//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Wonderous Conflicts // Story: The Force of Dreams // by Deathscar //------------------------------// Rainbow’s wings sliced through the air, her speed increasing rapidly as she dived downwards in the clear morning sky. With gritted teeth and squinted eyes, she folded her wings, making them smaller, which allowed her to accelerate even more. This is it! I can do this! I can do this! Rainbow thought as a slender cone of prismatic light started to form around her, the ground coming into view. Just as planned! I can do this. I can... Her eyes widened slowly and her mouth started to relax. Argh, I can’t! In the blink of an eye, she spread her wings wide, allowing air to flow against them and slow her down to a crawl. The Rainbow released a long, drawn-out groan, her hooves on her face and over her eyes as she collapsed onto a cloud. “Why can’t I do it!?” Rainbow shouted to herself. “Why can’t I do a simple Rainboom!?” But Rainbow already knew why. Her mind was not filled with the usual topics of ‘flight form’ and ‘smooth transitions’, but instead, it was still harboring on that one line which haunted her through the night. ”I am not in love with Rainbow Dash!” Twilight’s voice repeated the line in Rainbow’s mind as she rolled on the cloud, a sigh escaping from her lips. “Now what do I do?” she wondered out loud. “I need to train, but I can’t!” Suddenly, Rainbow was reminded of something Twilight told her months ago, a phrase she thought she had long forgotten. ”If something’s bothering you, go talk to somepony about it! I guarantee it’ll make you feel better! “Yeah, great advice, Twi. Who am I going to go to?” Rainbow sat up and immediately, her vision was drawn to a small building which sat atop a hill in the distance. She didn’t need to see any details to immediately know what she was staring at. If the giant apple at the top of the wooden archway was somehow overlooked, the acres upon acres of trees lined up neatly in rows would definitely jolt anypony’s memory of the signature farm. “No way, Twi! I’m not gonna-” Rainbow shook her head, squinting her eyes with a frown on her face. “I’m... talking to a voice in my head.” She sighed. “I need to get my mind off her before I go nuts.” She unfurled her wings and soared upwards before attempting the rainboom once again. Mirroring the scene mere minutes ago, she picked up immense speed but stretched her wings to slow her down to a stop. However, this time, Twilight’s voice wasn’t the one to stop her. In fact, her mind was blank as she hovered in the air, gazing up to the farm with a stoic expression. Twilight awoke with a yawn, sitting up on her bed before stretching her hooves high into the air. As she did so, she heard a soft ‘thud’ as something fell on the floor. What the- Twilight wondered before glancing down. As she saw what it was that made that sound, her eyes widened and her cheeks glowed bright red. On the ground lay the Daring Do book with the familiar blue feather sticking out at the top, signifying where she and Rainbow had left off two days ago. “I... I hugged that to sleep!?” Twilight yelled loudly in her room. As quickly as she could manage, her horn started to glow purple and she levitated the book neatly back onto a nearby shelf, her face flushed red. “O-Okay, you’re fine. Nopony saw that!” she assured herself, jumping off the bed. Her mind was filled entirely with thoughts of the cyan pegasus. Memories of the times her and Rainbow would spend in the library, reading Daring Do books in the still of the night. When everypony else in Ponyville had fallen asleep, they were still wide awake, enjoying each other’s company under the bright lights of the library. “Breakfast! That’ll take my mind off her! And after breakfast, I’ll occupy my mind with the riddles!” Twilight planned out her day, trotting down the steps towards the kitchen just one floor below. Upon reaching the second floor, the sound of knocking entered Twilight’s ears. Twilight quickly looked at a nearby clock which read “7:15AM” “7:15? Who could be at my door this early?” she pondered before moving up to her door. The knocking only got more frantic with each passing second. “I’m coming! Hold your pony!” she yelled, but the sound didn’t cease. The door flung open on its hinges and upon seeing the pony standing outside, Twilight’s anger faded away. “Fluttershy?” Twilight spoke her name instinctively. The yellow mare stood with her lips trembling, her breaths short and stuttered. “T-Twilight! Oh thank goodness you’re awake!” Fluttershy was clearly flustered, but her voice was still as soft as it had always been. “What’re you doing here?” “Oh, Twilight. I have some terrible news.” Fluttershy lowered her head. “You see, when I awoke this morning, I went down to my garden to feed my animals like I always do!” she continued to explain and as she did, she turned to her side, allowing Twilight to see a small red robin unconscious on Fluttershy’s back. “But I found this poor little birdie laying on the ground. He must have fallen while I was asleep and his wing’s broken! I need your help, Twilight.” “Wait, don’t you have healing supplies in your home?” Twilight inquired. “I thought I did, but when I checked, I noticed I ran out of bandages.” “Can’t you just buy some?” Twilight suggested. “I tried to, but no store opens this early.” Oh right. Shops in Ponyville don’t open till 9 in the morning. “Please, Twilight! You have to help me!” Fluttershy pleaded with shining eyes. “B-But... I don’t have bandages in the library!” Twilight answered swiftly. “I was hoping, if you don’t mind,” Fluttershy said, even softer than before. “That you could actually, I mean, if it’s okay with you...” Oh pony, this’ll take forever! “Just say it out, Fluttershy!” “I was hoping that you could cast a small healing spell on this poor little robin?” Twilight stood, baffled. “Weren’t you the one that told me to not use healing magic the last time I tried? That it would be better for animals to heal on their own?” Hearing this sentence, Fluttershy quickly shrunk herself as small as she could, backing away from Twilight and turning her head, causing her mane to fall and shield her face. “If-If you don’t want to, I guess that’s fine...” Fluttershy whispered under her breath, her eyes hidden away. Twilight felt her heart wrench as she watched Fluttershy step away from her like she was some sort of monster. Great job, Twi. Twilight thought, beating herself up. Making it sound like its her fault... “I could... try to do one, Fluttershy,” Twilight offered with a smile, hoping to salvage the situation. “O-Only if you want to,” Fluttershy replied meekly. “I want to! Come on in!” Twilight stepped aside, allowing Fluttershy to trot in slowly as Twilight closed the door and followed suit “Ah’m coming!” Applejack yelled, walking down the steps towards the door, where several knocks had rang out. Upon opening the door, Applejack gave a restless sigh as her eyelids dropped and her mouth descended into a frown when she saw who it was. “What in tarnation do you want?” she asked impatiently. Rainbow stood with a false smile. “H-Hey there, AJ! You aren’t still mad about yesterday’s prank, are you?” Applejack’s angered expression didn’t falter. “Okay... so you are still mad about it.” “Ya better have a good reason to be here.” “Come on, AJ! It was just a harmless prank! Get over it!” Applejack didn’t say a word, her eyes shooting daggers at the pegasus. Rainbow sighed, her smile vanishing. “Look, AJ. I wanna talk to you about something.” “If ya wanna talk to me, ya gotta apologize!” “What!?” Rainbow recoiled. “No way!” Applejack reached for the door and swung it back around, but Rainbow’s quick reaction stopped it from closing fully. “Alright, alright! I’ll say it!” Rainbow conceded. Applejack pulled the door open once again, one eyebrow raised in disbelief. Rainbow took a deep breath. “I’m...” The next word was muttered softly under her breath, “sorry.” She could barely hear Rainbow’s apology, but getting the proud pegasus to apologize at all was an accomplishment in its own right. If Rainbow’s willing to apologize, whatever she wants to talk about must be important. Applejack gave a small smile. “It ain’t much, but Ah’ll take it,” she said before letting Rainbow into her home. The door squeaked upon its hinges as Applejack closed it shut and went into her kitchen. Rainbow followed, unusually silent. “Take a seat at the table, Ah’ll get us some of mah freshly squeezed apple juice!” Applejack had a small, proud smirk on her face as she spoke, approaching the kitchen counter. “So, what did ya wanna talk about, Rainbow? Is it about them nerves on that Wonderbolt audition tomorrow? Ya know ya got it made!” “Come on, AJ! You’d really think I’d get nervous?” Rainbow lied. “It’s fine, Rainbow. Ah get nervous too! Why, when Ah think about all them trees Ah gotta buck each season, mah belly gets more twisted than a lasso rope used by a foal!” “AJ. It’s not nerves.” “Ya know what’s great for nerves? Apple juice! All ya need is a cup of freshly squeezed apple juice and those nerves die right down! Ah’m gonna get you a cup when you-” “AJ!” Rainbow shouted, getting the rambling pony’s attention. “It’s not nerves!” “Well, shoot. Then what is it, Rainbow? What did ya wanna talk about?” Applejack asked, curious. Rainbow looked down at the table, mumbling something incoherent. “Ah’m sorry, sugercube, but ya gonna have to speak up.” Applejack explained, sitting down just across Rainbow at the table. “It’s about Twilight...” Rainbow’s voice trailed off, her eyes darted around the room, finding any place where they could be on except her friend’s face. “Yeah, what about Twi?” Applejack continued questioning. “I...,” Rainbow started “Ya....” “I l-lik....” “Ya lie? What did ya lie about?” “I like Twilight!” Rainbow shouted the words in quick succession, shutting her eyes as she did so. Applejack reeled back into her chair, her mouth hung agape. Questions filled her mind, she wanted to know everything that was to know. However, the only thing that escaped her lips were a soft, “oh...’ “Place the bird on the table, I’ll try to find a spell,” Twilight instructed, levitating several books of different sizes and shapes onto the table as well. Fluttershy obeyed Twilight, setting the robin down before lowering herself and stroking its head. “It’ll be okay, little one. Twilight here is great with magic. I’m sure she’ll find something for you,” she assured the bird before turning up to her unicorn friend, who was levitating and scanning her eyes through a copy of ‘Minor Magic Miracles and Miraculous Medicine’. Twilight’s eyes darted upwards to see Fluttershy staring at her with her head cocked to one side. Hastily, Twilight turned her eyes back to the book. “So, Fluttershy.” Twilight pretended to read the book, flipping the pages at random intervals. “Rainbow’s audition is tomorrow.” “Yup! Isn’t it wonderful?” Fluttershy asked with a large smile, bringing her two forehooves together and pressing them against her chest. “Oh great!” Twilight ceased her magic on the book, letting it fall to the floor. “You’re happy too!” she shouted in an spiteful tone. Fluttershy swiftly lowered her hooves, the smile disappearing from her lips as she asked, “you’re not?” “No!” Twilight paused. “W-Well, I mean, yes, but— what I meant to say was —” She took a deep breath in, composing her thoughts. “Fluttershy, how do you feel about Rainbow’s one month stay in Cloudsdale?” “Oh, I’ll miss her so much.” “So you don’t want her to go too! See, I knew that I was—” Twilight interrupted, cutting into Fluttershy. “Huh? No, Twilight! I’m really excited for her! It’s great!” Twilight sat, stunned with her mouth hung wide open. Her mind quickly raced to find a reason — any reason — for Fluttershy to see that Rainbow’s move was a horrible idea. “B-but what if she makes new friends!?” Twilight argued. Fluttershy giggled softly, lifting up her hoof to cover her mouth. “That would be wonderful! Rainbow’s a really nice pony underneath all her... pride.” “Okay, then do you think Rainbow can even get into the Wonderbolts? I heard the training’s pretty tough!” “Twilight, Rainbow’s one of the best fliers in Equestria! I’ve known her since we were fillies and I’ve never known a better flier, or a more loyal friend, than her!” “Ugh!” Twilight groaned, agitated. “I give up!” she admitted, trotting to the bird on the table. “I’ll just cast the spell and maybe I can get the riddles solved.” Twilight focused the magic in her horn, a small green spark emitting from the top of her horn when Fluttershy spoke in a hushed tone. “I’m sure it wont happen again.” Twilight stopped her spell immediately, her concentration shattering. “It? What it? What’s it!?” she asked repeatedly, swinging around to stare at the butter-colored pegasus. “Umm... there was this one time, when Rainbow was practising a trick, she accidentally flew in the direction the sun was in. The light was so bright, it blinded her and caused her to crash into my yard. I ran up to her to see if she was okay but she sprained a hoof. I bandaged it up but Rainbow just flew away, to practise her tricks I guess.” Fluttershy laughed softly at the memory. “Just like the Rainbow Dash I know. It’s also why Wonderbolt auditions are held early in the mornings and the stage is positioned away from the sunrise, to prevent accidents like that.” Twilight’s eyes grew large, her mouth slowly widening into a grin. Light got into her eyes. That’s it! “Fluttershy, you’re a genius!” Fluttershy jumped back at Twilight’s sudden outburst. “T-Twilight, please don’t do that again!” Twilight wasn’t listening any longer. She rapidly turned back to the bird and with a short burst of concentration and a huge green glow, it was done. The bird was on its feet, looking as if it had never experienced any harm in its life. It chirped happily, flapping its wings and taking off towards Fluttershy before perching itself on her mane. “I’m going to Rarity’s! I need to get something! You can show yourself the way out, right?” Twilight didn’t wait for an answer before bolting out the door. “Great! Thanks!” The pegasus stood, frozen in confusion on what had just happened. “Was it something I said?” she murmured, looking up at the bird which had nestled itself comfortably inside her mane with only its head poking out of the pink locks. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Mr Birdie! Twilight really did do a great job in healing you!” With a spring in each step, Fluttershy showed herself the way out, making sure to close the library door as she exited. “AJ, you know that I’m not talking about a ‘Just being friends’ kinda like, right?” “Of course Ah know!” Rainbow slumped back into the chair, releasing a large sigh. “Well, then what’s the problem? Ah don’t see why you’re so upset.” “Because I don’t know what to do now!” Rainbow explained. “Aw shucks, sugercube. All ya gotta do is tell Twilight how ya feel about her!” “I’m scar—” Rainbow closed her mouth, thinking carefully about what she was about to say next. “I mean... what if Twilight decides that she doesn’t wanna be my friend anymore?” Applejack smirked at Rainbow’s slip-up, but decided not to ridicule her for now, it seems like it was the last thing she needed. “Aw, come on, Rainbow! Ya know Twilight ain’t a pony to just abandon you! Just tell her ya like her!” Rainbow shut her eyes tightly, biting her bottom lip. “Yeah, there’s another problem, AJ.” “What’s that?” “Twilight.... doesn’t like me back.” No words were said between either pony. Rainbow allowed her head to rest on the cloth-covered table, feeling devastated as the same phrase kept repeating in her head, like it had been doing since last night. “I am not in love with Rainbow Dash!” Applejack allowed the words to sink in, before sporting a smile. “Now how can ya say that, Rainbow? It ain’t like you heard it from Twilight herself!” Rainbow turned up, giving Applejack an exhausted, but angered, stare. Applejack immediately knew what the stare was saying, though she didn’t understand how it could be so. “So, ya told Twilight?” Applejack asked to clarify what Rainbow meant. “No...” Rainbow replied, turning back down to the table. “Well then, how do ya know Twilight doesn’t like ya?” Rainbow let out a long, drawn-out breath. “Yesterday, after Pinkie and I pranked you, we went over to Rarity’s. There, I overheard Twilight tell Rarity that she’s not in love with ‘Rainbow Dash’.” “Well, maybe she didn’t mean it that way.” Applejack had no idea where she was taking this theory, all she wanted was to see her pegasi friend return to her confident self. It was extremely unusual to see Rainbow so... unsure. “Oh yeah? What other way could she have meant it? Did she mean to say she didn’t like my cooking?” Rainbow’s voice started to increase in volume with each word, rage boiling within her. “Now hold on just a god-darn second, Rainbow! What’re ya getting so worked up about!? I’m just try’na help!” Applejack defended herself. Rainbow’s tensed shoulders drooped down as she spoke, “There’s just a lot going on right now. The Wonderbolt auditions. My feelings with Twilight.” Once again, silence enveloped the two mares at the table until Applejack’s voice broke it. “So, how’d it all start anyway?” “How did what start?” “Ya know, your feelings for Twi!” “Oh, that. I don’t really know. I guess it was when Twilight and I started having Daring Do nights,” Rainbow explained casually. “It was all normal at first but the more nights we had, the more I wanted to just sit beside her. Then I would get all nervous when we were alone and when she was reading.”Unbeknownst to her, a warm smile started to appear on her face. “I didn’t want to admit I was falling in love with a mare. I mean, if word gets out, I would be the laughing stock of Ponyville!” She raised her arms in an exaggerated fashion before letting them fall back onto the table. “Come now, Rainbow. Ya know we’ll never laugh at ya!” Rainbow gave a skeptical stare. “Not even a little?” Rainbow asked. Applejack chuckled. “Alright, maybe just a little.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I knew it!” “Now hold on! Let me finish! We might laugh at ya, but we would never hate ya! And Ah’m sure Twilight feels the same way!” “So what am I supposed to do now, AJ?” Rainbow? Asking me for advice? Applejack was tempted to pounce on this rare moment, to force Rainbow to admit that she had, for once, no idea what to do. However, she quickly tossed the idea away, knowing that it was not what Rainbow wanted, nor needed, right now. “How are the auditions coming along?” “What!? Applejack, why are you changing the subject!? Just answer the question! Do I tell her? Or—” Applejack’s expression didn’t change as she repeated herself, slower this time. “How’s the training for the auditions coming along, Rainbow?” “They’re going fine.” The pegasus in question quickly blurted out as she crossed her hooves. “Do ya feel that you can make it in?” “Yeah!” she yelled without a second thought. “I know I can! I got this in the bag!” Applejack grinned on the inside. The Rainbow she knew was back, at least for now. However, her expression was still stoic upon hearing the answer. “Well, then ya better decide whether ya gonna tell her. Remember the one month stay, sugercube. If ya don’t tell her now, it might be too late.” Rainbow gripped her head tightly, groaning loud. “This is uncool! Everything’s in a mess!” “Rainbow, this ain’t about being cool anymore. The choice is up to you. Nopony else can help ya choose.” “I’m gonna lose Twilight. I’m gonna lose Twilight...” Rainbow chanted continuously. “Listen to me, Rainbow.” Applejack tried to get through to her frantic friend. “Oh this is so bad! I can’t lose, Twilight! What about those Daring Do nights!?” Rainbow leapt off the chair, pacing around the kitchen. “Rainbow! Listen to me!” If Rainbow heard Applejack, she didn’t acknowledge it. “What if we never talk again? How am I supposed to focus on the auditions like this!?” “Rainbow Dash!” Applejack shouted. “What is it, huh, AJ? Do you think you can help me!? I have the auditions and this crazy situation to deal with!” “Rainbow! If you would just listen to m—” “No! I’m gonna lose Twilight! I... I need—” “Ya ain’t gonna lose, Twilight!” “Oh yeah!?” Rainbow shouted at the top of her lungs, “what do you know about losing somepony important!?” Silence. No words could be said by other side, the only sound for the first few seconds was Rainbow’s loud panting, her eyes opened wide and her teeth gritted in fury. That was, until Applejack’s sobs echoed through the room. She felt so many emotions consume her at that moment. Anger, pain, guilt, devastation and some she couldn’t put her hoof on. All of them rushed into her and seem to shout in unison, yelling at her to scream, to call out to the world. However, she couldn’t manage it. She could barely even manage a whimper as her whole body trembled. Horrible, painful thoughts pushing herself into her mind, even though she tried to push them away. As what she just said truly sunk in, Rainbow’s expression started to soften to one of regret. Her mouth moved but no words came out. She shook her head, and even though they both knew what it meant, it was too late. “I’m-I’m sorry.” Was what Rainbow could muster out, taking small steps towards the crying mare. “A-Applejack, I didn’t mean—” Applejack raised her hoof and Rainbow immediately froze where she stood. Tears could clearly be seen dripping down Applejack’s face, no matter how hard she tried to hide it with her hooves and hat. They flowed down her cheeks and dripped onto the table. Each sob stabbed Rainbow in the heart, forcing her to the brink of tears as well. “It’s fine, Rainbow,” Applejack’s speech was mumbled and interrupted constantly with sobs. “N-no, its not. Applejack, I’m so sorry,” Rainbow continued to apologize. Whatever worry about pride and reputation Rainbow had, had gone out the window. Her heart raced. Am I gonna lose Applejack too? “I’m alright.” Applejack took her hooves away from her face, laying the hat on the table. She turned up to show her tear-filled eyes and a broken smile. “See?” “Applejack, I’m—” “Ah know.” She nodded. “But ya gotta think about what you say, Rainbow. If ya don’t, ya could say something you don’t mean. And there ain’t no way to take back what ya said.” “I... I know, AJ. Listen, I’m really sorry.” Applejack brought her hoof up to her face, wiping the tears away. “Ah forgive you, Rainbow. But... Ah need some time alone.” Applejack hopped off her chair, escorting Rainbow towards the main door. “Are you sure? We’re still friends right?” “Ah’m fine! Ah’m much stronger than this!” Applejack laughed, heartbroken. Rainbow could see that the pony in front of her was lying, her heart still ridden with guilt. “Come ‘ere, sugercube!” Applejack brought Rainbow in slowly for a hug. At any other time, Rainbow would have jumped back with her hooves high in the air yelling out ‘Ewww gross!’ but not this time. Rainbow needed the hug, and she wasn’t afraid to show it by hugging Applejack back tightly. “Now go on and make us proud!” “Thanks, AJ.” Rainbow sped off into the skies as Applejack closed the door shut. Once she was sure Rainbow was out of earshot, she pushed herself against the door and slid down slowly, her mind muddled with memories. Using the last of her avaliable strength, she whispered, “Ah miss them so much...” Twilight rushed into the library, sweat dripping down her forehead as she raced up to the table where several books still sat. Reaching into her saddlebags, she pulled out a rectangular object covered with a bright purple cloth. As she placed the object on the table, an evil smile crossed her lips. With a glow of her horn, a small bottle of ‘Perfect Polish’ and a light-blue cloth floated to her. “If Rainbow doesn’t make the Wonderbolts. She’ll have to stay! Then we can have Daring Do nights and be friends—no, more than friends. We’ll never be apart.” She tilted the bottle of polish, allowing the thin, white solution to pour out onto the cloth before lowering the cloth down to the object, applying the polish in circles. “She means too much to me....” Proofreading done by: writer