Appledashery

by Just Essay

Roadtrippery

There was no sleeping that night, not even for the likes of Mulia, Gustave, or Donut Joe. Between police questions, interpony conversations, and the sheer ghastly sight of the collapsed cider mill, everyone involved with the dream stayed up well into the early morning. It was with a sullen shuffle that they eventually left Shindig Soils. The local authorities found a friendly hotel where the group could be sequestered, and eventually—over the next two days—they found the time to relax.

There was more questioning to be had, this time involving a group of unicorn investigators who had ridden down fom Atlantrot. Much inquiry was made about the dark chalice that was now in Fillyda police custody. Stu Leaves and Applejack told them as much as they knew about the sons of Shindig, their plans, and their accomplice Silver Shill. Rainbow Dash also informed them, keeping her tone subtle and discrete, then thanking her lucky stars that the investigators failed to ask about the possession of a chaos shard... much like the one she had hidded and nestled in her saddlepack.

Once that was done, it was time for the eeriest thing yet: a parting of ways. Applejack, Stu, and Rainbow bade an emotional farewell to the likes of Mulia, Gustave, and Donut Joe. It was too early to guess the financial repercussions of what Shindig's "invitation" had done to their businesses, but Applejack and Rainbow both pledged to use their connections back in Ponyville to try giving the three bakers a leg-up. The trio expressed their gratitude and left, appearing suitably cheerful—perhaps at being alive and not dreaming.

The same enthusiasm made the first half of the ride north more bearable for Rainbow and her friends. During the second half, Rainbow's lethargy caught up with her. She had consumed most of the medicine that Zecora and Noir had provided, and her legs were starting to fail her. If she had any hopes of appearing like a sane, healthy pegasus, then she had to consume the last container that was left. This mean lazing around and not lending a hoof much when it came to drawing the wagon through Atlantrot and beyond.

Not that it mattered: both she and Stu Leaves got plenty of breaks. It turned out that—after the whole ordeal—Applejack had gotten a fresh wind. In fact, she seemed far livelier and stronger than ever, and she pulled the wagon for the bulk of the journey almost as a way of showing her gratitude for the lengths her friends had gone through to drag her out of her enchanted situation. Applejack talked a lot—as well as hummed and smiled and chuckled. It brought many a smile to Rainbow's face, so that—by the time they had gotten back to Ponyville—she hardly realized how many days had gone by.

Comments

[zaponator]

And now we wind down.

[YoshiFawful64]

Welp, seems like this arc's coming to an end. I wonder if the next "Appledashery" chapter (that is, the chapters at the of each arc) is going to reveal anything notable.
...Probably not.

[Sheendough]

5925398 I doubt it. I think we're reaching the end of the series.

[Autumn Rush]

Huh. Figured we'd get at least a few chapters of the ride back, but ah well.

At least we'll be seeing Lancie again sometime soon.

[HopelessRomanetic]

OMG AJ is being all smiley wiley happy wappy?? Could it be because of the kiss? Could it be... Maybe she.. Just omg

[WhitewolfStormrunner]

5925411 I...don't know so much about that, hon.

Remember there's still the rest of the shards (however many that there are still left) to collect, Don Canter, Romulus and their ilk to do deal with, and various and sundry other problems that Rainbow will have to contend with in her ongoing quest to get the rest of the datned things.

So no. I don't think that this l'il adventure is over yet.

Not by a long shot.

[DrEggnog]

Awwwwwwwwww. Applejack is filled with the magic of kissing and doesn't even know it.

[arancaytar]

It was too early to guess the financial repercussions of what Shindig's "invitation" had done to their businesses, but Applejack and Rainbow both pledged to use their connections back in Ponyville to try giving the three bakers a leg-up.

Well, there's a pretty large abandoned farm whose owners are probably going to be on the hook for restitution.

Maybe with some paperwork the four would be able to get ownership. That's why they came in the first place, after all...