> Six months with a broken wing
>  by Gi_Kay_Ay
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A broken wing *edited*
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The war against Sombra was getting far more worst then it already was. First the destruction of the Crystal Empire, then enslavement of their ponies, afterwords the beginning of the war. 

Sombra formed an army with the enslaved crystal ponies and took them to fight agaisnt Equestria.

The ponies of Equestria were on their day a like any other, until suddenly an alarm went on to tell the ponies that they where under attack and so they went and hid as the royal army went and fought.

As time went by they needed new recruits for the army as Sombra's was getting stronger by the minute, the Equestrian army was getting desperate, so they took what they could get. Not only stallions where getting into the fight, but mares as well; well some mares and stallions, because others needed to work to make uniforms and provide food for the soldiers as well as many more necessities. 

The Army was formed by Earth Ponies and Unicorns since they only could be on land. And the Air Force -which you could guess- were the pegusus as they took the sky.

Earth mares were incharge of taking out any rock that came their way, the most known for doing that were the Pie sisters, taking out every rock at the blink of an eye. 

Unicorns were in charge of fighting and beating ponies on the ground with their magic, along side the stallion earth ponies.

Then there was the pegasus mares, they fought side by side with the stallion pegasus taking the sky, dropping the frequent bomb here and there; most of the pegusus already had lost a wing during the fight, most of them pegusus stallions, but there was one mare that already lost a wing … and will probably loose the other.

Rainbow Dash is her name and flying fast is her game, but right now it isn't; right now she's trapped, her wing is under a boulder that won't budge to get off and none of the Pie sisters are there to help. Then she heard something and felt the ground tremble; it was an avalanche heading straight towards her. The last thing she saw was a pink blur as she fell unconscious under the sea of rocks over her.

Pinkamina and Limestone Pie were destroying the rocks that captured their fellow soldier and try to save her before the worst could come. They finally took her out and checked if she was even alive.

They checked her pulse.

A pause. 

thump … thump … thump

She's alive. Pinkamina took this unconscious soldier, put her over her barrel and took her to the medics faster then she could blink and left her there for the medics to take care of her and went back into the fight.

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“mmm..mmm…grr.. GAH! What, where am I?!” Rainbow Dash suddenly awoke, the yelling causing her a head ache and her eyes taking somewhat of the enviorment she was in.

Doctor Redheart and some nurses surrounded Rainbow Dash and a machine to check her heart rate, she concentrated on that until doctor Redheart spoke: “Miss Dash, you have finally awoken, good, right now your in the medic area sector ‘B'. I’m sure you recall the last thing that happend before you got all of those bruises.”

And it was true, most of her body was coverd in bandages; nothing too bad, but bad enough to give her some scars for life. “Well… the last thing I remember was that my wing was under a stupid rock! And seeing a pink blur before I passed out under those damn rocks. Wait! My wings, how are they?” 

Doctor Redheart told the nurses to go and then sighed, “Miss Dash, you're going to be fine, your body will be fine… but as for your wings, well, your replacement has been completly destroyed, so we had to take it off and there won't be another replacement for a couple of months; but as for your only wing, there is still some hope that it could be fix if-” 

“AWSOME! This wing will be fixed in no time-"

“If, Miss Rainbow Dash, if and only you take care of it, it will be back in six months.”

Pause, a long pause for Doctor Redheart and Rainbow Dash… especially for Rainbow Dash, that is until she decided to speak.

“Six mounts… you expect me to be waiting for this wing to cure? For six mounts?!” Now Rainbow Dash was felling somewhat of a felling anger and nauseous at these news. Now I can't help Equestria, I mean my body wasn't built for fighting like earth ponies or fighting with magic like unicorns, I was made to fly, now what am I going to do? 

That train of thought was interrupted when Doctor Redheart cleared her throat, “Miss Dash, there is still a lot you could help with -well, not in the milatary. You could help with the cause that Princess Celestia put up before coming to fight along side us."

Yes, the war against Sombra was getting worst and worst by the minute as Princess Celestia herself went to fight beside her little ponies, but also sending those badly injured to help the cause. There were even pamphlets which they could choose from to go and help and then come back when they were already cured, or so Rainbow Dash thought.

But the thing was that Rainbow Dash never really stopped to look at these so called ‘jobs' the princess put up for the cause and never thought this would happen.

So much for trusting my instinct, she thought, rolled her eyes and grunted, “Fine, bring me one of those pamphlets so I can choose one of these quote on quote ‘jobs'.”

Another pause.

“Miss Dash, do you know how many injured soldiers are harmed every day?” Doctor Redheart asked Rainbow Dash with a petrified look on her face.

“Many, I suppose, but what does this have to do with the cause?” Rainbow Dash shrugged.

“It means that you can't choose anymore, those panflets are useless, they only thing that they provide you is the information of the job that you are assigned to do. And since the only injured part of you is your wing and not your hooves, General Spitfire decided to send you to tree buck duty in Sweet Apple Acres. There’s only three ponies running that place and one of them is a filly Miss Dash, a filly! For Celestia's sakes even fillies are brought in for this war.

“Miss Dash, you will be in that orchard working with the Apple siblings for the next six mounts, so you'll get used to it … sigh, the nurses will be back to change your bandages and tommorow will be your departure for Ponyville, oh, that's where Sweet Apple Acres is. We will inform the siblings of your arrival and your condition so that they won't go hard on you, goodbye, Miss Rainbow Dash." With that Doctor Redheart left and Rainbow Dash grunted.

“Ugh! Great, just great! Six months of being on a farm … sigh, perfect." She massaged her head and slouched back on her bed, awaiting what would come next.

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Whooo Whooo!

“WE'VE ARRIVED AT PONYVILLE, I REAPEAT, WE'VE ARRIVED AT PONYVILLE!"

They announced there destination. Rainbow Dash got off the train, she started to stretch until she felt a pang of pain when she stretched her injuered wing. 

“Gah! Bloodyhell, damn wing, ugh!" She grabbed her bag filled with little to nothing, brushed off the dust from her uniform and walked off the train in search of one of the Apple siblings, but found no apple cutie mark, she ‘tsked’ at that thought when a little filly appeard infront of her.

“Good evening ma'am, are ya Miss Rainbow Dash?” The little yellow filly asked with a curious glint in her amber eyes.

“Um, yes kid … who askes?” 

“Whoo, I thought I would never find ya Miss Rainbow Dash. Ah’m Applebloom, Ah’m from Sweet Apple Acres. My sister sent me ta find ya, and lookie here I find ya! Now come on, she’s gonna be mighty worried if we don’t arrive home before sundown," Applebloom started walking and signaled Rainbow to follow along.

“Sister, huh? So is it just you and your sister, or is there more to the Apple siblings?” Rainbow asked as they enterd the little village. 

“Well no, Miss Dash, oh, is it alright if I called ya Miss Dash?”

Rainbow nodded.

“Okay! Well, Miss Dash, it's us three siblings; me, Applebloom being the younger one of the bunch-"

“Evening to you, Miss Applebloom!” A mare in a stand selling carrots greeted Applebloom as they strolled through the village.

“Evenin' to ya too, Miss Carrot Top's!” They ended their greeting as they kept on walking, Rainbow suddenly felling like all eyes where on her.

“Well as you see, we Apple folk are pretty much known in this here town, it ain't that big as you can tell, but well, it’s all we got. And it ain't a big flashy town either, heh. Making it not eye cathching enough for it to be a target of destruction.” 

That comment made Rainbow Dash chuckle, “Funny thought you got there kid, buuuut you were talking about your family and you sorta lost me off track."

“Oh! Right, right, where was I? Oh, as I said, Ah’m the youngest of the trio, making me the most energetic one. Then there's my sister, Applejack. I can't really talk for her, all I can tell ya is not to make her mad, she's a feisty one I tell ya. Sigh, then there's my older brother, he's not much of a talker, so don't go on hopin’ to have a decent chat with good ol’ Big Macintosh.” 

“Heh, they sound like a riot." Dash deadpanned.

“Oh, you'll love ‘em once ya get ta know ‘em.”
After that it was pure on silence as thay passed house by house; until they got a view of an orchard filled with apple trees of all kinds … and smoke from the now turned into factory barn that cast over the orchard causing it to fell uneasy. 

If the place wasn't so dark and gloomy it would be cozy, Rainbow thought as she followed behind the young filly outside of the now turned factory barn.

“Home sweet home, excuse the smell of smoke and apples, you’ll get used to it," Applebloom shrugged and kept on walking.

“Come, Miss Dash, y'all might as well get ta knowing the sibling’s before anything else,” She ran into the barn as the door closed behind her and started talking inside, and before Ranibow could enter the barn the door opened wide infront of her.

Before her stood a mare; she wore a camouflage uniform with some nets in her hair, as for her features… blonde mane, orange coat and esmerald eyes, simple, yet she was looking at Dash just like General Spitfire called her out for making a grave error with those jade eyes. She didn't do anything to this mare, yet her instincts took over and was on guard and puffed out her chest.

“Y’all must be Miss Rainbow Dash." Applejack. Rainbow guessed, her voice deep yet somewhat sweet.

“Yes ma'am-" Rainbow saluted, a sly smile played on her lips “-the one and only mare to kick flank every day in the sky to protect Equestria on your farm… you're welcome by the way." That smile turned to a smirk as she swayed her hair to present her awesomeness.

“Thank ya kindly, Miss Rainbow Dash. Names Applejack,” she narrowed her eyes. ”but don't forget who feeds your tummy when y’all get hungry in the battle field-" she prodded Rainbow Dash at her chest and started walking circles around her. “-and don't forget who’ll be takin' care of yer wing over yonder for the next six months ‘til it get's all tidy and clean so y'all can go back to the field again,” she stopped walking and stared directly at Rainbow’s eyes. “and don't you dare forget who you'll be working for the next six months, so take work seriously …we'll explain more at dinner," 

She walked inside and commanded, “Macintosh! Go show our guest her room and cook dinner. And Applebloom get yourself here filly, yer gonna help me ‘til Bic Mac is done with dinner.”

Geez, talk about bossy. Same as the commander… heh, good, Rainbow thought waiting outside the barn, her view and earshot not that far away from inside the barn.

“Sure thing Applejack!” The filly joyfully cheered approaching her older sister.

“Eeyup," As Applejack dissapeard from her view a red stallion in the same uniform came before Rainbow's eyes, startling her with his height. 

“Hi'ya Mr. Macintosh, the names Rainbow Dash." She raised a hoof for him to shake, and he shook it almost breaking Rainbow’s arm.

“Whoo… you sure got a grip there Mr. Macintosh."

“Eeyup,” He started walking towards a smaller door at the side of the barn, Dash following behind him inside the barn home. 

“Huh, nice place… cozy." Raidbow said while gazing through the place. 

Big Mac nodded. “Eeyup." 

“Tell me, Mr. …eer, will this job be somewhat of a challenge or nah?” 

“Hmmmm…Eeyup." 

Huh, the kid was right after all… not much of a talker for sure. There was silence as they climbed a set of stairs that took them into a hallway with a door on the left side and another door to the right, the right one being almost at the end.

“So, like, is Miss ‘Grumpyjack’ back there always like that, or is it some kind of a show she likes to put on?” 

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said making Rainbow Dash raise an eyebrow.

“Yup what, the first one or the second?” She questioned.

“Second, Miss Dash." They kept on walking, meaning Rainbow's room is the far right one.

“Heh, I knew you could talk," She said that earning a glare from Big Macintosh. “Heh, sorry, but it's nice to know she won't be mean to me all the time… right?” 

“Don't count on it Miss Dash, she's might stubborn… here's your room, get confy now." With that he turned and walked away, leaving Rainbow alone in her new headquarters for the next six months. 

It was pretty decent for her room, but had a problem with the mattress. Since she is a pegasus and in the army they didn’t have that much money for hay mattresses, they just used clouds from the sky and now she’s used to sleeping on only clouds.

“Better talk that one with Miss ‘Grumpyjack’ at dinner." She chuckled and took off her uniform and put her stuff in the drawers. A while passed upon hearing a knock at her door. 

“Miss Dash! It's time for supper!” The little filly kept on knocking until no end until Rainbow opend the door. 

“Geez kid, that's loud knocking just to tell me it's time for dinner.” Rainbow Dash put on the nicest smile she could muster for the young filly before her. 

“Oh, Ah’m sorry Miss Dash, it's only that it's been so long since we had company for dinner. Ah’m just so excited like for havin' you as our guest and part like, y'know… renter of some sorts." Appleblom had that pure on child face of excitement that one wore on the morning of Heart's Warming Eve and Rainbow Dash had not seen one in a long time, well, not since the war had began.

Rainbow Dash was frozen to the ground staring at the young filly before finally chuckling, “No problem kid. Just next time, don't try and break the door. See, there's a crack there thanks to your powerful hooves." She finshied with a grin.

Appplebloom chuckled herself, “Don't even know my own strength. Well we better get going to get the grub while it's hot, don't want it to get cold now do we?” There she was a again, the little filly with one of the purest excited faces Dash had so often forgot that still existed in the cruel world that surrounded them. 

“Yeah, let’s go!"

They got to the kitchen, where the dinning room was also placed, then saw what was on the table; good ol’ mashed potatoes, fried carrot sticks and pure on hay. It was far more better from what they served in the milatary, still some Granny Smith applesause but there was plenty here to make her mouth water from just the smell. 

“C'mere Miss Dash, sit next ta me. Applejack sits on the other side of the table, so y’all better sit next ta me if ya don't want ta get bucked in the face.” Applebloom patted the seat next to her.

“Uh, yeah, sure thing. But where is your sister, or your brother for that matter?” Rainbow asked while getting next to Applebloom's seat. 

“Right here Miss Dash,” Applejack entered the room without her uniform and a stetson on her head. Big Mac following right behind her, also without his uniform and nets. 

“We don't like eatin' with our coats all dirty or our uniforms on, it's not right in our eyes to do that. I expect you ta do the same thing Miss Dash." Applejack shot a glare towards Rainbow hoping she got the message. 

“Um, uh yes Ma'am,” She mocked a salute with a smirk. “caught that loud and clear.” Then she winked towards Applebloom and heard the little filly giggle.

“Hmmmm… I got my eyes on ya' Miss Dash, y’all better be careful. Well anyway, Ah’m starvin' so giddyup and get yourself some grub y’all!” She put on a smile for the very first time since Rainbow was there, but then dissapeared as Applejack noticed Rainbow Dash seeing her smile and served herself some mashed potatoes, Dash following serving on some carrots.

As everypony started eating, Applejack decided to speak up, “Well Miss Dash, mmm-" she munched on her meal. “-as you'll be in this here house hold for the six month’s to come… or well, until that there wing get's fixed, we would much appreciate if you do things the Apple way on this here farm and stick to our rules until you’re fixed as a fiddle."

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, sure ma'am, tell me the rules and I’ll try to stick to them… buuut there's a little problem, the thing is, since, y'know, I’m a pegasus, I usually sleep on clouds, so, um, could I change the matress of my bed to a cloud mattress instead?” 

“Well, ya see, Miss Dash, the problem with that is that there ain't no cloud here ‘round these parks since a long time, so y’al-" Applejack got interrupted by the pegasus.

“But there's a cloud right there," She pointed out towards the window where there was a big enough cloud for her to make as her mattress.

“I could bring it down if you have a lasso, since, y'know, my wing is broken." 

“I, um-" Applejack was interrupted once again, this time by Applebloom.

“Ya hear sister, y’all can have your mattress back if Miss Dash here'll sleep on a cloud mattress, y’all can sleep confy this time, not like last time. I bet you chased out the other soldier just ‘cus ya weren't sleeping well, right?” The little filly chimed in with the most enthusiastic voice, probably becuase she thought she was right.

“Well, um, Applebloom, the thing with the last injured soldier that was here on the barn, was that he was… not very helpful, so that's why I kicked him out," She explained to her sister and then shot a glare towards Rainbow. "But as for you, Miss Dash, y’all can get the rope next ta the barn door and get yer cloud. But ya gotta get your mattress outta' your room and put it inside my own, it's the room next ta your’s by the way."

She finishied with a sly smirk and a competitive glint in her eyes, thinking Rainbow Dash couldn't handle that. But Rainbow responded with her own smirk and competitive eyes.

“Sure ma'am, bet I can do it in a minute!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“We'll see about that, Miss Dash." Applejack slouched on her chair as she wore a smirk.

“Oh yeah? Time me!” 

With that, Rainbow shot out of the dinning room, went to the rope and got it ready. She got ready, aimed and… fired! She throwed the lasso towards the cloud, caught it, brought it down, went running into the dinning room, cloud being dragged behind her, and when she passed it she heard: “T'was thirty seconds Miss Dash!”

She kept on going, climbed the stairs towards her room, fluffed up the cloud and put it aside as she lifted the mattress off her bed and onto her barrel, she took the mattress and into the next room. She saw the bare wooden bed frame.

Heh, good thing I sleep on clouds or this mare would’ve chewed my ear off just becuase of a bad sleep. She finished that thought with putting the mattress onto the bed and shooting right towards the kitchen.

“Sooo, how much time did it take?” She asked as a cocky smirk played on her face.

The dinning room was complete silence, Big Mac and Applejack both wore shocked expressions while  Applebloom…

“Whoo-wee Miss Dash, that was one minute on the dot! That was amazin', first you where like whoosh outta' the kitchen, and then ya were like shazam passin' this here dinnin' room towards upstairs, and then ya where like whaposh standin' right infront of all of us, that. Was. AMAZIN'!” …was totally amazed of what just occurred in front of her if you couldn't tell. 

“Heh, well kid, that minute could’ve been ten seconds if I had my wings, but a minute can do for now." She said whilst straightening her messy side bangs.

While Rainbow was dealing with her hair, Applejack spoke: “Well, Miss Dash, that was one heck of a performence you just throwed, but that run in the house will be the last ya will run in this here building, as rule number one is…”

“No runnin' in the house,” All three Apple siblings chanted at the same time.

“Rule number two is always be helpful around the farm, using your common sense - if you have one - to offer help or do the remaining chores if there's any left.” 

“Ugh, I do too have a common sense ma'am.” Rainbow rolled her eyes at the comment the mare had made. I'll show you who has common sense Applesack, she thought and glared at said pony.

“Well… y’all have ta proof yerself, Miss Dash. You'll have enough time with six mounts on yer hooves and nothin' else ta do but be on this here farm makin' sweet, sweet applesauce fer the troop's out there. Now, where was I? Oh, yes,

“Rule number three, don't try and eat the applesauce. Me or Mackie here see ya tryin' to eat the applesauce when it's not in the can, y’all go sayin' bye bye to this here farm.” Applejack finishied her scentence shooting Rainbow Dash one of the nastiest glare's she had.

“Rule number four is don't make Applejack mad, or she'll kill ya." Applebloom whispered out loud towards Mac as they both chuckled.

“Ha ha, very funny y’all," Applejack deadpanned before rolling her eyes and getting up from the table. “Well then, since Miss Dash is staying her first night here she's got the honor of washing the dishes as Ah’ll put on some new blankets to my mattress. Miss Dash, knock on my door so I can change yer wing bandages."

“Wait, you’re going to take care of my wings?” Dash asked surprise at these news as she put on a teasing grin as she asked her next question: "Wait, do you even know how to preen wings?” 

That got a flushed look on the other mares face. Huh, she get's flustered easely, interesting. Rainbow Dash got a devilish idea in her head as she smirked.

As the mare still had a tint of pink on her cheeks she spoke: “As you may recall, Miss Dash, I did say that I was goin' ta take care of yer wings for next few months, so… yes, yes I know how ta take care of wings. And if that is all, Ah'm a head to mah room.” With that she turned around and head into the living room, Rainbow Dash’s gaze never leaving the earth pony until she disappeared.

“Whelp, that just happend.” Rainbow’s eyes still on the door where the mare had dissapeared through.

“Eeyup." Big Mac agreed.

“What's the matter with her though? So serious." Dash's eyes still lingering on where Applejack had been. 

“Well, Miss Dash, right now she's still a little bit stiff, with y'know ‘stranger in the house' thing. And well… she don't rightly trusts you right now, but when she does, whoo-wee! Will ya love her. Anyway Ah’m gonna hit the hay, Big Mac ya coming?”

Applebloom said trying to calm down the pegasus and her nerves towards her older sister. And that done, she stood up and made her way towards the entrance to the living room awaiting for her older brother.

“Eeyup." Big Mac got up his seat and walked where the little filly stood.

“Well, y’all better get ta washing if ya wanna hit the hay early, g'night Miss Dash!” The little filly finshied - with once again - the smile only the young one's could master.

“What she said, g'night Miss Dash." Big Mac nodded towards the rainbow-hair pegasus and left the room, Applebloom following right behind.

“Goodnight!” She shouted towards them and then sighed seeing all the plates and pots that awaited her.

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“Ugh, finally!” She finshied the last of the pots seeing as the plates where the easiest to clean first.

She made her way towards her room, when she almost passed the first door and realized her wing bandages needed changing. She put on a cocky smirk, leaned on the door frame and knocked.

As the door opend to show the mare of the other side, Rainbow Dash just kept on that flirtatious smirk on her face. 

“Hi'ya ma'am, I’m ready for my preening.” She took a step toward to the earth pony before her as she widened her flirtatious smile as Applejack backed away from the pegasus. 

“Now, Miss Dash, Ah’m not going ta preen ya, Ah'm just gonna change yer bandages." Applejack explained.

“But a little preening woldn't hurt now would it ma'am?” Rainbow Dash tilted her head to the side bringing her snout closer to Applejack's as the farm mare cheeks flushed. It's working, Rainbow thought as her smile got wider as she gazed into those furious esmerald eyes.

Wait, furious? Before she could answer her own question she got shoved out of the farmers face and into the corridor.

“Miss Dash! As I said, I won't be prennin' ya any time soon, Ah'm a change yer bandages a that's it, y’all can do yer own prennin' if ya want, but not tonight. C'mon, let's get ya some new bandages."

She got a first aid kit for pegasi and went towards the next room, Rainbow following right behind.

As they enterd the room Applejack stomped a hoof on the floor, “Sit. Now." She orderd the pegasus.

“Wow, a little rushed, aren't we?” Rainbow Dash sat down as she still wore that cocky smirk of her’s.

“Sigh. No, Miss Dash, Ah’m just tired and want to get this over with." 

“Okay, fine, you’re not making this fun, y'know?” Rainbow Dash pouted.

“There’s nothin' fun with changin' some ol' bandages. Now quit squirmmin', you’re already makin' it harder then it is." 

Dash stopped moving once she felt one of her wing bandages was taken off, she bit her lip so a yelp wouldn't escape her mouth.

“There we are… oof, that's quite the bruise ya got there Miss Dash. It don’t look like there will be any prennin' any time soon. Y'all don’t even have feathers, what happend anyway?”

“Well, there was this avalanche and my wing was under a rock and I don't know what exactly happend for it to loose it's feathers, but could you hurry and cover it up. It's starting to sting a little."

“It's a little pain, Miss Dash, I bet you’ve been through worst...” She dralled out.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Tch, yeah, I guess, but it still stings, and itches... a lot. So tell me, how does a farm pony much as yourself know how to take care of a wing?”

A pause, “…Can't respond ya, Miss Dash.”

“Why, ma'am? Is it some sort of secret?” Rainbow questioned the mare before her.

Another pause, “…Somewhat."

Silence. Nothing but silence after that.

Applejack was adjusting the bandages so they wouldn't be too unconfortable until Rainbow broke the silence.

“Sooo like, will I get one of your uniforms, ‘cause I don't want to be working in my uniform." 

“Sigh, Miss Dash, Ah’m sorry to say, but we don't got another uniform, especially for pegasi, so I guess you'll just have too work with your uniform or nothin'.” Applejack glared at the pegasi as she was still adjusting the bandages.

“Sigh, fine. I’ll figure out a way to work in this, I'll get used to it sooner or later.” Rainbow Dash sighed and slumped down a bit with these news, but then Applejack patted her back, signaling she was done.

“Well, the wings all patched up. Tommorow’ll be the start of six months of good ol' honest farm workin'. Rest well, Miss Dash, tommorow’ll be a long day.” 

“Yeah, can't wait.” She deadpanned as Applejack exited the room.
> First Month
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the rooster croaked his morning song at the crack of dawn at the east field of Sweet Apple Acres, everything was at peace… not like the battle fields Rainbow Dash was used to getting up.

Everything seemed so… at peace, not like the fire and blood she saw every morning since the war began.

But, what did she know? It was just the morning, everything is at ease when it's morning…

…and right she was. 

"Good mornin' Miss Dash." All three Apple siblings greeted the prismatic pegasus.

“Well, ain't you bright and early? Ah’m surprised Miss Dash, Ah’m surprised.” Applebloom said while getting the table set-up for breakfast.

“Yeah, it ain't too common to see folk wake up at this time of day.” Applejack told the pegasus while chopping some apples.

“Eeyup.” Confirmed Big Mac while flipping a flapjack. 

“Well, good thing I'm not common. Plus, that rooster of yours is loud enough to wake up the whole town.”

“Heh, you could say that again.” Applebloom chuckled, earning a glare from her sister.

“That rooster wakes us up on time, and when I mean us, I mean us Apples. It really is a surprise to see you up at this time Miss Dash. I was gonna go get ya when breakfast was ready.” Applejack made eye contact with Rainbow Dash as she placed the apples on the table. 

Heh, you make this too easy Apple mare.  Rainbow thought as she put on a sly grin on her face. She walked towards the table where Applejack was and scooted close so that only she and Applejack could hear.

“Well, now I know to wait until I hear that sweet voice of yours to wake me up ma'am.” She whispered and winked towards Applejack, the latter getting a bit flustered.

“U-um,” Applejack eyes darted from left to right, then back to the pegasus, “Miss Dash, I don't think it's best if you do that.” She warned.

“Why? Not scared are we?” Rainbow went to nibble the orange mare's ear, when she felt a hoof push her back.

“I said I don't think it's best if you do that Miss Dash. Now, get ta eating, after that little act y’all be lucky if ya get lunch.” Applejack sent daggers towards Rainbow Dash as she went to seat herself leaving the pegasus behind in a shocked expression.

“What happened?” Applebloom asked and then gasped as she realized something, “Did ya make her mad?” The little filly wore a worried expression.

“Yeah, I think so.” Rainbow nodded.

“Ya think so? Miss Dash, did she tell you that yer not gonna get lunch?”

“Um, yes…?” Dash asked as she raised an eyebrow.

The little filly's eyes widened at that confirmation, “Wow, y'all better fill up, if she said yer not gonna get lunch, yer not gonna have lunch. Anyway, what are we waiting for, fill yourself on some flapjacks and enjoy it!”

Breakfast was delightful, especially since Rainbow took seriously the warning from the earth ponies. She ate more than she expected too, but it would do to fill her up. 

Harvest season wasn't until next month, but there were a few dozen rows of apple trees ready to be bucked. Applejack saw this as training ground for Rainbow Dash… a little try out per see. 

“C'mon, Miss Dash, it's time ta teach ya how to work the Apple way.” Applejack said while opening the kitchen door.

“Well, I wouldn’t mind some of your teaching lessons ma'am.” Rainbow winked towards Applejack. Dash got up from her seat, and when she was going to pass Applejack an orange hoof stopped her in her tracks.

A pair of furious emerald eyes met her oblivious magenta eyes, “Miss Dash, at this rate ya ain’t even gonna get dinner.”

“Well~ Good thing I had a big breakfast. Now come on, it's time to get the job done.” She passed the furious orange mare and into the orchard.

Everything that happened that day, happened all week. 

From the loud singing rooster, to the greetings from the family, towards those furious jade eyes Rainbow liked so much to see.

Rainbow didn't eat much as well - as she liked to tease Applejack - she didn’t get lunch nor dinner as said by little Applebloom. But, she ate like a queen for breakfast.

She was already used to eating only breakfast, for in the battle field there wasn’t much time to eat the meals they provided. So, she took that to her advantage and teased Applejack to no end. 

She has to get used to it eventually. Thought Rainbow Dash every time she teased Applejack morning, afternoon and night.

Every night after Applejack finished dinner she had to go and change the pegasus wing bandages, because if she didn't it meant that Rainbow Dash had to stay more time on the farm. 

It's best ta get rid of her in good conditions for the army. Applejack always thought before entering the guest room, because once she entered there wasn’t turning back until she finished bandaging the featherless wing.

And when she finished she always had a massive headache from the things the pegasus said, they were around the lines of ‘Are you lost ma'am? Because heaven is a long way from here’ or ‘If you where a vegetable, you'd be a cute-cumber'. 

Obviously the orange mare had a lot to deal with.

They were already going to end week one of Rainbow’s stay on the farm, but the pegasus still hasn’t gotten the hang of bucking a tree properly.

“Now Miss Dash, for the last time, ya gotta aim at the middle of the tree. There ain't any other place better then the middle ta buck it.” Applejack instructed.

“Mmm-hmm,” Rainbow nodded, “ya sure know what your doing ma'am; the best place for anything is in the middle am I right?.” Rainbow waggled her eyebrows towards Applejack. 

The farmer sighed trying to not face hoof. “Consarn it, Miss Dash why ya gotta do such bad jokes?” 

“Cause I like to joke around, duh,” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “plus, it's fun.” She got ready to buck the tree and then kicked, causing all the apples to move a little from their branches.

“Miss Dash, are ya ever gonna stop this?” 

“Stop what?” Rainbow questioned.

“Stop jokin’ around? It’s getting annoying.” 

“I don't think it's ever going to stop ma'am, so I suggest you get used to it.” Rainbow Dash bucked the tree again, this time flat in the middle.

As the apples fell from the tree and the sun sets. As the ponies that lived in the apple farm began their rest, the second week of the pegasus' stay came, and some new rules were set. 

“Alright now, good morning every pony,” Applejack greeted her siblings and the rainbow-maned pegasus. “As y'all know it's Miss Dash's here second week on the farm, she's a little rusty, but I bet it's because it’s her first week here,

“She's been botherin' me non-stop and well, I suppose it's just how she is, so I guess I better get used to it, so, Miss Dash will be joining us for the afternoon meals-" She didn’t even get to finished the news as her sister interrupted her.

“Yay! Im so excited! Oh, Miss Dash how you'll love the cooking here. Oh thank you Applejack! Thank. You!” The little filly went and hugged her sister, almost squeezing the life out of her.

“Oof! Alright Applebloom, I get it, yer excited. Now calm down okay? Don't make a fuss about it.” Applejack smiled shyly as she tried to get her sister off of her.

“Yeah, I really hope the food here is as good as it smells. Heh, haven’t had a good meal since, y'know, before the war.” Rainbow chuckled slightly at her own dark pun. 

“Yeah,” Applejack narrowed her eyes and frowned at the pegasus as she understood what Rainbow had meant, before turning back to the good news. “today we’re gonna do a good meal for ya, Miss Dash. Big Mac, ya better cook like ya have done it all yer life.” 

“Eeyup.” The red stallion nodded.

“’Bloom, y'all make some nice apple juice, ‘kay?”

“Alright! Yer sure ta love it Miss Dash.” The little filly cheered.

“I hope I do, I don't want to be disappointed by you kid.” Rainbow ruffled Applebloom’s hair.

“Alright then, now that everything is settled, let's get to work!” 

The second week had begun and Rainbow Dash finally had lunch and dinner after a long time.

Applejack still was getting used to Dash's ‘personality’ as she called it, she had too; Rainbow wasn’t going to stop teasing her.

It was difficult for her, especially since she had to go and change Rainbow’s wing bandages. 

Dash was at least trying to talk to her, with all the little ‘flirts' aside, she is trying to get through to the orange mare.

But aside from that, Rainbow’s relationship with little Applebloom and Big Mac was okay. 

Applebloom and Dash had a lot of fun, making jokes and stuff. Apparently, Applebloom isn't supposed to be on the farm, she's suppose to be on the country side of Equestria, but Applejack’s stubbornness didn’t let that happen. 

Big Mac didn't talk that much, but him and Rainbow got along just fine; with Rainbow devouring his homemade food, he felt proud and well… that meant that he invited her gratefully into his home.

That whole week was just fine, but the work still hasn't begun. Of course Rainbow is bucking trees left and right with Applejack, but they still haven’t given her any chores; that wasn't unnoticed with Applejack of course.

The third week arrived with a sunny sky in Ponyville, the smell of freshly cooked flapjacks and apples roomed through the air as the cyan pegasus made her way towards the Apple family kitchen.

“Good morning. How is everypony on this fine morning?” Rainbow Dash asked while getting to her seat next to the young filly as Big Mac was still cooking breakfast.

“Doing fine Miss Dash, hope your hungry-“

“Starving!” Rainbow interrupted Big Mac.

“-‘cause it’s ready. Catch.” Big Mac throwed the flapjack to the air and Rainbow got on the table, jumped, and caught the flapjack in her mouth.

“Mmm-mmm,” Rainbow sang in delight as she ate the pancake, “you've made a great breakfast once again Mr. Macintosh.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac smiled proudly as he went back to cooking.

“Oh, how it's nice to see ya, Miss Dash,” Applebloom greeted cheerfully, “I heard my sister is going to start giving ya some chores to do around the farm.”

“Did you now?” Rainbow asked before hearing hoof steps behind her.

“Yes she did,” Confirmed Applejack as she entered the kitchen. “Morning to everypony here. As Applebloom said, Miss Dash will have a whole buncha’ more chores to handle, so, Big Mac y’all won't have ta work twice as much as you've been.” 

“Eeyup.” The red stallion said while putting the freshly made flapjacks on the table.

“So, after breakfast we'll teach ya how to do the chores, and we expect ya to do it right.” Applejack demanded from the pegasus.

“You got it ma'am.” As Rainbow finished her mock salute, she dove into her breakfast the Apple siblings following behind. 

After breakfast all the ponies who lived in Sweet  Apple Acres went to do their work.

The third week of her stay of Sweet Apple Acres consisted of Rainbow Dash learning the routine of work that the Apple's had. She watched as either Applejack or Applebloom thought her to either hail hay or water the plants.

Of course she knew that these weren’t the only things she would do on this farm, there will be lots more to come in the future.

She enjoyed the meals, of course who wouldn't; it was food after a hard day of working, so she enjoyed it while it lasted. Especially with little Applebloom always talking non-stop. 

Then came the list of chores Applejack gave her, oh how Rainbow Dash dreaded the list of chores she had gotten. She tried to get everything right on the list, it was the least she could do.

But when Rainbow did something wrong, like right now - Rainbow forgot to hail the hay - Applejack was the first to notice. 

“Miss Dash, I believe you forgot the hay.” Applejack decided to mention it while they were bucking the apple trees to see if Rainbow was able to buck them right this time.

“Did I? Oh, I guess it just slipped my mind.” Rainbow stated flatly, aiming her back hooves towards her target of the tree.

“Slipped your mind?” Applejack gave her a stern look. “Miss Dash, it's important to do your job here on the barn, you’re lucky Ah'm giving ya a chance ta buck these trees instead of being in the factory with Mac!” 

“Ma'am it's just hay, I can do it in less than a minute. Once I’m finished here-" Rainbow got ready to buck the tree, when Applejack interrupted her.

“No, Miss Dash, always go with the list, and the first thing on yours is the hay. So git to the hay, Ah’ll keep myself busy with these trees."    

“Ugh, yes ma'am.” Rainbow did a lazy salute, rolled her eyes and went towards the barn.

Their arguing were always like this one. Rainbow       - every time this happened - always thought that Big Mac was right. Applejack is a might stubborn pony as he said, because every time Dash didn't do something, it was Applejack’s stubbornness to do the trick to make Rainbow do her chore. 

The fourth week came and she was already tired when she got to breakfast, she wasn't used to waking up before dawn only to feed the chickens. It was a miracle that there were even chickens alive in this environment.

She was hoping to do nothing that day, but hey, we don't always get what we want.

“G'morning Miss Dash!” Applebloom greeted with her energetic little self from the couch in the living room.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t respond with words, instead she responded Applebloom with a grunt and sat next to the little filly.

“Rough morning, huh?” Applebloom asked while looking at a picture above the fire place.

“You have no idea. I mean who wakes up before dawn to feed those chickens.” Rainbow decided to rest herself on the arm rest as she looked at the kid.

“Heh, Big Mac did, he always fed the chickens before y'all came.” Applebloom smiled a little towards the pegasus before she turned her head around again towards the fire place.

That made Rainbow Dash curious as she also turned her head towards where the little filly was looking.

It was a portrait of an old mare. Light green coat, hair white just like snow, amber eyes just like the filly next to her.

Rainbow recognized her to be ‘Granny Smith’, the one to be on every label of the applesauce that the army provided… and just like the one they did here on this farm. 

“So that's your grandma, huh?” Rainbow broke the silence with that question.

“Yeah, Granny Smith.” The little filly responded not looking away from the portrait.

“Heh, good to see her other than on the cans. She looks happy in that picture.”

“She sure does,” Applebloom still gazed at the portrait with a smile. “it was when Applejack came back home from a hole week from Appleloosa, she came back with a whole buncha' money. We couldn't believe it, then I saw how happy my granny was and I took the picture, it was nice seeing her happy.” The little filly replied as she smiled sadly.

“What was your sister doing in Appleloosa?” Dash asked as curiosity took over her.

“Oh, she was competing in their rodeo. Where do ya think all of those ribbons and trophies came from?” Applebloom pointed to a little cabinet filled with blue and red ribbons and a few gold and silver trophies.

How come I never noticed that… featherbrain, Rainbow thought as she was still seeing all the prizes before her. Who would’ve thought that little miss Grumpyjack was a sports pony.

“So was it just your sister who won all of those ribbons?” Dash asked as she waved her hoof around.

“Most of them, yes, some were won by Big Mac, but they were just strength competitions. Applejack won all the trophies. She even won the one for fastest pony last year!” 

“Fastest… pony?” Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief. Her, fastest pony? Win?! How come I didn’t know?! Oh right… featherbrain. But now I have to see that in action. 

“Now what all y'all talking about?” That made Rainbow Dash flinch as she unnoticed Applejack’s presence.

“Oh, nothin' Applejack, just admiring Granny Smith.” The little filly told half the truth, but the middle Apple sibling was still onto them.

“Mmmm,” Applejack narrowed her eyes. “alright then… anyway, breakfast is ready so c'mon.” Applejack gestured for them to follow, the other two ponies doing so.

As always the same old breakfast from weeks past, Rainbow even thought that's all that was for them to eat on Sweet Apple Acres. But she didn’t take it for granted; who knew what other ponies were doing in this situation of the war. 

And as all the ponies were done with their morning food, and as the sun finally raised, it was time to go work.

As the end of the month was already coming, they had to prepare the shipment of the Sweet Apple Acres Applesauce towards the army. 

That week the Apple siblings plus Rainbow Dash had been busy non-stop, they had to work hard to get it ready before that week ended. 

Why? If they still had one more week before the month ended. 

Well, apple buck season is the next month that comes, so they had to prepare themselves to get ready to harvest all the apples - except for the few ones that they used for Dash’s ‘tryouts' - they had a lot to get ready if they wanted to have a little break.

Thank Celestia they had one more hoof to help around the farm or else they wouldn’t have finished loading and sending their shipment on time.

And as they sent away their last batch of applesauce, all the hard working ponies finally had a time for a breather.

Applebloom made her way towards the couch as she finally rested on it and sighed, “Finally, a little time for a breath befo-"

“Now c'mon Applebloom, time ta do your chores.” Applejack ordered.

“-re Applejack ruins it, ugh! Ah’m a comin’ Applejack, Ah’m a comin’." The little filly sighed as she reluctantly got up.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Rainbow got between Applejack and Applebloom. “I’m just going to stop you right there ma’am.” Rainbow puffed out her chest as she defended the younger Apple.

“Now, why is that Miss Dash?” Applejack raised an eyebrow.

“Well, for starters, we just finished loading up, like what, one minute ago?”

“Yes, Miss Dash, your point?” Applejack narrowed her eyes in annoyance.

“My point is that this little filly was one of the most hard working ponies I’ve ever seen-“

“Well o'course she is, she's an Apple for Pete’s sake-"

Dash interrupted the orange mare, “Don’t you think she at least deserves a little break?” she motioned towards the little filly.

Applebloom saw this as an opportunity to make her point. “Yes Applejack, Ah’m tired and sore and I fell like my bones are broken-" 

Applejack rolled her eyes as she interrupted her sister. “Now that's just you exaggerating ‘Bloom.”

Applebloom rolled her eyes as she continued. “Okay, fine. But can’t we at least take a little bit of a break? We’ve been workin’ non-stop for days… plus, didn’t I saw ya workin’ on some cider in the cellar?” 

That made Applejack’s eyes widen in shock. “Applebloom! What did I say about ya spyin’ on me?!” 

“Ya said that you did boring stuff, and whoo-wee were ya right. The only non-boring stuff ya do is when you go to the cellar and experiment with those apples, not to mention the refreshing smell they provide.” Applebloom explained with an innocent smile.

“Oh~ So that explains that delightful smell you had the other night ma'am.” Rainbow said with a teasing grin.

“What in tar-“ Applejack stopped, took a deep breath and then scoffed. “no, Applebloom, I said that you spyin’ on other ponies is bad and that ya shouldn’t be doing it. Sigh, sugarcube, I know you’re bored here, but try entertaining yourself in a different way, alright? 

"Now, about that apple cider… maybe, if Big Mac says yes, Ah'll bring it out.” Applejack told her sister with a motherly smile.

“Yay!” Applebloom cheered as she waved her hooves around.

“Apple… cider? What’s that?” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“Gasp! Ya mean you’ve never had apple cider before?” The little filly questioned.

“Never even heard of it.” Dash confirmed.

“Applejack, y'know what this means?” Applebloom brought her hooves to her face as her eyes twinkled and her smile widened.

Applejack sighed, “It means that we-"

“We bring the apple cider!” 

And so they did.

That afternoon all the ponies that lived in the barn went to the living room, Big Mac set up a nice fire in the fire place for it was a chilly night. 

As Applejack entered the living room wearing her stetson with the apple cider, the first thing that Dash noticed was the smell of the drink. Oh what a heavenly sent it produced. Now, thanks to the apple cider, the whole room smells of apples and cinnamon, and how pleased the ponies inside the Apple family living room were.

“Mmm-hmm! That’s what I call a good smellin’ apple cider. Miss Dash, you’re sure ta love it.” Applebloom wore a cheeky grin as she drank her cider.

“Yeah, sure, if you say so.” She went and grabbed a mug full of cider, it had foam on it so she was a bit startled by it not sure of how to drink it, of course that would be noticed by the oldest Apple sibling.

“Miss Dash, don’t overthink it, just drink it.” Big Mac told the pegasus.

“Hey, that rimed!” The little Apple sibling chimed.

“Eeyup.” The red stallion nodded as he went back to his drink.

Rainbow just shrugged, and as Big Mac told her, she didn’t overthink it that much. She took her first sip, and oh my was it an experience for her.  

The drink danced around her taste buds, apple, cinnamon and another flavor that Dash didn’t know of. With just that tiny first sip she took, she officially loved the drink with every fibber inside of her, and that wasn’t unnoticed with the Apple siblings of course.

“Ya like it, don’t ‘cha?” Applejack asked with a smug grin.

“Like it-" Rainbow gulped down the drink, “-I love it! Give me more!” And with that they started their break after a long time of working. 

They spent their time drinking the barrel of cider gleefully, talking and just taking a breather from all the stress around them. 

The sun settled down a few hours ago as the stars shown through the night sky. It was time to go to sleep for Applebloom and Big Mac. 

Rainbow Dash was saying ‘good night' to the kid until suddenly Applebloom turned around and said: “Y’all can just call me ‘Applebloom’ Miss Dash,” The little filly smiled at Dash as it warmed the pegusus heart.

Rainbow chuckled as she smiled at the young filly. “Well then, Applebloom. You can just call me Rainbow Dash since we’re already at first name basis.” 

That made Applebloom laugh from the belly, “Will do Miss- eer, I mean Rainbow Dash, will do.” Rainbow and Applebloom shared a smile.

“Same goes for me, Miss Dash.” Big Mac said as he stood up next to his younger sister.

That made Rainbow’s eyes widen. “Wait, you want me to call you ‘Big Mac’?” She asked dumbfounded.

“Eeyup.” The grown stallion confirmed with a smile.

Rainbow took a while to process this in her mind, until she finally understood. “Uh, well then,” she smiled nervously. “You can call me Rainbow Dash as well Big Mac.” 

That was enough for Big Mac as he smiled contently and nodded in satisfaction. Applebloom and Big Mag bid their goodnights towards Rainbow Dash and Applejack, as both Applejack and Rainbow Dash were still next to the fire enjoying the warmth.

“You don’t want to call me by my name ma’am?” Dash decided to ask the only Apple sibling that hasn’t asked for her name.

“No, Miss Dash, I don’t want too.” Applejack coldly stated.

“Why?” Rainbow inquired.

“‘Cause Ah’m just not like my siblings, they get attached too easily to ponies.” The orange mare stated sternly as she frowned.

“You don’t?” The pegasus asked, directing her gaze from the fire towards the pony beside her.

“Well, I-“ Applejack widened her eyes as she realized that she was going to tell a stranger a secret of hers. “wait a consarn minute! We’re not talking about this anymore Miss Dash. C’mon, it’s time to hit the hay.” 

With that Applejack made her way upstairs, the pegusus following right behind. Applejack changed Rainbow Dash’s bandages in a silent yet rough manner, making Rainbow Dash sleep uncomfortable that night. 

As the day ended and a new week began, a new season was about to begin as well.

Dash fed the chickens and had her morning talk with Applebloom before Applejack told them it was time for breakfast.

But this time -this week, Applejack didn’t make Rainbow do her chores, this time Rainbow had to help Applejack get the fields ready for apple buck season.

Which turned out harder then doing her chores.

She had to put three baskets under every single one of the trees. Every single one. And to make matters worst is that they had five orchards. Dash noticed that there wasn’t enough baskets, but she knew better then to speak her mind and she set out to do her job.

She loaded her cart full with baskets made for the apples. She worked alongside Applejack, helping her while her brother was at the factory managing the applesauce progress and Applebloom was doing her chores; which now also included Rainbow’s and Applejack’s late morning and afternoon chores.

Rainbow put every basket at hoof. But it seems that Applejack had some sort of strategy. 

It took Applejack less then a second to put all three baskets under a tree. She grabbed three at one hoof grab, throwed them into the air and bucked them into place; it made Dash eyes widen when she first saw that happen.

Rainbow tried once… or twice… or five times, but she just couldn’t. So instead, she opted to tease the mare with it.

“Ma’am, it seems to me that you’re trying too hard… maybe you’re trying to impress me.” Dash waggled her brows as she wore a teasing grin.

Applejack - as always - flashed a tint of pink on her cheeks and scoffed. “Well, Miss Dash, maybe Ah’m trying too hard or yer not trying hard enough.” She spat the last bit of her sentence as she got back to work.

Rainbow just couldn’t leave it at that, so she just kept on going. “Maybe I could try harder... for a price.” She flashed a daring smile.

Applejack just narrowed her eyes. “What are ya gettin' at Miss Dash?”

Rainbow just kept smiling. “The price is that you just call me ‘Rainbow Dash’ and stop with the ‘Miss Dash.' I’ll, of course, will keep calling you ‘Ma’am.’”

“I- I,” Applejack paused. “what?” She asked.

“Just call me ‘Rainbow Dash' ma’am.” This time she offered a kind smile, the same one she gave Applebloom. This made Applejack’s pupils shrink.

“I- I don’t know,” She looked at the floor and took a breathe and then kicked the dirt making a tiny fraction splatter around as she shot a serious look at Rainbow.

“Listen here, when Ah’m finally comfortable around ya Ah’m gonna call ya by whatever name yer comfortable name yer with, ‘kay?”

“Alright then, how about we change the subject?” Dash said deciding to talk to the farm pony.

That afternoon they talked while working, the other day as well. Three days passed, they kept talking. Until they realized something; there weren’t more baskets.

They were already done with the half of the third orchard when they realized this. So Applejack just decided to let them take a break until the day ended… reorganizing the tool shed, hoorah.

“Stick in the mud.” Muttered Dash behind Applejack.

“What was that?” 

“Oh, um,” Dash looked around for an excuse and found one. “Tool. In the mud,” She pointed towards a hammer that was for sure in a mud pile. “yep, just a tool… in the mud, nothing else.” She smiled and giggled nervously. Nice save Dash. She thought as she tried not to face hoof herself.

“Yeah, sure,” Applejack shrugged, got the hammer and cleaned it. “So, Miss Dash it’s already coming to the end of the month. So tell me, how was it stay with the Apple clan for a month now?” She smiled kindly towards the pegasus.

Dash returned the smile. “It’s been quite fun actually,” She put on a teasing grin. “especially with you ma’am.”

Applejack rolled her eyes as she placed the hammer to it’s place, “Yeah, sure.” She said sarcastically.

“But in all honesty; your family is one of a kind ma’am.” Dash inquired.

“How so?” Applejack asked turning away from the pegasus to clean a tool box.

Rainbow chuckled as she remembered some of the memories of the Apple siblings, “Your sister is something alright; she’s a curious filly for sure. Then there’s your brother, he may not talk as much but he sure is a great cook, and not to mention when he’s in a good mood he does double the cooking.” Dash put a hoof over her mouth as she laughed.

Rainbow could barely hear it, she wasn’t even sure if it was true but she heard Applejack chuckling.

Chuckling. Of course it wasn’t the same as laughing but for Rainbow Dash it was a win.

“I’m hearing somepony chuckling~” Rainbow teased making Applejack flinch a little and burry her nose deeper into the tool box.

“No, Ah’m not. Now get ta washing those tools behind ya, their not gonna clean themselves now are they?”

“No, their not,” Rainbow faked a pout and then put on a confident smile and puffed out her chest, “That’s why their going to be cleaned by the most awesome pegasus in Equestria.” She kept smiling as she got a bunch of tools to go and clean them.

When Rainbow Dash was finally out of the shed that was Applejack’s cue to start laughing. She could barely contain herself from Dash’s dumb jokes. She laughed hard knowing that Rainbow was cleaning those tools with the well pump - that was far from the tool shed - so she was sure Dash couldn’t hear her,  but didn’t expect that one of her siblings would hear her.

“What are ya laughing at sister?” 

Applejack eyes widen as she tried to stop laughing, “Oh, Applebloom!” She had a wobbly smile, “Ah’m not laughing.” She lied.

“Are ya though?” Applebloom questioned.

“Yep,” she lied again. “Not laughing at all.” She faked a smile as she started sweating.

Applebloom just sighed and face hoofed. “Applejack, we both know that yer one of the worst liars ever.”

That made Applejack’s fake smile falter as she kicked some dirt and sighed, “Fine, Ah’m sorry Applebloom.” She smiled apologetically towards her sister.

“It’s fine Applejack. It’s just… I haven’t heard ya laughing in a long time,” The little filly smiled sadly as she remembered a time when her sister was always laughing and being happy before this war began.

Applebloom missed the way things used to be, when the family was always together. Of course Applebloom had her brother and sister, but it still wasn’t the same. 

But then Rainbow Dash came and… something changed. It was like something was missing from their home and it was like Rainbow Dash brought it back. It’s like the pegasus is rebuilding that piece that missed from the family. 

But Applebloom still needed to ask to make sure it was the pegasus doing. “Was it Rainbow Dash that made ya laugh?”

“What?!” Applejack asked as her pupils shrank and as she took a step back. Was it obvious? She asked herself.

“Ya heard me-" Applebloom took a step towards her sister. “-did Rainbow make ya laugh or not?” she inquired.

Applejack looked left and right to find a way out, but there wasn’t one, so she just sighed and nodded reluctantly. “Yes, she did.”

Applebloom smiled widened as she clapped her hooves. “Yay!” She exclaimed, “that means yer not gettin' rid of her, right?”

“It means Ah’m not gettin’ rid of her yet. Now it’s time for ya to stop spyin’ on me.” She pushed her sister out of the tool shed as the little filly refused to get out.

Applebloom sighed as she got pushed out. “Fine, I get your message,” She rolled her eyes. “just loosen up a bit won’t ‘cha?” The little filly inquired.

Applejack scoffed, but replied with a smile anyway. “Alright Applebloom, Ah’ll try.”

That for sure made the little filly smile cheerfully as she nodded with contentment, “Okay then, Ah’ll let ya be then. See ya later.” 

With that, Applebloom left, leaving Applejack to sigh in relief and get back to her work. 

Not even a minute passed when Rainbow Dash finally came back. “I saw the kid coming back from here with a smile. What’s up with that?” Dash asked as she placed the tools back.

“Oh, nothin',” Applejack said with a small smile on her face. “just that Ah’ll be makin' some fritters with some of the apples.” She said as she smiled some more.

But Dash just raised her brow, “Fritters? What are ‘fritters’.” She asked.

Applejack just sighed and shook her head. “It’s like ya don’t know anything about the good things on this land.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Well, it’s nice to try new things.” She smiled and got back to work. Applejack got back to work as well, but this time with a small smile.

The next day, since Applejack finished her chores in a jiffy, she had time to make the apple fritters she told the pegasus about.

She did the same recipe she was taught by her grandmother. It was a hit for her siblings and for Rainbow Dash as well.

And the month was finally coming to it’s end. It was the final night before the second month of the pegasus' stay at Sweet Apple Acres.

Rainbow was sitting there in silence as Applejack re-bandaged her wing. Dash was bored, she needed to talk so she asked the orange mare one of the first questions she asked her: “How come you know how to take care of wings?” Rainbow asked as she finally broke the silence.

To say the least, Applejack was debating on whether to tell Rainbow Dash or not. She just sighed as she shook her head and decided to tell the pegasus one of her stories. It’s fine, It’ll be just one. No worries. 

“Well, Miss Dash, right now in this life we gotta learn how ta take care of ourselfs and other ponies, and well, I just so happend to have bumped into a book of taking care of wings while searching for more healing remedies… and I learned, I learned every thing I had to know about wings, even it’s movements, heh, who would've thought it would come in handy.” She smiled sadly as she looked away from the pegasus and cleaned up the mess she made. 

Dash was silent as she looked in shock at the mare before her. Who would’ve thought that she would have to do that. 

This, for sure, was a new side to Applejack that Rainbow Dash had never seen, and now she was curious, but she didn’t let her curiosity take over her, so she just decided to find out some more the next month. 

Maybe she could even start calling me by my name. She got that idea planted in her brain. Now it’s her goal for next month, but right now her goal is to get some shut eye.

“Well then, it’s been fun talking to you ma'am,” She faked a salute as she yawned. “Good night, rest those eyes of yours, and don't wake up too cranky.” Dash replied with a small smile, and that smile was apperantly contagious as the apple mare before her wore the same small smile as she left the room.

“Will do Miss dash, will do.”
> Second Month
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the sun shined through the blooming apple fields, Rainbow Dash was still at Sweet Apple Acres recovering from her broken wing.

Her second month.

The first week of the new month began and Dash still hasn’t gotten used to feeding the- “Gosh darn chickens!” -as she exclaimed with every peck they gave her.

She just woke up, she wasn’t in the mood for this. 

Of course, in the battle field there was worst then just a few chickens that pecked you and as they did so they tore a piece of your flesh. But atlas, laziness was always the winner in every battle.

She groaned as she made her way towards her seat at the table where all the Apple siblings were talking as they awaited the pegasus.

As Rainbow sat down, she immediately slammed her head at the table and groaned some more.

When she slammed her head, she made every silverware jump a bit and that made the Apple siblings look at the pegasus.

The older Apples just sat there with questioning looks, while the youngest Apple wore a worried look.

“Are ya okay, Rainbow Dash?” Applebloom asked as she poked the pegasus.

Rainbow Dash just kept groaning as she turned her head around to look at the young filly. “Chickens.” She said flatly.

“Chickens?” the Apple siblings questioned.

“Chickens.” Rainbow repeated her response.

As the Apple siblings heard of this they laughed. Even Applejack snickered at how ridiculous and pitiful that sounded. 

“Well, ain’t that just one of the most low down pathetic things Ah've ever heard of,” Applejack shook her head. “Ah’ll teach ya what true pain is.” She said with smug face. 

Something of what Applejack had just said made Rainbow’s degenerate part of her mind turn her gears. 

She waggled her eyebrows towards the orange mare. Applejack paused and shot a questioning look at the pegasus, until her own gears turned and she finally got it… and she didn’t like that thought.

Applejack blushed. “That’s not what I meant!” She exclaimed as she covered her face with her hooves.

Rainbow Dash just roared with laughter, Big Mac chuckled and Applebloom… 

“What’s funny?” …was an innocent little filly with no idea at what these ponies were laughing at.

Rainbow Dash was trying to contain herself. “I meant, ha ha!” she spoke through her laughter, “I meant that she would cause me pain if we fu-"

“Miss Dash!” Applejack stomped her hoof on the table, still with flushed cheeks. “That’s nothing of her knowing,” she sighed and regained her composure. “What I meant, Miss Dash, was that harvest season is right up the corner and that we have to give it our all, meaning a lot of pain.

“Now, about those chicken ‘bites’, Ah’ll send…” Applejack narrowed her eyes, shifting her eyes from Big Mac to Applebloom and finally at Rainbow Dash. She raised a brow. Is there really nopony other then me who can take care of bruises? Applebloom is still learning and Big Mac is not very careful when it come to these type of things. 

In the end; who chuckles will pay. And now Applejack will be the one to cure the pegasus’ ‘bites'.

That made Applejack roll her eyes in annoyance and sigh. “…Ah’ll send myself to take care of those ‘bites'.” Not only will she be changing Rainbow’s wing bandages, but she has to also stay a few more minutes to take care of the chicken pecks on Rainbow Dash. Consarn it.

“Wow, Applejack. It’s a miracle that you let Rainbow Dash here, stay at the ‘Acres,” Applebloom interjected. “It’s nice to know that yer givin' her a chance.” She finished with a smile.

Yes, Applejack is giving Rainbow Dash a chance, but it doesn’t mean that she enjoys the pegasus’ company – as Rainbow Dash still teased the orange mare; just because Applejack is trying to let loose doesn’t mean she likes Rainbow’s teasing.

Applebloom – as young as the filly was – knew that her sister was very strict and severe. She actually didn’t expect Rainbow Dash to last the week… but lookie here, the second month.

The same goes with Big Mac. He knew his sister and how hot on something Applejack could be, so it came as a shocker for him to realize that Applejack gave the prismatic-pegasus a chance.

“Alright,” Applejack stomped her hoof on the table getting everyone’s attention. “We still have one week to keep preparing for the harvest,” she said. “Rainbow Dash and Applebloom will spend their time in the barn, clearing some storage-“ 

“Woo-hoo! Girl time!” Dash interrupted Applejack while ruffling Applebloom’s hair.

Applejack narrowed her eyes at the pegasus and kept talking. “-While me and Big Mac spend our time in the factory; we need to check the machines to see if they need a refurbishment. Alright then, since we already know what we’re supposed to do, let’s get to it!”

And so they went to do their jobs.

For the rest of the week – as said by Applejack - Rainbow Dash and Applebloom spent their time clearing space in the barn. They made a few accidents here and there that made Applejack glare at them, but none the less they had fun.

Of course, they didn’t miss the chance to joke about apples. They were along the lines of ‘What do you get if you cross an apple with a shellfish? A crab apple!’ Or  ‘What do you see at a funeral for a piece of fruit? Apple-bearer.’ Most of these jokes were from - surprise-surprise - Applebloom and not from Rainbow Dash. 

She actually claimed that Applejack said them when they were younger. The little filly smiled sadly at that memory, but none the less, Rainbow changed the mood with a bad pun.

“Hey, Applebloom. You did a fantastic job at moving those wheelbarrows,” Rainbow said. “I apple-laud your great work.” She finished with a grin.

Applebloom started laughing as she shook her head. “Ah think these puns are applepriate for the occasion, Rainbow Dash.” 

The two of them shared a laugh and then they went back to work.

Applejack and Big Mac just washed and repaired the machines in the factory.

There wasn’t anything broken, that was good. They still had to do a few adjustments, but all in all the factory will last for some time. 

“So, what made ya make the decision of lettin' Rainbow Dash stay here at the ‘Acres, Applejack?” Big Mac asked.

“Applebloom,” Applejack said. “She told me ‘to let loose’ or some whatnot,” she waved a hoof and then sighed. “I just want to give the little filly somethin', y'know? Some kind of hope for this world.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded, agreeing with his sister.

“With Miss Dash here, there could be at least one happy memory when she’s been a filly,” Applejack said with a frown, but then put on a serious look. “Now come on, Big Mac,” she commanded. “It’s time to get the job done.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded, moving a barrel as Applejack went and replaced the apple cutter.

They spent their whole week working and preparing for the apples that are about to come thanks to the season. 

And if Applejack could have a heck of a headache it was at the moment.

As she said and she’d done; she went and changed the pegasus’ wing bandages and cure her wounds. Rainbow Dash was telling her all the bad jokes and puns that she and Applebloom shared; that was causing her that headache. 

She didn’t want to hear all of those bad apple puns. Oh, the agony she was going through.

The worst part? When Rainbow Dash suddenly mentioned that Applejack had made those jokes. 

Applejack suddenly froze as her eyes widened. “H-how?!” she asked with a horrified look.

“Applebloom,” Rainbow confirmed. “She told me you thought her.” 

“Applebloom, huh?” Applejack asked as she raised an eyebrow. Ah’m gonna have to talk with that filly.

“Yep,” Dash nodded. “She even looked a bit gloomy when she said it, actually,” Rainbow said gaining the apple mare’s full attention. “So that’s when I made a new pun, making her laugh.” She puffed out her chest and smiled proudly.

Applejack - again – raised an eyebrow and let curiosity take over her. “And what would that pun be like?” She asked.

“Weeellll…” Rainbow shifted side to side. Her brain formed a mischievous idea as she grinned. “Ma’am, did you know that you did a fantastic job with bandaging me?” Dash said making the farm pony roll her eyes. “‘cause I apple-laud your great work.” She finished with wide grin awaiting Applejack’s reaction.

And the waiting was worth it. Applejack sighed, facehoofed and started chuckling. I made her chuckle. Thought Dash as her grin widened.

“Y’know that was a bad pun right, Miss Dash?” Applejack asked with a small smile.

“Yeah, I know,” Rainbow nodded but kept that grin on anyway. “But it makes you Apple folk laugh, so that’s a win for me.” She said with a confident tone.

“Whatever you say, Miss Dash,” Applejack said exciting the room, still wearing that small smile. “Whatever you say.”

As the night goes by and day makes it’s way, the second week came and Rainbow was already wide awake.

She was already somewhat getting used to the routine of awaking before dawn, feeding the chickens, breakfast, some chores, lunch, some arguing with Applejack, dinner, dish washing, Applejack changing her bandages, sleep. 

As said by doctor Redheart she had tree bucking duty, it was harvest season and there were tons of apple trees that could go on for miles. Last month it was a try out with a few rows, but this time it was for real. She was going to get every apple out of this orchard by the end of the month, but good thing she had company to not drive her insane.

She had Applejack by her side, working along side her just like for her ‘try outs'. 

Rainbow decided that it was enough of the silence that surrounded them, with the exception of the ‘thump' that would appear every now and then with their bucking.

“Sooo, ma'am,” Dash said. “Do you have any other interest then tree bucking?” Rainbow asked going for another kick towards the tree.

“Why the question?” Applejack asked while taking the apples she just bucked onto the cart and dumping them out.

“Dunno,” Rainbow shrugged. “Guess I just wanted to chat, a problem with that?” she tilted her head a little as her eyes narrowed towards the farm pony.

The farm pony narrowed her own eyes as she shrugged and responded. “I reckon not.”

“Sweet!” Rainbow exclaimed. “Now, any other activities you like other then kicking trees?”

“It's not kicking them, it's bucking them-"

“Looks like kicking to me.” Muttered Dash, earning a glare from the earth pony.

“There’s a difference, Miss Dash,” Applejack said, irritated. “As for activities, Ah’ve haven't had much time to have some free time since the war began, and well, my life is set firmly caning the apples.”

“But there must be some games you played with your sister ma'am, or some kind of competition you use to attend.” Rainbow inquired.

“You've been rommin’ around the house haven’t ya?” Applejack asked with a frown on her face and made eye contact with the magenta eyes, receiving a flinch from the pegasus.

“Um, yeah. Sorry about that,” Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. “But, I saw some medals in a cabinet in one of the rooms, and well, I thought that you were the one to win them?” Dash asked, telling half the truth. She knew that Applejack was the one to win them, but decided to wait until the orange mare confirm that she did.

“Right you were, Miss Dash,” Applejack confirmed. “Their from some rodeos from Appleloosa. From what? One and a half year ago? Something between those lines.” 

“What did you do in those rodeos?” Dash asked.

“Oh, you know; good ol' traditional competition like lassoin', hay throwin’, barrel rollin', you name it. I was always the only mare in those competitions, heh, the youngest too. I always ended up leaving everypony else in the dust,” she sighed as she smiled sadly remembering the past. “The good ol’ days, how I miss ‘em."

Rainbow Dash also smiled sadly. “Yeah, that sounds awesome, wish I could've been in those competitions. They sound fun… and I totally would’ve left you in the dust." She flashed a daring smile.

That got the attention from Applejack. She stopped what she was doing and turned towards the prismatic-pegasus.

“Is that a challenge I hear?” Applejack smirked as she raised a brow. 

“Only if you’re not daft, sweet apple.” Rainbow Dash challenged the earth mare.

“What do ya propose?” Applejack asked.

“A race.” Rainbow Dash confirmed.

“A race towards where?”

“One race. Only one. From here, around the barn, and back here to finish the race.” Dash grinned.

“Hmmm,” Applejack tapped her chin in thought. “How about we do it tomorrow. Ah’m mighty tired right now and the sun is already getting low.”

“Tomorrow it is then.” Rainbow spat on her hoof a raised it for Applejack to shake it.

“Tomorrow.” Applejack spat on her own hoof and shook hooves with Rainbow.

When they did the race, it ended up in a tie. So they decided to do another race the other day… and the other one also ended it with a tie. Basically this race was formed into their routine, always ending up as a tie.

“Huff,” Applejack panted. “Why is that we always end up on a tie?!” she asked as desperation took over her. 

“Uff,” Rainbow herself panted. “I have no idea, ma’am. But I swear if I had my wings I could beat you.” Rainbow smiled coyly. 

“Wouldn’t that be cheating, Miss Dash?” Applejack asked as she raised a brow. 

“Um… no?” 

Applejack still had her eyebrow raised.

“Alright, maybe it is or maybe it isn’t,” Rainbow shrugged. “Who knows, but the only thing I know is that we have to figure who’s the best of the best.”

“What are ya suggestin’, Miss Dash?” 

“I’m suggesting that we keep racing, but this time we make more competitions!” Rainbow said, excited.

“More competitions?” Applejack questioned. “Wouldn’t that be a bit excessive, Miss Dash?” 

“Yeah, but it would make working here way more fun,” Dash made her point. 
“Plus, not to mention that we have to move all the baskets to the two remaining orchards.” 

“Hmmm,” Applejack tapped her chin in thought. Rainbow Dash was right, those competitions would make the job way more easier, but at the same time it would mean that Applejack would have fun; something that she hasn’t thought in a while.

‘Let loose.’ Her sister’s words travel through her mind. Maybe it’s time to listen to that little filly. Applejack contemplated as she finally made her decision.

“Alright. Ah’m game, Miss Dash,” Applejack said with a smirk. “Just don’t be a sore loser when I win.” 

Rainbow Dash flashed her own smirk. “You, win? Ha!” she boosted. “You’ll be the one crying just because you can’t keep up.” 

“Yeah, right,” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get these apples in the barn before night settles down.” She strapped herself to the wagon and started off, leaving the pegasus behind.

“Oh! I’m gonna beat you at everything, just you wai-" Rainbow turned around to find that Applejack was already ahead of her. “Hey! Wait up!” she shouted towards the orange mare as she hurriedly strapped herself and galloped towards Applejack.

As the two of them walked side by side with their wagons, the two of them chatted. It was something they started at the same time as the race. A little walk didn’t hurt anyone now, did it?

Rainbow still got pecked by those chickens, but she was at least grateful that Applejack is there to help her with that. She still teased the farm pony, but she’s been lowing down with the teasing and the puns. 

Applejack noticed that, but decided to keep her mouth shut and wait for Rainbow Dash to tell her what was going on, but she never did. So Applejack just shrugged it off and kept on with her life.

The third week came with gloomy sky’s.

Rainbow was used to looking at that gloomy sky, it was the same one from the battle grounds. 

She sighed knowing that Sombra had gained some more territory. It was disappointing to know that Equestria may probably fall.

She entered the dinning room with a sad look that the Apple siblings immediately noticed.

“What’s wrong Rainbow?” Applebloom asked. “Is everything alright, you’re not sick are ya?” 

Rainbow shook her head. “No, it’s not that. It’s  just…” she paused and looked out of the window. 

“The war is gettin' worst, ain’t it?” Big Mac asked.

Rainbow nodded with a frown. She didn’t want to accept it, but she had too. There was no other choice.

“Well then,” Applejack said. “Since the sky’s so gloomy and dark, I guess Applebloom won’t be goin' to town today.”

“Whoo-wee! I can finally have a break.” Applebloom cheered with a wide smile.

“Town?” Dash questioned. “Since when does Applebloom go into town?!” Rainbow asked in terror.

“Oh! Didn’t we tell you Rainbow?” Applebloom said. “I go sell some apples into town. Gotta get them bits!” she exclaimed with a cheeky smile.

Rainbow was going to ask more about that, when Applejack intervened. “She’s got a 'sitter that takes care of her,” Applejack reassured the pegasus. “I think she used to be a teacher.” Applejack tapped her chin in thought.

Rainbow nodded understandably, but still had a question. “Wait, doesn’t the military pay you for the applesauce?” Dash asked.

“Yeah, they do,” Applejack nodded. “But it isn’t enough. We still need some bits to, y’know: repair the machines, repair the house, and some few more necessities for our daily lives,” Applejack explained. “We just need a few more bits, and that’s why-"

“That’s why I don’t see Applebloom when we’re  working,” Rainbow interrupted Applejack as she finally understood. “Oh! Now I get it, I just thought that Applebloom was just up in her room or something.” She chuckled nervously.

Applejack narrowed her eyes at the pegasus. “Well, she’s been sellin' apples all this time,” Applejack said. “Now that that’s settled, Ah’m hungry. Big Mac, bring those flapjacks and let’s eat ‘em.”

“Eeyup.” And so they wolfed down their breakfast.

The Apple siblings were known for their big appetite and Rainbow could tell. It was amazing how they could gobble their food in a second. But Rainbow was not going to bee left behind. She was like a vacuum cleaner, suctioning her food in less then a second as well.

When they finished their breakfast, Applejack told Applebloom to go sort out the apples that they had in the barn. Big Mac went to wash some of the apples that were in the factory to get them ready for the applesauce. While Rainbow Dash and Applejack went go do their job.

Like they said before, they had to move the baskets from one orchard to another.  Rainbow decided to turn that into a competition. “Okay. So you remember what I said last week, right?”

“About makin' more competition?” Applejack asked.

“Yes. Exactly that,” Rainbow confirmed. “What I had in mind was that we do a strength test.” 

Applejack raised a brow. “A what now?”

“A strength test!” Dash exclaimed. “To see who's the strongest. The test will be taking all the baskets that you can on your back. Whoever carries the most, wins!” 

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “So yer sayin' that we have to take a whole bunch of baskets on our backs from here ‘til the other orchard?” she questioned.

Rainbow nodded, eagerly.

Applejack’s smirked. “Alright then,” she said placing a basket over her barrel. “Just don’t get tired easily, ya hear Miss Dash?” 

“You got it cowpony.” Rainbow winked towards Applejack making her roll her eyes.

They trotted off towards their destination, baskets on back. They both carried the same amount of baskets, which were around five or six baskets per pony. When they had to place the baskets, they had to see who was the fastest. When they had to go and get more, they raced.

Applebloom – since she hadn’t gone to town – was bored out of her mind in the house. She went to see what Applejack and Rainbow Dash were up to. She saw them on their little competition they were having, but she didn’t know that.

She was watching them from afar; how Applejack and Rainbow Dash were taking a whole bunch of baskets on their backs instead of placing them in a wagon and taking them to wherever they had to be.

Applebloom’s curiosity won the best of her and approached her sister about it. 

“Hey, Applejack,” she asked while her sister was placing a basket on her barrel. “Why are y’all taking the baskets that way?”

“What do ya mean AB?” Applejack asked, obliviously.

"I mean, why aren’t you just putting ‘em in the wagon and takin’ them over yonder?” The little filly asked, pointing her hoof towards a nearby wagon.

“We’re doing a competition,” Rainbow Dash said, placing her own basket over her barrel. “It’s still a tie, but we both know that I’m the stronger one.” 

“Now that’s a whole bunch of hooey, Miss Dash,” Applejack intervened. “We’re both taking the same amount, so don’t go fillin' the little filly’s mind with lies.” Applejack narrowed her eyes towards the pegasus.

Rainbow Dash just shrugged and kept on placing baskets on her back. “Sorry ma’am,” she said and then changed her gaze towards Applebloom. 

“Hey, ma’am,” Rainbow asked, gaining Applejack’s attention. “What about we make Applebloom be the one to keep track of the scores?”

Applebloom gasped, liking the idea of that. “Ah would love that!” she exclaimed. “What about it Applejack, what about it?” she asked with a wide smile and sparkling eyes.

“I -uh…” she tapped her chin, thoughtfully and then sighed. “Fine,” she said, declaring defeat. “you can watch us-" 

“Yay!” Applebloom exclaimed, interrupting her sister.

Applejack continued. “-Only if you’re honest with yer answer.” She said, giving Applebloom a serious look.

Applebloom gulped and nodded. “You got it, Applejack.” 

“Alright then,” Applejack said, satisfied. “Shall we get a move on, Miss Dash?” 

“Way ahead of you, ma’am!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, already trotting off with her baskets.

“Oh, apple fudge!” Applejack placed her last basket on her back and galloped, chasing the pegasus. 

Applebloom saw this and was impressed. Impressed at how her sister could gallop with six huge baskets on her barrel and how miraculously none of them fell. 

The little filly sat there, for what? Less then five minutes and her sister and Rainbow Dash were already picking the next set of baskets.

Applebloom placed good attention on them.

Rainbow Dash; yeah, sure, she was fast at placing them over her barrel, but that didn’t matter. It was the strength that mattered. Rainbow had unstable legs when she finished placing them over her, so that’s why she trotted instead o galloping like the little filly’s sister. 

Applejack; she worked and dedicated her life to farm work, so it was a no brainer that she was obviously the strongest one. But Rainbow Dash wasn’t that much of a difference from her, from, y’know, the galloping.

Of course - like all living ponies – they had their faults. They stumbled once or twice trying to outwit each other. Heck, Applebloom could hear from her spot some of the curses that either Applejack or Rainbow Dash yelled when one of them dropped their baskets as the other one snickered at the other’s misfortune.

They kept going for this until the sun finally settled down and the dark sky was covered in clouds. 

Rainbow Dash and Applejack managed to fill half of the fourth orchard with baskets. 

Maybe it was a good idea to work with the wagon, but in the end, they worked the same amount with the wagon on them.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were exhausted. They didn’t take one single break from their little competitions. It was a surprise that they could still walk.

"I guess you were right, Miss Dash,” Applejack said, out of breath. “We managed the job and it was fun, huh?"

“Yeah. I knew it would be,” Dash said, dusting dirt out of the chest part of her uniform. She then turned her attention towards the little filly next to her. “Okay Applebloom, in the end; who’s the strongest one?” she asked with a wide grin.

Applebloom smile sheepishly towards the pegasus and her older sister. “I -uh? …a tie?” She shrugged.

“A tie?!” Rainbow Dash and Applejack both exclaimed. 

“There must be a winner.” Rainbow Dash said frantically.

Applejack took a deep breath and looked sternly at her sister. “Now, Applebloom. You know on what condition I let you keep track.”

“That I had to tell the truth.” Applebloom sighed as she folded her ears.

“Exactly," Applejack nodded. "Go on now, tell us what you saw.”

Applebloom sighed. “Applejack was the stronger one,” she confirmed, making the pegasus slouch and her sister puff out her chest.

“She could gallop while having those baskets over her. While Rainbow Dash wasn’t that far behind, but at the same time you could see her wobble a few times while having the baskets on her.” She finished her explanation and Rainbow stomped her hoof.

“Oh, horse apples. I knew I should’ve taken that earth pony defense class. Dammit!” she kicked at the dirt.

“Now, that was some good competition, Miss Dash,” Applejack said with a kind tone as she saw how the pegasus was. “How’s about we do some more tomorrow?” 

That brought the go-to Rainbow Dash back. “You’re on, ma’am!” she said with a daring smile. She then turned her attention towards the little filly. “Thanks for the help, Applebloom.” 

“You’re welcome, Rainbow Dash.” Applebloom and Rainbow Dash hoof-bumped, but didn’t realize the dark sky above them.

Like always, Applejack was the one to realize these things. “C'mon you fillies, let’s get inside before it gets darker.” 

“Yes, ma’am!” Rainbow Dash and Applebloom said, following the order from the middle Apple sibling.

After that day, Applebloom had to go back to the little village to sell apples. So, Applejack and Rainbow Dash got back to tracking their own points.

They only finished one orchard that day, so the second they would do for the rest of the week. 

Did they or didn’t they expect to have so much fun? No, they didn’t. Especially not Applejack. Those competitions were the ones to remind her of all the good memories that she had. She just adored doing this, but she didn’t tell anypony. 

Rainbow Dash was having a blast doing this, she wouldn’t complain in a million years. She could compete for however long she wanted, she never got tired. But, she was longing for something; the sky.

Yes, she could compete for the rest of the day, but she just missed how she could just soar throughout the sky without limits. She missed it, and right now she just couldn’t soar.

She sighed as she plopped down on the floor, awaiting for Applejack to change her bandages.

“Y’know I can’t change ya when you’re on the floor, right?” Applejack reminded the pegasus.

“Yeah,” Dash sighed again. “I know.” She reluctantly sat up and folded her ears.

Applejack saw this and raised an eyebrow. “Are y’all okay, Miss Dash?”

Rainbow Dash sighed and shook her head. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just a little sky sick.” 

“Sky sick?” Applejack questioned.

“Yeah. It’s like homesick, but with the sky,” Rainbow explained. “It’s a pegasus thing.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh.” Dash frowend.

There was an awkward pause after that. Applejack didn’t know what to say until something came up.

“Maybe you should talk about it.” She suggested.

“Talk about what?” 

“Flyin’,” Applejack said. “It always helps me to talk about something that I miss from my home when Ah'm away from it." She told the pegasus.

"Huh." Rainbow said as she looked at the mare who was bandaging her wing.

Applejack snickered at the face that the prismatic-pegasus had. "Plus, I have never gone flyin’ like any of you pegasus’, but I can tell it’s a heck of a wild ride."

“It is,” Rainbow nodded. “You have no idea how much of a blast it is to be up there. You can fly wherever you want. The wind through your mane. The breeze when you just swoon through the air. Oh, how I miss it.” Rainbow Dash said dreamily.

It wasn’t a joke of how much Rainbow missed flying up above, and Applejack could tell from that longing smile the prismatic-pegasus wore. The bad part was that she didn’t know how to cure that felling. Maybe something else could work?

“Ya know…” Applejack said, an idea forming in her head. “Their is still gonna be a whole bunch of apples to buck, maybe we can start some new competitions when the baskets are all finally placed.” She suggested.

And that suggestion got through Rainbow Dash’s ears. “Well, it’s not flying, but it could work,” Rainbow said with a grin. “Plus, you’re a tough pony, ma’am.” She said, nudging the farm pony.

That got a small and rare chuckle from Applejack. “Yeah. I know, Miss Dash.” 

The dark night covered all the sky. Until morning set in and brought an end to the period of darkness and beginning the fourth week of the month.

As always, Rainbow Dash had to go feed the chickens. She saw the gray sky and sighed, knowing Equestria lost some more territory and that Applebloom had to stay in the ‘Acres for her safety.

She then entered the dinning room where the Apple siblings were awaiting for her, food and all.

They finished their breakfast and were about to got to their work. Rainbow had to go and put on her uniform, leaving Applejack and Applebloom in the dinning room while Big Mac was already out in the factory.

Applejack was about to go put on her uniform, but then Applebloom got a word in.

“Hey, Applejack!” the little filly exclaimed, getting her sister’s attention. “Since Ah’m free for the rest of the day, can’t I hang out with Rainbow Dash for a bit?” 

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Now don’t get ahead of yourself, sugarcube,” she said. “You’ll still have to do chores around the house.”

Applebloom looked at her sister and then smiled.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “What?” she asked her younger sister.

Applebloom still had her smile on. “It’s just… Applejack, I haven’t heard you call me ‘sugarcube’ in a long time.” The little filly said, tears forming in her eyes.

Applejack’s pupils shrank as her eyes widened. H-how?! Since when?! She frantically asked herself. She thought it was… strange, to say the least. Because like her sister said, she hadn’t said that in a long time. 

“M-maybe it was thanks to yer advice, probably,” Applejack flashed a small smile and shrugged. “Y'know, about lettin' loose.” 

“Wait, so you actually followed my advice?” Applebloom asked surprised, wiping the tears away.

Applejack nodded.

Applebloom paused and looked at her sister. “You’re not the Applejack I know.” She said, scrunching up her nose making her look adorable.

Applejack knew better then to ‘aww' at her younger sister, so she just responded: “Well, I know that Ah’m the Applejack that I know.” she said with a small smile. 

Applebloom just wore a questioning look. “What?” she flatly asked.

The orange mare shrugged. “Dunno,” she said. “As for your question… go ask Miss Dash, yourself.” 

“Go ask me what?” Rainbow Dash asked as she walked in the dinning room wearing her uniform.

Applejack patted her sister's back. “Well, that’s my cue. Be right down in a jiffy.” She said as she went to go change.

Rainbow’s gaze fallowed the orange mare until she exited and then turned her attention towards Applebloom. “Well, what’s the question?” she asked the young filly.

“I wanted to ask you if you wanted to play with me, Rainbow Dash.” Applebloom asked with a wide smile.

“Oh, I -um…” Rainbow Dash was thinking about this.

Of course, she wouldn’t have a problem hanging out with the little filly, but the thing was that Rainbow Dash was missing her flight, and the only way to not fall into that depression that wanted to hit her was doing another thing that she loved; competing.

So she had to find out an excuse to both hang out with Applebloom and compete with Applejack. 

A memory of last week flashed through her mind. 

“Hey!” Rainbow exclaimed, startling the filly. “How about we three hang out, huh?” she asked Applebloom with a wide grin. 

“Ya mean like last week?” Applebloom tilted her head, confused.

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, I mean-” she scoffed, moving her bangs out of her eyes. “-we still have a few baskets that we have to move, but we can move them in less then an hour. Then, if your sister says yes, we could have the rest of the day off!”

Applebloom gasped as her eyes sparkled like stars. “That would be fantastic. We should go tell her.”

“Tell who what?” Applejack asked while adjusting her hair nets.

“You!” Applebloom said, happily. “We were wonderin' if you could take a break to play!” 

“We?” Applejack questioned.

“Yeah. I had a word in this.” Rainbow sheepishly smiled.

Applejack raised a brow. “Why?” she asked.

“Because we want to hang out with you as well, Applejack.” Applebloom pointed out.

“Did you now?” she asked with a knowing smirk towards the pegasus who was rubbing her fetlocks nervously.

“Yeah!” Applebloom said with a wide smile.

Applejack shook her head as a small smile appeared on her face. “Alright then, Applebloom. Go towards the middle of the south orchard. We’ll be their in a moment, we just need to get some stuff ready.” 

“Okay!” Applebloom said happily as she ran with her little filly legs towards the orchard.

Applejack turned around to look at Rainbow Dash with a knowing smirk. 

“What?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Y’all just want to compete, don’t ‘cha?” Applejack guessed still wearing that smirk.

“Uh…” Dash was sweating now. She didn’t know what to respond. What if Applejack kills me just because she thinks I don’t want to hang out with her little sister?!

Apparently, Applejack guessed what was on the pegasus’ mind. She placed a hoof over Rainbow’s shoulder and patted her. “It’s fine, Miss Dash. I get it. You just miss flyin', but at the same time you just don’t want to hurt the little filly’s felling’s.” She flashed a rare, kind smile towards Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow pupils shrank. “Y-yeah, h-how did you know?” She stuttered as she asked. Why did she stutter? The answer is that she has not seen a kind smile ever since the war began. And she wouldn’t have expected it from the mare that’s been closed up from the first day they met.

Applejack shrugged. “I could just tell. Now, c'mon, times a wastin’.”

That day, the three of them spent the day together. 

Like Rainbow Dash said, they finished moving the last of the baskets into the south orchard in an hour. Plus, Dash really needed to compete, it was another one of her passions that she just couldn’t live without. 

After they finished their final race – ending in a tie, again – they went to spend some time with the little filly.

Applebloom actually just wanted to take a walk with them and talk as they walked through the orchard, just admiring the beauty that harvest season provided for them.

They talked about the events of the past month that Rainbow Dash was there. They talked about some of jokes that they made as well, making Applejack roll her eyes as a small smile appeared on her face. She was happy that Applebloom would have happy memories when she grows up. 

Just the little things that Miss Dash does to make Applebloom laugh is enough. She thought as she saw her sister and Rainbow Dash laugh from afar.

She smiled, satisfied. She wasn’t jealous or anything, she just wished that she would’ve done something better to keep her sister enjoy being a filly while the war was happening, but she never real did anything to do that. 

Now, Rainbow Dash was here and she was content that the prismatic-pegasus would make her sister a filly again.

That day ended and the next day came.

They had to change competitions because they were done with the baskets; so they opted to just change them to who can buck the most trees in less then a hour, who could lasso the furthest, who can make all the apples fall at once. Things like these were the ones that they did for the rest of the week.

It was one thing to place all of the baskets, but then it was another to buck the trees. 

They spent the other week bucking and kicking the trees as well. The same goes for their competing, it didn’t stop at all. 

The bad part about having a competition same time as working your butt out bucking, is that you get exhausted. And that’s what they are right now. 

They finally finished their rounds and it was time to unload the apples from the wagons and into the barn.

“Ugh! Ah’m tired.” Applejack said as she unhitched herself from her wagon.

“You could say that again, ma’am.” Rainbow plopped down on the hay and stretched her muscles. Applejack narrowed her eyes at the pegasus.

“Miss Dash, I know we’re both tired but we still have to water the plants.”

“But it’s night!” Rainbow pointed out, yelling.

“Watch your tone, Miss Dash,” Applejack said sternly. “Now c’mon. We better go before it gets even later.” 

Rainbow Dash reluctantly stood up and followed the orange farm pony. “You got it boss.” 

They went and watered the plants as night finally settled down. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both were used to working at night. Applejack with her farming and Rainbow Dash with her fighting. 

There was a peaceful silence, until Rainbow Dash felt her ear twitch. “You hear that, ma’am?” She asked the orange mare.

Applejack raised her head to look around and then shook her head. “I reckon not, Miss Dash.” 

Rainbow felt her ear twitch again. “There it is again. It sounds like…” she brought her hoof to her chin to think.

“Like flappin’.” Applejack said, horrified.

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, just like that,” she then paused and looked directly into the other mare’s eyes. “How did you…?”

Applejack raised her hoof and pointed towards a colony of bats that was flying overhead them. 

It was horrifying, to say the least. A dark sky full of bats. For some, yes, it could be beautiful, but for others… it was a nightmare. 

They both were thankful that Applebloom and Big Mac were already inside, because they were sure that the other Apple siblings would scream at this. 

Rainbow Dash and Applejack were just in awe; just at how scary and enchanting to see all the bats fly by. 

But apparently, some bats don’t want to go with the group all the time. Maybe some bats just want to go and scare ponies. 

“Aaah!” Rainbow Dash screamed as a bat just popped up out of nowhere in front of her face. If it weren’t for Applejack, she would’ve fallen to the floor. 

“Thanks.” She said and got herself up.

“Don’t mention it,” Applejack told the pegasus, “Right know, were in a bit of a pickle, Miss Dash.” 

They were surrounded by bats. Not that many, but still a lot. 

Rainbow looked around and studied the bats. “Okay, I think we can scare them away if we just send them some rocks.” She said as she looked around for some rocks, pebbles or something to throw.

“Ya mean to kick at ‘em some rocks?” Applejack questioned. “Miss Dash, after buckin' all day, plus the competitions, y’all must be real tired,” she said, breaking a rock and turning them into pebbles. “Ah’ll scare these suckers off and you can-"

“I’m not going anywhere, ma’am.” Rainbow Dash interrupted the orange mare.

Applejack sighed. “Well, I guess we’ll be goin' together.” She said, admitting defeat.

“On three?” Rainbow suggested.

Applejack nodded.

“One,” Rainbow grabbed a hoof-full of pebbles that Applejack had left and looked around to find her targets. 

“Two,” Applejack got herself ready as she eyed the bats that surrounded them.

“Three!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash throwed pebbles into the air, then kicked them towards the bats. 

Rainbow didn’t care if she hit them or not, but it was good enough for a distraction. Applejack was galloping at full speed towards the house. Rainbow Dash was right beside her, cantering at her speed. 

They ran and they didn’t stop. They broke the first rule that the family had; they ran through the dinning room, living room and went all the way to the pegasus’ room.

Applejack immediately slammed the door shut as she noticed that she broke her own rule. “Don’t tell Big Mac.” She told the prismatic-pegasus.

“Yes, ma’am.” She faked a salute and immediately throwed herself onto the floor. 

Dash was tired, exhausted and unable to get up. Yeah, sure; she loves to compete and wouldn’t complain from their level of work, but she’s still a living pony, so she was bound to get tired.

Applejack was used to working that much, she would even work three times as hard just for the heck of it. She grabbed the bandages out of the kit and made her way towards Rainbow Dash.

“So, should I try a new way of puttin' these bandages on you or am I supposed to give you an invitation?” Applejack asked with a smirk.

Rainbow groaned and reluctantly sat up. Applejack bandaged the wing as a peaceful silence, until Rainbow broke it.

Dash chuckled, “Didn’t know you could do that.” 

“Do what?” Applejack questioned. 

“Break rocks,” Rainbow said. “I thought that the mares back at the battle grounds were the only ones to do that. Now I know to not piss you off.” She chuckled tirelessly.

Applejack smirked. “Well, there’s a lot that you don’t know, Miss Dash.” 

They shared a smile until they heard loud hoof steps out of the door. They turned their attention towards the door and Big Mac barged in. 

He wore a shocked and worried expression, he was panting heavily as well. 

Rainbow Dash and Applejack stood there quietly, waiting patiently until Big Mac regained his composure.

He took a deep breath, stood strong and said: “Applebloom is missing.”

“What?!”