In a flash, the group were instantly teleported out of the scene before Flam and his goons could catch them. With the element of generosity officially crossed off the list, that left only two ponies left. That being Applejack and Twilight along with Spike, and ironically enough, the group found themselves in the exact same town the element of honesty grew up in the second Dash called out its name.

Applepaloosa

Despite the nighttime atmosphere, it wasn’t difficult for anyone in the group, especially apple bloom to identify this mid Western town. And to the latter, it was almost felt like home, even though she was born in Ponyville. The young filly took a second to breath in the fresh Applepaloosa air, and to also let the entire town know of her prescence.

“Hello Applepaloosa!!!!!!” She cried out as her voice echoed through the valley. “ Ah it’s great to step foot into the home of the Applefamily, ya’ll made a good choice there Dash, but how’d ya know my sis would be here?”

“Eh, call it a hutch” Dash replied. “ I figured that, since this was the town Applejack grew up in, this would definitely be the place she would go to vent. Plus with Flam and his hunky cronies on our tail, I wanted to get us out of there ASAP , so I just said the first town that came to my mind. Speaking of which, I hope he doesn’t end up hunting us down after what transpired earlier”

I wouldn’t count on it darling” Rarity said. “ With the time I’ve spent with Flam, furious or not, I highly doubt he’d leave his club unintended just to go on a cross country witch-hunt. Speaking of which, I must thank you Dash for setting me straight, I now realized that running away wasn’t the best course of action, despite what we’ve been through and the words we exchanged to one another, It warms my heart that you four came all this way just to get me out of that little pickle I put myself into” The four friends smiled warmly at the fashionista’s response. “And I must apologize to you as well Sweetie, I’m deeply sorry for abandoning you like that, and for being a poor excuse for an older sister………………….”

Rarity’s words were cut short as her younger sibling brought her into a loving embrace. “ No matter how many fights we get in, I’ll never stop loving you big sis”

Rarity Smiled warmly as she returned the hug , after a few seconds, the siblings ended their hug as Rarity gave Sweetie belle a serious look. “Oh and by the way Sweetie belle, if mom and dad ask…………….don’t let them know what I’ve been up to these past couple months, they’ll never let me hear the end of it, Celestia it still shocks me that I even went down this path in the first place”

“Secrets safe with me sis” Sweetie belle replied with a slight giggle”

“For what it’s worth Rarity” Dash cut in. “ Ya did look very beautiful on stage, it almost felt like I was dancing along side you” Rarity couldn’t help but blush with gratitude at her friends comment.

“Thank Celestia we managed to get out of there before they got us” Pinkie said . “ There’s no telling what Flam and his lackies would have done to us if we got caught in their grasps. He’d probably order those big, chiseled, burly stallions to take me into a private room where’s each of em would take turns…………..”

“Pinkie!!!!!!” Dash interrupted and them pointed towards the two fillies . “Kids”

“Oh…………….sorry Dashie” Pinkie replied with an embarrassed blush, and then let out a tired yawn. “ Goodness, double sorry”

“ We don’t blame you Pinkie” Sweetie belle said with a yawn of her own.

“We have been out for quite a while, maybe we should call it a night” Apple bloom said and let out a yawn as well. “ I wanna look for my sister as much as you guys, but It is getting pretty late. Plus it’d be pretty hard to go look for her in the dark”

“Good point there Bloom” Dash said, trying to hold back her own yawn. “ It is getting pretty late, lets go ahead and find a hotel, or an inn or something and get some sleep, we’ll get a head start on finding AJ in the mor…….AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!” Dashes words were cut short as she received a small scare from a familiar stallion who stood right next to her, giving the biggest smile that even rivaled Pinkies towards the group.

“Well I’ll be eggs sizzling on a skillet!!!!” The stallion said happily. “ If it isn’t Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash, how are ya’ll? It’s been a while!!!!!”

“Ugh, hey Braeburn” Dash greeted with a slight groan. “ Long time……..no see”

"Hiya Braeburn" Pinkie greeted waving rapidly in the process.

"Great to see you again darling" Rarity greeted.

“Braeburn!!!!!!” Apple bloom cried out happily and rushed over towards her cousin.

“Hey cuz!!!!” Braeburn said and then proceeded to bring his younger cousin into a loving embrace. “ C’mere , oh you’ve gotten so big, it’s great to see ya again!"

"It sure has Brae" Bloom said all happy.

" What brings you out here so late at night anyways?” Rainbow dash asked as the stallion and his cousin ended their hug.

"Why helping out at this years rodeo of course" The stallion replied proudly. " Not to brag but, I was chosen by the mayor to host this years rodeo , and I've been hard at work organizing both the stadium and the various challenges we have in store for this year. I've been spending half the day training some of the contestants for said events, and I tell ya'll this year's rodeo is gonna be a major doozy.........wait, what brings ya'll here anyways?"

"Well.............." Rarity began. " Actually Braeburn, we're actually here on some serious business regarding me and the girls friendships. As much as we would love to catch up darling, I'm afraid that this isn't a social visit, as we have a task at hoof ATM" The others nodded in agreement at the fashionista's response. Braeburn on the other hand gave a more understanding look as if he knew what the group was talking about.

"Let me guess" He said quietly. " It's about my other cousin , isn't it?"

"Indeed darling" Rarity replied. " Wait........how did you know?"

"Well.................lets just say she told me the whole story between what happened with ya'll last year" He said while scratching the back of his head. " And to make a long story short, she's still pretty pissed, whenever I tried to talk to her, she simply just brushed me and the other apples off"

"I see" Dash replied. " Well regardless of how upset she is, I at least want to try, we’ve already come this far, I don’t wanna end this lil journey emptyhoofed. I ain’t leaving until all my friends are present and accounted for so that we can hopefully resolve our past issues. Do you at least know where she’s staying at right now Braeburn?”

“Actually yeah” Braeburn replied. AJ’s staying at one of the apartment complexes downtown, I’d take ya’ll over there, but you know how cranky my cousins gets when she’s disturbed this late at night. Plus it’s not a good idea to approach her right now given her state”

“You’re not wrong their Braeburn” Apple bloom said. “ Given how stubborn my sister is, she probably wouldn’t even open the door for us if we even manage to try and talk to her, so it’ll probably be best that we wait till morning to confront her”

“Wise choice lil cuz” Braeburn replied. “ Hmmmmmmm actually I might know a way for ya’ll to get a word in with her, AJ’s actually competing in the Rodeo tomorrow representing the Apple family, and most of the contestants usually practice out on the desert scapes for the various challenges they’re to compete in. And knowing Applejack, she’ll probably be out their first thing in the morning practicing before the other contestant’s, so that might be y’all’s best chance”

Rainbow dash gave a nod of agreement before letting out a small yawn. “ Sounds like a plan Braeburn, we’ll go see her first thing in the morning. *yawn* but first things first, do you know where the hotels are so that we can call it a night?”

“Sorry ya’ll” Braeburn said in an apologetic manner. “ But all the hotels are booked for the night ATM, but ya’ll are more than welcome to crash at my place for the night, I got plenty of room for all of you”

“That sounds lovely darling, thank you” Rarity said with a hint of gratitude.

“Amen to that “Sweetie belle replied.

“Lead the way cuz” Bloom said.

“You got it, follow me ya’ll” Braeburn said and then ushered the group to follow him back to his house to rest for the night, Dash on the other hand was silently full of anxiety as she wondered what she was to say to the farm girl given how they left off last time. But hopefully tomorrow will come at a decent outcome between her and her friend/rival.

The next day

The morning sun rose bright and vagrant over the horizons of the town of Applepaloosa, as the many citizens soon awoke, ready to start the new day, with some full of excitement as the yearly rodeo was to commence later today, while some however planned on spending half of the day training for today's events. Speaking of said rodeo, we find the group feeling refreshed after a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast courtesy of Braeburn himself, this also gave Pinkie and Rarity enough time to talk out their issues and to reconcile with one another. But they especially Dash knew that there problems weren’t over yet as they knew there was one pony on their list whom wasn’t gonna be easy to convince.

With the desert scape approaching their view, Dash began to wonder what exactly she’ll say to Applejack given their last “interaction” before she left. And given their past rivalry with each other, this was gonna be easier said than done especially with Rarity and Pinkie, whom were also nervous about confronting the farm girl as well given their falling out a while back. But they knew that there was no turning back now especially given how far they’ve come. Soon the group arrived at the desert scape with a large clearing just over the horizon which looked large enough for the contestants to train.

They looked down to find one of the contestants already out into the clearing practicing her lasso swings and reflexes, instantly, the group along with Braeburn were quick to identify the mare whom was down their practicing for the upcoming rodeo later today. This was the element of honesty herself, Applejack. As they made their way down the ravine, Dashes mind was chalk full of anxiety as she pondered on what to say to her former friend, and given how their last "interaction" went, this wasn't gonna be an easy task.

But she would soon get her chance as the group finally made their way down towards the makeshift training grounds just as Braeburn called out towards his grumpy cousin.

"Hey cuz!!!!!" He called out earning the farmgirls attention, whom proceeded to stop what she was doing after recognizing the voice. As the mare turned her attention towards the sound of the voice, she found that Braeburn wasn't alone, with a bunch of familiar faces standing right behind him.

"Uh.......................howdy AJ?" Pinkie greeted nervously, Applejack however had a different reaction to seeing her former friends.

"Well, well, well" She replied coldly. " So......the coward, the stripper, and the so called chef finally decides to show there faces............wait Bloom what the hell are you and Sweetie belle doing here?!"

"I'm here to bring your butt back home that's what I'm doing" Bloom replied in an annoyed tone.

"She's right Darling" Rarity jumped in. " We're here to ask you to come back to Ponyville" This however , only earned a chuckle from the element of honesty.

"Ya'll are joking right?" Applejack asked. " Do you honestly think I'll wanna come back after what happened last year?! Yeah, I know I messed up with that whole Mare do well shit, but ya made it perfectly clear on how much we F'ed up Dash. Ya'll didn't want to associate with us anymore? Ya got your wish. I am in no hurry to ever return home with any of ya'll, Applepaloosa is where I belong"

"But AJ, what about the farm?" Pinkie asked. " You know your brother, grandmother , and Bloom here won't be able to run it themselves?"

"They can manage just fine without me" AJ retorted. " Need I remind ya'll that my brother can practically move a boulder? He doesn't even need my help.......wait that's it isn't it? Ya'll only want me back because ya miss all the Apple family products?"

"No we want you back to fix all this !" Dash fought back. " I want to try and restore our friendship AJ, yes I was pissed off at what you guys did, but I had some time to think about it, and I wanna try and put this incident and to restore what we once had regardless of how hard it's gonna be"

"Well it's too late for that I'm afraid" Applejack replied. " You made your choice Dash, and honestly, ya'll should just stick with it. lets face it, this friendship is over, and we have non other than Mare do Well to thank for that, or better yet, Celestia's prized student for coming up with that bullshit idea in the first place!"

"Applejack..................

"Stay outta this Braeburn" AJ interrupted.

"Sis please" Bloom cut in. " I know your hurt about what happened last year, and believe me, me and Sweetie belle have our own problem with Scootaloo, but we miss you, Granny misses ya, Big Mac misses ya, Winona misses ya, I miss ya. I know it's not too late to reconcile , hell, sorry for the language, even pinkie and Rarity managed to make amends, I know it's not too late for you guys to restore your friendship with each other"

"It's too late lil sis" Applejack said. Much too late. " Nothing can ever make things go back to normal, not after the choice words we all said to each other last year, like I said, Dash made it perfectly clear that she want's nothing to do with us. And I sure as hell granted her wish, this friendship is done ya'll, there's plenty of fish in the sea to take over my element, I'm done, Applepaloosa is my home now. If ya'll will excuse me, I have a rodeo to prepare for later, and I plan on winning" With nothing more to say, the earthpony grabbed her lasso and walked away from the group, looks of sadness and despair formed on each of their faces as they watch Applejack leave, and not even bother to look back towards them.

"You really weren't kidding Braeburn" Sweetie belle said.

"Mhmmmm" Braeburn nodded. " Sorry bout that ya'll"

"No need to apologize darling" Rarity reassured. " With how Applejack is, we knew it wasn't gonna be so easy"

"Soooooooooooooooo, what now?" Pinkie asked. " Should we just look for Twilight and Spike and come back for AJ later when she cools off?" The others pondered for a moment as to what their next move should be.

Dash on the other hoof, had other idea's . "No............I got a better idea" She then turned her attention towards Braeburn. " Braeburn, is it too late for me to sign up for a spot in the rodeo?" The others gasped in shock at what just escaped from the mares mouth, she just asked if it was possible to join in on the rodeo? This was news to them, even though the pegasus never backed down from a challenge, they never expected to see her perform in something like this.

"Well.................."Braeburn began. " We do have quite a lot of contestants this year Dash, but I think I'll be able to squeeze in a spot for you"

"That's good enough for me" Dash replied.

"Dash no offence................but are ya'll nuts?!" Bloom asked. " Ya'll never competed in a rodeo before"

"I know Bloom" Dash reassured. " But this might be my only chance to knock some sense into your sister, whether I win or not, I’m getting that cowpoke back even if I have to hogtie and drag her back to Ponyville”

The others were completely speechless at the mares response, the fact that Dash would go as far as to compete in a rodeo just to confront the element of honesty which definitely showed that she earned her title as the element of loyalty/ After a moment, Braeburn stepped forward and placed a hoof on dashes shoulder. “ Very well then partner, If you’re serious about this, I’ll help ya. Ya’ll only got 3 hours to prepare though, but with my help and knowledge, I’ll turn ya into a lean mean rodeo machine in no time partner”

Dash gave an understanding nod as a response.

“Alrighty then, let’s start with the basics…………………..

Later that day

Soon the stage was set as various ponies lined up, ready to witness the biggest event in Applepaloosa history. After hours of preparations and planning, the annual Applepaloosa rodeo was about to commence. With over a dozen participants from far and wide competing for the title of this year’s champion, it’s anyone’s game. But for one mare, it wasn't for the title of the champion that she longed for, it was for something far more important. After 3 hours of training sessions courtesy of Braeburn , Dash was all set to show Applepaloosa what she’s made of, and to finally confront Applejack. With Braeburn supplying each member of the group with tickets for entry, they were all set to not only see the rodeo, but Applejack as well.

“Nervous?” Rarity asked.

“I never thought I’d say this Rares, but kinda” Dash answered. “ I just hope I’m able to get through to that girl or all this training I went through, would be all for not”

“No pressure darling. “ Rarity reassured. “ Whatever happens, we got your back all the way” The others gave nods of agreement which boosted the mares confidence, just then Braeburn walked up to the group.

“Good news Dash, while I wasn’t able to enter ya into the entire rodeo, I managed to land ya’ll a spot in the barrel rolling competition as a surprise competitor. “ He explained. “ One of the contestants had to forfeit after he was informed of his wife going into labor. And he was more than welcome to give you his spot”

“Oh that’s good” Dash replied. “ I hope his wife and soon to be child are doing ok?”

“No worries partner, she’s in good hoof” Braeburn reassured. “ BTW, he told me to tell ya’ll that he’ll name his child after ya if you manage to win in his honor”

“Hehe , that’s a real honor, but it’s not really necessary” Dash giggled. “ Aside from that, got any last minute tips and pointers for me”

“Just one partner” Braeburn replied. “ If ya find yourself in a pickle, remember to use the environment to your advantage”

“Environment to my advantage…..got it” Dash said.

“Alrighty then, i think we’re set” Braeburn replied. Ya’ll go on ahead inside and take you seats, Dash follow me to the back where the other contestants are preparing” Each member of the group gave nods as they each went their separate ways for now, with Rarity and the others proceeding inside the stadium to find seats, while Dash follows Braeburn to them backstage entrance where the other contestants were waiting.

Soon the stadium was packed with hundreds of ponies whom were ready for the competition and show to commence, Rarity and the others found their respected seats along with some goodies from the concession stand near the ticket booths. Each member waited patiently for the competition to commence as they silently prayed that it goes well for Dash, and especially apple bloom. As she took a bite out of her churro, the young farmgirl hoped that Dash would be able to pull this off as this might be the only way to bring her older sister back home. Sweetie belle was quick to notice her friends nervous state.

“Don’t worry Bloom, it’s gonna be ok” Sweetie belle reassured as she took a sip of her soda.

“I hope so Sweetie belle” Bloom replied. “ But still, I know Dash entered the competition in order to knock some sense into AJ, but would it be messed up of me if I rooted for Dash? Cause I mean, my sis was always the raining champion even when she was my age, but if she ends up winning, there’s no telling if we’ll be able to convince her to come back now”

Just then , Rarity placed a comforting hoof on the fillies shoulder , gaining her attention. “ You worry too much darling, I’m sure it’ll work out. And about who’s side to choose, your free to root for both, even though Dash would be the reasonable choice given the circumstances. But again , you have nothing to worry about Darling” Bloom smiled at Rarity’s response, which made her feel a little better.

“Thanks Rarity” She replied.

“No problem” Rarity said, and then proceeded to take a bite out of her soft pretzel, only to regret it. “ UGH!!! I told that moron cinnamon sugar! Salt is not good for my waistline!!!!!” This earned small giggles from the group at the fashionista’s small rant, suddenly the light went out, which indicated something was about to commence.

“Looks like the shows about to begin” Pinkie said as she ate some of her nacho's, soon the intro lights lit up the center stadium which fully indicated that the event was about to begin. And soon enough, Braeburn whom donned a showkeeper outfit emerged from the center entrance , microphone in hoof ready to make his statement to the crowd.

"Mares, fillies, colts, and Gentlestallions!!!!!!!!" Braeburn announced. " Welcome to this years annual Applepaloosa Rodeo!!!!! We got a big show for ya'll this year, dozens of ponies across Equestria have come forward , for a chance to be this years champion. Each and every one of em has trained hard for this event, but only one of em will rain supreme folks. My cousin Applejack, whom , not to brag, just so happens to be the undefeated champion ever since she was a filly, hehe I swear that girls got some amazing talent ya'll. But who know's ? This might be the year that somepony else will sweep the champion title right off of her feet, but we'll just have to see for ourselves. Without further ado, to start things off, we got the Lasso competition. Time to put those rope skills to test, as my friend Pinkie pie would say "Lets get this party started!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Immediately, the stadium erupted in a chorus’s of claps from the audience as the competitors entered the arena, ready for the first competition. Soon each of the ponies in the arena showed off their various lassoing skills and tricks, which impressed the crowd even more whom never seen lassoing as intermediate and as pro level as this. This went on for over 20 minutes as the entire audience were treated to some amazing top handling skills by the competitors, eventually the first round of the rodeo was over with only three competitors eliminated. And soon it was time for the other events to transpire.

Rarity and the others along with the crowd, watched on at the many events that were happening right before their very eyes. The many challenges that were happening right now ranging from, animal hurdling, knife throwing, juggling, high diving, archery, bull riding, acrobatics, obstacle courses, strength tests, and even wrestling. The crowd ate up at these events l;Ike the snacks that were sitting neatly on their respected laps. After 3 hours into the competition, it was soon time for the final challenge of the Rodeo with only three competitors left, with one of em aiming to bring home the gold.

Soon Braeburn entered the arena to present the final challenge for the night. “ Damn folks, I tell ya’ll, this years rodeo is quite a doozy!!!! We’ve seen a lot of amazing challengers these past few hours, but unfortunately only three are now standing for the final event, the barrel rolling competition!!!!!” The crowd roared with claps at the announcement of the final event as Braeburn continued. “ Hohoho, hold your excitement for the soon to be competitors folks! To start things off, I give your our final three. In this corner, we have a familiar face, a mare who’s well known across not only Applepaloosa, but all of Equestria as well, weighing at around 250lbs, give it up for my cousin Applejack!!!!!!!”

Soon Applejack entered the stadium jumping straight onto her barrel as the crowd alongside her cousin and little sister and the rest of the group cheered for the farmgirl who looked just as determined to win as ever. Braeburn then proceeded to present the second competitor. “And in this corner, another well known face here in Applepaloosa, a stallion with a heart as big as his muscles, weighing at around 450 lbs, give it up for Trouble Shoes!!!!!”

In an instant, the stallion in question entered the stadium as the crowd and especially the mares cheered and wooed at the sight of the massive stallion whom like Applejack , proceeded to jump onto his barrel, while also striking a few bodybuilder poses which only made the mares in the audience cheer for him more.

“Damn, look at the glutes on that beefcake” Applebloom said while licking her lips.

“BLOOM!!!!!!!!!!” Rarity said and was quick to cover the fillies eyes and mouth, much to her disappointment.

“Hehe, I’m surprised your not swooning over him yourself Rares” Pinkie said with a smirk which earned her an eye roll from the unicorn.

“I’m not into muscley guys Pinkie” Rarity replied.

"And our final competitor" Braeburn continued. " Filling in for Splitstream whom unfortunately had to forfeit at the last minute, an athlete with a thirst for competition, the Wonderbolts biggest fan, another well known face across Equestria, weighing at around 250lbs, give it up , for Rainbow Roseanne Dash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The crowd cheered as Rainbow dash made her entrance, zooming across the stadium in a fashionable speed before landing on top of her respected barrel, which only made the audience cheer louder and louder as the pegasus took a moment to breath in the attention. The element of honesty however , had a different reaction towards the pegasus.

"Dash what the hell are ya doing here?!" She asked . " This is my turf!!!"

"Well your "turf" is the only way for me to talk to ya'll Ms stubborn" Dash retorted. " If beating your ass is what I have to do in order to change your mind, then bring it!!!"

"HA!!!!!" AJ laughed. " Ya'll think you stand a chance against me? The one mare who's been the champion since she was a filly?"

"Why don't you put your money where your mouth is ? " Dash asked.

"Ohhhhhhhhhh it's on now partner" Applejack replied.

"Oh man, we got some serious heat here" Braeburn announced. " Alright fellahs, here's how this is gonna go down. You'll each try to knock each other off their respected barrels, last one standing is the winner. Only three rules, no flying, no magic, and no physical pushing. Alrighty then, lets get this show on the road"

"3..................2.............................1.........................................LETS ROCK AND ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The crowd cheered as the three competitors began rolling on their respected barrels as the challenge commenced. Trouble shoes was quick to make his first move as he charged towards Rainbow Dash, whom was quick to dodge, no doubt Braeburns training did wonders for the mare. Applejack focused on both her opponents and the environment to ensure that she had a clear shot at one of them, despite Trouble Shoes muscles, and Dashes keen reflexes, the mare wasn't about to let those two features stop her from protecting her title.

The mare proceeded to charge towards Shoes , ramming against his barrel causing him to topple slightly, but luckily the large stallion kept his composure as he proceeded down the arena trying his hardest to knock down one of his opponents. Dash took this opportunity to take a shot at Applejack, going as fast as she could. AJ however was quick to dodge the upcoming mare.

"Ya'll have to do better than that partner!!!!!" She gloated. Soon the mare went back towards Trouble Shoes whom dodged the mares attack in an instant, but unfortunately, the stallion didn't see the pegasus coming his way as she charged towards him, causing his barrel to lose control slighty as he struggled to keep his balance. But unfortunately it wasn't enough as his barrel crashed straight into a nearby crate causing the stallion to fly off and smack face first into the trapeze pole, as the crowd watched on and winced as if they felt that.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh that's gotta hurt! Trouble Shoes is down!" Braeburn announced, Shoes slid down the pole, dazed but luckily still conscience and with only a minor bump on his forehead as his hat landed softly onto the ground. Dash was quick to roll up towards him.

"Are you ok?!" She asked.

"Yeah no worries luv" He chuckled as he rubbed the bump on his head. " Believe me, this ain't the first time this has happened to me, good luck Dash"

"Thanks shoes" Dash said with a nod before rolling back towards the arena, it was just her and Applejack now, the two mares had looks of determination written on each of their faces as they and their eyes on the prize. " It's just you and me now AJ!!!!"

"Bring it on coward!!!" Applejack called out, which earned a snarl from the pegasus, given how she hates getting called the C word. She soon charged towards Applejack at a rapid speed, managing to land a blow towards the mares barrel, causing her to tumble slightly, but she was quick to keep her balance and even showed off a bit by rolling on her front hooves which amazed the crowd. Dash proceeded to charge forward again, but AJ was quick to make the first move as she made a U turn staright into the pegasus barrel.

In a flash, Dash was sent flying off of her barrel as everything looked as if it were moving in slow motion, the crowd and Braeburn watch in awe at the mare tumbling down the arena, Dash herself was in shock as she wondered what she'd do as using her wings would be an instant disqualification. Suddenly her eyes met the rope used by the trapeze artist as Braeburns words from a few hours ago played in her head.

“ If ya find yourself in a pickle, remember to use the environment to your advantage”

And she did just that , and was quick to grab onto the rope, swinging like a monkey earning the crowds attention. After one big swing, Dashes hoofs let go of the rope as she did a somersault into the air as the crowd watched on in anticipation. The entire stadium erupted in cheers and claps as the pegasus landed back onto her barrel looking as confident as ever.

"WOW!!!!!!! Now that what I call Improvising!!!!" Braeburn called out. "Way to go dash"

Dash then rolled towards the edge of the stadium , with Applejack doing the same. Both mares found themselves staring at each other, both looking all sweaty and exhausted as they panted heavily. their looks of determination still written on each of their faces as the crowd watched on in anticipation. " Lets finish this"

"Bring it" Applejack said and then proceeded to pace across her barrel to increase her speed with the pegasus quick to do the same, Braeburn backed away slightly as he knew what was coming.

"Wooooooooooooowwwwwwwiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He called out “ looks like a game of chicken here folks, this might decide it all!!!!!"

And it would, within a few seconds, both mares let out a battlecry as they charged towards each other at an incredible speed, soon their barrels collided with each other, smashing to bits upon impact which sent both mares flying until each of them landed in a cloud of smoke as the sound of a camera flash can be heard from across the stadium. The audience watched on in shock as they wondered who landed first, the smoke soon cleared to reveal that dash landed softly in the mini trapeze pool all soaked, while Applejack on the other hoof laid on the ground slightly bruised and groaning slightly.

"Hot damn!!!!" Braeburn called out. " This looks like a photo finish folks, lets see who landed first. The photographer was quick to hand the stallion the now developed photograph, with him quick to inspect it to see who the winner is. The entire audience alongside Bloom and the gang waited in suspense as to who the winners gonna be, and they would soon get their answer as Braeburn raised his microphone back up after surveying the photo. " I can't believe what I'm seeing folks......................................my cousin hit the ground first!" The entire stadium gasped in shock at what they just heard. " Which means the winner, and the newest champion of the Applepaloosa rodeo is.......................Rainbow DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The entire audience roared with a chorus of cheers at the announcement of their newest rodeo champion whom was quick to get out of the pool, shaking the water off of herself slightly as she surveyed the crowd cheering for her, the mare watched on in amazement at the praise that she was getting , along with Rarity and the group who cheered the loudest. But the mares eyes were soon directed towards the bruised mare laying on the ground and was quick to fly towards her.

"OMG AJ are you ok?!" She asked. " I'm so sorry, I went too far! Can you stand, do you need.................

"SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!" Applejack shouted which shocked the pegasus slightly, not expecting an outburst, but that would soon change. " That's what I should be saying" In a flash, Dash felt Applejacks hooves wrap around her in a tight hug as tears began to flow down the earthponies face. "I'm sorry partner, I was a stubborn idiot. I never should have driven you away or ran away myself. I should have had your back, but I didn't, i went along with that plan in the first place and now look what I've done?! I ruined our friendship and I drove not only you, but the 4 ponies whom I loved and treated like family just like you. I'm so sorry for ruining everything Dash and for what I said last year, I don't deserve to be the element of honesty"

"AJ" Dash said softly , and then proceeded to wrap her own hooves around the farmgirl while rubbing her back slightly. " You didn't ruin everything, neither did Pinkie, Fluttershy, rarity, or Twilight. I never should have left in the first place, you were sort of right, I was a bit of a coward. Mare do Well may have messed me up pretty bad. But I don't want that incident to mess up the best friendship I ever had, I don't want to lose you or anypony else. So please I ask ya, will you come back...........for us?"

" *sniff* Yes partner, I'll come back" Applejack said as a heartfelt smile formed on her face. The crowd awed at this heartwarming sight along with Braeburn, whom was proud that his cousin finally saw reason. After a minute, the mare wiped her tears before speaking again. " Now then, go on and claim your reward champ" Soon a big trophy was handed towards Dash as the crowd cheered for their newest champion, Applejack gave the pegasus a friendly pat on the back as she raised her trophy into the air as the crowd continued to clap and cheer for their newest champion as Bloom watched on with tears of joy, with the fact that she finally has her sister back.

"Thanks Dash"

one hour later

"Dash my friend" Braeburn said. " I must say, I was not expecting that, you were amazing out their partner"

"Amen" Trouble Shoes jumped in. " I didn't even hold back the whole time, you definitely earned the title. congratulations Dash"

"Thanks you guys" Dash replied. " But damn, Bloom wasn't kidding, this rodeo thing was quite a doozy. I love challenges as much as the next guy, but I don't really see myself doing something like this again anytime soon" This earned her a few giggles from the group.

"Ya'll sure you don't wanna stay for the victory party?" Braeburn asked. " We'll be serving the famous Applefamily cider and Pies"

"Thanks Braeburn" Dash answered. " But we gotta continue on with our little quest, we still gotta find Twilight and Spike, and we don't want to waste any more minutes"

"I understand partner" Braeburn said. " Never the less, it was great seeing ya'll again especially you cuz"

"Come back to Applepaloosa anytime ya like "champion" Trouble Shoes said. " Ya'll are more than welcome"

"Thanks Shoes" Dash replied.

"Excuse me?" Came a voice which earned the groups attention, soon a mail carrier stallion walked up to them with a letter in hoof. " Is one of you named Rainbow Roseanne Dash?"

"Yes" Dash replied. " That's me"

"Perfect" The mail carrier said. " I got an urgent message for ya from a Billy Dumbbell Stallion all the way from fillydelphia"

After hearing this, the mare was quick to grab the letter and started tearing away at the envelope, she then began to read over the letter the second she pulled it out of the open envelope. After what felt like minutes, the mare finally finished reading the letter as a look of surprise formed on her face.

"What did that hunkmuffin write to ya Dash?" Bloom asked.

"What'dya say Bloom?" AJ asked.

"Fluttershy woke up from her coma" Dash answered.

"Really?" Pinkie said. " That's great!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Thank goodness" Rarity replied.

"That's quite a relief" Sweetie belle said.

"You said it partner" Applejack replied.

"Looks like we found our next stop" Apple bloom said. " But wait, what about Twilight and Spike?"

"Lets check in on Fluttershy first and then we'll go after them" Dash answered, earning nods of approval from the group. And in an instant they gathered around as Dash pulled out the friendship map, ready to head towards their next destination.

"Good luck ya'll" Braeburn called out.

"Be careful out there" Trouble Shoes replied.

"Thanks you guys" Dash said. " We'll see ya'll soon. Alrighty then, take us to Fillydelphia" Within seconds , the area around the group illuminated as the friendship map was about to teleport them towards their next destination, but not before Applejack asked an all important question.

"Your middle names Roseanne?" She asked which earned giggles amongst the group much to the mares embarrassment and annoyance.

"*Sigh* I'm not gonna hear the end of this" She said to herself just as the Friendship map teleported them out of Applepaloosa as Braeburn and Trouble shoes waved goodbye to them.

4 down, 1 and a half to go

Author's Note

Stories back ya'll!!!!!!! Hope you guys had a wonderful thanksgiving. Cause now the stories is back on track, and if all goes well, I should have the last two chapters out by December, until then, goodnight folks