//------------------------------// // Regrets of Old and New // Story: Friendship's New Flight: Second Takeoff // by Masterob //------------------------------// Twilight arrived in a room with her friends; also joined by Trixie, Coco & Cheese. "Ok this will be one of the rooms we're gonna be staying in", Twilight said. Applejack looked around, "So what are the new sleeping arrangements?" Twilight poofed up a little clipboard, "I have that figured out, we're gonna have this room like always, us elements & Spike, I can also get a bed for Big Macintosh, I managed to get another room and that's where Thunderlane, Flitter & Cloudchaser will be staying; Rainbow Dash may want to join them so they can come up with any strategies they may need, but for now she will be staying with us while the foals will have their own room" Applejack put her hoof up, "Um Twilight, when you say 'foals', do you mean Rumble as well as mah sister, Rarity's sister & Scootaloo?" Applejack put slight emphasis on the 'sister' part. "Um yeah, I don't think the fillies would mind", she turned to the fillies "Isn't that right girls?" "Yeah we would" Sweetie Bell bluntly stated, causing Apple Bloom to strike her arm, and Sweetie Belle yelping in pain, "What gives Apple Bloom!?" "Come on girls, lets not resort to violence", Twilight stated with a serious face. "Ah don't mind Rumble staying, neither does Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo nodded, "I'm cool with him" Applejack spoke up, "If Sweetie doesn't want to, then ah don't think Rumble should stay with them, it shouldn't be a majority vote, it should be unanimous" Rarity cleared her throat while glaring at Applejack, "Applejack, remember what we discussed" "This has nothin' to do with Rumble", Applejack insisted, "I'm just going with what's better for the girls" Twilight sighed, clearly annoyed, "Fine, Rumble can stay with his brother & friends, better?" "Sounds fair", Applejack stated. Rarity however looked somewhat unconvinced, Coco went to her. "You look unhappy Miss raruty, what's wrong?" Coco asked in a hushed tone. "Nothing darling", she turned to leave, "Come with me Coco, while we have time lets take a walk and catch up a little, I'd like to hear what you've been doing lately" Rarity said and walked off with Coco. Pinkie went to Cheese, "Lets go check the party stuff!" "That sounds great!" The energetic duo left in a rush. Trixie approached Twilight, "Well Trixie must be off, good luck with that headstrong friend of yours, Trixie has a feeling that other Pegasus will give her a run for her bits", Trixie said and left the room. "Speaking of Rainbow Dash, I'm gonna go check on her", Fluttershy said and left. "Come on girls, lets head to our room and plan for our Cutie Marks", Apple Bloom said and left with her friends. Twilight smiled but noticed Applejack and approached her, "Are you ok AJ?" Applejack raised her eyebrow a little, "Of course, why wouldn't ah be?" "You look a little concerned, is it because of Flim & Flam?" Applejack shook her head, "I ain't worried about those nimrods" "Does this have to do with Thunderlane? Don't tell me you still hate him" "Ah don't hate Thunderlane, never have", she looked down, "But ah just can't shake this feeling" "Just remember, you said on more than one occasion you're ok with him, you're the Element of Honesty, you need to prove it" "Twi, I'm not the one who's element you should be questioning", Applejack said with a slight attitude. Twilight understood what that meant, "Rainbow hasn't done anything against her element, everyone else is fine with Thunderlane, why aren't you?" Applejack sighed, "Ah still think he needs to prove himself" "He will, just be patient", Twilight reassured, "Now I need to go talk to Celestia, in the meantime please try to lighten up". Once Applejack nodded, Twilight walked off to find Celestia while Applejack pondered to herself. "Thunderlane's a nice guy, I really need to relax, can't let this get to mah head" she decided to take a nice walk. In the a Canterlot Royal Garden, Rainbow's team was flying through, practicing the moves Rainbow Dash laid out for them. They had been flying for a small amount of time but it's already strenuous. "Come on team! We need to be fast and agile!" Rainbow shouted. The team did their best but they were still getting used to the plans and Rainbow seemed more than motivated to get the best out of them. "Cloudchaser, use your flexibility! Flitter show some grace! Move faster Thunderlane! And keep practicing that spot Rumble! Remember The Wonderbolts are gonna be watching, don't screw this up!" The Pegusai were getting a little stressed, "Rainbow relax, we're gonna pull this off but don't go nuts over it", Thunderlane stated. "Yeah you'll pull this off with a LOT of practice, keep flying, we're gonna wow the Wonderbolts", Rainbow then muttered, "And shove this in Lightning Dust's face" Fluttershy had gotten there and watched the Pegusai fly around, she noticed that Rainbow Dash was really barking out orders. "Wow she's really determined, is it because of The Wonderbolts or is it because of Lightning Dust?" While flying Rainbow noticed Fluttershy and got an idea, she then flew closer to her, "Hey Fluttershy, can you help us with something?" Fluttershy looked up, "Sure, what is it?" "Be our cheerleader, cheer like when I performed the Sonic-Rainboom, they could use the motivation!" Fluttershy looked down a bit, "I don't think I can do that again, I only did it because I got really excited" "Just try, they could use the motivation, it doesn't have to be loud, just shout encouraging things to them!" "Ok" Fluttershy cleared her throat, "Um go team, woot woot, you got this", she had barely yelled though, causing Rainbow to face hoof and rub her face down. "Come on, try to really get to them", Rainbow stated. Fluttershy took a breath and tried again, "Cloudchaser rules the sky, Flitter is a natural, Thunderlane makes the sky better looking, Rumble is such a cutie" Thunderlane stopped and grinned a bit, "Better looking huh?" "Keep flying Thunderlane!" Rainbow shouted, making Thunderlane fly quicker, then she turned to Fluttershy, "You need to work on the cheers a bit, those sounded too generic, and half barely had anything to do with flying" Rumble then flew over to Fluttershy, "So you think I'm cute?" he gave her his attempt at a suave smile. Fluttershy giggled at this a bit, he was already a jock in the making. "Get back up there kid", Rainbow said, to which Rumble obeyed, but not before waving bye to Fluttershy. "Wow, first Thunderlane, now him, those boys the attention of the girls", Fluttershy stated. Another Pegusai arrived, "Nothing wrong with that after all" Rainbow and Fluttershy turned to see Soarin of the Wonderbolts. "Holy crap, it's Soarin!" Rainbow said, trying to contain her excitement, though her eager smile and slight blush didn't help. He approached Rainbow and Fluttershy, "I thought you would be here Rainbow Dash, you were always our most loyal fan, and an awesome flyer in your own right", he observed the other Pegusai, "Looks like you've assembled your own team too, that's good, being a Wonderbolt means good teamwork, great intuition" Rainbow puffed her chest out a little, "Naturally of course, once we're done I'm sure you'll want ALL of us, we'll be fine additions to The Wonderbolts, in fact why don't you speak with them yourself, see what your future recruits are like" "If you don't mind", Fluttershy added. "Of course not", Soarin said with a smile. Rainbow Dash called out, "Yo team, Front and Center!" The others flew down to meet Soarin. "Soarin, meet Thunderlane, Flitter, Cloudchaser & Rumble" Cloudchaser was in awe, "Wow, you're THE Soarin, so cool to meet you" Soarin waved it off, "No need to make a big deal, I started off as a fan too" Flitter blushed "You're a lot cuter up close". Soarin blushed as well, "Uh thanks". "Don't start flirting Flitter, we don't need that type of reputation", Rainbow stated. "Well Flitter's not totally wrong, he is cute", Fluttershy said behind her own blush. Thunderlane looked surprised, "You really know how to get the mares to like you Soarin" Soarin shrugged, "Yeah, just a natural part of life for me", he looked to Rainbow, "Works wonders sometimes". Rainbow blushed a bit, though Thunderlane looked a bit concerned, "Right..." Rainbow turned to Rumble, "Do you have something to say to Soarin?" Rumble shook his head and stepped back a little. "Poor kid, he's a little shy, especially in front of big shots, but he opens up once you get to know him", Rainbow said. Soarin chuckled a bit, "I know I'm a Wonderbolt but it doesn't mean I'm unapproachable, I'm pretty normal myself outside The Wonderbolts gig, Spitfire takes this a LOT more seriously than I do, I do love being a Wonderbolt but like I said I'm still just a pony" "Wow so modest", Flitter said with a love sigh. "He's so sweet too", Fluttershy stated. Rainbow nodded, "He is a handsome colt, but like I said, let's not butter him up too much, we wanna impress him with our skills, not the flirting" Soarin blushed a bit at the compliments, "Don't worry Rainbow Dash, I'll judge honestly", he started to make his way out, "Well I need to be off, Spitfire's waiting, I just wanted to check on potential entrants, I saw some other Pegasus flying through, she meant business, she even had lightning behind her" Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Ugh, sounds like Lightning Dust" "Oh, Spitfire told me about her, she said she has great potential but a bit of an ego, and a bit reckless, I should probably have been at the Academy to help with that". "No matter, me and my team have this" Rainbow boasted. Cloudchaser stepped forward, "You're not really gonna consider Lightning Dust for the Wonderbolts after all of that are you?" "We have to give her a chance, besides Spitfire thinks she has potential if she gets her act together", Soarin explained. "That's a BIG if though", Rainbow Dash said. "Still, most ponies deserve another chance, so long as they don't screw it up, anyway I should be off before Spitfire gets annoyed, she's pretty scary when she's unhappy, bye everyone, keep up the good work, you got a good flyer in Rainbow Dash", Soarin left the room. Rainbow grinned, "You hear that? A Wonderbolt says I'm a good flyer, you have a great leader in me team" "Don't get a big head about it", Cloudchaser said. Thunderlane nodded, "Yeah seriously", he sounded a bit envious of Soarin. "Watch it, or I'll make you do 20 laps around the castle", Rainbow warned. Cloudchaser simply rolled her eyes and went back to the sky to continue flying. Thunderlane also went to start flying, a little concerned about how Rainbow Dash had her eyes on Soarin. Rainbow could sense Thunderlane's jealousy, she found it flattering that Thunderlane seemed jealous, she doesn't blame him, Soarin's a very handsome colt, but not the only fish in the sea. "You know Fluttershy, it's not too late to join my team, you can be a Wonderbolt too", Rainbow offered. Fluttershy shook her head, "No thanks, I'm not much of a flyer, but I will cheer you on...well on the inside" "Fine then", Rainbow said and continued flying. Meanwhile Applejack is still walking, she wasn't alone, there were plenty of ponies in the castle, some professionals, some talent. "Wow, this place sure is crowded, wonder if Big Mac's here, probably watching the family desserts". She noticed Pinkie Pie talking with Cheese Sandwich, they seemed really happy. "Wow, Pinkie looks really happy to be with Cheese, he's a nice fella though, long distant too, so he can't steal away mah friend", Applejack then realized what she said and shook her head, "Gah, what am ah saying? That was really selfish of me, what am I worried about anyway, Pinkie ain't bored of us, she wouldn't ditch us for some guy", Applejack shook again, "Land sakes Applejack, what's gotten into you?" She some laughing from Pinkie and Cheese, "Maybe I am a bit jealous, Twilight is right, I'm too possessive, I need to befriend Thunderlane, for real this time, ah need help though, I'll talk to Pinkie, she's good at this kind of stuff, fact is she's one of the reasons we're all friends in the first place", Applejack walked over to Pinkie, "Mind if I join yah both?" Pinkie smiled, "We'd love it if you came" "Yeah, the more the merrier!" Cheese said. She walked and talked with the duo. Time went by and Rainbow's team grew tired after a long time of practice. "Good work team, I think we have everything nailed down, especially in the short time we had, hopefully tomorrow we can squeeze in some extra practice, but for now go rest". The team landed, Rumble started making his way out the room, "I'm gonna meet up with the Crusaders". "I'll go with you, come on Fluttershy, you know where the rooms are", Flitter said. The 3 walked off leaving Soarin, Thunderlane & Rainbow behind. "Well since you all did well, I'm gonna treat you to something nice", Rainbow said. "You don't have to do that Rainbow", Thunderlane stated. Cloudchaser nodded, "Yeah, no big deal" "Hey, I wouldn't be much of a coach if I didn't show my team a little gratitude". Thunderlane & Cloudchaser glanced at each other for a moment, then nodded. "Ok we'll go", Thunderlane said. The trio left to find a place to grab something to eat. Meanwhile in another part of the castle, Lightning Dust is practicing her own moves, "Wait til the Wonderbolts see this, they'll be begging me to join, Spitfire will regret giving my lead pony badge to Rainbow Dash", she continued flying, unaware she had an audience of the Flim Flam brothers & Suri Polomare. "She's pretty good, sure fired Wonderbolt for sure", Flim stated. "Yeah, sure is, anyway why are we here Suri?" Flam asked. Surti turned to Flim with a sinister like smile, "To give her an offer, should she become a Wonderbolt, she could be an excellent sponsor for our business". Flim scratched his head, "Why would she want to sponsor us?" Suri turned back to Lightning Dust, "Because we all have a common enemy, if we want to stick it to The Elements, why not get those who despise the Elements as much as we do? She'll get in The Wonderbolts, but if she doesn't...well we can make a little back-up plan". "What type of back-up?" Flam asked. "We'll figure something out, after all, we're all good business ponies after all". They heard another voice, "If you were all good business ponies, you wouldn't have been easily bested and humiliated by the friends of Twilight Sparkle" They turned to see Trixie. "Oh it's you, that Trixie girl", Suri said with very little enthusiasm "Mind your tongue, Trixie has challenged The Elements on more than one occasion, so Trixie knows more of their power than you" "That 3rd person talk is like, really annoying okay, can you talk like a regular pony for once?" Suri stated. "Trixie is no regular pony, she's a pony of her own", she flipped her mane a bit to show off. Suri looked at her with slight disgust, "Yeah whatever, why are you here?" "Like you, Trixie has come to see this Lightning Dust pony, this Lightning Dust pony seems like quite the pony, especially to get that Rainbow-mane nuisance all riled up, so Trixie applauds her for being able to so such a feat". "Well just remember, we were here first, don't think you can steal her away as a sponsor, she's gonna work for us", Suri warned. "Technically one can have more than one sponsor, but Trixie's reasons for observing Lightning Dust have little to do with that". "If you say so, now that I care that much", she gestuered for the brothers to follow her, "Come on boys, lets go give Lightning Dust our business proposition" "Yes ma'am", the brothers said. They approached Lightning Dust when she landed, Suri spoke first, "Hello Lightning Dust, my name is Suri Polomare, these boys are The Flim Flam Brothers" "Hello!" both said. Lightning Dust didn't look impressed, "What do you want?" Suri chuckled a bit, "I'll get to the point, I see that you're destined to do great things, a Wonderbolt in the making, a big star if you will, so we'd like to know if you would be ever so willing sponsor our business, you promote us and we'll promote you, you can be the big star we believe you can be, we'll make millions of bits and live the way we're meant to live", Suri stuck her hoof out for a hoofshake, "What do you say?" Lightning Dust needed a few seconds to take that in, "You want me to sponsor you? What is your business anyway?" "Personally I'm gonna start my own fashion industry, the boys are a little new to that but they have excellent business savy, they're very convincing, and should our business expand, they may try their own ideas, work with me and I will put your face on every t-shirt, I can even make a custom Wonderbolt outfit for you, so...what will it be?" Lightning Dust thought for a bit, "Give me some time to think about it, I'll give you an answer tomorrow". Suri smiled a bit, "Of course, take your time, I'm confident you'll make the right choice", Suri started to walk, "Lets go boys". The brothers smiled. "She's quite the mare, isn't she Flam?" "Sure is Flim, my type of mare" Flim glared a little, "Just remember, I saw her first". Flam glared back, "No you didn't, I saw her first" While the brothers argued and followed Suri, Trixie approached Lightning Dust. "Looks like you have a lot riding for you potentially". Lightning Dust eyed Trixie a bit, "What do you want? Wait aren't you that Trixie chick that's responsible for some Ursa Major thing?" "THAT WASN'T MY FAULT!" Trixie stopped and calmed down a bit, "Sorry, that still bothers Trixie a little, to be blamed for something that you had no control over". Lightning nodded a bit, "I get that, I know what it's like to be blamed for something that's beyond your control, it ruined my dream of being in the Wonderbolts, but I have a chance to redeem myself" "Trixie is glad she has someone to relate to, you yourself aren't alone in this, Trixie will let you finish your training, but Trixie has one thing to say". "You're gonna offer me a sponsorship deal too?" Trixie shook her head, "Not that, Trixie wants you to know that while you may feel hatred for others, you don't have to be alone on this, when I first saw you I could sense that there's a chance you felt like somepony wronged you, especially from the tone in your voice, if you need some guidance on how to deal with the hatred, that's what Trixie is here for". Lightning Dust looked curious, "Uh, what?" "Don't worry about it, I'll leave you to your practice, good bye for now Lightning Dust", she pulled Lightning into a brief hug, really confusing her. She doesn't know Trixie and yet she was just hugged by her, though it didn't last. After the hug Trixie had left Lightning to her business. Lightning Dust now had several conflicting emotions; revenge on Rainbow Dash, getting into The Wonderbolts, Sponsoring Suri & The Flim Flam Brothers, Friendship with Trixie, not to mention that random and awkward hug; but for now she needs to focus on her training, she continued to practice her moves. At the room with The Crusaders, the foals are plotting for their Cutie Marks while Flitter is combing Fluttershy's mane. "I can't wait to see Soarin again, he's such a cutie", Flitter said. "He's also a sweetheart", Fluttershy added. Sweetie Belle noticed what was happening and spoke to the other crusaders, "How come we don't comb each other's manes?" "Because that's lame", Scootaloo said, with slight attitude. "Yeah it's not really mah type of thing", Apple Bloom added. "And I'm not a filly", Rumble acknowledged. Sweetie glared at Rumble a bit, "Like I'm letting you anywhere near my mane". Apple Bloom grew frustrated, "I'm getting really tired of you being mean to Rumble, one more crack and you're gonna be sent out of this room and back to yer sister" Sweetie Belle did an unlady like snort, "Fine, whatever" Rumble looked a little unhappy, "Sweetie Belle, why don't you like me? I like you" Sweeite Belle turned away, trying to hide a blush, "Just don't talk to me" Scootaloo was really starting regret the idea of Rumble in the Crusaders due to the rift it's causing between her friends, though she maintained some hope that things could iron out. Apple Bloom nuzzled Rumble a bit, "Don't worry, ah still like yah". Rumble blushed a bit and nuzzled back, "Thanks, you're sweeter than your family's desserts". Sweetie & Scootaloo rolled their eyes, mostly for different reasons. Flitter and Fluttershy however, giggled when they heard that. "Hes such a sweetie", Fluttershy said. "He's like his brother, hitting on all the girls, except he's got cuteness overload on his side", Flitter said. Meanwhile Applejack was walking looking for Thunderlane, "Ok, just find Thunderlane and make peace, ah hope Pinkie's advice works" She started walking down the hall that had the room the crusaders were in. Meanwhile Apple Bloom continued to nuzzle Rumble, Rumble then noticed the smell of her hair, "Your hair smells like apples" Apple Bloom giggled, "Well ah DO live on an apple farm" "Ugh get a room you two", Sweetie Belle said, though blushing in her own right. Scootaloo just blushed a bit envious like. Apple Bloom shot a glare at Sweetie Belle for her crack. "Get a room? For what?" Rumble asked. Apple Bloom smiled deviously, "For this", Apple Bloom gave Rumble a kiss on his cheek, causing him to blush madly. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gawked at that. They couldn't believe what they saw. Apple Bloom gave Rumble a love gaze, "Liked that, didn't yah?" Rumble gulped and scooted backwards, "Uh yeah, sure?" "Hey, don't leave", Apple Bloom walked toward Rumble, "That was just the appetizer, we're just getting-" then she tripped and fell on Rumble. Flitter and Fluttershy noticed what happened and blushed when they saw Apple Bloom on Rumble. Sweetie & Scootaloo also looked surprised. Apple Bloom and Rumble were blushing as well. "Sorry about that", Apple Bloom said. They both tried to get up but tripped over each other's tails and fell again, this time with Rumble on top. Scootaloo had giggled a bit, just based on how awkward that looked. Sweetie looked like she was blushing angrily and turned away, "That clutz" Outside Applejack heard some thumping, "What's going on in there? Ah hope they're not playing rough" Inside Rumble's face turned redder, "Wow this is awkward". "Ah kinda like this, plus yer close enough for this", Apple Bloom said and leaned in to kiss Rumble, causing him to blush madly and also causing Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle to stare wide-eyed, jaw dropped and blush heavy. Flitter & Flutteshy also looked surprised at what they saw. Applejack entered the room, "Hey are ya'll playing-" she noticed Rumble on top of Apple Bloom, locked in a kiss, "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!?" Everyone noticed Applejack, even more the rage in her eyes. Apple Bloom broke her kiss and realized the situation that Applejack discovered, "Crap...Rumble, you should run" "But I..." Applejack's eyes showed nothing but rage & fury, "I KNEW IT! I KNEW YOU'D TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MAH SISTER!" Rumble jumped off, "Applejack wait, I-I-I wasn't, uh, I swear that-" "You just crossed a very fine line boy, yer gonna pay the price now", Applejack said with malicious intent in her voice. "But Applejack!" Rumble pleaded. "RUMBLE JUST RUN!" Apple Bloom shouted. Applejack ran to grab Rumble but he flew up and dashed out the room. As Applejack turned around Flitter grabbed Applejack from behind, "Don't you dare hurt him!" "BUZZ OFF!" Applejack freed herself and buck-kicked Flitter in the face, knocking her out, then she ran after Rumble. Fluttershy tended to Flitter, "Oh no, Flitter", she checked and saw some blood come out of her mouth, she was out cold, "Girls, quick, go find the others, let them know about Applejack & Flitter, hurry!" The girls didn't waste time, they ran to find their sisters & friends while Fluttershy rested Flitter on the bed. Meanwhile Rumble was maneuvering around, doing his best to keep away from Applejack, however the in his halls of the castle were a maze in his panicked haste to get away from Applejack. He couldn't fly as fast or as long as he wanted due to his wings still being somewhat sore from all the training Rainbow Dash put him through. "Rumble! Where the hell are yah!?" Applejack was still steamed, "When I find yah I'm gonna break every bone in your perverted little body!" Rumble was getting more frightened by the minute, he needed to find a hiding place. He searched around carefully, hoping he would not run into Applejack. As he walked he tried several doors, most of them locked though. "Ruuuumbleeee!" he heard Applejack call in a sing-song voice, causing his heart rate to acceletate, "You can't hide forever, I'm going to find yah, and I'm going to make you pay!" her voice getting more sinister with each word she spoke. Rumble panicked with tears in his eyes and flew around. Applejack stormed around the halls, most ponies nearby hid in their rooms, not wanting to see an angry Applejack storm the halls. Eventually Rumble found a closet to hide in and waited, hoping that Applejack would eventually give up the search. "Rumble you are trying mah patience! The more I wait the more this is gonna hurt yah! Show yourself boy!" Rumble was sitting and hoping she would leave, he was really scared, he started mumbling to himself. "I wanna go home, I wanna go home, I don't wanna be here, I want to go back home, home is safe, it's not safe here!" He soon started sobbing, "I wish she would go away, please something make her leave" His heart sank when he heard the knob turning. "No, no, no, just go away! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you mad, I didn't try to take advantage of your sister! I swear I wasn't, please just don't hurt me!" The knob turned more and the door opened, Rumble started screaming in fear and turned around and cowered. "NO! GO AWAY! I'M SORRY DON'T HURT ME!" Rumble was hysterical now, tears rolling down his face, the door opened, Rumble started hyperventilating, "I JUST WANNA GO HOME NOW!" He felt a hoof grab his shoulder and it turned him around, causing him to scream little more, "NO! PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!" "Rumble stop screaming, it's me!" Rumble took a good look at the pony, "Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow smiled, "Yeah, it's me little guy" Rumble grabbed Rainbow into a strong hug, "I'm so happy it's you, you'll keep me safe right!?" Rainbow patted his head, "Of course, you're my friend, don't worry I'm here for you" Thunderlane and Cloudchaser also approached him, relieved he's ok. "Scootaloo found us and told us what happened", Cloudchaser said. "You're safe now Rumble", Thunderlane reassured. Soon Applejack found Rumble, "There you are!" she approached Rumble with rage in her eyes but was blocked by Rainbow, Cloudchaser & Thunderlane, "Get out of my way" "I'm not gonna let you hurt him!" Rainbow shouted. "I said move", Applejack got closer but Cloudchaser stepped up. "Try something and you'll regret it, after what you did to my sister and what you tried to do to Rumble, it's taking a lot for me not to hurt you, I'm only holding back out of respect for Rainbow Dash, but it's a very thin line!" "The little bastard tried to have his way with mah sister, you best-" "What did you call my brother?" Thunderlane was steamed now. Applejack looked Thunderlane straight in the eye, "You heard me, yer brother, is a little, bastard" Thunderlane gritted his teeth, he was furious, "You hurt my friend, you threaten my brother, you chase him and scare the life out of him, then you have the nerve to insult him? Why you...you're nothing...nothing...but a real..." Thunderlane was so steamed he couldn't think of the word he wanted. "You're a real bitch!" Cloudchaser finished. Applejack glared at Cloudchaser, "Watch your damn mouth or I'll-" "DON'T YOU DARE THREATEN MY FRIEND! IN FACT I'M DONE WITH YOU!" Thunderlane shouted in Applejack's face, then went to his brother, "Lets go, we're need to get away from here" Rumble sniffled a little, "I wanna go home". Rainbow looked over to Rumble, "You don't need to go, we'll keep you safe from her". Thunderlane sighed, "Sorry Dash, but I'm with Rumble here, I don't think it's safe for him to be here anymore, not with Applejack", Thunderlane saying the last part with some malice. "But Thunder, the competition tomorrow, we can send Applejack home". "You're kidding right?" Applejack said. Rainbow glared, "Keep your freaken mouth shut!", Applejack turned away and huffed while Rainbow turned back to Thunderlane, "Come on Thunder, I need you...I...I, dammit Thunder I want you here, please don't go". Thunderlane sighed, "I want to be here too, but I need to think of my brother, not to mention Flitter's hurt, I'm not sure if she'll be able to compete anyway, besides you don't need us, you're an awesome flyer, you'll get into The Wonderbolts and be a star, like Soarin said, you're a great flyer". Rainbow shut her eyes, she was sad and really angry, but she understood this situation, "You're right Thunder, not about The Wonderbolts or me being a great flyer, which I am, you're right about your brother, and Flitter, don't worry about me". Applejack rolled her eyes but kept to herself for the moment. "Lets go Rumble", Thunderlane said and turned back to Rainbow Dash, "We're gonna go pack up, come see us off if you'd like" Thunderlane, Cloudchaser and Rumble walked off. Rumble looked to Rainbow a bit sad, he felt bad about leaving her, but he felt too scared to be around Applejack. Rainbow turned to Applejack, "I hope you're happy" "Hey his brother started it", Applejack argued. Rainbow grew furious and got in Applejack's face, "THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T GIVE THUNDERLANE A CHANCE! WHO ARE YOU TO DECIDE WHO I CAN AND CAN'T BE FRIENDS WITH!?" Applejack grew frustrated, "Maybe if you didn't go off and start treating them like your best friends in the world and trying to replace us-" "I wasn't trying to replace you! Notice that I wanted ALL OF YOU to like them! Look at Fluttershy, she's become friends with Flitter, Twilight herself likes Thunderlane, everyone else is cool but you just don't want to share! Well you know what, you're getting your wish, I'm done with you!" Applejack's eyes shot wide, "What did you say to me?" "I'm done, finished, I want nothing more to do with you, any of our friends who want to join me are more than welcome to, but not you, I despise you!" Applejack couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Did you forget about your element?" "Screw the elements, they don't define me", she turned away, "Good-bye Applejack", Rainbow said and walked off. Applejack was still infuriated, "What does Thunderlane have that we don't anyway? Why are you so concerned about being his friend!?" Rainbow stopped and turned around, "Ever think that maybe I want a little more than a friendship from Thunderlane?" she then continued to walk, leaving Applejack alone, a little regret starting to build within her.