something,” she pleaded, “I’m gonna die!” “You’ll do no such thing, Rainbow Dash. I can see you’re ready to deliver.” Rainbow trembled and shook her head. “We’re here, Rainbow. We’re here,” Quill consoled Rainbow as Rainbow started to cry openly. Rainbow trotted forward on instinct and bore the pain as her water broke, the moment she had looked forward to and dreaded was here. “Wow, that's why we're called dams,” Quill quipped to no one's amusement. She redirected her attention back to Rainbow. “Here we go,” Doctor Horse said, beginning to follow Rainbow and watch under her tail. “Nurse, prepare the blankets.” Nurse Tenderheart went to a small dresser and got two towels ready and some blankets while Rainbow roared in pain. A contraction like no other sent her to her knees and crying. Applejack and Quill sided Rainbow and hugged her tightly as she began to deliver her first child. “We have two hooves, and two fine legs!” Doctor Horse said. “And… here’s the head, we’re almost there, can you feel the baby wiggling out?” “Oh, Celestia it’s awful! Get it out!” Rainbow shouted as she began to stand again, walking a couple shaky steps. “Stay calm, it’s totally normal. The baby’ just anxious to see you.” She collapsed into a pile of hay, her body free of the life she had grown within her. A baby cried softly at first, then louder as Doctor Horse cleaned it up. “You have a son, Miss Dash.” Rainbow winced from pain in her belly and fell asleep before she could see her son. Quill and Applejack stood over the bundled baby, looking him over and sighed. Quill sniffled and turned her face away. “Quill, ya okay?” “Lime, Applejack, he’s got her colors.” Applejack reached and picked him up, nuzzled him and flinched as he began to wail. “We already decided a long time ago, Quill. His name’ll be Lime. In memory of Lime… but he’s got more to him, Ah can see,” Applejack said looked at the crying colt in her forelimbs. A tear left her eye, “he’s got a dash a Lime in him, fer sure. And his Mom’s spirit. Listen ta that cry.” Quill leaned closer to the colt and nuzzled him, causing him to calm down. “Dash ‘a Lime... The perfect name for him.” Applejack smiled and leaned over, kissing Quill on the cheek. “Ah love it.” Doctor Horse nodded to the nurse and bid a quiet farewell to the mares and left while the Nurse took the foal to Rainbow’s breasts and let him have his first drink. Applejack and Quill laid on their bellies and watched the foal, holding each other and holding back tears. A few seconds later Rainbow awoke, groggily lifting her head and looking around with blurry eyes. “What? How? When?” she asked and looked to the foal drinking from her and sobbed. “I… I did it? I’m, a mom, for real?” she asked Quill. With a nod as a reply Quill moved to pick up the foal and gave him to Rainbow. The foal whined as his first meal was interrupted. Rainbow sighed, cooed at the sleeping foal and kissed him on the head. “Hey, glad ya made it out, ouch,” Rainbow winced at a small contraction, “I… AJ, I love him,” Rainbow said softly, holding the colt to her chest softly. “The pain will continue until your body’s clear of everything, Mrs. Dash. I’ll be over there if you need anything,” Nurse Tenderheart said softly, going to start paperwork. Rainbow nuzzled the colt and sniffed him, taking in his scent. “Did we name him?” she asked. “Yup. Dash ‘a Lime,” Applejack softly said as she lay next to Rainbow, nuzzling the mare and trading a kiss. “I love it, AJ. It’s the perfect name for the perfect baby. I love you so much, AJ,” Rainbow said nuzzling the colt again and laying down. “Dash ‘a Lime. I,” she yawned, “love it. Next time it’s a pegasi birth,” she whispered as she fell asleep. “Next time?” both mares related aloud, looking to one another, then back to Rainbow Dash. The mare was cuddling the foal against her neck gently, humming a nameless tune as she slept. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* “Eeew! Ah asked fer none ‘a the gross stuff,” Little Dashie complained. “Yeah,” Whispy agreed, “that was gross!” “Well, now you know what to expect, little lady. It took eighteen hours for him to come outta me. Almost a day of pain and a lifetime of love. You’re lucky I told you the gross bits, I didn’t know anything about it all until I was way older.” Whispy looked between her Mom and Mama. “Wait, that’s gonna happen to me?!” “And me?!” Little Dashie asked. The mares laughed. “Yes to Whispy, no to you. You’re gonna be the cause of it, and no matter what, she’ll love you through it all,” Quill said returning to the room and landing next to Little Dashie, giving him a nuzzle and draping a wing over his back. “Isn’t that right, young stallion?” “And now ya know how ya got yer name,” Applejack added, “almost bed time!” she clopped a hoof on the floor in finality. “Yes, Ma’am. Uhm, c-can I have a drink before bed?” he asked and yawned, sending yawns across the room from every other pony. “Reckon it’s neigh on time fer little colts and fillies ta get ta bed, ta bed Ah said,” Applejack sing songed. “Yeah,” Rainbow agreed with Applejack, “Quill, ya good ta put Little Dashie ta bed while I get Whispy?” “I don’t have a problem with that at all,” Quill stood and contracted her wings. “C’mon, let’s hustle, I wanna have a talk with Mom and Mama.” “Yes, ma’am.” Applejack nodded to the colt and began to clean the slight mess that was made, reorganize the blankets, and make the couch presentable while the children were tucked into bed. “Ah swear, life can’t get any better,” Applejack said to herself, “and Ah’ve gotta have a talk about the messy details in her stories.”
Chapter 8 Applejack lay by the fireplace, warming her back as Rainbow flapped her wings slowly, hovering in the center of the Den. Quill took her favorite place on the couch and chuckled softly to herself. “What’s so funny, Quill?” Rainbow asked, turning to her. “Oh, just how much you cleaned up your birth story.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I didn’t do much to it, just… left out some details.” Quill laughed into her hoof. “Yes, like the part where you were screaming ‘if you don’t get me medicine I’ll rip your muzzle off.” Applejack hummed a laugh. “‘Get it outta me or I’ll shove his hooves up your butt and see how you like it!’,” she quoted, “that was a good one. Or how about when Little Dashie came out and ya screamed,” Applejack and Quill spoke in unison: “Oh, Celestia, its ruined me for life!” They both laughed and rolled to their backs, kicking the air in jovial bliss while Rainbow crossed her forelimbs and pouted. “Hey, you push a giant baby out and tell me how you feel!” The next couple minutes were filled with laughter as the mares let loose a day’s worth of stress. “So, are ya done yet?” “Yeah, Dashie, I think so,” Quill wiped a tear from her eye and flexed her wings, stretching her back slightly. “Yeah, I’m good. So, anyway,” she left the sentence open. “Ah had a day on the farm t’day. The helps got a long way ta go before they have the chores down, and the farmin’s goin’ good enough. Apple season’s a couple months away so trainin’ the help’ll be key.” Rainbow nodded to Applejack. “Yeah, and Ah’ve gotta make sure the next batch’a Zap Apples are in and ready Tuesday. Ugh, tomorrow,” Rainbow grumbled. “Rainbow Dash,” Quill slightly scolded, “you only have one real job on this farm, and it’s to make Zap Apples.” “Nuh-uh! Ah also take care’a the weather, children, and chores around the house.” “Except the compost,” Quill frowned, “you leave that for me every time.” “Well, ya need chores, too.” Rainbow replied. “Takin’ care of the young’ns is a chore, Rainbow,” Applejack corrected. “Yeah, I do my part,” Rainbow said smugly. “Yeah, you play with them like you’re their friend, more than a parent,” Quill said to Rainbow. “Well, I love them my way, you do it your way.” The mares fell silent. Rainbow was right, in a way. “So, what’s the plan? It’s us time, and I don’t feel too frisky. Wanna play a game?” “We can talk about Daring Do…” “Or, we can plan tomorrow’s chores.” The room fell silent again. “Well, how’s the weather team, Rainbow Dash?” “Quill, it’s great. Well, same ol’ same ol’, I guess. We push the clouds around and, control the weather. Um, I caught a feral cloud the other day from the Everfree…” “Um, the numbers on the farm are fine enough. Big Mac’s better with plowing than anything, but that’s his thing. He keeps count of the growing food, and I make sure he’s right.” “Ah’ve done taught the lot’a new helpers about how ta do the chores and keep the farm runnin’ like clockwork, but it just ain’t the same without me havin’ my hooves on.” “Yeah,” Rainbow sighed and landed beside Applejack, laying her head on Applejack’s cutie mark, “lots happening lately.” “...AJ, Dash?” “Yeah, Quill?” “It’s almost three years since Granny Smith-” “Ah know,” Applejack sighed loudly, “Ah’ll never ferget.” Rainbow began to rub Applejack’s back lightly. “Ah guess it’s time ta have a little meal in her honor.” “That apple salad with cranberries?” Rainbow asked. “Yup, her favorite.” “Never seemed like it was enough, though.” Rainbow looked to Quill. “Maybe not, but it was her favorite. It’s the least we can do, for all she gave us.” “Yeah,” Quill yawned, “I’m bored. Wanna do anything?” The other mares sighed and laid their heads down. “Ah dunno. If’n we leave ya know the children’ll come outta their rooms ta play’n snack,” Applejack said. “And if we stay we don’t have anything ta really do… Ah think we should play Clouds and Cumulus.” “Ah don’t like that game, Rainbow. Ya always win.” … The baby began to cry, gathering all their attention. “Well, Sugar’s up. Think she’s hungry?” The mares chuckled. “She’s always hungry,” Rainbow said as she took to the air and flew down the hall to the baby’s room. Rainbow returned with a cooing filly in her forelimbs. She lay the baby by Applejack and let the filly drink while she took a seat nearby. “Well, she drinks so much she’ll be as big as L.D. in no time.” “Hehehe,” Quill giggled, “Whispy’s really small for her age, Sugar’s already almost as big as her.” “Remember when Sugar was born?” Rainbow asked and swished her tail. “Yeah, it was a year after Granny…” Applejack looked to the filly at her breast and swallowed hard. “Well, Ah remember Granny all too well, and how she left us,” Rainbow said softly, placing a hoof on Applejack’s side.
