A great challenge, a great love.

Morning came, but the storm did not pass. Rarity slowly woke to find that she had been locking her arms around Jack all night. She could hear the thunder still clashing outside, giving her chills and forcing herself practically into her blonde friend's lap. Applejack was a bit of a heavy sleeper, so by the time Rarity was slipping her legs over her own, she was still asleep. A soft knock at the door was heard by Rarity, but she was too scared and fused to her friend she didn't dare move.

"Jack?" she whispered. But no response.

"Someone's at the door.... Jack?" Rarity gave Applejack a nudge.

The soft knock got a bit louder this time, but mixed with the thunder. Rarity shook Applejack before snuggling into her harder.

"Wake up!!"

BANG BANG BANG!!

"WHAT!? HUH!?" Applejack flailed at the sound of someone banging their fist at the door. Rarity's face was buried into Applejack's chest as she tried to get up from the couch before realizing Rarity had found her way completely into her lap, and refused to let go.

"Hold on a second!" Applejack yelled as she picked Rarity up and carried her over to the door. As her hand found the doorknob, another thunderclap came, making Rarity grip onto Applejacks shirt. Rainbow Dash tried not to laugh as she saw Rarity in Applejack's arms. She instead covered it with a cough and cleared her throat.

"Ah, Rain-uhm." Applejack stopped herself before she said her friend's name. "Rain-RAIN! Rarity! Its raining!"

"I know! And the thunder and lighting is still here, I wonder if the weather crew is having difficulty with the storm or if it was planned." Rarity said, not knowing Rainbow Dash was right behind her.

"Actually that's why I am here..." Rainbow Dash said nervously. "Its tough out there, and a lot of the weather crew are sick with the feather flu. So It's just me and a couple others. I won't be able to watch that rodeo everypony's been talking about lately. Apparently its supposed to be a big deal or something? Some anonypony no ones ever heard of is supposed to go one on one with Iron Will... I wanted to catch it but I wont be able to go." Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at Applejack and mouthed the words 'why aren't you there yet.' Applejack's eyes widened as she realized she was going to be late if she didn't leave very soon.

"Goat feathers! Ah'm going to be late! Rarity!" she tried to get Rarity to look at her, but the white unicorn just slowly got down from her arms.

"Oh... that's today isn't it?" She said with a sigh.

"Come on Rarity, Ah need to hear you cheer for me. Ah know Ah'll do good knowin' you're out there cheering me on!" she gave her a nudge and a wink, making Rarity blush and smile a little.

"Right then, lets get you to that rodeo Jack!" Rarity said while running inside to get dressed.

"You have to leave now, otherwise you'll be disqualified if you're late. Go!"

"Ah can't go without Rarity! It's rude, and that hurt's her feelings." Applejack whispered.

"Go now, I'll fly her there. You don't know how long she is going to take getting ready, knowing Rarity."

Rainbow Dash was right. A minute meant five minutes, five minutes meant ten, and Celestia only knows how long ten minutes were really. Applejack closed her eyes and silently cursed.

"....Rarity! You almost ready?" she called out.

"Just five minutes dear and I'll have my things!"

"Ah'll meet you there!" Applejack said running out into the rain towards the big rodeo. If she were to wait for Rarity, she would surely be disqualified. But She trusted Rainbow Dash to get Rarity to the rodeo fast. The ground was slippery and muddy, but Applejack was used to these conditions. She ran through the mud and rain as fast as she could, not caring how much mud was getting all over her right now. She could see the large tent just up ahead of her, only a few more trots away. She could feel her fingers begin to sting as the cold was getting to them. In her head she ran over her plan on how to knock Iron Will out of the ring as quickly as possible. She just hoped it was going to be as easy as she pictured it.

In the large tent the seats were full of ponies, pegasai and unicorns cheering and hooting as Iron Will stood in the middle of the ring. As he stomped around, showing off how intimidating he could really be the crowd cheered even more. Loud music played as he flexed his muscles around and yelled.

"WHERE IS THIS PONY? WILL HE EVEN SHOW HIS MUZZLE TODAY? IF HE KNOWS BETTER HE WONT MESS WITH IRON WILL! TODAY IS THE DAY HE GETS CHEWED UP AND SPAT OUT!!"

The crowd fed off of his energy, he really knew how to get the crowd going. They rumbled the entire tent by stomping their own hooves on the ground. It could be heard all throughout Ponyville now.

"LOOKS LIKE HE WUSSED OUT!"

"Think again, Iron Will."

Iron Will turned around to see Applejack, soaked, muddy and panting. He crossed his big arms and puffed out his chest before giving her a cocky grin. Looking her up and down, he puffed air through his nose.

"Iron Will is disappointed. You're still small. You really haven't changed since we last met, tiny stallion."

"Yeah, neither have you."

A surprised look came across his face. No one has ever talked back to him. He was too intimidating. But hearing Jack just now sort of confused him. Shrugging it off, and kicking back his hoof just like an angry bull, he held up his fist before talking.

"Here are the rules, puny stallion. There are three rounds to this special game. You can't have a weapon, but you're allowed to improvise. Knock Iron WIll out of the ring any of the three rounds and the bits are yours. But if Iron Will knocks you out of the ring three times, or you pass out, Iron Will wins. Got it? Good."

"What If there is a draw?"

"There is no such thing as a draw."

"Well what do yo mean by improvising?"

DING DING

"BEGIN!!" Iron Will took off as he sprinted toward Applejack. He lowered his head, aiming his horns right for her. Applejack could feel her legs shake nervously as she tried to move out of the way. He almost had her, but she slipped by. She would have to be quicker and smarter than Iron Will if she were to win this thing. She didn't exactly know what he meant be 'improvise,' but she would just have to see. Iron Will came around again for a second try but Applejack was ready this time, making him slide to a stop.

"Enough horse play, COME HERE." He boomed his voice as he reached for her. Applejack jumped into the air and gave him a swift kick to the jaw, making his head completely turn. It surprised him. No one had ever come so close. He knew now he had to be more careful. The kick only stung a little. Iron Will was tough, he was not going to get hurt that easy. As Applejack landed on the ground, she slipped in her own puddle of rain and mud she had made earlier. She stumbled to get up, but it was too late. Iron will swung his large right arm around and hit her across her shoulder blades, sending her forward and out of the ring. She went down, head first and tumbled to the floor below. She could hear the crowd 'awe,' 'boo' and cheer for their favorite. She was surprised to hear more supporters out there for her. Shutting her eyes tight and letting out a grunt as she felt the sting from the hit and fall, she struggled to get on her feet. Iron Will's laughter rang through her ears while she placed her hands on the ring floor again. She knew that was way too easy for him. That it wasn't all his strength he used on her. She felt regret from being too nervous when he first came at her. That was the perfect opportunity for her to get a ring out. Now it would be hard for her to get him to run at her full force.

"JACK!!" Rarity called out from the crowd as she saw her friend struggling to get up. "JACK I'M HERE! PLEASE DON'T GET HURT!!"

Applejack turned her head to see Rarity calling out from the crowd. She smiled and gave her a thumbs up, to let her know everything was going to be okay. But Rarity was too worried. She had just arrived to see Applejack getting up from the floor. She had to get closer. She had to see Applejack from up close, to know her friend was going to be alright. Rarity began to push her way through the crowd, and hurried down the stairs.

Iron Will watched as Applejack stood tall on the other side of the ring, waiting for them to ring the bell again.

"You're okay, for a puny stallion." He smiled.

"An' you're alright too. I suppose."

DING DING

Round two began with Iron Will stomping his way over to Applejack. She watched as his right hoof slipped sideways just a few feet before her. As he tried to regain his balance, Applejack ran towards him. His eyes locked on her own, and predicted where she was about to go. He reared his leg and thrust it out forward, aiming right for her face. But she was too quick. Under his leg she went, kneeling low to the ground and popping up again to kick his jaw upward. The blow shook him a little, but it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough. Applejack slipped again and fell to the ring floor. She gasped as she felt a hand grip the back of her shirt, and pulled. She could hear a loud tearing noise, and felt a sudden rush of cool air hit the back of her. In Iron Wills fist was her shirt, well, part of it. She scrambled to get up and get away before he could try again. And she succeeded.

"Iron Will hates this wet floor!" He shouted.

"Really now Iron Will?" Applejack said putting her hands on her hips. "Well Ah'd hate to make you comfortable." She said, beginning to pull her shirt off. The crowd whistled and hooted as they watched Applejack take her shirt, and wring the water out onto the floor of the ring. His eyes twitched as he watched all of the water splash onto the floor, making the ring even more slippery. As he looked up he noticed Jack's chest was bounded tight by medical bandages.

"Chest injury?" He asked.

Applejack shrugged as she tossed her shirt out of the ring, which was caught by a couple of fan ponies.

"Sorta."

"COME ON JACK! YOU CAN DO THIS!" Rarity shouted in confidence, blushing as she stared at Applejack's abs.

Iron Will came forward again, but was more careful where he stepped. He watched as Applejack moved around the puddles of water, a lot quicker than he ever could. As she came in close, he stepped to the side, waiting for her move. He looked at her with confidence, and suddenly jumped forward, catching her off guard. Putting his arm around her, he scooped her off the floor and tossed her behind him. As she flung through the air, her back smacked into a wooden post that held up the bell. The wood smashed and broke off as she came down with it.

"Ring out," they announced. The crowd went crazy.

Applejack hit the floor, hard. She let out a loud cry, as her body landed with a thud.

"JACK!!" Rarity called out as she ran to Applejack's side. She lifted her up from the ground and leaned her against the wall.

"Jack are you alright?" She gasped as she saw the sight of blood coming from her lip. "You don't have to do this Jack. Bits are not that important! You are! You can't get hurt anymore, please forfeit. Please!"

"Ahhh..." Applejack grunted and winced as she held her wrist. "Ah landed on mah wrist... damn. Rarity Ah can't back out now. Ah won't. Ah need it." she said wincing once more before getting up. She held her hurt hand close to her stomach. Looking down to see the bell still attached to the post of wood laying on the floor, she came up with an idea.

"Maybe this is what he meant by improvise..." She knelt down and took it into her hand. Climbing up and into the ring for her final time, Applejack met eyes with an angry Minotaur.

"There's no bell to say when the match starts." He said to the judges, throwing up his arms into the air.

"Here, Ah'll ring it for you." Applejack said knocking on the bell.

"You broke my bell!" He said angrily stomping towards her.

"You broke my wrist!" she said, swinging the post, knocking him right against his head. The post snapped like a toothpick, but Iron Will looked completely unmoved. He looked down at her, and swung his arm forward once again. As Applejack ducked, his hand met her hat, knocking it off and to the floor. Her long mane fell past her shoulders and down her back. As Iron Will was about to come back for another swing, he stopped.

"...You. You're Fluttershy's friend, Applejack. You're no stallion."

Applejack froze, and her eyes widened. She felt the top of her head, and gasped as she didn't find her hat. She began to back up, as her legs shook from a sudden panic. She was discovered. She looked to the side of her, where Rarity stood. Rarity's mouth parted just a bit, as she watched Applejack not know what to do or say. She didn't know what Applejack should do either. Applejack could feel her heart pound as a rush of adrenaline and panic came over her. Her hands shook as she backed away even more. What was going to happen now? This was a bad time for Rarity to discover Jack was really Applejack, and that she had been lied to this entire time. Applejack wanted to run, but her feet wouldn't let her. It was like a dream, a really bad dream.

"Ah... Ah-uh..."

"HEY IRON WILL!"

Iron Will turned his head to see who was calling his name. It was Rarity, trying to catch his attention.

"YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGER IS A MARE, YOU GONNA LET THAT SIMPLE RULE BREAK FAZE YOU?" She teased. "Go get him Applejack!" she winked.

Applejack felt a rush of relief as she saw that Rarity was still cheering her on. She turned to Iron Will and crossed her arms.

"Yeah Iron Will. You going to let that faze you?"

Iron Will growled and took a running stance. "This ends now!"

Applejack took a running stance as well, and prepared herself for the worst. Iron Will ran towards her, in a blind rage ready to knock her out. Before he could touch her, Applejack leaps high into the air. She saw her opportune moment, and spiked him in the back of his head, knocking him forward and forcing him to fall right out of the ring. The crowd went wild with cheers and hooting, as Applejack landed on her feet. She put her hands to her forehead as she could not believe her plan had actually worked. Rarity used her magic to get on stage with Applejack, who still seemed a bit frightened at what Rarity might think.

"Rarity... Ah'm sorry Ah... Ah lied to you. Ah-"

Rarity stopped Applejack from saying anything else by putting a finger to her lips. She leaned in close, making her blush dark red.

"Hush, Applejack." She slowly put her finger down. "I knew it was you." Rarity wrapped her arms around her and kissed her longingly. Applejack couldn't believe it. Rarity knew? When? How long? Why didn't she say anything? As the kiss broke, Applejack felt Rarity's hand touch her cheek.

"How did you know?"

"These freckles... those green eyes, and such a modest personality. How could I not know it was you? Did you really think you had me fooled?"

"Ehem." Iron Will cleared his throat, causing the two to break their kiss.

"Iron Will is happy to give you your ten thousand bits. You are a worthy opponent, no matter what gender you are." He gave Applejack a thumbs up. "....Now get out of my tent."

____

The two took a coach ride home, Rarity refused to walk in the rain. Even though it was just a short distance. As the two stepped onto her porch and walked into her home, Applejack sat down on her couch.

"So... you're really not mad?"

"Well, you did lie to me, Applejack."

"Ah wasn't plannin' on it really. It was all just bad timing, that's it."

"And you've been in love with me since we've known each other."

Applejack blushed. "Well... that too."

"You should've told me yourself, though."

Rarity sat down next to her and placed her hand on her leg, making Applejack blush madly. She watched as Rarity took out her first aid again, beginning to wrap up Applejacks wrist. Applejack took a deep breath, and closed her eyes.

"Rarity..." she began. "Rarity Ah have so much feelin's for you. Ah just couldn't tell you. Ah thought you were only interested in stallions, and if that were the case you would've rejected me. Ah couldn't take that kind of rejection. It hurt way too much to even think about. And Ah didn't want to take the chance that it might ruin out friendship. Ah'd go crazy not talkin to you no more. Every night Ah'd lay in bed restless thinking you wouldn't give me a proper chance. And Ah'm sorry, Ah should've known better.

"I understand, Applejack. In the end I found it... really flattering."

"You did?"

"Yes. Who goes out of their way so much, as much as you did, for a mare they love? Most would give up and move on, or hide all their life. You didn't. You went for it and... that just means my love is really important to you. That you would do almost anything to get it."

Applejack felt tears coming to her from how understanding and caring Rarity really was. She really did have a beautiful heart. As Rarity finished wrapping up Applejack's wrist, she scooted closer to her. She looked her in the eyes and wiped away her falling tears.

"I love you, Applejack. My strong, brilliant mare."

"Ah love you too, Rarity."

The two embraced in a loving kiss, and held each other close. Things between the two weren't going to be the same anymore. Everypony out there would now know that Rarity and Applejack were a beautiful couple.

Author's Note

<3 NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU ITS THE END! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

RARITY X APPLEJACK FOREVER!!