A comforting voice

Chapters

A lonely feeling
Late Night
Neglected Trophy
And no one responded
Part Family

A lonely feeling

There was a thick air inside the train cart, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were sitting all near each other in silence. It was late into the night, and all that sounded was the sounds of an engine hard at work traversing through the country side.

A chapter in their lives had just closed for good, and they all knew that. That very morning they had gotten into this same train as a group of 7, and now, they were returning back home as 5. Twilight’s coronation had left a dent in everypony, no doubt about it.

After a few minutes… maybe hours… of a painful silence, Pinkie Pie spoke up, not in her usual upbeat self, but in a tone that sounded like she herself needed convincing, “Soo… Who’s ready to throw a ‘congratulations on your new job as head mare’ party for Starlight first thing in the morning?”

No response… all Pinkie Pie received was a short smile from Rarity.

The rest of the train ride were composed of long, deep breaths, sighs, and short attempts from Rarity and Pinkie Pie at cheering up the group.

Several moments later, Rarity stood up, “No! I won’t let this thick air between us sink us down any further!” The white pony exclaimed, as the rest looked up at her in surprise.

“Twilight would hate to see us like this girls… we mustn’t forget that she is still with us, sure she might live somewhere else… but she is still our friend is she not? it’s not like we lost her” Rarity asserted her statement with a light stomp of her hoof. At this, Pinkie Pie stood up as well with a smile, “You are right! Twilight would want us to be happy! She always wanted us to carry a smile, don’t you girls remember all the times she did her best for us?” Applejack and Fluttershy began smiling, reminiscing in their memories with Twilight.

“I remember the time she pulled all of y’all together so we could try beat them Flim-Flam brothers at making Cider” Applejack gave a small chuckle, remembering her sweet victory over the pair of con-men

“She is the whole reason Ponyville is so diligent with their passing of winter, and so on time to welcome spring!” Fluttershy smiled, looking at the sky, remembering that day as clear as day

Soon, the group of friends had filled the cart with laughter and chuckles as they recounted their stories and adventures all throughout the years. The heavy air had finally lifted in the cabin, and everypony was upbeat. Everypony, but one.

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Throughout the entire ride, Rainbow Dash had not made a sound. She didn’t sigh, she didn’t take large breaths, she didn’t smile, she didn’t laugh… pure unfiltered silence filled her world. The entire ride was spent looking at the floor. She didn’t even really feel anything, she felt numb, she didn’t even realize how long the ride was taking.

Applejack noticed the unusual silence from her rainbow friend, and she nudged her with a playful elbow, “You alright there sugar cube? Ya haven’t spoken all train ride” Rainbow’s eyes instantly darted upward, as she felt the numbness subside a bit. “Who? Me? of course! I’m just thinking… about… Twilight! And all of the super awesome moments I have had with her” Rainbow Dash gave her best fake smile she could make at that moment, which would have convinced anypony, anypony but Applejack, she saw right through it but decided not to pry, because she knew everyone had feelings they were suppressing.

“Well, come join us, we’re talking about Twilight, so might as well pitch in your memories” Applejack nudged Rainbow Dash lightly. Rainbow Dash smiled as she joined the conversation, but she didn’t really feel like she was joining it. Words came at her ears, and she answered, almost automatically, she still felt the numbness creeping around her body.

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That numbness instantly went away when she heard the screech of the train wheels coming to a stop. The feeling was replaced with a sharp pain to her chest, she felt tightness around her wings, and her heart began rapidly beating.

“Oh looks like this is our stop, we best be off!” Rarity escorted the group out of the train and into the Ponyville station.

As Rainbow Dash began to walk out, her legs stiffened, What is going on with me? She wondered to herself, as she forced herself out of the doors. She looked around the dark sky and the softly lit streets of Ponyville, her heart began racing again, and she felt the tightness to her chest increase.

“Well, that was sure a tiresome coronation! I’m ready to snooze so hard! See you girls later! Gotta get home and catch some Z’s!” Rainbow Dash took off in a hurry, but she didn’t go far, she just went up, higher and higher every second without stop.

“Honestly some ponies! Can’t even stick around for a proper send off! hmph!” Rarity scoffed at Rainbow Dash’s actions, and waved everyone goodbye before going off to her own boutique.

“Well, every pony, see you tomorrow! We still have to throw Starlight a party first thing in the morning!” Pinkie Pie Bounced away back to Sugar Cube Corner.

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The last 2 ponies left standing at the station were Fluttershy and Applejack. “Did you… notice anything different about Rainbow in the train ride back?” Applejack broke the silence between the two. “I did… she was unusually quiet… oh I sure do hope she is alright!” Fluttershy responded, thinking about the train ride. “We are all down… i’m sure she’s feeling the same… she’ll cheer up… I hope” Applejack finished her sentence, turning to the direction of her farm, as she waved Fluttershy good night, and they went their separate ways.

It hurt Applejack to see Rainbow Dash in that train ride, she seemed miserable, hopeless even, like something other than Twilight was eating at her mind, and she could not stand that thought, of her Rainbow friend in such a state. But there was nothing she could do for now, Rainbow Dash was gone, and so was everypony else. She made her way back to her family, where she was met with a warm welcome by everyone.

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Rainbow Dash kept going up, reaching for the stars, until eventually the numbness overtook her wings and she let herself fall. She fell for a long time, until she was close to the ground, she spread her wings and began hovering over the town silently.

She flew to the Carousel Boutique, and peeked through the windows, seeing Rarity and Sweetie Bell having dinner together, laughing and having a what seemed to be a sweet conversation.

She flew to Sugar Cube Corner, where she saw Pinkie Pie and the Cakes baking together having a deep, silent conversation.
She flew to Fluttershy’s cottage and saw her feeding and talking to her animals with a smile.

She flew all the way to Sweet Apple Acres, where she saw Applejack and her family having dinner together, she could tell by Applejack’s expression that they were discussing the coronation. Rainbow Dash stayed there for a moment, watching, finally feeling some warmth. That warmth was short lived however, as each family member hugged each other good night, and the lights of the house died out.

Rainbow Dash was once again left numb and cold. She slowly flew to her own home. She looked up at her house in the sky. Her heart began racing once again. What is wrong with me? The first thought through her mind in a while.

Rainbow Dash flew up to her house, and landed on the front, she opened the door and came in to a dark house, “I’m home!” She called out to the empty hallways, she figured tank was already fast asleep.

“I’m… home…” Rainbow Dash repeated to herself as she walked towards her room.

Late Night

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes slowly as the morning sun hit her face. As she came to her senses, she quickly got out of bed and got ready for the party Pinkie Pie was planning on throwing. Usually she wasn’t this excited to go to such a large party, but for some reason, this time she felt like she wanted to spend all day and night partying.

As she headed out of her cloud home, she looked around, hoping to hear even a single sound but her own breathing, but alas, only she was making sound.

Why do I feel the way I do? What is going on? This was a common question that ran through her head ever since she got off the train last night. Oh I don’t care, I just want this party to get started!

====================

It was a normal morning for Applejack, She got out of bed, brushed her teeth, put on her hat, and walked down to the living room. “Howdy y’all? Apple Bloom up yet? That lil’ filly gonna be late to school again if she sleeps in” Applejack sat down at the table as she began eating the pancakes that Big Mac cooked up.

A few minutes later, a sleepy filly came down, still yawning and rubbing her eyes, “Heya, sorry i’m late” Apple Bloom apologized and she sat down and received a plate of pancakes from her big brother. “Howdy Apple Bloom? Ya ready for school today? Best not be late again, or me or Big Mac gonna have to start walking you to school again” Applejack lightly threatened her little sister, causing her sister to blush in embarrassment as she began speed eating. “I hear ya! Well I best be off! Don’t wanna be late for school like you said!” Apple Bloom ran out the door and sprinted for the school, hoping to make it before the bell.

“Well everypony, I best be off too, i’m afraid i’ll be mighty busy today, big day at the school, Starlight is getting a party thrown for her. Sorry Big Mac, I don’t think I’ll be able to help you with the orchard today, maybe tomorrow” Big Mac let out a frustrated huff before giving her a reassuring smile and nodding at her. “Ok see y’all later!” Applejack made her way to Ponyville.

On the way, she happened to bump in to Fluttershy, who was escorting a group of bunnies across the country side. “Heya Fluttershy! Watcha doin’?” Fluttershy looked up at Applejack with a smile, “Escorting a group of bunnies across the country side” Applejack gave her an unimpressed look as Fluttershy sent off the bunnies alone and joined Applejack on her walk.

After a few seconds of silence, Applejack spoke up with a sigh, “Do you really think Dash is okay? I have never seen her like that” Fluttershy gave a small chuckle, “So she’s been on your mind too huh? I’m not sure either, but i’m afraid that just asking her would be a lost cause” Fluttershy continued walking, eventually changing the topic of conversation to Starlight and her upcoming party.

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The party went great, it was upbeat all day, and when the sun set and the students went to sleep, Cider barrels began opening and emptying. Rainbow Dash was the life of the party, nearly topping Pinkie Pie herself in terms of party energy, but as the night became darker, and even Pinkie began winding down in energy, Rainbow Dash began getting agitated slowly watching everyone leave.

“Hey guys! where is every pony going? There is still a bunch of fun to be had! Right?” The blue mare looked over at Pinkie Pie for back up, but much to her dismay, Pinkie Pie was already packing up her decorations. “Pinkie! What are you doing? Party is not over yet!” Rainbow Dash said this with a worried tone.

“Oh silly-filly everypony is tired already, no point in keeping up the dance floor with no pony who wants to hit the floor!” Pinkie explained in her usual upbeat tone, but Rainbow could tell even she was exhausted. “Alright I guess…” Rainbow Dash quietly flew over to the Cider dispensary and sat down, while drinking mugs of cider.

Eventually, all who remained where the 5 fiends, and a couple of other ponies helping with cleanup. Rarity and Pinkie Pie got distracted together figuring out the decorations for the next party Pinkie was planning on throwing, calling it her ‘Congratulations to the students for getting a new, super-duper head mare’ aimed at Starlight’s students. Applejack noticed her favorite Mare sitting all alone drinking on a table and was hesitant to approach, but eventually decided to leave her. My poor Rainbow, what could have her in such a knot? It pains me so much to see her like this For a while, Applejack entered a trance of thought, trying to figure Rainbow out. “Gosh, she looks tragic…” Fluttershy broke the train as she came behind Applejack. Applejack lowered her hat a bit, “You’re tellin’ me… It’s quite tough, to see such a tough pony like her in such a state, and not knowing the cause” Fluttershy noticed a glow in Applejack’s eyes, a glow of not just sadness, but something else she could not quite pinpoint. “You should go stop her, before she gets any drunker” Fluttershy quietly nudged Applejack forward.

Applejack approached with a slight blush on her face, “Heya sugar cube, you doin’ alright? Ya been doin’ a whole lotta drinkin’ tonight, you should stop while you can fly straight” Rainbow Dash slowly looked up and the gave a smile, “Are you kidding? i’m doing amazing! I could probably still pull off a Wonderbolt precision session if I wanted to!” Rainbow Dash brandished her wings, trying to look like she was confident in herself. “Uh- sure sugar cube, well, party is over so you should fly back home don’t ya think?” Rainbow took a while to compose herself as she stepped out of the chair. “O- of course, yeah i’ll just head back home, you are right it’s getting very late” She got ready to take off with confident eyes, but as soon as her eyes met her home, that look momentarily got replaced with fear, “On second thought… you’re right, I’m waaayyyy too wasted to make the flight up there!” She looked around in a bit of a panic. “Hey Fluttershy! Can I crash at your place for the night?” Fluttershy smiled at Rainbow Dash. “I would love to have you over, but i’m afraid that i’m expecting… company tonight, sorry” Applejack noticed a small look of desperation on Rainbow’s eyes, and that made her heart sink. “I’ll take ya in sugar cube… I got no problem letting ya over in ma’ house” Rainbow slightly flinched at the comment, and then blushed. “Oh, AJ, um yeah sure thank you!”

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This night, Rainbow Dash nearly forgot all about her troubles, the Apple family loved Rainbow Dash, and she, admittedly, loved them too. Rainbow and Granny Smith spent a long time talking about their trips to Los Pegasus, and to Apple Bloom, Rainbow was already a lot like an aunt, since she was good friends with both her sister, and her sister-like best friend. Rainbow spent the rest of the night laughing and cracking jokes with the whole family, and trying desperately to make Big Mac speak at least a full paragraph, without results.

“Alright fillies, it’s bed time for granny, i’ll see all of you in the mornin’ good night” Granny Smith slowly walked away to retire into her bedroom. “Got lots of work tomorrow, good night” Big Mac closely followed into his own room. Apple Bloom tried her best to stay up for long, but eventually wobbled herself to her room and quickly fell asleep. “Gee Rainbow, you look as straight as a plank o’ wood, it’s like you didn’t even drink a pint of cider…” I wonder… AJ decided to test the waters. “It’s almost like you’re purposely avoiding going home!” Rainbow was peacefully relaxing on the couch, but gained a panicked look at AJ’s words. “Umm, it’s- it’s different in the air, it’s way easier to walk drunk than fly drunk!” “Sure RD, what ever you say” Rainbow and Applejack continued on talking for the rest of the night, until Rainbow eventually fell asleep of the family couch.

“Oh Rainbow… what has got you so darn troubled? It hurts to see you like this, and when I find your issue, i swear i’ll buck it as far from ya as ah’ can” Applejack slowly pulled a blanket on top of Rainbow to cover her. Applejack swept Rainbow’s mane off from her face, and sat a bit to admire the sleeping mare. A peaceful Rainbow Dash, a sight i’ll never see again for sure… She’s so beautiful like this. Applejack blushed at her own thought, and headed for her room, leaving the sleeping pegasus rest.

Author's Note

Hey forgot to make a note on the first chapter, i’m new to this platform, I’ve written several fanfics before but this is my first MLP story, I hope I can give you all an entertaining story to enjoy!

Neglected Trophy

A few months had passed, Pinkie Pie is somewhere in Eastern Equestria planning some kind of large festival, Rarity was all the way in Maregentina, some Kingdom far south of Equestria. Rainbow Dash was growing restless, every single day she could keep her composure less and less, some days she seemed to have Pinkie like energy, other days she had no energy, but every single day, she would try and avoid going home.

“I’m home!” Once again, silence. Well that’s one disadvantage of a pet tortoise, I might as well own a pet rock! Rainbow thought to herself as she walked the empty hallways of her cloud mansion, eventually arriving to the kitchen, everything was empty, there was no stove, no sink, no cabinets, just a few cloud tables and a fridge. What’s for dinner? She wondered to herself as she opened the fridge to reveal a single carrot Right… I forgot to go shopping today… She let out a deep sigh as she took the carrot and handed it over to tank, who happily started eating. Rainbow then walked up to her room, the only decorated room in the house. She looked around the room for a while, all the trophies that she had ever won, several Wonderbolt memorabilia, and some of her own posters. She began thinking about how many pegasi across Equestria had a poster of her somewhere in her room. Heh, I guess despite everything, I’m still awesome to the core. She made herself chuckle, but then turned her gaze to pictures of her and her friends, she began thinking of simpler times, when everyone was together, when she felt awesome.

She wrapped herself in her own wings and looked from her window, “Where did every pony go?” It was the Wonderbolt off season, meaning that she didn’t even have that to keep her distracted. What did she do for fun now? Fly as fast as she could, fly as far as she could, fly as high as she could, and let herself fall as low as she could before catching herself.

Your wings are your friends, and your friends will never let you down! She had told this to scootaloo once, when trying to teach her how to use her wings, now her own words voices around in her head every day. She chuckled to herself as she shook her head, “No, they didn’t abandon me, I just… couldn’t keep up with them…” She sighed to herself as she lay down. At least I can still keep up with myself, I think.

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Applejack woke up like most days, right before sunrise to the sounds of several animals demanding to be fed. She stretched and brushed her mane before tying it and putting on her stetson.

“Mornin’ every pony!” She shouted coming down, as she received a response from her siblings and grandmother. “What a beautiful day it is today, we got lots of work to do, Apple Bloom, be a dear and go get the mail” She set her hat down and sat down for breakfast. “Aww do I gotta? I just sat down!” Apple Bloom responded with a pout, which earned a glare from Applejack. “Ok I’m going…” The small filly set off for the mailbox.

Moments later she came back with a bunch of letters and scrolls, as well as a package. “uhhh was any of y’all expecting sumthin’? It’s kinda heavy” Apple Bloom almost fell over, and Big Mac took it off her shoulders. “Huh, no I don’t think so, does it have an address on it?” Applejack questioned as her elder brother examined the package, “From Baltimare, destination, Ponyville” He responded. “Give me here, I don’t think we have any business in Baltimare but let’s check” She took the package out of her brother’s hooves and opened it.

Inside was a massive trophy, with an equally large amount of money on a check. “Huh, we present this award to the winner of the pegasi olympics, Rainbow- Oh this is meant for Rainbow Dash!” She thought of a moment and then got a guilty look. “Right… the pegasi olympics, she was talking about it so much, so exited, but none of us went with her, we were all too busy… we didn’t get to see her win” I didn’t get to see her win She instantly felt incredible remorse for choosing to buck apples all week instead of going to watch the pegasi olympics.

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“What’s the pegasi olympics?” “Uh, only THE GREATEST EVENT FOR ANY PEGASI!, it’s the event that determines the greatest pegasus of the decade, it’s a battle of speed, agility, strength, wit, and most importantly, SPEED!” With that, Rainbow Dash had struck a pose in the air. “Uh you said that twice” Applejack had responded. “Duh, that’s how important it is! And all of you are invited!” She handed Applejack a golden ticket with the words ‘backstage pass’ written on it. “Yeah perks of being a Wonderbolt, no biggie” Rainbow said with a smug smile. “That’s great and all Sugar Cube, but are you sure Twilight, Rarity and Pinkie can attend? They’re awful busy right now” At this, Rainbow’s smile dropped a bit, but it soon picked up again. “Yeah that’s fine, but you and Fluttershy aren’t, so i’m expecting you girls to be cheering me on from the stands!” “Well actually Rainbow I gotta-“ She was cut of when Rainbow Dash launched into the sky once again. “It’s settled AJ, you are going to watch me be the awsome-est i’ve ever been!” and she flew off.

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And I didn’t go…

“Sis? You alright?” Apple Bloom’s voice snapped Applejack from her flashback. “Hmm? oh yes I was just thinking how I would go about returning this here package to Rainbow… well I best be off, the sooner I get this into that mare’s hooves, the sooner she learns she won that silly event. Silly, that’s what I used to describe it to my family when I chose to stay home. It was just now sinking in how important of an event this was to her favorite mare. I let my Dash down, I better go talk to her soon.

She headed for ponyville, and at reaching Rainbow’s home, she had a realization. Right… I can’t get up there. Just then, she spotted Fluttershy doing some morning shopping. “Fluttershy, little help here?” Fluttershy walked over to Applejack. “Well, of course! how may I be of help?” Applejack handed the package to her friend. “Fly this up there, it’s Rainbow’s, it was delivered to Sweet Apple Acres on accident” The package weighed down on Fluttershy significantly. “Oh wow it’s a big thing! I’m not sure I can fly with it” Fluttershy proceeded to make futile attempts at flight.

Applejack continued to walk around Ponyville for a while before a thought came to her head, and she booked it for the school of friendship.

“And so, from today on, no more interruptions in the middle of lectures” Starlight Glimmer was scolding both Trixie and Discord in her office when Applejack barged in. “Starlight! I need your magic!” Starlight smiled at Applejack. “What? What for? What do you need?” “Can you cast a cloud walker spell on me? I need to get this here package to Rainbow” With that, Starlight’s horn glowed as she placed a spell on Applejack. “There, now please leave, I still have a pair of mischievous beings to scold”

Once again in front on Rainbow’s home, she began to lasso clouds from the sky and forming them into steps until she reached the top. “RAINBOW! YOU HOME?” she shouted at the door and knocked on it, to her surprise, it opened at the knock. That darn irresponsible filly doesn’t lock her front door! She walked in to the glamorous mansion and was met with a surprising view, as she looked around she saw, Nothing… her whole house is empty, neglected even… Applejack thought to herself as she began walking around. “Rainbow Dash! Your package arrived at my home!” Nothing, not even an echo. She walked into the living room, only a TV and a cloud couch could be seen, She walked into the Kitchen, and the state it was in made her gut tighten. She lives here… in this condition Applejack thought to herself. No room looked any better, rooms with no furniture at all in fact looked better than the ones that had very little.

She then came to the master bedroom, the door was closed and the front war decorated with Rainbow’s Cuite mark. She was baffled when she opened the door, it was like entering a whole new building, Decorations and posters everywhere, Trophies and ribbons filled the shelves, it was magnificent! “Wow… this is something else!” Her eyes wondered around the room until she spotted a shelf next to the night stand, a shelf full of pictures of all her friends and adventures. She looked at them for a while, memories filling her mind. She then looked at the night stand, only 3 things on it, a lamp, a journal, and a front side down picture.

“Huh, I wonder what those are?” She got closer to the nightstand. What are you doing Applejack? you shouldn’t be going around looking at Rainbow’s private stuff! She attempted stopping herself, but soon gave in to curiosity and flipped the picture. She stared at herself. Rainbow has a picture of me on her bedside? She thought for a moment before coming to a realization. I don’t have a picture of her… all I have are posters where she starts as a Wonderbolt… but nothing like this… She then noticed an arm at her side, a blue arm. Wait I remember this! It’s a picture of both of us! We took it right after the race we had trough the falling of the leafs! Applejack turned her gaze to the journal, and once again despite her best efforts, she gave in to curiosity.

Applejack opened the journal, she was devastated with what she saw, she was reading a pony’s descent into deep depression. It began as normal, before Twilight’s coronation but several words began appearing more and more, Loneliness, same day, boredom, Fear, fear, fear. The journal only spoke of her fears eventually, until soon, the next page read, (same as last page), and the next said (see previous page), and the next said much the same thing, and the next, and the next, and the next, until eventually Applejack got to where the week of the pegasi olympics should have been held, but to her dismay, she only saw signs of ripped out pages, and the rest was blank.

Applejack’s heart started pounding, she looked at the trophy she had been hauling all day. “Best pegasus in equestria, darn Rainbow, what have I been doing with you? Where have I been?” She touched a hoof to her chest as a tear began running down her cheek. “I’ve been neglecting you, the greatest of all, my Dash”

Author's Note

Hey, another chapter soon after the last one! Not sure when the next is gonna come, I write when I have inspiration to, but right now I have plenty!

And no one responded

Applejack began running down ponyville, trying to look for any signs of Rainbow Dash. She looked up to the setting sun as she felt the breeze beat against her mane. She looked everywhere, mainly looking up, in hopes to spot any streak of rainbow.

Applejack stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted a faint blue dot way up in the sky. She observed the dot for a moment, realizing it was increasing in size. It grew bigger and bigger until she could finally spot a few rainbow colored strands here and there. “Rainbow Dash?” she wondered to herself, still trying to make out the figure.

Moments later Applejack could clearly define Rainbow Dash’s shape. Her heart dropped as she processed what she was looking at. Rainbow Dash was closing her eyes, limp wings, falling back first towards the ground. Applejack began panicking. Rainbow! Did she get hurt? What happened to her? Applejack thought in a panic as she looked for ways to save the blue mare.

“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack yelled out when she realized she ran out of time, and she could only watch as Rainbow was about to plummet into the ground.

Right before touch down, Rainbow opened her eyes, and with a single, strong, wing flap, flew back up to the sky. She hovered up around before spotting the farm pony, who was carrying a look with a mix of worry and annoyance.

With a heavy thud, Rainbow Dash landed directly in front of Applejack with a friendly smile. “What’s up AJ?”

It took a moment for Applejack to gather her thoughts before she gained a stern look. “‘What’s up?’ What was that all about?! Why in tarnation were you dropping out from the sky?” Applejack questioned Rainbow Dash, nearly forgetting the reason she was there.

“Uh, flight training? New move I’d planning to add to my routine for Wonderbolt singular shows” Rainbow answered as if it was obvious. “But anyways, what are you doing over here? It’s quite away from Ponyville”

Applejack took a moment to think. She was so busy trying to find Rainbow Dash that she forgot to think about what to say once she found her. “I… Uh… I was going to invite you!” Applejack nodded, seemingly proud at her own improvisation.

Rainbow Dash took off again, this time in a soft hover right above Applejack. “Invite me? To what?”

“To… a… sleep over!” Applejack smiled invitingly after figuring out her own plan. “To a sleepover at Sweet Apple Acres, with me, and the rest of the Apple family” She tipped her hat, seemingly proud of herself for coming up with the idea on the spot.

Rainbow Dash hovered around as she inverted to look at Applejack upside down. “Uh-huh, right… and who put you up to this? Twilight?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at Applejack.

Applejack chuckled and tipped her hat once again. “Nope, just ah-me. I dun’ had the idea all on my own! And uh… The rest ain’t coming, just you… and…” Her voice came to a stop as a blush began taking over her face. Applejack lowered her hat right above her face in order to hide her coming blush. “…Me”

Rainbow now looked puzzled as she landed on the floor. “And… the rest of the Apples right? But why? AJ, not to be rude but when did you start planning sleep overs? And also, why just me, what about…” Rainbow stopped mid thought as her wings dropped in a sad realization. “Wait, never mind I know why… they don’t have time.” Rainbow let out a bit of a sigh, momentarily showing her internal emotions.

Applejack chuckled awkwardly as she thought up an excuse. “Don’t know Rainbow… guess i’ve been getting a bit lonely, and I thought having my best friend hang out with my family like we did that one party couple ah moons back would be nice” This time she felt like she was speaking with honesty. Honesty… I mean this… that moment was really one of my favorite memories in recent times. Applejack thought to herself as she smiled at Rainbow Dash in a kind manner.

Rainbow’s ears perked as she listened to Applejack. “You… have been feeling lonely? Despite your family being beside you all day?” She thought for a moment, realizing that maybe, just maybe, she was not alone with her feelings, that maybe she was the one that should have been reaching out to her friends because they might feel alone too. “Sure, sounds fun! I’ll be there, let me just go to the store to buy food for Tank and i’ll be right over.” She began to hover again as she gave Applejack a playful bump.

“Alrighty! I’ll be a waitin’ for ya, come on over we’ll have treats ready. Because if I know one thing about my Rainbow is that she has the appetite of all of Ponyville combined, and then some to spare for dessert!” Applejack chuckled to herself as she put her hat back on.

Rainbow’s mind sat on Applejack’s choice of words, My Rainbow, The words kept replaying in her head before she shook herself out of it. “Yeah I’ll be there pronto! Probably even before you. Ya know, because I’m super fast at flying and everything”

Rainbow Dash shot a cocky smile before launching into the sky in the direction of the market. “Oh you cocky pegasus, You’re on!” Applejack began booking it for Sweet Apple Acres, trying to get there before Rainbow did.

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Rainbow took no more than 3 seconds to reach her destination, quickly buying a few vegetables. On the way back to her house, she flew a lot slower, once again dreading opening her large, heavy doors.

This time this was not the only thing plaguing her mind however, now she was having thought about the rest of her friends, how lonely they must feel.

Rarity… you’re in such a strange land with none of your friends to help you… Maybe if I had come with you, maybe neither of us would have felt lonely.

Pinkie… you- you’re probably doing fine admittedly… but, you would probably be better with some of us, with me to keep you company.

Twilight, you’re so busy all the time ruling all of Equestria… it’s probably such a big burned, such a lonely job.

Fluttershy… you- you too, you like being alone I guess, and you have discord so meh. But maybe you’d be less lonely with me around

And Applejack… my Applejack… I had no idea you would ever feel loneliness, I guess we really have not hung out as much anymore. Would I really make such a big change to your night? Among all your family?

Before Rainbow could finish her thoughts, she bumped into a very solid piece of cloud. “Ouch!” She looked up again as saw she was at the door to her own, cold mansion. “Yay… home sweet home” She put her hooves on the door and pushed.

A few months back, she would be able to swing that door open with no issue, but after Twilight’s coronation, she felt like her door was getting heavier and heavier every single day somehow. “I’m home!” She shouted into the empty hallways as she closed the door behind her. “I brought some dinner, I’m going out. Remember to lock up the house and put your plate away once you’ve finished” She walked to the kitchen and grabbed a single bowl, putting the assortment of vegetables into it.

Rainbow flew up to her room, and opened the decorated door, trying to find tank somewhere in the floor. “Here you go buddy” She set the plate down as she kept looking, and eventually found him shelled up beside a strange, opened cardboard box. “Huh, what’s this I wonder?” She got closer to the box and dug her hooves into the packing peanuts trying to feel for the package.

“Ah-ha! There you are… what are you?” She lifted the object from the box, revealing a beautiful trophy dedicated to her. “I… won”

Why don’t I feel happy about that? I should be screaming with joy, soaring through the sky in celebration… Why does this victory feel… Empty…

Rainbow stared at the trophy for a few seconds, but then her eyes began hovering all around her decorated room. Her eyes eventually settled on her friend’s pictures. She analyzed a picture Rarity had sent her when Rarity first went to Maregentina. It was a picture of her at a night club, partying out “Maregentinian style”. Her eyes then shifted focus to a picture of Pinkie Pie, partying out like she normally does. Next to that, Fluttershy, calmly brushing the fur of some feline Rainbow could not even hope to name. Next to that, Twilight in royal garments, standing proudly with Spike at her side. And right after, a family photo of Applejack, and her whole Apple family. Finally, Rainbow’s eyes dropped to see the photo oh her, with all her friends, the entire band together.

After a few seconds, her eyes dropped even further to look at the trophy again. No one is around to celebrate with me… No one came to watch one of the most important moments of my life, they didn’t even write back! I handed AJ the pass directly and she didn’t even bother to tell me she wasn’t coming!

“All of them are too busy with their perfect lives, too busy living out the ‘dream’. Too- Too busy to care about me anymore!” A tear formed in her eye as she tightened her grip on the trophy.

After a few moments of intense silence, Rainbow let out a scream as she hurled the trophy out of the window with full strength. She let herself drop on her bed, as she began sobbing. She wrapped herself in her wings as all the weight of these past few months began crushing her down. Tears kept running down her face endlessly as she sobbed without control. Now truly, she felt like she was drowning.

Author's Note

Sorry I took so long to upload this chapter, I had a lot of trouble deciding where to lead this story. But now I’ve released this chapter, and the next one will be the last chapter to this story.

Part Family

If I want to beat her to my farm, i’m going to have to run faster than I’ve ever ran before! Applejack and Rainbow Dash have always been competitive with each other, especially when it came to athleticism. Applejack was intent on getting back to her farm before Rainbow made her full trip.

She galloped as fast as her legs could take her, the wing blew against her face as the country side passed in a blur. After a few minutes of endless running, she could she her home, with the setting sun behind it.

“Aw shucks, it’s sunset already, knowing Rainbow, she’s probably already takin’ a nap in ma couch” She pushed on with heavy breaths until she reached the door.

Before entering, Applejack made sure to catch her breath and recover. If RD is going to make fun of me for being slow, at least she’s not going to make fun of me for being out of shape. She chuckled to herself as she opened the door, fully expecting to see the Rainbow pegasus taking a nap in the living room.

“Hey sis! Welcome back, you have no idea the day I just had with Sweetie Bell! I can’t believe wait to tell you all about it.” Applebloom instantly ran to the door as soon as she heard it open. She was basically jumping from excitement at seeing her elder sister.

“Oh, uh hey Applebloom, have you seen RD?” Applejack looked around in confusion, looking for any signs of the pegasus. Applebloom also looked around, scanning the house.

“Nope, in fact now that you mention it, haven’t really heard much from her since the last time she was here way back after the coronation day… Why? Is she in trouble?” Applebloom looked up at Applejack with a slight hint of worry.

“Naw, that pony ain’t ever in a trouble troubling enough for her to be in trouble with, but it’s just that we was meant to meet up here, and it was a race, kinda… at least it felt like it was meant to be a race… but the point is, I thought she’d be here by now” Applejack takes off her hat and sits down in the dinner table as her little sister gives her a glass of water. “I guess I should go look for her, seeing as she’s never late in a race” She drinks her water and rests for a few minutes, but then stands up and puts her hat on once again.

====================

Applejack could feel her heart beating against her chest, she felt completely winded, but she had finally reached her destination, “Rainbow’s house… it looks so mighty from the outside” Applejack thought to herself as she looked around the premises.

Something in the dark glimmered, a small little flare among the tall grass under the floating house caught Applejack’s attention, and as she walked closer to it, more glimmers appeared, and if a whole bunch of tiny mirrors were laid out on the ground. “What in the… oh no…”

As she got closer, she could finally tell what it was that she was looking at, a shattered trophy, the olympic trophy smashed to bits lay on the field beneath Rainbow’s room. “She… she broke it? The most important trophy that she had ever received and it’s… broken, forgotten?” Applejack couldn’t even wrap her head around the idea of Rainbow Dash denying a trophy, let alone a trophy as important as this one.

After a few moments of silence, she adjusted her hat and began to make her way up to reach the doors. Once up there, she gently pushed the big doors open and stepped in quietly. The house was once again dark and silent, but now it felt different, an eire silence filled the house.

“R- Rainbow Dash?” Applejack whispered out to the room, as if she was afraid to break the silence. “Hey Dash, I’m real sorry for not having gone to the event with ya, if I were to have realized how important it was for you, i’da not skipped it for anything in the world” She continued to traverse the house until she came in front of Rainbow’s door, as she got closer she could hear some silent sobs and whimpers coming from inside. Applejack slowly pushed open the door, and walked inside.

As soon as she did this, the crying stopped, and in front of Applejack was a bundled up Rainbow Dash under her covers.

“Hey there Rainbow…” Applejack attempted to begin a conversation to no avail. She let the awkward silence brew for a few seconds before continuing on, “I just wanted to say I’m sorry, I’m sorry for not going to the Olympics with you. I know that that is an experience that will never again happen, and it really hurts to know that I missed the opportunity to watch you at your absolute best performance. If- If I were to have known how important this was to you, I would have dropped everything just to watch you” Mid way through, Applejack’s voice began cracking a bit as a few tears rolled down her face, “I know that you told me about it, and I know that you told me the magnitude of the event, and you have every right to be furious at me for not listening to you, I’m sorry Rainbow and I sincerely hope one day you can forgive me, even though I know there is no making up for it.”

A few more seconds passed of silence, and Applejack turned to leave, with tears still rolling down her face. Before she could step out she heard shuffling behind her, “I forgive you” The most shaky, quiet voice spoke behind Applejack, and she had to turn to look at Rainbow in the eyes to make sure it was really her. “What was that?” Applejack asked. “I forgive you” Rainbow repeated once more in the same tone.

Applejack had never heard Rainbow like this, she was used to the loud, flamboyant and raspy voice of the best athlete in the world, but this voice was frail, quiet, vulnerable. “You do?” She took a step closer to Rainbow.

Rainbow simply nodded without saying a word. “That- that’s great to hear! And to make it up to you just a bit, Imma serve you the tastiest cider you ever done have, come on now, let’s head on to the farm!” Applejack began walking out of the room, but soon realized Rainbow was not moving a muscle. “Everything alright Dash? You do want cider right?” At this, Rainbow gave another nod. “And you don’t hate me do you?” Rainbow now shook her head. “So what’s wrong? Why aren’t you moving?”

“I don’t want to go to your house” Rainbow spoke in that same fragility. “Well why the hay not? You love the house don’t you? You treat Applebloom like a sibling, you like the family.” Applejack was confused.

“You don’t get it” Rainbow began sinking back into her covers. “Well I can’t ‘get it’ if you don’t speak up, so just tell me what’s wrong!” Applejack raised her voice a bit as she got slightly agitated, which she realized was a mistake when she saw Rainbow’s eyes began to water up. “Rainbow- I’m sorry… I- I didn’t mean to” She began to step closer to Rainbow once again, but then Rainbow sprung out of bed as tears poured down her face.

“I’m scared ok!? I’m scared because I get to walk into your perfect little life for a few hours but the very next night I have to return to this miserable dump! It’s like dangling a piece of hope right above my head that I can’t reach! I mean seriously, Twilight is gone! And none of you care! All of you began living your own separate lifes all content, all of you have somepony! I- I’m all alone, YOU left me all alone!” Rainbow collapsed back to her bed as she began sobbing once more.

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, I didn’t know you felt this way, I guess I just kinda assumed…” Rainbow cut off Applejack, “Assumed what? That i’d be fine watching our friend group slowly crumble and spread apart? How in Equestria would I be ok with it!? Why are YOU ok with it!?” That last question stung Applejack, she almost had trouble responding.

“I’m not ok with it… it does hurt, but I do have my family to keep me company.” A few more seconds of intense silence filled the room before Applejack gained the bravery to speak up once more. “You know Dashie, I always saw you as the tough one, the one that could never be broken… you were always the better athlete, the best in the world in fact, and you always were full of confidence and a sense of direction that it feels just… wrong to see you so- so broken.”

Applejack once more stepped closer to Rainbow Dash while taking a deep breath. “Coming to the farm… you’re afraid of it because you have to leave eventually?”. Rainbow nods, calming down from her outburst now.

Applejack thought for a moment in silence, contemplating if what she wanted to say should be said. “Well… what if you don’t have to leave? You can move in, i’m sure we’ll find a spare room for you… or you can share a room with me” Rainbow’s ears perked up at hearing Applejack speak.

“Look, I’m sorry alright? I should’da been honest with you, and should’ve tried harder to keep our bond tight… just give me another chance, for real this time” Applejack waited for Rainbow Dash’s response with uneasiness.

Rainbow played with the idea of living with the Apples in her mind for a while, contemplating waking up so close to Applejack every morning. After a few moments, she got out of bed and wiped her eyes dry. “Alright, i’ll go”

Applejack nodded with a content smile running across her face. The two mares made their way back to the front of the house and down to the ground together, “Race ya there?” Applejack got her legs ready to begin galloping, but to her surprise, Rainbow Dash softly landed on the floor next to her with a shy smile, “Actually, could… could we walk together?” She still spoke in a soft tone, Applejack could tell she was still in a fragile state, so she just nodded and began walking calmly in response.

======================

By the time the two had gotten to the farm, it was so dark that nothing was visible, but to both of their surprise, the lights of the farm house were on. When they entered, they found the Apples on the dining table, “Hey sis! I saw that you left in a hurry without eating your dinner, and none of us wanted to miss Rainbow’s visit like you said she was supposed to be here so we decided to wait!”

Rainbow Dash gave an expression of surprise as she sat down on the table, “Waited for me? All of you?”, Applebloom nodded with a happy smile, “Well duh! We love when you visit, it’s like you’re already part of the family”

Applejack gave Rainbow a look of ‘I told you so’ while Rainbow gave the brightest smile she had produced so far. “Wait- what do you mean ‘already?’” Rainbow questioned the oddly specific choice of words. “Well, she hasn’t said it yet, but my sist-“ Applebloom began speaking but was cut off by Applejack, “That enough out of you filly- Why y’all come to the living room instead? lots more room to lounge about”

Everyone made their way to the living room, and sat and talked for what seemed like hours, but soon ponies left to sleep one by one until it was once again just Rainbow Dash and Applejack left. “I told you my family loved you, I think they’d like if you stayed, gives Scoots another excuse to come play with Applebloom too”

Rainbow gave a content sigh, “yeah you were right, thank you for this… and yeah, I think I’ll stay” They enjoyed each other’s company for a while longer before Applejack stood up and sighed, “Well, it’s gettin’ mighty late and the farm work never stops so I’m heading to bed, make yourself comfortable”

Before walking away, Applejack felt a hoof grab her, “Rainbow what in Equ-“, as she turned to look at Rainbow Dash, she got pulled in close, and felt the soft touch of the blue mare’s lips on her own. They held this position for a few seconds, Applejack was running out of breath, with hear heart beating heavily on her chest but she stayed in contact until Rainbow Dash separated.

Rainbows eyes quickly turned from tired to a look of panic, “Oh no, I just messed things up didn’t I? I- I’m sorry I didn’t mean to… I wasn’t thinking straight” She began to panic and breathe heavily, thinking she just ruined the good things that were going on.

Applejack took a moment to return to her own mind, but when she did, she placed a hoof on Rainbow’s face and pulled her in for another kiss, this one lasted longer even longer. “glad you were honest with your feelings… I’ve been wanting to do that for years”

Rainbow Dash chuckles with a bit of embarrassment, but still looked into Applejacks eyes. “Well i’m glad we got that out of the way… what now?” Applejack still held Rainbow close while speaking, “Well i’m still tired so i’m headed for bed, although… I wouldn’t mind sharing it with you”

Rainbow Dash smiles, looking into Applejack’s eyes warmly, regaining months of happiness previously lost. “I’d like that, I’d like that very much”

Author's Note

And that’s the end, sorry for the delay. If you enjoyed this, make sure to check up on my profile once in a while, because I plan to make more stories in the future