Thanks for all the love in the last chapter. In sincerity I like all the favorties, follows and ect. Had a lot of fun writing this one. We're here at the finale of act two. I felt like doing something with the characters with the next two chapters. I've had a lot of fun with the fluff and stuff, but I tried something different. Feel free to review at the end and always thank you for reading. Enjoy.
Chapter 11: The Rift
"And the next contestant. This pony doesn't need an introduction. Winner of the last two Equestria Rodeo competition's. Ponyville's champion. Applejack!"
As the announcer finished his sentiments. the crowd erupted. Rarity, close to the dirt clad area, was up in the air screaming for her pony. The unicorn always knew that one day she would have to endure this sort of social function. Applejack was a country girl through and through and competing was a joyful passion of hers. Rarity loved her high society and being down in the depths of the commoners was slightly degrading, but she knew how much this all meant to Applejack. She was determined to always be at her side, cheering for the blue ribbon. She did miss last year and was determined to make the effort this year. Besides it wasn't all bad really. She was taking a liking to the athletic prowess her girlfriend had achieved and was absolutely dominating the final three games. She was finding a whole new reason for finding that pony attractive.
Applejack was giving her wave to the crowd. Eventually she got to the stands where a white unicorn in a white sunhat and matching dress with blue trimmings was standing. Applejack gave a wink and lifted up her blue scarf Rarity knitted so long ago. It was tattered, dirty and no matter how many times Rarity wanted to patch it up Applejack insisted on keeping it the way it was. Rarity lifted hers in accordance with her girlfriend.
"I'm so proud of you darling! Keep it up!" Rarity shouted knowing deep down that there was no way her voice could be heard. Applejack was a fan favorite and it seemed everypony was rooting for her to win this year. Even with steep competition from Las Pegasus, Applejack was barely keeping her lead. The Bronco Buck win was the only thing separating her from first to fourth place. Although she was a humble loser, she was more gracious winner. Besides, Rarity would rather take the winner to bed instead of pulling a downtrodden mare up to her hooves again.
Rarity laughed as the cute purple dragon was face to face with Applejack. Spike in clown makeup was also warmly welcomed by the rodeo. Being a Princess, Twilight was able to contribute her assistant to such a task, but even with a constant scowl it seems Spike was enjoying himself. The dragon got onto Applejack's back and the crowd got silent as the announcer counted down.
"Three. Two. One. Buck!"
Applejack didn't hold back on the dragon companion and it seems neither was he. Each second that past felt like an eternity to Rarity. At the 7.27 mark, Spike was successfully bucked into a bale of hay and the crowd almost deafened the the unicorn with the cheering.
"Fillies and Gentlecolts!" The announcer came on. "We have a new record and possibly the winner of the Equestria Rodeo! With a time of seven point twenty seven, Applejack takes the lead!"
Rarity saw Applejack depart and go into the locker room. She couldn't sit there and wait another second to congratulate her girlfriend. The white mare rushed over to the waiting area. As she arrived to the entrance a couple of unicorn guards were keeping the riff raff out of the champions room. Rarity was not about to be stopped by some stallions who may be physically strong, but weak to the mare form. A few batting of eyelashes and touches on the chest, Rarity was let through. "I still got it. Stallions are too easy. Even Applejack wouldn't fall for that."
She walked along the brightly lit corridor. Hoofsteps echoing across the tile. It felt like a maze as she passed shower rooms, storage closets and the restrooms. Finally she found the desired room. A lot of ponies were toweling themselves off of sweat and those who weren't had their attention to the speaker at the rest of the competitors. Rarity scanned the room looking for her orange pony. In the corner, Applejack was slumped over, towel over her face. Rarity, overflowing with happiness, rushed over. At the sound of the fast paced clopping Applejack raised her head. The unicorn had already jumped and with the quickest reflexes the farmer caught her before Rarity barreled the two to the ground.
"Nice to see you too, Rare."
Rarity regained her proper posture, but was still holding her hooves around the mare. "Please Applejack. I'm surprised you're not bouncing off the walls right now. Come on. I saw you strut your stuff on the way in here. Celebrate."
"All in good time Rare. We still got a few competitors left and if that announcer reads out seven point two six. I lose. I'd look pretty foolish gloatin' if I lost within the next few minutes." Applejack reasoned.
"I guess you're right." Rarity said while cupping the sweaty face of her mare. "Win or lose. You did great out there. I am so proud of you."
"Thanks. Rare." Applejack said. As Rarity was leaning in for a kiss. The crowd's screaming was reverberating into the room. It seemed the other crowd favorite pony, from Las Pegasus was really stirring up the show. "That pony. He comes from out of nowhere and has been neck and neck with me this whole competition. Who to thought talent like that would be hidden away fer so long?"
Rarity shrugged it off. It may be because Applejack was her personal superhero and no pony could possibly be better than her or maybe it was the major disdain for this Las Pegasus pony. Politely asking if she was single was one thing, belittling her relationship because it was mare on mare was crossing the line. Rarity had never felt a rage towards anypony and decided not to tell Applejack to keep her head clear and possibly out of a fight. No doubt her farmer would stand up and defend her honor and their relationship. All the mattered to Rarity was that this pony fails and fails hard.
"I don't even want him to place. He's so smug with his antics. We get it, you're good."
"Show boatin' is fine. I am particularly not a fan of it, but he's got raw talent that would make anypony green with envy. Despite it all that, I have been makin' sure his high flutin' plot is beaten in every category."
"And you've been four for nine in that category. You've got this, love."
Applejack smiled big at the unwavering support of her lover. The announcer's voice came through the megaphone and began the countdown. With this being the last pony that could usurp Applejack's win, the two stood together and had their full attention to the speaker. After the word 'buck' came out the two were on pins and needles.
"This stallion has it going on. The dragon lost his grip, but was able to dig his nails into the back of the stallion. This is it. And he's off." The announcer's voice went silent as he was getting the official time. Applejack and Rarity held their breaths for the duration. "Fillies and gentlecolts. This has been one of the closest match ups and bucking times in recent history. With a bucking time of seven point two seven, Applejack barely edges out of the seven point four five. Applejack of Ponyville retains her title and is winner of this years. Equestria Rodeo!"
Rarity squeezed her pony hard and was jumping up and down with Applejack finally left herself go. Most of the other contestants came over and were celebrating the victory. It wasn't for long as Applejack had to report to the middle of the bucking arena as soon as possible. The ponies all filed out, but Rarity decided to sneak out with them. There may be nothing, but dirt on the field, but she wasn't about to miss planting a huge smooch to the proud fighter.
The fans were also jumping the railings and were surrounding the winners circle. Rarity had to bump and maneuver with a strong will to try and stay in the front. She had reached the makeshift barrier of aluminum railings and strong rope. The crowd was stirring in a frenzy. Either from Applejack fans basking in the win and the descenders who's pony had lost. Luckily the rodeo folk were not about to fight, get kicked out and miss seeing their celebrities up close.
The announcer pony took his soap box and was ready to get the final ceremonies going. "Let's get this party started, but first to award out top three finalists." He said while pointing at the stacked barrels behind him. "In third place, we present the yellow ribbon to the pony from Las Pegasus, Lucky Strike." Rarity let out a small distaste for the pony, but he was still a favorite. She had to admit, at least on the surface he was handling defeat well as he showboated on the smallest barrel.
"From our own home Canterlot, we have the purple bruiser, Mr. Grape Crush is awarded the red ribbon." Rarity didn't hear to much applause from the ground, but could tell her VIP suite boxes that she wishes she could be in were clamoring for their hometown hero. If she didn't love Applejack no doubt would have have tried to sit in one of those heavenly seats.
Grape Crush took this spot with the two barrels stacked high, leaving the three stacked one for her one and only mare. "And without further ado, The record breaking and three time Canterlot Rodeo Champion. First prize blue ribbon goes to Applejack of Ponyville." On cue, the orange mare took her spot on the highest barrels and the crowd roared one last time. The paparazzi ponies were filtering in and Rarity found her chance. Armed with big sunglasses and a fabulous outfit, she walked in undetected.
As the trio were getting their picture taken and being bombarded with questions. Rarity whisked behind the barrels and did something dangerous, but knew her pony wouldn't lose her cool. With a strong leap, the unicorn found herself atop the barrels next to Applejack. Rarity smirked demurely as she saw the farmer's surprised expression. In an instant all the attention was drawn to the two ponies. The bulbs from the flash were irritating, but the sunglasses Rarity was wearing made it bearable. She did feel bad for Applejack who was being blinded by lights.
Reports were shouting all these questions. As much as Rarity wanted to answer them, it wasn't her spotlight, it was her girlfriend's who completely earned it.
"Applejack. Who is that next to you?"
Not knowing which pony said that Applejack kept her hoof over her eyes and shouted into the crowd.
"This here is my girlfriend, Rarity."
"How long have you two been going out?" another reporter shouted.
Applejack shuddered at the answer. Rarity didn't know whether it was because she was flustered from all the attention or being put on the spot, but she gave the pony the benefit of the doubt. She leaned over and whispered. "A year and nine months."
Applejack repeated. "A year and nine months."
"Kiss her for the paper. We want a front cover piece."
Rarity looked over to Applejack, but what she saw was a pony with stage fright. "I umm...sorta not comfortable with all that in public." she murmured.
"I couldn't get that. Are you going to kiss her or not?"
Rarity stood there. After all they had been through this was a barrier that should have been broken. Kissing in public is so infrequent that she could count how many times it has happened. Judging from Applejack's face, Rarity could barely tell if she had won the competition or was thoroughly beaten. Rarity felt her heart sink. After all the training, the cheering, and taking time off to come to this, she felt so unappreciated for her efforts. Even if it was small, a kiss to her greatest supporter in front of a crowd should be no big deal. "Is a single kiss really to much to ask?"
Rarity found it lucky she was wearing such big eye wear. No reporters could notice how hurt she was. Rarity knew how to speak to this type of crowd and swayed the conversation. "Please gentlecolts. Enough of your badgering. Keep the questions on key points like how did you feel when Lucky Strike actually beat you in your supposedly best event, lassoing the bulls."
Rarity was impressed with her skill with crowds as the newsponies went back on track and each of the three contestants got there deserved tending. When she thought no pony would notice her, Rarity slipped back off the barrels. Even Applejack didn't notice. Rarity kept to the shadows and stopped by her favorite donut shop.
"Heya Miss. What can I get for ya today?" inquired Pony Joe.
"Can I have half a dozen jelly and custard filled donuts. And a couple eclair."
As Joe was getting the order ready he could help, but break the ruse. "Rare. You've been coming here for years with your friends. Why not the pleasant greeting I'm used to?"
Rarity took off her shades and met the pony with a sorrowful gaze. "I'm so sorry to be so vapid, but I'm not in the mood for talking really. To be honest I didn't even want to ruin your day by revealing by glum mood."
"It's alright Rarity. I just wish ponies wouldn't dive themselves into my donuts when they're sad. Makes me want to close up shop and make a deli."
"If it makes you feel better. These donuts can change anypony's mood with a single bite. As soon as I dig into these I'll be fine. I'm sure Applejack will like them too."
"That'll be ten bits." Pony Joe said as Rarity floated the money to the counter. "Also I heard on the radio. Say congrats to Applejack. She sure is something."
"I will. Thanks Joe. See you soon." Rarity said. As much as she wanted to bury her worry in the donuts immediately she waited until she was in her room in Canterlot Castle. She placed the box of pastries on the nightstand and started digging into the custards. She knew Applejack preferred the jelly ones anyways.
"Applejack..." she thought as she took another bite from the filled treat. "What am I going to do with that pony? I know she loves me. I feel it when she says it, I feel it when we kiss, I feel when we make love. I shouldn't even let this get to me, but it feels weird that Applejack just shuts down and refuses. I'm not even going to give this idea a notion, but it's almost as if she's ashamed of me. I see couples all around Ponyville together. They trot close together, they nuzzle one another, they kiss. What if she's embarrassed about being with a mare. Well no. She admitted me and her were going out. It's just that I'm always there supporting her and vice versa. I know it shouldn't matter, but I want everypony to know how much I appreciate her. Whenever I'm at one of my fashion shows, it's weird congratulating my muse when my muse is hiding behind the curtain and has to be coaxed by Rainbow Dash to come out and stand next to me."
Rarity sat on the luxurious king bed as she indulged herself with the tasty pastries. She could hear the celebrations outside. She worried that Applejack might be looking for her, but didn't care at the moment as she was struggling with her feelings towards the situation. It wasn't her party or people and was perfectly content on sitting on the balcony watching the festivities unfold. Pie eating contests, parades and cider tasting was fun, but Applejack's behavior would prevent Rarity from enjoying it to it's fullest.
A few hours went by and Rarity was listening to the radio while enjoying an eclair here and there. She had just come back from a royal spa treatment courtesy of Twilight. Even soaking in mud and wrapped in seaweed couldn't massage the negativity in her mind. The world behind the cucumber slices on her eyes was nonexistent until a certain farmer barged in the door. Rarity jumped out of fear and levitated a candelabra for defense.
"Applejack! You scared the living daylights out of me."
"Well good cause it's nighttime." Applejack laughed out.
Rarity raised her eyebrow. Never before has she heard Applejack make such a clever joke, especially with a slur. "Darling, did you have a little something to drink?"
In slur Applejack let out. "I perhaps had maybe a little bit of a lot of some hard cider. It's good. I have a whole barrel fer the gals in Ponyville."
"Seems you've had a whole barrel for yourself. Come to bed. Take a seat and put some food into you."
Applejack stumbled herself onto the comforter and took a bite out of the jelly filled donut Rarity had floated above her head. "You went to Pony Joe's. His donuts are the best."
"Please grab the donut. I want to relax for a few more minutes."
Applejack listened and took hold of the dessert. Unfortunately for Rarity, Applejack was one of the loudest chewers in Equestia. Being slightly inebriated only increased the obnoxiousness of the sound. Listening to Applejack devour another three donuts made Rarity sick to her stomach. She had grown used to the orange mare's appetite, but Applejack at least had some manners. She was like a pig in slop at this point.
Rarity was tired. It was long day even though she was cheering from the stands and not competing. She rolled on her side and took off the cucumber slices.
"You gonna eat those?" Applejack asked.
"Really Applejack? I thought we were past this."
"Yer just gonna throw them away. Gimme they're good."
Rarity rolled her eyes and passed the slices over. Applejack happily munched on them. As Rarity was finding her inner peace and about to say goodbye to this day and negativeness, Applejack's head nuzzled between Rarity's neck. The farmer lazily moaned and laid long kissing on her nape. As aggravated as Rarity was with her girlfriend, it's hard for her body to not react to the sensual titillation of Applejack's lips.
Still she felt the need to stand her ground, "Applejack no. I'm trying to sleep."
Applejack moved her hooves to Rarity's chest Gently moving and caressing the unicorn. Applejack leaned in and whispered lustfully into her ear. "Come on Rare. Doesn't the champion get her prize?" She deeply inhaled the unicorn. "You smell so good. I can tell you just pampered yerself. Let's celebrate."
Rarity found the accent irresistible, but still had to protest. The smells coming off of the pony were nauseating. She matched Applejack's tone, "But I can tell you don't. Your breath smells like an alcoholic cherry pie and you're very sticky and sweaty from competing."
Applejack didn't let up. "I know a way we can fix both those problems." The farmer pointed to the bathroom. Rarity knew what was in there. A full spa bath and an immense shower. Although that would solve her issue, she wasn't feeling connected with Applejack. It's as if their relationship hit a knot and only Rarity was aware of it.
Applejack nestled Rarity's head in her hoof and turned it towards her. In the moonlight, Rarity could see the silhouette of Applejack and her lucid green eyes. Glassy from the hard cider were still beautiful. "Applejack.." she whispered out.
Completely distracted by the majestic appearance of her lover, Applejack's free hoof was making its' way south. Rarity gasped when the farmer reached her destination. At the tip of Rarity's mound, where her most sensitive part of her womanhood was, Applejack was roughly rubbing up and down. Rarity threw her head back at the sudden waves pulsating from Applejack's rhythm. Unconsciously, her hips were riding the hard cycle of Applejack's foreplay. As much as she was trying to hold it in, her pleading moans only made her lover take it up a notch. Seeing Rarity's face turn the perfect shade of red, Applejack stopped like a tease. She raised her hoof back to her face and without breaking eye contact, lusciously licked Rarity's juices from it. The unicorn's mouth was agape from the scene and her trying to catch her breath.
"Curse my body's desires."
Rarity motioned her head towards the door. Applejack enthusiastically jumped off the bed and had Rarity climb onto her back. The farmer made a mad dash for the bathroom and started the faucets. As the steaming water was running, the two were creating steam of their own. Sadly, in the midst of ecstasy, Rarity was feeling regret. "Not only could I not hold my ground for more than a day, but Applejack was right. Here I am almost begging for her touch. Not that I'm discouraged, but I don't want sex to ever feel this way. I am thinking about such troubles when our tongues are dancing. I feel...dirty. This feels wrong. I want to stop, but I'm not going to ruin Applejack's big day. Don't even think I can stop. It feels too...ahh"
As Rarity was driven over the edge that night, she couldn't help but feel unsatisfied. Making love between her and Applejack had a sense of fun, a splash of romance and some purity to it all. With all that was on her mind, she was finding it hard to find any of those aspects in the current act. It physically felt good without a doubt. Over a year's time the two have mastered each other's bodies, but without that emotional aspect, Rarity couldn't get lost in the moment. None of it felt natural or wanted. It was as if she had to put effort into it which should have been unnecessary.
As the night passed, Applejack had her fill and the ponies went to bed. The farmer almost went immediately to sleep as her head hit the pillow. Shaken by the intimacy, Rarity stayed awake. She tossed and turned and eventually went outside for some clearer thinking. It was a cool Canterlot night and only the street lamps were illuminating the capital. She was quietly thinking of the day. How her Applejack let her down. A small tear was forming, but she quickly wiped it away. She didn't want to think of a ripple in their relationship, but maybe they weren't as full proof as she thought.
"Hurry up Rarity. You're wasting time that I can be spending with Applebloom." Sweetie Belle complained.
"I told you you can go on without me. I'll catch up later." Rarity said with a bit of force.
"Ugg... fine. Your idea of being fashionably late is completely overrated and doesn't make sense." Sweetie Belle said as she was walking out of her sister's bedroom.
Rarity was sympathetic to her sister's plight, but trying to look her best wasn't the reason she was taking her time. Since the Equestria Rodeo, she had been simmering with her problem with Applejack and the more she did, it seemed more problems arose. Applejack was a dirty pony, in probably all definitions of the word, Rarity was always ready to correct her eating etiquette. She got annoyed, but lately she had been getting more intense when righting those annoyances. She thought she had accepted Applejack in her entirety, but it seems now she was looking for a fight. With the original problem stirring up these emotions she thought the less they spent time together the better.
However, having their sisters being such close friends as well made it a constant habit where Rarity or Applejack to follow suit. That way, as Applejack put it, they were killing two birds with one stone by spending time with each other and their sisters. Rarity tried to figure a way out of it, but she knew if she didn't show up Applejack would come over to see what was wrong. Besides Sweetie Belle saw her completely healthy and not stressing out over work. The believable excuses were out of the question.
After completing her face, Rarity went off to Sweet Apple Acres. Instead of the shortcuts through the orchard, she took the traditional route. As she arrived to the farm she was greeted by Applejack who looked overworked. Always trying to keep her feelings to herself and instead lend out a helping hoof, Rarity had to ask. "Sisters working you hard?"
"Yea. Sure wish you came earlier, but maybe there is still time to talk them out of it. The girls were talking about goin' on a hike."
Rarity smacked her hoof to her face. "Those girls. I don't even have any gear to use. I refuse to go hiking without my provisions. Surprised you're not on their side though."
"It's just one of those days Rare. You know the ones where you want to lie about on a couch and waste the day relaxin'."
"Please I know those days too well. I'll speak reason with them. Hopefully they will listen." Rarity said. The two walked upstairs to Applebloom's room and found the two organizing a pathetic effort into a hiking pack. The two noticed the couple at the doorway and the farmer filly greeted the new visitor
"Heya Rarity. We're hiking today."
"Girls. Honestly It's hotter than a sauna out there. Do you really want to get all hot and sweaty?" Rarity argued.
Sweetie Belle immediately picked up on her sister's need for cleanliness. "We're all not like you Rarity. Some of us like to get a nice sweat going that didn't come from going to the spa."
Rarity already was annoyed and wasn't going to let her sister talk back like that. "Watch your tone Sweetie Belle. I am really not in the mood for that kind of behavior. What got you into hiking anyways?"
Applebloom vocalized her reason. "Hearin' all of Applejack's stories at the rodeo were awesome. Maybe our cutie marks are around rodeo events, but first we gotta get strong. Applejack is built like a minotaur. So we're filling our packs up with weights and goin' through hills, the forest and such."
Rarity rolled her eyes, but before she could say anything Applejack interjected. "Girls. You were seriously gonna walk around with weights and nothin' else?"
Applebloom again had an answer to everything. "Don't be silly Sis. We were gonna have a canteen and some sandwiches."
"Anythin' More?'
"Nope." The filly said with such conviction. Applejack took a deep sigh. Rarity didn't like where this was going.
"Rarity go downstairs and make a picnic fer four. I'm gonna show them how to pack a proper pack fer the wilderness. We're goin' on a hike today." Applejack announced with a slightly unhappy tone.
The fillies only picked up on they get to go hiking and not the fact neither of them wanted to go. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle jumped for joy. As they were distracted by the good news, Rarity pushed Applejack into her room and was even more irritated by the pony. "Applejack. " She yelled in hushed tone. "I thought you were too tired to go on a hike. So now we're going out all day?"
Applejack matched Rarity's level. "Cause our sisters were about to go out into the forest completely unprepared. I wish I was that naive about things and thought I was invincible. Rarity, you love your sister. It's unfortunately the only option fer us unless we want our sisters to get hurt or worse, lost."
Rarity was checkmated. As much as she hated when Applejack used the big sister card on her, mostly because she knew she was right. No way she could forgive herself if something wrong happened to Sweetie Belle. The unicorn let out a deep sigh. "I don't...I don't have any of my camping gear."
Applejack rolled her eyes and got stern with the unicorn. "You mean that wagon load of things you call campin' gear? Hate to break it to you Rarity, but not all mud can be imported. We're gonna go out there, get dirty and sweat a bunch fer our sisters. Put on a fake smile if you must, but let's get goin'. I don't wanna be out there when the sun goes down."
Rarity was used to Applejack giving orders, mostly because she always said it in a caring and diplomatic tone. Today with the heat and the nuisance that is their sisters, Applejack's tone was more authoritative and malicious. Through the fear of Applejack's behavior only made the angry grow inside her. As Applejack said, she put on a fake smile and went downstairs.
The sweltering kitchen was no place to let off steam. Rarity found herself chopping up ingredients with more force than needed to try and vent. For once the unicorn was making a mess and enjoying it as the fragments of lettuce was slipping over the counter. However making a mess and having a little fun with her sandwich creations was eating up precious time. Time that Applejack would constantly be reminding her every three minutes. Rarity was on the edge of purposefully messing up this food out of spite, but because Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were innocents in all this, it would be unfair to them.
Rarity was just about done with the final sandwich. She was never too fond of crusts and was neatly trimming her food. That's when Applejack came into the kitchen with a less than friendly attitude.
"Rare. I got everythin' ready upstairs. What the hay is with eh holdup in here? How long does it take?"
Rarity could almost feel a vein pop in her forehead. "It's almost done. If you weren't badgering me for the past twenty minutes. I would have finished earlier."
Applejack felt an irritation in her unicorn's tone and was not going to have it. "Rare. Unacceptable. I'll finish it and you go rally the girls and keep them for losin' their minds. Now gimme..."
Rarity slammed the knife on the cutting board with such a force it made Applejack flinch backwards. The farmer took a few steps back, now cautious with a knife in possible play. "Ra-rare. What's the matter? That scared me a lil'"
It was an open invitation and Rarity was about to take advantage of it. "What's the Matter? What's the matter you ask. I'll tell you what's the matter. Your darn impatience is driving me up the wall. Applejack we've known each other for years and have been dating a long time for you to know I take my time with just about everything. Cooking, cleaning, sewing, grooming myself and the list goes on. You of all ponies should appreciate a job well done. I know it gets on your nerves when I add all my accents, emphasize the presentation of certain things and emphasize details that you might find unnecessary, but that's me, Applejack."
The farmer didn't like being talking to in such a manner, especially in her own home. Soon as Rarity stopped talking and lowered the knife, she fought back. "Now you wait just a dog gone minute. Yes yer right. It does get on my nerves with all the detail you put into things. A lot of them are pointless like sandwiches that are about to be eaten in a few hours. But you. Speaking of goin' out fer a long time. When have I ever not appreciate that little extra effort that you put into yer projects. I may roll my eyes as yer doin' it, but I am mighty grateful after it's all said and done, but never think I didn't appreciate your efforts. Rarity, I..."
"Then why didn't you kiss me at the rodeo?!" Rarity cut off the orange mare. Applejack's expression switched up to confusion with the sudden outburst. There was a lull in the fight, but Applejack quietly picked it up from there.
"Wh-what are you talkin' about? Seriously?! That's why you've been so absent and short that past couple of days. You've been sulkin' about that little thin'?"
"It's not something little!" Rarity was now so mad that her eyes were glossing up from the pent up fury she was trying to hold back. "I can't believe that you can consider it like it's nothing. Don't you find it a tad sad that Rainbow Dash or the others have to push you out to be on stage with me on my fashion shows. I can tell you from this point of view I'm thoroughly embarrassed. Part of my speech and the tailor to everything I do is with you and all I'm doing is showing my gratitude."
"You say that as if I'm in the wrong here. You know I'm not comfortable with public affection. All I'm hearin' is a pony that wants to show off her prize." Applejack snapped back.
"And so what if I do! You mean the world to me Applejack. The reason you are in those speeches I give is because your musings bleed into my work. It's by no means just my accomplishments, it's ours. The times you check up on me to make sure I'm not over taxing myself. The times you make me a meal just because gives me more time to work. Even when you're sitting in my room, lying on the bed and trying to help with your limited knowledge of fashion and needlework I have always appreciated. Often times you became a distraction, but it kept me from fixating on something that I wasn't going to figure out that day and sometimes figure out what was wrong. So if I want to share the spotlight with you because I feel that you have earned it to any degree I'm going to and if that sharing comes in the form of a kiss, it shouldn't bother you in the slightest."
"Stop tryin' to make me out to be the bad mare because I don't see eye to eye with whatever yer jawin' about. You may think that I help, but come on. Who does the sewin'? You. Who does the designin'? You. Who puts all the effort to seekin' out the high society in hopes of getting' them to come down to Ponyville fer a fashion show? You. I'm not some masterpiece in a puzzle that needs your praise." Applejack fired back.
The logic of Applejack argument was sound, but the flip side of it was disheartening. "So I had no help in helping you win?"
Applejack's face got worried, but stood her ground with stubbornness. "I didn't remember seein' you out there breakin' yer back competein'. I am the one who trained and won."
Rarity couldn't believe what she was hearing. She instinctively raised her voice to overpower Applejack. "So none of the selfless things I did for you were of any help. I am so glad I'm your girlfriend so my efforts can be taken for granted. So me watching and timing your training when Applebloom couldn't wasn't help to your win? Neither was taking my lunch breaks to eat at the course so I can towel you off and keep you hydrated? My cheering in the bottom sections of the crowd you call rodeo folk can't be considered help?"
"Course they helped, but if you want recognition fer it then get it from somewhere else. Just because I'm not shoutin' it to the public that I love you, doesn't mean a flyin' feather. I am not goin' to be made a criminal here. I don't know how I can express my feelin's fer you anymore than I do when we're in private. You know I don't like kissin' in public so why all of a sudden are you havin' a problem with it now?"
"Because it makes me feel like you're ashamed to be with me!" Rarity yelled. "It's all fine and perfect when we're behind closed doors, but the second we exit the confines of our homes you pretend as if we barely know each other. Call me crazy. Call me possessive. Call me obsessive. I don't care. I don't want anypony to think we're in trouble and has a chance with you. A little kiss of gratification now and again would quell these thoughts and make me less necrotic."
Applejack stomped her hoof down at the audacity of the statement. "You couldn't be less necrotic if I tried. Look at what yer sayin'. That I would even be dishonest fer a second. Perhaps maybe you should leave. I'm pretty sure the heat will just make you more loopy. You'll think a tree I'm passing is goin' to flirt with me because I'm not next to yer side."
"You know what? I will. I absolutely will not take this tongue lashing from you any longer. Your pigheadedness to fix this with a simple solution is just going to be the staple of today's events." Rarity said as she leaned in closer to Applejack, giving her a proper stare down.
"And yer mark of the day will be yer inability to understand that I am who I am and ain't gonna change with what I'm not comfortable with because yer havin' to stir the pot." Applejack followed and mimicked Rarity's lean in stare. As if the spark from their fierce gaze hit gun power, an emotional keg had exploded between the two. Like two immature fillies, every single possible transgression either of the two could have caused in the time of being together was being brought up. Rarity tried to keep it to the point, but as Applejack was making stronger arguments, the unicorn was debasing herself to attacking the earth pony's character. The fight eventually just became whoever was louder and had the last word wins.
Time passed long enough to the point where Rarity was complaining about Applejack's breath, which she actually really liked because of the natural sweetness of apples keeps it from smelling like garbage. "Try actually having a mint farm. Maybe your breath would smell better. Oh would you look at that. You've gotten me so worked up that I'm sweating. I hope you're happy."
"Sweating outside of a sauna is the same darn thin'. Yer scared of liftin' a hoof and workin'. By the way, payin' fer sweat is quite honestly more dumb than puttin' that muddy mask on yer face." Applejack raged on.
Rarity finally couldn't take anymore. At her limit, she decided it was best to lay down her sword and come back another day. "Forget this. I am tired of fighting, this and you. I'm taking Sweetie Belle home and officially banning her from this uncouth house of unrefined etiquette and away from you country bumpkins."
Applejack scowl couldn't be more pronounced if she tried. She leaned in and harshly whispered in the unicorn's ear. "Them be fightin' words. You get yer sister and get out without sayin' another word. Got me Miss Priss."
Rarity was almost about to test the threat, but she's seen Applejack throw a punch. At the very least she could see her dragging Rarity, kicking and screaming, until she was off Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity whisked her chin high in the air and went upstairs for her sister. She barged in Applebloom's room unannounced only to be struck with confusion. No trace of the fillies. She looked in the obvious places her little sister could hide and was befuddled to find nothing. She ran back and forth upstairs, into the different bedrooms. Her heart raced. "How could I lose two ponies in a house?" she thought to herself.
Before she was about to scream for help for Applejack, she looked in the little one's bedroom one more time. Scanning the first time haphazardly, she missed a note on a desk. Pitched like a small tent it was addressed to our big sisters. Rarity opened it and quickly read the first line. She gasped and covered her hoof over her mouth as she finished it.
Instinctively she called for her lover. "Applejack! Applejack please come up here!"
From the bottom of the stairs, the farmer replied. "I wasn't kiddin' on the whole not another word bit."
"And I was intending on keeping it that way, but this is urgent. Please come upstairs." Rarity pleaded.
The slight strain in Rarity's voice must have been the tipping point for Applejack to let down her resolve. Now standing beside the white mare, Rarity showed her girlfriend the front of the letter. Like herself, she saw Applejack's expression change from anger to fear.
"Open it, Rare. What's it say?"
Rarity did as instructed and quickly read what was scribbled by the fillies. "Dear Applejack and Rarity, As we were upstairs plannin' on havin' a good time with the hike we heard you fighthin'. We've heard you too squabble before and thought it would end within the minute. As soon as we heard you two shoutin' we knew to just stay in our rooms and out of your way. Hearin' you two fight like that was really hard to hear. So much so that we decided to leave."
Rarity and Applejack paused she they looked at the open window with the curtains drifting in the light wind. Rarity continued. "We took what Applejack packed so we figured it would be enough fer a hike. Hopefully when we return you two will have cooled off and we can maybe have fun later. We'll be back soon. Your little sisters, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle."
Rarity's worried look locked with Applejack's, who looked as if she were to have a heart attack. Before Rarity could say anything, Applejack bolted into her room. The unicorn followed and was hit in the face with a green saddlebag. "Ouch!" she said as she rubbed her nose "Watch where you're throwing things."
"Sorry Rare. Pack what I say in it. We gotta get goin'."
Rarity didn't want to, but knew where Applejack was headed with all this. She let out a deep sigh. "We really made a mess out of this day didn't we?"
"You bet, but that doesn't mean we can't clean it up and make it better. Here's what ya need. Pick it from the pile. The headlamp, the blanket, first aid kit, my spare fire starter and the two canteens."
Rarity now went into a panicked mode as she saw the small amount of supplies. "Apple-applejack. You can't be serious. This is all we are bringing?"
"I taught our sisters how to pack proper so they have all the essentials. We're just gonna have to work with what we have. Oh can't forget my lasso."
"Somehow I have this feeling that the ponies trying to rescue the victims are the ones that will be in real peril."
"Rare. Now is not the time fer any of that stinkin' thinkin'. It's zap apple season. Granny Smith heard the Timberwolves a few nights ago. I know there's more than Timberwolves out there in the Everfree Forest, but we know first hoof how a predator like that operates. They will stalk and put our sisters into a comer. Without even a second thought they'll kill them. Now I don't know how long a head start the girls had, but if they get scared they'll run off the path and get lost. We have to hustle and get to them as soon as possible."
"But-but we don't have sunhats, spare food or even a tent. And those are what we need. What about what I need like my luxurious tent, eyelash curler, my sundress, vases to decorate my living area..."
Rarity was immediately cut off from her hysterics as Applejack grabbed her shoulders and shook her hard. "This isn't about you. I shouldn't even have to tell you this Rare. Our sisters are in danger. We've got to take this risk if we have any chance of finding them today. Any more time we waste makin' sure you don't chip a hoof out there puts us in the dark. Now come on. Get yer things together, grab the food you made and let's go."
Deep down Rarity knew Applejack was right. She didn't want to admit it with their state of affairs, but if anything were to happen to Sweetie or Applebloom she wouldn't know how to deal with it. The farmer was the last pony she wanted to spend time with as well. Even with the farmer's hoof on her, the rage still inside her wanted to snap the hoof in two. There were many choices she could make, but knew there was only one. "I'll be ready in five."
Thanks for reading. This is part one of the finale of act two and hope to see you then for its' conclusion. If you just so happen to be a Flutterdash fan, I also have a story for them as well. So check if out. Review, favorite and follow. Have a nice day.
