A Safe Place (The Last Roundup)
Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight made their way back to Dodge Junction. The walk was relatively cheerful for the later three, with everypony just relieved that Applejack was safe and happy to come home. Dash started out absolutely thrilled with that, but as they got closer to the town something darker crept in.
Applejack just abandoned her over losing a stupid rodeo. She put her through Tartarus, and nearly gave her a nervous breakdown, just because she got second place. She was willing to throw away their love, her family, her friends, all because she was embarrassed. Something was wrong with that.
But that meant that AJ must have been lying, or at least not telling the whole truth. Two weeks ago, that would have seemed like a completely crazy idea. But in the past few days, Applejack had shown that she could get pretty technical with her definition of honesty.
Dash was getting really frustrated, she hated being alone, she hated these dumb guessing games, and she hated the pony she loved more than anything in the world for putting her through all of this. She had to talk to AJ. No, to be honest she had to yell at AJ. She had to make AJ see exactly what she was doing, and find out what had happened to turn her strong, honest marefriend into somepony who would break her heart over some ribbons.
Once they were on the train back to Ponyville, Dash turned to Twilight and Fluttershy.
“Guys, I have to have a talk with my marefriend.”
“Dash,” AJ whispered, “Cut out the marefri-”
“No. Right now I've had it with you hiding things. They already know, there's nopony else in this car, so I don't see why I should have to make them guess why I need them to leave for a little bit.”
“Um, we would've figured it out.” Twilight said, looking between Dash and AJ.
Dash threw a glare at Twilight.
“Right! Leaving! Come on, Fluttershy. I think these two need some time alone.”
As Twilight and Fluttershy headed to the next car over, Dash heard Fluttershy whisper “I hope they don't hurt each other.” Dash figured it was a little late for that. Then the door closed behind them.
“So.” Dash said, her anger giving the word a sarcastic bite. “Why did you leave?”
Applejack bit her lip and looked away, “I told ya', bout the ribbons and not winnin' the prize money.”
Dash narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, I heard that. It's probably true, you can't lie. Though you seem to be getting better at it these days.”
“I did not lie!” AJ said defensively.
“Maybe not, but you were doing some fancy hoofwork around the truth there. And you're still doing it. So are you gonna tell me the truth, or are you gonna let me believe that some stupid rodeo prize means more to you than I do?”
Applejack looked at Dash, shocked at the blunt accusation.“That ain't it at all! You know you mean the world to me.”
“Then tell me why you left me.” Dash said slowly, through gritted teeth.
“I'm sorry. I just. . . I failed. I let Ponyville down. I let my family down. I let you down. I just can't do it, and I thought it'd be better if I just quit now, before anypony else gets disappointed.”
Applejack did look genuinely sorry, but nothing in what she said made Dash feel any better, or did anything to make up for the anguish she'd been through, which just made her angrier at AJ.
“You lost at a rodeo, so you decided to abandon your entire life? You know, on the crazy scale this is up there with Twilight almost destroying the town over that stupid friendship report! You're tougher than that, AJ! I'm not buying it.”
Applejack just sighed, defeated. “Well I guess that's one more thing I messed up. I can't even give up right.”
“Argh! Will you listen to yourself? What is going on?” Dash rose into the air, gesturing with her front hooves. “Do you know how much you hurt your family and friends? Do you know how much you hurt me, how scared I was that something happened to you, how scared I am now that this was all my fault?”
“I said I'm sorry.” Applejack whispered.
“I don't want an apology! I want honesty!” Dash shouted, but she went on in an even tone, “And I never thought I'd have to ask you for that.”
“Stop it!” She yelled, nearly in tears. “I don't need to hear more ways I'm messin' up right now.”
“Fine.” Dash took a deep breath. She knew that she had every right to be angry, every right to demand the truth, but she couldn't just keep attacking AJ. “I'm not telling you how you messed up. I'm telling you how you can keep from messing up again. You can tell me right now what the hay has gotten into you, or. . . or we're over.”
Applejack just stared at Dash, and Dash tried to keep her expression strong. Despite her appearance, she was near crying, and every thought was begging Applejack not to call her bluff.
After what seemed like an eternity, Applejack sat down and looked at the floor. She gave a big sigh, then said softly, “Just look at my life. I got a whole farm to run, and a family I gotta take care of. Mac don't pay attention to nothin' but the crops, and Granny's gettin' too old and Apple Bloom's so young, so it's all up to me. . . then I got a whole town fulla ponies who don't think twice 'bout comin' to me for whatever I can give, and they expect me to give it just like Apples have been doin' for Ponyville since it was founded. . . then every now and again I gotta really step it up and go hoof to hoof with the worst evil Equestria's got to offer. . .then to top it all off, it's all gonna go in the history books and some day ponies who ain't even born yet are gonna sit there and decide just what kinda pony Applejack really was!”
“I know I can ask for help. I know y'all will do your best for me. But at the end of the day, you think anypony's gonna say 'Applejack's friends just couldn't handle runnin' that farm,' or 'Applejack's friends just ain't as dependable as her grandfolks were'? You think those history books are gonna read 'Even though Applejack was the element of honesty, Applejack's friends just couldn't keep her life from fallin' to pieces?!'”
Applejack paused, realizing the rant that her pent up frustration had become. She shook her head and calmed herself. “I'm sorry, Dash. I'm so sorry. I just lost at the rodeo, and I didn't get the prize money, and I couldn't stop thinkin' about alla that. I was so tired and I couldn't sleep and I didn't know what to do.”
Dash just blinked. She knew that AJ worked harder than anypony she'd ever met. She had just never thought about the kind of pressure a pony would have to be under to make them work that hard all the time. Just the thought made Dash want to hide, and AJ lived with it every day of her life.
Dash flew over and sat down next to Applejack, wrapping her wing around her. She nuzzled AJ's cheek and said softly, “Well telling me this stuff would've been a good start.”
“What's that gonna do? You don't wanna-” Applejack stopped herself, then looked at Dash sympathetically. “You got your own life. And it's a darn good one, Best Young Flyer and Wonderbolts, savin' ponies lives. You're right, one day every foal's gonna wanna be Rainbow Dash.”
Dash struggled with what to say to that. The anger was completely gone, something had been really wrong with AJ, she had been scared and alone. It just wasn't something she'd let anypony see. Dash wasn't any better than AJ at opening up her doubts and insecurities, but it might make AJ feel better to know that she wasn't alone. And right now, making AJ feel better was top priority.
“Hold up.” She said softly, this was for AJ's ears only, even if they were alone in the train car. “I only won Best Young Flyer because Rarity decided that she was too cool for wings. I bombed my whole routine before that, and I hadn't done a sonic rainboom in years. And I. . . I'm not a Wonderbolt.”
“Yeah, just give it time. You're a shoo in. It's your destiny.”
Dash shook her head. "Wrong. Take a look at my flank, AJ. This isn't the Wonderbolt's insignia. I hope I'll make it. I work my tail off so that I will. But it's not a done deal, I know that way too well some days. But I always thought that if. . .”
Dash took a breath, and gently turned Applejack's face toward hers, “If I don't, there's a beautiful mare, with a farm that makes amazing cider, in a town with all of my friends. My safe place to land. And when you left it didn't seem all that safe any more. I was scared, AJ. I need you.”
Applejack bit her lip, fighting back tears. “I'm sorry I let you down, Dash. But that's just it, one more pony who needs me, and I let her down. Where's my safe place when I fail at alla this?”
“I'll be your safe place. I promise you, if you lost the farm, if you let Ponyville down so bad that they ran you out of town, there would be a rainbow to take you someplace safe. I would be right there for you, however you need me. And as long as you stay with me, you can't let me down, because. . . that's all I want.” Rainbow Dash said, gazing into those green, teary eyes. She felt her own eyes filling with tears, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered but making AJ understand how much she meant that, from everything inside of her.
Finally Applejack smiled, and brushed the tears from Dash's eyes, then her own. “You tryin' to make me all sappy now?”
“Payback.” Dash said with a smile, then she leaned in and kissed AJ deeply. Loneliness and fear melted away, and everything was perfect again. The kiss continued, flowing naturally into more kisses as they wrapped their forelegs around one another.
After a few moments, Dash pulled away and rested her head on AJ's shoulder. “So, this really wasn't my fault at all? Nothing to do with zap apples?”
“Nah. I'm sorry 'bout that too. I was just thinkin' that if somepony was there with me in alla it I'd feel better. But I knew that wasn't somethin' you could take on now.”
“It's not,” Dash agreed. “And. . . maybe I should have thought that sometimes you don't like having all of that responsibility for other ponies, either. Sorry, but you didn't really pick the most sensitive of marefriends.”
“Nah. But I picked the strongest one I could find, the one that'll never let me fall, and I couldn't be happier with her.” Applejack kissed her just below the ear, then whispered, “I missed you so much, every darn day I was gone I missed you.”
Dash just grinned and nuzzled her neck. “I was totally strong and in control the whole time. Just don't ask the girls about that. And don't ever do that to me again.”
Applejack chuckled, “You got my word. I'll even Pinkie Promise, and I do believe she's gonna hurt me if I ever mess 'round with onea them again. . .say, what ever happened to her and Rarity?”
Dash thought for a moment, then her eyes went wide. “I. . . um, kinda left 'em behind when we were chasing you.”
“You left 'em behind? Miss Loyalty?” Applejack said raising an eyebrow.
Dash blushed, “Heh, yeah. I was kinda focused on other things. Soon as I know you're safe at home I'll fly back and find them.”
Applejack smiled and gave her a squeeze. “I'm sure it'll be okay, Sugarcube. We all fall down on the job every now and again.”
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Just because I feel like sharing, the song Yes I Am by Melissa Etheridge was totally inspirational for me writing this chapter, as well as for my AppleDash shipping in general.
:D
awwwwwwwwww
keep up the great work
Maybe I'm sadistic, but I hope there are more sad ones coming up. You handle them incredibly well!
728254
double that. awwwwwwwwww
had a lot of fun with these 2 chapters
this was so sweet 
*Wipes away man tears* Bravo sir, simply bravo!
You nailed it. Manly tears were shed. *Slow Clap*
great chapter as always, kinda sad though that this will end as soon as you reach the season 2 finale
728254
Thanks so much!
728378
No more sad coming in this, sorry to say. Maybe in the next fic. But I'm glad you liked it!
728382
Thanks! And yeah, Dash is kind of freaking out in that first part. Sort of the way that everyone should have been in the episode, I mean if one of your best friends sends you a two line note saying they're never coming back, one would kind of freak out, right? Ugh, this episode. . . Glad you like the fic, though!
728741
So many crying ponies! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
(And 'madam,' just so you know. I'm not offended, there're just so few of us around here I try to let folks know we exist.
)
729238
*bow* Thank you, thank you.
I'm happy with it, I'm just glad everyone else is.
729384
Aww, don't be sad. I'm making you sad too much these days. Besides, who knows what'll happen! I have more of this to write before I decide.
729472
and i gotta say i thought Rainbows personality was spot on then. if Best Young Flyer competition show us anything it was that how easily stressed out Dash can loss it and jump to extremes when something important is put on the line. that being her reputation, future, dreams, or in this case her special somepony. great job as alwas 
it's my pleasure
This... and the last chapter... just made me cry. But it's a good kinda crying
Try listening to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eqcPsA_9sk while reading the last chapter. It was, like, made for it
Please continue this series. It reminds me of what me and MY girlfriend go through.
i feel bad cause i didnt cry what does this mean???
Come on everypony! Smile, Smile, Smile!
Cry, Cry, Cry!
Then Smile, Smile, Smile again!
I don't want this ride to end. Great job!
Wow! I just gotta say, these two chapters encompassing the Last Roundup were awesome! I love how you handled the conflict with AJ as being a buildup of stress that the rodeo "failure" acts as a catalyst for. She does have a lot of daily crap to deal with, basically running a farm and raising a kid by herself. Also, your portrayal of Rainbow was spot on with my headcannon version of her, and the show version of her (if relationships could be in the show). You showed their weaknesses but highlighted their strengths in the face of said weaknesses, which I really like. Anywho, long comment done, I just really liked how you kept the characters in line with the show, while still portraying them as mature ponies. Keep it up
729730
That song is great! Not the style I usually listen to, but I'm glad you posted it. As to continuing, I'm still considering when and how, but there's a really good chance that I will.
I'm so glad you relate, I try to make things as realistic between them as possible.
729879
You're allowed to not cry, as long as you liked reading it.
731618
Wow, you wanting me to keep going means a lot considering that you're one of my non-ship fic readers. Thank you! Like I've said, I not sure how it will continue after I finish season two, but it probably will in some form.
733725
Thanks so very much! The characters weaknesses are the most interesting things about them, and a big part of what makes the show special. If you look at it, most cartoon characters either don't have an emotional weakness if they're the hero, or they're nothing but their weakness if they're the foil. MLP makes each character a mix of strenghts and weakness, which is why any of them can act as the hero or foil for the episode, and why they're so much fun to write about.
739951 I think you've sort of turned the table. I just don't like vulgarity and random sex scenes that make no sense to the story. This story is totally down to earth. It is sort of inpiring me to write what my next multi chapter fic will be, and it will contain some romance... I think. Otherwise, that story will be TOTALLY different from my others. I hope people like it.
739951
i did you are a awesome writer
739951
Alright! Another soon, if you can. If you can't, I understand
And you're doin a good job! Me and Brit (gf) love this story
Again, a few instances where the word would be than instead of then. But, again, another awesome chapter and glad they were released together, I dislike sadfics because I get way too invested in to the characters, luckily for me, this isn't the case for this one.
By any chance, do you have anyone to watch out for any small-time errors like the then/than thing or do you handle that yourself? I ask out of curiosity, I swear.
Finally I can catch up.
Can't say I agree with Dash's anger approach. What's the point of threaten to leave if A.J wasn't going to be around before this anyway? Well things have now come full circle with Dash being the one upset.
I really enjoyed Dash saying she'll be the "rainbow" to bring A.J "someplace safe". A nice ending.
so much d'awww
Damn you bookplayer, you made me cry over that...
You, sir, are a great writer and your story is fantastic. I would give you more thumbs but there is only one to give...
Edit: Unless, of course, you're not a sir, in which case, ma'am. I should check these things before using gender specific terms...
D'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!!
Aaaaaaggghhh
Feelings, you torture me with feelings 
IM going crazy with all these Emotions 
you know Twilight-not-able-to-write-Letter-to-Princess-Celestia-crazy 
or Pinkamena-crazy 
.
I want to enjoy this fic (i do enjoy it trust me) and not crawl on the thin line between Sanity and Insanity with all these Emotions crushing on me and pulling me into a pitchblack hole shattering my mind.
Yep to many emotions + lack of sleep + hunger arent any good
Do you mean tried or is the tired correct?
I actually have a problem with Rainbow Dash saying she doesn't have a wonderbolt cutie mark, because she actually does. Look at Spitfire's cutie mark, look at Soarin's, then look at Rainbow Dash's.
This song is perfect to listen while reading this chapter.
Very sweet and touching! Okay fair warning, I don't pay attention to the posted dates. So this is likely pretty darn ancient and you may not want critiques and feedback because you know about them and you've fixed them in your newer works. In which case, this chapter was beautiful and touching and awesome and you should ignore the rest.
This really felt great but two open ended chapters in a row really bothered me. I found myself wondering if you were going to have multiple open chapters and then just wrap them up in one. I confess I'm not certain how the Zap Apple stuff could've been better ended so it didn't feel so cut off (Sorry
) but either way it did and when the end of rodeo was the same it really put me off my stride.
Even with my critiques this is still a beautiful fic! I critique because I care...honest!
Nothing I say is meant to imply I don't love this fic and that I don't mean every word I say, because I really do.
I'm only saying this because it gives me a sort of catharsis to vent out the frustration I have, so that I can continue reading this wonderful wonderful story....but Applejack's explaination for ditching Rainbow Dash shouldn't have been enough. For a couple weeks, maybe even a few months? Yeah. Sure. That works. But forever? Just because she thinks she let everypony down? I was buying it a bit when AJ thought RD would leave AJ over it...but that's not what she told RD. The explaination RD recieved shouldn't have been enough to satisfy her...but oh well. This is a really awesome story and I'm just going to pretend that conversation was worded just a bit differently.
I couldn't stop crying
the feels man THE FEELS
I kinda feel like this is the shakiest chapter (as in, it fits more into the story overall than the episode), yet it's still pulled off some great stuff.
5390224
Agreed, yet it is still done well and even at the end ties back in to a complaint people had about the episode, that dash totally ditched her friends, which, of course, only makes sense if applejack is more important to her.