Saddlebags, Sun, and On the Run (Book 2)

by LotusTeaDragon

At Last

CHAPTER ELEVEN
"At Last"

Rarity finished tweaking her eyelashes and stared into the mirror. They were luxuriant, and so delectably long. She blinked slowly, and admired their smooth, gentle movements. They were certain to catch the eye of a handsome, well-to-do stallion.

Mmm... we certainly look marvelous, Rarity, don't we?

"What time is the competition, Twilight?" she asked, reluctantly turning away from the mirror to call into the main room.

"It starts in two hours, Rarity. Don't worry, I've arranged the schedule so that we'll arrive approximately 25 minutes before the start of the show, ensuring good seats, and maximizing accessibility for restroom and vending access. " came the reply. Twilight never missed an opportunity to use her organizational skills. Today they would be rather helpful.

Across the hall, in Dash and Applejack's room, AJ had long since finished getting ready, as a cowpony like her had no need for fancy stuff like eyeshadow, or lipstick. A good shower with soap and water, some shampoo, and that's all she needed. Anything else was getting fancy for fancy's sake, and that never appealed to her.

At the moment, she was sitting on the bed, looking at a picture of Rainbow Dash and Violet Tempest.

"That's a lovely photo, Applejack. Is that Rainbow Dash?"

Applejack started for a second before looking up and seeing Rarity standing in the doorway.

"Oh, golly, Rarity, ya scared me there for a second! Anyway, yeah, that's Rainbow. Why don't ya come on in and take a gander?"

She handed the photo to Rarity, who took a moment to look at it. A smile appeared on her face as she did so. Applejack couldn't help but notice how lovely Rarity looked, and thought for a moment that maybe, just maybe, wearing all of those fancy lipsticks and eyeshadows might not be such a bad thing after all, if the reasons were right, and she could only think of one reason for wearing such things. Fortunately for her, Rainbow had never been interested in that kind of thing either. Maybe that's why they connected so well. They wanted a pony in her true form, without the need for dressing it up.

Still, she began to think back to the Grand Galloping Gala, and that dress. Rainbow was so lovely...

"So this is Rainbow Dash as a filly? She's simply adorable! Who is the foal she's holding in her forelegs? Oh, that must be Violet Tempest! How simply charming!"

She handed the photo back to Applejack. "If I may ask, where did you get this lovely picture?"

Applejack stared at the photo as she replied. "Sunset Wind gave it to me before we left last night." She looked up at Rarity. "She told me, 'Applejack, ya've gotta fine young mare there, don't ya go lettin' her outta yer sight."

She looked back down at the photo, with a sweet young Rainbow Dash, braces and all, held a tiny purple foal who was staring at the camera and sucking on her hoof.

Family. It meant so much to her. She didn't really know how much Rainbow's family meant to her until yesterday, when Sunset finally brought her into her forelegs before they left. I won't lie, but for a moment there, Sunset's hug almost felt like the hugs I used ta get from mah Momma.

She brought the photo to her chest, and held it there. A moment passed, and she looked up, realizing she was alone in the room. Bless her heart, Rarity had left. A good friend always knows when to stick around and when to let someone be, and Rarity was that good friend. Applejack smiled as she stood up, removed her hat, placed the photo inside, and put the hat securely back on her head.

She grinned as she heard Twilight's voice echo through the hallway.

"Okay, everypony, saddle up! It's time to go! Fluttershy, get the umbrellas just in case it rains, Pinkie Pie, you grab the cooler, and don't eat everything in it, we have to have some left just in case the vendors run out of food! Rarity, what you're wearing is fine, we don't have time to change again, Applejack, grab the seat cushions, I'm not bruising anything this time! Come on, everypony! We've got to get to the stadium before all of the good seats are taken!"

As she left the hallway, Rarity spotted her in the corridor. "Oh, my dear Applejack, have you seen Spike? I was going to ask him to choose between these two broaches. He loves emerald and star ruby, but I am partial to amethyst. Sometimes you want the opinion of a gem aficionado, if you do know what I mean, of course."

Applejack secured the seat cushions in her saddlebags before looking back up to the porcelain and painted pony. "Oh, he went over yonder with Rainbow Dash ta see her folks this mornin'. She wanted ta see Violet Tempest, I guess to get her all psyched out and ready for this whole contest and whatnot."

Rarity sighed. "Ah, I see. Very well. Then I shall choose the emerald because it reminds me of him. Not that it would mean anything other than that, because, well, you know, I mean..." She quickly ducked back into her room to affix the pin. Applejack merely raised an eyebrow, and tried to suppress a smile as she headed for the main area where the other ponies were waiting.

-//-

They reached Los Pegasus Sports Arena approximately 23 minutes later, on account of traffic, and proceeded up to the ticket booth which was set against the entrance. Twilight sidled up to the booth, her friends behind her. She stole a glance at the attendant, a lovely young pegasus mare, with a green mane and blue fur, who seemed barely out of college, and dressed in a blue suit with the Los Pegasus city logo on the front, which was the outline of a pegasus with it's wing's spread.

"Hello, Miss, I would like seven tickets please, preferably in a row that gives optimal viewing angles while still being within a reasonable price range."

The young mare looked up, registered Twilight's presence, and glanced back at the unicorn's flank. Twilight followed her eyes, and blushed. The attendant looked down at her small desk, and back up to Twilight. "Could I have your name please?"

Twilight raised her eyebrows in surprise, but found no reason not to answer. "Certainly. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

The young mare nodded, "and who is in your party?"

Again, Twilight found no reason to answer, though she was starting to wonder what it could mean. Usually, buying a ticket took no more than a few moments, where bits were exchanged with a piece of paper, and a seat designation.

"This is Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack. We also need tickets for a Miss Rainbow Dash, and a dragon named Spike."

Each of the named and present ponies nodded their greeting to the young attendant, with Applejack tipping her hat, Fluttershy giving a soft meep as she hid behind Rarity, who herself seemed to quickly glance at the young attendant's mane and blush slightly as she nodded, glancing away.

"Well, Miss Sparkle," the attendant began, smiling as she spoke, "I have pleasant news for you. It seems you have been given reserve seating along the upper pylon overlooking the center of the stadium. These are very choice seats, as you get a perfect 360° panoramic of the entire arena and the airspace around it. You must have friends in high places!"

Twilight blushed once more as she was given their tickets, and guided to the upper level stairs, by which two guard ponies stood silently. Twilight glanced at each of them as she climbed the steps. As she came to the top of the landing, at which point the guards stepped aside. As she stepped past them, Twilight's mouth dropped. The whole upper level pylon was wide and flat, with far more comfortable seats than the stadium seats to which they were accustomed. There was a drinks counter toward the back, along a low level marble divider wall that separated the section from the rest of the seats. A server pony was standing there at the moment, waiting for patrons, though nopony else was around.

Twilight could see everything. She could see Los Pegasus behind her, spread out for kilometers. To her left she could see the stairwell that lead down into the rest of the stadium. To her right she could see more seats, across from the divider, and beyond that the edge of the stadium. Further still, she could see the ocean. It was beautiful.

Gazing frontward, toward the inside field, Twilight could see a low wall that kept anypony from accidentally falling over the side. Along the inside of the wall were rows of flowers. A rainbow of colors that only accented the beautiful inlaid flooring.

At first Twilight wondered what happened when it rained, as the stadium was an open stadium, and while that was fine for metal seats, all of this was too richly appointed to allow for that. Her question was answered a moment later as she saw a lever system that lead to a set of gears. Further along that line, she spotted hard canvas rolls wedged against the back wall.

I see, she thought to herself, The lever and gearing mechanisms trigger the davits, which raise the canvas into a sturdy type of awning, which covers this section. Fascinating! I'm going to ask for the architectural blueprints to this stadium.

The rest of her friends were still quiet, taking it all in. Finally, Rarity spoke up. "Twilight, darling, did you know about any of this before we arrived?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, Rarity, I was just as surprised as you are."

Applejack stepped around Pinkie Pie, who was bouncing around, taking in every detail that she could.

"Ya don't think it was th' Princess, do ya?"

Twilight shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure, AJ. I guess she could have reserved these seats for us, but I don't recall telling her about the show."

Fluttershy piped up quietly, "Um... maybe it was the other Princess. The, um, scary one." She backed up against one of the padded seats. "Um... no offense, Twilight."

Twilight waved a hoof, "it's okay, Fluttershy. You know, one day you'll get to know her as well as I do, and you'll see that she's not scary at all. As for reserving our seats, she has been in Germaney all this time, so I don't think it's likely. The same applies for Princess Celestia, as well, I imagine, but who knows. The Princess, well, both Princesses have given occasion to where they can be full of surprises. Maybe this was one of them."

Rarity placed her sunhat on her head, and sat back into one of the plush chairs. "Well, my dears, I suggest we not look a gift horse in the mouth, and enjoy the show, which should be starting in a few minutes."

Twilight looked around, as the others settled into their seats, with Pinkie bouncing back toward the refreshment stand. She saw the various pegasi getting into position on the field below. Across from where she was standing, Twilight could see the judge's box, where three Wonderbolts were sitting, chatting amongst themselves. Looking toward the far end, she could see Violet Tempest warming up. Violet looked up and saw Twilight and waved to her.

Twilight waved back. "Look, girls! It's Violet! She's on the field!"

The other mares leaned slightly over the edge, waving to the young filly, smiles on their faces. Applejack, in particular, was smiling. "Good luck, Violet! Knock 'em all out and make it count!" she called out. While she doubted Violet could hear her that far away, she figured the good words of support would make themselves heard somehow.

"She'll do fine, AJ," Twilight said.

Rarity nodded her agreement. "She's a fine young filly, with a great deal of her sister's determination in her."

"She's brave, Applejack, I know she will make you proud." came Fluttershy's soft but confident voice.

"Yeah! And if she loses, she still has us, and all of this delicious popcorn and cotton candy!" Pinkie Pie joined in, slapping Applejack on the back.

"Um, Pinkie, I didn't know the refreshment table sold popcorn and cotton candy," Twilight asked, confused.

"They don't!" came the pink mare's reply.

-//-

Twilight shook her head in bemusement, and began looking through the guide that had been given to her by the ticket agent. It looked like there would be a procession of athletes, then the Equestrian anthem would play, followed by the tryouts themselves. After that would be a short awards ceremony, then an all night concert. Twilight knew these events had always drawn large crowds, but as she looked around the stadium, it was almost like a religion for these ponies. Even Canterlot's Wonderbolt events never looked this crowded, or this excited. She figured it had to do with the arena actually being on the ground instead of in the sky, unlike Canterlot Downs.

"So in which order is Violet gonna be competin?" Applejack asked as she sidled up next to Twilight to glance over her shoulder.

Twilight scanned down the list until she found it. "Violet is #24 out of 25. Next to last."

"Hmm, that's an awful long time ta be worryin', but ah think she can handle it. She's made o' th' same stuff her sister's made from, an' Ah can tell ya th' apple don't fall too far from th' tree with that one."

"Hey Twilight!" came a younger, cheerful voice from the stairwell.

Twilight glanced over and saw Spike waving his arms around the guards. "Oh, hey, Spike, glad you could finally join us!"

She waved toward the guards. "He's with us, sirs. Thank you!"

She waited as the guards stepped aside, and the young dragon padded up the rest of the steps, and jogged over to where Twilight was standing, stopping to catch his breath. "Whew!" he breathed, slightly bent over. His expression changed as he stood and looked around. "Wow! Where did you get these seats? They're all fancy and awesome!"

"I'm not sure, actually," Twilight responded, "We figured Princess Celestia had reserved them for us as a special surprise. That's merely a theory at this point, however."

Spike nodded. "Works for me!"

"Spike", Applejack asked as she stood next to Twilight, "ya didn't happen ta see Rainbow Dash anywhere did ya? Last time Ah checked, you were with her."

Spike smiled and nodded his head once more. "Oh, yeah. She went to talk to Violet before coming up here. She told me to tell you that she'll be along as soon as she took care of something first."

Applejack smiled and patted Spike on the head. "Alrighty, then. Thank ya Spike. Ah hope she gets here before Violet's turn. I know how much this all means ta her."

He grinned as he turned his head toward the back of their section, "Oh, cool! Is that a buffet table?!" he said before bolting toward the treat laden counter.

Twilight tilted her head slightly as she noticed the food. "Um, I don't recall seeing that when we came in. Did you see that earlier, Applejack?"

Applejack raised her eyebrows as she turned her head to where Twilight was staring. "Naw, Twilight. I didn't see anything in the corner when we all got here."

Twilight harrumphed. "That is rather peculiar."

Before she could think on it any farther, trumpets blasted from every speaker that the competition was beginning, and that everypony should take their seats.

"Okay, everypony, it's getting ready to start! YAY!" called out Pinkie, who was bouncing in her seat, eating caramel corn with one hoof, and wearing what appeared to be a giant yellow foam finger with a giant '#1' on the front, on the other. Spike was sitting next to her, his stomach already huge from what appeared to be candy coated gluttony. Still, his mood was bright as he half waved along with Pinkie.

Fluttershy was as far back in her seat as she could get, covering her head any time a loud noise emanated from the crowd, which was constant.
Rarity had a small mirror in her hoof, as she admired her freshly applied lipstick, and muttered, "Come on, you big stallion, take me to the races" over and over again.

Applejack was quiet, but focused on Violet, who was now appearing with the other competing pegasi, out on the field below. Twilight watched her for a moment, noticing that she kept fidgeting with her braid. It warmed Twilight's heart to see that Applejack already cared so much for the young filly.

Twilight, too, watched as the young mare walked out onto the field, waving to the crowd. Removing a pair of binoculars from her saddlebag, Twilight focused in closely. She could see Violet's expression seemed relaxed. She was even smiling as she waved. She was born for this, Twilight thought to herself as she looked on, glad to see Violet's nerves had not overcome her.

Finally, as the athletes stood in the middle of the field, the speakers blared once more. "Please rise, and place your right hoof over your heart for the Equestrian Anthem."

As Twilight did so, she recalled back to when she first learned the anthem, under Princess Celestia's tutelage. That fond memory lead to a warm, sunny day in the library, where Celestia taught her how to read ancient languages. Suddenly, Twilight began thinking of her most recent studying companion in that library, and her thoughts turned to Luna. Her heartbeat began to quicken at the mere mental manifestation of that beautiful mare. They had grown so close, had learned so much together, and about each other. Twilight could feel her presence, deep down, even now, and part of her ached to be home, to be with her soul mate.

"Twilight..."

It was Applejack's voice breaking through her mental fog in a hushed whisper.

"The song's over, darlin'. Yer the only one still standing like a statue with yer hoof over yer heart."

Twilight snapped out of her reverie and looked around to see that she truly was the only one still standing. She blushed and returned to her seat.

"You alright, sugarcube?"

"Oh, uh, yeah", Twilight said, bringing her full attention back to the present. "I'm fine. I was just daydreaming." She smiled a little smile, and they returned their attention to the competition.

As the competition began, Applejack watched with interest as each pegasus pony stepped out, bowed to the judges, bowed to the crowd, and then began their routine. At first she figured she wasn't going to be too involved, thinking only of Violet and her chance for success, but as she watched with greater intensity, she couldn't help but cheer on each athlete as they tried their hardest to impress the judges and wow the crowd.

She likened it to an old fashioned bull riding competition, only this time the pony was both the rider and the bull, having to show skill, grace, and brute power all at the same time in order to get them considered for that amazing group of performance ponies known as the Wonderbolts.

All of Applejack's knowledge was thanks to her marefriend, who, when they were working the orchard together, would talk endlessly about her high flying heroes. Applejack didn't mind it at all. After all, what made her partner happy was important, and she wanted it to be important to her, too. Rainbow had been more than fair in return, coming with AJ to her beloved rodeos.

On and on, each competitor took their turn. Some of them doing well, and landing proudly in the center circle in front of the judges, to the sounds of applause. Others, like the one young colt who clipped a cloud and spun out into the stands, was met with surprised gasps, and a trip to the clinic, or performed so badly that they simply stood in the center of the circle, their heads facing downward. Two had quit halfway through their routines, they had become so frustrated by their lackluster performances.

Finally, it was Violet's turn.

Applejack watched with apprehension while the young mare walked out to the center of the field, bowed to the judges, bowed, and then waved to the crowd, and then shot up into the air, leaving a purple and silver streak in her wake.

Applejack gasped as Violet rose about half a kilometer into the air before flipping and flying straight toward the ground. At the last second, she bolted to the right, swinging around and shooting up once more, doing corkscrews as she continued higher.

As she began to make spiral loops, the audience applauded in delight. Violet wasn't finished, however, as she shot forward and began whipping around a lone cumulus cloud hanging above the stadium. She began making faster circles and causing the cloud to begin spinning. As it sped up, she shot downward, racing around the stadium in a giant loop, mere meters above the heads of the spectators, who oohed and ahhed as she sped away, toward the spinning cloud. Going in the opposite direction of the spin now, the cloud began to form into a column from the centripedal force.

Applejack watched as Violet shot upward, into the air, hundreds of meters. She watched her descent as she barreled downward, toward the column of cloud, and punched through it. As she did so, the cloud exploded into purple and silver bits, cascading away like cotton candy.

The crowd went wild as she looped once more, did an aerial somersault, and landed pitch perfect in the center of the circle in front of the judges.

Everypony leapt to their hooves, clapping for the young mare who had so much exceptional skill. Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy were cheering excitedly, while Pinkie Pie and Spike were dancing together happily, Spike covered in bits of cotton candy.

Applejack, for her part, was tearing up, applauding for Violet. She looked around as she did so, wondering where Rainbow was. She hoped the mare hadn't missed her sister's amazing performance.

She didn't have time to think about it though, as the final athlete walked onto the field.

She heard Twilight's gasp before it registered. She looked closer at the pony now walking to the judge's stand, and noticed the spectral mane, and the cyan blue fur.

It was Rainbow Dash.

"What in tarnation is that mare up to?!" she called out to her friends. She turned to Spike, who was stuck to his chair. "Spike, did Rainbow say anything about entering this here competition?"

Spike, who was busy trying to free his arm from the seat cushion, shook his head. "No, Applejack. She told me she had something to take care of, and that she would be up later. Honest."

Applejack looked at Spike for a moment, but her heart told her he was telling the truth. "Okay, Spike, Ah believe ya. But I wonder what she's gone and done now."

They watched as Rainbow Dash approached the judge's stand. She appeared to speak to them for a few moments. While she didn't know what was being said, she noticed the judges were nodding their heads. Finally, one of them seemed to give the all clear.

Once again, they watched Rainbow Dash walk to the center circle. She bowed her head to the judges, then to the crowd, and like her sister, she shot straight into the air. They all watched as she became little more than a tiny speck against the clear blue sky. Shortly thereafter, the rainbow trail disappeared.

The crowd had become silent and still. Everypony knew something was about to happen, but they didn't know what it could be.

Applejack strained to see where Rainbow would return. She glanced over to Twilight. "Hey Twilight, do ya still have those binoculars?"

Twilight shrugged apologetically. "Sorry, Applejack, Pinkie Pie used them to make her own Batmare signal, and burned out the lenses." Applejack heard her sigh and then add quietly, "again."

Applejack turned back toward the sky. A few moments later, she saw, along with the rest of the spectators, a sliver of rainbow heading downward. Applejack watched intently, and then with baited breath, as the sliver of rainbow became a white mach cone.

"Ah think she's gonna perform a sonic rainboom." she said quietly to no one in particular.

The whole crowd watched intently, silent, as they held their collective breathing, hoping to witness what only few had seen in other parts of Equestria, but never in Los Pegasus, and they wanted to be the first to do so.

The rainbow streak became brighter, the mach cone wider and more forceful. As Rainbow Dash became more than just a fast moving speck in the sky, Applejack saw the mach cone bear down, and Dash began to light up like a Hearth's Warming Eve tree.

As her marefriend approached the ground, Applejack heard the crowd gasp. She, herself, had stopped breathing, and her heart had nearly frozen, hoping that Dash wouldn't be foolish, and would pull up if something went wrong.

She had no reason to worry.

Seconds later, Applejack watched in awe as color erupted overhead, sending a shockwave in all directions.

And again.

And again.

Applejack cried out in triumph. Rainbow Dash had just performed a triple sonic rainboom.

The crowd went wild once more, clapping and cheering as the cyan mare circled over head, creating a loop of rainbow color all around the stadium, the colors washing over the clouds.

Amidst the cheers, and the pats on the back by her friends, Applejack didn't notice Rainbow change her course, and a moment later, was surprised to see the cyan mare appear on the platform next to their section.

"Rainbow, that was amazin'!" Applejack called out, a wide grin on her face.

Before she could continue, however, the speakers began blaring. "Attention, everypony. This is a special announcement."

Seconds later, Applejack heard somepony behind her, coming up the stairwell. They were singing.

"I love you because you understand dear,"

It couldn't be.

"Every little thing I try to do"

There was no way. It had to be a dream.

"Your always there to lend a helping hoof dear"

Oh, sweet Celestia.

"But most of all I love you, cause you're you."

Applejack turned around to see her music idol, Johnneigh Cash, playing his guitar, and singing her favorite song. Behind him was Violet Tempest, and Rainbow Dash's parents, Sunset Wind and Dusk Thunder.

Applejack quickly turned back toward Dash, who was down on her hind knees. Her heart began to race.

"Applejack", she began, "I know I'm not perfect, and I know I can be stubborn, but I also know that you're the only mare for me. I couldn't live my life without you, and, even though you're too awesome for words, and I'm not very good at saying them, I want to ask you," she said as she opened a small jewelry box in front of her, "would you take my hoof in marriage?"

Inside the box was a hoof bracelet. Applejack gasped and put her hoof to her mouth in surprise.

From behind her, she heard Sunset Wind speak softly, "I want you to have my engagement bracelet, Applejack. My mother gave me this bracelet. She was a pony of the earth just like you, and she would have been proud to call you family, just as I am proud to call you family, if that is what you want."

Applejack's eyes filled with tears. Everypony else was completely silent. You could have heard a pin drop from the other side of the stadium. The only thing Applejack could hear was her own breathing, and her beating heart racing furiously.

She looked into Dash's eyes, and saw loyalty. She saw dedication, determination, stubborness, and hope. Most of all, she could see the love that was there, strong and vibrant, like the heart of their owner.

She smiled as tears streamed down her face.

"Ah would love to marry you, Rainbow, and Ah would love to be your wife. So th' answer is yes. Yes, Ah will marry you."

Rainbow leapt forward, holding Applejack in her forelegs as they kissed passionately.

The crowd exploded with cheers. From behind them, Applejack and Rainbow Dash could hear a party cannon firing repeatedly, as their friends moved in and embraced the two in a giant group hug.

Finally, Rainbow and Applejack pulled apart long enough for Dash to slip the bracelet onto Applejack's hoof. They embraced once more.

Overhead, the loudspeakers blared forth once again. "Attention, Fillies and Gentlecolts, we want to congratulate Rainbow Dash and Applejack, and wish them the best. Now, for the rest of you ticket holders, the Wonderbolts will be announcing the winners."

A few moments later, the three judges stepped up to a raised dais in the center of the stadium, floating roughly 20 meters in the air. An orange maned Wonderbolt stepped forward, up to the microphone and cleared her throat.

"Good day. My name is Spitfire, and I am the Captain of the Wonderbolts. We are proud to be here today, not only to award an introductory position to the team, but also to congratulate Rainbow Dash and Applejack on their forthcoming wedding. Lots of love and luck to the both of you."

Applejack and Rainbow waved toward Spitfire, who nodded before continuing.

"And now we come to the decision you've all been waiting to hear. Who, you may ask, has earned themselves a position on the Wonderbolts team? Who will get their start here, and work their way up to becoming a valued member of our group?"

She shuffled a stack of papers and coughed before leaning back in toward the microphone.

"The decision was a difficult one. Today we have seen many worthy competitors, and all of you should be proud of yourselves. It is not easy to perform under pressure, and I believe that in time, those of you who do not make it today, still have the potential to join in the future. Nothing is impossible if you believe strongly enough that you can do it."

She flipped an index card.

"So, with that said, we will now announce the winner of the competition. The winner, of the Los Pegasus Division of the Wonderbolt Tryouts is..."

She paused for dramatic effect as all ears were on her next few words.

"The winner is... Floating Windmill."

The spectators began to clap as Floating Windmill jumped up and down, and headed for the dais.

Spitfire continued. "We would also like to give honorable mention to Violet Tempest, whose performance was magnificent. There is no doubt in our minds that she will become a truly amazing flyer, and wish her the best."

Rainbow Dash, still holding Applejack's hoof, turned toward her sister.

"Aw man, I was sure you were going to win, kiddo! Maybe I should go talk to Spitfire, she'll..."

Before she could take off toward the platform, Applejack held tight to her hoof, keeping her grounded.

"Now hold on, sugarcube. We may not like it, but it was a fair and square match."

Rainbow Dash sputtered as she looked to Applejack. "But...you... I mean... aw, darnit!"

Violet Tempest interrupted them both. Not by saying anything, but rather, by giggling.

Everypony turned toward Violet Tempest, who had a big smile on her face.

"Are you two made for each other or what?" she continued giggling.

Rainbow Dash gave her sister a confused look. "What's so funny?"

Violet held a hoof to her mouth for a moment before continuing. "Don't you see? I didn't care about the competition as much as I do the both of you. I mean, that's not to say I don't care about winning, I do, but I think I've won quite enough today, don't you? I mean, how awesome is it that I get to have another big sister?!"

With that, she grabbed both mares in her forelegs and hugged them tightly.

"I love you, Rainbow Dash, and I love you Applejack."
"We love you too, Violet Tempest."

"We love all three of you!" came the voices of Dusk Thunder and Sunset Wind, as they gathered together with the group and hugged them. Finally, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Spike joined in the love as well, a shower of confetti falling down upon them thanks to a final blast of Pinkie Pie's party cannon. All of them happy to be together, to be one big, extended family.

This was a happy day, and everypony knew there would be many more to come.

Twilight looked up for a moment, as a pegasus flew by carrying a banner with what appeared to be a Calvin Clydesdale cologne ad.

She blinked once. Then again as she stared at the ad. Without her binoculars, she couldn't be certain, but the model in the ad looked like...

No, it couldn't be.

"Um, Spike?", she asked hesitantly, "When was the last time you wore a mustache?"

THE END

Comments

[Mariacheat-Brony]

Awesome way to finish a cool story

Good job to you

[Tchernobog]

Yaaaaaaaaaaay :D

(i think you forgot to close an italics somewhere)

[Path_of_cloud]

Seems there's a error with italics. Should be a easy enough fix.

As for the story, I genuinely enjoyed. Everything was well done and clearly thought through. I had hoped for a bit more Sparity, admirably, but the hat tips were quite good and often very cute. This chapter with Rarity choosing her broach, particularly. And finally, those last few lines, genius! I'll miss looking forward to this getting updated.

[The Writer of Fate]

Spike for the win.

[BrightHeart]

sooooo cute just love it

[SolidFire]

That was a truly excellent ending to a marvelous story! I was beginning to get worried that you were going to make Violet a Wonderbolt before Dash. Once again, I wish you the best of luck with writing "Orange and Blue, I Do" and also that I hope to see from you more Violet stories, maybe even some of her very own.

[Voidwalker]

In my experience, it's rather rare that a sequel not only stands up to it's predecessor, but outperforms them. And here I am, reading through the first sequel and enjoying it even more. You did a marvellous job. I especially liked the whole plot line of Dashs parents and their worries about acceptance. Also: Violet! Although I have to say, it was rather strange that they addressed her by her full name up until the end. Then again, that's maybe just my mind playing tricks on me.
As heart-warming as the ending was, I feel like there's something missing. Like there could've been more. Their return home, for instance. Everybody relaxed, but still relieved to be back again. Something like that. But that's a matter of personal taste, I guess.

It was a really funny adventure to go on! (And now I'm gonna creep up to the next...)
Thank you.