The Bolts are Back in Town
The Bolts are Back in Town.
**
Rainbow Dash stretched her wings out as she gingerly walked down the hill towards Ponyville. The ground beneath her hooves had that lovely fresh day feel to it – slightly moist from the dew which had cooled only slightly in the morning sun. She’d never admit it to her friends back on the Wonderbolts team but sometimes it was for moments like this that she did not always choose to fly. Sure, she could get to the town centre in less than 5 seconds if she flew, but walking meant she could feel the grass, feel the dew; really take in the surroundings – not to mention that crisp town air. It was just gone 09:30am and ahead she could see the town starting to come to life and ponies of all colours walking around. As she passed the school yard, she heard the giggles of the younger foals and their whispers.
“Is that her? Is that Rainbow Dash?”
“Wow, she looks just like on the poster.”
“I’m going to be just like Rainbow Dash when I’m older!”
Rainbow smiled to herself and gave a playful wink to the foals. She was still getting used to fame and what it meant to be recognised nearly every where she went. All her life she had dreamt of being in the Wonderbolts and now she was and it was everything she had ever dreamed, but she hadn’t anticipated the fame. Every town, every city... ahead of them arriving for a show, posters would go up all over the place showing their faces.
Fleetfoot.
Soarin.
Spitfire.
Blaze.
And now her; Rainbow Dash.
The anticipation would build up in the weeks leading up to the show so that by the point the team arrived in town, excitement was at breaking point. The crowd would be hysterical as they took to the air performing their stunts. Afterwards, the team would be given a heroes welcome in the local towns as they mingled, said hello to the fans and signed pictures and posters for the foals. Rainbow had had to stifle a giggle the first time she saw a Rainbow Dash plushie in a shop window. Fancy that, all these years getting trained up in Cloudsdale; training, working hard, prioritising the dream over everything else, and now here it was – Rainbow Dash, 12 inches tall in plushie form with an embroidered cutie mark and a brushable mane. It hadn’t always been easy though and Rainbow knew she’d made mistakes. Some of them made her wince to this day.
What had started as a childhood dream for her as a foal, had grown into obsession as a filly and then from her first day at the academy in Cloudsdale, it had bordered on obsession at the detriment of everything else. She’d been rude, arrogant and at times big headed. She’d told anyone who would listen that she was going to be a Wonderbolt and although, yes, she had pulled it off, she hadn’t made many friends along the way. If anything she’d lost them. In Ponyville she’d had a close knit group of friends who had always bene there for her, but regrettably after she’d moved away for the Wonderbolts, she had lost touch and not stayed as close as she would have liked. Admittedly, on the road she wasn’t even sure if she had missed them. The shows and the training had taken over and it was only now that she had everything she had ever wanted that it was hitting home that she needed her old friends, and one friend in particular, to be back in her life.
She missed home.
With fame, she had had to learn some hard lessons and had to walk away from people she truly cared about. When you’re this close to the big league and its a toss up between spending time with other fillies, or nailing that fastest time to get to the next level of try outs, its hard to know which is the right way and the young Rainbow had struggled. She’d always picked the fastest time. She’d always picked try outs. She’d always picked just one more lap. No milkshake. Just a protein shake. No late evenings gazing at the stars from the grass on earth, just evenings breaking the sound barrier through the clouds.
But fame has changed her.
She’d grown up and fame; as unanticipated as it was, was surprisingly humbling. When everyone loves you, it’s even more obvious that you yourself have nobody to love yourself. Fame had been somewhat isolating and although she had met her fair share of admiring fillies along the way and probably done a great deal many things she wasn’t proud off in each of the passing towns and cities, she’d never met that special somepony. Her Wonderbolts team mates were like family to her but there was never anything beyond platonic friendship and comradery. Oddly Rainbow Dash had become one of their most popular members and they often joked that she was the stud of the group, but in reality? No such luck. Nothing meaningful beyond a fumble here and there.
As the impact of the price of fame sunk in, Rainbow had found herself changing. Sometimes when she knew all other ponies were on the grass gazing up at the stars, instead of zooming around in the sky with the others, she’d perch on a quiet cloud somewhere and just float through the night sky. She’d look at the stars and down at the towns and regret who she’d been once upon a time. She’d been a bit of a jerk and she knew it and that’s why this most recent town was the most important tour date of all.
3rd of July, Ponyville.
Right beneath the clouds of Cloudsdale where she’d learnt her trade.
Right in the place she’d been born and grew up.
Right back where she started.
Home.
It had been years since she’d been back and she worried the ponies she knew would scarcely remember her. She recalled Applejack, a caramel coloured filly who was probably the same way inclined as she was but she’d never thought to ask. There had never been anything there but if anyone was going to welcome her back it was Applejack. They had been close. She’d seen her face on billboards advertising cider so she knew she was still in the family trade so more than likely still at Sweet Apple Acres. Then there was Rarity. She’d not taken much interest in Rainbow when they were younger but Rainbow had heard she’d done really well for herself and was looking forward to congratulating her. Surely she’d understand that Rainbow had grown up now and was a different pony because surely she’d know the price of dedication when you really want something. She remembered Pinkie Pie but only vaguely as Pinkie Pie was only really arriving around the time Rainbow Dash’s sporting career was heating up. From what she could remember, there were a lot of balloons, not a lot of elegance, but a pony who had their heart in the right place. She could sure use some of that right now and hoped maybe Pinkie Pies attitude had been infectious and that Ponyville would open its arms to her.
But open arms... oh, boy... there was one pony she wanted the open arms from the most and she could scarcely hope she would find her here in Ponyville.
Years had gone by since that colossal mistake Rainbow had made and although she had heard rumours that Fluttershy was still living here, it was only ever rumours. She’d never had it confirmed. She knew now that if it were true, she would see her again. Shame ridden resolve crept over Rainbow Dash as she walked ever closer to Ponyville. The first thing she’d do on arriving would be to get herself a protein shake and a snack, then head over to meet her official guide for the trip. Every time the Wonderbolts came to town, they’d be given a designated contact to help them feel at home and although Rainbow felt she wouldn’t necessarily need a guide, having grown up in the town, she was glad to have been offered a room in a house as opposed to a hotel. As it was a homecoming date, the Wonderbolts had agreed amongst themselves to remain for a couple weeks longer than usual. Rainbow hadn’t mention anything about Fluttershy when she’d heard this news but sat quietly on her cloud that night, floating by, staring up at the sky; willing herself not to screw it up this time.
Breaking from her thoughts, Rainbow leaned her head back pulled out the note from her saddle bag and looked down at the printed words.
“Twilight Sparkle”.
This was her designated guide who apparently lived in a large tree near the towns centre.
“Well, Twilight, I hope you haven’t heard any bad rumours about me. I’m here to start afresh. Please, let me do that,” Rainbow said quietly under her breath before putting the note back in the saddlebag and walking onwards.
The grass changed to cobbles and as more faces turned in her direction; either in recognition of the homecomer or in recognition of seeing the star Wonderbolt, Rainbow kept her eyes straight ahead. Making amends at home in Ponyville had taken a back seat to fame, but now it was centre stage.
**
Rainbow stood outside the big oak tree where she been told to find Twilight Sparkle. The tree stood out from the other houses in the town and towered above her. This is where she had been directed to come. In all the other towns the Wonderbolts had visited, they were usually put up in hotels, but Ponyville was small, so alternative arrangements had been made. The organiser had got the team in touch with Twilight Sparkle who they were told was a Princess and a member of the royal family but who lived in the town with all the other ponies. She had then arranged accommodation for the team across the town, and Rainbow had been invited to stay in her spare room as her special guest of honour. This suited Rainbow just fine and although she had originally questioned the necessity of a guide in her hometown she figured that if things didn’t go the right way at least there’d be someone who could help her get the hell out of dodge pretty sharpish. She was a private pony really and as long as she had her own room with a door that shut and a comfy bed, then she could see no problem. Besides, she was likely going to be spending her time catching up with friends and preparing for the big show. All shows were important to her and she liked to train hard but as this was her homecoming and her big chance to make amends with her former friends and one filly in particular, she knew she was going to be out and about more so than usual.
Rainbow knocked on the door and waited patiently. When there was no response she knocked again but was kept waiting a second time. Rainbow looked up and could see windows higher up the tree which were open, suggesting someone was inside. Rainbow spread her wings and took off, rising vertically through the air steadily until she was level with the open window. Peering in through the glass, she saw the inside of the tree was hollow with a walkway going around the outside and a large stairway leading down into the middle centre. Around the outside of the tree’s walls were shelves and shelves of books, so much so that she wondered if she had come to the wrong tree and that this was in fact the library. As she continued to look in she saw doors leading up into what she assumed were different branches of the tree. The décor was homely and the inhabitant clearly had a lot of neat stuff. Rainbow hoped maybe she’d get to have a nose around later on; if she ever got inside that was.
Rainbow was just starting to push her nose in through the open window more firmly to call out to the owner, when she heard the front door opening below her and saw a pale purple coloured pony step out. Rainbow eased herself back down on to the ground just as the purple pony glanced up and caught sight of her. Her face was one of affront. Rainbow realised she must have seen her near the window and assumed she was trying to force her way in.
“Oh Hello! I was just seeing if you were home, I’m Rainbow Dash and you must...”
“Twilight Sparke.” The purple pony caught her off abruptly. Rainbow felt the change in atmosphere instantly and landed herself firmly on the ground and started rooting around in her saddle bag for the note again.
“It’s really nice to meet you. Thanks so much for inviting me to stay with you, I usually stay in hotels but I’m actually looking forward to having somewhere homely in the lead up to the show. I have this note here which tells you the times of the shows – you and all your friends are more than welcome to come along as my guests. As a thank you.” Rainbow could tell she was on the back hoof here and knew she was gabbering. The purple pony did not look impressed.
“Sport isn’t really my thing. I’m more into science”, replied Twilight, levitating the note away from Rainbow with her horn. “But thanks! That’s kind of you.” As much as she wasn’t really into sport, she knew how excited the towns people were for the arrival of the Wonderbolts and wanted to make sure she was as welcoming as possible. She’d heard all about Rainbow Dash from different ponies and although her reputation had proceeded her both through town gossip and celebrity magazines which Twilight have purused whilst waiting for Rarity to finish her royal gown one time, she was determined to give her a chance. Nothing could hide the tone of her voice though. It crackled with the underlying brittleness of a pony who knew that here was a celebrity who despite all their charms had once upon a time hurt her friends; friends who Twilight knew well.
“Oh”, Rainbow could feel her voice squeaking. This wasn’t going to plan. Something was off. “We have a fantastic physio on our Wonderbolts team, he knows all about science! He tells us what exercise to do, what times to practice, what to eat, which totally reminds me I need to go get a protein shake or something for my breakfast. Would you like...?”
“I’m afraid as guide to the Wonderbolts for the next week or so, my hands are pretty full at the moment so I cant really stay and chat too long. But I did want to welcome you to Ponyville and show you to your room.” Twilight made her best effort at a genuine smile, her eyes sparkling for authenticity. Rainbow’s bags magically rose into the air as Twilight turned on her hooves and walked indoors, the bags floating behind her. Rainbow followed tentatively. Enclosed spaces such as the tree, whilst majestic, were not Rainbows usual habitat.
Inside, Rainbow got a better look at the interiors she had seen from the window. It seemed so much more big and cavernous from inside. Twilight didn’t seem to be wasting anytime and was already ascending the stairs up ahead and heading towards a small oval shaped door on the landing. Her horn glowed brighter as she swung the door ahead open. “In here is where you are staying.” Rainbow quickly followed her up the stairs, this time taking to the air again and sauntering up behind Twilight and into the room.
The room wasn’t big but Rainbow immediately felt at home. It was as though an animal had hollowed out the inside of the trees gigantic branches. The room had a strong woody, sap smell to it, and appeared to be carved from one singular part of the tree. Into the wall was dug a couple of bookshelves, and then into the wall, dug in slightly, a platform which made up the bed. On top of the platform was a mattress made up in throws covered in little ditsy flowers printed onto the fabrics. Beside the bed was the only standalone piece of furniture; a bedside cabinet. On it sat a little vase of pink and yellow flowers, the vase printed with a butterfly print.
Rainbow inhaled the woody scent and although floral patterns weren’t really her thing, she couldn’t help but think the room homely and inviting. That bed would be amazing on her tense muscles after practice on the coming days and truth be told, she didn’t ever really need all the mods and cons that came with the hotels. Spas and jacuzzis were all well and good but admittedly, sometimes all Rainbow wanted was to sleep.
“I’ll put your bags over here so that you can unpack”, Twilight said as she lowered Rainbow’s bags into the corner. “I’m really sorry I cant stay and give you more of a tour but I promise I will do that later on. For now, just make your self comfy and help yourself to the kitchen. I have a young dragon who works with me but he is out at the moment so you likely wont be meeting him this evening.”
“Oh. That’s not a problem. I don’t know if anyone mentioned but I’m actually from Ponyville.”
Twilight hesitated slightly. “You’re from here?”
“Yeah. I was born up here and then trained at the Cloudsdale Wonderbolt Academy. I came back and forth my whole life. Well, until I got on the team and started touring, that is. But I reckon I’ll still know the town and the ponies here.”
“Who do you know in town? I’m really involved in a lot of community projects so I know everyone. Maybe we know the same ponies? Tell me some of their names...”
“Well, I knew Applejack pretty well, and Rarity, and Pinkie Pie briefly. Those guys still around?”
“Sure – they are all still in town! What a small world... ” Twilight appeared to hesitate again and Rainbow thought she was going to say something else so allowed her the time, but nothing further came.
Twilight looked over Rainbow briefly. She could certainly see the appeal. Such a tomboy and with such cool hair. Her voice was feminine but there was the excitement of a young colt in there too; the type of young colt who would get excited at new toy racing cars or ice cream sundaes at his Grandmothers house on a Sunday. Then there was the physicality... those haunches and those strong legs. She was an athlete, alright. Twilight caught herself before the swooning began and reminded herself of what she had heard from her friends. Rainbow had been quite the cad. Friendship is magic, not hurtful and boasting and arrogant.
“Yeah, it sure is,” Rainbow could feel herself getting nervous. What was with this purple pony? This was the weirdest form of starstruck she had ever seen in her life. She’s opted against mentioning Fluttershy for the time being. Twilight didn’t need to know everything whilst she was here after all and if she was going to be weird then she certainly didn’t need to know about her dealings with Fluttershy.
“Well, I’m sure they will be really glad to see an old friend.”
“Yeah – I hope so. It’s been a long time... You can’t beat home town charm though!” Rainbow trailed off.
Twilight nodded and turned to leave the room, stopping briefly in the doorway and turning back towards Rainbow.
“I am really glad the Wonderbolts came to visit Ponyville. This is really a big thing for the town. Everyone is so excited. You should be honoured and proud.”
Rainbow smiled the million watt smile but could see it didn’t have the same effect on Twilight as it did others, so thanked her and reassured her the honour was all hers. Twilight nodded and continued on her way out of her tree.
As Twilight walked she knew she’d been economical with the truth by not mentioning Fluttershy. Fluttershy had already briefed her the previous day about Rainbow Dash, and hadn’t painted the best picture. Fluttershy and Twilight were close and Fluttershy, on hearing about Rainbow's impending visit had confessed to Twilight about the stolen kiss they had shared years ago and how Rainbow had left her high and dry just the very next day to attend practice and then when Fluttershy had arrived to surprise her afterwards, had seen Rainbow flirting with other fillies. For a shy pony such as Fluttershy to open up about this had been such a big deal. Twilight knew it must have really hurt her.
Having now met the famous pony herself, Twilight couldn’t honestly say she was that enthralled either, despite those niggling feelings that somewhere deep down she was just as starstruck as everyone else. No, although she knew she had somewhat lied and that lying was wrong – not most definitely not megical, ultimately she had lied to protect her friend. Rainbow had chose not to mention Fluttershy either which just showed how little she had thought of her previously. “Huh, some friend...” Twilight mumbled under her breath as she walked away. For now, she’d keep it to herself that Rainbow had arrived in town.
Twilight strolled through the town deep in thought. Rainbow watched her from the window, slightly chewing the inside of her mouth. It wasn’t the best first conversation she could have imagined but she understood Twilight must be incredibly busy. Still, she had been kind enough to let her stay in the lovely room. Rainbow looked around and breathed in the deep sap. Slipping over to the bed, she sprawled out and opened her little saddle bag. Inside she had her beloved Wonderbolt badge and set it beside the vase of pink and yellow flowers on the bedside cabinet. Rummaging deeper in the bag still, she felt the corners of the stiff card and pulled out the photo. Even after all these years, the vision still caught her in her throat and she felt the world melt away around her like warm chocolate caramels. The photo had yellowed with time and the corners were a little fluffy, but the image was still there. Fluttershy. Her Fluttershy.
In her ears Rainbow could hear the words of the Wonderbolts captain Spitfire, telling her about the importance of focus and reminding her not to let dalliances with fillies run away with her ahead of big shows. Spitfire had unfortunately, and begrudgingly been right on many number of occasions and Rainbow knew it was the truth. Times when Spitfire had come to haul her out of the caravan when she was late for a show, only to find some other filly skulking away quietly out the back of the caravan. Other times when the team had been due to have a team meeting and Rainbow was no where to be found, until they found her in the local bar of course – surrounded again by fillies, flexing her biceps, flapping those wings and giving everyone some serious flirtatious eyes. But this would be no dalliance. This was Fluttershy, THE Fluttershy, who she had reason to believe was still in Ponyville.
Rainbow set the photo back against the vase and looked at it one last time before getting to her hooves and making her way out of the room and down through the door; the way Twilight had left moments before. Leaving the tree and walking onto the cobbled pathway through Ponyville, it all seemed immediately so familiar and known again. That fresh, good old fashioned, green air! Ahead she could see the familiar buildings and although she did not immediately recognise all of the faces – there was a whole new generation here now! – she could still feel her barings picking up where they left off. Alas, she could also feel the grumbling in her stomach and realised that aside from the wander down memory lane, she needed to eat and get some protein in her. This was after all, a Wonderbolts show.
Heading in the direction of the local care, Rainbow saw the same looks she saw everywhere. Fillies and colts alike turned their heads in her direction and she gave them her best winning smile, pressing those cheekbones up and exclaiming “Hey! I hope to see you at the Wonderbolts Show!”
The reality of being a superstar was a welcome distraction from the growing butterflies in her stomach. If Fluttershy was here, she could be around any corner and then what? What would she say? What would she do? It had all been so secret what had happened between them, it’s wasn’t as if Rainbow could just walk straight up to her and go for the Hollywood kiss. Long lost lovers reunited again? Hardly.
No, there would have to be talking and talking had never been Rainbow’s strong point. Kissing, yes. Flexing muscles, yes. Flirting, yes. But words had always evaded her. She could never find the right ones, only the wrong ones and even then they tumbled from her mouth at the wrong times an always much, much too late.
This time she knew she’d have to get it right, but where to start? It almost seemed not worth it going over the past and that all she could do not was convince Fluttershy whatever she’d done before, she’d been wrong and now she was a different pony.
A flash of caramel mane caught Rainbow’s eyes, pulling her from her poor dress rehearsal of what she’d say to Fluttershy. She saw the mane and tail, then she saw those golden flanks, and then she heard that deep southern drawl and knew at once who she had run into.
Ahead, she could see Applejack stood behind a small red table with a giant sign overhead advertising cider.
Even at a distance, Applejack was as charming as ever and Rainbow could see that she was obviously still as interested in the other fillies had she had always been. Applejack was resting her face on one hoof on the table, and gazing coyly at a filly who was tasting some cider.
**
“Made from my finest crop of apple, that one. Only the best.” As the filly finished her drink, Applejack he continued, “Say, little lady, would you like another? On the house that is. Let me get you another.”
Applejack ducked beneath the table momentarily then emerged with another full pint of cider and slid it slowly over to the filly, resuming her position with her face resting on a hoof. “How do you like them apples?” She raised her eyebrows at the filly.
Rainbow strode over and interrupted the pair, initially turning to Applejack first and then the unknown filly, “I don’t know, how do you like them apples?”
Applejack immediately looked up and her mouth fell open. “Well, I be damned... Rainbow Dash. I was wondering when I might be seeing you! You are a sight for sore eyes, I’ll tell you that!”
Rainbow laughed, her laughter gurgling in her throat. Applejack was an old friend who always brought out the same laugh she had when she was just a foal; childlike and innocent.
“Me? You’re the sight for sore eyes! I haven’t seen you in ages but now I find you again and nothing has changed.”
“Well, I don’t know about that. I’m running Sweet Apples Acres now!”
“I heard! And who is your friend?” Rainbow turned towards the filly whose mouth was ten times more open than Applejacks had been, staring back at Rainbow. Rainbow raised her eyebrows. Ah, the Wonderbolt effect...
“Erm....” Applejack looked coyly at Rainbow. Rainbow knew at once. She didn’t have a clue. “This... is erm.. Brrrrr.... Reeeeeee.... Kyyyyyyyy...”, Applejack sounded out the different starts to names she thought the filly might have until it was painfully obvious she didn’t have the slightest idea and the filly turned her nose up and left the stall in a huff.
Applejack turned back towards Applejack and put her hoof over her mouth, supressing a giggle, reverting back to their teenage years again “Aw, shucks, I don’t rightly know who she was!”
Rainbow roared with laughter and swung a hoof around her old friend “Come here and give me a hug!”
“There you go, partner! It’s so good to see you back in town.” Applejack hugged Rainbow back. “I saw all your posters and well, I want you to know how mighty proud we all are of you here in Ponyville. You have truly done us all proud in not only being in the Wonderbolts but coming back here as a homecomin’! I’m going to sell so much cider just off the back off your show! Say, where are you staying? Do you want to stay with me?”
“I’m good but thanks! I’ve got a room with a guide. A pony called Twilight Sparkle. She kinda like a light purple with a dark purple mane – wings, a unicorn.. magic. That sort of thing. Do you know of her?”
“Twilight the alicorn! I know more than of her. Say, she’s a good friend to me around these parts. A good friend to all of us. She’ll take good care of you. Have you met Spike?”
“Who?”
“The dragon. Don’t... just don’t ever save his life.”
“What do you mean don’t save his life?”
“Just don’t. Ok?”
Applejack seemed insistent so Rainbow laughed and nodded. “Ok, whatever you say!”
“Now? I’m about done here for today and then I’m heading back to Sweet Apple Acres. I got a cart all ready to go. Would you like to join me so we can catch up properly? I’ve got cideeeeeeeeerrrrrrr.” Applejack elongated the final letters in cider. Rainbow wondered if she’d had any herself but quickly agreed. Her and Applejack had been such close friends in the past, if anyone was going to hear her out, it was her.
**
Rainbow sat at the table inside Applejacks spacious living room.. Many a time she had sat here with Applejack over the years and it hadn’t changed one bit. The barn opened into one large open plan room with the kitchen at one end with a large wooden dining table, and a set of sofa at the other. The wood had that scrubbed look to it whereby so many spills had been wiped up, the woof was raw and buffed. Rainbow was sure the slight dip in the wood of the table was actually from her resting her hooves on the table in years gone past. She dipped a hoof into the dip to see for sure and watched as it fit perfectly.
Applejack returned to the table and slid the cider towards Rainbow. Rainbow instinctively wrapped it in her hooves and took a gulp, savouring that homemade, Sweet Apple Acres taste. No matter how big and mighty it got, it was that same home brewed taste.
“So.... back in dodge huh? Does it feel weird?” Applejack looked intently at Rainbow.
“Yes and no. I mean its wicked cool to be back and to see familiar places and faces and stuff and I’m really looking forward to the Wonderbolts Show. That’ll just be awesome.”
“I’ll say. I reckon the whole gang will come along.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, myself... probably even your new bud Twilight. She’s pretty cool when you get to know her. Very smart pony, let me tell you that for nothing.”
Rainbow heard Fluttershy’s name and felt that cooling sensation sinking into her veins, like a mixture between morphine and anaesthetic. This was so not easy. She looked down at the table, pressing her hoof into the dip again. Applejack caught her sombre look and sighed deeply. “Does she know you’re back?”
“Who?”
“You know who. Fluttershy.”
“Not exactly.”
“Not exactly? What does that mean?”
“I mean, I haven’t directly spoken to her to say I’m coming and I haven’t seen her since I arrived. How has she been? Is she even still here?”
Applejack ran a hoof up the back of her neck and into her mane and her eyebrows furrowed at the front of her face. “Yup, she’s here. Fluttershy is Fluttershy. She’s the same as she always was. She lives in a cottage on the edge of the forest and does a lot with animals. She’s a sweetheart. She sometimes comes over here to help me tend to the animals. I’m not sure you’d ever be able to describe her as a farm hand but she is good with the critters.” Applejack laughed as she finished her story about Fluttershy.
Rainbow looked up from the table pensively at Applejack.
Applejack spoke up again, “You going to tell me what went on? It’s written all over your face that something be buggin you and Granny didn’t raise no fool. I remember the goings on before you left y’know”
“Nothing’s buggin...”
“Rainbow.” Applejack’s voice crackled with that no nonsense drawl which Rainbow had heard a hundred times before. There could be no messing with Applejack and Rainbow knew it.
“Applejack...”, Rainbows voice was almost pleading with hesitation about discussing the events leading up to her departure from Ponyville.
“Out with it. Last time I saw you, you were in an awful hurry to leave Ponyville. It didn’t fit. Years of you and her growing closer and then suddenly you just up and go. And don’t be thinking me simple, neither! I know you weren’t just close as friends. I have eyes.” Applejack reached a hoof across the table towards Rainbow. “Rainbow, you can tell me. This is me. A.J. You know I’m the least judgemental, honest pony you got here. For once and for all, what really happened? Lord knows Fluttershy aint told me a peep.”
Rainbow Dash sighed and dropped her shoulders. She looked over at Applejacks big green eyes willing her to speak. “Nothing happened. That’s just it. It nearly did, but then nothing. Maybe a slight kiss but that was it. It was in the evening and then the next day I went to practice and she said she was going to come see me afterwards and when I finished she just wasn’t there. When I went to find her, she wouldn’t see me and slammed the door in my face. Said I wasn’t being true to her. Wouldn’t even let me explain. That was the last thing that happened between us.”
Appledash was listening intently across the table. As Rainbow finished, Applejack let out a low exhale of air. “A kiss?”
“Mmmhmm.”
“Wow, I mean I thought there might be something but I didn’t realise you’d actually kissed her. She kiss you back?”
“Yeah. I mean, it was small but she definitely kissed back. I went home that night and then the next day after practice, she wouldn’t even talk to me. The invite from the Wonderbolts came just days after so it was the obvious choice. I couldn’t hang around here with her feeling the way she did.”
"So you be here hoping to win back her heart, right?”
“I’m here for the Wonderbolts show and honestly I had no say in the group coming to Ponyville, but when it was announced I couldn’t help but wonder. I’ve never forgotten her, Applejack. She’s always up here.” Rainbow gestured towards her head.
“She’s done a right number on you, I can tell that much. Do you think she will still have feelings for you?”
“I dunno. It was so long ago. She might have moved on and even if she hasn’t, that don’t mean she’s going to want me, But Applejack, will you please keep this to yourself? I don’t want it being a big deal and overshadowing the show.”
“Sure. Scouts honour, Rainbow. You know that. Always.”
“Thanks.” Rainbow smiled at Applejack, then smirked slightly; the corners of her mouth turning upward. “I can’t believe I just told you that.”
“That’s what friends are for, darlin’.”
“Who knows what happens now. I can’t blame her for not responding to my letters. I was a bit of a jerk. I had her right there y’know? Maybe I didn’t do enough?”
“Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t. You cant change the past. That’s what my Granny used to always say. All you can do is change the future.”
“I know. But how?”
“Well, the first thing we need to do is loosen off these nerves somehow. You’re not exactly oozing sex appeal...”
Rainbow choked on her cider and feigned shock “whaaaaat?”
“Hey, you might be the big cheese with the Wonderbolts, but you’re home now and you know that just wont fly with Fluttershy. If you want her back, maybe you need to eat some humble pie first.”
“I’ll eat humble pie!”
“Well that’s just peachy. But first, do you think you may want to drink some more cider with your old friend?” Applejack waggled her glass a little and gestured towards the barrels in the corner. Rainbow nodded and laughed back as Applejack got up and rolled the barrel over to refill their glasses. The golden liquid poured in to the two fillies glasses and they knocked the drinks back. Rainbow felt relieved to have spoken about Fluttershy and even more so to see her friendship with Applejack was still intact. It just felt natural.
As the night wore on they spoke about everything. Rainbows lie on the road. The fillies she’d met. How it felt to be in the Wonderbolts. What the rest of the team were really like. Then moved on to Applejack. Applejack spoke about the booming farm trade, Granny, Big Mac and how proud she was off Applebloom and how good she was doing in school. With every new part of the conversation, the cider flowers more and more with both ponies drinking more than their fare share. Eventually conversation reached the point of just giggles and hiccups and Rainbow knew it was time to call it a night.
Standing to her feet, Rainbow could feel she was wobbly. “Well, A.J, I best be getting back to Twilight’s tree house thing.” As she stood, her knees wobbled and her visions doubled. Just how many Applejacks could one pony see at once?
“Say, partner, you don’t look so tame anymore... why, you as smashed as I am.”
Rainbow giggled through her lips. “No, I’m noooooot. I’m just a bit tipsy and merry, is all.” *hiccup*
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Rainbow. You is drunk as a skunk. You need to stay here tonight.”
“Am not. Am Sober. Look!”
Rainbow hiccupped again and continued taking one step in front of the other and slowly, tentatively, waling across the floor of the barn towards the front door in an ever decreasing arch; swaying and staggering until the arch had moved her so far from her path, she stumbled into one of the empty cider barrels.
Applejack stood back watching Rainbow. “Mmmhmm. You sober, yeah?” Applejack walked towards Rainbow and guided her back in the direction of the stairs up to the bedrooms and eventually persuaded her to lie down on Appleblooms bed. “Applebloom is away at Summer Camp so you can sleep here.” But it was too late. Rainbow was already fast asleep and snoring heavily. Looking down at her Applejack could see hat she was the same pony she had always been and unlike someponys, he didn’t necessarily think this was a bad thing. Applejack was just glad her friend was home.
“Goodnight, Rainbow. Welcome home.”
**
The smell of apple fritter wafted into Appleblooms bedroom, stirring Rainbow from her hangover. The smell of the fritters was accompanied by a wealth of other baked good; muffins, croissants, and crumpets, not to mention bacon and the sweet smell of maple syrup and black coffee. The smells stirred up in to Rainbows nostrils as she slowly awoke from her deep sleep. Waking up, she knew she had drank too much the previous night. Her mouth was dry and her head had that muggy feeling. Good ole’ Applejack, knowing that the only remedy for a hangover was a filthy big breakfast with gallons of coffee.
Rainbow stretched out her hooves and gingerly climbed out of the bed. She glanced at the alarm clock and saw it had already gone 10am. Twilight would be wondering where she was. What would she think of her?! Rainbow wandered towards the bathroom. The fluro bright light blinded her temporarily as she splashed the water on to her face and ran it briefly through her mane. Looking in the mirror, she knew she didn’t look her best. This was not the face that would sell tickets to the Wonderbolts show!
Rainbow made her way downstairs in to the big open plan room and immediately saw Applejack bringing over the plates full of breakfast to the table they had sat at the previous night.
“Good morning, sugar cube!”, Applejack exclaimed at Rainbow. “Did you sleep well?”
“Rainbow sidled over to the table and plonked herself down, “Slept like a baby. I’m sorry I ended up staying over...” This wasn’t the start Rainbow had anticipated to her time back in Ponyville.
“Aw, shucks, don’t mention it. It was needed! Now, you sit yourself there and let me feed you some of my amazing apple fritters.”
Rainbow didn’t need telling twice and sat at the table as the plate came over and filled it up. Rainbow started to eat and found once she’d
started, she couldn’t stop. The food was jut so good. Being on the road, she had eaten at plenty cloudside takeaway vans and plenty hotels but nothing could compare to this home cooking. Rainbow wolfed it down, intercepting big mouthfuls with equally big mouthfuls of coffee.
“You not eat with the Wonderbolts or something? They starve you?”, Applejack asked.
“Oh I eat plenty, just nothing compared to this. This is amazing”, Rainbow answered, using her hoof to wipe some crumbs and droplets of maple syrup from her mouth.
“Glad to hear it.” Applejack looked at Rainbow cautiously across the table. She’d either made a massive mistake whilst Rainbow slumbered, or... nope, that was it. This was a massive mistake, but hopefully one which would make everyone happier in the long run. “There’s someone else who will be glad to know you are keeping yourself healthy and well and on the road.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. In actual fact, she’ll be here shortly.”
Rainbow continued to gorge herself, making heavy eating noises, slurping and gulping down her breakfast. “Is Granny Smith coming in?”
“Erm.. not quite.”
“Apple Bloom back from camp?”
“No, not for another couple days.”
“Who then?”, Rainbow had stopped eating and was looking intently at Applejack.
“You can see for yourself, she’s here now.”
Behind her, Rainbow heard the door to the barn open. She peered slowly around her shoulder and immediately knew what Applejack had done. Fluttershy stood in the doorway. Rainbow felt her voice catch in her throat and her heart slow to an almost amniotic beat. Fluttershy was everything she remembered and more. Her pink hair had grown longer and her pale yellow body was slightly tinged with flecks of gold. Her cheeks had the rosiness of a young filly who spent time in the sun and who was living life to the full. She was the most delicate little china doll she had ever seen. She turned back towards her quickly, “A.J!”
“Ok, just chill will you...I asked her here... she didn’t know.”
Rainbow turned back to Fluttershy, then hurriedly back to Applejack and spoke in hushed tones so that their visitor could not here. “I can see that, Applejack, she looks like she’s just seen a ghost. What the hell?!”
Applejack stood up and walked towards the door and guided Fluttershy in, shutting the door behind her. “Now you two listen here. I don’t know all the details of what went on but I do know I’m not an idiot and that clearly you two need to talk, otherwise it’s gonna be mighty awkward here in Ponyville.” Applejack continued to guide Fluttershy across the main floor of the barn and sat her down opposite Rainbow.
Fluttershy finally spoke. “Applejack, what is going on? I thought you and I were having breakfast?”
Applejack put one hoof on Rainbow and one on Fluttershy. “I’ve invited Fluttershy here this morning to have breakfast with you, Rainbow. So that you two can talk. I am going out. And I’m gonna be locking this here front door, ok?”
Rainbow looked pleadingly at Applejack. As much as she wanted her chance to talk to Fluttershy, she wasn’t sure this was it. Applejack looked back at her with eyes that said “Relax” and slowly walked out the door, turning the key after her to lock in, leaving Rainbow alone with Fluttershy.
Rainbow turned back towards looking at Fluttershy across the table, who had now blushed a light pink. Rainbow couldn’t tell if this was an anger of blush or of shyness but either way, it did the same things to her heart and breathing that it had always done.
“Fluttershy... I didn’t know this was going to happen.”
“..but you did know you were coming back here didn’t you... you didn’t even let me know.”
Rainbow sighed a heavy sigh. “No, I didn’t let you know, because I didn’t want to you leave town.”
“I wouldn’t have left town.”
“You wouldn’t?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you.”
“I know that, but can we at least talk? Flutters, you are so gorgeous. I’m sorry, I know its not appropriate right now, but you are. You are just as beautiful as I remembered. Please, let’s talk.”
“Ok. So, talk... I’ll listen.” Fluttershy idled her hooves across the table closer to Rainbow’s and touched her hooves lightly. “Really, I will listen, but don’t for one moment think I am that same shy pony I was before.”
**