//------------------------------// // Chapter 17 // Story: Just Friends // by lonewolf.007 //------------------------------// Author's Note: Heya guys! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O it's been forever, hasn't it? I'm actually about to have my final exams, the biggest one in my life so far, and it's kinda crazy that I'm going on here now, but I just wanted to write so badly, and it's been so long. Let's call this a break! But yes, it's been a million years since a proper update, but HERE IS THE NEXT PART! You probably won't hear from me again for another five weeks after this, but I promise you, when it's all over (finally) I'll be writing as much as I can! I'll make up for the huge drought I've given you guys! Hope you guys are all still interested! I've missed you all like crazy! Enjoy! Orange hooves grabbed blue shoulders as AJ quickly got a grip on the frozen Pegasus. She could feel the tensed muscles, holding fast before Rainbow bolted in a headlong pursuit after her parents' captors. "Rainbow. Rainbow! Look at me!" AJ lightly shook her lover's shoulders. The magenta eyes met the emerald, and Applejack could see the fear and panic in them. The hurt. "Dashie, look at me." Gently caressing her face while still holding her tightly, Applejack spoke earnestly, determined to keep the headstrong pony put. "Dashie, they ain't gonna do anythin' ta yer parents." "ARE YOU DEAF?!" Rainbow suddenly let out, her eyes blazing furiously. "DIDN'T YOU HEAR WHAT THEY JUST SAID?" "Rainbo–" "OR DO YOU THINK THEY'RE JOKING AROUND?" There was no stopping the torrent of words from the Pegasus now. "Rainbow list–" "NO. YOU WEREN'T THERE THE FIRST TIME. THEY'LL DO IT. THEY'LL HURT THEM." "RAINBOW, LISTEN TO ME." "WHY SHOULD I?" Rainbow roughly pushed the hoof off her. "IT'S EASY FOR YOU, ISN'T IT? YOU HAVE A FAMILY. I DON'T. UNTIL NOW. AND I MIGHT LOSE THEM AGAIN. YOU JUST DON'T GET IT." Applejack's temper flared at this. At the idea that it was easy for her. Easy for her to lose her parents, both of them, at such a young age. "EASY, SUGARCUBE? TELL ME JUS' WHAT'S EASY 'BOUT LOSIN' YER PARENTS WHEN YER JUS' A FILLY." Rainbow snorted at that, the pent up fear and panic spilling over into an attack on her best friend, and now lover. "YEAH, WELL, THEY'RE PRETTY SAFE AREN'T THEY? NOT ABOUT TO BE ATTACKED BY A BUNCH OF PSYCHO PONIES BECAUSE THEIR DAUGHTER DIDN'T SHOW HER FACE." "BUT THEY WON'T HURT THEM." "HOW DO YOU EVEN KNOW THAT? HOW?" "BECAUSE YOU'RE THE ONE THEY'RE AFTER. AND IF THEY HURT YOUR PARENTS, THEY LOSE ANY CONTROL THEY HAVE OVER YOU." Silence. Applejack watched the blue pony, as she first froze, before shaking her head in disbelief, then facing the dawning realisation that she had almost fallen into a trap. It was well executed. Playing on the one thing that Rainbow was known for. Loyalty. She could see her connecting the dots, but the pain of not rushing to the rescue was all over her cyan lover's face. Rainbow finally slumped, unable to meet AJ's eyes. She fell back on her haunches, looking down. "I…" AJ's eyes softened, as she felt the remorse radiate off Rainbow. "Oh, Dashie…" she moved over to the upset Pegasus, only to have her shift away from her. Confusion crossed her face. "I-I'm sorry, AJ… I'm so, so sorry, I–" An orange hoof covered Rainbow's mouth before she could say anymore, while the other foreleg wrapped around her neck. AJ gently caressed her blue cheek, lifting her head up to look into those deep magenta eyes. "Don' apologise, sugarcube. Ah now yer worried abou' yer parents." "I didn't mean to say those things, I-I just, I wasn't thinking, AJ, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine what you went through, I–" Her words were cut off again, this time by a pair of lips. It was short and sweet, tender. AJ pushed a lose strand of Rainbow's mane back, before meeting her eyes again. "Ssshhh, Ah know ya didn't mean the things ya said. Now let's jus' focus on savin' yer parents, alrigh'?" The colourful-maned Pegasus nodded, her eyes still downcast, shoulders heavy with guilt. One look and AJ knew that the combined weight of shouting those things at her and not running to save her parents was bothering Rainbow Dash more than she was letting on. "Dashie, look at me. Look at me!" Sad rose-coloured eyes met determined emerald ones. "Ah know it hurts tha' ya can't go runnin' after yer parents straight away. Ah know it hurts tha' ya can't do what ya wan' ta do. But if ya did run after them, they'd have ya, an' yer parents. It'd only be worse. They'd expect ya to chase after yer parents. They know yer the Element of Loyalty, an' that ya would do anythin' to try an' save yer own parents. If ya don' turn up, they'll think ya aren't here yet. We can use this, Dashie." "Y-You really think so?" "Ah do. Now let's figure out what we're gonna do, alrigh' sugarcube?" Rainbow finally cracked a small smile. "Thanks, AJ." AJ smiled back, nuzzling her cheek gently. Turning around, she went back to where the bags were and began to sift through them for the detailed maps of the base. The sound of hoofsteps behind her told her that Rainbow had followed her to the bags. After another minute of feeling around the saddle pack, she found the rolls of paper. Pulling them out, she lay them down on the rock platform. Rainbow sat on her haunches, and began to scrutinise one of the pages. Applejack settled next to her, and began to think. "We're here, right?" A cyan hoof pointed to the ring of rocks that was their current location. "If we're gonna get in through the entrance out there, we'll need a distraction." AJ looked up from her perusal of the maps just in time to see Rainbow rubbing her chin in thought. Allowing herself a small smile, she looked back down at the page and a frown creased her brow again. "Well, Twi' did give us tha' honker to use. Ah suppose it was fer this here part o' the plan." "Yeah, maybe we can leave it back in that alleyway we can in from? They'd think it's us arriving then." A nod. "Alrigh', sounds like a good plan. 'S timed isn't it? One o' us can set the timer, an' leave it there. We'll have ta be ready fer infiltration the minute tha' thing goes off." "I'll do it. I'm fast." Applejack looked at Rainbow. Her face was set, and AJ knew she was going to be stubborn on this point. With a small sigh, she slowly nodded. "Alrigh' Dashie, but ya have ta be real careful. Ah don' want anythin' ta happen ta ya." "I'll be fine, Apples. Remember who you're talking to," a ghost of a smile settled on Rainbow's lips. "So after we move in, what do we do? Do we go the fastest way?" "Hmmm, Ah dunno 'bout that. Ah think it'll be too dangerous if we take the fastest way. They're bound ta have patrols an' cameras." "But we don't have that much time! It'll take way too long if we take the back ways." "Ah know, Ah know. We'll have ta make a compromise." "Well, this is probably the busiest section. We could take this branch and split off from this main tunnel." "We'll have ta move aroun' tha' section there though, there's a camera marked there." "Twilight says this route is pretty clear. Can we get there?" Applejack pulled out another page. "If we take this here path… we could get through here and make it to tha' section." "And that'll give us a pretty clear route to the central place." "Where we can place the locator." "Then they'll be able ta teleport right in, an' storm the base." "Then we can look for my parents?" AJ looked up once more, and gently reached out a hoof to cover Rainbow's. "Of course, sugarcube. Tha's the firs' thing we'll do, Ah promise ya, Dashie." The blue, winged pony turned her hoof upwards, to grasp AJ's. Then they turned back to the map, memorising their new route. After an hour or two passed, Applejack rubbed her eyes. Glancing up, she could see Luna's moon high in the sky. Turning to Rainbow, she caught her stifling a yawn. "Alrigh', Rainbow. Ah think it's time we went ta bed. Looks like it's 'bout two in the mornin'. We should get some rest before we tackle 'em tomorrow." "Mmmm, yeah, just… just a few more minutes…" "No, yer gonna go ta sleep righ' now, Dashie." Rainbow looked up, trying to maintain a serious face, but AJ could see that the stress of the day had taken a toll on her beloved pony. "Come 'ere." AJ led the way over to their blankets. Looking back, she saw Rainbow still sitting there, trying to concentrate on the pages in front of her. The farm pony turned back, and gently nudged her. "Rainbow… come on…" She nuzzled the back of her friend's neck. "Ya need ta rest if we're gonna do this tomorrow. We have the day to work through everythin' again, alrigh'?" After a moment of silence, the young flier gave a nod. "Okay, okay. You're right, let's go to bed." Applejack chuckled softly, and then nudged Rainbow again. "Good. Now start movin'." The Pegasus gave another yawn and got to her hooves, stretching her wings. Rumpling her mane with a hoof, she fell in step with AJ, over to their campsite. The cowpony smoothed out the blankets, and guided Rainbow onto them. Rainbow was so tired she collapsed onto the pile, rolling onto her back to look at the orange pony above her. "Thanks, AJ." "Any time, RD." She gently nuzzled Rainbow's cheek, before settling down next to her. Rainbow rolled over onto her stomach, and draped her wing over them both. Within minutes, a quiet snore filled the air. Applejack watched Rainbow for a moment, smiling. It was so crazy that a few weeks ago, she'd watched her sleeping and dreamed about this. Dreamed about falling asleep in Rainbow's hold, waking up next to her in the morning. Because now it was finally real. She was lying next to the love of her life, wrapped in her strong wings. She slowly drifted off, the warmth of her lover lulling her into sleep. The next morning Applejack opened her eyes to see Rainbow awake and watching her. AJ smiled and leaned up to kiss her. Settling into Rainbow's side, Applejack could feel the slight tenseness in her muscles. Running a hoof gently down a blue foreleg, she whispered, "Stop worryin', Rainbow. Ah promise ya things will work." "I know. I just… I'm a bit nervous. It's not like I'm scared or anything." "Ah know you're not," she said, enjoying the tender moment they were sharing. "Because I'm the fastest and bravest pony in all of Equestria!" Applejack rolled her eyes in exasperation, chuckling. "Sure ya are, sugarcube." Rainbow grinned, before softening into a smile. She gently rubbed AJ's mane, before saying, "Well, maybe except for you." AJ felt so light-headed, giddy with happiness. They shared another kiss. AJ leaned in, feeling Rainbow pull her in. She still had to remind herself that this was real. It just felt so good, so right, being with Rainbow again. She couldn't fly, but Rainbow made her feel like she was soaring every minute they were together. Applejack loved the feel of Rainbow's lips against hers. The feel of Rainbow's fur against her. The feel of Rainbow's wings wrapped around them both. After a few more minutes of heaven, AJ pulled back slowly, brushing the colourful mane back. "Were you watching me sleep?" A light blush dusted the flier's cheeks. "Hey! I'm allowed to, aren't I? As your super awesome, Best Young Flier in all of Equestria, marefriend, I think I'm allowed to watch you sleep." "Mmmm, alrigh' sugarcube. Jus' fer you," the cowpony planted a light kiss on Rainbow's lips. The light blue Pegasus gave a small chuckle. Cheeks still tinged pink, she replied "Yeah… and you're kinda cute when you sleep." "Awww, Dashie. But ya don' think Ah'm always kinda cute?" Applejack teased. Rainbow stuck her tongue out, making AJ giggle. "Alrigh', come on." AJ pushed herself up, nudging Rainbow. "We need ta eat somethin' before we start preparin' fer tonigh'." The Pegasus stretched, before rolling to her hooves, and shook herself like she always did. AJ walked over to the packs, pulling out breakfast while Rainbow Dash began to pack away the blankets. Infiltration would happen tonight. They wouldn't be returning. Applejack warmed up the apple pie over the embers from last night. After Rainbow pushed the blankets into the bags, in ten seconds flat, she joined her love at by the fireplace. Dividing the food between them, they began to eat breakfast. When it was finished, they finally packed everything away, leaving only the maps and gadgets that they'd need to for the infiltration out. Settling down, Rainbow began to peruse the maps again, checking the routes while AJ sorted through their tools. "We have knockout gas, the hooter, a couple o' these smoke bombs." "Hmmm, we've got the masks as part of the armour right?" "Righ' here." By lunch time, they'd gone through the plan a dozen times, and decided exactly when they'd use their evasion tools. As the day passed, the orange pony could see her friend becoming more worried. Rainbow had begun to question everything, constantly pacing as afternoon drew in. AJ continually comforted her, reassured her, but by four, Rainbow wouldn't listen to reason. She'd even begun to hover about distractedly. Finally, Applejack grabbed Rainbow's tail, pulling her down. "RD! Ya gotta calm down! This will work, Ah promise ya. Alrigh'? Alrigh' honey?" The new endearment seemed to calm the restless pony down a little. "I'm sorry, AJ. I'm just so… worried. You know, with this. And… and I'm taking you into danger too! I mean, I can't do this. I can't take you into danger like this!" "Rainbow, Ah'm only goin' ta say this once. We are in this together. If ya think Ah'll let ya go on yer own in there, y'all are crazy. An' Ah can take care o' myself. Alrigh'? Ah love ya. An' Ah'm not lettin' ya walk inta danger on yer own." "But–" "Dashie." Rainbow sighed. "I know. But…" She touched AJ's cheek, "I just can't bear it if anything happens to you too." "Oh, Rainbow," she smiled. "Nothin' will happen. We have it all planned out, don' we? It'll work." After a moment, she nodded in response. "Thanks, AJ. For everything. You're the most amazing marefriend a pony can have." After another quick kiss, they both glanced up. The moon was in the sky. After nights of working on the farm, AJ knew it was drawing close to seven. The plan was that at seven-thirty, Rainbow would dispatch the timed distraction horn, and by eight they would be prepared to move in. The farm pony quickly went to grab the maps and put them away, while Rainbow cleared away the last of the fireplace and scraps. After the bags were all tied up, and the armour had been checked, they sat down by the secret entrance out of the enclosure. Applejack reached a hoof across to take the blue one. The nervous pony looked up, but when their eyes met, AJ could see the fear in Rainbow's eyes melt away. She gave a reassuring smile, as they waited for the right time. Checking the time, AJ saw that it was seven-thirty. Squeezing Rainbow's hoof, she grabbed the honker. Rainbow gave her a smile, and took up the device in her teeth, flipping it onto her back. Leaving their packs by the entrance, AJ followed Rainbow to the other entrance, through which Rainbow would go to plant the device at their old destination. When they'd reached the hole, AJ could feel herself getting worried. Fussing over Rainbow's armour, she insisted Rainbow put on the helmet, and checked the flashlight in her suit. Rainbow detected her marefriend's anxiety, and gave her a reassuring nuzzle. "I'll be fine, AJ. I'll be back in ten seconds flat. Okay, maybe a bit longer than that, but you know what I mean. I am the fastest pony in all of Equestria!" "Ah know, sugarcube. Jus'… be careful. An' come straight back, alrigh'?" "You got it, AJ." Rainbow turned, walking into the darkness, the beam from her chest the only thing dispelling the dark. AJ watched anxiously, until Rainbow went around the corner. She sat down by the entrance, feeling her heart rate accelerate as she worried and waited. Checking the inbuilt watch, she saw only five minutes had passed. Calm down, AJ. Keep calm. Rainbow is fast, and strong. She'll be fine! She'll be alrigh'. Breathe, Applejack. Breath. She glanced at the time again. Ten minutes now. Time was passing too slowly. She fidgeted, waiting, listening, for the approaching hoofsteps of Rainbow. Every minute or so, she glanced into the entrance, searching for a light beam. Another look at the time. Fifteen minutes. Half the allotted time had passed now. No sign of Rainbow. It's alrigh', AJ. Rainbow has ta go all the way back ta tha' place we came out. An' set the timer an' all. She'll be back in time. Relax, AJ! She looked up at the stars, trying to distract herself. Another look at the time. Twenty minutes. AJ began to pace. Where is Rainbow? It can' take tha' long. No, no, yer overreactin' again. Calm down! 'S alrigh'! Rainbow will be here in a few minutes. Checking the time again, it was five to eight. Panic was starting to set in. She paced faster, looking into the tunnel… to see a light. A moment later, Rainbow rounded the corner, moving quickly but quietly. "Hey, AJ! See? Told ya I'd be fine." The cowpony let herself breathe properly for a moment. Get a grip o' yerself, AJ! "Okay, we gotta be ready to move! It's… seven fifty-eight. We've got two minutes!" They rushed over to the other entrance, throwing their packs onto their backs. The bags were much lighter now, having eaten all the food. It was filled with only the blankets, the maps, and the gadgets they needed. It was time. The air was thick with tension, as the two ponies waited in silence. The only sound that could be heard was their breathing. Applejack watched the time on her clock. Seven fifty-nine. The double dots flashed with each second. Then… the dots flashed once more. Eight. A siren pierced the silence of the night. The two glanced at each other one last time. It was now or never. So there we go! Cliffhanger again, but in about five weeks, I'll be back. Properly! And I know this isn't a great chapter, I'm a little rusty, but I'll be able to find my groove again soon! Shooting me a review will mean the world to me! What you thought, what you think will happen next... a good luck wish? Thanks so much for reading! Yours truly, Lonewolf Note: Posted onto FiMFiction by Arby Works with permission from Lonewolf.007. All credit goes to him for his fanfic, please check it out here or on FanFiction. Mr. Masato/Arby Works.