As the foursome galloped toward Sweet Apple Acres, they heard a distant booming sound of a western mare’s laugh, accompanied by the high pitch squeaking of another mare. Dash flew low, steadily flapping her wings, and hovering over the three fillies, her shadow engulfing them.
Scootaloo looked up, eyes full of awe like the day she first met her, even though it was that morning, it felt like ages ago. Dash smiled, and the filly returned it. The orange pony looked back to the dirt path on which she was traveling.
“We’re here!” cried Applebloom, as she sped over to Applejack. Sweetie trotted over to Rarity and hugged her. Scootaloo looked at Dash, and walked over to the sisters.
“Hey AJ, Rarity, we have something to show you.” Scootaloo said. The mare’s looked over at Scootaloo, and then traveling up to meet Dash’s eyes. Both of their eyes widened.
“Oh my!” Applejack exclaimed. Rarity nodded, “Oh my indeed!” She said, studying Dash.
“Who might you be?” questioned Rarity, “If I may, that is.” Dash laughed, she smiled at the mares,
“Oh no, I don't mind. I’m Rainbow Dash, me and Scootaloo we were hanging out with each other today, and she told me about you two.” Dash said, glancing at each of them, then down at Scoot. Scootaloo smiled, and Rainbow rustled her mane.
“Well, then,” Applejack said, “Ya’ll are always welcome here. You want some apple cider? Or maybe some apple pie?” Dash smiled, “Sure! I’d love that.” The six ponies turned and trotted up toward the main barn, slowing as they got near. Applejack opened the door and held for the other 5 ponies, closing it behind them.
“GRANNY SMITH, BIG MACINTOSH! GET YER’ PONY HIDES DOWN HERE, WE GOT GUESTS!” She took a breath and smiled apologetically, “Sorry ya’ll, didn’t mean blow yer’ drums.” She pointed to the large mahogany table with her hoof.
“Ya’ll can sit there, Ah’ll go get the apple cider while Granny and Mac gets the pie ready.” Applejack said, as two more ponies came down the stairs. A large red stallion was first to appear, he helped an older light green mare down. As the stallion, Big Macintosh, turned, his eyes widened. He was quiet for a moment, as if not sure what to say the rainbow-maned alicorn sitting in one of the chairs.
“H-Hi, ma’am.” He stuttered, his voice deep. Dash smiled, “Hello there, Mac, I’m Rainbow Dash.” She replied, “Do you need any help?” He shook his head. “Nope.” He smiled, and walked out.
“So, Rainbow Dash, what’s it like living in the castle? I mean, I’ve been there before, and stayed a week, but that was in the guestrooms. And why have we never seen you at school? It’s senior year, the last school year ever.” Rarity asked looking at Dash quizzically. Dash glanced at Scootaloo and then at her.
“Well, Rarity, the castle is pretty awesome, it has a great view from my room and a mare delivers each meal. And why you haven’t seen me before, is because I was born only a few days ago.” Dash said, hoping Rarity understood. Rarity nodded, “Yes I guess I can see that about the castle, but the whole born only a few days ago? I’m not sure.” Dash sighed.
“Well, Celestia said that it’s a mystery the pony scientists are trying to find out.” Rarity pondered this for a moment. “Yes, I have an idea too. My friend, Twilight Sparkle, is a exceptionally smart pony, and maybe she could find out something.” Dash nodded. The aura of her horn came to life, magically spawning a small piece of paper and a quill. She scribbled something down quickly and floated it to the graceful unicorn. “Okay, maybe another day. Here’s of the number of my room phone, call whenever.” Dash smiled, admiring the pretty unicorn. “Okay.” She said as Applejack returned.
“Ah got yall’s cider!” She exclaimed, holding a pitcher of golden juice. “Rar, would ya be a dear and get some glasses for all of us? Granny and Mac too.” Rarity smiled, “Of course, AJ!” Her horn come to life, it opened the mahogany cupboard and pulled out eight glasses, placing them in front of all the ponies. AJ carefully poured hot cider into each, having just enough for everypony.
Before AJ even sat down, Granny and Mac came in with a large steaming pie. Mac placed the pie in the middle of the large table, and helped Granny into the tall chair. AJ looked at Rainbow, “Would ya like to cut the pie?” AJ said holding the pizza cutter in her hand. “Sure, I’d love to.” Dash said lifting the cutter magically. She delicately cut the pie in eight slices as Rarity placed plates. Rainbow put a slice of the hot apple pie in front of everpony.
They all dug into the pie, Dash loved it, she had never tasted apples or, for that matter, apple pie. She finished first, stifling a large burp. Looking around, she noticed she was the only one done.
Locating Applejack, she smiled, “Wow Applejack, I’ve never had apple pie, actually, I’ve never even had apples!” Applejack’s eyes went wide. “What.” She paused, pondering the statement, “Are ya pullin’ mah leg? What ponies never had an apple?” Dash sighed, and told everypony the story about how she was born and all, and they just stared.
"Darling," Rarity paused, not sure what to say, "Are you sure? You didn't hit your head or anything? That's quite, er, different." AJ pondered it for a moment.
"Ah'm not entirely sure how it makes sense, but Ah guess it has ta." Applejack added, “Well shoot Rainbow, ya shoulda came ta me a lot sooner with this whole apple thing! Ah'm sure ya can see Sweet Apple Acres from ya castle room! And Ah'll whip ya up some nice fritters next time for sure!" Applejack smiled pleasantly. Rainbow return the smile gladly.
"Yeah, I can see Sweet Apple Acres from my room and I would love to eat "fritters" soon, anytime works for me!" Dash also scribbled down her number for her castle room and glanced out the window.
"Boy, it's getting late, I better head back to the castle. I'll see you guys around?" Dash said sighing slightly since she didn't really want to leave. She just realized the girls were absent from their chairs, and her heart sunk a little. 'I didn't even get to say goodbye to Scootaloo!
"Well Ah'm sure ya'll be hearin' from me soon." Applejack replied swishing her long tail behind her.
"And also from me darling! I'll help you style your mane to look dashing!" The three mares laughed at Rarity's pun and said their farewells. Rainbow Dash walked out into the cold night, spread her massive wings, and darted away into the night sky.