//------------------------------//
// FaR Finale 
// Story: Following a Rainbow 
// by malikvamp 
//------------------------------//

FaR- Finale

Applejack sat within the embrace of Rainbow's wing, under the largest tree in all of Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was just peaking over the horizon; in the distance, still vaguely viable, was a Pegasus drawn chariot. On that chariot, along with princess Celestia, was Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and Fluttershy. 

"It's so strange, watchin' em go." Applejack's voice was soft, mournful. It was the first thing either pony had spoken since the chariot left several minutes ago. "For the longest time Ah thought we'd all be together, here in Ponyville, together forever."

The leafs above the couple's heads whistled as the morning breeze danced through them. Applejack warmly snuggled closer into Rainbow's side. 

'So many things are going to change around Ponyville soon.' Applejack looked up to meet Rainbow's loving eyes. 'But Ah know it'll be alright, so long as Ah've got Rainbow by mah side.'

Rainbow didn't speak, but instead returned her eyes to the sky before them, tracing along with the chariot's movements. More so than for any other pony Rainbow was affected by the changes. Rainbow's life had always been about living to the limit, pushing farther each and every day to impress not only herself, but those around her. Rainbow had always treasured time with her friends above all else, and now three of said friends were gone.

"Rainbow Dash, are you alright?"

As the chariot finally disappeared in the distance Rainbow Dash turned to AJ, her eyes red. Streams of tears ran down Rainbow Dash's cheek, the Pegasus herself was shaking uncontrollably. 

"They're gone, AJ."

Applejack smiled sweetly, and leaned up to kiss Rainbow on the cheek. "No they're not, darlin'. They're just a little bit farther away. The best thing about a strong friendship, though, is that no matter how far away they are our bond will never be stretched." Applejack leaned away, snuggling back into Rainbow's mane. "An' the next time we all see each other it will be as if nothin' ever changed."

Dash continued to weep silently. She understood, and believed Applejack's words, but that didn't make saying goodbye any easier. 

"Besides, we have a new friendship to build."

"What?" Rainbow sounded shocked, as if she'd just mean told the sun exploded. "No pony can replace Twilight's knowledge and advice, or Rarity's generosity, or Fluttershy's infinite kindness!"

"They can never be replaced, Rainbow, but that doesn't mean that we can't makes new friend!" The sun was now visible on the horizon, in all of its glory. The grass was a sea of luminescent green, the sky a blanket of teal. The world seemed livelier than it had in weeks. Some distance down the path the sound of hooves on gravel was growing closer.

"Who are you talking about, Applejack?" Rainbow turned towards the sound, but it was camouflaged behind the trees. 

Then a voice, sweet and soft, emerged from the detection of the walking. "Hello? Are you guys out here?" Rainbow recognized the voice, but was to stunned to respond. It wasn't possible. She had gone to Canterlot with the others, hadn't she? "Hello?" It called again. 

As the voice called out the second time the pony that created it popped out from behind the trees, and into plain sight of the couple. Applejack smiled brightly, escaping Rainbow's grasp to move forward and meet the new friend. Rainbow simply stared. The pony's mane was as deep as the night sky itself; her mane a soft, gentle blue. Her eyes were the same emerald green as Applejack's own.

Rainbow finally gathered herself enough to speak. "P-princess Luna?"

The princess smiled warmly at Rainbow, a genuine loving smile. "I'm glad to see that you are feeling better, Rainbow Dash. I am so glad that I will be able to spend time with you, and get to know you better."

"But, why aren't you going back to Canterlot?" Rainbow Dash stood, approaching the princess. She tried to play it cool, stay cam, but her eyes were sparkling with excitement. A new friend was exactly what Rainbow needed. "Don't you have royal duties to attend to?"

"Well, kind of, I guess." Luna kept her smile. "For so long my older sister would not allow me to help her, she would take the burden of Equestria all on herself. Now, however, she is giving me control over Ponyville, to prove to her that I have what it takes to take care of my ponies." 

Applejack once again found Rainbow Dash beside her. Recently AJ had noticed that whenever she would walk away, or moved somewhere else, soon enough Rainbow would be beside her again. She giggled lightly at the thought. It was as if Rainbow didn't even notice, like it had become a habit.

Rainbow spoke excitedly, no longer able to feign disinterest. "That's amazing! So can we, like, hang out and stuff?"

"Now Rainbow, you have to remember why the princess is here!" Applejack nudged Rainbow's side to get her attention. "Her job is to watch over all of Ponyville, not just-"

Before Applejack could finish she was cut off by a certain rebellious princess. "Actually, Applejack, although I am here to watch over all of Ponyville, my sister gave me a second, even more important task!"

"Oh?" Applejack eyed Luna suspiciously, but somewhere deep down the orange pony already knew what that task was. "And what is that?"

Rainbow was practically shaking I'm anticipation. It warmed Applejack's heart to see the Pegasus happy. Although many friends had left, to pursue their dreams, Rainbow was finally realizing her own. 

"My task, which my sister states is the most important of all, is to Study..."

Luna paused for a moment, snickering lightly to herself. "The magic of friendship."