//------------------------------// // Applejack // Story: A Broken Mare // by DJ Variety //------------------------------// At the crack of dawn, the first glimmer of Celestia’s sun, Ponyvilles’s resident fashion designer awoke.  Normally Rarity tosses and turns in the mornings, taking time to fully wake herself up, but her excitement couldn’t be caged.  The night before had been her cyan friend’s date in Canterlot.  While she was certainly happy for her friend, Rarity was just yearning to know what the Canterlot elites thought of her elegantly designed gown.  Her excitement had kept her up late the previous night and she was a bit disappointed that Rainbow Dash hadn’t turned up in the middle of the night like she had before. Despite her desire to know what everypony thought of the dress, Rarity knew it wouldn’t be proper to hunt down Rainbow Dash and extract the answer.  Rarity knew that the best way to handle the situation was to wait for her friend to drop by and wait until after they had discussed the date itself before asking about the dress.  She envisioned all the admirers who were left stunned by the sleek gown that complemented Rainbow’s mane and complexion. After the morning had passed Rarity was beginning to think Rainbow Dash wasn’t going to drop by.  She was almost certain that Rainbow would have been eager to discuss her date. Perhaps Rainbow didn’t enjoy the date.  Although if that were the case Rarity would assume that she’d still drop by.  Rarity decided that her friend probably didn’t really care for the evening but probably enjoyed it to some degree. Rarity reasoned that Dash probably had fun but wasn’t into the stallion she was with.  Rainbow Dash had certainly made it clear that Soarin was her desired companion.  Realizing that she might not see her friend today, Rarity cleared her mind of the whole thing.  She figured she could always ask Rainbow Dash about it at a later date, but in the mean time she had work to get done. A few days later, Rarity sat in her home board out of her mind.  She had finished her last order earlier in the day and was prepared to get right back to work on another design.  Unfortunately the creative juices she was hoping for seemed to be evading her at the moment.  Staring at several sloppy drawings of potential dress designs a relief came to her in the form of a knock on her door. “Coming,” she hollered out in a singsong voice. Upon opening the door Rarity was greeted by Applejack.  “Howdy Rarity?  You busy?” “Not at all, the opposite actually.  What is it that I can help you with?” replied Rarity with a smile, happy to be actually doing something. “Well I was just wonderin’ if you’d seen Rainbow Dash?  Can’t seem to find her anywhere, myself.” “Not since she picked up her dress several nights back.  Has something happened?”  Asked Rarity worriedly. “Not that I know but she never stopped by yesterday.  Normally we have ourselves a little competition.  Tossin’ horseshoes or what not.  It’s not like her to pass up a chance to compete with me.” “Well that hardly sounds like cause for alarm.  She’s been a little preoccupied these last few weeks as I’m sure you’re aware.” “Oh I know,” replied Applejack. “She couldn’t stop talkin’ about Soarin last week.  It was sweet till it wasn’t, but that’s the other thing.  Soarin just stopped by the farm asking if I’d seen her.  Apparently she missed practice.” “With the Wonderbolts?  That can’t be right, she’d never skip a practice.”  Rarity couldn’t believe that Rainbow Dash would deliberately not show.  She began to worry for her friend.  “Has anypony been by her home yet?” “Yup, had Soarin fly up. Nothin’. Not even Tank was there.” “Maybe Tank was feeling ill and she took him to see Fluttershy?”  Rarity was trying to think of places where Rainbow Dash would be. “Thought of that myself,” was Applejack’s response.  “Stopped by Fluttershy’s place on my way into town.  Shy hasn’t seen her either. An’ before you ask she ain’t pranking with Pinkie Pie.” “Reading with Twilight?” suggested Rarity hopefully while she truly doubted it.  Rainbow enjoyed reading adventure novels but she normally read in private or if she was waiting for something. “Maybe, haven’t stopped by Twilight’s yet.  Figured it’d be more likely she’d be with you.  Considerin’ how close yall’ve become over this datin’ thing.” “Hey sis, what’cha doin’ here?” Applebloom and the other Crusaders were now approaching Carousel Boutique.  “I though ya had a lot of chores today?” “I do but it seems Rainbow Dash has gone and went missing on us. Nopony’s seen her in a few days,” answered Applejack. “That’s not true,” blurted Scootaloo.  “I saw her just earlier today with Tank.” “Where darling?” asked Rarity. “Well, I can’t tell you.  I promised her I wouldn’t,” replied the filly. “Look Scootaloo, we’re all a little worried about her an’ we just wanna make sure she’s doin’ alright.”  Applejack’s response was perfect.  Everypony knows how much Scootaloo looks up to Rainbow Dash and to get her to break a promise from her idle wouldn’t be easy. “I can’t okay.  She was really sad.  Said she didn’t want anypony seeing her like that.”  Scootaloo, who is normally full of energy, had a look of sadness herself. “Darling, wouldn’t it be better if she was with her friend’s so we could cheer her up,” insisted Rarity with a reassuring smile on her face. “I’m sorry but I can’t.  I tried to cheer her up myself but she wouldn’t listen to me.  She told me to leave her alone and that if anypony wanted to find her to tell them to look tomorrow,” explained Scootaloo. “Darn nabbit!  Scootaloo tell us where RD is right now!  If my friend’s out there hurting I wanna be there.”  Applejack was done messing around. “Ugh! I can’t! I promised!” Scootaloo hollered in response.  “It’s okay. She promised me she’d be better tomorrow.  Just relax.” “Scootaloo!” Applejack started. “Everypony stop!” interrupted Sweetie Belle.  “Rainbow Dash wants to be left alone so I say we respect her wishes.  Besides she’s not really alone, she has Tank.  If she promised Scoots that she’d be better tomorrow then wait until tomorrow.  Besides, if she really doesn’t want to be bothered its not like any of us would be able to stop her from just flying away.” Applejack sighs, “I reckon you’re right.” “Yes Sweetie has a good point,” chimes in Rarity.  “I say we all meet up first thing tomorrow morning and head to Rainbow Dash’s home.” “Yeah, I suppose that makes the most sense,” agreed Applejack.  “I’ll fill Twilight in on what’s goin’ on.  I’m sure Fluttershy will be lookin’ for me here shortly.  You’ll let Pinkie know?” “Of course,” answered Rarity. “Well in that case, let’s get goin’ Applebloom.  We’ve got a load of chores that need to be done” “Wait what?  I finished my chores for the day already,” protested Applebloom. “Yeah well I’m not gonna have time to finish by myself, so I’m gonna need your help,” replied AJ. As the Apple’s left Rarity was trying to figure out what could have Rainbow Dash so upset.  Preparing to ask Scootaloo more questions Rarity was surprised to see the orange filly zipping away on her scooter with Sweetie Belle in tow.  Rarity conceded to just having to wait for the next day.