//------------------------------// // Epilogue: Heeeelllllp! // Story: Rainbow Dash's Unforgettable Luncheon // by EileenSaysHi //------------------------------// "So... you're only grounded for a week?" "Yeah, and my parents cancelled my allowance to cover the damage. But it was only gonna last through the end of the school year anyway. I'm, uh... I'm really glad you stuck up for me." "Anytime, Dash," Applejack said as she and Rainbow Dash walked up the front steps to Canterlot High on a warm Monday morning. "So... what's your plan for asking out Fluttershy?" "Hey, not so loud!" Dash hissed. They darted into an empty corner just outside the school doors. "I mean... like I said, I'm grounded for a week, so, like, that gives me a week to figure out something really cool, right?" Applejack chuckled. "Everything that happened yesterday, and you're still goin' the 'go big or go home' route with this?" "Well, obviously! Just maybe with a few less... fire-startable materials." "You mean inflammable?" "No, no, flammable!" "They mean the same thing, Dash." Dash was still trying to process this information when a familiar voice called out to them. "Hey Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Where's everybody else?" The two of them turned and saw the friendly visage of Sunset Shimmer reaching the top of the steps and striding towards them. "Oh, hey Sunset," Applejack responded. "Haven't run into anyone else yet, they must be inside already." "I think Twilight's running late, she should be here soon. I heard about what happened yesterday. Everything alright?" "Dash's folks handled it a little better than expected." "Well, that's good to hear. Hey Dash!" Applejack glanced over and noticed an oddly evil smirk on Rainbow Dash's face as she spoke. "Oh, hey Sunset." "Um... hey? Everything okay?" "Nothing to worry about. Just maybe thinking about hittin' the hay. Or maybe a burger." Applejack's blood ran cold. Dash, you filthy traitor! What bonehead decided you were the avatar of loyalty? Sunset cocked her head. "Already? What do you mean?" "I just mean I'm feeling hungry as a horse right about now." And to seal the deal, Dash winked. "Rainbow..." Applejack growled desperately, but it was too late. The gears in Sunset's head were turning. "Rainbow Dash, what are you talking... about..." Applejack could see the lightbulb go off inside Sunset as her eyes widened, then narrowed drastically. Within an instant, Sunset's warm, open demeanor was gone, replaced with the cold glare of a feral, bloodthirsty predator. A predator who was now staring directly at Applejack. Beads of sweat were running down her forehead as Applejack gulped. She glanced at Rainbow, who seemed to be realizing the gravity of her error in judgment. And then she heard a guttural rasp issue from Sunset Shimmer's throat as flames licked the edge of her face. "You... you little sneak... you promised..." "Now, now hold on a minute there, Sunset, you don't understand-" "Oh, don't I? Maybe you should come and let me read your mind…" Just then, Twilight Sparkle appeared from behind Sunset and seized her by the arms, shouting "Happy thoughts, Sunset! Happy thoughts!" She looked at Rainbow and Applejack and hissed "Run!" as Sunset reared back and tried to shake the bespectacled bookworm off of her. Rainbow Dash grabbed Applejack by the wrist and yanked her away into the distance, leaving dust hanging in the air and creating a mild sonic boom. Sunset finally managed to wrest herself free of Twilight, then turned to the horizon. "YOU CAN'T HIDE FOREVER!" she bellowed. "YOU'RE OUT THERE SOMEWHERE, APPLEJACK, AND I'LL FIND YOU!!!" Somewhere in the far distance, Rainbow Dash replied, "No you won't!" "YES I WILL!!!!" "Won't."