//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: Just Friends // by lonewolf.007 //------------------------------// Author's Note: And here is the next section of our little story! School's getting back now, which is a real pain. So expect longer delays between the chapters. They'll still come! Thanks to everyone for the reviews! Just saying, you guys are AWESOME! Remember to check out Arby Works' "Apple Spectrum". Stay cool! When the sun had barely touched the horizon, Applejack was already up. Waking up early was a habit, and having to get up a little earlier than usual made little distance. Glancing over at the ball of blankets she caught sight of rainbow mane poking out. Smiling, AJ quietly left for the bathroom. She washed up, tying her mane and tail back. This time, she had to put on her armour too, feeling the comfortable layers sitting on her easily and lightly. When she came back to her bedroom, she was met with a reproachable Rainbow. "Why didn't you wake me?" "Ah thought ya could do with a little more sleep there, sugarcube. It's a mite earlier than usual." Rainbow frowned at that, disliking it whenever Applejack tried to shelter her. But all she did was flip the Stetson hat onto AJ's head before backing up and taking the outfit in. A smile spread across the Pegasus's face. "WOW, AJ, you look AWESOME!" Applejack chuckled at that, before moving past Rainbow to their packs. "Well, go an' put yers on, Ah'll start checking our packs an' supplies." The cyan pony left, taking her own armour with her. The cowpony turned to their packs and double-checked the contents. Maps, paper, ink, quill… blankets, water, food… Applejack nodded. Everything was there. Their suits had inbuilt compasses and weapons hidden in compartments. She then went to the foot of her bed, tossing the coils of rope around her neck, fitting it into grooves that Rarity had made for that purpose. Hoofsteps behind her told her that Rainbow was back and she looked up. And took a sharp breath in as she looked at the pony before her. Rainbow was standing proudly in the doorway. The sun was just getting high enough to reach into the room and illuminate the Pegasus. The armour gleamed off her chest, her Cutie Mark reflecting the light at the point of the lightning bolt. Rainbow was grinning, puffing out her chest in pride. Determination was in her eyes, in her stance, in her soul. Today they'd begin the journey to find her parents. And AJ knew that nothing would stop Rainbow now, from bring her parents home. She's everythin' Ah ever wanted in a pony… brave… strong… hardworking, when she tried… competitive… friendly… She's perfect. Aplpejack felt the familiar piercing pain in her chest, and turned back to the packs on the ground. Grabbing on in her mouth, she quickly walked over and placed it on Rainbow's back, keeping her own face out of sight. Rainbow could always tell when anything was wrong by looking at Applejack's face, and she didn't want the Pegasus's concern to turn towards her at the moment. Trotting back for her own pack, she cleared her throat. "Why don' ya go on down, Ah'll be there in a minute." "Sure." The blonde maned pony listened to Rainbow's retreating hoofsteps down the hallway. She navigated the creaking sections with ease. It seemed that even after all this time, Rainbow remembered some things. Applejack flipped her pack onto her own back, and gave her room one last look. She sighed. She'd be travelling for the next two weeks. What was more, she'd be with Rainbow Dash. With a hoof, she tilted the Stetson over her eyes. She remembered her promise. She'd keep it. No matter how much it hurt. As AJ made her way down the stairs, she could hear clattering in the kitchen. Slightly confused, she hurried down into the cooking area… to find Rainbow blundering about, her pack set by the counter on the ground, as the Pegasus tried to balance a tray of apple goods in her hooves. Managing to hang on to it, she quickly stuck it in the oven and closed it. With a sigh of relief, she turned the oven on, turning to see Applejack holding back laughter. Rainbow gave her a haughty look and walked over to the table, sitting down. AJ could only chuckle and followed, taking the seat across from her. "Ya did mighty fine there, RD." Applejack gave her a cheeky grin. Rainbow huffed a little, blowing her colourful mane out of her eyes. The cowpony gave another chuckle. "Ya did, sugarcube. Thank ya fer helpin'." The Pegasus's mouth lifted a little, but she still kept the scowl on her face. Applejack knew Rainbow was still unhappy at the idea of being "babied", especially in their quest to save her parents. Rainbow sniffed, and didn't look at the pony on the other side of the table. "Awww, RD, don't be like that. Ah know ya like ta sleep, so Ah though' Ah migh' as well let ya lie a little longer." Rainbow finally smiled. "Yeah, yeah, I know. It's just… this is already my problem and I'm dragging my friends into this. I want to be on top of everything, ya know?" Applejack nodded. Rainbow's pride meant that she hated to burden others, particularly with her own problems. Being the Element of Loyalty made nothing easier, as she would feel like she had been disloyal in leaving her friends in the first place, then bringing back a problem for them to contend with. AJ understood Rainbow, and reached a hoof across to take the cyan one, in friendship. "Rainbow, Ah've said it before, an' Ah'll say it again. Ya've done so much fer us in the pas', RD. Ya shouldn't face everythin' alone. As yer friends, we wanna do this, we wanna help. We need ta rely on each other. So don' be too hard on yerself." The proud flier sighed and nodded. "Your right, AJ. But still…" They sat in silence for a while, until the timer on the oven gave a small "ding", indicating that the cooking was done. "I got it!" Rainbow was out of the chair and over at the oven in a flash, making herself useful. The orange pony smiled at her friend, but felt a pang as she felt Rainbow's hoof slip away. She rolled her eyes. Rainbow always had to prove her point. When the breakfast was finally out, the clock was ticking over to six in the morning. They needed to set out soon, and ate breakfast hurriedly. As they cleaned up their plates and set aside the rest of the food for the rest of the Apple family, Big Mac, Applebloom and Granny Smith were making their way down the stairs. "Mornin'!" Applejack said with some surprise. "Why are y'all up so early?" "To say goodbye to ya and Rainbow, of course!" The yellow filly piped up, throwing herself at AJ. "Wow! Your armour looks so cool! Are ya sure Ah can't come along?" The older sibling laughed, hugging her sister back. "We talked abou' this already, 'Bloom." Shaking her head, she lowered herself to the filly's level. "Ah told ya yesterday that ya can' come. Not the kinda thing a young filly like yerself should come on." "Awww, okay… Take care, big sis!" Applebloom squeezed her sister, before letting go and turning to Rainbow. "WOW, Rainbow, ya look awesome!" Rainbow chuckled and swung the little filly onto her back. "Thanks, squirt! Now while your sister's gone, you better look after the place." Rainbow was grinning, and gave AJ a quick wink." "Ya bet!" Applejack turned to her older brother. The red colt was smiling at his sister, concern in his eyes. "Take care, lil' sis. Be careful out there." "Ah will, Big Mac. Thanks." Applejack hugged him. "Look after the farm while Ah'm gone! Ah'm sorry ta be leavin' ya like this." Big Mac only shook his head, indicating that the apology wasn't needed. "Ya do what ya have ta do." "Applejack." The orange pony trotted over to the old green mare. "Ah knew ya since ya were a righ' small filly. Ah know ya will be fine. Be careful. An' come back. Both of ya." "Yes, gran'ma." AJ hugged Granny Smith tightly, before turning and joining Rainbow by the door. "Ah'll miss y'all. But we'll be back before ya know it! Ah promise." And with a last hug, a last wave, the two ponies began their dangerous journey. The seven o'clock train for Canterlot was pulling in when they arrived at the station. Showing their tickets to the inspector, he kindly waved them aboard. The speedy trip to the glittering city was passed in silence. Applejack could see that Rainbow was thinking deeply. About what, she wasn't sure. But if she could have guessed, she was sure it concerned Rainbow's parents. Not wanting to disturb the Pegasus, she spent the journey simply watching Rainbow out of the corner of her eyes. When the train pulled into Canterlot, they hopped off, changing for the 9 o'clock train to Dodge Junction. They had some time to wonder around for a while, and Applejack suggested walking through the streets. "Come on, Rainbow, ya've been awfully quiet all trip." Surrounded by the chatter of everyday life in the busy city, AJ managed to get Rainbow out of her sombre mood. By the time their train arrived, the rainbow-maned pony had regained some of her vigour. "And then I sprang up behind Twilight, and yelled 'BOO!' Her face was so funny!" Rainbow laughed, recounting one of her many pranks on the purple unicorn. Applejack shook her head, smiling at the story, and the change in Rainbow's mood. The two day trip on the train would have been dull, but the company of a best friend alleviated the boredom. Between the hoof-wrestling, arguing about one thing or another, eating and sleeping, Applejack found herself sharing stories with Rainbow, and getting to know her better than ever. As Rainbow recounted another one of her flying exploits, Applejack reflected on their time together. In the last few months, since Rainbow literally crashed back into their lives after three years of absence, Applejack had felt painfully distant from the Pegasus. But the time they spent together showed just how much Rainbow hadn't changed. She was still the annoying, cheeky, brash, arrogant, proud pony that would always be the loyalest of ponies, the loyalest of friends. She was still the pony AJ had fallen in love with all those years ago. If anything, the jokes, games, work and competitions they shared made AJ love her even more than she ever had in her life. And the fact that Applejack couldn't have Rainbow… but then again, 's always the sweetest fruit that we can't have.AJ looked away, her mind on the apple. "AJ? Applejack? APPLEJACK." The orange pony was jolted from her thoughts by her name. She looked back at the Pegasus to see her concerned eyes trained on her emerald ones. "Are you alright?" Applejack quickly looked down, mumbling, "Ah'm fine." "No you're not." "Ah am." "Applejack." "What? Ah said Ah was fine!" Applejack glared at the pony sitting across from her. But the look on Rainbow's face melted her heart instantly. "Ah'm sorry, Rainbow. Ah didn't mean ta be so short with ya." "Don't worry about it. But I can tell you aren't okay. You always tell me to let it out. You can talk to me, AJ." She found herself at a stalemate position. She couldn't tell the Pegasus what was on her mind. But she couldn't lie either. AJ bit her tongue, worried. What do Ah say? What do Ah do? She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and looked directly into the deep rose of Rainbow's eyes. Her Rainbow. Taking a deep breath, she spoke. "Ah can't tell ya, Rainbow. Not righ' now, anyway. Remember when ya asked me ta wait, when ya couldn' tell me what was botherin' ya?" She nodded. "Well, can Ah ask ya ta do the same fer me?" Rainbow sat back and thought for a moment. After a minute, she nodded, but asked "Do you promise to tell me what it is?" Applejack bit her tongue. That rainbow maned Pegasus was making it hard for her. Finally, she gave a nod. "Alrigh'. Ah promise ta tell ya abou' it." "Pinkie Pie promise?" "Pinkie Pie promise." Rainbow accepted that, and began another one of her stories. Applejack half listened, her mind still on what had just happened. Yeah, she decided. Ah'll tell her one day… But Rainbow had never specified when. Applejack could tell Rainbow with her last dying breath. The two days passed in a blur. Time always passed faster when AJ was around that crazy cyan pony. She couldn't decide whether to be ecstatic over having the next two weeks with Rainbow to herself, or terrified that in those two weeks Rainbow would realise the truth about her feelings. As they alighted from the train and entered the little village that was Dodge Junction, Rainbow confidently led the way to the inn, and booked them a room to stay for the night. Things were right on schedule: the fourth day of their mission would see the beginning of the trek through the desert. Spending the day double-checking and triple-checking the plans and their supplies, as dusk drew in and Celestia's sun had almost moved aside completely for Luna's moon, they decided to go for a stroll, and dine at the small café on the corner of Dodge Junction's main square. The stars shone brightly out here, even more than in Ponyville, Applejack decided. It was beautiful, and yet looking at the stars with Rainbow by her side was more painful than all the times she had done it alone. It brought back memories, of them lying together in the grass, pointing up at random shapes that they made out of the sparkling dots painted on the velvet canvas that was the sky. It had been romantic. Neither pony ever admitted that they enjoyed that kind of stuff, but Applejack loved those moments, and she was sure the Pegasus, tough and tomboyish, loved them just as much. Not anymore… She held her sigh in, lest Rainbow noticed, but the pain in her chest, her heart, couldn't simply be wished away. Walking through the streets of the town, it also reminded her of that time when she had run away after losing the rodeo. Her friends had come running after her. And Rainbow had run the hardest, searched the longest for her missing friend. Applejack recalled the tackle Rainbow made, trying to stop her from running any further. The embarrassment and shame she had felt for losing, and for running away after that. But her greatest fear, even then, was for Rainbow to see her as a failure, to pity her. But instead, the pony was understanding and supportive. Her friends had all convinced her to come back, not caring that she didn't win. But what made her happiest was Rainbow Dash, standing by her. Sitting at the café, Applejack and Rainbow ate a fairly decent meal of daisy salad, hay fries and lemon tart. After eating, Rainbow wiped her mouth with a foreleg and looked across at the Stetson-clad pony. "The tart was nice, but I think I prefer apple." AJ smiled, but said nothing. Time flew by, and it was getting closer to bedtime. They had an early start tomorrow, ready to leave at six in the morning. They had to travel south to the rock range first, a day of travel. This was necessary for cover when they travelled in the day, and shelter in the night. "Alrigh', sugarcube, time fer us ta turn in. We got an early start tomorrow, an' we need ta sleep well." "Yeah, yeah." Rainbow stretched, getting to her hooves. Applejack made her way back to the inn, and Rainbow followed, flying close to the ground. Climbing up the stairs to their room, Rainbow floated over to her bed and dropped down on top of the covers. Stretching again, she yawned widely before turning to look at AJ, who had made her way over to her own. "AJ?" "Sugarcube?" "Do you remember when you came out here after losing that rodeo?" Applejack gave an embarrassed smile, "Ah do." The Pegasus's eyes glinted in the moonlight that came through the window. "Were you really that upset about losing that you came all the way out here without even saying goodbye?" The orange pony thought for a moment. "Ah guess… after tha' party y'all threw fer me, Ah was so determined ta win. We needed tha' money ta fix up the town hall. When Ah didn't get the prize money, Ah was so ashamed. Y'all were counting on me, an' Ah let y'all down. Ah guess Ah was too proud." Rainbow sat up and looked at AJ seriously. "Applejack, we needed the money, but you didn't have to win it. We would've gotten it some other way. And I dunno how you could ever be ashamed of yourself. In case you've forgotten, you were awarded the best pony in Ponyville." Applejack smiled at that. "Ah also happened ta make a bit of a fool of mahself then too." "Only 'cause you had to stay up all day and all night to buck those apple trees." "Ah had too! Big Mac was hurt, Ah didn't have help. Ah had to get all those trees sorted mahself!" "No! You had help, but you refused it until the very end," Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "And you always tell me to rely on my friends more." Applejack grumbled. The words "unfair" and "pride" could be heard. "You're too proud, AJ," Rainbow laughed. "An' you're one ta talk." Both ponies chuckled at that. Similar in so many ways… Except one. Ah love her… but she doesn't love me… Settling down, Rainbow tugged the sheets over herself, rolling over to sleep. "G'night, AJ." "G'night, RD." Murf murf murf. I don't even know. Thanks to everyone again, for being really supportive about my writing, I know the quality isn't all it should be, but there are a gajillion things to think about so I'm glad I can get things down. It's a bit short, but next update will be 6000+ and you'll enjoy it. Trust me. Thanks again! Until next time... 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.