“Well well, if it ain’t old Rainbow Crash herself.”
Rainbow glanced up from the punch bowl and grinned at the approaching mare. “That’s Wonderbolt Rainbow Crash to you, Lightning Bust.”
Lightning winced dramatically and held a hoof to her chest. “Oof, ow, wow that really stings. Been a Wonderbolt for years and yet you still can’t come up with a decent name. What was last year’s? Flunking Dust or something?”
Rainbow rolled her eyes and held out a cup to her. “Yeah yeah, why don’t you just stick to flying well in the contests, or are you gonna cheat with a thunderstorm instead of a tornado this time?”
Lightning stuck out her tongue as she snatched the offered cup of punch. “Oh come on, that was over 20 years ago! Are you really gonna keep bringing that up every reunion?”
“Maybe once I get a proper apology for almost blowing my friends out of the sky.”
Lightning sighed loudly. “Look, we were both young and dumb back then. I’m sorry.” Her lips twitched into a smirk. “For being more awesome than you!”
Rainbow held a deadpan for a few seconds before chuckling and shaking her head. She brought up her own punch glass and clinked it against Lightning’s. “Well that’s probably as good an apology as I’ll ever get.”
“Damn right.”
The mares shared another laugh before turning away from the refreshment table and into the crowd that was gathering in front of a stage. Floating above was a series of clouds strung together and painted with the words ‘30 Year Class Reunion’.
A respectful hush fell over the gathered pegasi as an older mare walked onto the stage, her two toned teal mane streaked with gray and with plenty of wrinkles on her face that showed the age her strong gait did not. She smiled warmly at the group and leaned into the microphone. “Hello everyone and welcome to this year’s class reunion! It’s so nice to see all of you again. How is everyone doing?”
A cheer rose up, Lightning and Rainbow raising their cups as they added their voices. The mare on stage chuckled and waited for the crowd to settle before addressing them again. “Wonderful! Well let’s not delay the main events any longer hmm? Please welcome last reunion’s first place winner of the cloud corral, Cloud Chaser!”
The crowd rippled as the called upon pegasus made his way to the stage, a (relatively) quieter surge of cheers and stomps following him. The charcoal pegasus grinned proudly as he stepped to the microphone. “Thanks Lofty, and thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Now, I may be a little older and with a few more wrinkles, but I’ll still kick your flanks this year just like every other.”
The room filled with laughter, some in the crowd jeering playfully in response. Cloud laughed as well. “The next pegasus here to defend her title, please welcome last reunion’s first place winner of the cloud sprints, Rainbow Dash!”
Lightning smirked at the mare and elbowed her. “Next time, that’ll be me Crash.”
Rainbow jostled her back with an equally devious grin. “Isn’t that what you said last time, Bust?”
Lightning raspberried as Rainbow hopped on stage and replaced Cloud Chaser, holding a hoof up to quiet the room. “Yeah yeah, I’m awesome I know. Not to copy Cloud here but uh, I’m totally going to copy him. Just try and take my title for cloud sprints. And good luck taking first place in the rain bucket pour from Sunshower Raindrops!”
The yellow pegasus joined them on stage, and offered a quiet “Thank you and good luck this year” into the microphone.
Lofty took the microphone again, raising a wing in a sweeping gesture over the winners gathered behind her. “Let’s hear one more cheer for last reunion’s winners!”
The crowd roared, some taking to the air and pumping their hooves. Lofty let it go for a few minutes before calling for quiet again. “As is tradition, we’ll start with the cloud corral. This year's theme is ‘summer’. Everyone head outside and those who wish to participate please follow Cloud Chaser to the starting line. Good luck to everyone!”
A final, shorter cheer followed the crowd as they exited the room, excitement leaping between each Pegasi like bolts of lightning.
Lightning Dust followed the crowd that gathered to watch, not having much interest in the cloud corral. She was better at busting clouds apart than gathering them up and shaping them into sculptures. She wasn’t surprised when Rainbow came up beside her, the mare having won the cloud corral at the 15 year reunion and claiming she would never do it again and risk tarnishing her record.
There was a decent turnout this year, a dozen Pegasi lining up and watching as a team filled the sky above with clouds. A whistle blew and they took off, each gathering clumps of clouds and moving to different areas to begin sculpting.
Rainbow hummed as she watched the clouds come together in various shapes. “Summer theme this year huh? I wonder what ponies are going to create.”
Lightning snorted. “I swear they just keep getting vaguer every time. How do you even represent something like that? It’s just a season.”
Rainbow shrugged. “I don’t know. Rarity would probably be able to spout off a bunch of different ways to show it in a sculpture.”
“Rarity, that was the unicorn fashion designer right?”
“Yup.”
“Figures. How’s your wife doing by the way?”
“Doing good, life on the farm is busy as usual, especially with Applebloom working at the school.”
Lightning smirked. “Is she finally letting you help with the chores or are you two still butting heads over the right way to do them?”
Rainbow huffed, much to Lightning’s amusement. “Since you seem to love poking into my personal life, how about you? Dating anyone or ‘still looking’?”
It was Lightning’s turn to huff, though she tried to play it off by smoothing her hair back. “Hey, it’s hard finding a mare that can keep up with me. You are lucky you found someone in your friend group.”
Rainbow nodded and seemed to think hard about something. “Say, are you doing anything next weekend?”
Lightning blinked. “Well that’s a hell of a way to change the subject. Don’t tell me you and AJ are considering an open marriage, cause while I’m flattered I think I’ll have to turn you down.”
Rainbow’s laughter came harsh and quick, devolving into a coughing fit as she nearly fell over from the force of it. “Oh, that’s, ha, I’m sorry Lightning, but yeah no, no no no that wasn’t what I meant at all.”
Lightning flushed. “Well then what did you mean?”
It took Rainbow another minute to recover. “I was going to invite you to come hang out at the farm. The Apple family reunion is next weekend and I don’t want to be the only pegasus there.”
Lightning tilted her head back towards the sky, eyes focusing on a Pegasi sculpting, of all things, an apple tree and hummed. “Tell you what, you beat me in the cloud sprints and I’ll even bring a bag of chips.”
Rainbow grinned. “You’re on.”
~~
The cloud corral ended with a decisive victory from Clear Skies with her ornate sculpture of a pegasus surfing along a wave. The others were reduced down to regular puffs of cloud and set at regular intervals for the cloud sprints.
Lightning came up beside Rainbow at the starting line, stretching her limbs out with a cocky grin. “You ready to lose your title today Crash?”
Rainbow smirked in response and settled into a starting position. “You should know the answer to that by now, Bust.”
Lightning laughed and settled into her position. Someone blew a whistle, and they were off.
Lightning whooped as she flew, her wings flapping rapidly and body straightened into the most aerodynamic pose possible. She could see the rainbow trail of her rival in her peripheral vision and strained to surpass it. She started to inch alongside Rainbow’s side, just barely able to see her wings moving in a blue blur. She was able to keep pace until the 200 meter mark before her stamina wavered and she fell back to Rainbow’s flank.
They crossed the finish line and though it was certainly close, there was no contest that Rainbow held her winning streak. The mares skid to a stop, both huffing slightly and trying to catch their breath. Lightning groaned loudly as she sat. “Aww man, I almost had you this time!”
Rainbow chuckled and tossed her head, flicking strands of sweat soaked hair from her face. “Almost but not quite. I guess I’ll be seeing you next weekend with a bag of chips.”
Lightning scrunched her muzzle. “Yeah, I guess you will. Oh well, there are worse ways to spend a day than at an apple farm.”
“Oh come on, I bet you are going to have a blast.”
“Once the cider comes out, sure.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah, I’ll make sure we’ve got plenty. Though you are dreaming if you think you’ll be drinking anyone under the table.”
“Shucks, there go my plans.”
They shared a laugh before heading over to watch the rain bucket pour, a challenge of gathering rain clouds and getting the most water out of them. It required a careful hoof to not spill a drop until they intended to and was often the most tense contest. It usually also had the smallest pool of contestants due to its difficulty.
A hush fell over those watching, most even holding their breath as the dark clouds were carefully gathered and molded together. One by one, the challengers guided their collected bundles and placed them over large, clear buckets before bucking them and emptying the collected water.
The crowd began to grow restless as the water levels rose, with soft murmurs and growing bets on who would win. In the end, it was Sunshower Raindrops who barely edged out a second year win by 1/15th of an inch, but the crowd went wild regardless.
Lofty called for everyone to gather back inside for the closing ceremonies and the reunion ended in much the same fashion as previous years, with everyone gathering for another celebration of the winners and more casual reminiscing of the past. Rainbow made sure to not let Lightning forget about her loss and new commitment and the two parted with promises to see each other the next weekend.
Music, laughter and cheers rose above the orchard and greeted the pegasus that was flying above. Lightning Dust considered for a moment if she was actually doing this…and if she was actually going to bring a bag of chips with her.
“Lightning, you made it!”
Well, it was too late now to back out. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and descended towards the waving Rainbow Dash. “Well duh, I don’t go back on my word.”
Rainbow smirked as she caught the bag slung over Lightning’s shoulder. “Indeed you don’t. Well come on, let me introduce you to the family.”
They walked over towards a large buffet table, behind which an assembly line of Apples were busy making apple treats of all kinds. One Apple in particular was busy rushing between the line of fryers and pans and the table, precariously balanced plates of goods flying everywhere yet not toppling their precious load.
Rainbow trotted over to her wife and, without breaking Applejack’s pace, managed to perfectly insert herself to help as well as steal a quick kiss.
Lightning watched in wonder as the pair worked together, the smallest hint of jealousy burning within her. She quickly dismissed the feeling - the day she was jealous of Rainbow Dash would be the day she felt like she was better than her…Which just wasn’t going to happen.
Applejack beamed at Lightning. “Howdy stranger, haven’t seen you in a minute.”
Lightning smiled back and hesitantly stepped up to the table with her offering. “Yeah, Rainbow finally twisted my wing enough so here I am.”
Applejack cast a suspicious glance at her wife. “Is that so? Well I’m happy to see you anyways. This way I don’t have to hear her complain that she’s the only one with wings around here.”
Rainbow stuck out her tongue as she slid another plate of fritters onto the table. “It’s nice to have someone to be able to fly with, okay?”
“Uh huh.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes with a smile. “Besides, it wasn’t even my idea.” She looked over at Lightning. “Not that I didn’t want you here anyways, but AJ had the bright idea to set up-”
Applejack’s glare was one that could curdle milk as she stuffed a fresh apple tart into Rainbow’s mouth and cut her off. She chuckled sheepishly at Lightning’s confused expression. “Now don’t you worry none about what she was trying to say. Why don’t you go take this plate of fritters to the band over there, I’m sure they are building up quite an appetite.”
Lightning hardened her gaze for a moment before deciding it wasn’t worth it to fight. If Rainbow couldn’t win against her, there was no chance Lightning could argue with Applejack. She picked up a plate of fritters in her wing and headed off towards the sound of music, her head bouncing to the jaunty country tune filling the air.
She wasn’t quite sure what all the instruments were, and for the most part the sounds blended together in a beautiful harmony, but occasionally the twangy notes of a fiddle rose above and dominated the song. The band was a small collection of Apples playing on a slightly elevated stage, a crowd of young and old dancing in front.
The song seemed to be reaching its climax as she approached, the beat getting faster and the fiddle getting louder and both leading and carrying the rest of the instruments. The crowd worked into a frenzy with the notes, ponies being twirled around and around as others stomped their hooves.
Finally, with a drawn out note that seemed to float in the air long after the fiddle was put down, the song ended and cheers rose up to fill the silence.
Lightning cheered as well as she made her way to the stage, some of the musicians wiping sweat off their brow and fighting to catch their breath. One was the mad mare on the fiddle, whom Lightning offered the plate to first. “Fresh from the fryer, Applejack thought you could use some grub.”
The mare smiled at her and quickly popped a fritter into her mouth, closing her eyes in rapture as she chewed on the delicious treat. “Mmm, thanks…” Her eyes opened quickly as she squinted down at Lightning. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around, you a wife of someone?”
Lightning shook her head. “Nah, I ain’t found a mare that could keep up with me yet. Rainbow invited me so she wouldn’t be the only flying pony here.”
The mare raised an eyebrow and took another fritter, chewing more thoughtfully on this one. “Hmm…Well, nice to meet ya I suppose. Name’s Fiddlesticks.”
“Lightning Dust.”
Fiddlesticks hopped off the stage. “Thanks for the food, though I’m also feeling like some cider. Wanna come with and get a cup too?”
Lightning perked up and licked her lips. “Heck yeah, cider sounds amazing!”
She placed the plate on the stage and followed after Fiddlesticks. They came across another buffet-like table, this one with various kegs, jugs, and drinking vessels. Fiddlesticks poured a mug and offered it to Lightning before pouring one for herself.
Lightning considered the mug and the mare before her. With a grin she raised her mug. “Cheers, to the best fiddle player I’ve ever seen.”
Fiddlesticks chuckled and clanged their mugs together. “No offense sugar but, just how many fiddle players have you seen?”
Lightning opened and closed her mouth. “I uh…”
Fiddlesticks snickered and took a long pull of cider. “Ahh that’s good. Don’t worry Lightning, I’m just messing with ya. I appreciate the compliment.”
Lightning drank as well, her eyes going wide as she choked on the much stronger than she expected drink. She wheezed and thumped her chest. “Sweet celestia that’s-” she coughed and tried to recover. “That’s some uh, good stuff there.”
Fiddlesticks meanwhile was doubled over in laughter, practically howling. “Oh stars, that was even better than I expected. Applejack did the same to Rainbow Dash the first time she was part of the reunion and I just had to try it.”
Lightning couldn’t tell if the red on her face was of embarrassment or trying to cough out the burn in her throat. “So some sort of twisted right of passage huh? Did I pass?”
Fiddlesticks chuckled. “Well, you did slightly better than Rainbow did, so I suppose you did.”
Lightning pumped her hoof in victory before taking a more cautious sip. “Whew, yeah that’s strong but good. Does this make me an Apple now or something?”
Fiddlesticks shook her head. “Nah, you gotta marry one of us for the full privileges.”
Lightning smirked. “Is that so?” She looked around before side-eying Fiddlesticks. “Well how’s about it, wanna help me become official?”
Fiddlesticks looked at her with an odd expression and Lightning realized the full depth of what she just asked. “Er, you know what, forget I said that. Sorry, I guess the cider is stronger than I thought, heh.”
Fiddlesticks silently refilled her mug and drained it before filling it again. “You don’t need to apologize, I just…” Her ear flicked and she shook her head. “Nevermind. Thanks for bringing the grub and for drinking the cider but I think I should head back to the stage.”
A younger Lightning Dust would have let her walk away, not giving the mare more thought than to pity her missing out on a great opportunity.
But Lightning Dust wasn’t a young mare anymore, and judging by the wrinkles and peeking grays of this Fiddlesticks mare, she wasn’t either. “Hey now, don’t go running away. What were you going to say? Come on, I’m a big mare, I can handle it.”
Fiddlesticks looked back at her and smiled tightly. “It’s kind of silly but, well, I don’t know about you, but I’m done messing around with ponies who can’t commit. I’m no spring chicken after all.”
“I’ll say, I’m the one with wings here.”
Fiddlesticks laughed and gently pushed Lightning. “You know what I mean. I want to find someone I can settle down with and who can make me feel like the adult I am and like a kid falling in love for the first time.” She blushed and looked away quickly. “Aww shucks Fiddly, way to show your bleeding heart.”
Lightning blushed as well, internally blaming it on the cider. “I don’t think that’s silly.” She blushed further at the incredulous look given. “Hey, I know I said earlier I couldn’t find a mare who could keep up with me but the truth is I haven’t really tried to find one in a few years.”
She shrugged and looked away from Fiddlesticks. “Look, we are obviously both old enough to not want to play any games so I’ll be straight with you. I made a lot of mistakes in my youth, did some things I’m really not proud of and that still kind of haunt me to today. I’m stubborn and like to live life in the fast lane, but I’m starting to realize it might be nice to have someone to stop and smell the roses with.”
Fiddlesticks hummed. “I appreciate that Lightning. I’m also stubborn, comes with the territory of being an Apple, and I’ve also made mistakes. I wasn’t always honest with myself and the kind of mare I was so I’m trying to make up for lost time now.”
Lightning smiled sympathetically. “Yeah. The closet is a rough place to be in for years.” Her grin turned lopsided. “I prefer hanging out in one for a few, possibly even seven minutes with a pretty mare.”
Fiddlesticks snickered and took another drink before glancing at the large barn in the distance. “Well, there’s really no limits on how big a closet can be right?”
Lightning followed her gaze and her grin grew. “And who says we only have to spend seven minutes?”
They clanged their mugs together again and headed towards the barn. Both were unsure where exactly it would lead, but confident all the same it wouldn’t be a total disaster. After all, they weren’t kids sneaking a kiss in the heat of summer, but mares looking to forge a bond.
