The Story of the Apple Spectrum

Chapter 2: Magnetic Fault

2:1: Bucking and Customer Service

Several days have passed since Rarity revealed her uniforms. Rainbow’s excitement motivated her the next few days, spurring her into early rising. She cleared the clouds earlier than usual, including a quality job in the mix.

Over at Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash trotted through the orchards with her escort, Applejack. Rainbow let out a yawn, taking in the chilled air. Applejack pulled a small cart behind her with nothing in it. However, regardless of Rainbow’s excitement and early rising, she still found herself occasionally drowsy.

“Alright, ‘jack, ya got any secrets?” Rainbow muttered out in a daze.

Applejack scrunched her face while she thought, leaving Rainbow to bask in the sunrise shining on her back. Applejack shrugged after a few seconds of thought.

“Secrets? I dunno if ya heard this 'ne but proper sleep an’ a pepped up attitude is great,” Applejack replied with gusto.

Rainbow shook her head, yawning again. “I mean, is there some kinda trick to bucking? I mean, I was kinda tired after bucking for a bit during Applebuck season a year ago.” Rainbow paused, humming to herself. “Y'know, during your whole 'ah'm jus' fine on m’ own',” Rainbow said, making gestures before smirking at Applejack.

Applejack glared at Rainbow while they walked. “Ah thought Ah told ya ta let it go.” Rainbow giggled, while Applejack sighed. “Well, there's not much of a trick. After a while, ya jus' get used to it. Adjustin’ to th’ task at hand, o’course.”

Applejack quickly adjusted her hat while Rainbow stretched her wings. Rainbow exhaled coarsely.

“Ugh, and how long is that gonna take?” Rainbow spat through bared teeth.

“Jus' a few days, but y'all pro'lly take longer 'cause ya aren't workin' here full time,” Applejack said as they finally arrived at their designated area.

Rainbow grunted, shrugging in the process. Applejack chuckled, and the two continued through the orchards. They arrived at an area of the orchards already coated in baskets. Applejack spent no time waiting, slipping out of the cart’s harness and starting on her bucking.

Rainbow eyed a tree standing right in front of her. Red Delicious apples hung from its branches, shining and radiating brilliance. They were a size not too large or too small, and were perfectly shaped. They were shaking gently as the wind flew by. She craned her neck both directions, cracking it. She trotted to the base of the tree trunk, did a 180 degree turn, leaned on her front legs, and bucked her hind legs. Not her hardest, and not her lightest, but it was a little stronger than her usual cloud bucks. The tree shook while most of the apples fell off the tree, landing harmlessly in the baskets.

Rainbow smirked. “Just like my first trick. Easy stuff,” she said while bucking the tree once more, knocking the rest of the fruit down.

“Ah tol' ya it’s easy work. Remember, when Big Mac rings the bell, y'all gotta hi-tail it over t' th' barn. It’s th’ lunch bell, an’ nobody likes t’ be kept waitin',” Applejack said, already on her fifth tree.

“Right!” Rainbow exclaimed, flying to another tree.

[*][*][*]

The rest of the morning proceeded normally. Applejack would buck all, Rainbow would buck some, and buck some again. Applejack would exchange witty banter with Rainbow, Rainbow would retort with a snarky comment. Soon, the sun was high in the sky, radiating the vicious heat of middle August. Rainbow had to stop several times, and run to the lake to dunk her head in to escape the heat. After a while of Rainbow stopping every six minutes, Applejack left and grabbed a bucket of water filled with loads of ice. Rainbow tugged it around, adding to her workload but, to her, it payed off.

A few minutes after Rainbow’s last head dunk, a bell rang out across the orchard causing Applejack’s ears to perk up. Rainbow lazily raised her head, mindlessly staring towards the Apple Family house.

“Ee~yup! Lunch!” Big Macintosh’s voice echoed over the trees.

Applejack did a quick check to make sure the current basket of apples were nicely shaded. Rainbow finally clicked in to the fact that lunch was ready. She flapped her wings hard, taking off towards the house.

“Wait a minute, you f’got your bucket o’ water, Rainbow. Gotta take it back, 'member?” Applejack said in passing, leaving Rainbow in the dust.

Rainbow growled as she stopped mid-air, turning and flying back to where she dropped the bucket of cold water. She picked up the bucket’s handle in her teeth, not bothering to stop before doing a U-turn in the air.

Her flying practice at Sweet Apple Acres seemed to help; those few drills she did with the crates were teaching her a little bit of finesse. She flew back towards Applejack as the mare galloped in a frenzy. She realized then and there how quiet she was being before smirking devilishly.

She slowed down, hovering above Applejack. The bucket didn’t spill or bob unnecessarily, which was absolutely perfect. Applejack remained oblivious. Leaning in for the kill, Rainbow got as close to Applejack’s ear without alerting her too much.

“Boo.”

“Augh!” Applejack let out a small yelp, turning to the sudden noise behind her. She lost focus of the running and tripped over her own hooves. She tumbled to the ground, rolling before stopping. She sat up on her haunches, glaring at Rainbow. “Now what in tarna—”

Rainbow didn’t let Applejack finish as she placed both hooves on the bucket, letting go of the handle in her mouth, and tossed the water onto Applejack. Applejack let out a startled grunt, falling onto her back. Her hat fell off, and the chilled water soaked her mane and tail. Rainbow chuckled, holding the bucket close to her barrel while flying stationary.

“Ooh... that felt good...” Applejack moaned absent minded.

Rainbow paused, staring at Applejack with a raised brow. “Uh, apples, you okay?” Rainbow asked, uncomfortably avoiding awkward eye contact with Applejack.

Rainbow watched as Applejack shook her head, snapping back to reality. “Oh, uh, yeah,” Applejack said.

Applejack stood up and looked around for her hat. Rainbow looked down, spotting the stetson sitting at her hooves. She leaned down, picking up the hat before feeling water droplets spitting on her wings. She tensed up, jolting up into a proper standing position from the startling, icy sensation. She let go of Applejack’s hat while she let out a startled shout. Unlike Applejack, this was entirely uncomfortable. Applejack's stetson landed on Rainbow's head, but Rainbow never noticed. She glared over at Applejack before she smirked.

Rainbow chuckled alongside Applejack. “Y'all look jus' fine in one of those, darlin',” Applejack teased, nudging Rainbow in the side.

“Huh? What are you talking abou—” Rainbow paused when she finally noticed the head wear.

She looked towards Applejack, the mare wearing a sad look. “Oh, I'm so sorry Applejack, I didn't mean to wear your hat!” Rainbow said as she took it off with her hoof and placed it on Applejack's head.

Applejack fit the hat on properly with both hooves. “S'all right, sugarcube. You could pro'lly use one yerself. Maybe Rarity can make one f’ y’self,” Applejack said as she nudged Rainbow again.

Rainbow sighed. “I dunno about that. Hats and flying don't really go well together,” Rainbow said.

The bell rang again, snapping the two back to reality.

“Lunch ain't gonna stay f’ever!” Big Mac shouted.

“Oh snap!” Applejack and Rainbow said at the same time.

[*][*][*]

Later on in the midst of lunch, the Apple Family, minus Apple Bloom, plus Rainbow Dash, ate lunch with little chatter in between. A typical lunch between friends and family.

“So, how much longer do we applebuck?” Rainbow asked, finishing her eating for the day.

Big Macintosh and Applejack looked to the ceiling, hoof on their chins as they thought. “Forever,” they said at the same time. Rainbow's jaw dropped as they gave them a cold stare.

“I'm not allowed to leave?” Rainbow asked, a brow raised.

They were both taken aback but soon started laughing. “Heh heh, no, sugarcube. We finish up f’ the day at four PM.”

Rainbow wiped her brow as she said this. “I was gonna say, forever is way too long. That's like,” she paused. “Forever.”

“Well, Ah don't expect t' be ever stoppin' the bucking business,” Applejack said as she munched on her sandwich. “Well, Ah gotta request fer ya, Rainbow.” She ate the crust of her sandwich as fast as she could. Rainbow stretched her forelegs, letting out a yawn as the typical drowsiness that came with eating set in.

“Yeah?”

“As ya know, t'morrow is a free day. What with y’ Weather Team meeting at 11, an’ m’self tendin' to tha' stand, but Ah was wonderin',” she paused as she took a guzzle of milk. “Ah, it can wait.”

[*][*][*]

Following lunch, Rainbow and Applejack went back to the fields to drag back their crop to the apple cellar before replacing the baskets for more bucking. Applejack and Rainbow Dash went back and forth, Applejack placing them on the cart as Rainbow pulled because, hey, she's gotta get used to it.

“So, Ah was wonderin', what with it bein' yer free day an’ Ah don' wanna force more on ya than ya want but...” Applejack paused as she lifted a apple filled basket onto the cart.

“Don't worry, no rush,” Rainbow said while rolling her eyes.

This was much too slow for Rainbow's liking. Before, she was doing the grunt work rather than being patient while somepony else did it. She wondered if this is what her other friends did. Fluttershy, the timid one, had to tend to a stand that many will visit. Pinkie has more experience, so why can’t she deal with it? She sighed. One of the few mental questions out of the thousand.

“Well, Ah've got two questions. Do ya wanna help tendin' t' tha' stand?” she asked as she trotted over to grab another basket.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow at the question, looking to the sky to think about it. Grunt work sucks, but I guess it would help to have the skills. “Sure, why not?” Rainbow cheerfully replied.

“Great! Just meet me in Ponyville Town Square at 9:30 AM,” Applejack beamed as she quickly placed the basket on the cart. “An’ f’ my second question, this one is a lil’ more than m’ last one.” She paused to fumble her words, much to Rainbow’s patience. “Do y'all wanna come with me t' Troronto to check on th' crop after we're done th' stand on yer free days?” Applejack offered.

Rainbow was caught off guard once more. That’s long, and also kind of a big request. Well, maybe, she thought while turning to face Applejack. “Who all would be going?” she asked as Applejack motioned her to move forward a bit.

“Jus' you an' me, sugarcube.”

Rainbow paused as Applejack finished. Just Applejack and I? Given how much we bash skulls, I’m not too sure, but this is also a business venture. Perhaps I can talk to her as just a friend rather than two bickering boneheads? Yeah.

“Sure. Sounds like fun,” Rainbow said casually.

[*][*][*]

The next day, Rainbow got up bright and early The past two days were full of activity, and then, Rainbow found herself looking forward to getting up. She rolled out of her cloudy bed, did light stretches, galloped out to her kitchen and grabbed a quick salad. It was nine in the morning, ripe and early for Rainbow Dash. She did some more stretches after eating, and before heading out, she grabbed a hoodheld mirror, starring into it. Her mane was its usual scruffy Rainbow Dash-ness and she held a cheery attitude.

She grinned and  checked her teeth. She checked her eyes for any signs of bloodshot, then she giggled. She put the mirror down and left her cloud home.

Rainbow soared through Ponyville skies as the sun looked out over the small town. She dived down near Town Square to see Applejack hard at work, adjusting some nails on her cart with a hammer. She landed near the cart in the barren Town square, stepping over next to her Stetson clad friend.

“Introducing the greatest flier, and soon, the greatest Apple-related thing ever, Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow said imitating an announcer's voice.

Applejack turned to see Rainbow taking a proud stance as Applejack looked at her. She let out a small chuckle. “Somepony's sure pepped up. Ya been like this the entire week.”

“Hay yeah, I mean, c'mon! Contest, and all! Not to mention I'm also your success key,” Rainbow stated with a proud stance.

Applejack chuckled. “Well, Ah gotta go back and bring the Apple cart plus th' register,” Applejack said as she picked up the hammer and placed it in a saddle, setting said saddle on her back.

“Oh, well okay. I'll tag along,” Rainbow said as she turned to follow her friend down the road.

They quickly traveled back to Sweet Apple Acres, exchanging talk about the competition before quickly returning to Town Square. Applejack set out the apple goods on the shelves and quickly checked the clock tower: It was 9:25 am, almost time for business. Rainbow had plopped the Cash Register down at the stand and Applejack finished setting up the maximum number of apple goods.

“Ah'll do some o' the operating f’ a bit, sugarcube. Jus’ t’ show ya how it’s done,,” Applejack said as she took out two chairs and set them behind the stand.

Applejack motioned for Rainbow to sit, which Rainbow hesitantly did. “Why isn't Fluttershy here? Isn't she taking care of the stand mainly?”

Applejack took her spot firmly behind the stand.

“She's trainin' with Pinkie and the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner. Ah hate t' admit it but Sugarcube Corner does get more business, and its open longer. Perfect f’ a pony like Fluttershy t' practice,” Applejack said as she quickly picked up a small sign and placed it on the edge of her cart; the open sign.

Rainbow nodded in agreement. “Makes sense,” she thought about her other friends. “What are the others practicing again?” Rainbow asked in curiosity.

“Twi' is, or was, practicin' organization and documentin'. She'll be waitin' when we drag the cart back to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity is doin’ her own thing with her shop as well as setting up locations for photographing. Spike,” Applejack paused. "Well, let's jus' say he's doin' many things,” Applejack finished up as a pony approached her stand. “One sec, RD.”

Rainbow nodded as Applejack made a quick sale to a pony. Applejack continued the morning for half an hour taking care of the stand. Rainbow admired Applejack from her small seat behind the stand, watching her as she ever so casually sold her products. Applejack was having a good time here. Every so often, Rainbow would watch as Applejack turned her head as her mane swung each time. Just watching Applejack in her normal, early routine without so much as a complaint hammered in the reminder of their job’s differences. Applejack worked long and hard while Rainbow got off quick and easy.

Not today.

After Applejack finished with a customer, Rainbow stood up. Her simple movement got the attention of Applejack.

“Apples, do ya wanna switch?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack thought for a second. “You sure? Ah figured ya would have t' have some more time,” Applejack with a bit of reluctance in her voice.

Rainbow picked up on this and huffed defensively. “Of course! It’s why I’m here, ain’t it, Applejack?”

The mare in question shrugged. “Well, go nuts.”

Rainbow smirked. “Outta the way, 'jack. 'Ah've got this 'un',” Rainbow said as she nudged Applejack aside.

Applejack rolled her eyes playfully, taking a seat. “Whatever ya say, sugarcube.”

Almost instantly, a wall eyed blonde Pegasus known as Derpy walked over to the stand and proceeded to quickly examine the stock, paying no attention to the new cashier. She eyed the baked goods, deep in thought. She rubbed her chin, adding onto the test of Rainbow patience. Finally, she spoke.

“Do you have any muffins?” Derpy asked.

Rainbow tilted her head forward, examining the goods. No muffins from what she saw.

“No, Derpy. I suggest Sugarcube Corner,” Rainbow said in annoyance.

Derpy’s face scrunched into sadness incarnate before she fluttered away towards Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow felt several hard nudges in her rump.

“Now what in tarnation was that, Rainbow? Sendin' away a customer?” Applejack spoke with irritation spitting through her teeth.

“What? We didn't have any muffins,” Rainbow said as she gestured her hoof over the goods on the stand.

“We don't have no muffins on display. On th' list hangin' up near top, we have listed under 'Not on Display' muffins. Y'all shoulda asked me before,” Applejack said as she let out a long sigh.

Rainbow felt a bit of pressure on her chest as Applejack's words stung a bit. She turned forward, away from Applejack. She grit her teeth while a fire burned in her mind.

Great. I screwed up, and I angered Applejack. I’m the world’s greatest flippin’ cashier. Rainbow berated herself in thought, oblivious to the face of regret she now bore.

“I'm sorry,” Rainbow said, almost choking on the words.

Behind Rainbow, Applejack frowned while shaking her head. “'s not your fault, sugarcube. Your first time an all. I kinda overreacted. Look, jus' ask fer some help if unsure about somethin',” Applejack said as she quickly pet Rainbow's mane.

Rainbow didn't stop the gesture and bit her lip. “Alright. I mean, we all make mistakes, right?”

The rest of the morning proceeded as such: Rainbow would get a customer, she would ring up the purchase, another customer with questions requiring Applejack's assistance... either way, Rainbow's morning was, after the previous incident, exactly like she predicted. Slow, drowsy, with Applejack. She enjoyed Applejack's company, even if she only ever replied when Rainbow made a snarky comment. As it approached 11, Applejack let Rainbow finish up a purchase.

“Thanks. Enjoy your day, and stuff,” Rainbow said as she placed the bits into the cash register.

“Tsk tsk, Rainbow Dash. Gotta work on that attitude,” Applejack said as she nudged Rainbow in the wing.

“I can't help it. This is so tedious, dealing with the same questions from po~nies,” Rainbow said, dragging the word 'ponies' out.

“Well, ya shoulda been prepared. Customer Service does come with tending to everythin’ involved,” Applejack said as she stood right next to Rainbow.

The cyan mare gave Applejack a suspicious stare at her close proximity. “Um, Applejack, it’s still my shot,” Rainbow spoke in response, almost defensively.

“Well, don't ya have one o' those 'Weather Team” meetings ta get to?” Applejack said as she gave Rainbow a little push.

Rainbow's eyes widened.

“Shoot! SorryI'llbebacklaterbye!” Rainbow spat out in one go.

“Jus' be back here by 12:30, Rainbow,” Applejack shouted as Rainbow soared towards Town Hall.

[*][*][*]

After the Weather Team meeting, Rainbow flew across town, landing outside the gates of Sweet Apple Acres. She trotted through the apple arch and made her way towards the house. Arriving at the front door, Rainbow knocked on it and waited. After several seconds of no movement, she knocked again.

“Hold yer horses, Ah'm a coming,” came an old, female voice.

Rainbow stood there for several seconds, nearly tap dancing from anticipation. As soon as she heard the click of the door, all of that impatience vanished. She couldn't stay mad especially with Granny Smith's advanced age, but part of her did remain annoyed in the least.

“Oh my stars, it’s a walkin' Zap Apple,” Granny Smith said as she squinted her eyes staring at Rainbow.

Rainbow stared on in surprise before chuckling. “Heh, no, Granny Smith. its just me, Rainbow Dash. I was here yesterday.”

Granny Smith squinted her eyes even more now. “... well, whatev'r ya say. Jus' be careful that th' Timber Wolves don't snatch ya. Yer a big feller,” Granny Smith said as she let out a yawn.

Rainbow let out another chuckle. “I’ll keep that in mind. Anyways, is Big Macintosh here?” she asked the elder pony.

Granny Smith stared up at the ceiling. “Uh, hmm...” she rubbed her chin.

“Eenope,” came a dark voice from behind.

“Aww shoot,” Rainbow said as she kicked her hoof against the ground. “Well, bye Granny Smit—” A dull expression took over her face as she turned towards Big Macintosh. “Very funny.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac said through his stern look.

Granny Smith mumbled something before she closed the door while Rainbow eyed Big Macintosh.

“So, Big Mac, I wanted to know more about your involvement with the Market Harvest.” Rainbow asked.

Big Macintosh motioned for Rainbow to follow him. Big Mac walked towards a park bench overlooking their vast fields. Big Macintosh signalled Rainbow Dash to sit while he turned to walk over to a basket of apples. It was an assortment of various types. He dragged the basket over before picking it up and placing it on the bench table. Big Mac sat down on one end while Rainbow stretched out her limbs and grabbed an apple.

“So, Big Mac, how come I don't see more of you?” Rainbow asked off topic as she bit into a Red Delicious.

“Jus' have no reason to come in ta town,” Big Macintosh said as she took a large bite out of an apple.

An awkward pause followed before it was broken by Rainbow. “What about Applebloom? Is she helping?”

“Eenope,” he said as he took a third chunk out of the apple.

“Huhn. Lucky,” Rainbow said as she took several bites out of her apple. She looked at the reddish glow it seemed to have. It was a juicy little fruit... Rainbow wanted more apples in her life.

“So~, what're you doing during the competition?” Rainbow asked, taking her last bite of the apple.

“Buckin'. Pullin' carts. Assistin' Miss Sparkle,” he said before taking his last bite as well.

Rainbow did a double take before focusing on Big Macintosh again. “Assisting Twilight?” Rainbow said as she tried to imagine it. “Are you gonna be doing magic?” Rainbow tried imagining Twilight and Big Macintosh together; Big Mac in a tie, brushed mane, glasses... real big math pony. She chuckled at her mental image.

“Countin' profit,” Big Macintosh said as he grabbed another apple.

“I didn't take you for a smart pony,” Rainbow said, not thinking about what she said.

Big Mac stared coldly, chewing his apple slowly before Rainbow's eyes shot open at her realization.

“Oh shoot, I mean, um, well...” she said looking around as she thought. “You work on a farm all the time. I just, you know... dear Celestia,” Rainbow said as she slammed her face into the bench table.

“Ah understan',” he said as he devoured this apple with ease, core and all. “Did ya see them photos Miss Rar'ty took t'day?”

Rainbow cocked her head.

“I can't say I have,” Rainbow said as she nibbled on her apple.

“'kay,” he said as he grabbed yet another apple.

“Alright, so, Big Mac,” Rainbow started before finding the words stopping. “Wanna hang out more?” Rainbow asked out of curiosity.

Is this what I meant earlier by 'more apples in my life'? Rainbow asked her thoughts.

“Eeyup. Jus' come fin' me when you wan' to,” Big Mac said.

“Alright, you're on,” she said before taking a large bite of her apple. She spent her time chewing it before swallowing. “Does Applejack handle the competition stuff in Troronto?” Rainbow asked.

“ayup,” was the reply.

Rainbow cocked her head. Did Big Mac just get a girly voice and... become a ventriloquist? His mouth didn't move. Wait, that came from behind me.

“RD, y'all jus' hook up with m’ big brother?” Applejack asked from behind.

Rainbow sighed. “No, I just, stuff,” she said, finishing her last apple.

“Alright ‘en. Anyways Rainbow, we're leavin' now,” Applejack said as she nudged Rainbow.

“Oh, really? Alright,” she stood up from her bench.

She looked over at Applejack who had already dropped off the apple stand.

“Are we taking anything with us?” Rainbow asked as they trotted away.

Big Macintosh was simply munching away at an apple. Rainbow stopped. “Oh wait,” she turned and looked at Big Macintosh. “See ya, Big Mac,” Rainbow shouted, waving a hoof before turning around. Big Macintosh nodded his head and waved back.

“Nothin'. We're jus' takin' th' train to where the competition grounds are, Trotonto. And m' saddlebags,” Applejack said as she nudged the bags on her back.

“Oh, really?” Rainbow said in mild surprise.

They walked from Sweet Apple Acres through Ponyville towards the Ponyville Train Station, waving to any familiar faces.

“Doesn't it cost a lot to ride the train constantly?” Rainbow asked as they entered the station.

“Naw, Ah got a special card considerin' Ah often travel for various reasons,” Applejack said as she pulled out a card from her saddlebags. “Frequent Rider's card. Pay a fee, covers so and so.”

“Well, it covers two, correct?” Rainbow asked as they approached the platform.

“Yup,” Applejack said as they stood by, waiting for the train to arrive. “We'll be back by early t'morrow.”

“Oh, we're staying overnight?” Rainbow asked as she spotted the train in the far distance.

“Yup,” Applejack said as the train slowed down as it entered the station.

“Well, we're off to Trotonto, and stuff,” Rainbow said as she gave her wings a quick flutter.

The train doors opened up as the two ponies walked towards it.

“Let's go.”