This chapter was written by AppleDashLuv.
Applejack leaned against a barrel as she watched Rainbow Dash pour over the maps, trying to find the quickest possible route. Rainbow was oblivious as ever, not letting Applejack's silence throw her off. It wasn't until Applejack gave a loud sigh that the pegasus realized her marefriend’s discontent.
“What's up, AJ?”
Applejack sighed, pulling her stetson down to cover her eyes. “It's nothin', Rainbow.”
Rainbow took notice of Applejack's tone and slowly walked towards her. When Applejack looked down, she bent to put her face at the same level in an attempt to look into Applejack's closed eyes.
“C'mon, Applejack,” she pleaded. “Talk to me. I thought you said you weren't chickening out!”
“I ain't,” Applejack deadpanned as she opened her eyes. She tried her hardest to avoid Rainbow's gaze, but Rainbow wouldn't let that phase her.
“Applejack,” she growled. She used her hoof to force the orange pony to meet her eyes. When she saw the distraught look on the other mare's face, her glare softened. “AJ, I told you it's your call. I need to know what you want.”
At last, Applejack sighed and embraced Rainbow, laying her head on the cyan mare's shoulder. Rainbow laid next to her and wrapped her wing tenderly around her. They were both quiet for a few moments before Applejack finally spoke up.
“I guess... it's just... I'm scared! Look at this here mess! We have no idea what we're up against other than a hike and some three-headed dog... And we don't even know how to get past it...” she trailed off with a huff.
Rainbow sighed. “That's not all, is it?”
Applejack tightened their embrace. “I reckon it's not. I just read all about the judgment of souls in the encyclopedia, Rainbow. What if they got eternal punishment? Or they don't remember me? There's so much that can go wrong, and we don't even know the half of it!”
Rainbow felt her heart break as Applejack began shaking against her. “AJ, I can't make you any promises about your parents. I can't tell you that they're okay, or even that they'll recognize you, but I can promise you one thing.” Applejack looked up and raised an eyebrow. “They'll be proud to know they have a daughter with such an awesome marefriend!”
Applejack rolled her eyes and bopped Rainbow on the shoulder. “I'm serious, RD!”
Rainbow just grinned and pulled Applejack closer. “So am I. Besides, you're pretty awesome, too.” Applejack smiled. “And as for this mess... well, I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually.”
Applejack snorted. “Oh, c'mon, now! How the hay are we ever gonna figure this out without some kinda help?”
Rainbow sighed in defeat. “Will it make you feel better?” Applejack shrugged. “Fine, let's make a bet! If we can't find four super-useful books in the next hour, we'll go beg Twilight. If we do... you have to... ask Rarity to make you a Daring Do costume and wear it the whole time we're gone!”
Applejack spat on her hoof and held it out for Rainbow to bump. “It's a deal partner.”
“I can't believe I'm doing this,” Applejack grumbled.
Rainbow snickered. “You shouldn't have doubted me, Apple Smack!” Out of nowhere she started sprinting, and yelled, “Race you to Rarity's!”
Applejack wasn't in any hurry to get to the boutique, so instead, she put her head down and walked as slowly as possible. When she finally arrived, Rainbow was in front of the boutique with Rarity, pacing anxiously.
The moment Rainbow noticed Applejack walking up, she tackled her.
“Ngh! Dash! What in tarnation?”
Rainbow just glared and pinned her down. “What took you so long? I was waiting for, like, ever!”
Applejack sighed. “It was two minutes, RD. Now would ya get off o' me? Thank ya kindly.”
Rarity gave a pitiful cough. “Er, Applejack? What, may I ask, is this about? I'm extremely busy, you know!”
At that, Rainbow perked up, running into the boutique as fast as she could. Applejack turned to Rarity. “Well, me and RD had a little bet going... and I lost. I need ya to make me a Darin' Do costume. It's gotta be good for adventurin', though, ya hear?”
Rarity squealed. “Oh, of course, darling! Come in, come in!”
When they got inside, Applejack pushed Rainbow out. “If you want me to do this,” she said, “You have to go home. Y'all ain't seein' it 'til we leave tomorrow!”
Rainbow looked like she wanted to argue, but changed her mind. “Whatever, so worth it!” With that, she gave a salute and flew home, excited for the next day's adventure.