Author's Note: Hello again, fellow bronies! I might as well devote this entire account to MLP. I haven't got any plans for anything else, in any case... Now I know you guys are all dying for some bittersweet Appledash. SO PREPARE.
I'd also like to add, that I have the next five chapters sitting ready for uploading already... but I feel entitled to make it last a bit longer. To tell the truth, I don't want this to end ,it's been so much fun. But enough of that. We haven't reached the halfway mark yet. What am I going on about.
Special thanks to Arby Works (go check out his story "Apple Spectrum" if you haven't seen it already"), Endymion Blue, Feanor Noldor, Kit of Despair (who made me change this from one shot to one story), kitmaro, Rainbow Breeze and Triforce of the Gods, for really following this story through and leaving reviews. For your continued support, I'm cooking up something special for you guys.
Also, thanks to everyone else who has reviewed, it means a tonne to me. Maybe you could get on the "Honour Roll" too.
Now enough of this chit chat. We have a story to read. Enjoy!
Silence. Nopony said a single word, as the statement rolled about in the library, making the quiet almost deafening.
"Huh. A dragon again." Rainbow was the first to recover, giving a shaky laugh. "Guess it makes sense why I never found anything about him… I dunno why I assumed he was a pony… but…" She shook her head.
"Twilight, dear, what does the book say about this… this dragon?" The fashionista walked over to Twilight, and looked over her shoulder at the pages in the heavy book.
The purple unicorn cleared her throat. "It says here that Samael was an ancient dragon, with powers over fire, earth, water and wind. He was extremely powerful, and most of the ancient civilisations bowed down to him, respecting him and giving him gifts in the hope that he would return favours for good harvest and weather. However, Samael became tired of the job of looking after the ponies. He wanted more, and became violent. Three times he has risen to power, resulting in bloodshed, and horror. Each time a hero managed to defeat him, and save ponykind. After every defeat, Samael retreated to an unknown location. Though he has been around for four thousand years, the last time he returned was two thousand years ago."
The book was closed with a heavy thump, and Twilight looked up at the other five ponies.
"What in Celestia's name would those there Pegasi be up to lookin' fer this here dragon?"
The collective voices of everyone present in the room rose, questioning what objective a pony would be after that involved asking about a fearful and extremely powerful beast.
"Guys. GUYS!" The noise died down as everypony turned to Rainbow. "I'm really curious about this Samael guy as well, but at the moment, can we focus on rescuing my parents? Then we can try find out about this dragon."
"You're right, Rainbow. We need to start on plans right away! But first we need as much information as possible. Let me just grab some ink and paper."
While Twilight rushed to her work table and pulled out the necessary supplies to begin organising the mission, Applejack came to Rainbow's side again. "Are ya alrigh' there, sugarcube?"
"Huh? Oh, AJ, yeah I'm okay. I just… I really want to go and find my parents now. As in right NOW." The Pegasus took a deep breath, before she whispered, "I'm scared, AJ."
Applejack looked at her tenderly, her loving expression unseen by the cyan pony whose gaze was directed at the ground. "Now don't ya worry, RD. We'll find yer parents, Ah Pinkie Pie promise. We've got the strongest team anywhere, ya can count on it. And it's okay ta be scared, RD." AJ wanted to nuzzle Rainbow again, but held back. "Ya don' always have ta be so brave."
Rainbow smiled a little. "Thanks, Applejack. Thanks for… everything. You've done so much for me…"
"Ya would've done the same fer me."
"Hey! Applejack! Rainbow! Come on, we've got a rescue mission to organise!" Twilight was sitting at her desk, her glasses on, and her horn glowing as she moved her quill into the ink, before readying it for writing. All the others had surrounded the table, ready to begin. Instantly, the two ponies raced each other to the table, just managing not to crash in the confined space of the library.
"Alright, Rainbow," Twilight began, smiling a little and rolling her eyes at their antics, "I need to know about your journey, to the place and back. As much detail as possible please."
"Uh…" Rainbow scratched her mane with a hoof. "Where do I start?"
"Hmmm… start with your journey. You said you began the journey on foot – or wing – from Dodge Junction didn't you?"
"Oh right, uh… well, I travelled for about four days, three flying and one walking… I travelled for half the nights as well… so… three nights travel. There wasn't really much to distinguish in the landscape… There was a cave area that I found on the third night. I remember staying in there.
Uh… fourth night was when those thugs," she spat the word out, "took me."
The quill whizzed across the paper, as Twilight noted all the information Rainbow gave. Looking up, she asked, "And you were travelling west?"
"Yeah, just went directly west from Dodge Junction."
"Nothing at all in the landscape?"
"Uh… not really… just a few scraggly bushes and stuff… uh… OH! There was a line of rocks or something about…" Rainbow took a moment to try and work out the compass points. "South of the way I was going. It practically just kept going the way I was flying… I think the cave on the third night might have been part of that rock line thing."
Twilight nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now when you came back, you flew… east?"
"Yep. Towards the sun, I remember…"
"You don't' remember how long it took, getting to Ponyville?"
The rainbow-maned head shook itself. "I just remember I flew non-stop until I saw town again."
"Alright…" the quill scratched across the page, taking down all the observations and small foot notes and ideas that were coming to Twilight. The others simply watched silently. Applejack didn't take her eyes off Rainbow. "What about the area? I know this is hard for you, Rainbow, and I'm sorry for asking, but it's essential. Do you remember anything about the place when you were leaving?"
"Don't worry, Twilight. Uh… well… it was rocky… I remember that. When I flew out of that place there were boulders and stuff everywhere! The place was actually underground, because I remember flying out and seeing the entrance which was actually practically in the ground. Uh… that's about it…"
The studious pony nodded again, as she finished writing everything down. "Excellent! We have the beginnings of a plan here, girls." A cheer went up, and Pinkie began to bounce around the library excitedly. "Now Rainbow… do you remember…"
For the next few hours, Twilight asked questions and Rainbow would answer them. On occasion, somepony else would chime in with a point or an important question that was missed. Every now and again, she'd stop and search through one of her many beloved books, for something or other. Spike raced about, trying to find the tomes Twilight was after. Applejack watched as the pile of paper plans mounted on the desk.
Finally, the quill went down next to a now half-empty bottle of ink. "I think it's time for you girls to go and get some rest. We've got a lot happening tomorrow, and we'll need to figure it all out. And I need some time to think alone."
They all nodded. "When should we meet up, darling?" Rarity asked, looking at her tired friend in concern.
"As soon as possible. Rainbow, you don't have anything on, do you?"
Rainbow shook her head. "I can come straight away. Unless…" she turned to Applejack. "AJ, do you want me to help on the farm? We could finish up quicker and that way we can both get here sooner."
"Tha' sounds mighty fine, Rainbow. Thank ya."
"Sounds good. You could finish by midday?" The two ponies nodded in assent.
"Pinkie, will you be able to leave Mr and Mrs Cake for half the day?"
"I think so, Mr and Mrs Cake are always really nice and generous, and they always tell me that if there's anything important I need to do then I should go and do it, but I'll ask because it's the right thing to do, but I should be able to get here by twelve!"
"How about you, Fluttershy?"
"Oh, twelve will be fine. I'll attend to all the little ones in the morning. They'll be fine for the rest of the day, as long as I come and tuck them in for night."
"Rarity? Will you be alright with twelve?"
"Of course, darling! I might as well come earlier, the Carousel Boutique can stay closed for a day."
"That sounds great! Okay, girls, meet here at twelve tomorrow. Rarity, if you can come early that'd be great. See you tomorrow!"
And with that, they all parted ways, waving goodbye and making their way home. Applejack and Rainbow Dash simply glanced at each other, before they began walking in the same direction, towards the Apple's family farm.
"Hey, AJ, can I go and quickly check on Tank? I checked on him this morning, and gave him some food, but he likes it when I say goodnight to him."
"Of course, sugarcube. When yer done, jus' come in. It's pretty late, so mah family are probably asleep. Ah'll jus' fix up somethin' fer us ta eat before we go ta bed."
Rainbow nodded, and took off, her wings taking her into the sky. Her mane danced in the cool night air, as the wind blew through the heavens. Applejack sighed, before she began to walk again, back home. In the distance, she could see all the lights were off. It really was quite late, but she had told Big Mac about going to Twilight's so he wouldn't have to worry.
Trudging along the ground, Applejack thought to herself. Rainbow Dash. She remembered what Pinkie had told her, about telling Dash about her feelings. She shook her head. No. Ah can't do it. Ah can't. She was sure everypony knew about her feelings. If they didn't before, they probably did now. Even today, when they had been watching her and Dash… the looks of disappointment… They must've been hoping for something to happen too. AJ sighed again. It was impossible. Nothing happened, nothing would ever happen. They were over. Applejack was just glad that Rainbow was oblivious to all the signs. Even if it was obvious to everypony else.
The orange pony pushed open the door to her house. It was silent, and AJ was careful to avoid all the creaks in the floorboards as she made her way into the kitchen. On the counter, she saw two covered plates set aside. She knew it was for her and Rainbow. Carefully lifting the covers off, she saw apple dumplings, hay fries, and apple pie. There were also two bottles of apple juice sitting beside the plates. Deciding to heat the food a little, she quietly placed it all in a tray and set it in the oven to warm up. She carried the bottles of juice to the dinner table. Suddenly, she realised that eating in the dark wasn't the best idea. She knew the place like the back of her hoof, but Rainbow wasn't as familiar, even back when they were together. Applejack frowned. She didn't want to turn the lights on, especially seeing as the stairs led into the dining room and any strong light would filter up the stairs. After a moments indecision, AJ walked over to the cupboard, and pulled out a brazier with candles.
A warm blush appeared on the cowpony's cheeks as she gazed at the scene in front of her. The brazier of candles was lit, and sitting in the middle of the table, bathing the dining room in a warm glow, the light flickering off the walls as the fire danced. The meal had been set up across from each other, and the entire set up was romantic. Uncomfortably so.
Applejack didn'' want anything to be awkward between them, she didn't want Rainbow to wonder or suspect feelings or anything. But just as AJ made to get rid of the candles, she heard the front door open and close. Quiet hoofsteps down the hallways that managed to miss most of the creaking boards, and a rainbow head popped around the door. The eyes widened as she took in the scene. "Whaaa…?"
"Rainbow! Ah, uh… Ah jus' thought that using candles might be a better idea, 'cause everypony else is sleepin' and the light might bother them, that's all! Ah thought it wold be better than eatin' in the dark!" Applejack was blushing deeply now, and didn't look at the Pegasus. Rainbow either didn't notice this, or chose to ignore it, because she took this in her stride.
"What are we having?"
"Some apple dumplin's, hay fries an' apple pie. An' apple juice."
"Awesome!" Rainbow dove for the nearest seat, and looked at her plate excitedly. Applejack laughed, sitting down too. Soon, dinner was underway, and Rainbow ate hungrily, getting through her meal with customary speed. Applejack simply assumed she had been so tired and worried, and now that something was being done about it, she was back to her usual self. While Rainbow wolfed her food down, AJ only picked at hers. The unintentionally romantic setting was making the Earth pony feel awkward. Evidently, Rainbow hadn't picked up on just how the appearance of everything made them look like they were having a couple's candlelit dinner. Suddenly, the Pegasus stopped and looked at Applejack. She glanced at the table, and the plates in of her and AJ. As if realising something, she lifted a hoof and pointed it accusingly at her friend.
"You're not eating!"
Applejack felt her heart restart, so loud that she was sure the rainbow-maned pony sitting across from her could hear it. "Oh! Righ'."
Rainbow shook her head. "You have to eat! You're always going on about eating a lot because you need energy and all that stuff and everything, and how it's important to eat all your meals. Here." And Rainbow reached across the table and picked up some fries. "Open up."
The Stetson-clad pony stared at the flier in shock, her face heating up. It was only her orange coat and the semi-darkness that managed to hide the worst of the blush from the unsuspecting Pegasus.
"Come on, AJ. Don't make me ask twice."
Applejack opened her mouth, and Rainbow reached across, placing the fries in it. In the candlelight, Applejack took in how the flames flickered across the Pegasus's face, casting a reddish glow onto her blue coat. The same flames were reflected in her eyes as well, as they locked eyes for a moment. Rainbow fed Applejack the rest of her hay fries, and AJ was lost in the moment. Sitting across the table from the love of her life, being fed fries in the candlelight… she wanted to freeze that moment and live in it forever.
But as all good things do, it soon ended, and the last of the fries were gone. Rainbow sat back, oblivious to Applejack's veiled disappointment. "Much better. Now eat you dumplings, or do I have to feed them to you as well?"
When dinner was done, they washed up quietly, before heading upstairs to Applejack's bedroom. Both were too tired to prepare for bed properly. Rainbow simply went over to her bed, and collapsed onto the pillows and blankets, mumbling a muffled goodnight before her snores soon filled the room. AJ flipped her hat off her head and place it carefully on its hook. Crawling under the bed sheets, she glanced over at Rainbow once more. Seeing the messy sprawl of blankets, she quietly trotted over again, and fixed it up, tucking the Pegasus in properly. Then with what seemed like a natural gesture now, the orange pony leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. After making her way back to her own bed, AJ fell asleep, slipping into her dreams.
The next morning was a flurry of activity. From the minute they woke up, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were rushing about, ready for work. The breakfast was gone in a flash before an orange and blonde blur, accompanied by a blue and rainbow blur, took to the fields. Rainbow was working especially hard, AJ could tell as Rainbow managed to clear trees with two or three kicks, and on the odd occasion, a single buck. The idea of making a move to save her parents had given her new energy, and fight. Applejack had never seen her work so hard before.
They finished clearing the fields in record time, the town clock not quite ticking over to eleven yet. They had managed to harvest all the apples on the farm less than five hours. With nothing better to do, the two friends walked into town, making their way to Twilight's tree library. Rainbow was visibly excited about whatever plan Twilight would come up with.
"Maybe there'll be a really awesome ambush or something, then we'd really get them!" Rainbow finished up on her excited litany just as the door opened. Both Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's jaws dropped.
Twilight looked exhausted, and it was immediately evident that she had stayed up for most of the night, if not all night. There were bags under her eyes, and her usually neat hair was unruly. Her hoof was wrapped around a cup of coffee, and her shoulders were slightly slumped. But at the sight of them, her face changed from one of extreme tiredness to one of excitement.
"I've got it! I was up all night fixing things up, and trying to sort things out, but I've got a plan! It's all worked out, but I'll tell you about it when everyone gets here."
A white unicorn appeared behind Twilight. "Hello, Applejack, Rainbow Dash. It's a pleasure to see you two. Twilight has gotten everything sorted out delightfully! We'll have your parents rescued in no time, Rainbow, dear." Rarity then put a hoof on the purple pony's shoulder and gently steered her to a seat. "Poor darling, she was up all night! Rest a while, Twilight, dear, we have some time."
"Why are you… sorry… so early?" The purple magic student asked, covering a yawn with a hoof.
"Finished clearin' the farm in record time! Rainbow here really worked up a sweat, buckin' those trees and cartin' the apples into the barn."
"Done in no time flat." Rainbow said proudly, making Applejack chuckle, along with Twilight and Rarity.
By eleven thirty, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy had arrived for their counsel. Twilight yawned again, before she moved over to her desk. A waste paper bucket was overflowing with scrapped ideas, the desk a mess. It was a sign of how absorbed Twilight had been with the planning that she allowed her work area to become so cluttered. Sifting through the pages on her desk, the unicorn finally plucked out a stack of pages. Of all the notes, this alone looked tidy and immaculate.
"Girls, I've assigned each of us a general job, which will be essential to the rescue of Rainbow's parents. Of course, we'll need to refine what it is you're all doing exactly, but it's been set to play to all our strengths." She turned to Rarity. "Rarity, you're a designer, how are you with making something more along the lines of armour and protective gear?"
"Oh, that would be simply marvellous! I have never tried it before, but I have dreamed about making practical, yet utterly stylish, outfits before! Oh, I must start right away! What are we after?"
"Here," Twilight took six sheets from the stack and gave them to Rarity. "These are a basic outline of the necessities. The rest is entirely up to you."
"This will be splendid! Oh, I'll start designing now! Twilight, darling, you wouldn't have some supplies would you? So I could begin drawing the designs?"
"On the desk. Fluttershy, you're talent in communicating with animals will be essential! Is it possible for you to set up a communication network with your animal friends? If they could pass information from the base, do some scouting, and get back to you it would be invaluable! Could you do something like that?"
"O-oh! Y-yes, I think so. Angel can help me, and we could try making a s-spy ring."
"Excellent! Thank you, Fluttershy!" Twilight stopped to consult her list. "Pinkie! You are the most energetic of ponies! I'll need you to help with surveillance of Ponyville. It's been obvious that they've been watching things for a while and we need to do the same, in our own base. That way we can't be taken unawares. Your Pinkie sense will be crucial to this! And it might be able to give us some idea of coming events too."
"Oki, doki, loki!" Pinkie Pie was practically dancing with excitement at the prospect. "Oh, I can't WAIT to start the mission, and if anything will go wrong, my Pinkie sense will be jingling and I'll know, and we can do something about it!"
Finally, Twilight turned to Rainbow and Applejack. "Girls, you will be the field agents. Rainbow, naturally, you'd be the one to go and rescue them. We need a headquarters to get this operation underway, which is why we're staying here, at least for now. We can relate information to you from here, after analysis so you know what to expect. Applejack will go with you."
At that, AJ shot Twilight a suspicious look. Why did she put them together? With everything that's happened…
As if reading her mind, Twilight made to continue but was cut off by Rainbow.
"No."
AJ winced a little at the harsh answer. She felt a pang shoot through her. She doesn't want it.
"Rainbow…"
"No, Twilight! I've accepted that you guys help me, but if we're travelling separately, I want AJ to travel with you. I can go alone. It's too dangerous, I can take care of it myself. And the travelling is exhausting. I know you'd be up to it, AJ, but it's dangerous! I can't take you into a situation where you could get hurt."
Applejack's heart melted, as she listened to Rainbow's reasons. But she didn't let it show. If she wanted her way, she'd have to be forceful about it. Twilight couldn't get a word in.
"Rainbow Dash, Ah am gonna come whether ya like it or not. It IS dangerous, an' tha's exactly why Ah need ta go with ya. It's for too risky for jus' one pony ta go an' if somethin' happened ta ya…" she almost admitted her feelings right there but managed to bite her tongue. "If somethin' happened ta ya, who'd be able ta find any help?"
"But–"
"No buts! There is no way Ah'm gonna let ya go alone, RD! It's better ta travel with somepony, an' ya an' Ah both know it! If ya travel with another pony, there's somepony ya can depend on, for help an' safety. Ah'm comin' with ya, an' that's final!"
Twilight smiled at the expression on Rainbow's face. They were both scowling at each other, and Rainbow had a slightly defeated look on her face.
"It's for the best, Rainbow. I paired you to up because you two are the strongest ponies, and you actually work well together. When you're not arguing or fighting," Twilight added, amused.
"FINE." Rainbow threw up her hooves in aggravation. "Just tell us what we have to do!"
Twilight briefed them on the procedures, before they joined Fluttershy in the communication and spy system. When that was sorted, they were chivvied off by the unicorn, who insisted that they rest and take a break and let the headquarter ponies work.
Rainbow was still annoyed over their earlier argument, and stormed off without comment. Applejack followed, hiding a smile. She couldn't help it. Rainbow was so cute when she was angry. After walking for a while, they reached a grassy meadow, and the Pegasus dropped to her haunches. The Earth pony came up and sat beside her, looking at her frowning friend.
"Awww, cheer up, sugarcube. Ya aren't still angry abou' the argument at Twilight's are ya?"
She sighed and pawed at the ground. "Nah, I know you're right. It'd be crazy to go off alone again, I barely made it last time. I'm sorry."
"Tha's alrigh', RD."
"I'm just worried that something might happen to you."
Applejack couldn't quite believe her ears. Of course she wouldn't want anythin' ta happen ta ya. Y'all are friends after all. But she couldn't quite hide the blush creeping up over her cheeks, and she looked away to hide it. A small smiled inched onto AJ's face as she said, almost shyly,
"Well, tha's why Ah had ta come. Ah was worried that somethin' might happen ta ya."
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, isn't that nice. Hope you guys are enjoying this. Leave a review?
Thanks.
Yours truly,
Lonewolf
Note: Posted onto FiMFiction by Arby Works with permission from Lonewolf.007. All credit goes to him for his fanfic, please check it out here or on FanFiction.
Mr. Masato/Arby Works.