//------------------------------// // A Blurr in a Yellow Blizzard // Story: Farming In the Icy Inferno // by ForlanceAbice //------------------------------// Applejack looked out the window of her home with a scowl. She could barely make out the outlines of the orchard through the thick white frost. Big Macintosh walked up to his sister, his expression the same as always as he looked onward likewise. “Looks like the storm is picking up to be a mighty fierce one." “Eeeyup.” A low bass voice rumbled in reply. Applejack sighed. “I have to wonder if they've been out in the sunlight too long. I mean, I know accidents happen and all that, but could they have picked a worse time?" "Easy there AJ. Those pegasus folks are usually pretty good at keeping the rest of Equestria and our farm in tip top shape. I wouldn't hold it against them, nor should you." Applejack sighed as she made her way back to the living room. She sat next to Winona, who was rested in content. Snuggled up next to her was Applebloom, whose hoof hung off the side. "You're right Big Mac, but it just complicates matter real badly when these storms pop up out of nowhere, you know?" Applejack felt her lips curl up in a small smile. The sight of the family's loyal companion cuddled up with her younger sister made her heart light up in joy. "At least somepony is resting well." Applejack looked to the chair next to them, Granny Smith rested in her rocking chair, out like a hard rock. “Well, hopefully the damage to the barn ain't gonna put a dent in our savings.” Then she heard a loud bang coming from the direction of the red barn. Startled, both Applebloom and Winona shot up in fright. Applejack jerked up in surprise. “What in Luna's blue moon was that!?” Applejack asked. Shifting her field of view to her brother, she saw him looking out the window, wearing a frown. It takes a considerable amount of effort to illicit an emotional response from Big Macintosh, aside from his usual stoic demeanor. Simply put, if something gives enough cause for the rather reserved red stallion to frown, it could only mean trouble. “AJ, you might want to take a look at this.” “Oh for Pete sakes Mac, what no-” She stopped as her words died in halfway out her throat. Whatever made up the broadside of the barn previously had been reduced to nothing more than a pile of splinters and plywood. A large hole had been punched through the support beams near the left entrance. “Sweet Celestia's mane, not the barn!” Applejack face hoofed. It was already bad enough that most of their expenses went to repairing the rickety old barn. But now something had to come along to ruin all that time and effort, not to mention the hard earned bits. "All that hard work, all for nothing." Applejack thought with utter dismay. A forehoof pressed against her head as she felt the beginnings of a headache already forming. Then Applejack noticed a feathered, yellow wing sticking out of the rubble. “”Wait a sec, is that-.... Big Mac, you see that yellow thing out there?" "Eeeyup." Squinting to make sure that she wasn't seeing things, sure enough, somepony had apparently crashed into the barn. "Why I ought-... Deep breaths Applejack. No use in fretting over what's already been done." Then she mentally slapped herself. What was she thinking? There is a pony out there for Pete sake! Whatever thoughts Applejack had were dashed quite literally when she saw that Winnoa had bolted out the door. “Winona wait! ... Big Mac? Get the first aid kit. Somepony out there needs are help NOW! Applebloom, get the fireplace lit. I'll go fetch Winona and bring back our guest to the homestead.” With that, Applejack dashed out at full speed. She didn't even make it out five meters before tripping face first into the snow. Grumbling slowly made her way to the partially destroyed barn. “Consarnit all! When I get mah hooves on those pegasi, I am going to strangle them!” Applejack mentally cursed. The air thick with frozen snowflakes that slammed into the farmer's orange fur coat. Applejack gritted her teeth as she slowly fought her way through the almost impenetrable storm, whose furious gale pounded her into the ground. Out in the distance, she could see that the young pup barking, waiting anxiously for her master to help aid the poor pony under a small pile of rubble. “I'm coming Winona!” Forcing herself through the snow, she trudge steadfast against the bitter cold, the snow crunching under her hooves like crackers. It took only a couple minutes for her to get to the barn, but to Applejack, it might as well been hours, what with the strong gale. She sent a secret prayer of thanks to Rarity for getting her hat it's own tie. Winona yipped as she pawed at the debrie that trapped the pony within. . “Ugh... Stupid, stupid, stupid! How the Hell did I manage to screw this one up! If I ever see Soarin again, I'll-” The mare hissed in pain as she felt her ribs burning like acid. “Ya alright there partner?” “I will be once I get out of this damn storm.” Odd, there was something familiar in that voice of hers, though Applejack couldn't quite put her hoof on what. Shrugging to herself internally, she trotted up to the downed pegasus. “Alright then, hold still for a minute, I gotcha. What's a pegasus like you doing out all the way here yonder anyhow? For that matter, why are you even flying in this storm?” Applejack asked as she began bucking away the rubble. Apparently the mare was clothed in some sort of flight cloak, sort of like that of a certain Strange One. Her face was concealed by a hood, with only her brown eyes visible. “Oh, nothing. Just had to get away from my damn idiotic teammates. Fucking idiots couldn't keep in form even if their life depended on it.” Stumbling to her hooves, the mare yanked her leg out of the debire, only to yelped as pain seized her leg. Applejack caught her before she fell face first. “Whoa there nelly! Here, let's get ya inside the house. You will be much better off once we're inside.” “H-hey! I can walk just fine- damnit!” The mare hissed in pain as she collapsed. Applejack's heart stopped as she saw a worrying amount of red liquid stream down her hind leg and wings, with some of splinters puncturing the primary feather pummels, creating several nasty gashes that would ensure that the pegasus wouldn't be flying for a long time. “Hold steady there partner, I ain't gonna take that for an answer. Your body took a heavy beating, and ah don't want you dying on me just yet.” Applejack heard no reply as the mare grunted, defeated. Hoisting the mare on her back and ignoring the blood spilling down her coat, Applejack made the slow journey back to the farmstead with Wionna in tow. Something about the pegasus was off though. Applejack's gut told her that they had both met before, yet as to where and when were beyond her. Didn't the mare say she was part of some flight team? “Nevermind that, gotta get her help first.” -------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack slammed through the door, busting off of the hinges as she barged her way into the house. Big Macintosh was already ready with a first aid kit. Upon seeing the bloodied duo, his posture momentarily faltered, while Applebloom squeaked with horror. “What happened to her!?” She asked. “Dunno Applebloom. Just get some warm water ready and wake Granny. She ought know what to do. Mac, do you have those bandages?” “Eeeyup.” Applejack carefully laid the yellow pegasus down on the ground near the fireplace, who shivered in relief as she immediately felt the effects the fire warming her up immensely. She grimaced in pain, wheezing as she laid helpless on the floor. "Ugggggh. Note to self: Don't fly during a snowstorm, or ya crash into a broadside barn... Why do my wings feel numb?" Applejack frowned. It was anypony's guess as to how long she flew out there. "Mac, go check our cabinets and see if we have anything we can use to help her with, ah'll patch her up from here.” Applejack tore off a piece of gauze and pressed it into the mare's leg, who hissed in pain as the antiseptic stung to maximum effect. Ignoring the stench of copper coming off from the blood, Applejack went to work, tying down the bandage, even as some of the blood splashed onto her hooves and muzzle. Still, more blood poured forth. “By Discord's claws, what kinda crazy mare are you to fly out in this storm and get yourself banged up like this!?” Applejack said in exasperation, layering another bandage of gauze on the wound. The mare only grunted as she stared up at the ceiling. “... Crazy enough. You don't get to where I come from without a little daring.” “And ah say you nearly got yourself killed missy! Ain't good to no one if you end up dead. I know you pegasi have a competitive spirit and all that, but have ya ever considered that ya'll might end up dead? Magic will only go so far in protecting you before you fall on something more stubborn than you are.” Applejack scolded, looking the mare in the eye. Silence greeted her in return as the mare looked away for a moment in thought, only to size up as she coughed violently. “I- I know that. You think they don't pound that in our heads enough at flight school? We're practically drilled to use SFM. Far more often than I would've cared to remember anyhow.” “Then why have ya gotten yourself into this mess? Celestia's sake, ah'd say you would've bleed out if ya didn't crash into our barn, thank you very much. Not to mention you won't be flying for a while, seeing as you have the splinters the size of mah hoof sticking out of your wings." The mare flinched, trembling as she looked to Applejack. "You're k-kidding right?" She yelped in shock as she saw just how much damage her wings took. "No, and you still haven't answered my question. Why were you even out there flying anyway? You know its suicide for pegasi to fly during a storm, especially one like this!" “I told you, I just had to get away from some fucking idiots that kept-” The mare coughed again, then groaned as she slumped on the floor, clutching her chest. Applejack grimaced as put a concerned hoof over her forehead. She froze when she felt a burning sensation run up her foreleg. “Sweet merciful, yer burning up with a fever!” “Oh Gods, my chest- it hurts.” The mare moaned, wings limp against the ground. Just then, the three other Apple family members returned, Big Macintosh carrying a basket of many different odd assortments of generic brand pills, Applebloom came in with the mug of warm water, while Granny Smith came up to access the situation. “In all my years of fighting back plague, timberwolves, and near famine, I never thought that we'd receive a pegasus under this house.” “Hehe, lucky I am your first one.” The mare coughed in reply, giving a smirk. “Shush darling, save your strength. I see that you have patched this Missy up real nicely Applejack. Applebloom, the mug? Thank you. Here, drink this up. Might not be much at the moment, but it will warm you up real nice I reckon.” “Thanks, Miss-?” “Mrs. Smith, but I usually go by Granny these days young'un.” Granny chuckled as the mare pulled down her bandana to sip the mug, sigh in relief as the warm liquid coursed down her throat. “Mac, could you hand me some of those pills? Yes, the red ones. Thank you dearie.” Hoofing over the pills, the mare groaned. "Here dearie, this will help stop the pain a little. It ain't much, but it should keep you good for a few hours or so." “I've always hated pills. Always get stuck in my throat.” “Now now, let's not have that attitude. It should help reduce the coughing. The mare took the up the pills half heartedly, scowling as she sipped the mug, only to cough even more as the warm liquid streamed down her throat, though she did visibly relax somewhat. “Granny, she's running a high fever, and was about as cold as a frozen icicle when I brought her in. Almost bad as pa.” Applejack shivered, memories of her father, once a proud stallion of a reputable physics, burn away before her very eyes on his deathbed. "A-and... Her leg and wings are pretty banged up too. I think ah got her stable for the moment, but we gotta get the heck out of dodge and to Nurse Redheart as soon as this storm blows over." Granny Smith grimaced in response, looking at the mare who stared listless at the fireplace. “Applejack, keep her company and get her out of those clothes. Ah'm going to get something whipped up for our little guest here. Big Mac, Applebloom, your help would be much obliged.” Gesturing them to follow, the three Apples disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Applejack alone with the mare. "... Hey, thanks for helping me... Really, I don't know how to repay you." The mare said in a grateful tone. Applejack returned the gesture with a warm smile. “Hush, we Apples are always willing to lend a helping hoof. Mind telling me your name?" The mare jerked her head with a noticeable recoil, eyes wide. "There something wrong there partner?" Sighing, the mare looked solemnly at Applejack. "I-I rather not.... My name attracts attention. Waaaay too much. I don't wanna deal with the tabloids right now." Applejack wasn't sure what to think of this. Sure, while it was always good idea to be weary of those who were hesitance to reveal their identify, the way the mare showed her exasperation seemed genuine enough. Plus, she could sort of understand how all that attention can unnerve a pony. "Ma'am, ah can assure you that we Apples keep our promises, and your secret will be safe with us. And ah gotta take those wet clothes off. We don't wanna make your cold worse with em." "... Alright. But I have your word for it." “Good. Now hold still a little, Don't wanna leaving ya cooking in there right? Name's Applejack by the way." The mare went stiff momentarily, as almost as if she recognized her. Before Applejack could inquire on this, the mare returned to a relaxed posture. "Well, sorry for ramming a hole in your barn Applejack." "Hush, just keep your feathers in down for a minute. With that, she began unraveling the almost mummified pegasus from her bonds. Carefully threading out the sleeves for the wings, she could see the fur was wet and matted, dry blood and sweat binding it in tangles. "So, what's got your binds in such a bunch that you would fly out in the storm? You said that you were part of some flight group, correct?" "... Yes. The only one to preform in top shape in every category there is when it comes to flying, the Wonderbolts ." "The Wonderbolts?" Applejack asked, mildly shocked. What else was there to this mare? "The one and only." The mare sighed as she took a sudden interest in the floor. "And, well... I happen to be their captain." "The captain?" Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin for a moment before she snapped up in realization. "Wait, I think I might know your name. You wouldn't happen to be that Spitfire that Rainbow Dash is so stirred up about, right? --------------------------------- A mildly irritated Applejack barged into Twilight's sanctuary, annoyance written across her face as she finally found the mare she was looking for, a cyan colored pegasus to be precise. Rainbow Dash was entranced by some magazine subscription of hers, the front cover showing off a confident yellow pegasus with a cocky grin fixed to her face, with the title "Daring Tricks and Tips From the Wonderbolts!" bolded in a blazing yellow font. Storming up to the oblivious mare, she waited till Rainbow Dash realized that somepony was actually standing there, despite the bang of the door. "Oh uh, hi Applejack! What brings you here? You a fan of Daring too?" Rainbow ask with a nervous chuckle. Just as she was about to swipe it behind her though, Applejack snatched up the magazine, much to the dismay of the athlete. "Dash, you were supposed to be at the farm over an hour ago, and I believe I made darn clear yesterday that you were supposed to help applebuck and fix the fence this morning. Or have you already forgotten what you have done to our cider crop for the season?" She hissed through clenched teeth. "Hey! A pegasus like me has gotta keep up on them." "You barely read anything at all besides that Daring Do you're so fond of." Applejack flipped the pages, scrutinizing them in detail. All she saw were instructions on how to preform some technique, tips on preening wings, seductive poses of the Wonderbolts, ads for some new energy drink, a PSA from- "Wait a minute... The HAY!?" Flipping back a few pages, Applejack could only recoil at what was plastered blatantly on the page before her. Staring her in the face in a very tantalizing pose were two Wonderbolts locked in a rather "kinky" embrace. Actually, erotic would probably be more accurate. Applejack gawked as she continued to stare transfixed at the image before her, feeling her cheeks flushing with heat rapidly. "D-Dash... Just- what is... I don't even..." Applejack stood there, unable to look away. She tried to will her hooves to move, but they were firmly welded into the floor. It wasn't as if Applejack was naive, what with being a farmer and all. "Applejack?" Not to mention that time where Twilight accidentally found Rarity's Playpony mags. It can only be said that both Twilight and Applejack were sworn to a Pinkie Vow of secrecy, under the penalty of a fate possibly worse than death. What chinked her was that the main attraction had mares doing the kissing. "Ummmm, Applejack? You okay in there?" The farmer felt her stomach turn, a conflict of emotions running rampent. She couldn't tear her eyes off... Those sexy...- "Equestria to Applejack, please respond." No! That kind of thinking doesn't put food on the table. Nothing get's done with idle daydreaming. Besides, she couldn't possibly- "APPLEJACK!" Snapping out of her trance, Applejack turned to see that a concerned Rainbow was waving a hoof in front of her face. "Uh, you kinda space out and had me worried there for a minute. You alright?" "... Just fine sugarcube... Just, ugh." Hoofing back the magazine, Applejack shook her head. Ain't no way that she was a fillyfooler. She didn't mind them, per say, but an Apple simply wasn't one, plain and simple. You needed both a stallion and mare in order to have foals. Foals who would continue the Apple family's legacy. "Let's just get to the orchard Rainbow. Ya still got trees to buck and a fence that needs fixing." "Oh come on! I still have to-" "Now Rainbow Dash, or by Celestia I will have you tied to a tree and use you for target practice." Without another word, Applejack proceeded out of the library, followed by a somber Rainbow Dash. ----------------------------------- Spitfire sighed as the hood finally came off, freeing her from her sweaty prison. "Yeah... The only one." Then she blinked as it dawned upon her that the mare mentioned her certain rainbow colored friend. "Wait, you know Rainbow Dash? You wouldn't happen to be her friend Applejack by any chance, right?" "Uh yes. actually I am." Applejack responded with some surprise. "Huh". Spitfire studied the earth pony in front of her. "So you're the one that Rainbow Dash wouldn't stop talking about. Kinda expected something a bit... More." "She did?" "Oh yes, you especially." Spitfire said with some mirth. "She wouldn't stop going on about how you almost had beaten her in some Iron Pony Competition." "Oh did she now?" Applejack said in amusement. "Well I'll admit, she can be just as stubborn like I am sometimes. She's definitely both a fast and tough pegasus to beat. Well, that is when she isn't napping in one of my trees of course." She chuckled. "I swear, that pegasus sleeps more than she flies sometimes." "Heh... Then she is in for a rude awakening once she get's into our squadron." "Wait, do you mean what I think you are saying?" Applejack ask, her curiosity now perked. Spitfire smiled back, nodding. "You betcha. She might not know it, but she has gotten the attention of the higher ups in the squad. She is all but ensured a position here if she can keep up her winning streak." "Knowing RD, she'll have it done in ten seconds flat." Applejack chuckled. "Guess that means I gotta step up the pressure on that featherbrained gal." "Indeed." The conversation stopped as both of them heard a loud gurgle from Spitfire's stomach. Spitfire flushed in embarrassment. "Umm... Didn't she mention that you harvested apples for a living?" "Eeeyup!" Applejack allowed a small grin of pride to show. "The one and only from Sweet Apple Acres, home of the best bumper crop of apples ya ever laid eyes one. Want me to fetch ya something?" Spitfire blinked. There was something familiar about this pony. Spitfire had saw that same demeanor and attitude from somewhere. She was hit by a sense of deja vu took hold over her. "Something about her strikes me as if I have seen her before... But where?" Applejack's face then shifted to one of concern when she didn't respond. "Hey Spitfire, you there?" Snapped out of her recollection, she nodded. "Uh yeah, just thinking about something. You know, the squad and all that..." She trailed off. "Still troubled by those events? You're welcome to talk about with me if ya want." "But I-" Before Spitfire could finish, Applejack raised a hoof. "But ah ain't one to prod, and ah will make sure that the rest of my family does the same. We aren't some mud slickers that are looking to ruin somepony's reputation. We aren't them snakes, you have my word." Spitfire blinked once again, shocked by this courtesy and respect that she had long thought died out in the world. "O-oh, uh, thank you..." She stuttered. "No problem sugarcube. Now, I am going to fetch you something while you rest here. The rest of my family will probably have something else cooked up for you while I'm gone. And uh, watch out for my sister." Before Spitfire could even so much as say a word of thanks, the apple farmer disappeared up the stairs, leaving the captain alone with her thoughts and stare into the crackling fireplace. Something kept ticking at her, as if there was some important detail that she was missing. "She reminds me of somepony... But who? Why do I get the feeling I have seen her before?" She said, gazing into the fireplace. "Just wish I knew what it was. And... I feel there is something more to her. She didn't treat me like some famous celebrity... Oh wait, I am. Still, I don't think I have met somepony who wasn't trying to pamper me... That could be either just me or her having a secret agenda." ...... "Then again, I could just be rambling..." She muttered off hoof. Then she realized the implications of what she had implied earlier, and promptly facehoofed. "Oh great, did I just REALLY go down that route? By Celestia's shining sun, I think those trashy novels that Wind Kicker reads are starting to rub off of me... Note to self: Incinerate them as soon as I get back." It was when Spitfire turned her gaze from the fireplace and to the red bow wearing menace before her was she then properly introduce to one of the greatest terrors to ever haunt Ponyville in it's history. "HOWDY!"