A Rainbow In the Night Sky

The glowing sun rose over the horizon and shined down onto the small village. Rainbow Dash gave a low groan as she was stirred awake by the celestial glow shining in through the window, landing onto the cyan Pegasus’ opening eyes.

“Unngh..” Rainbow Dash groaned as her magenta eyes dart around the cloud built room before landing on the seeping tortoise in his bed. The sun never once bothering Tank thanks to his shell.

It didn’t take long until a shrill voice snapped both Rainbow Dash and Tank from their respected fatigue, the cyan Pegasus giving a quick jump at the surprise as Tank poked his head out of the entrance of his shell.

“Morning, Tank..” Rainbow turned to the sleepy tortoise, rubbing her eyes with her hooves. Tank gave a tired smile to Rainbow Dash in response alongside a yawn.

“What in Celestia’s name is going on out there?” Rainbow grumbled as she peaked out of the window, spotting Pinkie Pie talking Applejack’s ear off about Autumn Blaze.

“I’m so happy for you! This is the best news since Rarity started dating Maud! Beauty of The Rock explains everything about their love story!” Pinkie squealed happily, Applejack giving an awkward smile.

“Beauty of The what-now?” Applejack asked the bouncing pink pony before her.

“Ohhh never mind!” Pinkie giggled at Applejack’s confusion. The orange earth pony rolling her eyes before smiling softly at the pink mare. “Anywaaaaay… You and Autumn Blaze are gonna be Equestria’s top couple! You’ll get married, have a family, life together for the end of your lives an-“

Pinkie’s rambling was interrupted by the orange earth mare, who just have a chuckle. “Now now, Pinkie Pie. We haven’t been datin’ that long. ‘Sides, it’s a.. commitment that Ah’m not ready for just yet. Don’t worry, you’ll see plenty of Autumn Blaze and trust me, you will adore her!”

“Ohhh she sounds amazing! Like cheese sandwiches amazingly amazing! I can’t wait to meet her! Does Fluttershy know?” Pinkie’s question was answered by a shake of Applejack’s head. “Nuh uh. You’re the only one that knows about it so far. Ah might not tell Rainbow Dash since… well..”

“Oh don’t worry, Dashie will understand. You and her broke up ages ago.” Pinkie reminded, comforting the orange pony. “You should introduce us all to your new girlfriend, it’s only right that we meet the Kirin that makes you smile!”

“Ah guess so, yeah.. but.. Ah’m just worried it’ll y’know.. upset Rainbow..” Applejack sighed gently before spotting the cyan Pegasus peaking out of the window.

“Oh uhh.. hey, Rainbow..” Applejack awkwardly turned away from Rainbow Dash, who just grumbled. “Yeah hey.” Rainbow grouched as she left her residence and landed before Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Hey Pinkie.”

“Hi Dashie, what are you doing here? Oh yeah, your house is here! Duh! Sorry if we woke you up, Applejack was telling me about her new-“ Pinkie’s rapid-fire speaking was paused by Applejack’s hoof. “Mah new.. uhh… barrel?”

“Barrel..?” Rainbow Dash gave a funny look to Applejack, her eyebrow raised as if she didn’t believe her former girlfriend.

“Yeeeahh.. barrel..”

The atmosphere in the air was thick as anything. Awkward and uncomfortable for the ponies minus Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah well, I got stuff to do today. I’m gonna see Night Glider!” Rainbow Dash bragged, folding her hooves, thinking this could make the orange pony jealous.

“Night Glider? The Pegasus from Starlight’s old village?” Applejack cocked her eyebrow at the cyan Pegasus before her.

“Yeah! She’s Fleetfoot’s cousin and if Fleetfoot is awesome, then so is Night Glider!” Rainbow Dash grinned, expecting any sort of jealous induced reaction from Applejack. “Just me, Glider and Derring Do books!”

“Glider? Well uhh.. have fun, Rainbow?” Applejack’s voice gave a slight hint of awkward. Celestia Dammit,

“Well, don’t wanna be too late, I bet Glider is just over the moon to see that I’m pretty much best friends with her awesome wonderbolt cousin!”

“Ah’ve nev- y’know what? Whatever, just do it. Ah got stuff to do today anyhoo. Even gonna see to Twi about somethin’..”

“Yeah, yeah! You’re gonna tell her about your new-“ Pinkie Pie was interrupted once again by Applejack’s orange hoof.

“New pie recipe! Yeahh… recipe..” Applejack gave an annoyed glance to Pinkie Pie who just returned a sheepish smile.

“Ehhh.. right..” Rainbow Dash said as she rolled her eyes. “Later!” The cyan Pegasus bid her farewell as she took off into the sky, towards Sweet Apple Acres to meet Sugar Belle.

“Hope she hasn’t forgot. She did say she would come with me..”

It didn’t take long for the Pegasus to reach the apple farm; seeing the familiar sight of Big Mac packing up crates of apple cider for the upcoming Cider Season.

“Night Glider should definitely try the Cider here, the Apples always make the best!” Rainbow praised as she landed on the ground beside Big Mac.

“Heya, Big Mac, Is Sugar Belle around?”

“Eeyup.” The hard at work earth stallion confirmed as he pointed towards the farmhouse.

“Cool, thanks.” Rainbow nodded, Big Mac returned the favour before focusing on his work.

The cyan Pegasus approached the door before knocking and listening in, seeing if she could hear anybody inside.

“Sugar Belle, you in there?” Rainbow Dash called, her ear twitching as she listened closely.

“One second, Rainbow Dash!” Sugar Belle called from the kitchen. “Sugar, remember what Applejack said, we can’t tell her..” the familiar voice of Apple Bloom reminded the unicorn.

Must be about Autumn Blaze.

“She’ll have to learn sooner or later, youngen!” Granny Smith told the young earth filly. “Applejack can’t be doin’ this to somepony she considers close!”

“Ah know but.. Ah’m worried about if we tell her, she’ll be all sad..” Apple Bloom said with a tinge of sadness in her voice. “It’ll break her heart..”

Sugar Belle and Rainbow Dash all that was true, she could still feel the pain in her chest.

“Ah know Applejack doesn’t wanna hurt the poor mare but she can’t keep ‘er in the dark.” Granny Smith sighed, her voice too laced with concern. “If Rainbow Dash still holds a candle for Applejack, ah understand it’ll hurt her but she can’t hold onto these emotions forever.”

It was true. Even though Applejack and Rainbow Dash were no longer seeing each other, it still hurt knowing Applejack found love with another.

“I’m going to take Rainbow Dash out for today. I’m sure if she finds common ground with Night Glider, she’ll be okay. I understand Applejack’s reluctance to tell her but I do agree she needs to be honest with Rainbow Dash. I’ll be back soon.”

As Rainbow heard Sugar Belle approaching the door, she stood a few inches back so she wouldn’t be caught eavesdropping.

The unicorn mare opened the door, smiling at the still lovelorn Pegasus. “Sorry for taking a bit, Rainbow Dash. Just had some things to sort out first.”

“Don’t worry about it, Sugar Belle. I’ve been looking forward to our trip today! Will ya tell me a bit more about her on the way?”

“Of course! Let’s get going.” Sugar Belle said as she exited the door and waved to Apple Bloom and Granny Smith who returned the favour. Once the door was closed, she gave a lovey dovey smile and wave to Big Mac.

“See you soon, Big Mac!” The unicorn giggled when she saw the familiar blush return to Big Mac’s face. “Eeyup!”

The two mares ventured down the pathway and down the hill towards Ponyville.

“Hey, isn’t that Rarity over there?” Sugar Belle pointed towards the familiar white unicorn and a gray earth pony at the local café.

“Yeah, she’s on a date with her fiancé. Can’t believe they’re finally tying the knot..”

Rainbow Dash still couldn’t believe Rarity and Maud were together and engaged to be married.

“So.. tell me a bit about Night Glider on the way, yeah?”

“Sure!” Sugar Belle smiles brightly as the two mares approach the distant train station.