Date at Dodge Junction

by Rated Ponystar

Act I

 
“Okay, Big Macintosh! This time Ah’m gonna do it!” shouted Applejack, stretching her neck and legs one by one as her brother silently watched. They turned their attention to two apple trees that were just barely apart; their branches touching each other in a close embrace.
 
Applejack leaned back, licking her lips as her tail swished back and forth from her raised hindquarters. After mentally going over the steps needed for her new bucking technique, she sprinted forward, making sure that she had the right amount of speed. Too fast and she would lose her accuracy. Too slow and there wouldn’t be enough power. Applejack only smirked, feeling her leg muscles twitching in anticipation.
 
Once she was in leg’s reach of the trees, Applejack turned around and shot Bucky McGillycuddy and Kicks McGee out. Instead of kicking them forward together, she aimed them both in opposite directions towards both trees. Although she winced a bit from the unusual stretch, the familiar sound of two successful bucks echoed in her ears. Lowering her legs, she turned around with a smile only to have it wash away and silently cursed.
 
“Ah, horseapples. Ah thought Ah’d get them all down this time,” grumbled Applejack, glaring at the half filled baskets. “Still, Ah got most of ‘em down. Not too shabby, eh big brother?”
 
“Eeyup,” agreed Big Macintosh.
 
“Why, Ah bet with some practice even y’all can get this technique down right. That is if ya can get those big cannons of yers to stretch that long,” joked Applejack, pointing to Big Macintosh’s own rear legs.
 
He raised an eyebrow before turning towards another set of trees that were close together. Standing in front of them, he eyed the trees carefully for a few seconds much to his sister’s confusion. In one swift move, he turned around and kicked them both with a single leg each. Applejack’s jaw dropped as every apple fell into their baskets like raindrops from a cloud.
 
Glaring at a grinning Big Macintosh, Applejack crossed her forelegs, and muttered, “Show off.”
 
“Eeyup.”
 
Applejack began to roll her eyes, but paused upon seeing the sun and its position in the sky. She gasped, “Ah ponyfeathers! Ah’m gonna be late for the lunch meetin’ with the girls!” She quickly took up a gallop towards the road leading into town. “See ya in a bit, Big Mac!”
 
She continued her run into town until she soon found herself running through the streets of Ponyville. Applejack felt her anticipation growing with each step and the thought of seeing her friends. She hadn’t seen any them for nearly a week and it had been a long time since they went on one of their adventures. One might think chasing off dragons, going through dangerous terrain, and being involved in death-defying danger was not something to appreciate, but the truth was Applejack loved it. While being a farmer was great and all, sometimes a pony needed excitement in her life. Ever since she became friends with Twilight Sparkle nearly three years ago, her life had taken quite a turn. She loved their adventures. Not only because of the excitement and the discoveries they found, both about Equestria and themselves, but it was also the moments they had together as friends that made it all worthwhile. If risking your life was the price for having five wonderful mares as friends, it was a deal Applejack thought fair.
 
Yet there was another reason for the extra spring in her gallop. Out of all her friends, there was one in particular she had wanted to see more than any of them. Although all five girls were special, a certain rainbow manned pegasus held a special place in her heart. Applejack flushed at the thought. It was still embarrassing that she thought of Rainbow Dash like some love struck puppy and it was only a miracle how she had managed to hide it for so long.

Ever since she learned that Rainbow Dash had been responsible for the rainbow that guided her back home and made her realize who she really was, Applejack grew a soft spot for the Element of Loyalty. Over time, that soft spot turned into a full blown crush that Applejack kept in secret for a long while now.
 
So preoccupied with her thoughts, Applejack almost missed the corner she was supposed to turn on the street. There she saw Horte Cuisine’s Café where she spotted her friends sitting at a table outside of the restaurant.  Looking closer, Applejack could see that everypony was there except for Rainbow Dash. That silly filly is always late for everythin’.’ She thought. ‘Well, unless it’s got somethin’ to do with them Wonderbolts or cider.
 
Pinkie Pie was the first to notice her and jumped out of her seat, waving her hooves in the air. “Hey, Applejack! Over here! Lookie! Lookie!”. Needless to say, her loud tone managed to earn her and the others a few annoyed looks from the other patrons.
 
Rarity noticed this and quickly grabbed the hyper, bouncing pony, dragging her back to her seat. “Pinkie, there’s no need to shout. Applejack can clearly see us.”
 
“Aw, what’s wrong with a little happy greeting? I did the same thing to you and Fluttershy,” pointed out Pinkie Pie.
 
“Yes, and it took us nearly an hour to get her back down from that tree,” complained Rarity, as Fluttershy blushed and hid behind her bangs.
 
“Sorry, everypony. I don’t mean to be so much trouble...”
 
“Don’t worry about it, Fluttershy,” said Twilight, taking a sip from her water. She didn’t have her usual princess gown and crown with her and was clearly happy to be without them. “We understand.”
 
Pinkie Pie wrapped her foreleg around a nervous Fluttershy’s neck and said, “Yeah, I feel really bad for doing that to you. How about I throw you a party?”
 
“Um... thanks, but I’ll just take the apology,” answered Fluttershy with a smile.
 
“Okie doki loki!”
 
Applejack chuckled at her friend’s antics before sitting down. Time passed as they talked about what had been going on in their lives. Fluttershy happily announced that six baby bunnies had been born and everypony congratulated her. Twilight explained how her visit to the Griffin Republic went and all the amazing sights she saw. Rarity told about a new romance series she happened to find a liking too, but Applejack found it of little interest. Lastly, Pinkie Pie naturally talked about all her parties while telling a few funny jokes that nearly made the gang shoot their water out their nostrils.
 
Yet, there was still no sign of their sixth member, even after they eventually went ahead and ordered their food then started eating. Applejack was a bit peeved how late Rainbow Dash was, but pushed it aside as she listened to Rarity spilling the latest gossip. “... I mean can you believe it? Ponyville’s own school teacher, Cheerilee, was once a professional wrestler! From what I hear she was quite good.”
 
“Really?! I’ve always wanted to be a pro wrestler! Maybe I should try it out?” questioned Pinkie. She took out a luchador masked colored in pink and decorated with candies. Placing one hoof in the air, she declared, “I am the newest rising world champion, Rey Pinksterio! Booyaka! Booyaka!”
 
Everypony laughed at the sight, except Twilight who rolled her eyes. “You know all that stuff is fake, right? The odds are even a single pony doing such moves would not only cause paralyzation, but it might even kill them.” Fluttershy squeaked and turned a bit pale, but Twilight went on. “And the way they move around? It’s also obviously choreographed. If they were real ‘wrestling’ matches they would be holding each other all the time instead of all those fancy moves they do. Plus, you can see the obvious signals they give each other when—”
 
"Darn it, Twilight. Just because it’s all show don’t mean it ain’t entertainin’. Ain’t no need to break it all down like one of them fancy science chemicals ya make,” scolded Applejack.
 
Twilight blushed, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment. “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to go so far.”
 
Applejack nodded and looked up into the sky, trying to find a familiar rainbow streak. Sighing in disappointment, she said, “Guess Rainbow got tied up with somethin’, huh?”
 
“Honestly, that Rainbow Dash,” scoffed Rarity, flipping her mane. “She may be a fast flyer, but I swear she would even be late for her own funeral.”
 
The girls snickered at the thought, but were soon interrupted when a loud voice from above shouted, “Incoming!”
 
Five sets of ears perked up, eyes widening in knowing terror. They tried to jump away, but they were too late. A multi-colored blur smashed into their table, sending their food flying into the air before landing on each of their heads. Covered in their meals, they looked at their coats and manes in disgust; Rarity screaming like the world had just come to an end. Only Pinkie Pie remained calm, taking the spaghetti off her head and continued eating it.
 
Picking out bits of broccoli and spinach from her mane, Rainbow Dash nervously laughed as four sets of eyes glared at her. “Uh... sorry, I’m late.”
 

“You know Rainbow Dash. Just because you’re late for lunch doesn’t mean you have to ruin it for the rest of us,” grumbled Twilight, using her magic to clean the last flecks of food from her wings.
 
“I said I was sorry!” responded Rainbow Dash, hovering over them. “Besides, it’s not my fault those weather meetings in Cloudsdale are long and boring. Seriously, they make Twilight’s lectures pale in comparison.”
 
“Hey!” shouted Twilight, blushing as her friends giggled.
 
“Anyway,” said Rainbow Dash, “I know lunch was a bore, but guess what?! I got tomorrow completely free from any weather duties and I want the six of us to hang out! Who’s up for some fun?”
 
Applejack’s ears perked up at the prospect of hanging out with Rainbow Dash. She was ready to raise her hoof until her memory suddenly reminded her of the fields full of apple trees that had to be bucked by tomorrow. She rarely ever cursed her duty to the farm, but this was one of those times she couldn’t help but do so. With a heavy sigh, Applejack answered, “Sorry, sugarcube. Ah got work to do on the farm…”
 
Rainbow Dash’s smile quickly turned into a frown that made Applejack nearly wince. Things only seemed to get worse for Dash as Twilight started shaking her head. “Sorry, Rainbow. My parents are coming over to visit that day. It’s been so long since I’ve seen them. I think the last time we really got together was when I became a Princess three months ago.”
 
“I’m busy too, I’m afraid,” replied Rarity, regretfully. “I’ve got so many orders that I can’t afford to waste time.”
 
“And I already promised some of my animal friends that I would go on a picnic with them. You’re not mad are you?” asked Fluttershy, seemingly shrinking inside her chair.
 
Rainbow shook her head and gave a smile, but Applejack was sure she could see a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “It’s alright, Shy. Pinkie Pie and I can just have fun doing our usual pranking barrage like always.”
 
“That would be super fun, but I’m afraid I have to decline,” said Pinkie Pie, earning a few surprised stares. Applejack for her part was so surprised, she couldn’t help but look up in the sky to see any foreboding signs of doom that signaled the end times.
 
“What?! But Pinkie, you’ve always had time to go pranking with me!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “Why can’t you do it this time?”
 
“I’m really sorry, Dashie, but tomorrow I’ve got to celebrate four different birthdays! That’s four different cakes, party favors, and sets of games I’ve got to prepare! And if there is one type of party I never skip or cancel it’s a birthday party! After all, it comes only once a year and each year is special!” explained Pinkie Pie, jumping in place. “Unless you travel back in time and celebrate that day over and over again, but that one stallion with the blue box told me that would cause problems with the space time continuum and shatter reality as we know it. No reality equals no fun, so I’m making sure not to do that anytime soon.”
 
Receiving five puzzled looks, Pinkie tilted her head and asked, “What?”
 
Rainbow Dash shook her head and sighed, her wings looking even a bit saggy despite keeping her in the air. “So none of you can hang out? That’s so not cool.”
 
"Sorry, Dash. Maybe another time?” inquired Twilight.
 
“Yeah, I guess,” said Rainbow Dash before taking off in a flash. The girls looked at each other, some with guilt and others with concern before bidding each other farewell.

 
Applejack made her way back home to finish her farm work, but no longer held the same energy she had originally when she left. Rainbow’s depressed look was nearly heartbreaking for the farm pony, but it was even worse knowing that she played a part in creating it. Applejack knew it wasn’t her fault. After all, she had a duty to take care of the farm as its co-owner along with Big Macintosh and, while it wasn’t the busiest of seasons, the farm always had to deal with harsh bills and payments that her parents were even paying when they were still around.
 
When she got back to Sweet Apple Acres, she grunted her brother a hello and went back to work. Her brother eyed her a bit before continuing to work in silence. As she bucked, Applejack couldn’t help but wish there was a way she could help Rainbow Dash, but pushed it away. Gotta focus on mah job. Ah’ll think about makin’ it up to her later.
 
“Mail call!” shouted a voice from above. The two Apples looked up and saw Derpy Hooves flying towards them, mailbag right beside her. Landing, she gave them a cheerful smile before reaching out and presenting a letter. “I gotta letter here for you, Applejack.”
 
“Hey, Derpy. How are ya this mornin’?” asked Applejack, accepting the letter.
 
“Great! In fact, I’ve managed to only crash eight times today! That’s a new record!” proclaimed Derpy, puffing out her chest.
 
Applejack turned to Big Macintosh who raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “R-right, Derpy. Thanks for the letter and have a good mail run,” said Applejack.
 
“No problem, Applejack. See you around, Big Macintosh!”
 
The two waved goodbye only to wince when they saw the mailpony crash into one of their trees for the third time this week. After a quick confirmation that she was okay, Derpy flew off.
 
Applejack chuckled. “Sometimes Ah wonder if she and Rainbow are related considerin’ how they crash so much.”
 
“Ya gonna open the letter?” asked Big Macintosh, pointing at it
 
Applejack looked at it before shrugging and put it under her hat. “Maybe later. For now, Ah wanna get back to work.” She glared at her brother. “And yer gonna show me how ya did that thing earlier with both yer legs!”
 
“Enope.”
 

 
After a more or less exciting day of work, the two eldest Apple siblings made their way back home feeling tired, yet proud of the work they accomplished. Winona greeted the two on the porch with her usual barking and licking. In return, she received a loving petting session from Applejack before they all went inside. Granny Smith was rocking on her chair, as usual, staring at the wall, while Apple Bloom was busy drawing a picture on the floor. Looking up from her artwork, the youngest greeted her siblings with a smile. “Hey, guys. How was workin’ at the fields today?”
 
“Fine and dandy. Worked up quite a sweat though,” replied Applejack, taking off her hat and proceeded to fan herself. The letter from earlier dropped from her head, catching Winnoa’s attention. With a playful jump, she caught the letter with her mouth before placing it in front of Applejack, catching her attention with a loud bark.
 
“Huh, almost forgot about that,” said Applejack. She rubbed her dog’s head a bit in thanks before picking it up. Reading the address, a grin stretched across her muzzle. “Well, what do ya know? It’s from Cherry Jubilee.”
 
“Cherry Jubilee? Ya mean that cherry grower who tried to steal ya from us?” asked Apple Bloom, frowning.
 
“Apple Bloom, Ah already told ya before. Miss. Jubilee didn’t steal me from nopony. Ah went of mah own free will,” chided Applejack, remembering the events that lead to their meeting.
 
Having lost the rodeo that year, Applejack had been desperate to find some way to win the money she promised to bring for the town. Just when all hope seemed lost, Cherry offered to help by giving her a job on her cherry farm. Although it meant not returning to Ponyville, Applejack had agreed. ‘Good thing mah friends managed to talk sense into me. Not to mention Miss. Jubilee took the whole thing rather well when Ah told her Ah was leavin’.’ she thought.
 
 Since then, she had kept in contact with her old temporary boss, sharing news and farming tips with one another, though about half of Jubilee’s letters were still offers to work on her farm. Lately, her letters were slow to come by and those that did had very little written in them. Applejack had assumed this was just a busy time for her, but she’d be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t worried.
 
“Cherry, huh? Ah knew a cherry pony once. Good lad, but a bit flamboyant for mah tastes,” commented Granny Smith. “Well, go on girl. Read it already.”
 
Taking a seat on the couch, Applejack opened the envelope, her family watching with anticipation. To her surprise two tickets, which looked to be for admission to some event, came out along with the letter. Upon reading it, Applejack’s eyes slowly widened alongside her smile. “Well, ain’t that nice of her! She’s invited me and one other to Dodge Junction’s Founders Day Festival tomorrow.”
 
“A festival!” shouted Apple Bloom, jumping to her hooves. “Oh boy! Ah wanna go! Ah wanna go!”
 
“Ya ain’t goin’ nowhere missy. That’s a school day and ya ain’t missin’ a single day of education for a festival. Ya can visit another time,” pointed out Granny Smith.
 
“Ah, but Granny...” whined Apple Bloom, but her grandmother slowly raised her hoof.
 
“Butts are for sittin’, not for whinin’. Yer education is more important, young lady. It was thanks to it that yer brother is such a math wiz. Could have even gone to college if he really wanted!”
 
Big Macintosh tried to hide the blush on his face, his hoof pawing on the floor. “Shucks...”
 
Sighing, Apple Bloom kicked one of her crayons across the floor. “Ah never get to do anythin’ fun.”
 
Slowly, Granny Smith got out of her chair and walked over to her granddaughter, placing a hoof under her chin and lifting it towards her gaze. “Now, who says we can’t have our own little fun here on our farm? Why don’t we all have a camping trip out in the fields when Applejack goes away. Just the three of us!”
 
Excitement once again shined in Apple Bloom’s eyes. “Can Ah brin’ mah friends too?”
 
“Sure! The more the merrier! But only if ya get back to crackin’ them books.”
 
 “Yes, ma’am!” shouted Apple Bloom, saluting. She picked up her artwork and dashed up the stairs, leaving the rest of them to a shared chuckle.
 
Applejack took a look at the letter and then at Granny Smith. “Ya sure Ah can go? Ah don’t wanna leave Big Macintosh doin’ all the work by himself.”
 
“Fiddlesticks, yer brother was buckin’ apple trees when y’all were still in diapers. He’ll be fine. Besides, it would be a shame to let such a gift go to waste. So who ya gonna ask? One of them nice friends of yers or are ya finally gonna ask a special somepony?” asked Granny Smith.
 
“Granny!” shouted Applejack, lowering her hat to hide her blush. Upon seeing such embarrassment on his sister, Big Macintosh couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight, earning a glare from Applejack in response.
 
“Now don’t ya tease yer little sister, Big Mac,” scolded Granny. “After all, at least she’s not like a certain grandson of mine who’s been seein’ the town's dentist when nopony's lookin'.”
                
This time the horseshoe was in the other hoof as Big Macintosh turned pink and turned his head away from Granny’s smirking stare. “E-enope.”
 
“Oh, really?” inquired Granny, leaning over and staring at him eye to eye. “Then all those times Ah see ya walking out of this household with yer Pa’s old tux is nothin’? Not to mention all those times ya come home late hoppin’ like a rabbit in matin’ season? Or the fact yer brushing yer teeth four times a day? Is that nothin’ too?”
 
Gulping, Big Macintosh started making his way towards the kitchen door. “Uh, Ah’m gonna go get supper ready.”
 
When he disappeared into the kitchen, Granny chuckled and winked at Applejack. “Ah, don’t worry about nothin’, Applejack. Just find somepony ya want to bring and have fun.”
 
Applejack looked at the letter and pondered her choices. Suddenly, she remembered Rainbow Dash had the day off tomorrow and wanted to hangout with somepony. A rising glow of happiness began to stir in Applejack’s chest along with a smile that could split her muzzle. It was the perfect chance and best of all her Granny was willing to let her go. Applejack hugged her grandmother, saying, “Thanks Granny. Ah’ll be sure to have fun. In fact, Ah know who to bring and Ah’m gonna go tell her right now!”
 
“Be sure ya do. Just hurry on back before dinner’s ready! Ah’m as hungry as a locust in a cornfield,” complained Granny Smith, hobbling her way towards the kitchen. Applejack shook her head before making her way towards the door, still grinning like it was Hearth’s Warming Eve.
 

She couldn’t wait to see the look on Dash’s face when she presented the tickets. Even more exciting was the thought that this was something the two of them could do alone. Just her and Rainbow heading south, playing games, eating good food, watching shows, going on rides, and maybe even dance together. Applejack’s face quickly turned beet red as she thought about her and her crush dancing side by side, shaking their tails or in a slow dance with their hooves wrapped around each other. Am Ah… am Ah askin’ her out on a date?! she thought. Applejack shook her head. No. This is just a festival. Sure it may sound like a date, and maybe it could even be a considered a date, but Ah just gotta treat this like any normal get together.

Applejack put her thoughts on the subject back in her mind as she soon found herself just under Rainbow Dash’s cloud house. After stopping to admire the design for a second, Applejack shouted out, “Rainbow Dash! Come down here! Ah got something’ for ya!”
 
A few seconds later, Applejack saw Rainbow Dash poke her head out from one of her windows before jumping out and gliding towards the ground, landing in front of Applejack. Rainbow Dash gave her a smile and asked, “What’s up? I thought you were working on your farm?”
 
“Well Ah was, but then Ah got these in the mail,” said Applejack, stepping forward. Her heart thumped a bit, but she kept her cool and pulled out the tickets from her hat. “Ah got an invite to go to a festival at Dodge Junction tomorrow. Granny said it was okay for me to go so Ah came here askin’ if ya wanna go with me.”
 
Rainbow Dash took the tickets and looked at them with wide, and excited, eyes. “Really? You’d take me there with you?”
 
Applejack nodded. “Of course. Y’all wanted to do somethin’ fun for tomorrow so here it is. These festivals down south are always full of fun. There'll be games, food,  a few contests and athletic competitions.” Applejack smirked as she saw Rainbow Dash’s eyebrows rise with each second. Deciding to go for the kill, she said, “Plus, I’m sure there might be cider.”
 
Rainbow Dash dived right in front of Applejack’s face, inches away from her nose. Her expression reminded Applejack of Apple Bloom’s face whenever she woke up on Hearth's Warming Eve. “Cider?! Are you sure?!”
 
“Eeyup,” said Applejack, doing her best impression of her brother. “When Ah was working at Dodge Junction there were all kinds of cider there. It’s one of their biggest trades after all. They’ve got cherry cider, lemon cider, hardwood cider, white cider, berry cider, golden cider and, of course, good ol’ apple cider.”
 
Drool was flowing out of Rainbow Dash’s mouth like a waterfall, forming a puddle underneath. Licking her lips, she wrapped her front legs around Applejack’s neck and hugged as hard as she could. Her wings flapped even faster, letting her lift the earth pony up from the ground. “I am so there! This is gonna be awesome! How can I repay you, AJ?!”
 
“Let... me... breathe!” urged Applejack, slowly turning purple.
 
Rainbow Dash obeyed, sheepishly rubbed her neck under Applejack’s glare. “Well, I’ll see you at the station at... what time?”
 
“Seven in the mornin;” answered Applejack.
 
“That early? Aw, man,” moaned Rainbow Dash as she handed back the tickets. “Fine, I’ll see you there, AJ. I’m gonna sleep the rest of the day to get ready. This is gonna be so much fun!”
 
Applejack blushed and nodded. “Y-yeah! It’s gonna be great! See ya tomorrow, Dash.”
 
The two bumped hooves before Dash flew back up while Applejack, still red as her brother’s coat, made her way back home with her thoughts. ‘Ah wonder… maybe this festival is mah chance…’

Dinner was uneventful with Big Macintosh wisely choosing to stay quieter than usual and Apple Bloom rushing through her meal to get back to her homework. Applejack herself didn’t say much either, preoccupied with her thoughts about the festival tomorrow. When the dishes were washed and the leftovers were sealed, Applejack made for her room and closed the door before lying on her bed. She stared at the ceiling for some time before turning to her cabinet where she spotted the tickets she’d received. She wondered if fate was being just kind to her or maybe telling her that this was a chance to finally explain her feelings to the one pony she cared about more than anypony else in the world.
 
Eying that same cabinet, she reached out and opened one of the compartments before taking out a blue feather. A warm, beaming smile spread across her face as she thought about the pegasus the feather was from. Her sky blue wings that allowed her to soar like an angel. The fiery multi-colored mane that held six colors of “awesomeness” as her friend would put it.  And those eyes filled with such a passion for life and excitement that they were the kind of eyes you wanted to stare at to feel a sense of stimulus inside you. Most importantly it was her heart that Applejack loved the most. How she was loyal to her friends, dependable in a pinch, unwilling to back down from any challenge, and did everything she could to keep everyponies’ spirits up, even when things were at their worst.
                
"Rainbow Dash,” whispered Applejack as she stoked the feather against her cheek.
 
Applejack, naturally had tried many times to confess her feelings to Rainbow, but couldn’t find the right moment to do it. Dash had only gotten busier with her classes at the Wonderbolt Academy and with Twilight’s coronation into alicornhood as well as other events, it was just almost impossible to get Dash alone with her for five minutes.
 
“Wonder if Pa had to go through this much trouble to tell Ma that he fancied her,” wondered Applejack out loud. She looked at the tickets as if they were lottery winners and gleeful laughed. “Well, at least Ah got these two tickets to help me out. Just me and Dash all alone at last, havin’ fun and when the moment is right Ah’ll tell her. Ah tell her how much Ah love her and hopefully, she’ll feel the same ‘bout me.”
 
Settling the tickets to the side, Applejack delicately placed the blue feather back in her cabinet, hung up her hat and nestled into her covers before shutting off the light. ‘Ah just hope everythin’ works out tomorrow’, she thought before slowly falling asleep.
 

 
On the way to Dodge Junction, Applejack realized there was one crucial thing she forgot about Rainbow Dash. As much as she loved her, Rainbow Dash couldn’t stand still for ten seconds and had the patience of a newborn foal. For what had to be the hundredth time, Rainbow Dash paced up and down their train cart, mumbling her discontent.
 
 “For Pete’s sake, Dash, can’t ya just sit down for five minutes?” groaned Applejack, feeling her eye muscles hurt from watching.
 
“I can’t help it,” answered Rainbow Dash, increasing her speed. “Just staying in this cart is s-o-o-o boring. I could be at Dodge Junction in five minutes by flying.”
 
“Well, we all don’t have them fancy wings ya pegasi have. Besides, we’re almost there so quit yer bellyachin’.” She looked out of her window, watching the seemingly endless desert pass by, a peaceful smile slowly stretching across her muzzle. Rainbow Dash sat right beside her and looked out as well, but turned away a second later, her apathetic expression unwavering.
 
Applejack sighed and focused on her plan to tell Rainbow Dash her feelings. She didn’t want to do it straight away. She had to do it at a moment that felt right. Naturally, she also thought about all the possible outcomes too. At best, she and Dash would be the newest couple in Ponyville and snuggling in each others hooves. At worst, it would just be a simple denial and a few awkward days before they put the whole thing behind them. Normally, Applejack would be worried about losing her friendship over something like this, but she, Dash, and their other friends had a special bond that was unbreakable. It survived against countless trials and nothing, not even unreturned feelings, would break it.
 
“So I gotta ask...” started Rainbow Dash, awaking Applejack from her thoughts, “What would you have done if we didn’t find you at Dodge Junction? Stay there forever?”
 
 “Hay no!” stated Applejack, turning around with a stern glare. “Ah would have returned to Ponyville with all that money promised, and well... Ah don’t know what, maybe make up somethin’.”
 
“This coming from the pony that looks like she ate an entire lemon when she fibs?” Rainbow Dash chuckled, but quickly stopped when she saw the bitter and regretful look on Applejack’s face. Realizing she went too far, Rainbow Dash placed her hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
 
“N-no... it’s okay. Ah’m over it for the most part,” murmured Applejack. “Ah guess Ah still feel bad for not tellin’ y’all why Ah really was there.”
 
“Hey, you’re not the only one who’s made a foal of themselves. I’ve done it once or twice too,” admitted Rainbow Dash, shrugging.
 
Applejack snorted. “Once or twice?”
 
“What’s that supposed to mean?” accused Rainbow Dash.
 
“Let’s see... facing down a dragon head on, yer little findin’ a pet fiasco, Mare Do Well, sneakin’ into the hospital for a book, need I go on?” inquired Applejack with a smirk.
 
A red Rainbow Dash turned away and huffed, crossing her arms while Applejack giggled at the sight, thinking it cute. Before a retort could be returned, the train speakers announced that they would be arriving at Dodge Junction in five minutes. Rainbow Dash lifted her head up and raised her front legs up in the air. “Finally! It’s about time.”
 
The two got up and headed towards the end of the train car, waiting until it came to a stop. After given the all clear, they stepped onto the platform and were amazed by what they saw. Dodge Junction looked like the circus had come to the western town. Many bright and colorful booths crowded the streets with families of all ponies walking or flying around buying souvenirs, western clothing, food, and more. Streamers and balloons hung on the roofs of every house while posters for events, products, and safety tips could be seen on the walls. There was even a huge Ferris wheel and other sets of rides in the far end of town. Applejack rubbed her eyes and began to wonder if Pinkie Pie had arrived in town before them.
 
"Applejack! There ya are! It’s so good to see ya again!”
 
Turning around, Applejack smiled as she saw Cherry Jubilee walking towards them. The two farmers exchanged a hug before Jubilee turned to Rainbow Dash, and bowed. “And y’all must be one of her friends that came by to find her a while ago, so nice to meet ya again.”
 
“Ditto. Name’s Rainbow Dash, fastest pegasus in Equestria!” boasted Rainbow, flaring out her wings and posing.
 
Applejack rolled her eyes while Cherry Jubilee giggled. “Oh, yes Ah remember ya now. Applejack here talked all about how great of an athlete ya were. Why she talked about ya as if ya’ll were sisters or somethin’.”
 
“R-really?” asked Rainbow Dash, slowly turning red.
 
“W-well, Ah talked about the rest of ya too,” stuttered Applejack, trying to hide her own blush.
 
“Anyway, Ah’m sure y’all want to get to the festival as soon as ya can. Let me guide y’all to the ticket booth and letcha get on yer way,” said Cherry Jubilee, leading them off the platform.
 
They passed through the streets, a few of the booths and sights catching their eye. She could already feel her tail twitching and her hooves ready to rush out and enjoy themselves. Taking a glance to right, she could see Dash was just as eager as she was. Turning back towards their host, she noticed ponies bowing their heads or taking off their hats towards Cherry Jubilee as they passed by. She only nodded or exchanged a quick greeting with them, humbly taking it all in stride.
 
Seeing such respect made Rainbow Dash whistle. “You seem to be quite the popular pony here, Jubliee.”
 
“Ah’ll say. There treatin’ ya like one of the princesses,” commented Applejack.
 
“Well, mah family’s been in this town since it’s foundin’ and we’re famous for our sweet, delicious cherries,” answered Jubilee, proudly.
 
Applejack nodded in understanding. After all, her family had founded Ponyville. In some ways, she could consider herself royalty in the eyes of her town. She always took pride in that, but never once let it go to her head. Cherry seemed to be the same way. “What do ya do for the festival?”
 
Jubilee puffed out her chest and raised her chin up high. “This celebration is important to me and mah farm. It’s when we sell our biggest and most popular product of the year. Our Equestria famous Cherry Berry Brew Cider!”
 
Rainbow Dash gasped and immediately cut in front of Cherry, looking at her as if she was meeting a goddess. “You mean the Cherry Berry Brew Cider?! The most awesome, rarest, and almost impossible to get cider in the world?!”
 
“Well, Ah wouldn’t go that far, but yes,” responded a blushing Cherry.
 
Begging on her knees, Rainbow Dash grabbed a startled Jubilee by the shoulders and pulled her inches away from her face. “You have so got to let me have some! I’ve heard that drink is so amazing that ponies are rocketed off their hooves and sailed over to the moon before coming back down and saying it was the most delicious thing they ever drank!”
 
“Settle down there, Rainbow,” urged Applejack, pushing her friend off the startled Cherry. “Ah’m sure Cherry would be kind enough to give ya some as long as ya don’t act like a buzzard loomin’ over a corpse.”
 
“It’s okay, Applejack. Mah cider just makes ponies excited is all. Ah’d be happy to save a barrel for all three of us to drink tonight,” said Cherry Jubilee as Rainbow Dash fist pumped  the air. “Now why don’t Ah guide ya to the ticket booth so y’all can have some fu-what in tarnation?”
 
Applejack and Rainbow Dash turned around, spotting a lone stallion, wearing a white Stetson, rushing past ponies like his tail was on fire. To their surprise, he collapsed right in front of them. Panting and sweating, he tried to lift himself up, but could barely stand. Jubilee was quickly at his side, and helped him back onto his hooves. “Gold Gallon, what’s wrong? Why did ya run over here as if a dragon was chasin’ after ya? Y’all were supposed to be back at the farm gettin’ the first barrels loaded.”
 
“S-sorry, Miss Jubilee,” gasped Gallon, taking in deep breaths. Once he began to relax, he cleared his throat and quick addressed his reasoning. “We got a situation at the farm and you better come quick!”
 
“Is it bad?”
 
“It’s the cider it... Ah don’t know how to explain it, just come on!”
 
Cherry sighed in frustration and stopped her hoof. “Well, that’s just cherry. Ah guess ah better get back and see what’s wrong. Just let me get these girls to the ticket booth and—”
 
“Don’t worry about us, Cherry,” assured Applejack. “We can find the ticket booth no problem on our own.”
 
“Are you sure? Ah’d hate to be rude and let ya’ll wander around all lost,” said Jubilee, biting her lip.
 
“Relax. We can handle it,” insisted Rainbow Dash.
 
Sighing, Jubilee nodded her head and pointed down the street. “The booths are that way. Have fun y’all! Ah’ll try to find ya later!” Jubilee nodded to Gallon and the two started galloping away.
 
Applejack waved goodbye before turning to Rainbow Dash. “Well, shall we get goin’?”
 
Rainbow Dash flapped her wings, lifting herself off the ground. “Mind if I stretch my wings, first? I wanna be in top shape for the games I’m going to own you at!”
 
“Fine, but yer gonna need a long time to be ready to face me.”
 
Rainbow Dash responded with her usual cocky grin before flying into the air, spreading her wings out in the endless sky. Applejack allowed herself the joy of observing Dash for a few minutes, wondering-not for the first time-what it would be like to actually fly. She was proud to be an earth pony and would never trade anything less. But flying was something she had pondered about a few times in her life and the way Dash flew made her only long to be able to fly just like her and share the sky.
 
It be somethin’ else, thought Applejack, watching Rainbow bounce off a few clouds before doing a triple mid-air flip. Snapping out of her admiration, Applejack proceeded towards the end of the street where she spotted bright red and white striped tents marked with “Ticket Booth” on top.
 
Finding an open spot, Applejack went to one of the far ended booths on the right and smiled at the ticket mare. “Ah got two tickets here.”
 
The ticket mare took them and nodded. Reaching below, she pulled out two passes, a map, and a brochure. Putting them all in a bag, she handed it off to Applejack before asking, “Would y’all like to sign up for the Dandy Dodge Rodeo?”
 
“What’s that?” asked Applejack, her ears perking up upon hearing the word “rodeo”.
 
The ticket mare pointed to a poster behind her, showing an ash grey stallion riding through the desert on a wild looking bull as he held a lasso in his mouth. “The Dandy Dodge Rodeo is a competition that we host every founder’s day. All the best cowponies try their hand at it,” explained the ticket mare. “It’s not easy, but it’s a huge honor to win and the first place winner gets ten thousand bits as a reward.”
 
Applejack’s mind went blank for a while before the realization hit her. Ten thousand bits was a lot of money; money that the farm could use in a big way. There were a lot of things that needed fixing on the farm, not to mention they still hadn’t replaced Granny Smith’s old hip, despite the old pony's dismissal of the need for a new one. Most importantly, it could be used for Apple Bloom in case she wanted to go college. She was about to agree to sign up when her brain reminded her about Rainbow Dash. What if she wanted to get involved as well? Dash had just as much right to earn that money as she did. “Do Ah have to sign up right now?”
 
“Sign up ends around five in the afternoon. An hour before the Rodeo starts.”
 
“Well, Ah’ll hold mah name off for now. Ah gotta see a friend of mine first,” said Applejack before shaking hooves with the ticket mare.
 
"Well, looky here boys! We got ourselves a new mare in town...and she doesn’t look bad from this end, wouldn’t ya say?!”
 
Turning red for a few moments, Applejack growled to herself. Somepony better not be checkin’ mah flank out...
 
She turned around and saw a company of three stallions walking up to her, each wearing a blue stetson and black bandana around his neck. All three of them were of the same pelt, light green, but each had a different mane color and style. The big muscled one had a light red that drooped over his eyes; his cutie mark was a barrel. The middle one, who was leering at her, had a short blond mane with long sideburns on the side; his cutie mark was a rope tied like a pretzel. The short one, whose cutie mark was two horseshoes side by side, barely had a mane, but Applejack could spot a little black hair sporting out of his hat.
 
Tipping his blue senton, the middle stallion bowed while keeping his piercing eyes focused on Applejack. “Nice ta meetcha pretty lady, Names Clover High. The big guy is Crack-a-Barrel and the short guy is, well, Shorty.” The said pony grumbled at the joke. “Mind tellin’ me yer name. Ah make it a personal job to get to know every cute mare that comes around these parts. Especially one as pretty as ya.”
 
“Applejack, and Ah ain’t interested,” she answered, stepping back but he continued to step forward. Something about this guy was giving her the creeps. Judging by the disgusted look on the ticket mare’s face she wasn't too far off in her theory.
 
“Ya know, this can be a pretty rough neighborhood. Maybe Ah should show ya around and give ya a little morning special greetin’, if ya don’t mind?”  hinted Clover High, drawing a bit closer then Applejack liked.
 
Narrowing her eyes, Applejack pushed him back, much to his surprise. “Now listen here buster. Ah’m not some two bit red lantern district city mare who’s gonna bend down and get saddled. Go find somepony else before Ah kick yer face inside out.”
 
The group chuckled as Clover slowly licked his lips, a growing hunger in his eyes. “Oh, yer a feisty one. But ya should know, cowgirl. Maybe ya haven’t heard, but me and the boys here work for a big important person around here”
 
“Yeah! So you should do what he says because... uh... if ya don’t then it wouldn’t be good for you, yeah!” said Crack-a-Barrel, whose voice was slow and roughish. Applejack was willing to bet that was also a good definition of his mental capabilities as well.
 
“Come, little lady,” said the tiny one, licking his lips. “We just want to have fun.” He walked over and placed his hoof on her side, slowly inching closer to her cutie mark. “Just come with us and we’ll celebrate like real ponies down in these here parts.”
 
Applejack smacked his hoof away, ready to give them a mouthful when the ticket mare leaned forward from her counter, and said. “Leave her alone guys, or Ah’ll get McShady and tell him ya’ll are foolin’ around instead of workin’ again!”
 
Upon hearing that name, the three instantly backed away and glared at the ticket mare. The tiny one elbowed Clover, and muttered, “Come on, High. Not worth it.”
 
High growled. “Fine, Ah’ll get goin’, but Ah got mah eye on ya, girly.”
 
Applejack kept her guard up until the three disappeared among the crowds. Sighing in relief, she turned toward the ticket mare and nodded. “Thanks for yer help.”
 
“No problem. Those three are always trouble makers, but utter their boss’s name and they get back in line,” explained the ticket mare, shivering. “But they got a right to.”
 
“Who is there boss anyway?”
 
“He’s Duke McShady. He’s been the winner of the rodeo here for the last three years and he’s one tough pony.” The ticket mare leaned forward and whispered, “They say that he never blinks because he got trapped in a staring contest with the pale pony and managed to outlast him. Now it’s mostly just rumor, but his glare is still nasty as a dragon’s.”
 
Applejack couldn’t help but shiver under the thought. Dragons were nasty creatures and she had seen her fair share of them in her lifetime; more than she liked to be honest. If this pony really was as scary as the mare said, it sounded like a good idea to stay away from him. At least to avoid meetin’ up with those three idiots again.

“Hey!” shouted a familiar voice. Applejack looked up to see Rainbow Dash come down for a landing. Rubbing the back of her neck, Dash nervously chuckled. “Sorry about that. A couple of foals saw me working my wings out and when I started practicing a few moves they got really excited. They wanted a show so I kind of gave it to them. Hope you’re not mad.”
 
“Mad?” laughed Appleajck. “Shucks, sugarcube. All ya did was entertain a couple of fillies and colts. Nothin’ wrong with that.”

The fact that ya did such a kind thing makes me like ya even more. she thought.

“Oh, cool. So can we go play some games now?! I’m itching to win!” said Rainbow Dash with her famous competitive grin.
 
Applejack nodded and the two quickly rushed towards the stands. This was gonna be great!