The sun began to set on the autumn leaves of the forest. The only sound that could be heard is the wind softly blowing the leaves, giving off a crisp, orchestrated melody. However, the natural chorus was interrupted by an echo that started from afar. The echo betrayed an erratic, staccato, rhythm that had the impression of impact. The echo continued and increased in volume to the point of what could be described as continuous thunder. The trees shook and the leaves began their descent to the well-packed earth below. Their rest was short lived, as they were trampled to the ground by the cause of the thunder. A dizzying display of movement in repetition as the legs of two figures pounded the earth ever harder to become ever faster down the earthen path cut through the trees. Side by side the figures ran, both equines in nature, and both having eyes that betray an inner, intelligence that reflects an equally complex awareness.
The one in lead having a color of a clear sky. Her character also contained two feathered wings there were sheathed while she ran. Her mane and tail not of one color, but that of a bright rainbow that seemed to cut the sky as she ran. It was only moments before she became eclipsed by the other runner with that of a hide of dark tan. Her mane and tail was light blond with a tie at the end of both, restricting the free movement of the hair. The intelligent eyes also betrayed an emotion of unbeatable determination reflected in emerald green. There came upon the other an image of surprise and disbelief reflected in the nearly crimson purple of the rainbow-clad runner. She extended her wings, as if to take flight, but another emotion flashed through her eyes. Guilt, then regret.
The Cyan mare sheathed her wings and continued her own advance on the earth, and also her attempts to overtake the other.
The two continued to run, and blankets of the fall leaves caped behind them. It was not long before a destination was in sight as the embrace of the forest was soon to slacken, and would betray the road to open land of green. The contest was to end with the forest, but there was not to be a reward for the victor, as the terms were on rivalry, pride, and companionship. The two friends ran on. The winner was yet to be earned.
The one with emerald eyes surpassed the other with the gift of sky, and gained victory by mere seconds. There were no words after for some time, as both labored for breath and respite. After a few moments spent enjoying the gift of breath, the one of many colors looked up to the other, and spoke briefly;
“You’ve been practicing, AppleJack.” she named, causing the other to look up and reply.
“Rainbow Dash, y’all know I can’t be letting you win every time.” She said with a grin while wiping the sweat off her face.
Dash stepped over and touched A.J. on the shoulder “Don’t think for one second that you’ve ever ‘let’ me win.” She said with a hint of arrogance in her voice. “Still, you won, that means I owe you a favor.”
“I thought we agreed against this little wager?” said A.J. as she pushed Dash away.
“You agreed.” replied Dash, eyes closed in a grin. The faster she could change the topic, the lesser would be the sting of defeat. Getting A.J. to accept the favor would also be a smaller victory of hers.
“Just what would I need from y’all anyway, Rainbow?” Questioned A.J., eyes narrowed.
“It’s not my problem to figure it out.” said Dash as she stretched out her wings in preparation of flight.
“I suppose you won’t be taking no for an answer, so what the hey?” said A.J, trotting towards rainbow before offering a hoof. “Might as well shake on it.”
Rainbow returned the gesture, but noticed it was a stronger grip than usual. The flighty pony then found A.J. looking her in the eye with a serious expression. “That was a mighty fine race there, and don’t be thinkin’ I dinnit notice you tryin’ to take off. I’m a needin’ to let ya’ know, that I appreciate it all the more that you made the right decision.” She kept her eyes on Rainbow, before breaking her grip and letting her go.
Rainbow looked uneasy, not used to this kind of praise, being more accustomed to the cheers of admirers than that of genuine respect. The uneasiness only lasted a moment, but she changed it quickly to confidence before A.J. could notice.
“No one can compete with my air speed. What fun would it be if I won in 5 seconds flat?” Dash said as she took flight over the trees, giving a parting wave as she left. A.J. shook her head, then turned towards the evening sun and began to travel home, pulling her hat down low to protect her eyes from the glare.
Wisps of dirt trailed up behind each step as she continued down the path towards the countryside, making progress that was much slower than the shade of twilight that followed after her, but there was no fear in the eyes of the equine, for the night brought a quiet and comfort that was unique then that of the dawn. A small breeze came that brought the scent of apple blossoms to greet her, and let her know that she’s nearing her home. The farm seemed to give off this scent from spring to fall which was a testament to the freshness and quality of the groves of apple trees that provided food for so many. The smell was a familiar and welcome one to A.J., and brought an immeasurable comfort with feeling of belonging. A.J. carried a smile during her during the rest of her short journey.
She walked under the entry that marked the start of the property, and entered into her home where the nighttime routine began. Cleaning for supper, eating with family by the glow of candlelight. The routine would end when A.J. would take the time to read to her younger sister, ensuring dreams of peace, and always pulling the covers over her before quietly leaving the room when sleep would overtake her. The humble house would then grow dark, and the very air would seem still as the silent night lulled them to sleep.
_
The rooster crowed for the summoned sun which did harold the new day, but the one called Apple Jack was ahead of the dawn. Fall was quickly fading, and winter was soon to come. The neighboring town was dependant on the Apple farm for storing enough food to last the winter. It was this thought that drove A.J. to work at this time, which took considerable effort, but was expected of one who grew to love the work. The years of labor through her youth had turned A.J. into a strong mare.
She continued to load deliveries of food to the cellar at the south side of the farm, keeping track of the different foods and finding the best way to preserve them for the months to come. The favor offered from Dash was the last thing on her mind as she went about the day, meeting everypony that came with a smile and hospitality. The sun continued to shine across the sky as she continued to work throughout the day, taking a few breaks as she went. This was her life, and her joy to help others when she could. Still, her mind kept wandering to the next harvesting season, and the constant hope for enough rain for all the crops that were part of the farm.
She then remembered the Pegasus, that had the inborn ability to interact with the clouds, and with it, the weather. With training, a pegasus could cause torrential rain, and impenetrable blizzards. One could pay to have the weather to their advantage, but it wasn’t free nor cheap. A.J. stepped out of the cellar and closed the door behind her, she then remembered Rainbow’s promise. Rainbow Dash was a trained weather mare who was regularly hired to work the clouds. A.J. then knew the best use for that favor offered by Dash, and decided it was a good time to pay her a visit. The day had been long, and unwinding with company was appealing. A.J. finished her work, then left the farm by a trail that would lead her to the home of Rainbow Dash.
Dash had never been seen sleeping on the ground outside of a hospital bed to recover from flight injuries. Dash prefer to sleep on the clouds and rest of the treetops. One could make a guess that it was to preserve the feeling of constant flight, for no pegasus enjoyed the sky and the freedom of flight than that of Rainbow Dash.
A.J. allowed her eyes to wander towards the sky as she walked. She was never one to envy the pegasus. the sky may carry the rain, but the freedom the sky seemed to offer appeared to be an illusion. Food came from the earth below her hooves, and she could trust that it would never fall under her. The feeling of the dirt kicked up with each step was more of that assurance that added to her comfort. Flying, for her, would be running away from her purpose and joy.
A.J.’s distracted mind was put into focus as the clear sky gave a rumbling shout of thunder along with the cracks that follow lightning. Looking ahead, she could see a large cloud marring the sky above the trail.
Where Rainbow’s house should be.
AppleJack ran.
The once immaculate white-clouded home of pillars and arches was dark, and consumed by lightning that chained through the clouds and struck the ground below. The tempest within continually deformed what was, and thunder shook the earth that was soaked beneath by the pouring rain. The bright rainbow that once flowed from a fountain was now deeper shades of black that removed all sense of color from everything it touched before eventually dissolving into vapor not long after making contact below.
A.J. could do nothing but stare and hope Rainbow wasn’t in the maelstrom. She was forced to jump back to avoid several objects that started to fall through the clouds. books, blankets, even a dresser fell and smashed itself to splinters on the ground, showering A.J. with debris. This made one object all the more noticeable as it floated down out of the clouds. A folder that spun through the air, losing much of its contents before falling a ways away from A.J. One paper drifted away from the rest, and the slip landed below her hooves. She looked down to see it was a photo of two ponies she did not recognize, yet were familiar.
A mare and a colt. Both had hides of blue, the mare having a dark brown mane while the colt a more reddish auburn. They were standing next to each other and smiling, it was when A.J. studied their faces that a look of surprise went across her face. The eyes of the mare were a crimson purple.
A.J. took the photo, then ran over to where the folder landed. She set the photo aside and opened the folder to the stapled paper within. A.J. spent a few minutes looking over the writing, then she threw whatever other papers she could find in the folder, before taking it and sprinting back the way she came. She no longer feared the thought of Dash being trapped in her home, but knowing she was in a different sort of danger.
Rainbow Dash was leaving Equestria.