//------------------------------// // The Truth pt. II // Story: Restless Nights // by DJ Dreamtheater //------------------------------// Chapter 8 The Truth pt. II It had been a week since Rainbow Dash’s and Applejack’s, so called, adventure in the Everfree Forest. Life for the two ponies had started to return to normal. Well as normal as it could be considering their circumstances. Since telling each other how they felt and with Rainbow staying at AJ’s house to heal from her wing injury the two grew closer to each other. The two worked the last few days side by side. Trading looks back and forth, a passing smile and even a small nudge here and there when they walked by each other. Small stuff inconspicuous to everypony around but to them they had big meaning to them. Rainbow helped Applejack out in the orchards which gave them time to spend together and out of sight of the Apple family. Applejack wasn’t ready to tell her family about her life style choice. She didn’t even know how to tell them. How was she going to tell her family that she was in a relationship with another mare? More over how was her family going to react to this news? These thoughts were in the back of AJ’s mind but when she was around Rainbow they seem to fade away. Applejack always wanted a strong, supportive and loyal partner but was unable to find a stallion that fit that. Looking back she can see why now. All those traits were not hidden in a stallion but a mare and her best friend no less. The same can be said about Rainbow. Rainbow had looked for a pony that could challenge her and push her to the edge. The best trait Rainbow looked for in a partner was not athleticism but how honest they could be. Applejack just happened to fit both of those traits perfectly. Even though the two were happy with being around each other Rainbow could tell AJ was stressing over telling her family the truth but no matter the outcome Rainbow would stay by AJ’s side and give her support if she needed it. Thinking about talking to somepony they forgot to go see Twilight and tell her about everything that has happened. Twilight has helped them to get this far so it’s only fitting to tell her. She has been the most supportive to them. Maybe Twilight can also give one last piece of advice to Applejack on how to deal with her “family issue”. “Hey there AJ.” Rainbow said giving her marefriend a small nudge. “Oh, sorry Rainbow.” Applejack replied “You okay? You seem a little out of it.” Rainbow inquired “Nah Ah’m fine Ah was just thinkin’ that’s all.” “About how you’re going to confront your family?” “Yea Ah’m still not sure about it.” Applejack replied hesitantly “Well whatever you decide I’ll stand by you.” Rainbow replied supportively “Thanks Rainbow. Ah know Ah can count on you anytime.” Applejack said as she rubbed against Rainbow. Rainbow and Applejack went back to working the orchard. Rainbow walked over to the tree AJ was bucking at and grabbed a bucket filled with apples then began to walk back to the barn. As Rainbow started to leave Applejack snuck up behind her and gave her a short lick on her neck. “What was that for?” Rainbow asked as she stopped and turned. “No reason, just cause.” Applejack replied and shrugged. Rainbow stepped close to Applejack and repaid her kind gesture with the same one. “Now what was that for?” Applejack asked “I don’t need a reason either.” Rainbow retorted “Just y’all get back to work b’fore somepony sees us.” Applejack said “Yes boss ma’am.” Rainbow left and headed to the barn to drop off the basket. Applejack had pulled her hat over her face to hide the fact that she was blushing pretty hard from what Rainbow had just said. She remembered Rainbow saying something along that line two nights ago. Images began to flood her mind but she managed to shake them out of her head and go back to work. The last few days Rainbow had been helping out around the farm. Rainbow gave her assistance to the other Apple family’s chores but she always made time to be with AJ. Of course they made it look normal when AJ’s family was around but when they were alone nothing could keep them apart. The day went by pretty fast with Rainbow’s help and before they knew it, it was night and time for the family to gather at the house for dinner. Rainbow and Applejack took their time getting back to the house. They walked slow and talked about small stuff but spending time together was all that mattered to them. They reached the house and strolled onto the porch then before going into the house they gave each other a long, heart-felt, kiss. They entered the house and walked into the living room then they were caught off guard by the voice of Applebloom from behind. “Hey sis, Ah saw y’all today out in the orchard with Rainbow.” Applebloom pronounced “Oh no” Rainbow mumbled under her breath as she lowered her head. “Umm, y’all okay Rainbow?” Applebloom asked “What? Yea I’m great kid, nothing wrong here.” Rainbow answered back Rainbow looked over at Applejack for some kind of support. Applejack was standing there, frozen in place, with a blank stare on her face. Rainbow realized that Applejack wasn’t going to talk to her sister about this so it was up to her to do it. “Look Applebloom, what you saw today was (mhmm!)” Rainbow was cut off by AJ putting her hoof in Rainbow’s mouth. “What y’all talkin’ about Applebloom?” Applejack questioned “Huh? Ah’m talkin’ about how great you and Rainbow worked together today.” Applebloom answered “Oh yea, Rainbow and Ah can really work well together when we’re on the same page.” Applejack replied “Same page?” Applebloom asked “It’s a figure of speech sugar cube. Go get ready for dinner now.” Applejack answered “Alright then, see ya in a little.” “Aww man I thought your sister found out.” Rainbow sighed “I mean I thought I was going to have to explain that to her. Good thing you stopped me or else your sister would be really confused right now, hehe.” Rainbow explained “Sorry about that Ah kinda froze. Come on, Granny should be done makin’ dinner.” Applejack said while pointing into the dinner room. After dinner Rainbow and Applejack cleaned up the kitchen. This gave them time to spend together before heading to their separate rooms for the night. Rainbow and AJ had figured out ways they could spend time with each other without the rest of the family being suspicious. After cleaning up they would head upstairs and go into AJ’s room. With the family already asleep they could be together without worry of somepony stumbling across them. Out of the few nights they spent together only one time did something actually happen. Most of the time they just laid there in AJ’s bed cuddling and whispering to each other about things they only know and laughing at each other’s jokes. They did this late into the night until Rainbow had to go to her room. Wouldn’t want the two of them coming out of the same room the next morning but Rainbow and Applejack wouldn’t care. They would like to have one night where they could stay together the whole time. Just one whole night together in the same bed, holding each other, sleeping side by side. Unfortunately tonight wasn’t that night but as Rainbow was leaving the room to go to hers Applejack stopped her at the door. “Rainbow Ah wanted to ask you somethin’?” “Yea what is it AJ?” Rainbow asked “Ah was thinkin’ that tomorrow we take the day off and go see Twilight” Applejack suggested “OH man I forgot about Twilight!” Rainbow exclaimed “Sshh, Rainbow, keep it down.” Applejack replied “Sorry, my bad” “Ah remembered that we forgot to go see Twilight after that night.” Applejack explained “Yea that’s true. We should go see her and tell her about us, also thank her for all the advice and support.” Rainbow remarked “Also Ah wanna ask her about one last thing.” Applejack continued “What’s that?” Rainbow asked “Just some advice on something.” Applejack whispered “Alright, tomorrow it is then.” Rainbow answered Rainbow walked back over to Applejack and rubbed her muzzle against hers. Giving Applejack the physical support she wants. Rainbow then turned and left the room and Applejack climbed into bed. Both ponies laid in their separate beds and thought about the day when they didn't have to hide their love and could finally sleep together. * * * The next morning Rainbow woke up and walked over the mirror. She stretched out her wing that was bandaged. Normally it would sting but the last couple of days it started to feel better. So she unwrapped it and extended it out then started to flap it around to see if it was fully healed. It had been a whole week since her wing was injured but now it was back in action. “Looks like y’all are back to normal.” Applejack remarked as she stood in the door way. “Finally, it’s been far too long since I’ve flown.” Rainbow replied “Well don’t forget that we are gonna go see Twi today.” “Yea I remember.” Rainbow answered back “I’m just going to go and stretch my wings for a little bit.” Rainbow added “Just be sure to be back for breakfast.” Applejack answered “Of course, I wouldn’t miss great food.” Then before AJ could say anything else Rainbow took off. Flying out the open window next to her bed and taking off to the clouds. Rainbow flew through the sky doing stunts, through and around the clouds, laughing and being as happy as could be. Applejack walked over to the window and watched Rainbow fly through the sky for a few moments. “Pegasi…Ah just don’t understand them.” Applejack said as she walked towards the door. “Mornin’ sis” Applebloom mumbled as she stumbled into the room rubbing her eyes. “Mornin’ there Applebloom” “What’s all that yellin’ about?” Applebloom asked “Oh that’s just Rainbow. Her wing is healed and she’s out enjoyin’ herself.” AJ answered “Wow…she sure is amazing.” Applebloom admiringly remarked “Yea she sure is something.” AJ replied in the same tone “Come on now, time for breakfast.” AJ said Applejack and Applebloom left the room and headed downstairs to the kitchen. They started to make breakfast as the rest of the family came down. Rainbow followed shortly after everypony else by entering through the front door and was breathing heavily. Normally somepony would have asked why but with how loud Rainbow was being this morning there was no need. They could tell she was healed and enjoying her ability to fly again. They all sat down at the table and Applejack and Granny Smith served up a variety of food. After breakfast Applejack told Granny that she was taking the day off. After all, with the help Rainbow has been, they have caught up on a lot of things and they could use the day off to really spend time together. They cleaned up the table and kitchen then left Sweet Apple Acres heading towards Twilight’s. The two walked down the road talking, laughing and carrying on with each other. Applejack told Rainbow about the time Big Mac lost a bet to her and he had to sell apples dressed in one of Granny’s sun dresses for a whole day. They reached Ponyville as Rainbow was telling AJ about the time she beat her coach in a race when she was a filly then out of nowhere a purple blur ran into AJ. “Hey! What’s the big idea!?” Rainbow yelled “Ohh I’m sorry!” “Yea you better be…wait Twilight?” Rainbow asked “Ah, Rainbow! I was coming to see you.” Twilight answered “We have to go see Applejack.” Twilight remarked “Well you just ran into her.” Rainbow said pointing at the ground “Oh, sorry AJ.” Twilight apologized as she helped AJ up. “It’s fine Twi. Actually we were just on our way to see you as well.” Applejack said “That’s great!” Twilight answered “What was with the big rush though?” Rainbow asked “You’ll see, just follow me back to the library. There’s something you two need to see.” Twilight said apprehensively “Twi is everything okay?” AJ asked “I’m not sure actually. You’ll just need to see for yourselves.” Twilight answered Applejack and Rainbow followed Twilight back to her house. The two ponies asked her questions about what was wrong but Twilight remained silent the whole walk back. They weren’t sure about what was bugging Twilight but they could tell it wasn’t good. * * * The three ponies walked into Twilight’s home and up the stairs to her room. They got to her room and it was a mess with research papers and test tubes. Spike was taking notes on something when Twilight and her friends came walking up the stairs. Spike ran over to Twilight when she got up the stairs. “Twilight! It seems like your guess was right.” Spike exclaimed as he held a clipboard in front of her. “Hmm…I was afraid of this. Tell me Spike how many times did we do these test?” Twilight questioned “At least five times and every one of them ended the same.” Spike replied “I honestly was hoping I was wrong for once.” Twilight sadly responded “Twi what’s goin’ on here?” Applejack asked “Yea what’s this about anyway?” Rainbow followed up “Oh hey Rainbow and Applejack!” Spike responded “Spike can you go into the kitchen and make some tea?” Asked Twilight “Yeah sure I’ll be back.” Spike answered and left the room After Spike left the room the air was heavy. Rainbow and Applejack could physically see Twilight being upset by something. Twilight had a distant look in her eyes and she didn’t turn to her friends and speak. She just stood there looking over Spike’s research notes intensely. They weren’t sure what to make of what Twilight was reading but they knew for a fact now that it involved the two of them. “Twi are you…” AJ started to ask but Twilight cut her off. “You two aren’t really in love.” Twilight harshly remarked “What? Twilight if this is a joke it’s not funny.” Rainbow answered back “It’s no joke Rainbow. You two aren’t in love.” Twilight repeated “Now hold on! How are y’all gonna say we love each other then turn around and say the opposite!?” Applejack fired back “I’m sorry” Twilight sadly apologized “We came here to thank you for getting us this far and now you’re going to try this? I never thought you’d turn your back on us.” Rainbow harshly replied “I’m not turning on you. It’s just…” Twilight stopped “Just WHAT?!” Rainbow answered “After you two came to me a week ago with your stories I was curious about something. So after AJ left I started writing a letter to the princess when Rainbow came to see me. There was something similar with both your stories so I wanted to test my theory.” Twilight explained “Test what theory?” Rainbow asked “The letter I wrote to the princess was to ask her for a sample of the plant that we got.” Twilight continued “The plant? That annoying thing again?” Rainbow remarked “When the sample arrived I asked Fluttershy if she could bring me some field mice for me to test on. The last week I’ve done repeated testing in hopes that my hypothesis was wrong. Unfortunately it wasn’t which is why I was coming to find you two earlier.” “Twi Ah’m not sure Ah like were this is goin’.” AJ said “In both of your recounts you each had a run-in with the plants pollen. Afterwards you both then had an intimate moment in your minds with the other. For Rainbow it was when you saved her at the pit and she landed on top of you. As for Applejack it must have been when she was watching you working hard at the barn. Normally this would be nothing but under the influence of the plant’s pollen it must have triggered a sense of infatuation with the first pony you had deep thoughts about.” Twilight explained “So what y’all are sayin’ is that Ah really don’t have feelings for Rainbow? It’s just this plant here?” Applejack miserably responded “I’m afraid so. The plant’s pollen has a unique property; once it enters your nose it releases an endorphin into the brain that gives a sense of euphoria and intimacy. If it helps I haven’t told anypony about you two. So no pony will know what you’ve been through. Except us three that is. Even the princess and Spike don’t know.” Twilight tried to reassure them “No! I don’t…I won’t believe this! I want proof.” Rainbow demanded “Over here then” Twilight motioned with her head Twilight showed Rainbow and Applejack a pin with two mice in it. The two mice were on opposite sides divided by a piece of cardboard. Twilight removed the cardboard and the two mice walked to each other, sniffed then walked back to their corners. Twilight put the cardboard back in place and took some of the pollen then dropped it on top of the two mice. She removed the cardboard and the mice stared at each other. Then they grouped together and cuddled with each other. “Spike and I ran these tests five to six times in the last week and they all ended the same way, like this.” “No…is this some kind of joke?” Rainbow mumbled “I’m sorry Rainbow, I truly am.” “Rainbow” Applejack said in a low tone trying to comfort her. “Just leave me alone.” Rainbow answered and walked out of the room “Applejack I…thought you two would want to know.” Twilight explained “Sometimes Twilight having all the answers isn’t always the best thing.” Applejack retorted pulling her hat down trying to hide her tears as she left the room too. Spike returned from the kitchen with a tray carrying a white tea set. He stopped as AJ left the room then looked around and noticed Rainbow was gone as well. With a puzzled look he asked Twilight where they were going. Twilight sat down and lowered her head. She let out a sigh and told Spike not to worry about it. Twilight knew that telling them was possibly a bad thing but she still did it. Twilight thought they had a right to know the truth. Not matter how hurtful it may be. Twilight looked over at the pin with the untested mice and thought about something. “Maybe…I over looked something?” Accepting the truth about something is one thing but accepting the reality that you thought was true might be a lie is something completely different. Rainbow left the library in a rush to escape the real truth. She didn’t want to face that everything she had went through and all that she fought for was a lie. Rainbow was lost in her thoughts and reflected back on everything. As much as she hated to admit it, it could be possible. Applejack wasn’t fairing any better. After Rainbow left AJ wanted to go after her. Did she really or was it the effects of that plant? Applejack wasn’t sure anymore. She was going to talk to Rainbow about it but Rainbow left. AJ went outside after her but the blue pegasus flew off. AJ tried to stop her but her pleas fell on deaf ears. All Rainbow wanted was to be left alone. * * * Applejack spent the day looking around Ponyville for her ‘lover’ if you could really call her that now. Both Applejack’s and Rainbow’s worlds were ripped apart. Everything they thought or felt about each other was just proven to be a lie by Twilight and her science. To them their love was undeniable and unquestionably true. In their minds there were no doubts about it, never any second guesses, but now that’s all there was. Applejack couldn’t find Rainbow in town. After an extensive search and questioning everypony she came across there was no luck. The sun was setting on a day that started out promising but ended in tragedy. Dusk was settling in and soon the night would bring darkness. Applejack gave up on her search and started to head back to the farm. The walk back was quiet unlike earlier that day. The sky was a bright orange as the sun set and off in the distance you could see the night sky coming. Applejack was lost in her own world the whole time. She failed to notice that she walked past the gate to farm and kept going down the road. A mile down the dirt road it leads to a hill. On that hill is an old oak tree about fifteen to twenty feet tall. Applejack knew about the tree that’s why when she saw it she was brought back to reality. At the top of the hill you can see for a couple of miles. The sight of the rolling country side from this spot is something out of a novel. “What the hay? Ah guess Ah spaced out for a while.” Applejack stopped and started to turn around to head back for home. It was dark now and the moon hung over head. As she was about to leave a figure caught her eye. The light from the moon made the figure glow in the night. On the tree top was the figure of somepony she couldn’t mistake. Applejack walked down the road and sat under the tree. “So this is where y’all went to.” Applejack remarked “This is my go-to-spot. I come here whenever I need to clear my head or just to take a really great nap.” Rainbow answered “Rainbow…Ah wanna talk to y’all about today.” Applejack stumbled through her sentence “Talk about what? It’s pretty clear what’s going on so there’s no need to talk.” Rainbow retorted “But we need to figure out what we’re gonna do about it.” Applejack sadly admitted “….” Rainbow remained quiet for a few seconds. They both knew that something had to be done about this issue. Both ponies tried to figure out different scenarios that would make both of them happy. The only problem is that there would always be that doubt in the backs of their minds. That small sliver of ‘truth’ they learned today. “What do you suggested we do then?” Rainbow asked breaking the silence “Ah’m…not sure” Replied Applejack “Of course you do AJ. I know the answer myself as well.” Rainbow mournfully answered as she flew down out of the tree. “Yea Ah know too.” Applejack responded “Tomorrow we will go to Twilight’s and see if she can find a cure. A way to remove the effects of that plant.” Rainbow continued "But..." Applejack protested "If we get rid of the effects of the plant and still love each other then we will know what we have is true." Explained Rainbow "What if we don't? Then what Rainbow?" Asked Applejack Applejack stood there in silence because she knew that it was going to end this way. She ran through multiple scenarios about how they could end this happily but there was no way for that. Rainbow had left and came to this spot to try and find out a solution was well. They both came to the conclusion that this was the best way. “So what now?” Applejack asked “I guess we’ll see what tomorrow brings. I’m heading home now. I already dropped by the farm and gathered my stuff and took Tank home…so I’ll see ya around.” Rainbow took off into the night sky heading towards her home while Applejack stayed there under the tree. Applejack sat there for at least another hour just staring off into the distance. Following the contour of the rolling hillsides illuminated by the moon’s light. She held her feelings inside and tried to think about other things. After a little bit of sulking Applejack made it back home in the dead of night. The farm was still and quiet as could be. Every member of the Apple family was asleep leaving Applejack to be alone with her thoughts. She went upstairs and to her room but before entering she stopped and looked down the hallway to the room where Rainbow stayed. For the past week she didn’t mind staying up late because it was time well spent with Rainbow. Now all that was left was an empty room and an empty heart. Applejack walked into her room and opened her window to let the night breeze enter. She lit the candle next to her bed and laid down. Staring at the ceiling she started to doze off. She fell into a sound sleep that was until she heard a noise. Applejack sat up and scanned the room but there was nothing. She sat there and listened again. This time she heard a knock on wood. It didn’t come from the door though it came from her window sill. Applejack got up and walked over to the window to see Rainbow hovering there. “Rainbow? What are y’all doin’ here?” Whispered Applejack “Can I come in? I want to talk.” Rainbow answered “Yea I guess so” Applejack opened the window wider and let Rainbow enter “So what is it Rainbow?” “I’m not sure this is the best answer.” Rainbow grudgingly answered “Ah’m not followin’?” Applejack responded “Going to Twilight and finding a ‘cure’. I mean is it really the best way?” Rainbow responded “Ah know what you mean sugar cube but we can’t be together and have doubts about how we feel.” Applejack argued “But…I don’t want to be alone.” Rainbow sadly remarked “Ah know but is living a lie any better?” Asked Applejack “If a lie is what makes me happy then I don’t want to face the truth.” Rainbow answered Applejack was taken back by Rainbow’s willingness to fight for what she wanted not what she needed. Rainbow was willing to fight for Applejack and what she felt to be true not the truth Twilight’s experiments said. Applejack was about to give up but as always Rainbow found a way to pick up her spirits and give her the inspiration she needed. “Rainbow, thank you” Applejack thought to herself as she kissed Rainbow long and hard. Those few moments lasted forever for them. As that kissed lasted the two of them walked closer to the bed. Applejack laid down with Rainbow on top. The two ponies’ rubbed muzzles, bit each other’s necks, nibbled at their ears and locked lips again and again. The window still letting a cool night breeze into the room made the flame of the candle dance. Their shadows cast along the wall moved as if they too were dancing. Rainbow’s wings, extended complete out, flapped every time they grew more intimate. Eventually her wings blew out the flame letting only the moonlight illuminate the room. Their bodies moved together as one. The moonlight caressed them. Only a faint outline of their figures was visible. It didn’t matter if they were under the influence of the plant’s pollen or if this was because they had real, honest and true feelings for one another. What did matter was that they were happy in these intimate moments. They could feel every emotion they had for each other. Every touch was based on the love they had. Applejack started to take off her hat and sit it aside but Rainbow stopped her. Rainbow lowered her head next to Applejack’s ear and whispered into it. “Leave it…you look better with it on.” * * * The next morning they woke up together in the same bed. Rainbow stared at Applejack hoping that this time wasn’t another dream and sure enough it wasn’t. Rainbow moved closer to her lover and put her arm around her waist then placed her wing on Applejack’s shoulder. Applejack woke up and rubbed her face against Rainbow’s. The two ponies laid together in the bed for a while before getting up and going downstairs. Today was the day that, no matter what anypony said, they would tell Applejack’s family. Of course they had to go to Twilight and tell her that even if her experiments did say it was the plant was the cause of all this they weren’t going to change. They walked down the stairs expecting questions about why Rainbow was there but no pony was around. Applejack remembered it was Saturday and that meant Granny Smith had gone to the market and she took Big Mac to carry supplies. Applebloom was probably with her friends. So that means the news was going to have to wait till they got back from Twilight’s. Rainbow and Applejack left the farm heading towards Ponyville. They got a sense of déjà vu as they walked down the road towards town. Of course it didn’t matter what kind of news they received today they made up their minds and nothing was going to change that. The sense of déjà vu was only made more apparent when a familiar purple blur tackled Applejack to the ground. “Really…this again?” Rainbow remarked as she facehoofed “Oww, I’m sorry” Twilight apologized “You know for a pony that prides herself on knowing things you would think she would know what’s in front of her?” Answered Rainbow as she helped up Twilight “Well yesterday I was in a hurry but today I was reading something.” Twilight explained “Y’all know readin’ and runnin’ is dangerous, right?” Applejack jokingly answered “Yeah, well the thing is I wanted to make sure my notes were correct before coming to see you two.” “Oh boy! Notes again” Rainbow sarcastically responded “Actually Twi we were comin’ to see you as well.” “Oh good we can talk at the library. You two will love this.” Twilight happily suggested “Anypony else getting a weird sense of déjà vu here?” Rainbow whispered to AJ Rainbow and Applejack followed Twilight back to the library. Unlike yesterday Twilight was happy to bring Rainbow and AJ to the library. The three friends walked up to Twilight’s room which still had the same set up as yesterday except Spike wasn’t around. “Hey where’s the little guy today?” Rainbow inquired “Spike is returning the mice to Fluttershy.” Twilight answered “So what’s the idea here Twi?” Applejack asked “I performed one last experiment last night after Spike fell asleep.” Twilight explained “OH NO! No more experiments Twilight.” Rainbow protested “Yea Twi that’s why we’re here. We wanted to tell you somethin’.” Applejack explained “Me first though, you two are going to want to hear this.” Twilight answered Twilight walked over to the other side of the room where there were two boxes. Rainbow and Applejack walked over too to see what Twilight was making a big fuss about. Inside the boxes were two mice separated from each other just like the last time. Twilight used some of the pollen on the mice and put them together. The mice took to each other like last time. “Uh…Twilight you’ve already shown us this.” “Yea Twi, Ah’m not sure what y’all are so worked up about?” “Well Rainbow, Applejack you see these two mice are from the ones Fluttershy gave me.” Twilight explained “…I’m still lost” Rainbow answered “You see what I didn’t take into account was the fact that these mice have been together since birth. They have lived their whole lives together.” Twilight continued “Okay” Applejack answered “Now over here in this box are two field mice that Spike collected. These mice have never met before. I applied the pollen and guess what?” Twilight questioned “What?” Rainbow and Applejack said in unison “Nothing” Twilight proudly replied Applejack and Rainbow stood there and stared at each other not knowing what to think. “You see since these two mice never met or spent time with each other the pollen didn’t affect them. Do you know why?” Twilight questioned again “Now Twilight if we knew then we wouldn’t be here.” Responded Applejack “Yea what’s this all leading up to anyway?” Asked Rainbow “The reason it didn’t affect them is because there was nothing to affect. You see my first hypothesis was that the pollen created the feeling of infatuation with the first pony you had intimate thoughts about. I was wrong because my second test proved that taking two mice that had no history together and exposing them to the pollen made them do nothing. Now taking two mice that grew up together and exposing them to the pollen made them become more intimate.” Twilight excitedly explained “Wait so what you’re saying is…” Rainbow hinted “That’s right Rainbow. The pollen doesn’t create these feelings but what it does is it enhances them by a factor of five times.” “So what y’all are sayin’ is that Rainbow and Ah have had these feelings for some time but since we were exposed to this plant’s pollen they became more stronger.” Applejack summarized “Exactly Applejack” Replied Twilight "Also I noticed that after one whole week pasted the effects of the pollen wore off for some of the mice where it didn't for others. The mice that were exposed and then it wore off didn't want contact with each other." Continued Twilight "But Applejack and I have been feeling like this for some time now." Rainbow added "Exactly Rainbow. Which leads me to this conclusion, the pollen from this plant effects the part of the brain that deals with emotions. If you don't have feelings for somepony then nothing happens but if you do then the pollen triggers those feelings and makes you act on them. That being said if the feelings aren't true love then the pollen will wear off in a week, you see. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, your feelings are true love. The pollen just kinda pushed you two in the right direction." Twilight finalized After getting the news and finding out that their feelings were in fact from themselves and not some plant Rainbow and Applejack enjoyed the rest of the day together. Rainbow and Applejack opened up to Twilight about everything they had gone through since this all started. Of course they left out more ‘intimate’ details. Twilight was amazed by how far these two had come. From being friends to lovers is no easy thing and both of them can vouch for that. Twilight tried to imagine the demons they had to fight and trials they had to overcome to get to this point. She couldn't even begin to visualize the inner hell they fought through. Even through the hardships and fights, both inner and outer, they came together on the basis of their feelings for each other. A love that was realized because of the plant that gave them hell from the beginning. Rainbow couldn’t even believe that ‘annoying’ thing was responsible for this. Now all that was left was to go back to the farm. They had to face the last challenge and that was telling the Apple family about them. Honestly Applejack would rather face down another pack of Timberwolves or run through the Everfree Forest at night again. Not matter the outcome though Applejack knew that Rainbow was not going anywhere. She would stay by her side for either better or worse and that’s really all Applejack wanted. That's what they both wanted in the end was somepony to be by her side at all times. Standing on the front porch the two mares looked into each other’s eyes. “You ready for this?” Asked Rainbow “Yea, Ah’m as ready as Ah can be.” Applejack assured The two gave a kiss for good luck and enter the home. -The End-