In another lifeby Obsidian_WinterChaptersNightmares and MemoriesThe Incident at the Cafe'The DealNightmares and MemoriesWARNING - This Chapter includes some mild gore and horror. Applejack sat by her window, looking out as the rain fell steadily. It dripped from the rafters, down the window pane, and gently fell to the earth below. It had been over a year since Rainbow Dash had died in that terrible accident in Canterlot during one of her performances with the Wonderbolts. This day wasn't unlike any other besides the rain. Applejack liked the rain. It made her feel like it masked her own tears as they slowly made their way down her face and dripped on the floor. She could hear the noise of her family busseling around downstairs. What were they doing down there, she wondered? She wiped at the tears on her face and looked over at her empty bed as she had so many times before. She could picture it in her head. All those wonderful nights shared with her mate and best friend. This room was where they shared their first night together. It was where on one cold winter's eve as they lay cuddled together, Rainbow Dash first whispered those three beautiful words, "I love you". It was where so many long talks had begun and ended. Her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of the stairs creaking followed by a gentle knock on her door. “Its open,” Applejack said softly. Big Mac slowly stepped in her sisters room. He took in the sight of her sitting by the window as she so often was when he came to check on her.”How ya holdin’ up tonight, AJ?” Her ears laid back and she didn’t speak for a long while until she finally let out a short sigh. “Same as the last 100 times ya asked me that. I don’t see it gettin’ any better neither” Big Mac shuffled his hooves a little and let out a soft sigh of his own. He knew what he had to say but he hated he’d been the one selected to say it. “AJ, it's been over a year now. Don’t you reckon you should at least spend more time downstairs at least?” “What’s it matter what I do in mah own time big brother?", she said curtly. “Ah do my chores, Ah help out around the house, and still cook plenty of meals. This is mah personal time and ah don’t rightly see what it matters to anyone what ah do with it” “Yer family and friends miss ya is all,” Big Mac said. “Sure you do all that’s required of ya. Ain’t no pony sayin’ otherwise, but there’s more to life than just sittin’ up in your room thinkin’ ‘bout the past or what might’ve been.” “And what if it had been Cheerilee that died? Would ya be sayin’ the same thing?” “That ain’t fair.” “Sure it is. You love her more than life itself. If she off and died I reckin’ you’d be plenty shook up.” Applejack turned around from the window and gazed at her brother. Big Mac spent a while pondering his next words. He opened his mouth and closed it again several times trying to phrase his next sentence just right. “I’d mourn’er. I’d mourn like you mourn Rainbow Dash, for both myself and the little filly we have together.” He stopped and clenched his eyes. The mere thought of losing his wife nearly brought him to tears, “but” he pushed through. “I’d also let the past alone after a while. Find that spot where the pain stops and good memories begin. I’d turn to mah family and friends for comfort. ‘Course there's a time for thinkin’ and holdin’ on, but eventually ya gotta let go” That was not what Applejack wanted to hear. “Let’er go?! How can ya say such a thing!?” Her face was red with fury and she jumped up out of her seat looking ready for a fight. “Ya don’t understand Mac! Ah, -can’t- let’er go. Don’t ya think Ah’ve tried? Do ya think I enjoy sittin’ around thinkin’ about what I lost all the time? There ain’t a moments peace for me. Not during the day while workin’, not during the night while sleepin’. Not with my friends or even mah family.” Tears started to flow freely down her face as she continued. “All ah I can ever think about is that blue pegasus!” She began to sob. “Ah w-wish I could just have a moments peace but it never comes. A-ah miss her so much Big Mac.” When she finally stopped, she let her head hang low. Her golden mane fell down about her face, covering the streams of tears. Big Mac stood in silence not sure what to do. He wanted to go to her, to comfort her as he had tried to do so many times. But she was stubborn and never wanted any part of it. She always felt she had to take on the world alone. No, that wasn’t true. She always felt she could take on the world with her wife at her side. “AJ….” “Please get out,” she sobbed. “AJ I’m sorry….” “I said get outta here Mac!” Bic Mac’s heart sank. He wasn’t mad at her for yelling. He wasn’t upset at her tone. He figured this is how this conversation would go. He simply turned around and shut the door quietly on his way out. Applejack stood there for a long time, thinking about the conversation she just had. Big Mac was right. She knew in heart he was right, but right now her heart and mind had no room for anything but her sorrow. She walked over to her bed and laid down, curling up as tight as she could. The soft pounding of rain hitting the roof and her own heartbeat were the only sounds she could hear. She closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable nightmares to come. ~***~ “Come on AJ, you have to open your eyes at some point! How else are you going to see how awesome this new trick really is?” Rainbow Dash said with slight disappointment in her voice. “This is like the coolest trick I’ve ever come up with and you won’t even watch the ending!” “Ah’m sorry Sugarcube. Next time I’ll watch till the end, I promise.” “You -always- say that,” Rainbow said as she crossed her forelegs over her chest. Flying close to the love of her life. “And ah always mean it every time ah say it. But after ya do yer Rainboom and start streaking towards the ground to do that triple...err..heimlich...uhh...hexic…” “Helix” “Yeah that; instead of pullin’ up as usual? It just gets to mah nerves somethin’ fierce. What if something went wrong? I may not be an expert, but even ah can tell when yer going fast enough to kill yer self. Ya need to think ‘bout the big picture. Is a stunt that dangerous worth the risk of an accident?” They were walking home along the path from the barns to the east Orchard where their house was tucked away in seclusion off in the distance. They had moved out of the Apple family homestead some 12 years ago after deciding they needed a space of their own after they were married. The sun was coming down and the heat of the day had finally started to abate. They had been off in the fields most the afternoon as Rainbow Dash practiced her moves for the upcoming show in Canterlot. She had moved up over the years in the Wonderbolt hierarchy and was now Captain and one of their leading show mare’s. She had perfected countless stunts, from the mundane to down right death defying; but as time went on, Rainbow Dash began to feel her act was getting stale and needed something new. That’s where the Triple Helix Rainboom came in. “When you don’t watch to the end, it’s like you don’t have faith in me that I can do it. It really sucks,” Rainbow pouted. “Aww, Dash it ain’t that. You know me, I just worry is all. Ah’ll always worry ‘bout ya. Ya ain’t no 18 year old filly no more. Yer almost 34 years old and well, ponies change over time. We been married what, 14 years now? In all that time have ah ever stopped worryin’ while yer performin’?” She stopped and looked her mate in the eyes. “It ain’t that I don’t believe in ya. It's just I think ya might be a little too old to be addin’ such a dangerous trick to your routine. Ya only got a few more years before ya retire from active shows and move to trainin’ new Wonderbolts at the Academy in Canterlot.” Rainbow considered this for a moment and sighed. “You’re right I guess. I just don’t want to stop being cool because I got older is all. When I retire, I want to be the best that ever was or will be. Is that so much to ask?” “You’ll always be the coolest and most awesome pony in all Equestria. You don’t need no silly trick to prove it. Ya already have over the years.” Applejack smiled, leaned in and kissed her long and lovingly. Rainbow Dash whimpered into the kiss, melting how she always did since their first kiss so long ago. To Rainbow’s dismay, Applejack ended the kiss sooner than she would have liked. “Thats cheating” “No it ain’t” “Is too” “Not” Rainbow laughed and landed, nudging her flank up against Applejack’s. “Well at least let me do it once at the Canterlot show. Its an anniversary event and everyone will be there, even the Princesses. I’ll do it just like I practiced. One and done. Then once everyone can see I’m just as awesome as I’ve ever been, I’ll go back to my normal stunts. How’s that?” Applejack had a bad feeling about it. She didn’t like it one bit. She firmly believed it was too dangerous, but she had done it several times in practice already and she wasn’t one to hold her beautiful blue pegasus back. “Alright. Once. One and done, ya promise?” “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she said, going through the motions as she spoke. “Thanks AJ. You’re the best” “And don’t ya ever forget it.” “As if” They both laughed as the reached the door to the house. “How ‘bout we go inside and open up a barrel of Cider since your shows tomorrow. For good luck and all that,” Applejack said. “Sure, but after the Cider, mind if we do a little something else upstairs to wish me luck?” Applejack smirked, “I think that can be arranged.” As they walked inside and Applejack went to the kitchen, Rainbow suddenly had an odd urge come over her. “Hey Applejack?” “Yeah Darlin’?” Rainbow fidgeted with her hooves a little before finally speaking. “I love you. You know that, and I know I don’t say it nearly enough as I should. I’ve never been good with all that mushy stuff, but I really do. With all my heart. In all the cool places I’ve been and all the people I’ve got to meet around the world, no one has ever come close to matching how awesome you are...other than me, but that goes without saying,” she joked. Applejack brought out two mugs full of the delicious beverage and set them down on the table. She laid out on the floor, bright emerald eyes focused on those deep magenta. “And I love you Sugarcube. Yer my world. Don’t know how I rightly got along without ya looking back. Ah was born to be with ya. Nothing can break what we have….” Break...Broken…. Applejack gasped as suddenly right before her eyes, Rainbow’s left wing snapped in half. Her right wing ripped nearly off her back all together. Blood started oozing from the injuries as Applejack laid there in shock. “Whats wrong AJ?” Rainbow asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Ghost...death…. Blood started to run down her face from a nasty gash on her forehead. Her legs began to snap and twist, making Rainbow look more like a twisted piece of metal then a pony. Applejack staggered back. Rainbow Dash just sat there, bleeding and broken on their floor. “Why did you say it was okay to do that trick Applejack? If you would have told me not to I would have listened.” Applejack looked on in horror. “No...no...I said it was dangerous….I just didn’t want to hold ya back! I wanted ya to be happy!” “Look at me Applejack...I’m dead and it’s your fault” Applejack backed away in sheer terror. “No. Please, Celestia, no. This isn’t real. THIS ISN”T REAL” She shouted.. “Come give me a kiss Applejack….” Rainbow leaned forward, her body creaking and cracking as she did. She began to laugh. “Oh my gosh, you should see your face!” Applejack closed her eyes and screamed. Big Mac startled awake at the sound of the blood curdling scream coming from Applejack’s room. It was the nightmares again. He jumped out of bed and ran to his sisters room, throwing open the door. The screaming had stopped but Applejack laid there, still asleep, her cheeks stained with tears as she constantly whispered over and over again “I’m sorry...I’m so sorry” Out on her balcony, Princess Luna stood under the bright light of the moon, observing the night and all the ponies dreams. With a sorrowful heart she slowly turned her head over towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Oh Applejack…” Princess Luna wept. ~***~ Applejack woke up to a wet pillow and roosters crowing to the morning Sunrise. She started to shake as images of her nightmare came into her mind’s eye. “Get a hold of yer self Applejack. It was just a dream” She tried to force it to the back of her head as she staggered out of bed and headed to the shower. She opened the door and to her surprise the water was already on. “Oh excuse me.” She went to turn around but heard a familiar, soft laugh. She opened up the shower curtain and to her surprise and horror, there was Rainbow Dash, broken and covered in blood. The water from the shower washed down her cyan coat, washing some of the blood down the drain. She smiled. Several of her teeth were missing. “Join me?” Applejack screamed herself awake. She sat straight up, her chest rising and falling in rapid movements. Her heart was nearly beating out of her chest. A rooster crowed as the first light of the day began to shine in through her window. Her eyes darted around her room as if to make sure she was alone. After several minutes she threw the covers back and carefully stepped out of bed. She was sweating as if she had been working out in the fields all day. She opened her door and slowly moved towards the shower. The door was open and thankfully the water was not on. She reached out with quaking hooves to pull back the shower curtain. With a sudden jerk, she pulled it open. Empty. Her heart was still beating hard in her chest as she let out a sigh of relief and hanged her head. She locked the door behind her, turned on the water and stepped in, trying to wash away the terror that still griped her body. ~***~ After a long, hot shower she dried herself off, grabbed her hat and went downstairs. All the rest of the Apple Family was already seated and trying to enjoy their breakfast as best they could. She gathered herself up some pancakes and sat down offering a weak smile to her family. “Mornin’ y'all.” Big Mac, Cheerilee and Apple Bloom all offered her a warm smile. “Mornin’ Sis,” Apple Bloom said with a forced smile. Applejack looked around the room and hung her head dejectedly. “Ya’ll heard my ruckus this mornin’ didn’t ya?” Everyone’s eyes went down for a moment before Big Mac spoke up. “Eeyup” he said softly. Applejack was glad that Big Mac and Cheerilee's filly had spent the night at a friends house and hadn't been around to hear her. Hazel Blossom was a sweetheart and innocent. She didn't need to be hearing Applejack screaming like a mad mare. “Ugh...Ah’m sorry ya’ll. Last night was really bad. Hadn’t had one like that in a while. Ah’m real grateful ya’ll let me move back into my old room a few months back, but maybe I should go move back into Rainbow and mah’s old house. I won’t be near the bother over there.” Everyone nearly spoke up at once and with the same answer “No!” Applejack sat there stunned for a few moments before Cheerilee spoke up first. “I think what we all mean to say is that the last thing you need is to be cooped up in that house alone. You’re an Apple and this will always be your home, no matter what. Isn’t that right Big Mac?” “Eeyup” “Couldn’t have said it better mahself!” Apple Bloom declared. “Beside’s since granny passed away, it’s good to have someone back at home that can cook.” Cheerilee looked over at Apple Bloom and raised an eye brow. Apple Bloom laughed nervously and quickly added “Not that yer cookin’s bad Cheerilee, it just ain’t like granny’s or Applejacks.” She smiled the most innocent smile she could muster and cleared her throat. “Whoa, you know what? Look at the time. I gotta get to work. That barn ain’t gonna fix itself! Seeya later everypony!” With that she grabbed her tools and was out the door. Cheerilee sighed and looked over at Big Mac, “My cooking isn’t that bad is it?” Big Mac knew there was only one right answer if he desired to keep peace in his marriage” “Eenope” She smiled and gave him a nuzzle before going back to her breakfast. Everyone sat in silence before Mac spoke up first. “So, ya got any plans today AJ, besides work?” Applejack shrugged. “The girls have been wantin’ to get together for awhile. I just ain’t found the time to do it. Farm to run and all. “Make time,” Big Mac said after swallowing another bite of his breakfast. “If ya want to go see yer friends, I can cover the chores till ya get back” Applejack reached behind her head and scratched the back of her neck nervously. “Ah don’t know if that's such a good idea. Work keeps my mind as much off my problems as possible. Besides, when ah’m with the girls, it just don’t feel right. Not without Rainbow. “Ya spent plenty of time with em’ while she was away with the Wonderbolts. Just think of it like that.” Big Mac said in a matter of fact tone. “I guess…Alright, maybe I’ll head on into town later this afternoon. Right now, ah need to get to work. ah’ll see ya outside Mac.” With that Applejack excused herself from the table, leaving her breakfast untouched and headed out the door. ~***~ The rest of the morning went on as uneventful as possible. Cheerilee left to teach her class, Big Macintosh was out in the south field, while Applejack tended to her trees, hauled some empty baskets to the barn and baled some hay; though with every chore there came a memory. When she tended her trees and heard a noise above her, she looked on instinct for that cyan mare who used to take naps on the branches. As she hauled the baskets, she thought of the many times Rainbow Dash would be her company as she worked, and as she baled the hay in the loft of the barn she thought about all those romantic nights up there, just the two of them. Sometimes they would talk, sometimes make out and sometimes (more often than not) would end up making love. These were the thoughts and memories that Applejack simply could not escape. When it finally came time to take a break, she went inside and made herself a sandwich and poured a tall glass of water. She laid her hat on the table and sat down. As she ate she looked up at the clock. 2:30pm. The girls would be meeting up at the cafe’ around three. They always did on Tuesdays. She thought about what Mac said about ‘making time’ to go see her friends and that it would be good for her. It had been over a month since she saw them all as a group. Aside from the occasional check in from a concerned party, they pretty much learned to leave her alone with her grief. That didn’t sit right with Applejack. She finished her meal, slapped her hat back on her head and left a note on the Icebox for Mac, telling him she had gone into town. Author's Note I hate tragedy stories, more so when they are AppleDash. I like my AppleDash with Romance or Adventure. I can spend hours reading those feel good Fic's and drift off to sleep and have happy dream's. For some reason, this story just won't leave me alone. I thought of it over a year ago and dismissed it early on as something I just didn't want to explore. It screwed with my happy AppleDash world that I loved to come play in when I get the chance. After taking a break from Fimfiction all together for some time, I came back and saw I had saved the title and description of this long abandoned project. It wouldn't give me a moments peace since. So here it is. I hope you enjoy reading it. I wrote it in a single night, had to edit it myself so pardon any error's. If anyone would like to step up and offer to edit, I would be a happy pony! Special thanks to The Rated Pony Star for giving it a good pre-read and offering his advice. Go check out his stuff if you haven't! Comment, Like, follow, all the usual stuff if you want. I will try to update once a week. The Incident at the Cafe'Applejack wandered down the winding road that lead from her farm at Sweet Apple Acres to Ponyville proper. The trip had taken her about 20 minutes she guessed, which should have her arriving right on time to meet up with everyone. As she walked through town she couldn't help but notice all the stares she was getting from nearly every pony she walked past. Some showed surprise but most sympathy. She hated the thought of any pony feeling sorry for her. Sure she hadn't been seen in months, but surely they understood why. The stares made her uncomfortable but she continued walking trying to ignore them. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, she thought. She finally came to a stop in front of the cafe'. She could see most of her friends had already arrived. They wore smiles on their faces and seemed to be having a great time. Applejack pondered that for a moment. Did she really want to ruin their good time? She wasn't really in any mood to be smiling or laughing. "Yeah, this was a bad idea," she said to herself. She turned to leave when suddenly she heard a gasp from behind her. "Applejack. Oh my gosh it is so good to see you!" Applejack let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes, trying to put on her best face. She turned around to find Fluttershy looking at her with a bright smile. "Well howdy Fluttershy. Good to see ya. How ya been?" Applejack asked. "Oh, well...I was thinking I should be asking you that question. No one has seen you in so long." Applejack shifted uncomfortably in place, bringing her fore hoof to the back of her neck nervously. “Well, ya know I got the farm to deal with an’ all. Guess I just ain’t found time to make it into town much.” “Not even to sell Apples?” Fluttershy asked. “Oh...Uh...Big Mac and Apple bloom decided they wanted to do that from now on,” she quickly explained. Applejack never was a good liar. Any pony could tell when she told a fib, including Fluttershy, but she let it slide. If Applejack didn’t want to talk about the real reason she was avoiding town, it wasn’t her place to stick her muzzle where it didn’t belong. “Alright, I guess. Oh! You have to come inside and see everypony! They will be so glad to see you’re alright!” Fluttershy flashed that smile again and her ears perked up. Applejack took a few steps back. “Ah don’t know. I really should be gettin’ back to the farm….” “Oh don’t worry about that. You still have lots of daylight left. The least you can do is say ‘hi’.” Fluttershy wasn’t the most assertive of ponies, but when her mind was made up about something, there wasn’t really any point of arguing. She had really learned to assert herself over the years, which was a good thing, until now. Fluttershy began nudging Applejack into the cafe’ until she finally started moving on her own accord. Once inside Applejack took in the sights. There was hardly any pony inside besides her friends and one older looking stallion sitting at the counter with what smelled like fresh coffee. The waitress had just finished taking her friends’ order and walked past Applejack with a friendly smile. It was Rarity who saw Applejack first. “Applejack, dear! My word, come over here. It is so good to see you!” Applejack walked over to Rarity to be greeted by a huge hug by the fashionista. Upon a second look at Applejack she gasped and her ears laid back. “Oh my, darling. You look dreadful.” “Gee, thanks Rarity,” Applejack said and turned her head, embarrassed. Did she really look that bad? She couldn’t remember the last time she had looked in a mirror. Rarity laughed nervously and tried to further explain her comment. “Sorry, it’s just….when was the last time you slept, or ate. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this. You simply must come with me to the spa after this luncheon is all over. I’ll have you feeling like a new pony in no time!” “Oh! Oh! We should have a PARTY! A ‘Welcome back to ponyville after you’ve been gone so long’ party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, jumping up from her chair and bouncing around Applejack in a dizzying circle. “I could set up the cake and the muffins, oh and gummy’s favorite punch! We could play games and…” “Girls! How about we just let Applejack get settled in first, okay?” Twilight stood from her seat and offered a hug to her friend. There was a moment of tension between them, but Twilight tried to ignore it. She was just glad to have her friend back again, even if only for a while. Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight and finally Applejack all took a seat at the booth. There was a long moment of awkward silence. Finally Twilight spoke first. “We were really sad and a little surprised you didn’t show up to the dedication of Rainbow Dash’s memorial in the Canterlot Gardens last month. It was a really beautiful ceremony.” “I don’t need no silly statue to remind me of Rainbow Dash. She was mah wife remember?” Applejack said curtly. “Yes, of course,” Twilight tried to recover. “We were all just worried about you is all. All you do is stay up at the farm and well..it’s just not healthy. You have to stop blaming yourself for what happened. No pony could have predicted what happened.” Applejack poked at the glass of water that the waitress had just set down for her, deep in thought. She really didn’t need to hear this for a second time today. “Look here ya’’ll. Ah know that’s what everypony says, but ya’ll don’t realize that if I had told Rainbow Dash not to do that damn trick, she’d still be alive today. Sure she wanted to do it, but I meant more to her then some silly stunt. I should have went with my gut and pressed the issue, but ah didn’t.” “Um, I’d like to say, we all knew what kind of pony Rainbow Dash was.” Fluttershy stopped and looked over at Applejack who was giving her a look. “And, well...Rainbow always pushed herself. You were just always very supportive which was one of the things she loved about you. I personally don’t think she would want you to tear yourself up like this over something no pony could control….” “Well that ain’t exactly true now is it, Twilight.” Applejack said with an icy tone to her voice. All the other girls gasped and even the stallion at the bar got up and left as if some inner voice told him it was about to be much safer outside than in. “Oh Applejack please don’t bring this up again,” Rarity begged. “We’ve all been through this a dozen times and it never ends well. Let's just enjoy our afternoon together, shall we?” “Ah think I’ve had enough socializin’ for one day.” Applejack jumped up out of her seat and headed for the door. “It wouldn’t have worked Applejack. I’ve explained that. I even asked both Princess Celestia and Luna about it when the accident first happened. That time traveling spell wouldn’t have changed anything.” Applejack spun around, fire in her eyes. “Ya could’ve at least tried! What harm would it have done? None!” “Plenty actually.” Twilight sighed and stood up to face her friend. “Don’t you remember that the last time I did that spell? Every single thing I was trying to prevent happened anyway? There’s a set time for everything Applejack. Things happen when they are suppose to happen. I know that doesn’t make you feel any better, but it’s the truth.” “Ya didn’t even TRY” Applejack yelled again. “It hurts so bad and all you had to do was make the effort to prevent it!” Applejack’s voice started to crack. “W-would it have been so b-bad to go back just once?” “And do you really think it would have stopped there Applejack? After the first failure, you would want me to try again, then again, and again, each time making you lose Rainbow all over again. Could you really go through that repeatedly?” Applejack grew silent as Rarity moved from her seat and stood next to Twilight. “Oh Applejack, I can’t imagine how much pain you must be in darling, but we all miss her too. I know I for one could not stand to lose Rainbow Dash again. Surely you understand Twilight’s position?” “Applejack,” Twilight spoke softly. “I’m so sorry. I can’t try to play God with ponies lives. It would only end in disaster. “She wasn’t just any pony, Twi. She was my wife and an Element of Harmony. That should’a counted for somethin’ after all we’ve been through. Fluttershy finally stood and walked over to the group. “Girls, stop it! What happened was a terrible accident that No pony can change, no matter how badly we may want to.” “Yeah” Pinkie Pie said. “Dashie wouldn’t want you two fighting. It’s the last thing she would want!” “Ya’ll just don’t understand what mah life is like without her. I know ah got mah other family but ever since Rainbow d-died, life just lost its luster. It’s like it ain’t worth livin’. Ya’ll don’t get that. She may have been yer friend but she was mah life, and all anypony ever tells me to do is just move on from her. Like the past 14 years didn’t happen…” “Applejack, no one is saying tha…” Twilight tried to interrupt, but Applejack kept going. “Well I CAIN”T ya hear?! I cain’t and ah won’t!” Applejack turned back to the door and stepped out. Twilight followed close on her heels. “Applejack, please! Let us help you! You don’t have to face this alone. Please give us a chance.” “Ya had a chance to help Twilight but ya didn’t. All ya’ll other girls, I know ya mean well but the only thing that will make things right is to have Rainbow back.” Applejack looked down at her hooves and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. “Ah’m real sorry I messed up ya’lls afternoon. Won’t happen again,” and with that Applejack took off in a full gallop. “Applejack….” Twilight lowered her head and let her wings hang low at her side. She then turned and went back inside with the other’s. ~***~ Applejack decided to go home via Whitetail woods to avoid running into any other towns folk. The leaves were starting to change various colors of yellow, red, and orange as the end of summer approached and Autumn slowly set in. It was a warm afternoon made better by a gentle breeze that blew through her mane and over her body. She had slowed down to a brisk walk as she made her way along the wide path that also served as the road traveled for the ‘Running of the Leaves’ event. This was also the same place where a nervous Rainbow Dash first confessed her feelings to a surprised Applejack. ~***~ It was 15 years ago right after the annual ‘Running of Leaves’. A wore out Applejack and Rainbow Dash had started their way back to Sweet Apple Acres with the promise of cold cider awaiting them. Rainbow was was only a few feet away from Applejack when she suddenly stopped for apparently no reason. “You alright Sugarcube?” Applejack asked “Huh?” Rainbow Dash looked away for a brief moment. “Y-yeah, I’m cool.”” “Well I already knew that already,” she chuckled to herself. “Ah meant is anything wrong?” “No, It’s all good.” “Ya sure?” “Yeah…..well...I mean kinda.” Rainbow fidgeted for a moment as she tried to think on how to say what was on her mind. “Okay, so like...you know how we’ve been friends for a really long time right?” “Yeah, I reckon so,” Applejack said. “What’s this yer goin’ on about RD?” “Just gimme a minute. I’m trying to say something.” Rainbow Dash took in a deep breath and started to gather her courage. “...and well, sometimes, over time, friendships change and feelings change….Do you understand what I’m getting at?” Applejack looked shocked. “Are ya sayin’ you don’t want to be mah friend no more? That somethin’s happened between us? Ah mean, if this is about me beatin’ ya at this year’s competition…” Rainbow Dash facehoofed and ran over to her concerned friend. “What?! No! Thats not what I’m saying at all! Look, I just mean that sometimes ponies feelings can change for one another and its not always a bad thing.” “Dag nabbit Rainbow just get on with whatever yer tryin’ to say. Yer bout to give me a heart attack!” Rainbow looked into those beautiful emerald eyes just as she had so many times before. Today was the day. No more waiting or chickening out. She was Rainbow Dash. The most awesome flyer in all Equestria and she was not about to wuss out again. “Okay AJ. Listen up because I can only say this once and you have to promise not to laugh at me because honestly, I just don’t think I could take that. Its taken me months just to get this far plus the encouragement of all our friends” Applejack turned her head to the side in curiosity. ‘What on earth could Rainbow have to say that would make her laugh at her’. Dash’s serious expression was betrayed by something else behind those magenta eyes; something Applejack had never really seen before. Was that doubt? Fear? “RD, whatever it is ya gotta say you can say it. Ah won’t laugh, Ah promise.” Rainbow nodded. This was it. “Alright. Applejack, would you like to go out with me?” Applejack stared at her for what seemed to Rainbow Dash like an eternity. Truth was, only a few seconds had passed. “So like, you want to go hang out some place or...” Rainbow’s face dropped. She let out a growl of frustration and tried again. “No! I mean….. Applejack placed a hoof to her mouth and offered a half smile. “Ah know what ya meant darlin’. Ah’m just messin’ with you.” Applejack lowered her hoof and gave Rainbow Dash a good look over, making sure she wasn’t joking around or pulling one of her pranks. “I gotta ask...why me?” Rainbow seemed legitimately shocked by this question. “Why you?! Why not you?! Your hard working, your loyal and honest. You can keep up with me. You have so much love in you and it shows in your work or when you’re with your family. You accept me and all the crazy stuff I do and you have always supported me and my dreams. When I'm with you, I feel like I could fly even without my wings....its just..” “Rainbow, I ain’t all tha…” Before she could finish, Dash continued on. “ “You are the only other pony in all Equestria that is as awesome as I am. I mean our other friends are great, but you and I just click. At least to me. And there's so much more but I’m just not good at this stuff so could you please just say yes or no so I can either die of embarrassment or feel relieved?” Applejack didn’t know what to say. I mean sure she would be lying to herself if she said she hadn’t wondered about a relationship between the two, but she always dismissed it. Rainbow Dash wanted to be a Wonderbolt, which would take her away from Ponyville, while Applejack was just an Apple Farmer, likely to stay in Ponyville the rest of her life. How could this possibly work out? “Ya know it won’t be easy. We have two totally different directions we want to take our lives, but yer a smart enough pony to have already thought of that. Ya sure this is a road ya wanna go down?” Rainbow Dash gave her a look of sheer determination “Your right, I have thought about all of that. It’s all I’ve been thinking about for over 6 months when I was finally able to admit to myself how I felt. I’d like to find out if this could work. I-I know it will work. When we've both worked hard at something, when has it -not- worked?" Rainbow let out a sigh. "I’ve never been more afraid of anything until this moment. So….?” “Yes” Applejack said with a smile in her eye. Rainbow Dash’s features lit up and her wings opened wide in excitement. “Whoa...R-really?” Applejack laughed. “Yeah ya silly Pegasus, really. If I’m honest with ya, I’ve kinda wondered what bein’ with ya would be like as well. Let’s give it a shot.” Rainbow Dash flew into the air yelling out all kinds of hoots and hollers, turning back flips and front flips, leaving rainbow streaks all over the sky where she quickly flew. She finally landed and casually walked up to AJ. “Soooo, tomorrow at 8?” ~***~ Applejack had been deep in thought. So much so she didn’t even notice that instead of walking back to the Apple Family homestead, she instead arrived at her and Rainbows old house in the East Orchard. She stopped, mildly but not totally surprised. This was where she had spent the last several years of her life. The house wasn’t as big as the Apple Family home proper but it was still a good size. The home was two stories tall, had 2 bedrooms, a trophy room, a well equipped kitchen, a spacious living room, large bathroom; perfect for two ponies to shower together at the same time, extra large windows on the second floor; made specifically for a certain pegasus to fly in and out of, and a porch that went all the way around the house. It was red, like the other structures on the property and had yellow shutters with intricate engraving on the wood. The designs on the shutters ranged from the two homeowners cutie marks to leaves, trees, and clouds. The home overlooked a large field and had a perfect view of the sunrise every morning. She walked up to the door and turned the knob. Locked. Big Mac must have locked it up to prevent her from going in again after she moved out. He was a darn fool if he thought he could keep her out of her own house. She walked over to the corner of the porch and kicked at a board. It popped open to reveal a small compartment where a spare key laid inside. She walked back over to the door and unlocked it. With a slight nudge the door creaked open wide. She stood in the threshold for several long minutes. She could she the pictures on the wall; pictures that told the story of their life together. Everything from their first date to Rainbow’s first day as a Wonderbolt, to pictures of their friends, their wedding, and their vacation in the mountains just before her accident. Each picture that was once a reminder of happy times together now stung at Applejacks heart like a thousand needles. She looked over by the fireplace where, in her dream, Rainbow had sat broken and mangled. Today, through the soft sunlight that managed to escape the curtains, there was just a beautiful dark blue carpet set in front of a fireplace holding only ash. Stepping into her home she could see a light layer of dust covering every surface. She walked slowly over towards the stairs and went up into their old room. They room was the color of the sky with murals of various types of cloud cover. Rainbow had pointed out that if she was going to live on the ground, she wanted to sleep among the clouds. Applejack was more then happy to comply. Applejack moved over and laid on their bed, taking Rainbows pillow and holding it tightly. “Why can’t everyone just understand? I can’t let her go. I just can’t. It’s my fault she’s gone. I know folk say it ain’t but it is.” She laid there and cried softly to herself as the memory of the funeral came into focus. ~***~ It was an otherwise gorgeous day in Equestria. It was mid-summer and the only relief from the heat was a brisk breeze blowing over every pony that had gather for Rainbow Dash's final farewell. Applejack wore a black dress and Stetson with a veil that covered her features. All the other mourning ponies were dressed in various suits and dresses from black to gray. Rainbow’s casket was closed, her body too damaged for viewing. Princess Celestia was giving a eulogy that Applejack really wasn’t paying much attention to. “Equestria has lost a great hero….She was too young….We bid farewell to the Element of Loyalty….” Princess Celestia’s words seemed like mutters in the distance. As Celestia finished her eulogy, the Wonderbolts flew over head in a triangle. As they flew, one broke off to the right and into the distance to symbolize the passing of one of their own. Applejack kept her eyes focused on the Mahogany box before her. Inside laid the mare of her dreams. Her life. Her love. It wasn’t right. None of this was right. It was like a nightmare she just couldn't shake. Nightmare. Suddenly she was alone. The bright, sunny day had turn into a chilly evening. All around her the tree’s hung lifeless, bare of the leaves they had been sporting only a few moments ago. The wind blew hard and lightening streaked across the sky. She was alone except for the casket of Rainbow Dash. Shivers ran up and down her spine. She turned to leave but heard the sound of slight tapping and scratching against wood. Applejack stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned around. The sound continued. Tap..Tap...Scratch… Applejack gulped. She must be hearing things. It was the wind blowing through the trees or something. Tap..Tap..Scraaatch.. Applejack’s heart skipped a beat as she realized the sound was indeed coming from the closed casket. “Rainbow?” She asked in a hushed voice. She slowed made the few paces over to the box and placed her hoof on the latch to open the lid. She took a deep breath. “She can’t look any worse than she did at the hospital,” Applejack said to herself. With that she flung it open only to find it was empty. Applejack’s eyes went wide and darted back and forth, making sure she wasn’t crazy. Rainbow Dash was not in her Casket. As her mind tried to make sense of what she was seeing; or rather, not seeing, something pushed her from behind. Losing her balance she tumbled forward into the casket making an “Oomph” sound as she landed on her back. Her heart jumped in her throat as she looked up and saw staring down at her was Rainbow Dash. She was an ashen color. Her usually bright cyan coat a mockery of what it formerly was. The mortuary ponies had done the best they could, stitching up her gashes, rips and tears, but that somehow made it worse. She looked like a monster from one of those Horror movies Pinkie liked to make the girls watch. Her usually lively and bright magenta eyes were cloudy and sunken into their sockets. When she spoke, her voice was rough, like she had swallowed gravel. “It’s only fair you come with me, AJ. This way we can be together forever.” Rainbow Dash climbed inside the casket, pinning Applejack down. She reach behind her and shut the lid to the casket with the latch clicking into place. Applejack struggled against the weight of the pony on top of her. She couldn’t move. The stench of decay flooded her nose as she panicked, trapped inside with her dead mate. “Don’t worry Applejack,” Rainbow Dash said with a gurgle. “This will be awesome” Rainbow leaned down and forced her dry, cold lips to Applejacks. Applejack tried to scream only to feel Dash’s tongue slink in her mouth. She tasted of rotten fruit and Applejack felt like she was going to throw up. She tried to push Rainbow off of her again, turning her head to the side to escape the morbid kiss. “Nooooooo!” “Applejack! Wake up!” Applejack startled awake. Her body covered in sweat and face streaked with tears. Her eyes were wide as she took in her surroundings. There was just a cloud covered room and a yellow pegasus staring at her with deep concern. “Applejack, are you alright? You were screaming.” Fluttershy said. Applejacks eyes continued to dart around, making sure she was no long in that enclosed box with a decaying Rainbow Dash. After she had a chance to focus, her cheeks turned red. No one other then her family had ever caught her having a nightmare like this before. “Y-yeah...Ah’m fine Fluttershy. Just a really bad dream.” She shuddered. “What are ya even doin’ here?” “Oh...well...I followed you after what happened at the Cafe’. I’m sorry. I was just worried.” Fluttershy said as she lowered her head, looking nervous. Applejack was torn between being upset for being follow, added in the embarrassment of her friend seeing her in her current state, and being thankful her friend cared enough to check up with her and wake her up from that Nightmare. A few moments passed before Applejack finally sighed and spoke. “Ya shouldn’t sneak up on ponies like that Fluttershy, but ah I understand yer reasonin’, plus I guess I owe ya a ‘thank you’ for wakin’ me up.” Fluttershy smiled at the remark. “Oh, it was nothing.” Applejack took one more look around the room and sighed. “Let’s get outta here. Ain’t nothin’ but ghosts in this ol’ house anyway.” They both walked down stairs, Applejack keeping her eyes forward, ignoring everything in the house but the front door. Fluttershy on the other hand couldn’t help but look around, remembering all the sleep overs and fun times they had all had in this house over the years. Why couldn’t Applejack see it? Once outside she locked the door and threw the spare key out into the field. She wouldn‘t need it anymore. She had no intention of going back inside that house ever again. There was too many painful memories littered on every wall and every piece of furniture. Fluttershy noted what Applejack had done but said nothing. “Ah should get back home Fluttershy. You take care now,” Applejack said as she ran off towards the Apple homestead. “Right…..You too Applejack.” She sighed and took to the skies; her mind focused on Applejack the whole way home. Author's Note This chapter was not going to be in the story at all. I had thought about including a shorter version of this in Chapter 1 but thought it needed some fleshing out. It was a hard chapter to write but I hope ya'll enjoyed reading it. I got it down two days ahead of schedule. Go me! If you catch any typo's let me know! Comment, like, follow, all that usual stuff if you want! The Deal“It was just so terrible,” Fluttershy said as she walked around her cottage feeding all her animal friends. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony so shaken up” After doing her rounds she sat back down on a chair and smiled at her guest. “More Tea?” “If you don’t mind my dear,” Discord said, smooth as silk. He was wearing an old english outfit with monocle and top hat while floating over Fluttershy’s couch. Fluttershy got up and brought the tea pot to Discords cup and poured the hot beverage. After she was done Discord beckoned two lumps of sugar from the bowl that grew legs and walked into his cup. He sipped it slowly as he continued to listen to his friend. “I just don’t know what to do! She blames herself so much and a part of her blames Twilight as well. We’ve all tried talking to her, but nothing works. Sometimes it gets me angry because this isn’t what Rainbow Dash would have wanted for her, but then I remember she’s one of my best friends and I need to be more supportive.” Fluttershy let out a long sigh, stood up from her chair once again and began to pace, her wings flaring out to the side. “Oh what should I do? I don’t think that any of the other girls can help like I can. She needs kindness more than anything right now.” “Or a good kick in the flank,” Discord chuckled. “Discord! she gasped. "That’s not helping” “Oh do forgive me Fluttershy but I do find death so boring. It’s so final. Why do you think I didn’t just kill off all of the Elements of Harmony when I was evil? There’s no fun in death. No chance for a bit of Chaos.” Fluttershy thought about this for a moment and then walked up to Discord and put a hoof on his paw. “Will you ever die?” “Chaos is forever, but as for me personally, oh someday I suppose. One way or another. No one, not even the Princesses’ can escape the big dirt nap. The point is to live life as Crazy as you can, while you can. It’s one of the few things your friend Pinkie Pie understands with perfect clarity!” Fluttershy nodded in understanding. She walked back over to her chair and sat down again, placing a hoof to her chin in a thinking position. “She says the only thing that will make things better is to have Rainbow Dash back. But no pony can do that, right?” Silence. “Right……?” “That depends on your point of view.” Discord said with a gleam in his eyes. “What do you mean?” “Well you remember how I changed all of Ponyville when I was first released from my Statue? I changed all reality to fit my wants. Up was down, Night was day, water was dry and let’s not forget the chocolate rain. I do so much love Chocolate.” He drank the last sip of his tea and snapped his fingers. The cup and his Victorian clothing were gone, now replaced with a lab coat, spectacles and a piece of chalk, making him look like some kind of teacher. “I was trying to take Equestria into a whole other reality, another world if you will; where Chaos ruled and everyone else was just there for my amusement.” He stopped as he felt Fluttershy’s gaze upon him. “Of course that was the old me”. He smiled a toothy grin. “I made each and every one of your friends let go of who they were, what they loved, one by one until Twilight managed to break my spell. If she hadn’t, the world as you knew it would have stopped existing. You see reality isn’t as concrete as what every pony makes it. Thing’s change, and as they change so does reality.” “Something that may be gone in this reality, may still exist in another. It just exists in a different point of time. Most of us take the world at face value, never seeing all the underlying Chaos beneath it all.” Fluttershy looked thoroughly confused. “So...nothing is ever truly gone? How does that work?” “For every time someone makes a choice, they continue on with their life based on the perception of how that choice will affect their lives. But somewhere, a whole other reality is born. A reality where that pony made a different choice and they continued down THAT path of perception.” Fluttershy sat there and just blinked. Discord pinched the bridge of his nose. He threw the piece of chalk away and set off a small explosion, momentarily scaring all of Fluttershy’s critters. She gave him a look. “Sorry Sorry.” He said, raising up his arms in defense. “Alright, let’s look at it like this. We all live in one world. In this world everyone perceives Rainbow Dash to be dead because of the accident and so she is. But there is another reality out there. One where Rainbow Dash is in fact alive.” Fluttershy gasped. “You mean Rainbow is alive out there somewhere?! How can we get to her?” Discord sighed. “You can’t. She exists in a whole other reality; a different place and time from our world. I would have to rip her from her world and take her to ours and that, my dear dear friend is a big cosmic no no.” “Why?” Fluttershy asked. “Because to take someone away from their reality requires them to give up what or who they love most. They must give up what grounds them to their reality and makes it the most real for them. When I tried to do this I made Applejack a liar, Pinkie a grump, Rarity was selfish, you were a bully and Rainbow Dash was disloyal. The very core of who you were was changed making it easier to take you to my Chaos realm. As I’m sure you remember, it wasn’t a very pleasant experience.” Fluttershy looked down to the ground, the gears in her head starting to spin, then raised her eyes up at Discord. “But what if there was a pony willing to…..well......let’s just say that a pony was able to do that...say give up what they love most and travel to another world.....” Fluttershy trailed off, her voice becoming very quiet. Discord smirked, his fang protruding forward. “Then I would be happy to take them there myself; BUT, I’m not sure any pony would like the trade off. Giving up what some pony loves most often voids the whole purpose of the trip.” Discord tapped his forehead. “I know what you are thinking my little pony. You think that Applejack may want to attempt the trip to another reality just so she can have Rainbow back. My question is WHY?! What she loves most -is- that silly cyan mare. What would be the point to going to a place where she couldn’t have what she loves most..unless...you….mean…..to...” Discord let out a laugh and did a flip in the air. “Oh my Fluttershy, that is a wonderful idea! I must be rubbing off on you. We can help your friend Applejack AND spread a little bit of Chaos all at the same time.” “This is only to help Applejack and I want your word that you won’t do anything that will hurt her more than she already is,” Fluttershy said with a stern look on her face. Discord vanished and reappeared with a boy scouts uniform on and offered a salute. “Scouts Honor.” “Alright,” she said. “Then let’s work out the details. ~***~ The sun had set on the day and the moon shone over the vast Orchard that was Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was alone in her room. It was about 2:30 in the morning and everyone else was sound asleep; except of course for Applejack. Her nightmares had been so bad recently she was terrified to close her eyes. She was restless too, unable to shake how bad she felt for how she treated her friends the other day at the Cafe. Especially Twilight. She sighed and went to the window. As she opened it, a light breeze came into her room, making the candle at her bedside flicker. “Ah’m a terrible friend,” she muttered to herself. “Ah can’t believe I yelled at mah friends like that. I know they just want to help, but…” She took her hat and threw it across the room in frustration. “They don’t understand! Ah know I should be grateful for what Ah do have...Ah got my friends, Ah got my family. Ah got my work, but for some reason when compared to that damn blue pegasus, nothin’ seems to add up. Nothin’ seems to compare. It’s like mah very soul was ripped from mah body. How can anypony understand that?” She began to pace, her anger building as she did. She was suddenly fuming mad and she knew exactly why. “It ain’t fair! Ah’ve done everythin’ that's ever been asked of me. Ah’ve been honest, Ah’ve been dependable, Ah’ve worked my flank off for my family and for just about every pony in Ponyville over the years, Ah’ve helped saved the world from Celestia knows how many threats…” She plopped herself down on her bed. Anger soon gave way to sadness, sadness then gave way to grief and grief gave way to tears. “I’d do anythin’ to have her back,” she whispered as, despite her hardest attempts to resist, she fell into a deep sleep. ~***~ “Ah’m so proud of ya Sugarcube! Golly! Captain of the Wonderbolts! Ah always knew ya could do it!” Applejack exclaimed. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had been walking their usual path in the Whitetail woods as they talked. It was spring and the air smelled of sweet flowers and fresh grass. A gentle breeze brushed through their manes as they walked and talked about Rainbows latest achievement. “Yeah, it is pretty cool, but what else can you expect when you have this much awesome in one pony!” Rainbow laughed. She had know for some time now that she was up for the promotion once Spitfire decided to retire, but she kept it on the down low from everypony else, wanting to surprise them with the exciting news. “You know though,” Rainbow said. “This wouldn’t have happened without your support. You’ve been there every step of the way pushing me to go harder, faster. You’ve watched and critiqued all my stunts and well...I guess I just wanna say ‘Thank you’. This is as much your victory as it is mine.” As they walked the scenery started to change. They were off the beaten path and onto another that didn’t look near as traveled. “Uh, where we going AJ?” “You’ll find out soon enough darlin’” As they walked, Applejack piped up; “So when ya gonna tell the other girls? Ya know Pinkie’s gonna want to throw ya a party and ah’m sure everypony will be just as excited for ya as Ah am.” “Yeah I know.” She rubbed the back of her neck with her forehoof. “I guess I just wanted ya to be the first to know. There will be plenty of time for every pony to bask in the ultimate coolness that is me.” Applejack chuckled as they finally reach a clearing. Rainbow had never been here before and gasped as she saw it. It had beautiful trees surrounding the area, all with budding flowers of every color. The clearing of soft, green grass gave way to a bank of a large pond fed by a flowing waterfall. The water was crystal clear and looked perfect for taking a swim. “Whoa, how did you find this place and how is it I’ve never seen it?” Rainbow Dash said in awe. “Well I reckon ya never saw it from the air ‘cause of the natural canopy coverin’ the area. This here place is off the beaten path. Ah only found it cause Ah heard rumors ‘bout it and went explorin’. Ah knew I wanted to save it fer a special occasion and well..this here seemed like the perfect time.” Rainbow Dash took flight and checked out the whole area. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Small shafts of sunlight escaped from the canopy above, spilling their light on the rippling waters causing them to sparkle. She finally landed next to AJ. “What do ya think Darlin’? Ah kinda figured it would be a romantic and secluded place for me to give ya yer reward for gettin’ yer promotion.” “R-reward?” Rainbow Dash grinned as it clicked in her head why Applejack had taken her to this place. “Aww yeah! I get a promotion AND laid all in one day,” she cheered. Applejack just laughed as she lead Rainbow Dash out towards the waterfall. “Every made love in a waterfall before Dashie?” Applejack asked. Rainbow smirked “You know the answer to that. You were the first pony I was every with” “Ah know. Get ready to add this to the long list of places we’ve been together.” With that she leaned in and kissed her wife. She parted her lips, her moist tongue begging entrance past Rainbows. Rainbow parted her own lips and their tongues found each other, dancing wildly. Applejack wrapped her forelegs around her and pulled her in tight. Rainbow’s wings popped out and spread wide, the water from the waterfall cascading down both their bodies. Rainbow gently laid the Earth pony down on the smooth rock below. Applejack broke the kiss for a moment to look into those magenta eyes. Rainbow didn’t say anything. She didn’t have. Her body language and look in her eyes said it all. “Ah love ya Dashie,” Applejack whispered. There was an unspoken moment between them as they became intertwined, two ponies become one. It truly was an awesome day. ~***~ Applejack awoke to the roosters crow per usual. She found herself reaching out for where Dash usually would have been. That had been the first good dream she had had in months. She curled up on her bed and wanted to cry, but she forced it back. She didn’t want to spoil the good memories she had just experienced. She got out of bed and went straight to the shower cautiously. Ever since that nightmare of finding Dash in her shower, she had been pessimistic and distrusting of her senses. Her dreams always felt so real. It was hard to tell some days if she was asleep or awake. Thankfully the shower was empty and she turned it on. She made it colder than usual. Her dream had left her a little roused up, the first time she had felt like that since the accident. She let the water flow over her, much like the water from the waterfall did that precious day several years back. When she was done, she dried off and went back to her room, grabbed her iconic stetson and went on down to breakfast. Everyone at the table noticed something was up with AJ. She had an appetite and she didn’t have dark circles under her eyes. Big Mac smiled to himself, not sure what had caused the change in his sister this morning but thanked Celestia for it. After breakfast AJ made haste out to the Orchard. She was checking the tree’s for parasites, fruit bats, or any other critters that might do her tree’s harm. As she worked, she heard a rustling coming from behind her. There was something in the bush. She moved closer and upon further inspection realized the bush had bushy grey eyebrows. She let out a sigh. “Discord, Ah ain’t in the mood for any of yer games. Ah got work to do.” In a flash Discord changed into his normal Draconequus self with a dopey smile on his face. “How on earth did you know it was me?” “Plants ain’t got busy eyebrows fer one.” “This is true. I’ll have to work on that” Shortly thereafter Fluttershy landed next to Discord. She offered AJ a bright smile. “Good Morning Applejack. How are you this morning?” Applejack still had that blessing of a dream fresh in her mind. “Cain’t complain Ah guess. What brings you and the ‘Lord of Chaos’ to my farm so early?” Fluttershy walked up to Applejack and placed a fore hoof on her shoulder. “Well, you see Applejack, Discord and I think we may have found a way to help you.” “Ah don’t need no help, Fluttershy, but ah appreciate the offer.” “Well, um, what if I told you there was a way you could have Rainbow Dash back in your life? Would you be interested then?” she said quietly. Applejack stopped what she was doing and tensed up. She turned around and was fuming mad. Her face was red and her heart beat wildly in her chest. Why would Fluttershy of all ponies say something like to her? What kind of mean spirited game was this. “That ain’t funny in the least Fluttershy. How could you of all ponies say somethin’ like that to me! You know Dash is gone and their ain’t nothing no pony can do about it! Ah think you’ve been hangin’ out with Discord too much. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to be somewhere else other then here.” Applejack stormed off and Fluttershy nearly burst into tears. She hadn’t expect that reaction though looking back maybe she should have. Discord vanished from his spot and appeared in front of Applejack glaring down at her. “I think my dear Applejack you need to check your attitude at the door and hear what she has to say,” Discord said with a hint of a threat in his voice. It was clear he didn’t take too kindly to Applejack’s attitude toward Fluttershy. Applejack let out a long sigh, still clearly annoyed and confused about what she had just been told. She turned around to face a distressed Fluttershy and her heart sank. “Ah’m sorry Fluttershy, Ah...Ah just guess ya surprised me is all. Ah mean how in the world could ah get Rainbow back? Twilight won’t help and save from killin’ my own self I just don’t see how we can be together again. “Well...you see….I-I mean...” Fluttershy was trying to say the words but she just got quieter and quieter. Applejack leaned in trying to hear her until Discord interrupted her. “What Fluttershy is trying to say is I can take you to a place where Rainbow Dash is still alive. There is, however a wee catch.” Applejack perked up. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Rainbow Dash back in her life? It would be a miracle. However making a deal with Discord somehow felt like making a deal with the Devil. Applejack raised her eyebrow and leaned in curiously. “What’s the catch?” Discord smiled. He was anxious to see if Applejack would actually go for it. “You would have to give up what you love most. Meaning, in the place I would take you, you and Rainbow Dash could never be together. You would have to trade 14 years of marriage and 1 year of dating. All the romance you shared can’t happen, not even a single kiss.” “What about mah family and friends here? What happens to them?” she asked. “What does it matter!” Discord said gleefully. “You would have your Rainbow back! Isn’t that worth a few small sacrifices?” Discord appeared right next to Applejack and raised his hand in front of him. “Just picture it! No more nightmares. No more tears. No more hurting your friends and family with your endless suffering. You’d be doing them a favor! What good are you hear when your just a broken down pony inside? Wouldn’t it be better for everyone, yourself included if you could just start over?” Applejack furrowed her brow as she thought. She wasn’t being a very good friend these days and hadn’t been since the accident. All she seemed to do is hurt her family every day she saw them. Everypony was always going on about how she needs to move on and such. They didn’t understand. But maybe she could go to a place where Dash was alive and she could be her old self again. Maybe there was hope. “And all ah have to do is give up our relationship? Everything else would be the same? Ah do that and Dash lives, right?” Discord snapped his fingers and suddenly had a halo and white robes on, making him look like some kind of mock angel. “On my friendship with Fluttershy, I promise. Besides, your sort of my friend too and isn’t this what friends do…” he leaned in with a half cocked grin. Applejack looked back over to Fluttershy who finally looked as if she had gained her courage back. “What do ya think Fluttershy? What would ya do if ya were in mah place?” “Oh gosh Applejack, I can’t even begin to put myself in your hooves, but I truly believe Discord means what he says. We both talked about it at length and feel this is the best way to help you. If I had lost some pony special to me, I know the idea would sound tempting, but you have to make this choice for yourself.” Applejack looked between the pair. She could save Rainbow Dash. She could stop being a burden to everypony. She could get back her own life. Surely that was worth the sacrifice? Wouldn’t it be selfish to do anything else? How could she live with herself knowing she could save the love of her life and passed it up? Her face turned to one of resolve. She straighten her stetson firmly on her head and nodded. “Alright Discord. Ya got yerself a deal. Let’s do this” “Marvelous!” Discord squealed in delight. He snapped his fingers and was back to his old self. “Now hold on my little pony. This is going to be quite the ride.” Discord raised his talons and paw to the heavens as a dark cloud began to form. Thunder echoed through the Orchard and random bolts of lightening shattered the skyline. One bolt struck one of Applejack’s trees and split it right in half. Fluttershy tried to make herself as small as possible, trembling with fright. As the storm picked up intensity it began to lift Applejack off her hooves. Bright colors of light began to surround her and she nearly began to panic. She gave a final look to Fluttershy just before the swirl of lights around her enveloped her entire body. Discord let out a whimsical laugh and with a loud crackle, Applejack and Discord were gone. The clouds parted and the storm passed. Fluttershy came out from her hiding spot and looked up into the sky. “I sure hope this works.” ~***~ Applejack laid sprawled out on the ground feeling like she had just gotten bucked off a wild bull in a rodeo. Her whole body hurt and she struggled to move. She tried to open her eyes but she felt so weak. Discord on the other hand pulled a bucket of water from no where and threw it right in Applejack's face. "Wakey Wakey Applejack. Your new future awaits!" Applejack coughed and hacked as the water doused her. She opened her eyes and tried to get up on her shaky hooves, finally managing it after a few attempts. She looked around. She knew this place. She was in the White Tail woods in Autumn. The leaves had all fallen from their branches so it had to be after the Running of the Leaves event. She turned and gave Discord a questioning look. "Welcome to 15 years ago. On this day Rainbow Dash confessed her feelings to you. She's looking for you right now in fact. You had better make your self look presentable." "Now wait just a darn minute. You said you would take me to a place where I couldn't have Dash in my life like that! What's yer game Discord" "I did say that now didn't I. I suppose I failed to mention one tiny little detail. Right now we are just in the past. If Rainbow Dash confesses her love and you accept as you did before, you will be instantly transported back to your own reality. However this time you must make another choice. This time you have to deny her. Deny her and it will give birth to a whole other reality where Rainbow Dash is alive, just as you wanted." "But what about the future?! If ah do this will she still die 15 years from now?" Discord rubbed his chin for a moment "Its always hard to tell with alternate realities. Because you two will never be together, Rainbow Dash will make different choices in her life. Its possible she may never even become a Captain of the Wonderbolts at all. Her life may take her in a whole different direction without you to support her, but..as promised, you have her back for now and that is what we agreed to.' "Applejack! Where are you?!" Applejack's breath caught in her throat. "R-rainbow...." Applejack started to run in the direction of the voice calling her, just to be stopped by an outstretched talon. "Remember Applejack. Not even a single kiss or the spell will be broken. You have no choice but to reject her affections. If you don't, the events of today will carry on into the next 15 years and you will end up right where you were before. You must break her heart to save her." Applejack wasn't sure but for a brief moment, Discord actually seemed a bit sad. It only lasted for a moment, but she was sure she saw it. soon the expression was replaced by a large grin, Discords fang protruding out. "Now run Applejack! Your new life awaits!" Applejack gave an unsure look at Discord but he motioned her on. She heard Rainbow Dash call out for her again. With that she reared up on her hind legs and took off like a dart. She ran as fast as she could to the calling voice. "Ah'm coming sugarcube! Ah'm comin' Dashie! Discord watched in amusement as the trail of dust flew off of Applejack's hooves and landed slowly back to the dirt road. "Let the games begin," he whispers with a mischievous look on his face. With a snap of his fingers he was gone. Author's Note This chapter is late by a few days and I do so humbly apologize for that. I had a difficult time finding time and inspiration to finish this chapter up. This chapter brings us to the half way mark of our little adventure. I do want to give a very heartfelt shout out to those who have Favorited this story. I had no idea so many would care what I had to write. It warms my heart as an author that you give me a moment of your time so I can weave a tale or two. I will try my hardest to make my one week deadline for the next chapter. Remember to like, dislike, comment and everything else letting me know what you think of the story thus far!
Nightmares and MemoriesWARNING - This Chapter includes some mild gore and horror. Applejack sat by her window, looking out as the rain fell steadily. It dripped from the rafters, down the window pane, and gently fell to the earth below. It had been over a year since Rainbow Dash had died in that terrible accident in Canterlot during one of her performances with the Wonderbolts. This day wasn't unlike any other besides the rain. Applejack liked the rain. It made her feel like it masked her own tears as they slowly made their way down her face and dripped on the floor. She could hear the noise of her family busseling around downstairs. What were they doing down there, she wondered? She wiped at the tears on her face and looked over at her empty bed as she had so many times before. She could picture it in her head. All those wonderful nights shared with her mate and best friend. This room was where they shared their first night together. It was where on one cold winter's eve as they lay cuddled together, Rainbow Dash first whispered those three beautiful words, "I love you". It was where so many long talks had begun and ended. Her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of the stairs creaking followed by a gentle knock on her door. “Its open,” Applejack said softly. Big Mac slowly stepped in her sisters room. He took in the sight of her sitting by the window as she so often was when he came to check on her.”How ya holdin’ up tonight, AJ?” Her ears laid back and she didn’t speak for a long while until she finally let out a short sigh. “Same as the last 100 times ya asked me that. I don’t see it gettin’ any better neither” Big Mac shuffled his hooves a little and let out a soft sigh of his own. He knew what he had to say but he hated he’d been the one selected to say it. “AJ, it's been over a year now. Don’t you reckon you should at least spend more time downstairs at least?” “What’s it matter what I do in mah own time big brother?", she said curtly. “Ah do my chores, Ah help out around the house, and still cook plenty of meals. This is mah personal time and ah don’t rightly see what it matters to anyone what ah do with it” “Yer family and friends miss ya is all,” Big Mac said. “Sure you do all that’s required of ya. Ain’t no pony sayin’ otherwise, but there’s more to life than just sittin’ up in your room thinkin’ ‘bout the past or what might’ve been.” “And what if it had been Cheerilee that died? Would ya be sayin’ the same thing?” “That ain’t fair.” “Sure it is. You love her more than life itself. If she off and died I reckin’ you’d be plenty shook up.” Applejack turned around from the window and gazed at her brother. Big Mac spent a while pondering his next words. He opened his mouth and closed it again several times trying to phrase his next sentence just right. “I’d mourn’er. I’d mourn like you mourn Rainbow Dash, for both myself and the little filly we have together.” He stopped and clenched his eyes. The mere thought of losing his wife nearly brought him to tears, “but” he pushed through. “I’d also let the past alone after a while. Find that spot where the pain stops and good memories begin. I’d turn to mah family and friends for comfort. ‘Course there's a time for thinkin’ and holdin’ on, but eventually ya gotta let go” That was not what Applejack wanted to hear. “Let’er go?! How can ya say such a thing!?” Her face was red with fury and she jumped up out of her seat looking ready for a fight. “Ya don’t understand Mac! Ah, -can’t- let’er go. Don’t ya think Ah’ve tried? Do ya think I enjoy sittin’ around thinkin’ about what I lost all the time? There ain’t a moments peace for me. Not during the day while workin’, not during the night while sleepin’. Not with my friends or even mah family.” Tears started to flow freely down her face as she continued. “All ah I can ever think about is that blue pegasus!” She began to sob. “Ah w-wish I could just have a moments peace but it never comes. A-ah miss her so much Big Mac.” When she finally stopped, she let her head hang low. Her golden mane fell down about her face, covering the streams of tears. Big Mac stood in silence not sure what to do. He wanted to go to her, to comfort her as he had tried to do so many times. But she was stubborn and never wanted any part of it. She always felt she had to take on the world alone. No, that wasn’t true. She always felt she could take on the world with her wife at her side. “AJ….” “Please get out,” she sobbed. “AJ I’m sorry….” “I said get outta here Mac!” Bic Mac’s heart sank. He wasn’t mad at her for yelling. He wasn’t upset at her tone. He figured this is how this conversation would go. He simply turned around and shut the door quietly on his way out. Applejack stood there for a long time, thinking about the conversation she just had. Big Mac was right. She knew in heart he was right, but right now her heart and mind had no room for anything but her sorrow. She walked over to her bed and laid down, curling up as tight as she could. The soft pounding of rain hitting the roof and her own heartbeat were the only sounds she could hear. She closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable nightmares to come. ~***~ “Come on AJ, you have to open your eyes at some point! How else are you going to see how awesome this new trick really is?” Rainbow Dash said with slight disappointment in her voice. “This is like the coolest trick I’ve ever come up with and you won’t even watch the ending!” “Ah’m sorry Sugarcube. Next time I’ll watch till the end, I promise.” “You -always- say that,” Rainbow said as she crossed her forelegs over her chest. Flying close to the love of her life. “And ah always mean it every time ah say it. But after ya do yer Rainboom and start streaking towards the ground to do that triple...err..heimlich...uhh...hexic…” “Helix” “Yeah that; instead of pullin’ up as usual? It just gets to mah nerves somethin’ fierce. What if something went wrong? I may not be an expert, but even ah can tell when yer going fast enough to kill yer self. Ya need to think ‘bout the big picture. Is a stunt that dangerous worth the risk of an accident?” They were walking home along the path from the barns to the east Orchard where their house was tucked away in seclusion off in the distance. They had moved out of the Apple family homestead some 12 years ago after deciding they needed a space of their own after they were married. The sun was coming down and the heat of the day had finally started to abate. They had been off in the fields most the afternoon as Rainbow Dash practiced her moves for the upcoming show in Canterlot. She had moved up over the years in the Wonderbolt hierarchy and was now Captain and one of their leading show mare’s. She had perfected countless stunts, from the mundane to down right death defying; but as time went on, Rainbow Dash began to feel her act was getting stale and needed something new. That’s where the Triple Helix Rainboom came in. “When you don’t watch to the end, it’s like you don’t have faith in me that I can do it. It really sucks,” Rainbow pouted. “Aww, Dash it ain’t that. You know me, I just worry is all. Ah’ll always worry ‘bout ya. Ya ain’t no 18 year old filly no more. Yer almost 34 years old and well, ponies change over time. We been married what, 14 years now? In all that time have ah ever stopped worryin’ while yer performin’?” She stopped and looked her mate in the eyes. “It ain’t that I don’t believe in ya. It's just I think ya might be a little too old to be addin’ such a dangerous trick to your routine. Ya only got a few more years before ya retire from active shows and move to trainin’ new Wonderbolts at the Academy in Canterlot.” Rainbow considered this for a moment and sighed. “You’re right I guess. I just don’t want to stop being cool because I got older is all. When I retire, I want to be the best that ever was or will be. Is that so much to ask?” “You’ll always be the coolest and most awesome pony in all Equestria. You don’t need no silly trick to prove it. Ya already have over the years.” Applejack smiled, leaned in and kissed her long and lovingly. Rainbow Dash whimpered into the kiss, melting how she always did since their first kiss so long ago. To Rainbow’s dismay, Applejack ended the kiss sooner than she would have liked. “Thats cheating” “No it ain’t” “Is too” “Not” Rainbow laughed and landed, nudging her flank up against Applejack’s. “Well at least let me do it once at the Canterlot show. Its an anniversary event and everyone will be there, even the Princesses. I’ll do it just like I practiced. One and done. Then once everyone can see I’m just as awesome as I’ve ever been, I’ll go back to my normal stunts. How’s that?” Applejack had a bad feeling about it. She didn’t like it one bit. She firmly believed it was too dangerous, but she had done it several times in practice already and she wasn’t one to hold her beautiful blue pegasus back. “Alright. Once. One and done, ya promise?” “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she said, going through the motions as she spoke. “Thanks AJ. You’re the best” “And don’t ya ever forget it.” “As if” They both laughed as the reached the door to the house. “How ‘bout we go inside and open up a barrel of Cider since your shows tomorrow. For good luck and all that,” Applejack said. “Sure, but after the Cider, mind if we do a little something else upstairs to wish me luck?” Applejack smirked, “I think that can be arranged.” As they walked inside and Applejack went to the kitchen, Rainbow suddenly had an odd urge come over her. “Hey Applejack?” “Yeah Darlin’?” Rainbow fidgeted with her hooves a little before finally speaking. “I love you. You know that, and I know I don’t say it nearly enough as I should. I’ve never been good with all that mushy stuff, but I really do. With all my heart. In all the cool places I’ve been and all the people I’ve got to meet around the world, no one has ever come close to matching how awesome you are...other than me, but that goes without saying,” she joked. Applejack brought out two mugs full of the delicious beverage and set them down on the table. She laid out on the floor, bright emerald eyes focused on those deep magenta. “And I love you Sugarcube. Yer my world. Don’t know how I rightly got along without ya looking back. Ah was born to be with ya. Nothing can break what we have….” Break...Broken…. Applejack gasped as suddenly right before her eyes, Rainbow’s left wing snapped in half. Her right wing ripped nearly off her back all together. Blood started oozing from the injuries as Applejack laid there in shock. “Whats wrong AJ?” Rainbow asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Ghost...death…. Blood started to run down her face from a nasty gash on her forehead. Her legs began to snap and twist, making Rainbow look more like a twisted piece of metal then a pony. Applejack staggered back. Rainbow Dash just sat there, bleeding and broken on their floor. “Why did you say it was okay to do that trick Applejack? If you would have told me not to I would have listened.” Applejack looked on in horror. “No...no...I said it was dangerous….I just didn’t want to hold ya back! I wanted ya to be happy!” “Look at me Applejack...I’m dead and it’s your fault” Applejack backed away in sheer terror. “No. Please, Celestia, no. This isn’t real. THIS ISN”T REAL” She shouted.. “Come give me a kiss Applejack….” Rainbow leaned forward, her body creaking and cracking as she did. She began to laugh. “Oh my gosh, you should see your face!” Applejack closed her eyes and screamed. Big Mac startled awake at the sound of the blood curdling scream coming from Applejack’s room. It was the nightmares again. He jumped out of bed and ran to his sisters room, throwing open the door. The screaming had stopped but Applejack laid there, still asleep, her cheeks stained with tears as she constantly whispered over and over again “I’m sorry...I’m so sorry” Out on her balcony, Princess Luna stood under the bright light of the moon, observing the night and all the ponies dreams. With a sorrowful heart she slowly turned her head over towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Oh Applejack…” Princess Luna wept. ~***~ Applejack woke up to a wet pillow and roosters crowing to the morning Sunrise. She started to shake as images of her nightmare came into her mind’s eye. “Get a hold of yer self Applejack. It was just a dream” She tried to force it to the back of her head as she staggered out of bed and headed to the shower. She opened the door and to her surprise the water was already on. “Oh excuse me.” She went to turn around but heard a familiar, soft laugh. She opened up the shower curtain and to her surprise and horror, there was Rainbow Dash, broken and covered in blood. The water from the shower washed down her cyan coat, washing some of the blood down the drain. She smiled. Several of her teeth were missing. “Join me?” Applejack screamed herself awake. She sat straight up, her chest rising and falling in rapid movements. Her heart was nearly beating out of her chest. A rooster crowed as the first light of the day began to shine in through her window. Her eyes darted around her room as if to make sure she was alone. After several minutes she threw the covers back and carefully stepped out of bed. She was sweating as if she had been working out in the fields all day. She opened her door and slowly moved towards the shower. The door was open and thankfully the water was not on. She reached out with quaking hooves to pull back the shower curtain. With a sudden jerk, she pulled it open. Empty. Her heart was still beating hard in her chest as she let out a sigh of relief and hanged her head. She locked the door behind her, turned on the water and stepped in, trying to wash away the terror that still griped her body. ~***~ After a long, hot shower she dried herself off, grabbed her hat and went downstairs. All the rest of the Apple Family was already seated and trying to enjoy their breakfast as best they could. She gathered herself up some pancakes and sat down offering a weak smile to her family. “Mornin’ y'all.” Big Mac, Cheerilee and Apple Bloom all offered her a warm smile. “Mornin’ Sis,” Apple Bloom said with a forced smile. Applejack looked around the room and hung her head dejectedly. “Ya’ll heard my ruckus this mornin’ didn’t ya?” Everyone’s eyes went down for a moment before Big Mac spoke up. “Eeyup” he said softly. Applejack was glad that Big Mac and Cheerilee's filly had spent the night at a friends house and hadn't been around to hear her. Hazel Blossom was a sweetheart and innocent. She didn't need to be hearing Applejack screaming like a mad mare. “Ugh...Ah’m sorry ya’ll. Last night was really bad. Hadn’t had one like that in a while. Ah’m real grateful ya’ll let me move back into my old room a few months back, but maybe I should go move back into Rainbow and mah’s old house. I won’t be near the bother over there.” Everyone nearly spoke up at once and with the same answer “No!” Applejack sat there stunned for a few moments before Cheerilee spoke up first. “I think what we all mean to say is that the last thing you need is to be cooped up in that house alone. You’re an Apple and this will always be your home, no matter what. Isn’t that right Big Mac?” “Eeyup” “Couldn’t have said it better mahself!” Apple Bloom declared. “Beside’s since granny passed away, it’s good to have someone back at home that can cook.” Cheerilee looked over at Apple Bloom and raised an eye brow. Apple Bloom laughed nervously and quickly added “Not that yer cookin’s bad Cheerilee, it just ain’t like granny’s or Applejacks.” She smiled the most innocent smile she could muster and cleared her throat. “Whoa, you know what? Look at the time. I gotta get to work. That barn ain’t gonna fix itself! Seeya later everypony!” With that she grabbed her tools and was out the door. Cheerilee sighed and looked over at Big Mac, “My cooking isn’t that bad is it?” Big Mac knew there was only one right answer if he desired to keep peace in his marriage” “Eenope” She smiled and gave him a nuzzle before going back to her breakfast. Everyone sat in silence before Mac spoke up first. “So, ya got any plans today AJ, besides work?” Applejack shrugged. “The girls have been wantin’ to get together for awhile. I just ain’t found the time to do it. Farm to run and all. “Make time,” Big Mac said after swallowing another bite of his breakfast. “If ya want to go see yer friends, I can cover the chores till ya get back” Applejack reached behind her head and scratched the back of her neck nervously. “Ah don’t know if that's such a good idea. Work keeps my mind as much off my problems as possible. Besides, when ah’m with the girls, it just don’t feel right. Not without Rainbow. “Ya spent plenty of time with em’ while she was away with the Wonderbolts. Just think of it like that.” Big Mac said in a matter of fact tone. “I guess…Alright, maybe I’ll head on into town later this afternoon. Right now, ah need to get to work. ah’ll see ya outside Mac.” With that Applejack excused herself from the table, leaving her breakfast untouched and headed out the door. ~***~ The rest of the morning went on as uneventful as possible. Cheerilee left to teach her class, Big Macintosh was out in the south field, while Applejack tended to her trees, hauled some empty baskets to the barn and baled some hay; though with every chore there came a memory. When she tended her trees and heard a noise above her, she looked on instinct for that cyan mare who used to take naps on the branches. As she hauled the baskets, she thought of the many times Rainbow Dash would be her company as she worked, and as she baled the hay in the loft of the barn she thought about all those romantic nights up there, just the two of them. Sometimes they would talk, sometimes make out and sometimes (more often than not) would end up making love. These were the thoughts and memories that Applejack simply could not escape. When it finally came time to take a break, she went inside and made herself a sandwich and poured a tall glass of water. She laid her hat on the table and sat down. As she ate she looked up at the clock. 2:30pm. The girls would be meeting up at the cafe’ around three. They always did on Tuesdays. She thought about what Mac said about ‘making time’ to go see her friends and that it would be good for her. It had been over a month since she saw them all as a group. Aside from the occasional check in from a concerned party, they pretty much learned to leave her alone with her grief. That didn’t sit right with Applejack. She finished her meal, slapped her hat back on her head and left a note on the Icebox for Mac, telling him she had gone into town. Author's Note I hate tragedy stories, more so when they are AppleDash. I like my AppleDash with Romance or Adventure. I can spend hours reading those feel good Fic's and drift off to sleep and have happy dream's. For some reason, this story just won't leave me alone. I thought of it over a year ago and dismissed it early on as something I just didn't want to explore. It screwed with my happy AppleDash world that I loved to come play in when I get the chance. After taking a break from Fimfiction all together for some time, I came back and saw I had saved the title and description of this long abandoned project. It wouldn't give me a moments peace since. So here it is. I hope you enjoy reading it. I wrote it in a single night, had to edit it myself so pardon any error's. If anyone would like to step up and offer to edit, I would be a happy pony! Special thanks to The Rated Pony Star for giving it a good pre-read and offering his advice. Go check out his stuff if you haven't! Comment, Like, follow, all the usual stuff if you want. I will try to update once a week.
The Incident at the Cafe'Applejack wandered down the winding road that lead from her farm at Sweet Apple Acres to Ponyville proper. The trip had taken her about 20 minutes she guessed, which should have her arriving right on time to meet up with everyone. As she walked through town she couldn't help but notice all the stares she was getting from nearly every pony she walked past. Some showed surprise but most sympathy. She hated the thought of any pony feeling sorry for her. Sure she hadn't been seen in months, but surely they understood why. The stares made her uncomfortable but she continued walking trying to ignore them. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, she thought. She finally came to a stop in front of the cafe'. She could see most of her friends had already arrived. They wore smiles on their faces and seemed to be having a great time. Applejack pondered that for a moment. Did she really want to ruin their good time? She wasn't really in any mood to be smiling or laughing. "Yeah, this was a bad idea," she said to herself. She turned to leave when suddenly she heard a gasp from behind her. "Applejack. Oh my gosh it is so good to see you!" Applejack let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes, trying to put on her best face. She turned around to find Fluttershy looking at her with a bright smile. "Well howdy Fluttershy. Good to see ya. How ya been?" Applejack asked. "Oh, well...I was thinking I should be asking you that question. No one has seen you in so long." Applejack shifted uncomfortably in place, bringing her fore hoof to the back of her neck nervously. “Well, ya know I got the farm to deal with an’ all. Guess I just ain’t found time to make it into town much.” “Not even to sell Apples?” Fluttershy asked. “Oh...Uh...Big Mac and Apple bloom decided they wanted to do that from now on,” she quickly explained. Applejack never was a good liar. Any pony could tell when she told a fib, including Fluttershy, but she let it slide. If Applejack didn’t want to talk about the real reason she was avoiding town, it wasn’t her place to stick her muzzle where it didn’t belong. “Alright, I guess. Oh! You have to come inside and see everypony! They will be so glad to see you’re alright!” Fluttershy flashed that smile again and her ears perked up. Applejack took a few steps back. “Ah don’t know. I really should be gettin’ back to the farm….” “Oh don’t worry about that. You still have lots of daylight left. The least you can do is say ‘hi’.” Fluttershy wasn’t the most assertive of ponies, but when her mind was made up about something, there wasn’t really any point of arguing. She had really learned to assert herself over the years, which was a good thing, until now. Fluttershy began nudging Applejack into the cafe’ until she finally started moving on her own accord. Once inside Applejack took in the sights. There was hardly any pony inside besides her friends and one older looking stallion sitting at the counter with what smelled like fresh coffee. The waitress had just finished taking her friends’ order and walked past Applejack with a friendly smile. It was Rarity who saw Applejack first. “Applejack, dear! My word, come over here. It is so good to see you!” Applejack walked over to Rarity to be greeted by a huge hug by the fashionista. Upon a second look at Applejack she gasped and her ears laid back. “Oh my, darling. You look dreadful.” “Gee, thanks Rarity,” Applejack said and turned her head, embarrassed. Did she really look that bad? She couldn’t remember the last time she had looked in a mirror. Rarity laughed nervously and tried to further explain her comment. “Sorry, it’s just….when was the last time you slept, or ate. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this. You simply must come with me to the spa after this luncheon is all over. I’ll have you feeling like a new pony in no time!” “Oh! Oh! We should have a PARTY! A ‘Welcome back to ponyville after you’ve been gone so long’ party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, jumping up from her chair and bouncing around Applejack in a dizzying circle. “I could set up the cake and the muffins, oh and gummy’s favorite punch! We could play games and…” “Girls! How about we just let Applejack get settled in first, okay?” Twilight stood from her seat and offered a hug to her friend. There was a moment of tension between them, but Twilight tried to ignore it. She was just glad to have her friend back again, even if only for a while. Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight and finally Applejack all took a seat at the booth. There was a long moment of awkward silence. Finally Twilight spoke first. “We were really sad and a little surprised you didn’t show up to the dedication of Rainbow Dash’s memorial in the Canterlot Gardens last month. It was a really beautiful ceremony.” “I don’t need no silly statue to remind me of Rainbow Dash. She was mah wife remember?” Applejack said curtly. “Yes, of course,” Twilight tried to recover. “We were all just worried about you is all. All you do is stay up at the farm and well..it’s just not healthy. You have to stop blaming yourself for what happened. No pony could have predicted what happened.” Applejack poked at the glass of water that the waitress had just set down for her, deep in thought. She really didn’t need to hear this for a second time today. “Look here ya’’ll. Ah know that’s what everypony says, but ya’ll don’t realize that if I had told Rainbow Dash not to do that damn trick, she’d still be alive today. Sure she wanted to do it, but I meant more to her then some silly stunt. I should have went with my gut and pressed the issue, but ah didn’t.” “Um, I’d like to say, we all knew what kind of pony Rainbow Dash was.” Fluttershy stopped and looked over at Applejack who was giving her a look. “And, well...Rainbow always pushed herself. You were just always very supportive which was one of the things she loved about you. I personally don’t think she would want you to tear yourself up like this over something no pony could control….” “Well that ain’t exactly true now is it, Twilight.” Applejack said with an icy tone to her voice. All the other girls gasped and even the stallion at the bar got up and left as if some inner voice told him it was about to be much safer outside than in. “Oh Applejack please don’t bring this up again,” Rarity begged. “We’ve all been through this a dozen times and it never ends well. Let's just enjoy our afternoon together, shall we?” “Ah think I’ve had enough socializin’ for one day.” Applejack jumped up out of her seat and headed for the door. “It wouldn’t have worked Applejack. I’ve explained that. I even asked both Princess Celestia and Luna about it when the accident first happened. That time traveling spell wouldn’t have changed anything.” Applejack spun around, fire in her eyes. “Ya could’ve at least tried! What harm would it have done? None!” “Plenty actually.” Twilight sighed and stood up to face her friend. “Don’t you remember that the last time I did that spell? Every single thing I was trying to prevent happened anyway? There’s a set time for everything Applejack. Things happen when they are suppose to happen. I know that doesn’t make you feel any better, but it’s the truth.” “Ya didn’t even TRY” Applejack yelled again. “It hurts so bad and all you had to do was make the effort to prevent it!” Applejack’s voice started to crack. “W-would it have been so b-bad to go back just once?” “And do you really think it would have stopped there Applejack? After the first failure, you would want me to try again, then again, and again, each time making you lose Rainbow all over again. Could you really go through that repeatedly?” Applejack grew silent as Rarity moved from her seat and stood next to Twilight. “Oh Applejack, I can’t imagine how much pain you must be in darling, but we all miss her too. I know I for one could not stand to lose Rainbow Dash again. Surely you understand Twilight’s position?” “Applejack,” Twilight spoke softly. “I’m so sorry. I can’t try to play God with ponies lives. It would only end in disaster. “She wasn’t just any pony, Twi. She was my wife and an Element of Harmony. That should’a counted for somethin’ after all we’ve been through. Fluttershy finally stood and walked over to the group. “Girls, stop it! What happened was a terrible accident that No pony can change, no matter how badly we may want to.” “Yeah” Pinkie Pie said. “Dashie wouldn’t want you two fighting. It’s the last thing she would want!” “Ya’ll just don’t understand what mah life is like without her. I know ah got mah other family but ever since Rainbow d-died, life just lost its luster. It’s like it ain’t worth livin’. Ya’ll don’t get that. She may have been yer friend but she was mah life, and all anypony ever tells me to do is just move on from her. Like the past 14 years didn’t happen…” “Applejack, no one is saying tha…” Twilight tried to interrupt, but Applejack kept going. “Well I CAIN”T ya hear?! I cain’t and ah won’t!” Applejack turned back to the door and stepped out. Twilight followed close on her heels. “Applejack, please! Let us help you! You don’t have to face this alone. Please give us a chance.” “Ya had a chance to help Twilight but ya didn’t. All ya’ll other girls, I know ya mean well but the only thing that will make things right is to have Rainbow back.” Applejack looked down at her hooves and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. “Ah’m real sorry I messed up ya’lls afternoon. Won’t happen again,” and with that Applejack took off in a full gallop. “Applejack….” Twilight lowered her head and let her wings hang low at her side. She then turned and went back inside with the other’s. ~***~ Applejack decided to go home via Whitetail woods to avoid running into any other towns folk. The leaves were starting to change various colors of yellow, red, and orange as the end of summer approached and Autumn slowly set in. It was a warm afternoon made better by a gentle breeze that blew through her mane and over her body. She had slowed down to a brisk walk as she made her way along the wide path that also served as the road traveled for the ‘Running of the Leaves’ event. This was also the same place where a nervous Rainbow Dash first confessed her feelings to a surprised Applejack. ~***~ It was 15 years ago right after the annual ‘Running of Leaves’. A wore out Applejack and Rainbow Dash had started their way back to Sweet Apple Acres with the promise of cold cider awaiting them. Rainbow was was only a few feet away from Applejack when she suddenly stopped for apparently no reason. “You alright Sugarcube?” Applejack asked “Huh?” Rainbow Dash looked away for a brief moment. “Y-yeah, I’m cool.”” “Well I already knew that already,” she chuckled to herself. “Ah meant is anything wrong?” “No, It’s all good.” “Ya sure?” “Yeah…..well...I mean kinda.” Rainbow fidgeted for a moment as she tried to think on how to say what was on her mind. “Okay, so like...you know how we’ve been friends for a really long time right?” “Yeah, I reckon so,” Applejack said. “What’s this yer goin’ on about RD?” “Just gimme a minute. I’m trying to say something.” Rainbow Dash took in a deep breath and started to gather her courage. “...and well, sometimes, over time, friendships change and feelings change….Do you understand what I’m getting at?” Applejack looked shocked. “Are ya sayin’ you don’t want to be mah friend no more? That somethin’s happened between us? Ah mean, if this is about me beatin’ ya at this year’s competition…” Rainbow Dash facehoofed and ran over to her concerned friend. “What?! No! Thats not what I’m saying at all! Look, I just mean that sometimes ponies feelings can change for one another and its not always a bad thing.” “Dag nabbit Rainbow just get on with whatever yer tryin’ to say. Yer bout to give me a heart attack!” Rainbow looked into those beautiful emerald eyes just as she had so many times before. Today was the day. No more waiting or chickening out. She was Rainbow Dash. The most awesome flyer in all Equestria and she was not about to wuss out again. “Okay AJ. Listen up because I can only say this once and you have to promise not to laugh at me because honestly, I just don’t think I could take that. Its taken me months just to get this far plus the encouragement of all our friends” Applejack turned her head to the side in curiosity. ‘What on earth could Rainbow have to say that would make her laugh at her’. Dash’s serious expression was betrayed by something else behind those magenta eyes; something Applejack had never really seen before. Was that doubt? Fear? “RD, whatever it is ya gotta say you can say it. Ah won’t laugh, Ah promise.” Rainbow nodded. This was it. “Alright. Applejack, would you like to go out with me?” Applejack stared at her for what seemed to Rainbow Dash like an eternity. Truth was, only a few seconds had passed. “So like, you want to go hang out some place or...” Rainbow’s face dropped. She let out a growl of frustration and tried again. “No! I mean….. Applejack placed a hoof to her mouth and offered a half smile. “Ah know what ya meant darlin’. Ah’m just messin’ with you.” Applejack lowered her hoof and gave Rainbow Dash a good look over, making sure she wasn’t joking around or pulling one of her pranks. “I gotta ask...why me?” Rainbow seemed legitimately shocked by this question. “Why you?! Why not you?! Your hard working, your loyal and honest. You can keep up with me. You have so much love in you and it shows in your work or when you’re with your family. You accept me and all the crazy stuff I do and you have always supported me and my dreams. When I'm with you, I feel like I could fly even without my wings....its just..” “Rainbow, I ain’t all tha…” Before she could finish, Dash continued on. “ “You are the only other pony in all Equestria that is as awesome as I am. I mean our other friends are great, but you and I just click. At least to me. And there's so much more but I’m just not good at this stuff so could you please just say yes or no so I can either die of embarrassment or feel relieved?” Applejack didn’t know what to say. I mean sure she would be lying to herself if she said she hadn’t wondered about a relationship between the two, but she always dismissed it. Rainbow Dash wanted to be a Wonderbolt, which would take her away from Ponyville, while Applejack was just an Apple Farmer, likely to stay in Ponyville the rest of her life. How could this possibly work out? “Ya know it won’t be easy. We have two totally different directions we want to take our lives, but yer a smart enough pony to have already thought of that. Ya sure this is a road ya wanna go down?” Rainbow Dash gave her a look of sheer determination “Your right, I have thought about all of that. It’s all I’ve been thinking about for over 6 months when I was finally able to admit to myself how I felt. I’d like to find out if this could work. I-I know it will work. When we've both worked hard at something, when has it -not- worked?" Rainbow let out a sigh. "I’ve never been more afraid of anything until this moment. So….?” “Yes” Applejack said with a smile in her eye. Rainbow Dash’s features lit up and her wings opened wide in excitement. “Whoa...R-really?” Applejack laughed. “Yeah ya silly Pegasus, really. If I’m honest with ya, I’ve kinda wondered what bein’ with ya would be like as well. Let’s give it a shot.” Rainbow Dash flew into the air yelling out all kinds of hoots and hollers, turning back flips and front flips, leaving rainbow streaks all over the sky where she quickly flew. She finally landed and casually walked up to AJ. “Soooo, tomorrow at 8?” ~***~ Applejack had been deep in thought. So much so she didn’t even notice that instead of walking back to the Apple Family homestead, she instead arrived at her and Rainbows old house in the East Orchard. She stopped, mildly but not totally surprised. This was where she had spent the last several years of her life. The house wasn’t as big as the Apple Family home proper but it was still a good size. The home was two stories tall, had 2 bedrooms, a trophy room, a well equipped kitchen, a spacious living room, large bathroom; perfect for two ponies to shower together at the same time, extra large windows on the second floor; made specifically for a certain pegasus to fly in and out of, and a porch that went all the way around the house. It was red, like the other structures on the property and had yellow shutters with intricate engraving on the wood. The designs on the shutters ranged from the two homeowners cutie marks to leaves, trees, and clouds. The home overlooked a large field and had a perfect view of the sunrise every morning. She walked up to the door and turned the knob. Locked. Big Mac must have locked it up to prevent her from going in again after she moved out. He was a darn fool if he thought he could keep her out of her own house. She walked over to the corner of the porch and kicked at a board. It popped open to reveal a small compartment where a spare key laid inside. She walked back over to the door and unlocked it. With a slight nudge the door creaked open wide. She stood in the threshold for several long minutes. She could she the pictures on the wall; pictures that told the story of their life together. Everything from their first date to Rainbow’s first day as a Wonderbolt, to pictures of their friends, their wedding, and their vacation in the mountains just before her accident. Each picture that was once a reminder of happy times together now stung at Applejacks heart like a thousand needles. She looked over by the fireplace where, in her dream, Rainbow had sat broken and mangled. Today, through the soft sunlight that managed to escape the curtains, there was just a beautiful dark blue carpet set in front of a fireplace holding only ash. Stepping into her home she could see a light layer of dust covering every surface. She walked slowly over towards the stairs and went up into their old room. They room was the color of the sky with murals of various types of cloud cover. Rainbow had pointed out that if she was going to live on the ground, she wanted to sleep among the clouds. Applejack was more then happy to comply. Applejack moved over and laid on their bed, taking Rainbows pillow and holding it tightly. “Why can’t everyone just understand? I can’t let her go. I just can’t. It’s my fault she’s gone. I know folk say it ain’t but it is.” She laid there and cried softly to herself as the memory of the funeral came into focus. ~***~ It was an otherwise gorgeous day in Equestria. It was mid-summer and the only relief from the heat was a brisk breeze blowing over every pony that had gather for Rainbow Dash's final farewell. Applejack wore a black dress and Stetson with a veil that covered her features. All the other mourning ponies were dressed in various suits and dresses from black to gray. Rainbow’s casket was closed, her body too damaged for viewing. Princess Celestia was giving a eulogy that Applejack really wasn’t paying much attention to. “Equestria has lost a great hero….She was too young….We bid farewell to the Element of Loyalty….” Princess Celestia’s words seemed like mutters in the distance. As Celestia finished her eulogy, the Wonderbolts flew over head in a triangle. As they flew, one broke off to the right and into the distance to symbolize the passing of one of their own. Applejack kept her eyes focused on the Mahogany box before her. Inside laid the mare of her dreams. Her life. Her love. It wasn’t right. None of this was right. It was like a nightmare she just couldn't shake. Nightmare. Suddenly she was alone. The bright, sunny day had turn into a chilly evening. All around her the tree’s hung lifeless, bare of the leaves they had been sporting only a few moments ago. The wind blew hard and lightening streaked across the sky. She was alone except for the casket of Rainbow Dash. Shivers ran up and down her spine. She turned to leave but heard the sound of slight tapping and scratching against wood. Applejack stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned around. The sound continued. Tap..Tap...Scratch… Applejack gulped. She must be hearing things. It was the wind blowing through the trees or something. Tap..Tap..Scraaatch.. Applejack’s heart skipped a beat as she realized the sound was indeed coming from the closed casket. “Rainbow?” She asked in a hushed voice. She slowed made the few paces over to the box and placed her hoof on the latch to open the lid. She took a deep breath. “She can’t look any worse than she did at the hospital,” Applejack said to herself. With that she flung it open only to find it was empty. Applejack’s eyes went wide and darted back and forth, making sure she wasn’t crazy. Rainbow Dash was not in her Casket. As her mind tried to make sense of what she was seeing; or rather, not seeing, something pushed her from behind. Losing her balance she tumbled forward into the casket making an “Oomph” sound as she landed on her back. Her heart jumped in her throat as she looked up and saw staring down at her was Rainbow Dash. She was an ashen color. Her usually bright cyan coat a mockery of what it formerly was. The mortuary ponies had done the best they could, stitching up her gashes, rips and tears, but that somehow made it worse. She looked like a monster from one of those Horror movies Pinkie liked to make the girls watch. Her usually lively and bright magenta eyes were cloudy and sunken into their sockets. When she spoke, her voice was rough, like she had swallowed gravel. “It’s only fair you come with me, AJ. This way we can be together forever.” Rainbow Dash climbed inside the casket, pinning Applejack down. She reach behind her and shut the lid to the casket with the latch clicking into place. Applejack struggled against the weight of the pony on top of her. She couldn’t move. The stench of decay flooded her nose as she panicked, trapped inside with her dead mate. “Don’t worry Applejack,” Rainbow Dash said with a gurgle. “This will be awesome” Rainbow leaned down and forced her dry, cold lips to Applejacks. Applejack tried to scream only to feel Dash’s tongue slink in her mouth. She tasted of rotten fruit and Applejack felt like she was going to throw up. She tried to push Rainbow off of her again, turning her head to the side to escape the morbid kiss. “Nooooooo!” “Applejack! Wake up!” Applejack startled awake. Her body covered in sweat and face streaked with tears. Her eyes were wide as she took in her surroundings. There was just a cloud covered room and a yellow pegasus staring at her with deep concern. “Applejack, are you alright? You were screaming.” Fluttershy said. Applejacks eyes continued to dart around, making sure she was no long in that enclosed box with a decaying Rainbow Dash. After she had a chance to focus, her cheeks turned red. No one other then her family had ever caught her having a nightmare like this before. “Y-yeah...Ah’m fine Fluttershy. Just a really bad dream.” She shuddered. “What are ya even doin’ here?” “Oh...well...I followed you after what happened at the Cafe’. I’m sorry. I was just worried.” Fluttershy said as she lowered her head, looking nervous. Applejack was torn between being upset for being follow, added in the embarrassment of her friend seeing her in her current state, and being thankful her friend cared enough to check up with her and wake her up from that Nightmare. A few moments passed before Applejack finally sighed and spoke. “Ya shouldn’t sneak up on ponies like that Fluttershy, but ah I understand yer reasonin’, plus I guess I owe ya a ‘thank you’ for wakin’ me up.” Fluttershy smiled at the remark. “Oh, it was nothing.” Applejack took one more look around the room and sighed. “Let’s get outta here. Ain’t nothin’ but ghosts in this ol’ house anyway.” They both walked down stairs, Applejack keeping her eyes forward, ignoring everything in the house but the front door. Fluttershy on the other hand couldn’t help but look around, remembering all the sleep overs and fun times they had all had in this house over the years. Why couldn’t Applejack see it? Once outside she locked the door and threw the spare key out into the field. She wouldn‘t need it anymore. She had no intention of going back inside that house ever again. There was too many painful memories littered on every wall and every piece of furniture. Fluttershy noted what Applejack had done but said nothing. “Ah should get back home Fluttershy. You take care now,” Applejack said as she ran off towards the Apple homestead. “Right…..You too Applejack.” She sighed and took to the skies; her mind focused on Applejack the whole way home. Author's Note This chapter was not going to be in the story at all. I had thought about including a shorter version of this in Chapter 1 but thought it needed some fleshing out. It was a hard chapter to write but I hope ya'll enjoyed reading it. I got it down two days ahead of schedule. Go me! If you catch any typo's let me know! Comment, like, follow, all that usual stuff if you want!
The Deal“It was just so terrible,” Fluttershy said as she walked around her cottage feeding all her animal friends. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony so shaken up” After doing her rounds she sat back down on a chair and smiled at her guest. “More Tea?” “If you don’t mind my dear,” Discord said, smooth as silk. He was wearing an old english outfit with monocle and top hat while floating over Fluttershy’s couch. Fluttershy got up and brought the tea pot to Discords cup and poured the hot beverage. After she was done Discord beckoned two lumps of sugar from the bowl that grew legs and walked into his cup. He sipped it slowly as he continued to listen to his friend. “I just don’t know what to do! She blames herself so much and a part of her blames Twilight as well. We’ve all tried talking to her, but nothing works. Sometimes it gets me angry because this isn’t what Rainbow Dash would have wanted for her, but then I remember she’s one of my best friends and I need to be more supportive.” Fluttershy let out a long sigh, stood up from her chair once again and began to pace, her wings flaring out to the side. “Oh what should I do? I don’t think that any of the other girls can help like I can. She needs kindness more than anything right now.” “Or a good kick in the flank,” Discord chuckled. “Discord! she gasped. "That’s not helping” “Oh do forgive me Fluttershy but I do find death so boring. It’s so final. Why do you think I didn’t just kill off all of the Elements of Harmony when I was evil? There’s no fun in death. No chance for a bit of Chaos.” Fluttershy thought about this for a moment and then walked up to Discord and put a hoof on his paw. “Will you ever die?” “Chaos is forever, but as for me personally, oh someday I suppose. One way or another. No one, not even the Princesses’ can escape the big dirt nap. The point is to live life as Crazy as you can, while you can. It’s one of the few things your friend Pinkie Pie understands with perfect clarity!” Fluttershy nodded in understanding. She walked back over to her chair and sat down again, placing a hoof to her chin in a thinking position. “She says the only thing that will make things better is to have Rainbow Dash back. But no pony can do that, right?” Silence. “Right……?” “That depends on your point of view.” Discord said with a gleam in his eyes. “What do you mean?” “Well you remember how I changed all of Ponyville when I was first released from my Statue? I changed all reality to fit my wants. Up was down, Night was day, water was dry and let’s not forget the chocolate rain. I do so much love Chocolate.” He drank the last sip of his tea and snapped his fingers. The cup and his Victorian clothing were gone, now replaced with a lab coat, spectacles and a piece of chalk, making him look like some kind of teacher. “I was trying to take Equestria into a whole other reality, another world if you will; where Chaos ruled and everyone else was just there for my amusement.” He stopped as he felt Fluttershy’s gaze upon him. “Of course that was the old me”. He smiled a toothy grin. “I made each and every one of your friends let go of who they were, what they loved, one by one until Twilight managed to break my spell. If she hadn’t, the world as you knew it would have stopped existing. You see reality isn’t as concrete as what every pony makes it. Thing’s change, and as they change so does reality.” “Something that may be gone in this reality, may still exist in another. It just exists in a different point of time. Most of us take the world at face value, never seeing all the underlying Chaos beneath it all.” Fluttershy looked thoroughly confused. “So...nothing is ever truly gone? How does that work?” “For every time someone makes a choice, they continue on with their life based on the perception of how that choice will affect their lives. But somewhere, a whole other reality is born. A reality where that pony made a different choice and they continued down THAT path of perception.” Fluttershy sat there and just blinked. Discord pinched the bridge of his nose. He threw the piece of chalk away and set off a small explosion, momentarily scaring all of Fluttershy’s critters. She gave him a look. “Sorry Sorry.” He said, raising up his arms in defense. “Alright, let’s look at it like this. We all live in one world. In this world everyone perceives Rainbow Dash to be dead because of the accident and so she is. But there is another reality out there. One where Rainbow Dash is in fact alive.” Fluttershy gasped. “You mean Rainbow is alive out there somewhere?! How can we get to her?” Discord sighed. “You can’t. She exists in a whole other reality; a different place and time from our world. I would have to rip her from her world and take her to ours and that, my dear dear friend is a big cosmic no no.” “Why?” Fluttershy asked. “Because to take someone away from their reality requires them to give up what or who they love most. They must give up what grounds them to their reality and makes it the most real for them. When I tried to do this I made Applejack a liar, Pinkie a grump, Rarity was selfish, you were a bully and Rainbow Dash was disloyal. The very core of who you were was changed making it easier to take you to my Chaos realm. As I’m sure you remember, it wasn’t a very pleasant experience.” Fluttershy looked down to the ground, the gears in her head starting to spin, then raised her eyes up at Discord. “But what if there was a pony willing to…..well......let’s just say that a pony was able to do that...say give up what they love most and travel to another world.....” Fluttershy trailed off, her voice becoming very quiet. Discord smirked, his fang protruding forward. “Then I would be happy to take them there myself; BUT, I’m not sure any pony would like the trade off. Giving up what some pony loves most often voids the whole purpose of the trip.” Discord tapped his forehead. “I know what you are thinking my little pony. You think that Applejack may want to attempt the trip to another reality just so she can have Rainbow back. My question is WHY?! What she loves most -is- that silly cyan mare. What would be the point to going to a place where she couldn’t have what she loves most..unless...you….mean…..to...” Discord let out a laugh and did a flip in the air. “Oh my Fluttershy, that is a wonderful idea! I must be rubbing off on you. We can help your friend Applejack AND spread a little bit of Chaos all at the same time.” “This is only to help Applejack and I want your word that you won’t do anything that will hurt her more than she already is,” Fluttershy said with a stern look on her face. Discord vanished and reappeared with a boy scouts uniform on and offered a salute. “Scouts Honor.” “Alright,” she said. “Then let’s work out the details. ~***~ The sun had set on the day and the moon shone over the vast Orchard that was Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was alone in her room. It was about 2:30 in the morning and everyone else was sound asleep; except of course for Applejack. Her nightmares had been so bad recently she was terrified to close her eyes. She was restless too, unable to shake how bad she felt for how she treated her friends the other day at the Cafe. Especially Twilight. She sighed and went to the window. As she opened it, a light breeze came into her room, making the candle at her bedside flicker. “Ah’m a terrible friend,” she muttered to herself. “Ah can’t believe I yelled at mah friends like that. I know they just want to help, but…” She took her hat and threw it across the room in frustration. “They don’t understand! Ah know I should be grateful for what Ah do have...Ah got my friends, Ah got my family. Ah got my work, but for some reason when compared to that damn blue pegasus, nothin’ seems to add up. Nothin’ seems to compare. It’s like mah very soul was ripped from mah body. How can anypony understand that?” She began to pace, her anger building as she did. She was suddenly fuming mad and she knew exactly why. “It ain’t fair! Ah’ve done everythin’ that's ever been asked of me. Ah’ve been honest, Ah’ve been dependable, Ah’ve worked my flank off for my family and for just about every pony in Ponyville over the years, Ah’ve helped saved the world from Celestia knows how many threats…” She plopped herself down on her bed. Anger soon gave way to sadness, sadness then gave way to grief and grief gave way to tears. “I’d do anythin’ to have her back,” she whispered as, despite her hardest attempts to resist, she fell into a deep sleep. ~***~ “Ah’m so proud of ya Sugarcube! Golly! Captain of the Wonderbolts! Ah always knew ya could do it!” Applejack exclaimed. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had been walking their usual path in the Whitetail woods as they talked. It was spring and the air smelled of sweet flowers and fresh grass. A gentle breeze brushed through their manes as they walked and talked about Rainbows latest achievement. “Yeah, it is pretty cool, but what else can you expect when you have this much awesome in one pony!” Rainbow laughed. She had know for some time now that she was up for the promotion once Spitfire decided to retire, but she kept it on the down low from everypony else, wanting to surprise them with the exciting news. “You know though,” Rainbow said. “This wouldn’t have happened without your support. You’ve been there every step of the way pushing me to go harder, faster. You’ve watched and critiqued all my stunts and well...I guess I just wanna say ‘Thank you’. This is as much your victory as it is mine.” As they walked the scenery started to change. They were off the beaten path and onto another that didn’t look near as traveled. “Uh, where we going AJ?” “You’ll find out soon enough darlin’” As they walked, Applejack piped up; “So when ya gonna tell the other girls? Ya know Pinkie’s gonna want to throw ya a party and ah’m sure everypony will be just as excited for ya as Ah am.” “Yeah I know.” She rubbed the back of her neck with her forehoof. “I guess I just wanted ya to be the first to know. There will be plenty of time for every pony to bask in the ultimate coolness that is me.” Applejack chuckled as they finally reach a clearing. Rainbow had never been here before and gasped as she saw it. It had beautiful trees surrounding the area, all with budding flowers of every color. The clearing of soft, green grass gave way to a bank of a large pond fed by a flowing waterfall. The water was crystal clear and looked perfect for taking a swim. “Whoa, how did you find this place and how is it I’ve never seen it?” Rainbow Dash said in awe. “Well I reckon ya never saw it from the air ‘cause of the natural canopy coverin’ the area. This here place is off the beaten path. Ah only found it cause Ah heard rumors ‘bout it and went explorin’. Ah knew I wanted to save it fer a special occasion and well..this here seemed like the perfect time.” Rainbow Dash took flight and checked out the whole area. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Small shafts of sunlight escaped from the canopy above, spilling their light on the rippling waters causing them to sparkle. She finally landed next to AJ. “What do ya think Darlin’? Ah kinda figured it would be a romantic and secluded place for me to give ya yer reward for gettin’ yer promotion.” “R-reward?” Rainbow Dash grinned as it clicked in her head why Applejack had taken her to this place. “Aww yeah! I get a promotion AND laid all in one day,” she cheered. Applejack just laughed as she lead Rainbow Dash out towards the waterfall. “Every made love in a waterfall before Dashie?” Applejack asked. Rainbow smirked “You know the answer to that. You were the first pony I was every with” “Ah know. Get ready to add this to the long list of places we’ve been together.” With that she leaned in and kissed her wife. She parted her lips, her moist tongue begging entrance past Rainbows. Rainbow parted her own lips and their tongues found each other, dancing wildly. Applejack wrapped her forelegs around her and pulled her in tight. Rainbow’s wings popped out and spread wide, the water from the waterfall cascading down both their bodies. Rainbow gently laid the Earth pony down on the smooth rock below. Applejack broke the kiss for a moment to look into those magenta eyes. Rainbow didn’t say anything. She didn’t have. Her body language and look in her eyes said it all. “Ah love ya Dashie,” Applejack whispered. There was an unspoken moment between them as they became intertwined, two ponies become one. It truly was an awesome day. ~***~ Applejack awoke to the roosters crow per usual. She found herself reaching out for where Dash usually would have been. That had been the first good dream she had had in months. She curled up on her bed and wanted to cry, but she forced it back. She didn’t want to spoil the good memories she had just experienced. She got out of bed and went straight to the shower cautiously. Ever since that nightmare of finding Dash in her shower, she had been pessimistic and distrusting of her senses. Her dreams always felt so real. It was hard to tell some days if she was asleep or awake. Thankfully the shower was empty and she turned it on. She made it colder than usual. Her dream had left her a little roused up, the first time she had felt like that since the accident. She let the water flow over her, much like the water from the waterfall did that precious day several years back. When she was done, she dried off and went back to her room, grabbed her iconic stetson and went on down to breakfast. Everyone at the table noticed something was up with AJ. She had an appetite and she didn’t have dark circles under her eyes. Big Mac smiled to himself, not sure what had caused the change in his sister this morning but thanked Celestia for it. After breakfast AJ made haste out to the Orchard. She was checking the tree’s for parasites, fruit bats, or any other critters that might do her tree’s harm. As she worked, she heard a rustling coming from behind her. There was something in the bush. She moved closer and upon further inspection realized the bush had bushy grey eyebrows. She let out a sigh. “Discord, Ah ain’t in the mood for any of yer games. Ah got work to do.” In a flash Discord changed into his normal Draconequus self with a dopey smile on his face. “How on earth did you know it was me?” “Plants ain’t got busy eyebrows fer one.” “This is true. I’ll have to work on that” Shortly thereafter Fluttershy landed next to Discord. She offered AJ a bright smile. “Good Morning Applejack. How are you this morning?” Applejack still had that blessing of a dream fresh in her mind. “Cain’t complain Ah guess. What brings you and the ‘Lord of Chaos’ to my farm so early?” Fluttershy walked up to Applejack and placed a fore hoof on her shoulder. “Well, you see Applejack, Discord and I think we may have found a way to help you.” “Ah don’t need no help, Fluttershy, but ah appreciate the offer.” “Well, um, what if I told you there was a way you could have Rainbow Dash back in your life? Would you be interested then?” she said quietly. Applejack stopped what she was doing and tensed up. She turned around and was fuming mad. Her face was red and her heart beat wildly in her chest. Why would Fluttershy of all ponies say something like to her? What kind of mean spirited game was this. “That ain’t funny in the least Fluttershy. How could you of all ponies say somethin’ like that to me! You know Dash is gone and their ain’t nothing no pony can do about it! Ah think you’ve been hangin’ out with Discord too much. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to be somewhere else other then here.” Applejack stormed off and Fluttershy nearly burst into tears. She hadn’t expect that reaction though looking back maybe she should have. Discord vanished from his spot and appeared in front of Applejack glaring down at her. “I think my dear Applejack you need to check your attitude at the door and hear what she has to say,” Discord said with a hint of a threat in his voice. It was clear he didn’t take too kindly to Applejack’s attitude toward Fluttershy. Applejack let out a long sigh, still clearly annoyed and confused about what she had just been told. She turned around to face a distressed Fluttershy and her heart sank. “Ah’m sorry Fluttershy, Ah...Ah just guess ya surprised me is all. Ah mean how in the world could ah get Rainbow back? Twilight won’t help and save from killin’ my own self I just don’t see how we can be together again. “Well...you see….I-I mean...” Fluttershy was trying to say the words but she just got quieter and quieter. Applejack leaned in trying to hear her until Discord interrupted her. “What Fluttershy is trying to say is I can take you to a place where Rainbow Dash is still alive. There is, however a wee catch.” Applejack perked up. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Rainbow Dash back in her life? It would be a miracle. However making a deal with Discord somehow felt like making a deal with the Devil. Applejack raised her eyebrow and leaned in curiously. “What’s the catch?” Discord smiled. He was anxious to see if Applejack would actually go for it. “You would have to give up what you love most. Meaning, in the place I would take you, you and Rainbow Dash could never be together. You would have to trade 14 years of marriage and 1 year of dating. All the romance you shared can’t happen, not even a single kiss.” “What about mah family and friends here? What happens to them?” she asked. “What does it matter!” Discord said gleefully. “You would have your Rainbow back! Isn’t that worth a few small sacrifices?” Discord appeared right next to Applejack and raised his hand in front of him. “Just picture it! No more nightmares. No more tears. No more hurting your friends and family with your endless suffering. You’d be doing them a favor! What good are you hear when your just a broken down pony inside? Wouldn’t it be better for everyone, yourself included if you could just start over?” Applejack furrowed her brow as she thought. She wasn’t being a very good friend these days and hadn’t been since the accident. All she seemed to do is hurt her family every day she saw them. Everypony was always going on about how she needs to move on and such. They didn’t understand. But maybe she could go to a place where Dash was alive and she could be her old self again. Maybe there was hope. “And all ah have to do is give up our relationship? Everything else would be the same? Ah do that and Dash lives, right?” Discord snapped his fingers and suddenly had a halo and white robes on, making him look like some kind of mock angel. “On my friendship with Fluttershy, I promise. Besides, your sort of my friend too and isn’t this what friends do…” he leaned in with a half cocked grin. Applejack looked back over to Fluttershy who finally looked as if she had gained her courage back. “What do ya think Fluttershy? What would ya do if ya were in mah place?” “Oh gosh Applejack, I can’t even begin to put myself in your hooves, but I truly believe Discord means what he says. We both talked about it at length and feel this is the best way to help you. If I had lost some pony special to me, I know the idea would sound tempting, but you have to make this choice for yourself.” Applejack looked between the pair. She could save Rainbow Dash. She could stop being a burden to everypony. She could get back her own life. Surely that was worth the sacrifice? Wouldn’t it be selfish to do anything else? How could she live with herself knowing she could save the love of her life and passed it up? Her face turned to one of resolve. She straighten her stetson firmly on her head and nodded. “Alright Discord. Ya got yerself a deal. Let’s do this” “Marvelous!” Discord squealed in delight. He snapped his fingers and was back to his old self. “Now hold on my little pony. This is going to be quite the ride.” Discord raised his talons and paw to the heavens as a dark cloud began to form. Thunder echoed through the Orchard and random bolts of lightening shattered the skyline. One bolt struck one of Applejack’s trees and split it right in half. Fluttershy tried to make herself as small as possible, trembling with fright. As the storm picked up intensity it began to lift Applejack off her hooves. Bright colors of light began to surround her and she nearly began to panic. She gave a final look to Fluttershy just before the swirl of lights around her enveloped her entire body. Discord let out a whimsical laugh and with a loud crackle, Applejack and Discord were gone. The clouds parted and the storm passed. Fluttershy came out from her hiding spot and looked up into the sky. “I sure hope this works.” ~***~ Applejack laid sprawled out on the ground feeling like she had just gotten bucked off a wild bull in a rodeo. Her whole body hurt and she struggled to move. She tried to open her eyes but she felt so weak. Discord on the other hand pulled a bucket of water from no where and threw it right in Applejack's face. "Wakey Wakey Applejack. Your new future awaits!" Applejack coughed and hacked as the water doused her. She opened her eyes and tried to get up on her shaky hooves, finally managing it after a few attempts. She looked around. She knew this place. She was in the White Tail woods in Autumn. The leaves had all fallen from their branches so it had to be after the Running of the Leaves event. She turned and gave Discord a questioning look. "Welcome to 15 years ago. On this day Rainbow Dash confessed her feelings to you. She's looking for you right now in fact. You had better make your self look presentable." "Now wait just a darn minute. You said you would take me to a place where I couldn't have Dash in my life like that! What's yer game Discord" "I did say that now didn't I. I suppose I failed to mention one tiny little detail. Right now we are just in the past. If Rainbow Dash confesses her love and you accept as you did before, you will be instantly transported back to your own reality. However this time you must make another choice. This time you have to deny her. Deny her and it will give birth to a whole other reality where Rainbow Dash is alive, just as you wanted." "But what about the future?! If ah do this will she still die 15 years from now?" Discord rubbed his chin for a moment "Its always hard to tell with alternate realities. Because you two will never be together, Rainbow Dash will make different choices in her life. Its possible she may never even become a Captain of the Wonderbolts at all. Her life may take her in a whole different direction without you to support her, but..as promised, you have her back for now and that is what we agreed to.' "Applejack! Where are you?!" Applejack's breath caught in her throat. "R-rainbow...." Applejack started to run in the direction of the voice calling her, just to be stopped by an outstretched talon. "Remember Applejack. Not even a single kiss or the spell will be broken. You have no choice but to reject her affections. If you don't, the events of today will carry on into the next 15 years and you will end up right where you were before. You must break her heart to save her." Applejack wasn't sure but for a brief moment, Discord actually seemed a bit sad. It only lasted for a moment, but she was sure she saw it. soon the expression was replaced by a large grin, Discords fang protruding out. "Now run Applejack! Your new life awaits!" Applejack gave an unsure look at Discord but he motioned her on. She heard Rainbow Dash call out for her again. With that she reared up on her hind legs and took off like a dart. She ran as fast as she could to the calling voice. "Ah'm coming sugarcube! Ah'm comin' Dashie! Discord watched in amusement as the trail of dust flew off of Applejack's hooves and landed slowly back to the dirt road. "Let the games begin," he whispers with a mischievous look on his face. With a snap of his fingers he was gone. Author's Note This chapter is late by a few days and I do so humbly apologize for that. I had a difficult time finding time and inspiration to finish this chapter up. This chapter brings us to the half way mark of our little adventure. I do want to give a very heartfelt shout out to those who have Favorited this story. I had no idea so many would care what I had to write. It warms my heart as an author that you give me a moment of your time so I can weave a tale or two. I will try my hardest to make my one week deadline for the next chapter. Remember to like, dislike, comment and everything else letting me know what you think of the story thus far!
