Author's Note: Here's the next installment! Hope you like it.
Remember to check out "Apple Spectrum" by Arby Works, if you haven't already, and please leave a review if you can!
NOTE to my faithful readers/reviewers: As part of my thank you gift for supporting and helping me with the writing this fanfic, I will give you (somehow) a fully reviewed and edited copy of this fic, with never-before-seen passages. The rest... is still a mystery. Thanks again! And hope you look forward to that.
And the show must go on...
The next day carried out in a similar fashion, the rush of working through the orchards, before racing to Twilight's. The plans were now well underway, the communication network overseen by Fluttershy and Angel already working. The "agents" were dispatched, and intel was already being transmitted back. Twilight constantly corresponded with Fluttershy, drawing out detailed plans and maps for their planned method of attack. Pinkie Pie helped with the transmission of news, all the while springing about excitedly and patrolling the town. Rarity worked furiously, dragging Applejack and Rainbow to her boutique to get measurements.
Both ponies were typically unenthusiastic about being forced to spend the rest of the day with Rarity, but before either could say anything, Rarity pulled out a book. "Girls, you are going to look stunning!" Her horn glowed as she flicked to the appropriate page and showed them the designs. Their jaws dropped.
The outfits looked formidable, and serious, and completely practical in every sense… but it was with such immaculate style that the rich folk in Canterlot would have been jealous of them. Applejack stared at the drawings. It was really quite simple in design but it looked amazing. Sleek in design, it encased the body and legs, in a silver-grey shade. The neckline was V-shaped, with a comfortable reinforced collar. There was another layer over the top, and one glance told AJ that this was for the heavy duty fighting – if it came to it. A hood-like helmet that could easily be pulled on and off for convenience was connected to what looked like plates that covered the back and chest area. Around each leg, there were bands to provide support to the joints. For Applejack, there were added reinforcements of some sort to her back leg bands. Her Cutie Mark was emblazoned on the flank, slightly enlarged on the chest and a smaller one on the flank.
"The first layer is obviously for practicality of movement, comfort, cushioning, and also to help regulate the dreadful temperatures in the desert," Rarity shuddered elegantly at the thought of the travel. "I've had the latest high-quality fabrics ordered in, and they should come in later this afternoon. It will reflect heat off you in the day and will keep heat in at night. It's extremely easy to move around in, all the best athletes use it. Including the Wonderbolts that you're so fond of," she added as she turned to Rainbow. Rainbow, however, still seemed to be entranced by her outfit. AJ hadn't looked at the Pegasus's gear yet, but her eyes widened when she did.
Like AJ's, it had a similar body layer, made of silver-grey material that covered the legs. It was mostly the same, except there must be holes for Rainbow's wings. The armoured layer was where it changed. The helmet system was similar, the hood that could be pulled on and off as needed. But the rest was different. The plates covered Rainbow's shoulders, front, and back. It was less reinforced on the top, with a wide opening to allow easy wing movement. As opposed to the strong layers over AJ's chest and back, Rainbow's was lighter and had stomach protection as well. There were only normal reinforcement bands on her four legs, but she had some kind of band along her wings. The thunderbolt that was Rainbow's Cutie Mark was also emblazoned on the chest and flank. It looked good on the drawing of Rainbow, and Applejack could picture it on Rainbow in real life.
"… The second layer is the protective layer in case you get into any… scrapes…" Rarity continued. "There's been some variation in the design to fit both your needs. Applejack, as you can see, yours has reinforcement on the back legs, to help add strength to them, and to prevent injury. I've also shaped the armour so you can attach your packs onto it, and for your rope, dear. I'm assuming you'll be bringing it?"
Applejack gave a nod. "It looks mighty fine, Rarity, ya did a fine job."
"Thank you, darling. Now, Rainbow, you can see that I've left plenty of space to allow your wings to move about easily. I did some study on Pegasus fashion and after I get your wing measurements I'll have everything done perfectly! Your armour is more encompassing, but lighter, because you will be in the air, dear. And the armour protects your exposed front while you're in the air too."
The rainbow-maned Pegasus was grinning. "Wow, Rarity! This is twenty per cent cooler than any outfit I've ever seen!"
The white unicorn smiled at that, "Thank you, I'm delighted that you both like them so much! Now, I just need to take your measurements, dears. When I finish making them I'll go through the finer details with you." And with that, Rarity was away, the designer coming out. Taking down measurements, looking at materials, chopping and changing ideas. Rainbow and Applejack could only look at each other as they were subject to a whirlwind of testing, modelling and other various exploits by the fashionista.
Eventually, afternoon was turning into evening when they were finally let out of the store, feeling exhausted despite only standing all day and having outfits pushed onto them and over them. Trotting down the streets of Ponyville, Rainbow heaved a huge sigh of relief.
"I thought we'd never get away!"
Applejack chuckled, "So did Ah. But ya have ta admit, those outfits look somethin' amazin'."
"Oh, yeah! They are AWESOME! I dunno how she came up with them! But they are cool. Like… definitely twenty per cent cooler than any other outfit EVER!"
By this time, they'd reached the square, and were nearing the library.
"Why don't we drop in on Twi' and see how she's doin'? She migh' have somethin' new ta tell us."
The Pegasus nodded, and followed the orange cowpony to the door. Upon the opening of the door, they were instantly bombarded with questions and information from Twilight. By the time they were finally able to get away, it was getting late again. Minds spinning with facts and figures, and maps and shortcuts, the two ponies were spent. They understood that their friends were working flat out, but after a day of rushing around everywhere, taking care of farm chores, being subjected to Rarity's designing madness, and learning about complex plans from Twilight they were really tired.
Entering the farm house, AJ found two dishes set on the table again, for them. She reminded herself to thank Big Mac. Too tired to do anything, they simply ate in the dark before tripping up the stairs and stumbling into the bedroom. Without much thought, they both made their way to their respective beds and collapsed on them. The work pony closed her eyes, and was about to drift off when she felt something nudge her head. Opening them, she saw Rainbow lift her hat off her head and put it on its hook. Her mind was processing everything slowly, and it had barely registered what happened. Applejack had about enough sense to mumble a thank you, watching Rainbow with a smile. Rainbow simply smiled back, before wishing AJ a goodnight. Then she was out like a light.
The next day was another rushed day of activity, but without having to be fitted and measured at Rarity's boutique. Instead, they spent time with Fluttershy, learning how the communication would work.
"Well, we've managed to enlist the help of some of the desert animals," the shy Pegasus spoke quietly. "There's a network happening between the animals. Oh, but you don't have to worry about that. What will happen, is that, the animals will pass on information to each other, and get back to me. It's actually really quite fast! I can give the information to Twilight and she will be able to work out what you should do. Then the plans will be written down and transferred to you. Um… has Twilight told you about the code?"
Applejack frowned and looked at Rainbow. At her confusion, she turned back to Fluttershy and shook her head. "Not yet, she hasn'."
"Oh! Well, she'll tell you soon, I'm sure. It's quite clever. Um… well… you should receive a report every night, one of the little critters will be able to find you. But… um… please be on the lookout if you can, in case there's an emergency. I know you'll be busy travelling and watching for d-danger, but if you could keep an eye out…"
"Don't worry, Fluttershy! We'll have it covered!" the confident flier asserted herself. Applejack gave a chuckle, rolling her eyes.
"Now, don't ya worry a bit, sugarcube. We'll be on watch at all times."
By three o'clock, they were at Twilight's again.
"Alright, we've just received new intel! There's a complicated tunnel system running around their base, and it could be extremely confusing, but we managed to map it out. This should be right, but I'm waiting for the next message from Fluttershy to make sure it's correct."
"Woah there, Nellie, y'all need ta came yerself down! Now let's slow down. We know how ta get there now, an' where ta stay in what caves. What do we need ta do when we get there?"
"Right, well, there's the second last day you will stay at the cave south of the place. Fluttershy's animal friends have discovered a cave which is very close to the entrance of the place. You can set up camp there, and wait for information about when to strike. Here is a map of the tunnels, and we're hoping this plan will work…"
For two hours, the three ponies bent over the table, reading the mapped tunnels and routes into what was a stronghold of some sort. Trying to comprehend just how difficult the rescue would be was frightening, and Applejack could see so many ways the plan could go wrong. But she was determined to do this, and every time she looked at the determined face of Rainbow, she knew that she'd do everything in her power to bring back Rainbow's family.
"Alright, girls, we'll leave it there today. One more day tomorrow, and we should have everything in order!" Twilight said happily. The organising the unicorn had to do put her in a good mood, something neither Applejack or Rainbow could understand. After insisting they take a break and leave her to fine-tuning some of the points in the plans again, they found that they actually had some time left before dinner.
As they made their way through town, Applejack hesitantly turned to the rainbow-maned pony next to her. "Rainbow?"
"Hmmm?"
"Well… Ah was thinkin'… we have a little time before dinner… an'… well… I was wonderin'… we haven't had a race yet…"
"You wanna race?" Rainbow's attention was immediately caught at this suggestion, and she looked at Applejack eagerly. She smiled and nodded. "Alright! But I should tell ya, I'll win this easy."
"Woah there, Nellie! Ah wouldn't be so confident if Ah were ya. After all tha' time healin' Ah think ya might have gone a little… soft," AJ looked at Rainbow slyly.
"WHAT?" The proud Pegasus's eyes widened. She put a hoof on her chest. "Rainbow Dash, the best and greatest Young Flier in all of Equestria, gone soft? I'll show you!"
The competitive edges in the two ponies were starting to come through in the light of their challenge. "Ah don't think so, RD, Ah'll be too far ahead ta see anythin' ya show me."
The two looked at each other with narrowed eyes, before turning as one to the path in front of them. Rainbow pawed the ground, rearing to go, while Applejack dug her hooves in for a strong spring to start the race.
"Up the path, to the farm, then through the orchards, to Whitetail Wood and down to the lake!"
"Deal! No wings!"
"Deal!"
"On three then!"
"One!"
"Two!"
"THREE!" both ponies yelled as they threw themselves forward into the race. Applejack felt the familiar adrenaline rush through, something she had missed while the cyan pony. Only a race with the competitive Rainbow Dash could bring out this feeling, the wild spirit that would forget everything in the pursuit of a victory over a best friend in a friendly challenge.
Soon, AJ found her rhythm, moving along at a strong pace without straining herself. She'd save the burst of speed for the final stretch. Glancing beside her, she could make out the sky blue Pegasus that was her competitor and her friend. The two seemed to remain at a similar speed, moving together. No one pulled ahead, no one fell behind. They galloped, through the orchards, before they hit the woods. The yellow and orange foliage that sat on the trees were beautiful to Applejack as she raced through them beside Rainbow. She glanced at the Pegasus every now and again, taking in something different each time. The mane blowing back in the wind and the speed. The cyan coat lit up by the setting sun. The look and determination on her face.
Applejack knew she loved Rainbow Dash. She wanted this, for the rest of her life. An ache in her heart grew, one that couldn't be attributed to the run. It was the pain of love's touch. Something beautiful, yet terrible. But only because it was for somepony she couldn't have.
She turned her attention back to the trees, but as beautiful as they were, she couldn't see it without the spectral wonder beside her. Looking ahead, she saw the lake coming up. This was the final part, the last stretch. Applejack began to push harder, gaining speed, but she could see Rainbow had matched her in the final dash. As they drew closer to the lake, it was still an even tie. They ran right onto the wharf that jutted out into the lake, determined to be the winner. As they reached the end, there was no way of stopping, and they barrelled right into the water.
The cold water hit AJ, making her shiver and cough, only to take in a giant mouthful of water. She pushed up, to the surface, and when her face broke through the water she took in a huge gasp of air, then another, and another. Shaking the water out of her eyes, she looked around to see… nopony. Panic took hold. Where was Rainbow? She quickly turned to look at the wharf, keeping herself afloat. Nothing. She felt her heart start beating faster, as she cried out, "Rainbow? RAINBOW."
"BOO!"
"AAARRRRGGGHHHH!" The Earth pony almost shot out of the water in fright. "RAINBOW DASH."
"Pffff… HAHAHAHAHA AJ, YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN YOUR FACE! AHAHAHA!" The pony floated away on her back, still laughing hard.
AJ felt her heart rate slow again, to normal, and relaxed. Despite her terror of the last few moments, the sight of the laughing Pegasus brought a smile to her face. But she held it back, and pushed her way to shore. She stomped up through the sand, and shook herself off a little, before waiting for the still grinning Rainbow to join her.
"Tha' wasn't funny!"
"Ehehe, yeah it was!"
"No it wasn't! Ya had me scared fer a moment there!"
"EXACTLY." Rainbow then fell back onto the sand, and began to roll around in laughter.
Applejack shook her head in exasperation, but smiled at the sight. Then she noticed that her head didn't have its familiar weight. Reaching up confirmed it. Her Stetson wasn't there. She immediately looked around but didn't see it anywhere, not in water or land. A voice came up behind her.
"Looking for this?"
She turned to see Rainbow with the hat sitting on her head. She had found a piece of grass which she stuck in her mouth and was balancing on her hind legs, her forelegs crossed. AJ couldn't hold back the smile that came to her lips, and she felt the urge to reach up and kiss Rainbow. To just close the gap between them, a gap that would always be there, but shouldn't be. She could feel the longing, the pain, and willed for none of it to show. She looked away, to hide the emotions, knowing that lying to Rainbow was impossible. She just hoped the flier was still oblivious to her affection.
Rainbow dropped to her forehooves again, and gently flipped the hat onto AJ's head. Right there, right then, AJ almost spilt it all. She almost gave herself away, almost told Rainbow the truth. She wanted to tell her, wanted to say that she loved Rainbow, more than anypony could ever love another.
Turning away, she bit her tongue, then striving to keep her voice steady, "Come on, we better get goin', dinner should be ready."
That night, she couldn't sleep again. Sitting on her bed, she watched Rainbow again, sleeping. There was that same sadness that sat on her face, the lines of unhappiness. Wha' must it be like losin' yer parents only ta find tha' they were alive and captured? She wondered to herself. How brave do ya have ta be? She sighed, looking at the beloved Pegasus on the other side of the room. The distance between them shouldn't be there. They were meant to be together. There shouldn't be a few metres of space between them. AJ wished that Rainbow was next to her, that she could sleep in the Pegasus's hold. First thing to see in the morning, last to see at night. So close, yet so far. The truth was, Rainbow was just out of her reach, like the highest apple on the tree.
When AJ was still a young filly, she had been walking through the orchards, when she spotted an apple in one of the trees. It was extremely high up, and impossible to get by climbing. And it was beautiful, the definition of a perfect fruit. Bright red, shiny, juicy looking, it had not a single blemish on its surface. It was perfect, and Applejack had wanted it, to take in for show and tell at school. And she was determined to get it. But no matter what she tried, it didn't work. She wasn't strong enough to buck the trees, though she tried. She tried climbing the tree, but was nowhere near enough to reach it. She tried using something to knock it out of the tree. Her pride, even back then, stopped her from asking anypony for help. But that one apple was unattainable. Like Rainbow.
Rainbow. The definition of perfection for Applejack. Brash, arrogant, confident and annoying, she was also compassionate, gentle and kind. And she had the determination, the drive. The energy. How could she ever have let somepony so amazing slip away from her?
Finally, AJ, gave up trying to get that apple. But the next afternoon when she was walking through the orchards again, she looked up to see the apple there. She decided to give it one last try, and bucked the trunk as hard as she could. She knocked down quite a few apples, her first time… and the beautiful red one fell as well.
AJ smiled sadly, shaking her head at herself. Impossible… The word bounced around in her head. There was no chance. Rainbow was gone, the ship had sailed. And the best Applejack could do now was to hide her own feelings away, and hope that the Pegasus never realised. Living a lie… But telling the truth would mean saying goodbye to the one pony that meant more than the world to her… and she just couldn't find the strength to destroy the friendship they had built again together.
Eventually, Applejack drifted off…
"I... really... like nights like these."
"Ah know y'all do."
"R-really?"
"Well, sure Ah do! Ah've known y'all fer a long time."
"Well... I... uh... don't suppose... y-you know... why I... uh... like these nights so much?"
"Well... Ah might... maybe..."
"Y-you do?"
"Well… why don't ya just tell me?"
"C-cause... uh... I'm not sure how you'll... uh... take the answer."
"Awww, Dash, tell me."
"Mmmm…"
"Please?"
"Well… there's this pony I really like… ya know… as in… like like… and, well, we go for walks sometimes, ya know… on the clouds. She's a Pegasus too. And… well… it's really fun. And… I think she likes me too…
"Righ'… well… Ah better head back in now, Rainbow. Ah… Ah'm real happy fer ya…"
"Thanks, AJ. I'm gonna go see her now. See ya!"
"AJ, this is Cloud Chaser, she's my new marefriend."
"Sorry AJ, I can't hang today, Cloud Chaser and I are going out to dinner tonight. Maybe another time alright?"
"AJ, she's so amazing. She's everything I ever wanted in a pony."
"I love her, AJ."
"She means the world to me, AJ."
"I'm going to marry her, AJ."
"NO MORE!" Applejack bolted upright in her bed, feeling tears run down her cheeks. The sunlight hadn't quite touched the window sill yet, but her cry had woken the slumbering Pegasus next to her.
"AJ… are you alright?" the groggy pony struggled to get up and see what was going on.
Instantly, AJ, ducked under the covers, for fear of Rainbow seeing her tears. She didn't want to talk right now, especially not to Rainbow. The dream, no, the nightmare had been so vivid, so real, and Applejack could feel her heart cleave in two. She needed some alone time.
"D-don't worry, sugarcube… it's nothin'. Ah'm jus'… gonna go get some fresh air…"
"Alright. Are you sure you're okay, though?" Applejack peeked over the covers to see Rainbow looking at her, concerned.
"R-really, it's nothin'. Jus' a bad dream 's all."
"Alright… if you're sure…" Rainbow sounded unconvinced, but didn't press the matter.
Applejack left the house as quietly as possible, escaping the confines. When she was out the door she began to run. She ran as hard and as fast as she could go, to down by the lake where they were last night. When she reached the wharf, she collapsed and began to cry. Applejack rarely ever let herself go like this, but she couldn't hold it in much longer. She cried until there were no tears left to shed. Looking at herself in the reflection, AJ made a promise. That she would never stand in the way of Rainbow finding happiness in another pony. That AJ would accept it and be happy for her. Even as she swore to herself that she would keep this promise, she felt her heart break. Closing her eyes, she pushed herself off the wharf and into the water. The icy water was like fire to her. She kept herself submerged for as long as she could, before breaking the surface and swimming to shore. She felt a new duty burn within her.
She loved Rainbow Dash. And Rainbow's happiness came first. If Rainbow ever found another special someone, Applejack would grin and bear it. She would do everything in her power to make Rainbow happy. And that meant helping her find her parents. She'd stop at nothing until they did.
Returning to the house, she found Rainbow coming out of the house, and looking around urgently for something. When the orange pony came into view, Rainbow let out a sigh and jumped over.
"Where were you? I was looking for you! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, Ah'm fine, sugarcube. Jus' went fer a dip."
Rainbow looked at her strangely, but accepted it. The rest of the day went like usual, learning new tactics and strategies, planning, and preparing for what was to come.
The fourth day finally arrived. Departure would be tomorrow, and there was a sense of excitement, anxiety and apprehension amongst the six as they all double checked everything. Maps were pressed onto Rainbow and Applejack by Twilight, baked goods from Pinkie and the Apple family. All friends except Rarity were at the library when she burst in, carrying two large bags on her flank.
"Girls! Be prepared for the most stunning, most stylish, and most formidable outfit you have ever seen!"
And she pulled out the beautiful armour, the designs made real. Gasps and exclamations filled the room as everypony examined the masterpieces. "Well, put them on! Let's see just how splendid they are!" Applejack moved forward and slipped on the first layer easily. It was extremely comfortable, yet stylish. Then she donned the armour. To her surprise, she could barely feel the weight of it at all. Yet when she tapped it hard with a hoof, it was solid enough to hurt the hoof but the metal remained unscathed.
Rainbow was doing the same, and AJ watched her eyes widen at the lightness of the armour. "How…"
"Is it so light?" Both ponies nodded. "Well, I used this new metal that they had on market, and it was expensive, but it was all the rage for armour and I simply had to have it! Oh, you two look simply amazing!"
The two friends looked at each other, and Applejack could only admire how strong Rainbow looked in her new gear.
"Thank you, Rarity! These are so, SO COOL!" Rainbow punched the air.
"Thank ya kindly, Rarity. These really are somethin' amazin'."
"You're welcome, dears. Now I believe we have a little something else planned? Pinkie Pie?"
"PAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRTTTTTYYYY!"
The festivities were wild and enjoyable, as they always were with Pinkie in charge. In the colour and the cake, Rainbow and Applejack laughed and joked with their friends, spending the last night before they left together as a group. Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy would stay behind and run their headquarters, while Rainbow and Applejack began the journey. They would join later, when the infiltration was about to happen.
But as the hours passed the party broke up, leaving the six ponies together.
"Now, you'll be starting first thing tomorrow. You should be able to get to the first check point by nightfall. Remember to rest during midday, and only travel in the morning and afternoon. Camp out at the checkpoint at night and wait for communication. Good luck, girls! We'll miss you." Twilight hugged them.
"Darlings, I've explained everything about your outfits to you. Remember that the compartments are opened by pushing, not pulling. Take care, Applejack dear, Rainbow."
"OH I'M GONNA MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH!" Pinkie pulled them into a hug, squeezing the air from them. "But, don't worry! Auntie Pinkie Pie will take care of everything here, and my Pinkie senses will keep us safe! Take care! I'LL MISS YOU!"
"Oh, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, be careful out there. Make sure you keep safe, and alert. I know you two are the bravest ponies I know, and you will be fine. Please be careful."
"Thanks, y'all, fer everythin'."
"Yeah. We'll get this mission done in no time flat!"
They shared one last group hug before they each went home. Applejack and Rainbow returned to the farm one last time. When sleep finally came, it was dreamless. But somewhere, underneath it all, there was a question of what was to come. And Applejack needed more answers than one.
The end... of this chapter. How'd you guys find it? I'm a little worried that I'm losing my touch, but hopefully it's holding together.
Please leave a review! It means more than subscriptions to the story, even though it is great that you guys want to watch it grow.
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.