Captain Rainbow Dash has been trying to take down the leader of the rebels per Nightmare Moon's orders, but what happens when she falls for her?
Nightmare Moon's takeover was swift. The kingdom, the night and day, the guard, and even over the ponies who wielded the elements against her. Each one under her hoof in some way. Except one.
Applejack has been leading a resistance group for a couple years but only now is it something needing to be truly squashed.
Nightmare's most loyal right hoof mare Captain Rainbow Dash is assigned to take her little rebellion down, but it doesn't go quite how dash expected. For one, she didn't think she would fall for her enemy.
Surely nothing good can come from heaven and hell uniting?
Lunaverse Appledash CW: Violence, torture, blood, psychological horror, emotional manipulation, implied death, references to dismemberment. -Temp cover art, expect art one soon-
It's been three years. Three years since Nightmare Moon took over Equestria by force. Three years since Applejack had a normal life on her farm. She couldn't say being the leader of a rebellion was her preferred choice of path in life, but it was the role she needed to take.
Maybe she could have resided to continue her farm after that fateful day, be a servant of the moon and chug along through this new world order, but that just didn’t sit right with her. Applejack was going to do what was needed to keep her family safe, but fate had other plans.
Applejack jolted up as she heard knocking on the house’s door. Since Nightmare Moon’s takeover about a month ago she’s been a bit jumpy, and the permanent night had wrecked her internal clock. She gave a yawn, hoping to go back to bed soon. Applejack approached the door as the knocking got more rapid.
“Ah’m coming, hold your hay bales.”
With a creak the door opened as she heard a terrified whisper.
“H-hey Applejack sorry to bother you but…”
“Fluttershy? What are ya doing out this late?”
“Uh, yeah! H-help?!”
“Be specific dear, I ain't quite understandin’ your panic”
“Y-yeah! Oh dear… C-can I stay with you tonight? Onlyifitsokayofcourse…”
“Sure, come on in! What for though? I thought you needed to take extra care of all your critters since the whole ‘eternal night’ thing riled ‘em up.”
Fluttershy hurried in, looking around like a panicked cat. She closed the door and breathed fast as she gave a weary smile. Fluttershy looked at AJ with a tear in her eye.
“T-they-! N-Nightmare!” Fluttershy gasped for air as she started hyperventilating.
“Woah, woah! Fluttershy, calm on down and tell me what’s wrong with ya’.”
Applejack sat Fluttershy down and draped her hoof over her friend's shoulder, giving her a comforting hug.
“Now dear, tell me what’s wrong. Nice and slow.”
Fluttershy leaned close into Applejack, nuzzling her as she wept softly.
“Sh-she was there! Nightmare Moon!”
“Wait wait, at yer cottage?”
“N-no. In my dreams, she came to me. Told me she had a plan for me, she said she saw my skills with animals and… and my stare. She said that she needed me for the animals that will be spreading out from the Everfree forest and across Equestria!”
“What? Now hold on, she told us she wouldn’t bother us as long as we ‘submitted’ to her ‘highness’ back when we faced her. What a load of crabapples!” Applejack huffed as she hugged her friend tightly.
“I- I don’t want to leave! I want to stay here with my- my animals and you all.” Fluttershy cried, looking deep into Applejack’s eyes. “W-what can I do? I just can’t do it, but I don’t want Nightmare Moon to hurt my animals, or you guys!”
Applejack looked sadly at Fluttershy as the pegasus collapsed in her hooves, bawling her eyes out. ‘I can’t just give her up to Nightmare Moon, but she is right about her situation here, especially with her animals…’
“Ah, don’t you worry about us Flutters, we’ll be okay. Ah'll make sure of it.”
Applejack looked up at the moon, hoping for a miracle.
Then a few years passed.
Rainbow Dash grinned as she flexed her muscles. She posed in the mirror as she ruffled her mane mohawk. Dash didn’t want to look too neat. The past few weeks she had to get up extra early for a new protocol Nightmare Moon ordered for her personal guard. Dash loved to get her rest, but the early morning rise she had actually liked surprisingly! She chastised herself, considering ‘Morning’ was a stretch. She got up what was usually night for most ponies, despite it being eternal night. Ponies and their schedules after all.
“C’mon Dashie, this is your chance to truly prove yourself to her!” She slapped her face with her hooves, hyping herself up. “Get your special wings, those sick fangs, etcetera etcetera.”
Dash quickly got her Lunar armor on as she checked tonight’s schedule, with nothing being out of the ordinary. Her wings fit through a hole in the breastplate as the illusion enchantment takes hold, making her wings take on the leathery and dark purple appearance of a lunar bat pony guard. She flexed her wings to make sure it was all good before she checked that she left nothing behind.
“Armor shined and flexible? Check. Your tough and unflinching stare down? Check.”
Dash trotted to her door, spying a letter in her room's postbox slot.
“Please be from Shy, please be from Shy…” She grimaced, her morning confidence wavering.
Dash took the letter and flipped it over. It was from her parents. Oh Nightmare…
“I’ll deal with you later.”
She tossed the letter into her trash bin, trying to not let the sour thoughts ruin her mood. Dash put on her helmet as she headed out to Nightmare Moon’s bedroom to greet her as she woke. Rainbow Dash approached the large doors of Nightmare Moon’s bedroom. The guards at the door bowed as she approached.
“I’ll take the shift from here.” She gazed at them coldly.
“Understood, Captain Dash.” One of the guards stated, the pair trotting off.
Dash stood back to the door, waiting for when Nightmare Moon would be up. After about twenty minutes of guarding she felt the aura of the room behind her change. The queen was up. She turned and prepared her mental notes before opening the door.
“Greetings Captain.” The icy cool voice spoke.
“Hello my queen.” Dash greeted. “I hope your sleep has improved.”
Nightmare Moon gave a lax yawn as she sat up on her bed, her eyes lidded as she looked at Dash.
“Just a bit. Care to join me here?”
“Oh! Of course.” Dash nodded as she took off her helmet. She fluttered her wings as she hopped onto the bed next to the queen. Nightmare Moon of course towered over Dash in size.
“Now then.” She opened one of her large wings, casually draping it over Dash. “I trust everything is in order today?”
“Yes Ma’am! The cooks should be here with breakfast in a few minutes, pineapple pancakes, your favorite.” Nightmare Moon smiled slightly as she nodded. “Nothing new around Equestria to report, and your experts estimated that it will take about fourteen months to fully finish ‘Project Oleander’.”
“Oh, better than expected.” Nightmare Moon grinned as she looked at her ceiling, a fang casually showing.
“Indeed. Also you have a meeting at midnight with- uh with…” Dash tapped on her forehead, trying to remember the name. “Uh. Mr. Bezzle Bottoms?”
“Dazzle Shineheart.” Nightmare Moon stated without a hint of emotion.
“Y-yes of course my queen. Mr. Dazzle, recent mayor of Manehattan.”
“And?”
“And?” Dash swallowed. She was never good at remembering stuff, why did Nightmare Moon always insist on her being the one to remember all her junk! “Uh… Oh! The list, yes of course.”
“The list indeed.”
“The rainbow is secure right by your side of course, the party balloon is traveling around Equestria as usual.” She nods, looking up at her queen. “The butterfly is currently in Southern Equestria dealing with a sea monster problem. The diamond is in the castle, and the apple. The apple is… complicated.”
“The apple is always complicated, Captain.”
“Yes, she is.” Dash sighed. If only the apple was easy like the rest of them were. “Essentially… The apple is causing another disturbance. In Ponyville again. She’s been really hard to track for our team.”
“Not unexpected of her though. Well you know what to do as usual. Keep your eyes out if she tries anything too bold. Some resistance of the public is to be expected, but they shan't be allowed to majorly sway public opinion, even in such a small town as that.”
“I’ll get right on that!”
Dash stood up before Nightmare’s large wing pushed her down.
“Stay with me until my food gets here.”
“Of course.” Dash nodded.
Unlike being cuddled up next to most ponies, being right up close to Nightmare puts a chill down your spine and a shiver in your hooves. Dash never could tell her emotions unless she made it obvious as her cold expression was a fortress to all ponies. Her Nightmare was truly a different pony then the one who took over Equestria years ago. She remembered the rage and vengeance that emanated from Nightmare Moon for the first few months of her takeover.
“Your wings are just as impressive as always my queen.” Dash nodded as she felt the feathers lay on her.
“Oh please Rainbow, you didn’t get this far through flattery.” Nightmare stated, tilting her head down at the pegasus.
“I’m being genuine. As a pegasi we really appreciate impressive wings!”
“I’m very aware, you mention it anytime there is a blank space in our conversations.” She raised a brow at Dash.
“Y-yeah, but I’m a guard though. I’m not really much of a conver-uh. Conversation… sial- Uh. Ponies who are good at talking all the time.”
“Leave talking to the politicians after all.” Nightmare Moon gave a small chuckle, but Dash wasn’t sure what avenue that chuckle came from.
“May I ask a question, my queen?” Nightmare looked down at her and nodded. “Why me?”
Nightmare’s eyelids opened with small surprise before she looked at Dash with one lid raised.
“I hope your self confidence isn’t wavering Captain, it’s always been one of your best traits.”
“Nothing like that my queen, it’s just been a question not wanting to leave my mind.” She tilted her head, trying to get the wording just right.
“Specify then. You know how I don’t like vague questions.”
Rainbow Dash gave a nervous gulp. It felt like she was in the maw of a manticore, yet it was the pony she was the most loyal to. This feeling always made her feel conflicted. Nightmare had an aura that both calmed your emotions but also made you feel as if you were a moment away from being snatched up.
“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful in the slightest, but essentially every other pegasi in the guard has become a Thestral. I know this is stupid to ask as your number two, but is there a specific reason I’m not one yet?”
Nightmare tilted her head to the side, pondering the question. Rainbow’s nerves were like steel, but Nightmare was lava to her foundation. She found herself sweating as the cold aura battered against it.
“Well I do have a reason, but not one I want to share with you now.” She looked down at Dash and grinned, flashing a fang.
“Yes Ma’am, I understand. Later.” Rainbow Dash sighed, glad it was over yet disappointed still. At least she had a reason.
Right on time there was a knock at the door. The three rapid taps meant food was here. Dash shimmied out of the queen's large wing and got her helmet on as she approached the door. Dash opened it and the waiter pony bowed to her.
“I have Queen Nightmare Moon’s breakfast, captain!” The timid server smiled sheepishly.
“Thank you Golden Rose, I’ll take it from here.” Rose turned away as Dash closed the door behind her.
“Here we are your majesty, breakfast.” Dash grinned as she wheeled over the cart to Nightmare’s bed.
“Here we are?” Nightmare Moon raised her brow.
“I mixed here we go and here you are.” Dash scruffed her mane as she turned away.
“If I didn’t know any better I would have assumed you were trying that again Captain~” Nightmare grinned slyly.
Dash winced as she froze. Not that embarrassing memory again. Not again.
“No, I’m not trying that again. Here. Your breakfast.”
“Of course, Captain Dash.”
Nightmare levitated the platter of food to herself, taking in the scent as she looked back at Dash.
“You may go now Captain.”
Dash was surprised, the captain tilting her head at Nightmare Moon. “I thought you wanted extra protection this week, what would sending me away do?”
“I do, but I have a mission for you”
“Yes Ma’am!” Dash saluted. “What is it?”
“It’s on your desk, I had Rarity deliver it to your room.” She took a bite of her pancakes, grinning.
“Wouldn’t it be more efficient to tell me n-”
“Out. Now.”
“Y-yes my queen.” Dash mumbled as she quickly headed out the double doors.
She hurried past the other servant ponies, clearly looking fearful. They gave each other a concerned look, it was rare to see the captain shaken like this.
Rainbow Dash went into her room, heading to her desk immediately and grabbing the letter. She opened it in one slice of her wing, taking the paper out.
My insider says the apple will be at the market today trying to make a move. Try to quell it without raising alarm within any of the townsponies. Lethal force is off limits, even if she has backup. Imprison those you can but don’t make a fool of yourself. She will be in a mahogany cloak near the east alleys of the market.
Dash grinned widely. It had been about a month since she had gotten a mission so exciting! Dash opened her closet, rummaging through piles of clothes she never bothered to organize before coming upon a black leather chest.
“Aha, my sneaksuit! And still in perfect condition!” She boasted, slipping her heavy armor off and putting her sneaky outfit on.
Her sneaksuit had two forms, specially made by Rarity. Despite her job being to pretty up the castle, she was a surprisingly great seamstress! The first form was the typical tight fitting and black one every foal had made, while the second form could fold out into a new mane on top of her head. No doubt having a rainbow mane was very eye catching, so the outfit allowed her to look like a random average pony. Lime green coat with a frizzy peach colored mane.
Rainbow Dash packed some equipment in her saddle bag. “Seems all good to go, now to get out the front door. Great.”
Dash cringed as she hoof palmed. She had to remind herself to put on the outfit after she was clear of the castle. It was always a hassle to take off after all. Packing away her suit, she put back on her armor and headed out the door to the main gate. She stopped her canter as she heard some whispers up ahead. Dash peeked around the corner to see two of the guards gossiping while not paying attention to their post. She trotted slowly behind them before turning in front of them.
“Just what exactly are you two doing? This had better not be the third time I’ve seen you goof off this month Razzle!” Dash gave him an intense stare as Razzle backed up against the wall, a look of shock and fear on his face.
“No, no Captain! Of course not!” Dazzle grinned wide, his nervous look betrayed him even if his poor lying didn’t.
“Good, because if I recall we have extra special measures for those that don’t… get it. Especially ones that distract other, better guards! You got me, Dazzle?”
Dash spat those last few words with vitriol and a bit of spittle, her intense gaze making him avoid eye contact as he tried to back up into the ever unmoving wall behind him. She tilted her down head as she pushed his snout to hers.
“W-won’t happen again Ma’am! I promise!” Small tear drops were forming in his eyes as he collapsed to the floor, sweating buckets.
Dash backed off of him as she frowned. “It’s Captain.” She scoffed as she tilted her head at the other guard, a mare that was too scared to even speak. “Berry, this is your first strike, don’t get distracted by this bumblehead again. I expect him to slip into his own doom soon enough, don’t get dragged down with him.”
Berry nodded hard, smiling at her superior nervously. “Y-yes. Absolutely Captain!” She saluted.
Dash grinned with a nod as she trotted away and out the front gates of the castle. She loved her job. Those she passed bowed in respect to the Captain as she headed out to Ponyville. She crouched down, opened her wings, and took off towards the skies.
Ponyville wasn’t far. Just a minute flight away from Ponyville, but she took her time to enjoy the wind beneath her wings. Dash wondered how it would feel against leathery wings once she got them. The dry air ruffled her fur, the warm breeze carrying her for a few minutes before she descended down upon the small town.
Rainbow Dash dove between some bushes and into an alley, getting her sneaksuit on. She wiggled into it, the suit feeling snug on her as she stretched.
“Now to find the perfect apple for the queen~”
Dash headed out of the alley and into the crowd of ponies walking past. It was a surprisingly dense day for a town such as Ponyville, maybe the market day had attracted visitors from other cities? Dash shook her head, she could theorize later. Right now she needed to locate the pony of interest.
Rainbow looked around the stalls, trying to remember where she was. She had lived in Ponyville for many years, but she had to admit she hadn't been back to the town very much since becoming Nightmare’s right hoof guard and it certainly had changed a lot.
She pulled out a map of the town, trying to spot a landmark. Ah, the bakery! The bakery Pinkie used to work at. Dash sighed, letting the good memories fade as she headed towards the location of her target. She kept a low profile, but not so low that she seemed suspicious. Dash smiled sweetly to the foal that complimented her on her mane as she arrived at the east of the market.
Trotting along casually while keeping a watchful eye for suspicious ponies, Dash tried to catch up with what had changed in the last years in Ponyville. She had been back here sure, but she never got a good look. Crudely shaped lanterns were constructed on every street corner with fireflies in them giving a soft glow. She passed by an especially rickety one before dipping into an alleyway. She lept up with a boost from her wings onto the roof, her landing with a muted thump.
“Should be around here somewhere.” She swiftly lept from roof to roof out of view, peeking into each crevice to check for her target.
Mahogany colored robe right? Rainbow wasn’t an expert on colors in any sense but she swore she heard of that one before. Oh wait, it was a type of wood! Applejack ordered some to use to make a present for Apple Bloom a few years back. Her sudden grin just as quickly faded as it was replaced with a scowl. Stupid wood and a stupid pony.
Her internal hatred was interrupted when she heard a small commotion just a house down from her. She perked her ears up and quietly flapped to the house across from her, trying to eavesdrop. Dash peeked her head over the top of the hay roof, peering down below. Four ponies in different robes were gathered around a box, chattering indistinctly. Rainbow nudged closer to the edge of the roof, peering down directly above them. She listened in as she stared at one of the robes, wondering if the color was mahogany or if it was just dimly lit.
“Are you sure this is gonna work? Our surprises haven’t been the most successful before.” Asked the unicorn with the mint colored horn with the kinda squeaky voice.
“Don’t worry hun, we’ve all got this. A little failure now and again is expected!” Said the pony in the blue cloak with a soft and assured voice.
Dash grinned wide. A real plan just being laid out in front of her! She crouched, the captain getting ready to pounce on her prize before the ponies opened the box. It was… party supplies. They were planning a surprise party. Dash groaned as she rolled her eyes at her quick judgment.
“Somepony’s here!”
Dash clenched her teeth, realizing she just groaned out loud. Well it’s no use to be sneaky now. She leapt up as the ponies stared up at her, might as well give these town ponies something to remember her by. But then, she saw her. One of the ponies that glared up at her- she may not know mahogany, but she could recognize that orange coat anywhere.
“YOU!” Dash yelled. Her brows furrowed as she plummeted down onto the present.
Applejack scowled as she jumped back. “SCATTER!”
The three other ponies leapt back as they tried to run off. Dash leaped forward, striking the unicorn in the barrel with her hind leg before ramming into the pegasi trying to take off. Dash tried to pin the pegasus to the ground before a strong hoof into her jaw sent her flying off and into the wall behind her. She let out a pained groan as she got back up on her hooves and stared at her attacker.
Applejack.
Rainbow Dash grinned as she took a step forward. “What happened to scatter, AJ?”
Applejack’s determined expression wavered as her eyes opened in realization. “So Nightmare finally got her prized guard dog to attack lil’ ol me?”
She and the other earth pony spread out in defensive positions, trying to nudge the downed ponies back to their hooves. Dash grabbed a rope out of her bag as she crouched down, ready to strike.
“Better a pet than a neck ready for the gallows.”
“Better to die than live on your knees.” Applejack spat back.
Rainbow groaned at her self righteous bullcrap. She stepped forward closer to her, Applejack still being on the defensive behind a seemingly abandoned cart just over a pony lengths away. All the rebel ponies were on edge, paying close attention to every movement she made.
“All you’re doing is delaying the inevitable, Nightmare will see you bow. Do you seriously think you’ll get anywhere with this?”
“Yes ah do indeed! It helps my pals get away.” Applejack grinned before shoving the cart into the captain.
Dash flipped her head back to the others, yet the earth pony and unicorn were gone! She grimaces as she bucks the cart with all her might, shattering it into many pieces. Dash shielded herself from the wood splinters before leaping upwards and crashing down onto Applejack.
The pony only had a few moments of realization before the wood dust settled and Rainbow Dash crashed into her, knocking the wind out of her. She got up with a stifled groan as she tried to catch her breath. She looked up, Rainbow had tied up the unconscious pegasus with her rope. Dash grins as she flies over to Applejack, hovering above her.
“I’d be willing to let her go free if you give yourself up, AJ. Capturing any rebel is just a bonus, but capturing you would be the best.” Dash grins leaning over the out of breath rebel.
“Yur not very convincing here, Cap.” She grins, pushing her forehead to Dash’s.
“I don’t need to be convincing, you lost!”
“And yet I’m still standin’ here ain’t I?”
“You, argh!” She groans, slamming her back into the alley wall with a thump.
Applejack shoves Dash back before she bounds off the wall, galloping away. Dash huffs, crouching down with her wings spread before rocketing forward after her. Applejack wasn’t nearly as fast but she kept just out of reach by constantly changing directions and throwing stuff in Dash’s way. Each object Dash hastily struck, trying to get AJ as fast as possible. Dash, crush, dodge, dash, crash, dodge. A loop Rainbow was determined to beat as she got closer and closer, and before she realized it they were on the edge of ponyville.
“Nothing to throw at me now, huh?” Dash boasted, flashing her wings outward.
She looked down at Applejack, realizing she didn’t even bother to look at her and was still running away unimpeded. Dash slammed her hooves against her head with a hate-filled groan.
“Applejack!” Rainbow dashed after her, quickly gaining on her. “You’re going to the deepest pits of tartarus when I tell Nightmare about this!”
Applejack huffed as she was clearly out of breath, but was still pushing herself to her limits, trying to get away from Rainbow Dash somehow. She was only inches from AJ before she ‘SNAP’, bit down on Applejack’s tail, causing them both to crash into the ground. The dry mud ground crackled under them as they tumbled. Dash pinned AJ under her, resisting her movements as she looked around them. It was a dry muddy area with a bunch of big rocks stacked around them, not anywhere Dash had been before.
“So ya varmin, what’s yur plan now? Tyin’ me with yur wings and walkin’ back?” Applejack jests, seemingly determined to get on every last one of Dash’s nerves.
“Oh shut up! You and your little group are nothing but fruit to be squashed.” Dash yelled as she pushed harder down on her back.
“The term is ‘bug’. If yur gonna insult me, do it right doggie~”
“SHUT UP, SHUT UP!” She shakes AJ violently, the earth pony having the smuggest smarmy grin possible on a pony.
The mud beneath them crackled more as Applejack took advantage of Rainbow no longer pinning her down to kick her off. Rainbow flipped back and landed onto the dusty ground skidding, her brows deeply furrowed and her teeth bared. Applejack smacked the ground with her hooves, sending a tennis ball sized rock up before she bucked it with her hind legs and sent it in Dash’s direction.
Dash dodge straight to her left, avoiding the rock completely before ramming straight into Applejack. Yet again she got the wind knocked out of her as she groaned with pain, struggling to get up. Dash stood triumphantly in front of her with a wide open grin.
“Not so tough and mighty are we now? I might have the-” A large rumbling started behind her. “Huh?”
Dash turned her head around, her victorious grin turned into panic as she saw the massive stacked boulders starting to destabilize.
“Oh Nagging Nightmares.” She rolls her eyes at the annoyance, spreading her wings out.
Dash takes off, only to be halted and slam back into the ground. Applejack had grabbed tightly onto her hind leg.
“Leaving so soon Dashie?” Applejack was out of breath but that didn’t stop her holding tightly onto Dash’s leg before grabbing one of her wings.
“Seriously, are you trying to kill us both?” Dash exasperatedly yelled at her as she tried to kick her off.
The grumbling stopped as Rainbow whipped her head around to see the large boulder crash into the ground right next to her before falling through. The large hole in front of her quickly cracked the ground around, spreading to right under her and AJ.
“No, no!”
Dash tried one last attempt to fly away, but she was still pinned down by Applejack. She closes her eyes as the ground falls away under her and her target, Rainbow and AJ descending down into the pit as they hold tightly onto each other as they plummet below.
Ringing, all Rainbow Dash heard was ringing. She coughed, something warm and salty ran out of her mouth. Her hoof twitched. It hurt- Badly. Slowly, Dash opened her eyes. Soft, dusty moonlight poured down into them as she took a second to recollect her thoughts. She let out a groan, looking upward as many pebbles rolled off her head. Above her was moonlight bleeding out of the hole she fell into.
Dash looked to her left, a giant rock pile inconveniently didn’t reach anywhere near the hole that sent them down there. To her right was Applejack, her being half buried in rocks right next to Rainbow Dash, her chest still rising up and down. Great, just great, she was still alive. Would have been a great way to take out the nuisance without incurring any blame from Nightmare Moon. It would’ve been Applejack’s fault, not much Dash could've done about it. Alas, the ex-farmer was still alive and unconscious in front of her.
Rainbow Dash prepared herself and pulled all the strength she could to try and stand up. The rubble that was covering her like a blanket smoothly fell off as she stretched her forelegs. Maybe it wasn’t too late to take the apple in? Dash grinned as she got ahead of herself trying to trot forward with her crying out in pain as she was forced back down onto her hooves. Her eyes wet as she looked to where the pain came from. She gave a small sigh of despair as she saw it. A boulder was crushing her left wing.
“Why me, oh nagging nightmare!” She pushed her forehead into the dirt as she clenched her teeth through the pain.
Dash rolled slightly onto her left to try and take pressure off the crushed wing, with the pegasi propping her right hoof up to shove it. “Come off easy, nice boulder. Cmon now…” Tunk. It didn’t move an inch. She let out a whine before stomping her hooves into the ground in anger.
“GYAH! Curse you stupid rocks, stupid cave in,” She looked straight at Applejack with spite. “And most of all, curse you AJ!” She spit at her currently unconscious body. “Now I’m gonna die in a cave, with the opening right above me!”
Rainbow Dash let out a few more petty insults before calming down mostly. She gave a sigh, trying to pass the time by thinking about Nightmare Moon. Her dominating presence, her fierce looks, her beautiful and intensely cruel eyes. She gave a dumb smile and exhaled dreamily, there was truly nopony like her in or out of Equestria. She couldn’t fail her, not now and especially not in such an embarrassing way like this.
She braced herself to try and go for another round of boulder escape attempts before halting, catching the mumbles of Applejack in front of her. She was waking up.
“Welcome to the waking world, apple.” Dash said tiredly as she tapped her hoof on the dirt floor.
Applejack opened her eyes slowly, mumbling something as she gained consciousness. Her eyes darted open sharply, looking around the cave. The pony spotted Dash, an indecisive grin developed on her face.
“Ah so ya’ survived now did ya’? Captain Dash stuck around for little ol’ me?” Her grin got more smarmy as she raised her brows.
“My wing got crushed. Not much choice here AJ.” Dash answered with her teeth gritted.
“Ah.” Her grin disappeared as she looked away, shaking her mane to get the rocks covering her neck and head off. “So yur stuck here under a rock, while so close to yur goal? How gran spankin’ hilarious!” Applejack chuckled.
Oh how Dash wanted to grind her into nothingness so badly. Rainbow gave a stark huff of frustration as Applejack pushed herself up, the rocks seemingly not holding her down at all as they slid off her cleanly. She grabs her hat and puts it back on her head as she steps towards Dash, looking down at her.
“What, gonna kill me or something?” Dash grumbled sarcastically.
“And why would ah do that?”
“You would if you weren’t a coward.”
Applejack rolled her eyes and kicked Dash in the chest lightly with her forehoof. She groaned as the wind was knocked out of her.
“Ack! Nice one apple.”
Applejack ignored Rainbow as she stepped around her.
“Hold still Dash.”
“Hold what still- Ack!” Rainbow croaked as Applejack started pushing the boulder on her wing.
She held her jaw tight in pain as she felt the jagged weight crush her wing even more before the pain stopped. She opened her eyes and flexed her left wing, distinctly not crushed under a rock anymore. Dash stood up sharply as she turned around, raising her brow at Applejack with unease as she took a step back.
“What’s with that look? Ya’ know I ain’t gonna leave ya’ down here to die just because we’re enemies.” Applejack gave a wary, almost warm smile.
“Well I can’t say the same. Seeing you die alone down here would've been hilarious.”
Dash’s grin faded as she realized no reaction came. She looked behind her to see Applejack walking off. She grumbles, deciding to follow her. Dash trotted up to AJ weakly, her still dragging her crushed wings on the dirt below them with a distinct limp in her back leg.
“You know this won’t change a thing, Applejack.”
“Ah’m aware.”
“So you’re just an idiot then?”
“If showing concern for somepony is idiocy, call me the Princess of Fools”
Rainbow Dash scoffed at her, giving an annoyed look.
The two ponies walked in silence for a few more minutes trying to find an exit to the cavern. Dash’s mood got slowly more neutral as she tried to spot any way to get out or possibly ditch AJ, while Applejack was progressively getting more antsy with something clearly on her mind. They passed by more cracks in the roof above which leaked moonlight upon them before giving a small sigh and opening her mouth.
“Why’d you do it?” Applejack asked solemnly, still looking ahead.
“Do what. Be specific.”
“Why did ya’ betray us Dash?”
“Excuse me?” Dash squinted her eyes, glaring daggers at the pony beside her.
“Did ya’ really agree to this hun’? Did she force ya’ to join her?” Applejack genuinely looked concerned for her, and that sickened Dash to her stomach.
“This was my choice. Mine. None of your flowery concerns will change that.” She gritted her teeth fiercely. “And there is no us. Being friends with somepony doesn’t mean I'm suddenly betraying them when things change.”
“Ah’ really now? So the Dash who was so dedicated to her new friends that she was willing to take on Nightmare one-on-one so we could escape; suddenly goes and abandons her friends to join said murderous dictator who loves her daily public executions?”
“That’s not even true! She hasn’t even had a public execution in like over half a year!” Dash stated matter of factly, as if she made a great point.
“What!? ‘Hasn’t even had a public execution in over half a year’.” Applejack looked completely baffled with her jaw agape. “Are ya’ even listening to yourself? Ya’ sound like a crazy pony!”
“You brought this on yourself, Apple. Don’t get on my case just because you can’t stand the thought of a new ruler. You all just had to go and resist Nightmare Moon didn’t you?”
“Yes we did. Me and Rainbow Dash did, because we stand up to bullies.”
“Bullies? We aren’t foals anymore AJ. Your self-righteous schtick won’t work on me.” She gave a tired growl, being sick of AJ and her argument.
“I can’t believe you’d become a pet to somepony like her, Dash.” Applejack said, ignoring Rainbows previous statement.
“What’s with you and pet related insults? I’m the loyal Captain to the ruler of Equestria, nothing more.”
“Yur the only pony allowed in her room!” Applejack raised her hoof in disbelief.
“Yeah because I’m her right hoof mare! Just because-” Dash’s eyes shot open as she looked straight into AJ’s. “Wait. How do you know that?”
Applejack's expression changed wildly over just a moment before she gave a big fake grin.
“Err, you just told me! Ah was just assumin’ and ya’ just confirmed my suspicions, yep.”
“You! You all must have a spy or something!”
“We wish! It’s no spy Dash, ya’ just always refer to yurself or Nightmare with ‘we’. It’s not hard to see that ya’ view yourself as a pair.
“Huh? I haven’t been doing that, don’t try to lie to my face!” Dash furrowed her brows as she pushed her face right close up to AJ. “I oughta- wait, a pair? What do you mean by that?”
“I mean whatever ya’ mean Dash?” Applejack raised her brow in confusion as Dash turned away, realizing she misunderstood what AJ meant.
Dash shoved Applejack away, stumbling a few steps. “Whatever. Conversation over.” Applejack grumbled in frustration as the two walked side by side with plenty of space between them. Minutes passed, scrapes and cuts coagulated while both ponies got more and more tired. Rainbow Dash perked up as she saw a ray of light shining in not from the ceiling.
“Jackpot!”
Right in front of her was the exit. Sure it was still high up, easily three times taller than her height wise, but that was no problem!
“Woo wee, finally a way out!” Applejack grinned as she nudged Dash.
Rainbow ignores her and gallops before taking off towards the hole, forgetting her broken wing before pain strikes her body and she falls face first into the dusty stone floor. She groans, getting up as she stomps her hooves down in frustration.
Applejack chuckles, waking up to her. “Ah don’t think either of us are getting out with attempts like that.” She nudges up to the wall. “Boost ya’?”
Rainbow tries to take advantage by stepping on Applejack to get up before falling back down due to AJ moving out from under her.
“Not so fast.” Applejack dropped her hat before fishing a rope out of it. “Tie this around ya’ before we do.”
“Why? It’s not that high.”
“Ya’ very much know why ah want a safety rope for ya’ Dash.”
Dash snorts as she grabs the rope from her. “Spoilsport. Would make my job a lot easier” She wraps it loosely around her body. “Okay, ready to go now?”
“Nope. Needs a knot that won’t let ya’ slip away easy.”
Applejack took a few steps towards her. “Look I don’t know that many knots.”
“Ah do.” Applejack grinned before she shoved Dash over, pinning her down as she got to work tying the rope around her body.
“Hey- ack!” Dash groaned as Applejack flipped her around, tying the rope tight around her limbs. She was still trying to kick at AJ which didn’t make the knot tying any easier.
“There we are!” Applejack said as she stepped off of her. Dash stood up and groaned, looking down to see that AJ had tied the rope into a type of full-body harness for her, the kind that was really hard to undo without another pony.
“Happy now, Apple?” Dash squinted at her.
“Yeup!” She proudly said while trotting back up to the wall, gesturing at it with her hoof.
Dash snorted as she followed her, hopping onto her back. Applejack stood, pushing her up to the ledge. Rainbow grins, grabbing the ledge that led to her freedom. With one last push she gets up onto the ledge, kicking at the wall below her, hoisting herself up as she stands up on the grass floor.
“Yes! Finally out of there.” Dash hurried away, trying to slip out of her harness quickly before being pulled back.
“Ah can feel the rope’s slack ya’ know?”
“Yeah yeah, give me a second.”
Dash came back and looked over the edge, Applejack was holding onto the rope tight and her hat tighter. Rainbow bit down on the rope and pulled hard. Yeah she had a harness on but she never liked how those pinched around her neck. Bit by bit she gained ground, pulling up Applejack before she too landed on the soft grass.
“Good ol’ dirt, thank Celestia!”
Dash rolled her eyes at the expression before nudging Applejack with her hoof. “Take it off. Now.”
Applejack chuckles a bit before standing up and starting to release the ties and knots on her. The rope falls off Dash before AJ scoops it up and stores it in her hat. Applejack puts her hat back on as she looks around before staring back and Dash, the two saying nothing as they stand around.
“Ain’t ya’ gonna say something quippy or try to apprehend me again?”
“Uh…”
Dash pondered as she looked down at her bleeding flank. Nightmare Moon would be disappointed in her if she bled to death and she was feeling quite light headed.
“No, I've got to get back. I’ll get you later or whatever.” Dash stammered, her words starting to slur.
“Bye then.”
“Okay, bye?”
Dash turned to walk away before Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder.
“I said bye, what-”
“Is… Fluttershy doin’ okay?” Applejack looked at her somberly, with clear worry on her face.
“Oh.” Dash avoided her gaze as her heart felt a twinge of sadness as well. “Uh, yeah. She's doing fine. Just animal stuff as usual, Southern Equestria.”
Applejack nodded before turning away and trotting off in the opposite direction. Dash gave a scowl as she started to walk back to the castle.
A week before Nightmare Moon’s takeover
Rainbow Dash yawned as she stretched her legs, she had fallen asleep on a cloud again. She shielded her face from the bright sun, looking down from her napping spot. Applejack and Fluttershy were talking in front of the Apple Family’s barn. This was her chance! She crouched in the cloud, waiting for Fluttershy to walk off. She jumped and shot down into the dirt, creating a dust cloud in Applejack’s face.
“Pfft ack! What in tarnation, Dash?”
“Gotcha!”
“Not funny Dash.” She grumbled.
“Yeah whatever, how have you been doing AJ?”
“Pretty darn well. The harvest seems to be ahead of schedule this year and sales have been good.” Applejack gave a warm grin to Dash as she dusted herself off.
“Does that mean cider sooner?”
“Yes Dash, it does.”
“Woo hoo! Yes!” Dash hoof pumped with a giddy grin on her face.
Applejack chuckled as she turned and started pulling on a barrel. Dash stopped her celebration and turned to AJ.
“Wait, I needa ask you something.”
“Sure thing. What about?”
“It’s about… Fluttershy.”
“Fluttershy?”
“Yeah, her!” Dash grinned, tapping her hooves on the dirt.
“I know. What do ya’ wanna ask about her, sugarcube?”
“Well it’s… hard to explain.”
“Ah’m listenin’.”
“Well it’s just, uh. Is she in a good mood right now?”
“Yeah? She just came over to help with Winona’s stomach ache. She seemed real peachy with her!”
“Okay good! Well, do you know if she likes anypony?”
“Like in general or-”
“You know what I mean!” Dash rolled her eyes, gritting her teeth.
“Err, no. I don’t. Are ya’ bein’ overprotective of her again Dash?”
“No! I mean I have something to ask her and I just want to make sure it's a good time, y'know.” She tilted her head back and forth nervously.
“Oh. Oh wow.” Applejack opened her eyes in surprise. “Yur gonna try and take that next step? I wish ya’ luck Dash.” She grinned, giving her a hug.
“Well yes! But I’m still worried, she’s been my best friend since foalhood.”
“Just be honest with her. No time like the present, sugarcube.” Applejack winked as she gestured to the path behind Dash.
“Okay! Thanks a lot AJ!”
Dash gave Applejack a big hug before flying off after Fluttershy.
Wrapped in bandages, Rainbow Dash trotted forward while ignoring the pleas of the Doctor. “Please Captain Dash, you can’t heal if you don’t rest!”
“I need to see Queen Nightmare Moon.” She single-mindedly states, continuing onward as the bandages around her wing loosely drags behind.
“She is expecting you later!” An accompanying nurse pony stated. “Your wing needs to rest. Without proper care it can heal improperly.”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it! Five minutes with her won’t kill me, back off.”
Dash furrows her brow deeply, shoving her snout right up to one of the doctor ponies. She recedes back in fear as the others nod along with her. The temperature of the room chills as Dash turns her head back.
“Now, now, Captain. They are professionals for a reason.” Nightmare Moon says, approaching the group with an oddly inquisitive look in her eyes.
Dash stands up straight before bowing on the ground before her. “Yes, Queen Nightmare Moon.”
“Come, both of you.”
Dash stands up and turns to the doctor ponies, both looking at each other in confusion and worry.
“Captain Rainbow Dash and Doctor Marigold. Do not delay.”
Nightmare Moon sauntered down the hallway as Dash followed quickly, with Marigold close behind. The queen reached the entryway to her room and opened its towering doors before stepping through. The two ponies entered before the doors shut behind them.
“Now Captain,” Nightmare Moon steps towards her bed and gestures Dash towards it with her wing. “What is it that is so important that you risk not healing?”
Dash nods before creeping towards the bed and hopping on, flinching in pain at her wings' instinct to flap when she jumps. Nightmare Moon flaps her massive wings as she hovers over to Dash, sitting right across from her on the bed. Rainbow gave a nervous gulp as Nightmare Moon's eyes stared deep into her.
“It’s just that-”
“Is this about the mission?”
“Yes! I-”
“I will hear about your excuse for this injury Rainbow; you are excused this time but you are not to cause further grief and you are to listen to the ponies who know more than you, hmm?”
Dash turned her head down in shame as her eyes dimmed before nodding.
“Now tell.” She gestures with her wing over to Dash for Doctor Marigold to continue on wrapping bandages around her.
“But what about her?”
“Silence bubble spell.”
“Of course, Nightmare Moon.”
“Now do tell~”
“Err- basically it was going well, tracked them down and kicked their butts and all. It was just me and the Apple left and y’know I was chasing her and she was being all slippery. We got to a clearing outside Ponyville and I knocked her out perfectly and whatnot, then the ground collapsed under me and I woke up with a broken wing.”
“Hmm.” She nodded softly with her eyes closed. “And pray tell, where were your wings at that moment?”
“She uh…” Dash scruffed her hair, rolling her head around her shoulders nervously. “Grabbed my wings.”
“A trap. Following them into their own territory is a mistake, that’s why I told you not to be overly ambitious in the letter.”
“What? You only said not to kill her!”
“Do you not remember the line ‘try to not make a fool of yourself’?” Her lids lowered, staring harshly back at Dash’s.
“Well it would be more efficient if I could y’know…” Dash holds up her hooves, making one fly around in the air before clapping quickly into the other.
“With the wave of my hoof I could take everypony who ever speaks ill of me out in an instant. Do you know why I do not?”
“Err-”
“Because I am not interested in running a slave society filled with yes-ponies. They should fear me with every breath, not stop breathing all together.”
Dash scratched her brain as she wasn't quite getting it.
“Forgive my doubt Nightmare Moon, but what does this have to do with not killing the rebels?”
“You may beg for forgiveness later Dash. As for the rebels I do not care, only the Apple. Do you know why?”
Dash grimaced at her reprimanding before shaking her head. “I don’t, my queen. Wouldn't we want to take her out as soon as possible?”
“In my over a millennia of life experience, I have seen many civilizations rise and fall and uprisings spawn from them. The most successful uprisings have one thing in common.”
“What’s that? A cool weapon? A powerful magic artifact? A good ol’ one-two?” Dash looked up with great interest at her words, giving punches to the air beside her.
“The rulers tried to nip the problem in the bud by killing the rebellion's leader, but that created an even greater threat.”
Dash tapped her hooves in anticipation as the story unfolded. A thousand possibilities flashed through her mind, a death resurrection spell, familial revenge, an elaborate trap by the rebels. Behind her Marigold was smiling nervously, caring for Dash’s wing.
“A martyr.”
“How does a dead pony cause something that big?” Dash tilted her head back and chuckled a bit.
“It gives the common ponies hope.”
“Hope? Not sure I’m not following along here.”
“Managing the common ponies' hope during times of strife and rebellion have always been the key to a ruling party.”
“How?” Dash started to feel a little dumb for not getting it yet. “Isn’t this whole ‘ruling ponies with an iron hoof’ thing meant to crush their hopes?”
“No hope and ponies resort to anything because they see nothing worse than their current situation. Too much and they believe they can do anything together, no matter the cost.”
Dash’s eyes were widened in realization. “That’s starting to make sense.”
“That’s the key for why I am not lining her up for execution. Her little rebellion is currently controllable and can be kept down. We can always keep our eyes open for opportunities of course, but directly killing her would be casting a direct spotlight upon her and her cause by our very own hooves.”
Rainbow was in slight shock as she was processing it all. Nightmare moon bared a toothy, proud grin as she laid the tip of her wing under Dash’s chin.
"The tyrant dies, and his rule ends. The martyr dies, and her rule begins."
“Oh, I think I get it now. My eternal gratitude for teaching me Nightmare Moon!” Dash bowed her head down into the beds sheets.
“Gratitude accepted, and I am glad you are eager to learn. Also, that was a quote from the late Keyguard the Wise if you happen to know of him.”
“Oh! Oh yeah, him!” Dash nodded her head. She had no idea who he was.
“Regardless, I hope you understand why I do not want sloppy missions regarding the Apple.” Nightmare Moon lowers her neck and leans her head down in front of Dash. “And sloppy Captains.”
Dash’s smile vanished as a painful twinge of dread crawled down her neck, chilling her as she leaned back in fear.
“Y-yes. Without a doubt Queen Nightmare Moon!”
“Good. Now you are to heal, understood?”
“Of course!”
“Fully.”
“Huh?”
Nightmare Moon’s horn lit up, popping the silence bubble around Doctor Marigold. “How long will it take for Captain Dash to fully heal her wing?”
“Oh! Deary me I dunno. Maybe a week? According to our documentation she’s been quite a fast healer.”
“There is your answer Captain.” She gives a light grin before reactivating the bubble.
Dash looked stunned, looking between the two ponies. “A week? C’mon I can’t not be doing stuff around here, it’s my whole thing. I can’t look weak around my lackeys!”
“Lackeys?” Nightmare Moon looked down at her with a raised brow.
“My subordinates or whatever. I don’t like overly fancy words.”
“You do not need to appear in front of them, Captain Dash. There are places other than the castle to be.”
“C’mon, I can still do stuff. I can’t stand being inactive!”
“You may also be temporarily replaced with Lieutenant Lightning Dust if this becomes an issue.”
“Wh- No! Absolutely not!” Dash shot up from the bed. “Fine I’ll rest or whatever, just don’t do… that.” She groans, turning away.
“Seems this has sorted itself out, right Captain Dash?” Nightmare Moon gives a toothy grin, draping her wing over Dash.
Dash slammed the door to her room behind her, giving a frustrated groan. She flops onto her bed, making room for her hurt wing. Dash’s mind races as she stares at the ceiling, what could she even do now, what?
“Nagging Nightmares, urgh!”
At the very least she didn’t have to see Lightning Dust’s stupid punchable face. The only pony who dared to challenge Dash, in fact it was basically her job if Rainbow ever got too big of a head. She was the only pony who was unaffected by Dash’s threats and intimidation and it always got to her. Oh how she wished someday she could throw her into the dungeons never to be seen again.
Dash sighed and spaced out looking at her ceiling. Her eyes drifted across her room, messes of clothing and empty food containers strewn about everywhere with many assorted papers across her desk. She forced it out of her mind as she tried to get comfy on her bed, but something in the back of her mind had been bothering her too much. That letter.
“Stupid letter.”
She had been meaning to clean her room… eventually. Dash gave an exaggerated sigh as she rolled off her unkempt bed and onto her sore hooves. With a lazy sway she headed over to the dusty desk, taking the opportunity to grab a few empty boxes and throw them in the trash on top of the letter. She inhaled and blew at her desk, most of the dust evacuating the premises. There it was. That old letter.
Dash rolled her head around her shoulders in uneasiness. How long had it even been since she stopped responding? She used to be consistent with her letters back, but they had gotten annoying so she never really got back to writing the letter. She just kind of started to ignore them all.
With a flick of her good wing she cuts the top of the letter and takes the note out. Dash opens it but covers the text with her hoof, looking for something specific. Her mom had gotten kind of date obsessive since doing the ‘best birthday mare ever’ every year so she always puts the date on everything. Dash gave a bittersweet smile as her eyes wandered the page, looking for the date of the dusty old thing. Her eyes light up as she spots it.
“No way- over a year?”
A wave of guilt washed over her as she avoided reading the rest of the text on the page. Dash puts it down on the desk as she groans, slamming her head into the desk.
“A year! What kind of daughter am I?” She mumbles to herself as she raises her right hoof, mimicking talking with it. “Well it’s not my fault they don’t get it! They always treat me like I was tricked into it. It was my choice, why won’t they just believe me argh!”
Dash whimpered softly as she looked down, her gaze drifting to the trash can with the new letter at the bottom. Did she dare actually read it? She owed them that much, didn’t she? She slowly stepped to the filled trash can, knocking it over and fishing for the letter at the bottom. Dash opens the letter and slowly peeks at what it says.
Dear Rainbow, I hope this finds you well if you decide to read this. Your father and I have been doing well still. Not much has changed in our past letters but we hope the best for you and your job in the guard. We know you’ll be the best! Mr. and Mrs. Shy have been over a lot recently, they are a lovely couple! I have no idea why you would have such an aversion to going over to their house when you were a foal! Dashie, if you ever decide to come visit we would love to have you more than anything darling. If you can, bring Fluttershy with you! Just between you and me, Mr. Shy especially has been quite antsy with hearing about Fluttershy's recent dangerous creature stories in her letters hehe! ;) Remember to always be your best you like I know you will be, Love, Mom.
Dash put the letter down. A few tear drops laced the page as she put her hooves to her face, groaning with a whine. Dash threw the letter back into the trash can as she snagged a piece of paper that was lazily lying halfway off her desk. With a smooth stroke she placed the paper straight in front of her and clenched a quill between her teeth. The ink on the tip of the quill was pricking into the paper as she just held it there. What would she even respond with?
Dash dropped the quill back into the ink bottle and gave a long sigh as she leaned back. She needed to clear her mind, but where? Dash didn’t really think the dungeons were a place for clarity even if they were great for stress venting. She decided against going back to talk to Nightmare Moon about it as she didn’t want to be needy. Not a chance to visit her parents tonight. Her mind drifted back to her previous mission. It had been awhile since she went for a proper visit in Ponyville.
Dash trotted up to the opposite wall and up to her pin board. She brushed aside some unrelated pictures before grabbing a picture of her at Sweet Apple Acres with Pinkie Pie and Applejack. A thought popped into her mind. Applejack surely still had some connection to the farm, right? It was taken over by some town ponies after her family abandoned it, but maybe there were still things to learn. Dash grinned as she headed out her door. It was a win win regardless, she got to do her job and had the excuse she was just visiting the town for relaxation!
There certainly were some places she had been meaning to visit.
The Apple Family Farm, or at least what was left of it. She had been meaning to explore and catch up on what’s changed in Ponyville, but no matter what she thought about, her plan was always incessantly on her mind.
Rainbow trotted along the dirt road as she approached the barn somewhat casually. She heard it had been taken over by new farmer ponies but she never really bothered to check. Dash softened her hoofsteps as quietly stepped up to the barn door. She hadn’t seen anypony around but she wanted to make sure to not be seen. She knew nopony would dare stop her, but she did think it was awkward to be seen without her armor on.
She peeked into the opening, seeing the standard barn equipment and features. Dash opened the door slowly as she heard a small grunt and the shrill sound of metal rubbing into each other. Rainbow slinked towards the sound, peeking around the corner and imagining all the ridiculous possibilities it could be. What she saw instead was a small orange filly struggling to pull a pipe. The filly flapped her tiny wings as she attempted to pull the metal into place. Dash rolled her eyes as she stepped forward, clearing her throat.
“Eep!” The filly squeaked before she turned around to face Dash.
Rainbow took a step forward as she gained a pleased grin on her face.
“Just what are you doing here?” Dash raised her brow as she bore into the filly.
“Hey! I should be saying the same thing to-” The filly’s eyes fluttered open in realization. “W-wait. You’re Captain Dash?”
“Yes. Now answer the question, runt.”
“Oh! Yes Ma’am!” She saluted in haste. “I’m Scootaloo and I work here. I’m trying to fix this here pipe!”
“You… work here?”
“Yep!”
“What are you, eight?” Dash scowled as she nodded at Scootaloo’s wings.
“N-no, I’m fourteen and that’s totally allowed on farms!”
“Certainly fooled me, half-pint.” Dash walked past her to look around the barn. “If that’s true then where is everypony else?”
“It's the pre-harvest season and a Saturday, so only I work today. I’m mainly here just to keep the little things in shape.” Scootaloo gave a sickly sweet grin to Dash.
“Got it.” Rainbow didn’t like this little twerp at all.
Dash shuffled through farm equipment lying against the wall and started pushing hay bales aside to look for anything possibly incriminating. A hidden entrance, a secret map, rebel plans, etcetera. Nothing.
“Hey Cap, are you on a secret mission or something?”
“If it was then I couldn't tell you, and if I did I’d have to execute nosy little twerps like you.” Dash rolled her eyes. She hated kids.
“Oh! That’s why you’re in a disguise, right?” Scootaloo smiled through Dash’s comment, her being unsure if the filly even heard her.
“A disguise?” She turned to the filly who was staring at her bandages. “Oh yeah. Yep, you sure found me. Now scram before I follow up on my promise.”
“But I'm still on shift. I can’t just leave!”
“Then just shut it and do whatever it is you needa do. Proper pegasi are doing their jobs.” Dash scowled as she kicked up dust with her hind hoof.
Rainbow peeked around the barn a bit more, looking at the piping and railings above. She went up to mess with the piping before she heard the filly behind her.
“Wait! That takes forever to get into place, it barely stands up by itself.”
“It’ll collapse the barn?”
“Err, no. It's just one of the drainage pipes, but still!”
Dash groaned as she did one more quick sweep of the barn before huffing in defeat that nothing was there. There’s still the farm house though… Dash turned towards the barn's exit.
“Bye Captain!” Scootaloo said eagerly before returning to her work.
Something was off about that filly. At the very least Dash couldn’t stand her, just everything about how she came across. Dash trotted over a small pebble before a devilish grin overtook her face. With a swift kick her back hoof hit the rock back as it ricocheted off the wooden barn door and into the piping, causing it to start creaking and spurting.
“Huh? No no no!” Scootaloo panicked as she hurried over to the sabotaged piping.
Dash gave a cruel chuckle as she galloped swiftly over to the farmhouse's door.
Everything hurts. Applejack turned in the bedding as her eyes slowly opened and with a flutter she tried to adjust to the light of the lamp above her. She heard murmuring getting louder as she came to, rubbing her forehead with her hoof.
“Applejack, you're okay!” She heard her sister’s voice as small hooves wrapped around her neck.
“Woah, not so tight there Apple Bloom!” She chuckled as she hugged her sister back.
With a pained groan she sat up and looked at the others in the room. Apple Bloom was up next to her, with Big Mac standing at the foot of the bed and Lyra and Bon Bon coming in through the tent’s flap.
“I told you it would be tonight hun!” Lyra cheerfully exclaimed. “Told ya’.”
“Yeah yeah I get it darling.” She trotted over to Applejack. “So glad you’re okay though AJ. Can you tell us what happened though? You two ran off out of sight!”
“Ah’m okay y'all, just a bit bruised.” She looked to her left and found her hat resting on the ground next to her. She put it back on her head as she looked unsure at the others. “So did everypony make it out all okay?”
Lyra nodded cheerfully. “Yep! We’re all a bit scuffed up because of that spoilsport, but nothing bad especially compared to yours.”
“Really? Well ah’m glad then y’all. We may not have succeeded in our plan but we all got out and that's still better than a plan success but with a capture at the very least.”
Apple Bloom gave a small sniffle as she sat next to Applejack. “Well it’s still horse apples! Didn't y’all have a big plan after this was supposed to succeed?”
“Ya’ I get it sugarcube, but we still needa do this one step at a time. We’re the little ponies, remember? We don’t have anypony to really spare.”
Applejack brushed her hoof through her little sister's mane as she gave a soft smile. Big Mac grumbled as he walked out of the tent flaps.
“What’s Mac’s deal?” Applejack said confusedly.
Bon Bon tilted her head side to side a bit frustrated. “He’s… just been stressed.”
“Well darn tootin’ but I ain’t never seen him act so flippant or whatnot about his own family!”
Bon Bon shrugged sheepishly as she stepped aside while Applejack got up and walked past her and out of the tent. She almost bumped into somepony as she opened the flap and out into camp. Big Mac was standing right next to the flap, almost in the way. He was talking to Scootaloo who was looking annoyed. Her haze drifted from Mac to Applejack as her eyes shot open.
“AJ! I’ve got something to tell you.”
Applejack groaned as she flapped her ear. “Not so loud Scoots, I just woke up.”
“Sorry. Basically that rainbow meanie came by the barn while I was working.”
“Huh!? The Cap came by the barn? What for?”
“She was trying to be sneaky and stuff but she was really obvious. I had to keep up my whole eager to please act with her, bleck. I think she was looking for evidence or like secrets somehow. She left a few hours ago all grumpy looking.”
“That makes no sense, she of all ponies should know all my family’s property was hauled off out of there a long time ago.” Applejack snorted.
Scootaloo shrugged. “I dunno. She was really mean though.” She grumbled, looking downtrodden.
Big Mac squinted his eyes at them.
“Like how so? She ain’t hurt you has she?”
“No, she was just really… demeaning to me. She kept calling me things like runt and half-pint, and kept gesturing to my wings, saying stuff like how I’m not a proper pegasi or whatever. I tried really hard not to tear up there, but I did good!” Scootaloo smiled wise, small tears welling up at the corner of her eyes.
Why, Applejack had half a mind to go over to the castle right now and give Dash a piece of her mind, or at least when she next saw her. Applejack pulled Scootaloo in for a hug as she caressed her long and messy mane.
“You listen here Scoots. No matter what happens and whether you end up big or not, you are wonderful. To me and to everypony here.”
Scootaloo gave a heartfelt giggle as she cuddled up to Applejack more.
“I know I know. You don’t need to embarrass me more!”
Scootaloo jokingly pushed her away as she ran into the tent to play with Apple Bloom. Big Mac cleared his throat as Applejack came to his attention.
“Yeah, Mac?”
“We needa talk. About her.”
“Do we gotta?”
“Yeup!”
“Ya’ know as well as I that there’s nothin’ to talk about with her.”
“Yur shrine says otherwise, AJ.”
“Don’t ya’ bring that up. That’s my thing and that’s how I’ve been grievin’ for that stupid pegasus!” Applejack huffed loudly as she squinted her eyes at him.
“Ya’ still really consider ‘em different ponies still?”
Applejack cringed as she closed her eyes in pain. “Y-yeah. I still do.”
“Maybe let the bruises talk for ya’ AJ.” Mac raised his brow at her.
“Look. I’ve got some new stuff on her, just… wait. I have some stuff to think about. Stuff that I think you’ll like Mac.”
He gave a snort as he walked off to the gardens. Applejack gave a long sigh as she held her head low before walking off into the trees. Trotting along she thought of Dash. In that cave she was weirdly non-violent? She was all big talk about how she would kill them but when she had the many chances to, she didn’t. Applejack gave a faint hope of a smile. Was Dash going against Nightmare Moon by doing that? Did she still have a soft spot for them? Applejack wasn’t sure but at the very least that was something positive to hold onto.
Applejack’s canter slowed as she approached the tree. She pushed the bush in front of it aside as she looked into the tree hole. In the hole were a few things: a sky blue feather, a small but very clearly expired vial of apple cider, and a single wilted morning glory all in front of a frame.
Applejack grabbed the frame and held it up in front of her face as she stared somberly at it. It was a picture of Rainbow Dash years ago. Her mane was long and her face looked free of anger and hate, beaming with only innocence and determination for what was to come.
“Oh Dashie. If ya’ were still here I wonder what ya’ woulda said.” Applejack gave a chuckle. “Who knows, maybe this tough ol’ captain that replaced ya' can still be saved.”
