The next morning, Rainbow awoke to find herself alone in Scoot’s bed. Sniffing the air, Rainbow could smell Scootaloo was close. Her hearing also tipped her off that she was downstairs. Getting up on all fours Rainbow yawned, circled around the bed and laid back down; only this time she was taking the pillow for herself. Sleep almost came back instantly to her before a different scent wafted into her nose. Hold on… I know that smell. Oh my gosh there’s hay bacon strips on the stove! Rainbow’s eyes shot open and she jumped off the bed hustling downstairs. She couldn’t remember the last time she smelled something so heavenly. Mouth watering, Rainbow sped down the stairs and practically pranced into the kitchen.

Standing at the front of the oven cooking the food of the gods was the light yellow earth pony with an orange mane: Aunt Holiday. Scootaloo already introduced ‘Storm’ to her and her other Aunt Lofty when they got home yesterday afternoon. They both took an immediate liking to her. Especially Holiday who thought her to be ‘the most sweetest baby girl in town’. Rainbow was glad Scootaloo came to her defense telling her aunt, Storm needs to be known as an awesome dog. Not as a baby. Holiday only smiled and whispered to Lofty so Scootaloo wouldn’t hear her say: ‘an awesome, sweet baby girl’. Rainbow Dash, however, did hear. Times like that she was glad she couldn’t blush.

“Well, good morning, sweetheart!” Aunt Holiday sang out as Rainbow walked into the kitchen, her eyes locked on the heavenly smelling food. Kneeling down Aunt Holiday squeezed her hooves between her muzzle giving her the face one would make to a foal. “Aren’t you just the cutest thing to come into my kitchen? Did you smell something tasty? Did you? Yes, you did! Yes, you did!”

As a pony Rainbow would have had to show immense self control to not buck this pony into next week. Scootaloo’s relative or not. However, as a dog, she had no such luxury. Plus, there was hay bacon on the line! At this point Rainbow was willing to let Holiday baby talk and pet her all she wanted as long as she got a good portion of that hay bacon.

Knowing a bit of an act would seal the deal Rainbow jumped up and down, wagged her stubby tail and pranced in place.

Aunt Holiday laughed fondly at her little show “Oh, look at that, someone’s happy to see me!”

Rainbow gave her best doggy smile and let out a little bark. The bark was cute and high pitched. That oughta do it. Shows over. Now hoof over the goods, lady!

Aunt Holiday chuckled, “Okay, okay. But first, little miss, you’ve got to go outside and go potty. Don’t worry you’ll get your food. You need fattening up after all.”

Oh come on! I dance, you feed! That’s the deal!

Rainbow watched hungrily as Aunt Holiday scooped the sizzling hay bacon onto a plate. With a defeated huff she padded over to the backdoor. Holiday followed, opening it for her. Rainbow took a look outside and took a deep breath. The cool morning air was a stark contrast to the warm kitchen. She could hear the distant sounds of Ponyville waking up.

Stepping out onto the grass, Rainbow did her duty quickly and raced back inside. Funny thing about being a dog Rainbow found was that she could pee on command and not even feel the need unless she absolutely had to. Even then she had more to let out if she wanted. Like her bladder was more of a storage container than an essential organ. She’d have to ask Fluttershy about that sometime.

Back inside Rainbow found a large heap of hay bacon waiting for her. The sight of it had never been so inviting to her even if it was in a dog bowl. It was like the hay bacon was waving her over speaking in a seductive tone, ‘Take me, Rainbow Dash! Take me, I’m yours!’ Never one to deny her stomach Rainbow zipped straight to her bowl and took a large bite. The second the taste filled her mouth, Rainbow almost wanted to cry. She took another bite, this one even better than first. A third bite. Forget friendship! Hay bacon is the real magic!

Going for the fourth bite, Rainbow instead found an empty bowl. What! Where did the rest go? Whimpering, Rainbow looked left and right thinking she must have knocked some over. I couldn’t have eaten all of it! Could I? Apparently, I did but I need more! I’m still hungry! Rainbow looked up at Aunt Holiday who was busy cooking more breakfast for the others. Rainbow put on what she hoped to be a charming smile and trotted on over. Pegasus or dog no one can resist my charm!

Upon looking down on Rainbow Aunt Holiday only burst out laughing at the silly face Rainbow had going on, “Oh, Storm! Your face! You look ridiculous!”

That was not the reaction she was looking for.

“More?” Aunt Holiday exclaimed, holding back her laughter. “But you just had a whole plate of it! You’re such a greedy little puppy!”

Rainbow's ears drooped and she gave her best puppy-dog eyes, hoping it would work. It had always worked for Winona, but apparently, it didn’t hold the same charm on Aunt Holiday. She just chuckled and returned to her cooking. Rainbow knew she had to be more persuasive. She trotted over to her bowl and nudged it with her nose, making it scrape against the floor dramatically.

“Oh, alright. You win, little miss greedy. But just a little more, okay?” Aunt Holiday said, scooping up another helping of hay bacon.

Rainbow felt a spark of joy and sat up eagerly, her tail swishing against the floor. As the food was placed before her, she realized that maybe she had overdone it. The smell was overpowering, and her stomach was already feeling a bit queasy.

Hunger won out, and she took another bite, savoring the flavor before it all went downhill. The fourth bite was the tipping point. Her stomach churned, and she realized she had made a mistake. Rainbow felt sick. So sick she couldn’t even enjoy the awesome hay bacon. She looked up at Aunt Holiday with wide eyes, trying to convey her distress.

“What’s wrong, Storm?” Scootaloo rushed over, noticing Rainbow’s discomfort.

Rainbow whined and licked her lips, trying to find a way to explain without words. She didn’t want to cause trouble for Scootaloo or worry her. But her stomach was insisting she do something.

Friendship, we are pleased to announce you are hereby reinstated as the best thing to happen to Rainbow Dash. Hay bacon, back of the line.

“You okay, girl?” Scootaloo asked, placing a hoof on Rainbow’s back.

Rainbow’s response was the unmistakable sound to any dog owner. Starting up a multitude of dry heaves, Scootaloo and Aunt Holiday knew full well what was coming.

“Oh, dear, I should have known this would happen,” Aunt Holiday said, her caring smile replaced by a look of regret.

“No, Storm!” Scootaloo cried. “Outside! Throw up outside!”

Rainbow looked around frantically, in her panic she had forgotten where the backdoor was. In her haste she did remember another place she could go. Knocking over a chair in the process, she ran to the bathroom. Rainbow had never felt this desperate to throw up in her life. It was as if she had swallowed a tornado.

Making it just in time she threw herself at the toilet bowl and let it all out. Hay bacon pieces flying everywhere. Rainbow had never felt so relieved and ashamed at the same time. With one more launch of perfectly good hay bacon gone down the drain, she began to feel so much better. Falling back to the floor she found herself caught in Scootaloo’s hooves.

“You’re okay, Storm, you’re okay,” Scootaloo comforted her, stroking her back.

Rainbow looked up to see the concern in her sister’s eyes and felt a wave of guilt. She was doing a terrible job of this puppy gig. She needed to stop making Scootaloo worry about her so much. She had to do better.

“How’d you know to puke in the toilet?”

Rainbow looked up at Scootaloo trying to appear like it was a natural thing for a dog to know to go throw up in the toilet. She had no idea how to explain her innate pony knowledge manifesting in her dog body. It was just something she knew she had to do. It was like her body had a manual override button for pony instincts in a dog’s body. She hoped Scootaloo wouldn’t make a big deal out of it.

“Well, Fluttershy did say Dobermans are exceptionally smart,” Scootaloo said to herself, shrugging it off. “Guess I got the smartest Doberman alive! Awesome!”

Thank you, Fluttershy.

After a proper breakfast of dog kibble, (which didn’t taste as bad as the kibble from the shelter) and a lot of cooing apologies from Aunt Holiday, Scootaloo announced she had to go meet up with her friends for a meeting at the clubhouse. Naturally, Rainbow assumed she would be joining her so she waited by the door until Scootaloo came up with her scooter. The look on her face told Rainbow this wasn’t going to go as expected.

“You can’t come with me, Storm,” Scootaloo said as she put on her helmet.

Rainbow’s ears fell. What? Why not?

Rainbow whined, trying her best imitation of a canine version of Rarity.

“I know you want to come, but I got other things to do today and I can’t watch you every single minute. Soon as you’re properly trained you can come a lot more. Until then,” Scootaloo moved for the door. “You can stay with Auntie Holiday.”

Rainbow slowly looked back to see Aunt Holiday standing there with a smile so sweet it could give her diabetes. Rainbow swiftly turned her head back to Scootaloo.

No, Scoots! Don’t leave me here with her! Rainbow bit down on Scootaloo’s tail. Scoots, don’t! She’s gonna torture me with the baby talk! Scootaloo, no!

Auntie Holiday meant well, Rainbow knew that. But there was only so much she could take from all the gooey, smoochie voice. A whole day with that would drive her insane.

Scootaloo giggled. “Oh, Storm, you’re such a goofball! I won’t be gone that long.”

“Why don’t you take her with you and have her wait for you at the farm?” Auntie Lofty said, now standing beside Holiday who looked a little betrayed.

“Oh! Yeah! That’s a great idea!” Scootaloo took Storm’s leash off the hook. “She’ll love it on the farm!”

Rainbow’s eyes lit up at the mention of the farm. Those two words meant Applejack would most likely be there too! Despite being unable to communicate with her it would still be great to see another one of her old friends.

“Come on, let’s go, Storm!” Scootaloo said, pulling Rainbow to the door. Rainbow didn’t need much encouragement. She bolted out the door and ran beside Scootaloo down the path to Sweet Apple Acres.

The feeling of the wind on her face and the dirt under her paws was exhilarating. Rainbow had never felt so free since her transformation. Running beside Scootaloo, her eyes sparkled with joy. For a brief moment she forgot her troubles and felt alive again. Ponyville was a blur of colors as they raced towards the farm. It could never rival with flying but it was nice.

They arrived at Sweet Apple Acres and Rainbow took a moment to take it all in. The smell of apples in the air, the sound of birds chirping, and the sight of the sprawling orchard brought a sense of peace to her heart. A peace she hadn’t felt in what felt like ages. Rainbow was about to run off to find Applejack when she remembered she was still leashed to Scootaloo. She couldn’t just run off again. Scootaloo would probably never trust to let her off the leash outdoors.

As they approached the barn, Rainbow saw a flash of orange. Her heart skipped a beat. It was Applejack! Rainbow's eyes widened and she gave a loud bark to get her attention. Scootaloo helped by calling out, “Applejack! Hey, Applejack!”

Applejack looked over from her work, her expression unreadable. Rainbow knew she couldn’t just go bounding over to her like she used to. This was a whole new ball game. Applejack’s eyes landed on Rainbow and for a moment she just stared. Rainbow had no idea what she was thinking. Then she gave them both a smile.

“Well, howdy there, Scoots. Who’s this here doggy?” Applejack asked, her voice as warm and welcoming as ever.

Scootaloo looked down at Rainbow, a hint of excitement in her eyes. “This is my new dog Storm. She comes all the way from Trottingham. I adopted her when vacationing with my mom and uncle. I thought maybe she could hang out here while I’m at the clubhouse. Do you think that’s okay?”

Applejack took a step closer, her focus on Rainbow. “I'm not so sure that’s a good idea, Scootaloo. I can see a fire in her eyes that not even a storm cloud could extinguish. I don’t want her scaring the cows or anythin’.”

“Don’t worry, Applejack. I promise she’ll behave. She’s a real good dog and really smart, right, Storm?” Scootaloo said, looking at Rainbow.

Rainbow stood up straight and gave her full attention to Applejack trying to show she would listen. Anything to be around her best friend again.

“That so?” Applejack stood in front of Rainbow, eyeing her skeptically. “Won’t mind if I take a look at her then. Storm, sit.”

Time came to a halt for a Rainbow Dash. Just who do you think you are, AJ? Where do you get off at talking to me like some- oh, wait. Hold on… okay but still! The nerve!

Letting Scootaloo give Rainbow commands was a hard enough pill to swallow. She only gave in to Scootaloo, because she was a special case. A very special case. Giving control over to Applejack, her number one rival and friend was entirely different. It felt like by obeying the command it meant Rainbow was conceding to the rivalry. That Applejack was the better pony. Then a thought occurred to Rainbow. Maybe I can have some fun with this. Alright, AJ you want me to sit? I’ll sit; among other things.

Showing compliance Rainbow sat before AJ appearing as innocent as she could be. Applejack seemed satisfied but before she could acknowledge it Rainbow suddenly laid down, rolled over back and forth, and went to play dead. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth, eyes wide open staring up at the sky.

Applejack's expression went from skeptical to bemused to flat out annoyed. Storm had gone full show-pony on her. “Cute, real cute, Storm. Let’s try this again. Storm, sit!”

With a dramatic huff, Rainbow rolled onto her stomach and pushed herself up with her paws. It was so satisfying to see the look on her face. This was the best kind of fun messing with Applejack like this. Rainbow had missed their banter and competition against one another.

“That’s better!” Applejack said, nodding her approval. “Now give me a paw.”

Rainbow looked up at Applejack with a glint of mischief in her eyes. She knew exactly what Applejack was referring to, but she had other plans. Quickly, she turned around and offered her hind leg, sticking it up in the air as if she were a well-trained dog waiting for a treat. Applejack’s mouth dropped open. Well, you didn’t specify which paw you wanted, Rainbow thought smugly.

Scootaloo couldn’t contain her giggles anymore. She watched as Applejack’s jaw tightened, trying to keep a calm face. Rainbow knew she had her. Now it was time to be more tame before Applejack kicked her off the farm. Putting her hind leg back down, she faced her orange friend again and playfully nudged her on the leg.

It took Applejack a second before the chuckle escaped her. Even as a dog I still got my awesomeness.

“Alright, alright, she’s clever. I’ll give ya that. I guess I can watch her. Even if she is a bit of a troublemaker,” Applejack looked at her dubiously then an idea came to mind. “Ya know, now that I think about it, Storm would do perfect on using her energy and sharp mind for an exhibition dog show. Provided she decides not to be such a little joker,” she added, still a little miffed a dog played her.

What’s an exhibition dog show?

“What’s an exhibition dog show?” Scootaloo asked, confused as Rainbow Dash was.

Applejack leaned down and petted Rainbow’s head, her expression growing a bit more serious. “It’s a competition where dogs show off their obedience, agility and tricks, sugarcube. It’s a chance for them to shine and show everyone what they’re made of. It’s a bit like a talent show for ponies, but with dogs instead. Me and Winona used to enter them every year. And I reckon with the kind of smarts and determination Storm could be a real showstopper!”

Huh?!

Scootaloo’s was ecstatic. “Really? That sounds so awesome! Can we train for it, Applejack? Could you teach me?”

Dozens, possibly hundreds of ponies watching me, Rainbow Dash, do dog tricks? No! Not happening! That is crossing the line! I know I’m all about competition but that is downright degrading!

“Well, I guess if we start training her now she might have a shot at being qualified to enter this year’s show. It’s about 4 months away I think. It’s been some time since my last one.”

Applejack, I swear to Celestia I’m gonna sneak into your house and wet your bed in your sleep! How’d you like that, huh?

“Great! Can we start training now?”

“Whoa, slow down there, Scootaloo. I have a full day of work ahead of me and don’t you have a meeting to get to?”

Scootaloo gasped. “Oh no, I’m gonna be late! Storm, stay here with Applejack and be good!” She gave Storm a quick hug and an unexpected kiss on her forehead and sped off on her scooter. “I’ll see you soon, girl!”

Rainbow watched Scootaloo go, resisting the urge to follow after her. As much as she was happy to spend time with AJ she suddenly wasn’t feeling too enthusiastic about hanging out with the pony that sentenced her to compete in a dog show.

“Well, looks like it’s just you and me today, partner! Come on, you can keep me company in the orchard.”

Applejack’s words didn’t exactly thrill Rainbow Dash. Times when she was feeling this upset a good fly through the skies would calm her down, not trotting through rows of apple trees. However, the sight of the orchard brought back some fond memories of the times she had with Applejack. For now, Rainbow decided to push aside her pride for now and enjoy the company of her friend, even if it was under these peculiar circumstances.

I’ll get her back for this someday. Maybe I’ll let one go in front of Granny Smith and let AJ get the blame

Letting out a frustrated huff,Rainbow Dash permitted Applejack to lead her into the orchard. The scent of the ripe apples was very inviting to her nostrils. Are dogs allowed to eat apples? Because I could really go for one right now.

Applejack began her work, filling a basket with the fruits of her labor. Rainbow watched her friend grateful to be in her company but was getting bored rather quickly. She had no idea what was so thrilling about picking apples. Rainbow could see the orchard was in good shape. The trees looked healthy and the apples looked as ripe as the day she had to help Applejack and her family harvest them. Rainbow sighed, missing the days when she could just fly around and help.

Then a sudden challenge appeared to Rainbow in the shape of an apple. Caught snugly in between the branches that no bucking could shake down was a juicy, red apple. The tree wasn’t that tall. Perhaps she could get that one apple? The need for a challenge was too much to resist. Eyes narrowed, Rainbow imagined that the apple was laughing at her. Mocking her short frame. She was going to make that apple very sorry for ever sprouting out of the branches.

Rainbow took a running start and leaped up at the tree. Applejack watched in amazement as the dog shot into the air like a rocket. Rainbow’s muzzle reached out and barely managed to graze the apple with her sharp teeth. After a few more attempts Applejack was glancing over her shoulder more and more at Rainbow’s antics.

“What’s gotten into ya, girl?”

Rainbow landed on her paws, looking slightly defeated. She glanced back at the apple and took a deep breath, ready to give it another go. She could feel Applejack’s eyes on her now, watching curiously. Rainbow knew she had to make this look good. With a fierce determination, she took a running leap and this time she managed to bite the apple clean off from the tree. It snapped into her mouth with a satisfying crunch. Rainbow looked over at Applejack with pride, tail wagging, apple in her mouth.

Behold! The spoils of my victory!

“Well, I’ll be. Never would’ve thought you had that kind of jump in ya, Storm,” Applejack said with a chuckle, setting down her basket. Rainbow spit out the apple and looked up at her friend expectantly. Applejack just nodded with a smirk. “You go ahead and enjoy that. You certainly earned it. Wonder what other tricks you got?”

Getting the go ahead that dogs can eat apples Rainbow chomped down on her prize. It was much easier to chew as a dog, interestingly enough. The apple juice dripping down was a pleasant bonus. As she swallowed, Rainbow mulled over Applejack’s words. When she was a pony she had all kinds of tricks in her bag. Now as a dog she could make new tricks. Tricks a regular dog could never do. It may end up encouraging Scootaloo to want to have her compete in a dog show but she could worry about resisting that crazy idea later.

For now, Rainbow’s mind was racing with ideas. With her new canine body she could combine her old Pegasus moves and speed with the agility of a dog. She looked around the orchard and the trees began to look less like a place for apples and more like a playground. The lower branches looked like bars for her to scramble up to. A high apple could be her target and reward. Dogs weren’t known for climbing trees but this one was for sure going to make it happen. The trunks could be used as obstacles to weave around. Rainbow’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Yeah… I can make this work.

Feeling no need for Applejack’s permission, Rainbow Dash took off. She sprinted around the trees, her paws barely touching the ground. She knew that if she was going to prove she was more than just a regular dog she had to show off. Rainbow had always loved parkour and she was pretty good at it. Now she had four agile legs to work with.

Weaving around from tree to tree, Rainbow felt a thrill she hadn’t felt since flying. Her muscles burned in the best way possible as she pushed herself to jump higher and further. Each leap was a declaration of her superiority over the fruit that once taunted her. Applejack watched in amazement as Rainbow sped through the orchard, clearing branches with graceful bounds. Rainbow had always had a flair for the dramatic. It seemed that hadn’t changed.

Applejack had actually paused in her work to watch Storm go. This wasn’t just a clever trick or some random stroke of luck. This was a full-blown parkour routine. It was like watching a little tornado bounce through her trees. Scootaloo, you sure got one impressive pooch, Applejack thought to herself.

“Alright, settle down now, girl,” Applejack said with a grin, cutting into her path. “You’ll burn yourself out and I’ll have to carry you back home.”

Rainbow Dash came to a screech halt in front Applejack and gave her a playful bark. It was good to know that a big part of her was still alive and well. Rainbow carelessly wagged her tail, feeling the thrill of the chase and the joy of pushing her limits once more. It was a small victory but it was something.

“You have a lot of heart. Just like my Winona did!” Applejack said proudly, picking up her basket again.

‘Did?’ Did Winona pass? Rainbow Dash came to know Winona when she was about five years old. Did an accident occur on the farm or did Winona pass naturally? The question she asked Fluttershy last night came to the front of her mind. How long have I been gone? Do I even want to know? Not right at this moment but soon.

They continued their day in the orchard, Rainbow occasionally showing off her newfound skills. She always had a way of making any situation interesting. Even if it meant turning a simple day of apple picking into an acrobatic show. Always the best at making the best out of a bad situation. The shelter in Trottingham made her forget that.

As the day went on, Rainbow felt a strange sense of belonging in her new role. It wasn’t flying, but it was something she could do, something that was uniquely hers. And if it meant getting to spend time with her friends, even in a roundabout way, then maybe this wasn’t such a bad gig after all. But deep down, she knew she couldn’t ignore the reality of her situation forever. The looming shadow of the talk she needed to have with Fluttershy hung over her like a dark cloud. Rainbow Dash needed to know the truth. Then have Twilight find a way to fix this mess.

In the meantime, Rainbow Dash had Applejack’s attention, and she was going to make the most of it. As the sun reached its peak, Applejack called for lunch. Rainbow’s stomach rumbled in anticipation. What kind of dog food did they serve here? Applejack’s cooking was always the best, but she wasn’t sure if she would be served the usual apple treats.

They sat under a big, shady apple tree with a basket of sandwiches. Rainbow was pleased to see Applejack pull out food she used to enjoy as a pony: Carrots and broccoli. Applejack tossed a full carrot to her, and Rainbow caught it mid-air, her reflexes still sharp despite her new form. Applejack smiled and laid her a plate of broccoli. It was a simple meal, but Rainbow greatly appreciated it.

“Ya know, Storm. I’m actually glad Scootaloo asked me to hang out with you today. When I first saw that fiery look in your eyes I could’ve sworn you were someone I used to know in a dog suit. You’re actually a lot like her. She was never a fan of dogs but I think she’d love to have you.”

Rainbow Dash suddenly was no longer interested in finishing her meal. Her focus was now solely on Applejack, internally begging for her to go on.

“She was a great pony. A great friend. Stubborn as a mule!”

Rainbow’s ears flattened giving Applejack a dark look. You’re no Mare Theresa yourself, AJ!

Applejack let out a soft sigh as she started to pet Rainbow on the back. “I still miss her to this day. I keep looking up at my trees expecting to see her napping in one of my trees. I don’t think I’ll ever get over what happened to her. Not so sure I want to. Her name was Rainbow Dash."

Hearing her real name be used made Rainbow stand up and brought her muzzle close to her unsuspecting friend. AJ just spit it out! What. Happened?!

Applejack didn’t seem to notice how she and Storm were practically nose to nose now.

“I suppose maybe it’s time I get a puppy myself to fill the void in my heart like Scootaloo has. I think I need a dog like you, Storm. Of course, I don’t think any dog could live up to Winona's name.”

Aaannnnd there goes my answers.

“Speaking of puppies. I bet plenty of ponies will be wanting to breed you with their studs once they see you in action,” Applejack said slyly, giving her a small wink. “Once you’re good and ready I’ll bet you’ll make one heck of a momma.”

If dogs could blush Rainbow’s face would have caught fire. If she could talk at that very moment she would have no idea what to say. Studs? Breed? Good and ready? Momma?

Way to kill the moment, AJ! You can definitely expect a little break into your bedroom tonight; along with a chewed up hat!

Author's Note

Holy smokes... if you're still reading this from the beginning I thank you. Really it means a lot if you do enjoy the story. This chapter drained me so I'll be taking a bit of a break. And by break I mean I gotta do some chores.

You may have noticed I changed the title from My Little Storm to the current one. It just felt kinda lazy to slap that title on. I know this one is just as lazy but I think its suited better.

I figured I dropped the ball on the Fluttershy I chapter. I wanted to end it on a cliffhanger but then the continuation of it was short. So to make up for it I unleashed what I had to make this chapter the longest yet.

As I said this was intended to be a really short story but then, well this happened. Even though I'm writing this story I'm in the dark with you on knowing how it will end. Happy like Past Sins? Or Sad like My Little Dashie? I really can't say. But I'll tell you this: Storm- I mean Rainbow Dash is gonna have that promised chat with Fluttershy in the next chapter. The great mystery soon revealed!