Finally departing the library, Pinkie and friends made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage; the yellow pegasus spotted Rainbow Dash right away and squeaked for joy.
“Oh my goodness,” exclaimed Fluttershy. Well, exclaimed as best as she could.
“Yo Fluttershy,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
The two friends, who’d known each other the longest, flew into each other’s hooves for a warm embrace.
“I didn’t know you were coming,” said Fluttershy.
“Nopony did,” said Rainbow Dash. “I just showed up today. I figured you should also know that I quit the Wonderbolts. No need to make any fuss about it, I feel better for doing it.”
“Oh…um…ok then,” said Fluttershy. “As long as you’re happy, that’s what really matters.”
“So, where’s your better half,” asked Rainbow Dash.
As if sensing it, Snowflake came out through the front door. While still a hulking stallion compared to most, Snowflake’s physique had reduced some over time as he didn’t want to accidentally crush his beloved wife.
“Yo, Rainbow Dash,” exclaimed Snowflake in his usual enthusiastic manner. “Long time, no see!”
“Yo, Snow,” said Rainbow Dash. “Looks like you’re not pumping as much iron anymore.”
“Don’t wanna scare the animals away,” blushed Snowflake. “Also makes it easier to get through doors.”
“Bet it does, big guy,” chuckled Rainbow Dash. “Ok, now that we got this meeting taken care of. Show me to my favorite tortoise!”
“Oh, yeah, sure thing,” fumbled Fluttershy. “He’s out back.”
They made their way to Fluttershy’s backyard, which as usual had several varieties of animals. Rainbow Dash immediately saw Tank, and he noticed her as well. She sped towards him to embrace him, but passed him; forgetting that he wasn’t a speedster. She went back, picked him up, and spun around in the air wit her beloved pet.
“It’s so great to see you, buddy,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, embracing him warmly.
“And I got fantastic news. I’m back in town for good!”
Tank slowly developed a big smile.
“That’s what I was looking for,” said Rainbow Dash.
“He has been a bit down since you’ve been gone,” said Fluttershy. “It’s good to see him smiling again.”
“I can’t wait for a pet get together again,” said Rainbow Dash. “When we all have the time, of course. I guess those aren’t as frequent as before.”
“Well, um, no,” said Fluttershy. “But, we can always find a way to make time.”
“That would be awesome,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “I’m sure Gummy would love to see the other pets and get to play with them.”
“I hate to break up this tender moment,” said Bookworm. “But we should probably go see Applejack and then hopefully be able to get a room for the night.”
“Yeah yeah,” sighed Rainbow Dash. “Good thing I keep you around to keep me in check.”
“You’re so flattering,” joked Bookworm.
Rainbow Dash gave him a peck on the cheek and they made their way to Sweet Apple Acres.
“So why’s Braeburn and his pal working on the farm,” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Big Macintosh wants to be more attentive to Twilight right now,” said Pinkie. “So he’s cut back his hours at the farm, which of course means Applejack doesn’t have as much help. Braeburn said he’d come and he brought his buddy, Mal, along with him. He used to bully Applejack when they were little, but he obvious likes her and she clearly likes him back.”
“Ha! I bet he drives A.J. crazy,” laughed Rainbow Dash.
“Oh you bet he does,” said Pinkie Pie. “He’ll tease her by calling her by her given name too.”
“Applejack isn’t her actual name,” asked Bookworm.
“Nah, it’s just a nickname,” said Rainbow Dash. “But it’s in our best interest to never bring it up. She prefers her nickname over her so called ‘fancy soundin name.’”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” said Bookworm.
Apple Bloom was the first to see Rainbow Dash walking towards the farm. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were also with her today, and she knew Scootaloo would be excited to see her mentor.
“You guys, look,” exclaimed Apple Bloom, pointing down the road.
“Rainbow Dash,” exclaimed Scootaloo.
The orange pegasus hopped on her scooter and sped towards her beloved mentor. She was still having some trouble flying, but Rainbow Dash had helped her improve some. Still, she preferred using her scooter when able. While racing towards her, she hit a rock and was hurled towards Dash and the others. The cerulean mare spotted her quickly and took off to catch her.
“That was a close one,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Oh man, what a catch,” exclaimed Scootaloo.
Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash gave each other a big hug. The other two Cutie Mark Crusaders ran up and also gave Rainbow Dash a hug.
“Great to see you guys again,” said Rainbow Dash. “Still no cutie marks I see though.”
“Yeah, it totally stinks,” said Scootaloo.
“We’ve done dang near everythin to earn them,” said Apple Bloom.
“We’ve been banned from certain areas in town,” said Sweetie Belle.
“You kids are nuts,” said Rainbow Dash. “But that’s normal. Anyway, where’s A.J.?”
“Buckin apples as usual,” said Apple Bloom. “She’s out in the east field. Mal might be with her too.”
“Oh yeah, I’ve heard of him,” said Rainbow Dash.
“I’m gonna go talk to Braeburn,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Hey, you got a bow in your mane,” said Apple Bloom.
“Oh yeah, Rarity gave it to me,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Looks real nice,” said Apple Bloom.
“Rarity knows how to make any pony look prettier,” said Sweetie Belle.
“Thanks a lot,” said Pinkie. “Where’s Braeburn?”
“Last ah saw, he was doin some work in the south field,” said Apple Bloom.
“Great, I’ll be on my way there,” said Pinkie Pie. “Tell A.J. I said hi!”
Pinkie hopped off to the south field to go find Braeburn, while Rainbow Dash and Bookworm went towards the east field to find Applejack. Applejack was indeed bucking apples, but thankfully Mal wasn’t bothering her. After their awkward conversation, the two were avoiding each other when able.
“Yo A.J.,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “Miss me?”
“Well ah’ll be,” smiled Applejack. “What in tarnation are you doin here so soon.”
“Long story short, not a Wonderbolt anymore,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’ll elaborate on it later. For now though, let’s just be excited to see each other.”
“Alright then,” said Applejack, giving Rainbow Dash a hug. “when did ya’ll arrive in town?”
“Bookie and I just got in today,” said Rainbow Dash. “Pinkie took us around town to see the others before we get a hotel. I had to pick up Tank as well.”
“Hey there, little guy,” said Applejack. “Haven’t seen you in a while either. Guess ah don’t get out to Fluttershy’s like ah used to. We’re all pretty busy these days. Say, where is Pinkie?”
“She went to find Braeburn,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Braeburn, eh,” said Applejack. “Is everyone around here strikin up romances?”
“I hear you have a special somepony too,” said Rainbow Dash with a nudge.
“Mal aint no special somepony,” exclaimed Applejack. “He’s just Braeburn’s old buddy, and he brought him along to help on the farm.”
“Whatever you say,” said Rainbow Dash with a sly grin and a wink.
“Anyway,” said Applejack, wanting to change the topic. “Whatcha gonna do now that you aint a Wonderbolt?”
“I’m gonna get my old job back with the weather team,” said Rainbow Dash. “I had a lot more fun with them.
“Probably helps that you were able to slack off more too,” quipped Applejack.
“Hardy har,” said Rainbow Dash. “Not my fault I get stuff done before the others.”
“Well if you’re able, ah wouldn’t mind a little help on the farm,” said Applejack.
“Not a bad idea,” said Rainbow Dash. “At the moment though, Bookie and I gotta find us a place to stay.”
“Ah think some houses became available recently,” said Applejack.
“Awesome,” said rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash looked over at her husband and noticed he was getting a little antsy.
“I think we better get going, A.J.,” said Rainbow Dash. “Bookie here is probably worried we won’t get a hotel room for the night.”
“Well shoot, don’t worry about that,” said Applejack. “Ya’ll can stay here fer the night.”
“Seems like you already have a full house,” said Rainbow Dash.
“We recently had the barn insulated,” said Applejack. “It’s nothin fancy, but it’ll keep ya’ll warm fer the night.”
“You okay with that, Bookie,” she asked her husband.
“So long as we have a place to stay,” said Bookworm.
“Then it’s settled,” said Applejack. “Ah’ll be sure to let Granny Smith know to fix some extra plates. Ah bet Pinkie will wanna stay fer dinner to so she can talk more with Braeburn.”