Appledashery

by Just Essay

One Pegasus Sneaking Mission

The next afternoon, Rainbow Dash came to a stop, her legs buckling. She gritted her teeth, tightened her muscles, and somehow kept from collapsing. A chariot full of salt licks came to a rolling stop behind her, bumping slightly into her flank and tale.

A shuddering breath left her lips. She gazed up and across the rich lawn of the Trottingham manor. Several stagecoaches had been gathered along the curved driveway, and multiple chauffeurs had gathered by the garage, sharing complimentary glasses of lemonade and chatting with the house’s maidens.

It didn’t take long for a familiar face to show up. The butler strode across the springy grass, making a bee-line for the regular deliverer.

“Hmmm. It seems as if you’re earlier with each passing occasion. Normally, I’d be awestruck, but I feel as though the charm is wearing off.”

Rainbow Dash said nothing. With a limp toss of her mane, she reached into her apron, pulled the clipboard out in her teeth, and gave it to the stallion.

“Hmmm? What’s this?” The butler took his time in signing his name, glancing at Rainbow Dash’s sullen expression between every penstroke. “No witty remark. No jocular outburst?”

“You want me to unload the bricks this time?” the pegasus muttered in a dull tone.

The butler squinted at her for a few seconds, then cleared his throat. “No, Miss Dash. Though you’ve proven swift and punctual, we’re not paying Banner Company for that service. Wait here while I summon the usual workhorses.”

With a twirl of his tuxedo, the stallion marched off.

Rainbow sat back on her haunches, relaxing her body within the confines of the chariot’s riggings. She took a few deep breaths. Deep perspiration dried along her sides and wing joints, leaving a saline grit clinging to her blue coat hairs. She tried not to get too relaxed, however, judging by how easily her legs wanted to become putty. Nervously, she gave her body a little shake. Her ears heard the rattle of the pill box in her apron.

Then another noise struck her ears, something she thought she had shaken over the past fourteen hours, but in fact was still haunting her past the restless night and the tedious morning of routine deliveries.

She clenched her eyes shut, entreating the darkness, and still the sound of Applejack’s sobbing voice drew across her subconscious. Gritting her teeth, she brushed two hooves repeatedly over her ears, as if attempting to squeeze the memory out.

She failed.

Blood rushed to her head. She saw stars blossoming beneath her clenched eyelids. And then, out from the shadows, another voice rose into clarity. A male voice, eloquent, enthusiastic…

...and talking about apples.

Rainbow Dash gasped, her eyes opening. She stood up straight, looking left and right in darting motions. Then, at least, she gazed towards the edge of the lawn, bordering the hedge garden at the manor’s rear.

A unicorn stallion trotted down a cobblestone path, levitating a champagne glass as he spoke to a group of finely dressed ponies shuffling along after him. Rainbow recognized the stallion’s monocle and petite mustache immediately. But that wasn’t all.

An earth pony--one of the manor master’s many visitors--trotted in open view. His graying brown mane contrasted with his stone-colored coat beneath his business suit. When he replied to one of the host’s many comments, Rainbow’s heart jolted at the sound of his twangy accent.

“Filthy Rich…”

Something deep inside her sneered, like a beast of Tartarus rattling at the end of its chains.

Nevertheless, she took a deep breath, glanced left and right, then--once she saw that nopony was looking--she unhooked herself from her riggings and galloped away from the chariot. Sliding up to a wall of green hedges, she made sure she was hidden and waited for the host and his visitors to trot out of view. Then, with her every limb locked into steely stealth, Rainbow Dash followed the stallions until she was within earshot.

Comments

[Tchernobog]

Oh nooo... Dash, you're too colorful for stealth! Don't risk your job by snooping! D:

[zaponator]

Hmm, is she seeking Fancy Pants as a new partner, or is she gonna give Filthy a beating talking-to and convince him to resign the Apples?

[aleistergreynight]

4215915 How about a Twilight style lecture?

[Metal Aura]

Something odd is afoot with Filthy backstabbing AJ, costing the farm an arm and a leg. With RD's deliveries as forming the backbone of their operation she must use her ear to get to the bottom of this even if it stops her from getting ahead in buisness. At least I think that is what is happening.

[SaraWalker107]

THIS WILL NOT END WELL!!!! FOR ANYONE!!!!!!!!

[Snow]

Rainbow Dash has a negative stealth score. It is a level of stealthiness only reserved for eighteen-wheelers in the middle of a violent explosion, death metal, and your upstairs neighbor's hyperactive toddler.

[arancaytar]

...and talking about apples.

Uh oh

“Filthy Rich…”

Oh dear

This won't end well.