Reputation
After a night of breaking down, the town of Ponyville is waking up to the morning sun. Ponies that usually were alone at night found themselves in beds with their friends. One pony has decided to start life a new with her identity crisis taking continuing to take hold and cause internal torment. Two ponies had reached breaking points and with the shattering of hearts and souls merged their pain and became one. Their hearts forever entwined and their souls mated. No longer was doubt an issue, nothing more would be an obstacle. Resolves pushed further as the two lovers proclaimed war on the entire world to protect their love. Their proclamation wasn't loud it was silent. A love charged session of erotic touches and body movements filled the night as their undying love was professed. Along that night was also a dark resolution a single pony wanting revenge, her desires are to see one pony suffer for a reason that wasn't valid. In her mind the suffering will be justified by her pain and loneliness. She had lost her brother and became vicious. After accidentally slaughtering a bunny she feared the worst. Still she can't give up till she can see her victim suffer. It was only fair after the humiliation she was put through because of the former friend's actions.
Today is the day of the Wonderbolts show. An all mare special. They advertised it as such since Soarin was being replaced with Mistyfly for this one show. The fans truly didn't care one way or another. The main pony in their eyes had been Rainbow Dash. She was the one who can perform the ultra cool feats and their loyalty has never faltered. After her hit in reputation from her drug abuse, drunk antics, many fights and scandalous affairs; it was still clear that Rainbow Dash was the top pony of the elite flying group. Many of the Wonderbolts were getting upset about this revelation. Spitfire had to hear multiple complaints about shows not being as filled if the team was lacking the main attraction. There were still fans of other members who supported their favorite pony with signs. Still some die hard Wonderbolt's fans who enjoyed any pony as long as they wore that costume and performed well. Just lately Rainbowmania was going wild. With her recent semi retired status hidden from media, it is going to be a field day when her lack of appearance becomes a target of news hounds and paparazzi alike.
Next week would mark the end of summer and that means the Wonderbolt Academy was going to open up again. This time Spitfire wasn't teaching but will be helping out Rainbow Dash for the first few weeks to get her settled. The true reason she wanted to keep Rainbow Dash around was because with her the tickets were hard to keep out of stock. Still she had to pull a military position and since she isn't going on tour to do shows or take care of issues around Equestria she had to do something to retain active status.
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Rainbow Dash awoke to the smells of breakfast. She hadn't felt like getting up that morning but knew she had to perform for the soon to be filled stadium of ponies. She had always enjoyed performing but the training and practices before it were grueling and punishing. Constant abuse to the body and only for the sake of perfecting techniques and routines. She noticed she was on her bed alone and for a minute feared the worse. The smell now registering as home made food it was a bit calming. She walked downstairs and with confusion on her face she yelled "Who the buck are you ponies and why the buck are you in my house?" She a bit more awake but with a tired tone. She hadn't spent the night sleeping as usual instead the night was spent rekindling a passionate relationship with tender and slow love making.
The three guests were startled but they sat still hoping the pony who gave them permission and promise of a breakfast would chime in and save them from what could be a dangerous situation. To their luck the calm and beautiful pegasus did speak up in hopes to calm her lover. "Rainbow Dash, I should have told you but I was busy making breakfast for everyone... it seems this pony along with the other visitors," she was regarding the Zebra and Gryphon, "are here to meet you..." she stopped and explained carefully the next part since the incident of last night was caused by allowing some pony into the house. "I know that usually you don't like fans invading your personal space but these ones have came from all over the world to meet you and tell you how much you inspire them, and I just thought it would be nice .... I hope you aren't mad,. are you mad?" She finished meekly.
Rainbow Dash eyed them carefully but their submissive expression was enough for her to relax. She carefully nuzzled her lover and kissed her cheek softly "Alright I am going to train a bit and shower off before breakfast. I will then spend some time getting to speak with them, if anything happens let me know..." She said warily still unsure of the fans. She didn't even say hi to them but they understood that Rainbow Dash wasn't the most perfect pony. Still each of them had a reason for visiting. Even though the Wonderbolts are primarily an Equestrian group they sometimes visit foreign lands to either perform or if directed by Celestia to aid the citizens. Rainbow Dash's fame was world wide but she didn't imagine it would be this dire. It wasn't like she hated it, just it didn't make sense to her.
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Applejack was shocked on her bed in her sheets, snuggled up to her very tightly, was a unicorn ... not just any unicorn it was her friend. She remembered last night in pieces. She was glad she was awake first so the other pony couldn't be embarrassed and try to separate too fast causing some potential harm to her foal if she was bucked in the gut while her 'lover' was retreating in hurry. Are we lovers, I mean shoot why did this hafta happen... Rarity, you silly pony, I'm not inta mares I appreciated the attention and I guess I got carried away. I hope this don' change nothin' between us
She wasn't sure if she could bring her thoughts forth. She was lonely and even if it was a mare's attention she was being appreciated. It wasn't easy to find someone that can make you feel good and know they mean it. Rarity isn't the kind of pony to play with one's affections though Applejack thought back to when the marshmallow pony was planning on seducing Rainbow, and also when her second plan caused Fluttershy to get her heart broken causing her to receive a healthy beating by the usually pacifistic mare.
Rarity was starting to wake feeling a stirring on her bed... this isn't my bed. She started putting her hooves on things to check for signs of her 'dream' she had last night being something more than a dream. She felt the farm pony's body and mentally checked for another presence. Her eyes still closed as she felt the sheets that weren't hers. She was afraid to open her eyes and see a farm pony there instead of some furry garment. She opened one eye unsure and saw a smiling Applejack. She was afraid she crossed some line and ruined their friendship... wait a second, Applejack responded back and we... we rutted... we rutted a lot, there is nothing for me to fear right? She looks so good when she has that smile. I can't believe she actually went for it with me. I mean I am beautiful but Applejack is something else. Her muscled body that cute thick accent, her soft hair... I want more of her... but I must see how she feels before continuing this senselessly. "Good morning Applejack..." She yawned out with her whiny voice. She wasn't a morning pony and was surprised that it wasn't as early as she would think the farm mare would wake up... that means they slept in and... they probably were caught.... Big Mac definitely did catch us but what about the girls.... what if Scootaloo tells Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Oh my what happened to those two. I have to make sure those two didn't kill each other or killed themselves.
Applejack saw how nervous Rarity was and sighed "I guessin' ya made a mistake last night. ya seem so nervous. Ah don' think any less of ya Rarity." She said trying to calm the nervous mare. Applejack felt her heart stir a bit. I seem ta be a mistake fer any pony. I jus' want some pony ta love. She was saddened and was starting to detach from the scene and move away not wanting to be so close to the other mare.
Rarity saw Applejack's face and yelled "Nooo... I am so sorry you think that Darling, I really am." She moved to meet with Applejacks face and kissed her on the lips as to say 'I had fun last night and I don't want you to think otherwise'. "I am sorry I worried you I just wasn't sure if we were caught or not. I don't want the crusaders knowing with their inability to understand mare on mare relationships. Well Scootaloo knows about it already but what about your sister and Sweetie Belle? They still don't understand that two mares can be together ... we are together right?" She rambled. She was half confused and half scared. It wasn't a pretty sight for anyone to see the usually refined and elegant unicorn being so jumpy.
Applejack wasn't sure how to answer that. If she said yes it could cause a lot of problems for the farm pony. Her brother seemed really upset about mare on mare relationships when Fluttershy rejected him because he wasn't Rainbow Dash. She knew that her brother might have fancied Rarity with how he looked at her but... does that mean she can't be happy since he wants her too? The other issue is how to inform Applebloom of it. Also if they got serious what would her other kin think? It wasn't going to be easy and with a foal on the way she wasn't sure if it was worth it. She was battling with her emotions and with her brain fumbling around for an answer she was gently pawing at the floor to give the other pony a clue as to her hesitance.
Rarity decided that she wasn't going to put it on Applejack and just kissed her forehead "It's ok Darling, I wouldn't want to make you more stressed than is. If you want me I will be around... if you rather stay friends that is ok too. I am going to go and open up shop. I have some orders to complete before the show today and now is a good time as any to start..." She was hiding her pain but at the same time displaying a fake smile that would make even Twilight cringe. "I don't regret anything and I really had a nice time last night. Now I shall be off I have to make sure the two 'love birds' didn't kill one another and I will be dropping Scootaloo off." She slowly walked to the door before looking back at Applejack "Just know if you are afraid to be with me because of my career, never fear, Applejack dear... I am always going to be near." She said in a fashion that would make even Zecora be stunned.
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Pinkamena Diane Pie was already prepping and cooking baked goods. She had a fondness for cupcakes. Even if she rather not eat them and gain weight. She was helping the confused Cakes. They weren't sure what was going on but just passed it off as her trying out a new fad. Pinkamena wasn't as cheerful as Pinkie but still had her memories and knowledge. She could bake some delicious treats.
She also had her feelings and her obsession with Rainbow Dash. She knew that the rainbow maned pegasus was already in a relationship with they timid canary one. It was just bothering her that she even felt this way. I can't believe Pinkie was this into her friend. It is almost borderline creepy. Then again Rainbow Dash is a hottie. I would totally let her tie me up and spank me. I would love to tie her up... and just torture her... in a good way. Wait I can't be doing that. I mean if she and Fluttershy were to break up I could 'comfort' Rainbow Dash.
Unlike Pinkie Pie, Pinkamena was able to work more effectively since she wasn't always eating or distracted by five million other thoughts. She was able to make the morning goods at record time. The Cakes while confused and unsure of what is becoming of their worker, were elated with the new work ethic. "Hey guys there is this bitchin' event today that I am waiting to attend. Just so you know I won't be back till after it ends." She said with a tone that wasn't at all what Pinkie Pie sounded like. It was as if this Pinkamena was a brand new deal.
The Cakes were shocked with her language and became even more concerned about their usually bright baker. "Um.. ok Pinkie- " Was all Mr.Cake could get out before he was corrected by Pinkamena.
"It's Pinkamena ... Not Pinkie Pie... Pinkamena... got it?" She said with eyes daggering his own and her tone dark and overtly serious. They weren't able to figure out what exactly was going on But they knew they needed to have someone fix Pinkie Pie. They already felt the effects of lacking the pink party pony. It was her job to make others smile and with this attitude it wasn't going to be easy.
Customers started coming in and each time they saw the new pink pony it was hard for them to smile or even relax. She took orders correctly with out squealing or suggesting some ridiculous combination. She wasn't bright or cheery just plain and somber. Her mood was almost as if it was the antithesis of the former identity. She wasn't going around making others sad just not wasn't going to be the town fool for their amusement.
A grey pegasus with bubbles for a cutie mark entered the bakery with one goal in her mind... Muffins.
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Scootaloo was unsure of what she was looking at. The sight was not something she would expect at her home. Her timid mother was sitting next to her ex-mother? That isn't right. Rainbow Dash wanted to adopt me first. She is my mom no matter what. I need to let her know. But who the hay are all these ponies? It wasn't that they weren't close it was that they were boldly being affectionate while a group of fans were seemingly comfortable about it.
Rarity had checked on the two 'lovebirds' and gasped in surprise at the sight of them together. It was as if they had gotten married or just been through some kind of love rejuvenation class. The love those two ponies exuded made Rarity get upset at herself and Applejack too. We could be like that... I can be your mare Applejack... or you could be mine if that is how you want it. Since she felt it was safe to drop off Scootaloo and she didn't want to be interrupting whatever meeting they were having with those other visitors. She walked off and took Sweetie Belle home so she could get work done.
Scootaloo rushed to her mothers and hugged them tight who each put a hoof on her and returned the embrace. The scene was sickeningly sweet and the fans kind of felt like they were catching diabetes as illogical as it sounded. Fluttershy took her filly to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast for her. Giving Rainbow Dash privacy to talk with her fans.
"So let me get this straight you each trekked from parts of the world just to see me and let me know I affected your lives in a positive way?" She asked as if repeating the sentiment exactly on after they had introduced themselves and spoke of their journey.
The gryphon Greg was first to speak. "Rainbow Dash your ability to take on the sky and own it, is most impressive to our species. We are natural fliers and are hoping you can share the secret to your success with mastering the sky. I admire your speed and tenacity. I was inspired by the stories passed to us from other gryphons who visited Equestria. This is my first time here and so far this place is a lot more calmer than my home land. Since I know you can't share your secrets I was just hoping to meet you."
The Zebra Zuloa spoke next "I have heard of you from Zecora, when you arrived that one time I was astonished with your marvelous performance. I had a foal..." she slowly spoke the rest of the statement, "and she died before you came to our town. I hadn't smiled in ages. That night when you performed the Sonic Rainboom... it was the first time I was able to smile. My husband noticed a change in my attitude since that day. He has helped me gathered the funds necessary for this trip."
The third fan was a pegasus. He hailed from Las Pegasus. His story was more than Rainbow Dash expected to hear. "Well I was born with the knowledge I wasn't able to fly. I was told by doctors that I could never attain the ability to fly because my wings were useless. One day my father brought me to watch a group of elite fliers that he had admired and wanted to try and cheer me up. A little misguided attempt since how can watching ponies fly make me smile? I was always bullied and picked on. My family had to suffer because I was a broken pegasus. After seeing you fly around. I was envious and angry. I wanted to be like you. I wanted to fly." He spoke with passion before continuing softly, "you probably don't remember this but you came to me and asked me why I wasn't smiling." He said with a small smile that slowly spread into a grin "I remember telling you that I couldn't fly because I was broken. You don't probably remember this but you told me. 'broken things aren't always going to be broken, if that was the case you would be dead. Listen! I here you say you can't fly, I had a friend who said the same thing. Want to know something? I gave her the help she needed to fly. I see your dad, here, and he has capable wings. He might not be me but I bet if he tries he can teach you to soar just like me. I tell you what, if you ever do learn to fly I will personally send you an autographed poster of the Wonderbolts and a picture of me and you will be taken to commemorate such a feat. Just come seek me out when you have learned to fly.' that moment I had a spark in me and my body was suddenly lighter than air. A challenge to fly with a reward of being recognized for it." He said as the room was suddenly quiet and tears had filled the eyes of the Wonderbolt.
"Am I dreaming? This has to be a dream.... I mean I can't believe you guys came all this way to let me know that I some how had any part in making you happy or give you a dream. I just... I felt like such a buck up and thought I was just being a selfish mare. I can't believe that I was also..." She tried suppressing the tears but the joy she felt knowing that not all her actions as a Wonderbolt was just her bucking up. "I just am flattered by this. I am going to keep my promise to you also instead of you guys leaving so soon how would you like to attend a Wonderbolt's show today? " Before they could get too excited she even decided to offer to pay for their return trip. That moment was a great moment for Rainbow Dash and it was an even better one for the star struck fans.
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Inside the locker room of the Cloudiseum where the Wonderbolts changed into costume and got final preparations ready, Spitfire, Mistyfly and the overjoyed Rainbow Dash were getting ready for their show. The mood started right until Spitfire tossed some newspapers at Rainbow Dash with anger. "What the buck is this nonsense?" She said angrily.
Rainbow Dash looked at the articles and was visually upset. The articles detaling her return to Ponyville with Pinkie Pie on her back but in a contextual way that was making her sick. She read out loud "Rainbow Dash the mega star Wonderbolt seen in an aggressive stance towards the town's folks after being exposed as a cheating mare. The mare on her back, rumored to be her secret lover, fled the scene before questions could be asked. Since that moment no one has seen the bright pink mare..." She stopped reading the obvious lies and saw the pictures of her and Pinkie landing and the picture of her wings flared and her aggressive pose. She tossed it aside and fumed "Since when is my personal life the subject of others?" She asked disgusted that someone would take pictures of her doing everyday things and in her own personal setting of her home town. "The article is fake. I have no secret lover and I wasn't being aggressive. I was just angry that the town was giving me a look and not telling me what happened."
Spitfire grabbed another news paper with the article "Lightning Dust tells all. " She said with a look of fury. "Apparently the only reason you are a Wonderbolt is because you tasted my liquid flame and I tasted the rainbow..." She wasn't chuckling and her tone was dripping with sarcasm. " I know you don't care about your reputation but this is damaging mine too. I am supposed to be a Captain for Celestia's sake and this could be damaging to my career or even get me forcibly removed from my spot if enough members find me unfit to lead." She was grumbling.
Rainbow Dash heard the name Lightning Dust and eyes became red with anger "That bitch almost costed me my relationship and killed my bunny... when I find her. I will end her..." She swore with passion as her voice became grim. Her vow wasn't to be taken lightly as she was deadly serious.
Spitfire saw the fury in her team mate and decided it was time to calm her down before her emotions become the downfall of the performance. "Alright enough of that. I am going to send a message to all current active members to hunt and bring Lighting Dust to justice for the crime of slander, and murder. So focus on the show. We can get revenge later." She said bringing a somewhat smile to Rainbow Dash's face.
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Rarity was unusually close to Applejack, even though the Wonderbolt's personal viewing box was huge and spacious , Rarity had taken to being very close to Applejack. Her closeness made the farm mare blush. Rarity had decided that she was going to seduce Applejack and started by sneaking off to where Applejack sat and becoming intimate with her as the others were facing forward excited about the show.
Scootaloo and Fluttershy were sitting side by side waiting for their respective mother and 'wife' to do her amazing stunts and performance. They were accompanied by Sweetie Belle and Applebloom who wanted to be near Scootaloo. The guards outside the entrance were under strict orders to not let anyone inside the booth unless they had their names on the list. Security was tighter since Rainbow Dash wanted nothing to happen to her family or friends during her routine.
Pinkamena was sitting next to Soarin who decided to watch since he couldn't perform. She was flirting with him and keeping his attention while casually mentioning her last name to him "You do know my last name is Pie don't you?" She said in a sultry voice. She wasn't trying to actually get with him just wanted to make him ... smile.
Applejack was scared. She wasn't sure how she could handle Rarity attacking her in public like this. If something were to happen her reputation and the marshmallow one's could be ruined. While Rainbow Dash wasn't afraid to be a filly-fooler in public because of her stardom, it didn't mean that all ponies were accepting of it. After that morning she didn't expect Rarity to be up on her. She thought she had hurt the mare and was going to lose her as a friend instead something happened to Rarity that made her want to be with Applejack more.
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Flashback
Rarity was heading back to her store defeated from the sight of seeing Rainbow and Fluttershy so happy after the events of yesterday. She wasn't upset just angry at fate that would allow those two to reconcile and yet... keep her from attaining her own joy. She hadn't slept with Applejack as a way of trying something new she had growing feelings for the mare.
As she was deep in thought Big Mac approached her from the direction of Cheerilee's house. "Had a nice night?" He asked with a wink as to insinuate he knew what happened. Rarity blushed and smiled softly "Well I did.." before she could relay how the morning didn't work Big Mac's attitude changed and he almost yelled out "Well that ain't going to happen again. I don't care for you being with my sister. She is a stallion loving mare and you just confusing her." She recoiled from that retort , baffled instead of being scared by it.
"Surely you don't mean that Big Mac" She asked as if maybe he was just joking.., cruelly. He replied with his famous catch line "Eyup," as if agreeing to having a meal or to selling an apple for a good price. It wasn't even a hint of remorse or shame for his public display of anger. She wasn't going to let some uncouth overgrown stallion tell her who she can romantically be with or who Applejack can be with... "Listen here Big Mac! You are lucky your sister is an amazing pony or I would gore you with my horn for even approaching me in this manner and telling me who I can't be with. I will not only be with your sister but... I shall make sure to make her scream my name loudly so you can hear it over.. and over... and over till it becomes stuck in your head." She spoke with an amused look on her face as his jaw dropped.
He didn't know how to reply to that and before he could protest her decision she walked off with her nose in the air and her tail casually sliding along his body to tease him with something he will never be able to obtain.
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Twilight Sparkle was on Celestia's cloud but instead of Celestia she was accompanied by the lamest royal guard in the history of Equestria. Flash Sentry who was insistent on being there to protect her had managed to worm his way into going as she decided to take him out for the day. She was still very much in love with the sun goddess but she knew that if she kept being too close to her in public.. it could ruin her reputation. It could also ruin Twilights too. She was supposed to be her own princess too.
So she conceded to the notion that she would have to spend time with Flash Sentry in public. It wasn't all bad, underneath the lame exterior and useless gusto there was something charming about him in her eyes. She wasn't as affectionate with him but she was starting to see herself with him. Her brother was a royal guard after all and he was happy with princess cadence and she was equally as happy. So maybe this guard can be something better if only just for the time he would live in this world. She knew no matter what in the end she would be with the eternal Sun Goddess. Just wasn't sure if she wanted that now.
So the show was about to start. Of course Twilight knew it was going to be a great show. After all performing great and being awesome was part of being a Wonderbolt.