Author's Note: From the top! Appahljahk be gettin moar skreen tiem wid flootrshy! So, we begin Chapter 2. I'm willing to accept ideas from any readers regarding a potential warm up drill. Note, if I do get any, I will not guarantee an inclusion but rather a consideration. I will mention if it's not included.

In other news, I am also looking for somebody who has a little more experience drawing Ponies than I to assist with making a proper cover (seen on as a cheap lil'... thing and available on my dA profile (name is: Hunter-the-Hedgehog)) and such in return for a request. I am a digital artist under the name of (as stated before) Hunter-the-Hedgehog on Deviant Art so look me up to see my capability. I really hate the idea of a request so I offer this art trade. Now, enough of that...

Notes about Chapter 1, if there is some... odd tensing, I apologize. OpenOffice seems to enjoy replacing words on me. For Rainbow's uniforms (and the rest of the team), I based them off of several country flags. Guess them all if you can, 'n such. I also am willing to even collaborate with other author's for misc. Things in this story (collab chapter, guest/filler chapter, etc.) mainly to make this more fan-enjoyable. Now, enough with the 200,000 word essay on Author's Notes, let's kick off Apple Spectrum Chapter 2!

... and special thanks to user Civille (Bellum_Civille on FiMFiction) as my Editor. Please read his stories. Especially the Pinkie-Verse.

Note: I am truly sorry for the unbelieveable errors that have occurred during the posting of Chapter 2.1. FanFiction failed on me and then, chaos. I have fixed that and reuploaded the chapter, please enjoy.

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Chapter 2: Super Drill-Based Pep Rally Parades

2:1: Bucking and Customer Service

Clear skies in small town Ponyville. Rainbow Dash rushed the job of cloud clearing the few clouds today. Fantastic job as usual but... she seemed agitated. More compelled to rush her usual job. It was merely a Saturday morning, 9 am. To Rainbow Dash, however, it was a time of excitement... through her insane drowsiness.

"*sigh* Alright, 'jack, got any secrets?" Rainbow said as she yawned, breathing the chilly morning air.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash trotted through the orchards, the former taking her new bucking partner to the area they would be covering while the latter lazily walked, her wings drooping at her side being too much of an effort to lift early morning. Applejack stared at the skies for a second before finding the question too confusing.

"Secrets? I dunno if ya heard this 'un but proper sleep 'n a pepped up attitude is great." Applejack replied, bursting with usual Applejack sarcasm.

"I mean, is there... *yawn* some kinda trick to bucking? I mean, I was kinda tired after bucking for a bit during Applebuck season a year ago... y'know, during your whole 'ah'm jus' fine on mah own'" Rainbow said, mimicking Applejack's accent.

Applejack shot Rainbow a glare. "Ah thought ah told ya ta let it go." Applejack cleared her throat. "Well, there's not much of a trick, ya jus' get used to it is all." Applejack quickly adjusted her hat as Rainbow brought her wings back up to her sides, doing a quick stretch. "Ugh, and how long is that gonna take?" Rainbow groaned in disappointment.

"Jus' a few days, but y'all pro'lly take longer 'cause ya aren't workin' here full time." Applejack said as they finally arrived at their designated area.

"Oh, what's this? Suddenly, I have this amazing urge to take a vacation to Trottingham!" Rainbow said as she grit her teeth.

Applejack laughed as Rainbow (seemed to) express annoyance. Rainbow fluttered her wings quickly, giving them a stretch too and then... she just stood there.

"Wow. Now that I'm actually here, I just forgot what I'm supposed to do." Rainbow said as she stared at the wide space.

"Twice in 10 seconds? Didn't know ya wanted outta work that badly." Applejack said, cocking her head as she walked over to a tree, baskets already placed.

"No, I mean... ugh, this is just like in Cloudsdale. I practised my routine a hundred times on my own time and then when I did it for a reason, it just kinda... went foggy." Rainbow said as she watched Applejack buck a tree, knocking it's apples into the baskets surrounding it. "*sigh* Well, I'll... buck. Can't guarantee I'll last as long as you, Apples."

Applejack let out a small chuckle. "Don' fret it none. Jus' do what ya can, s'all ah'm askin' for sugarcube." she said as she proceeded to buck the next tree.

Rainbow eyed the tree she was looking at. Red Delicious apples hung from it's branches, shining and radiating a brilliance. They were a size not too large or too small and were perfectly shaped and were shaking gently as the wind flew by an... wait, wasn't Rainbow supposed to be working. She turned her neck, cracking it, doing the same to both sides. She proceeded to the trunk, did a 180 degree turn, leaned on her front legs, and bucked. Not her hardest and not her lightest. A little stronger than her usual cloud bucks. The tree shakes as most of the apples fell off of the tree and landed harmlessly in the baskets.

"Huhn. Kinda like my first trick. Did it many times, when I had to do it... well, whatever. Easy stuff." Rainbow said as she gave another buck to the tree, slightly harder to knock the rest of the apples off.

"Tol' ya so. Remember, when Big Mac rings the bell, y'all gotta hi-tail it over t' tha' barn. Lunch bell an nobody likes ta be kept waitin'." Applejack said, already on her fifth tree.

"... huhn, I don't think I've seen Big Macintosh all week... isn't he a main guy here... ehn... let's buck." Rainbow thought.

The rest of the morning proceeded normally. Applejack would buck all, Rainbow would buck some and buck some again, Applejack would exchange witty banter with Rainbow, Rainbow would retort with a snarky comment. Soon, the sun was high in the sky, radiating the vicious heat of middle August. Rainbow had to stop several times and run to the lake to dunk her head in. After half an hour of stopping every six minutes, Applejack left to grab Rainbow a bucket of water filled with loads of ice. Rainbow tugged it around, adding to her workload, but (in her mind) it payed off. Then...

*DING DING DING*

"Eeeeeeeeyup!" Big Mac's voice was heard in the distance.

Applejack did a quick check to make sure her apples were shaded and the trees were fine, Rainbow merely took off seeming to forget she had wings.

"Waitaminute, you fergot yer bucket, Rainbow. Gotta take it back, 'member?" Applejack said as she mentally noted her crop was fine and took off, passing Rainbow as she shouted it.

"Grr." Rainbow growled as she skidded to a halt and turned around running at her fastest to the bucket she left by a tree. She stopped only to grab the bucket in her mouth and THEN she remembered she had wings. She gave them a quick flap before taking off as gently as possible. Those few drills she did with the crates were teaching her a little bit of finesse, she never did get to do the barrel of apples drill. Turns out Applebloom's little stunt with the Heart's Desire removed them of the barrel they were going to use as Applebloom couldn't find her original "loop-de-hoop", she settled for disassembling a barrel.

She flew at a mild speed, being careful not to spill the water and the rest of the ice still unmelted. Down below, she spotted Applejack galloping at a fast speed almost out of the orchards themselves. Rainbow got a devious thought... she dived downwards, towards Applejack making sure not to spill the water. She slowed her flapping down and maintained what she now liked to call "Stealth" or "Prank" mode. She was hovering above a speeding Applejack when...

"Boo."

"Augh!" Applejack let out a small yelp as she turned to the sudden noise behind her, then proceeding to trip.

She did a quick roll on the ground before stopping and sitting on her haunches. She gave Rainbow a cold stare. "Now what in tarna-" Applejack couldn't finish her sentence as her face and entire body was covered in ice cold water. Working up a sweat, this felt like absolute heaven and only suited to make Applejack's mind go blank. Rainbow watched as she splashed half the bucket onto Applejack's body, but...

"Ooh... that felt good..." Applejack moaned absent minded.

Rainbow paused, staring at Applejack in confusing while a mild blush appeared on her face. "Um, Apples, are you okay...?" Rainbow asked as she leaned in closer to her applebucking friend.

Applejack returned to reality, snapped open her eyes immediately. "Oh... um... yeah..." Applejack said, blushing herself. Her moan just moments ago was a little embarrassing, but the water was just such a refreshment... she stood up and quickly shook herself (and her hat) off.

"Well then, we should... lunch..." Rainbow said as she leaned placed the bucket down.

She waltzed over to Applejack's stetson and picked it up before feeling an icy sensation over her entire body, mostly feeling it in her spine. "Gah!" She jolted her head upwards as she tossed the hat into the air slightly. She turned to look over at a smirking Applejack... but she was right, this was good after working up a small sweat. Even if Rainbow was barely sweating. Applejack's stetson landed on Rainbow's head but neither noticed. Rainbow gave Applejack a blushy grin before letting out a laugh.

"Okay yeah, that does feel kinda good." Rainbow said as she instead decided against shaking, the water being too refreshing.

Applejack let out a chuckle as she placed the bucket down. She walked over to Rainbow. "Y'all look jus' fine in one 'o those, darlin'." Applejack teased as she nudged Rainbow in the side.

"Huhn? Whazzat you're talkin' abo..." she paused when she finally noticed the head wear.

She looked up and paused. She looked back at Applejack with a sad look. "Oh, I'm so sorry Applejack, I didn't mean to wear your hat!" Rainbow said as she took it off with her hoof and placed it on Applejack's head.

"S'all right, sugarcube. You could pro'lly use one yerself. Maybe Rarity can make ya yer own kind." Applejack said as she nudged Rainbow again.

"I dunno about that. Hat's plus flying doesn't equal efficiency." Rainbow said.

*ding ding ding*

"Lunch ain't gonna stay ferever!" Big Mac shouted.

"Oh snap!" Applejack and Rainbow said at the same time.

"Remind me when I leave..." Rainbow said as she took a bite of one of the many sandwiches made for lunch. "*munch* I gotta feed Tank. Properly. He's getting too used to nibbling on my clouds."

"Ah'll keep that in mind." Applejack said as she bit into her hay sandwich.

The Apple Family dining room was... Apple-ish. Lack of Applebloom due to school, addition of Rainbow Dash, non-apple foods for lunch... but it wasn't unwelcome. Sitting at the table included Granny Smith whom was eating her sandwich at one bite an hour, Big Mac whom was eating sandwiches one bite a nano-second, Applejack whom was eating her sandwich at one bite every 10 seconds, and Rainbow Dash whom ate her sandwich too fast to count.

"This is good stuff. *gulp* Better than what I usually make for myself." Rainbow said as she finished what has to be her 90th sandwich (only her fourth, she couldn't care less).

"Thank big brother, he made all'a this with ease. It's his daily routine." Applejack said as she finished her first sandwich.

"Eeyup." Big Mac said as he stuffed another sandwich in his mouth, devouring it in what appeared to be instantly.

"Soooo, is Big Macintosh ever gonna applebuck? Err, near us?" Rainbow asked as she took a sip from her glass of milk.

"M'day off." Big Macintosh said in between finishing off another sandwich and reaching for another one before Applejack's hoof blocked him.

"... an at this rate, he's gon' gain twice his weight on that day off." Applejack said letting out a small laugh.

Big Macintosh gave Applejack an annoyed stare but complied, retracting his hoof.

"Heh heh, sorry but y'all are eatin' a lil' too much... 'sides, ah sure would like t' have a lil' more than what I have now." Applejack said as she grabbed another sandwich, taking a bite.

"So... um, how much longer do we applebuck?" Rainbow asked as she decided to not go for another sandwich.

Big Macintosh and Applejack looked to the ceiling, hoof on their chins as they thought. "Forever." they said at the same time. Rainbow's jaw dropped as they gave them a cold stare. "I'm not allowed to leave?" Rainbow asked with a slightly nervous tone. They were both taken aback but soon started laughing. "Heh heh, no, sugarcube. We finish up fer the day at four PM." Rainbow wiped her brow as she said this.

"I was gonna say... forever is way too long. That's like..." she paused. "... forever."

"Well, ah don't expect t' be ever stoppin' the bucking business, ah didn't know ya were referrin' to yerself or today." Applejack said as she munched on her sandwich. "Well, ah gotta request fer ya Rainbow." Applejack said as she ate the crust as fast as she could. Rainbow stretched her arms, letting out a yawn as the typical drowsiness that came with eating set in.

"Yeah?" she replied with a yawn in her voice.

"As ya know, t'morrow is a free day. What with yer Weather Team meeting at 11 an tendin' to tha' stand... but ah was wonderin'..." she paused as she gulped some milk down to wash out the taste of crust. "... ah, it can wait."

Rainbow stared before shrugging. "Well okay."

Following lunch, Rainbow and Applejack went back to the fields to drag back their crop to the apple cellar before replacing the baskets for more bucking. Applejack and Rainbow Dash went back and forth, Applejack placing them on the cart as Rainbow pulled because, hey, she's gotta get used to it.

"... so, ah was wonderin'... what with it bein' yer free day, ah don' wanna force more on ya than ya want but..." Applejack paused as she lifted a apple filled basket onto the cart.

"Don't worry, no rush..." Rainbow said in mild annoyance.

This was much too slow for Rainbow's liking. Unlike before, doing grunt work, now she was just standing around waiting for somebody to do the grunt work. She wondered if this is what her other friends did. Speaking of her friends, Pinkie tends to Sugarcube Corner now and then, why is Fluttershy, the most timid and shy pony ever, doing a job requiring talking to many ponies when Pinkie would be more than happy to... or maybe that was it. Pinkie would be WAY too energetic to tend properly. She sighed. One of the few mental questions out of the thousand she had the week and the answer was just menial.

"Well, ah've got two questions. Do ya wanna help tendin' t' tha' stand?" she asked as she trotted over to grab another basket.

Rainbow pondered the question for a few moments. "Well, I guess so." The thought of working more made her sick but it was with Applejack and not some random employee.

"Great! Just meet me in Ponyville Town Square at 9:30 AM." Applejack said as she quickly placed the basket on the cart. "An fer my second question... do y'all wanna come with me t' Troronto to check on th' crop after we're done th' stand on yer free days?" Applejack offered.

Rainbow once again thought. "Who all would be going?" she asked as Applejack motioned her to move forward a bit.

"Jus' you an' me, sugarcube."

Rainbow paused as Applejack said "sugarcube". She pondered. More work, free day gone... but with Applejack, all day long. Con: It's her free day. Pro: She's alone with Applejack. Wait, she already...

"Sure. Sounds like fun." Rainbow said casually.

The next day, Rainbow got up bright and early. She was actually getting used to the early schedules. The past two days were full of activity and now, Rainbow was now looking forward to getting up. Rainbow rolled out of her cloudy bed, did light stretches, ran out to her kitchen and grabbed a quick salad. It was 9 am, ripe and early... well, to Rainbow Dash, it was. She did some more stretches and checked a mirror. Her mane was it's usual gruffness after her initial brushing. She had a rather cheery attitude. Granted, she was getting extremely excited for the whole concept of the competition. She smiled at herself, then got an angry grin. She checked her teeth, checked her eyes for any signs of bloodshot, then she gave herself a little giggle as she was contempt. She put the mirror down and proceeded to leave her cloud home. Exiting door, leaving, closing door, taking off. It was a usual routine every day.

Rainbow soared through Ponyville skies as the sun looked out over the small town. Rainbow saw clouds scattered everywhere but that would be sorted out at the Weather Team meeting later. Right now, she had to focus on the stand. She spotted Ponyville town centre to see Applejack busy adjusting some nails on her cart with a hammer. It was an old thing and Rainbow thought she could always help her friend by buying her a new stand someday. She dived downwards and slowed down for a landing. She stepped down next to her Stetson clad friend as she hammered in a nail holding the front sign on her cart before proceeding to place the hammer behind the stand. Rainbow cleared her throat.

"Introducing the greatest flier and soon, the greatest Apple-related thing ever, Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow said imitating an announcer's voice.

Applejack turned to see Rainbow taking a proud stance as Applejack looked at her. She let out a small chuckle. "Somebody's sure pepped up. Ya been like this the entire week." Applejack said as she circled her stand once more to inspect.

"Hay yeah, I mean, c'mon! Contest, and all! Not to mention I'm also your success key." Rainbow said, taking a more cocky tone near the end of her sentence.

Applejack chuckled. "Well, ah gotta go back and bring the Apple cart plus th' register." Applejack said as she picked up the hammer and placed it in a saddle, setting said saddle on her back.

"Oh, well okay. I'll tag along." Rainbow said as she turned to follow her friend down the road.

They walked towards Sweet Apple Acres, sharing small talk now and then. Discussing previous competitions, contemplating any future contests they should or could have. After a while, they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, got the cart full of apples and apple related goods while Rainbow carried the cash register. They arrived back in Ponyville town square where Applejack set out the apple goods on the shelves. It was 9:25 am; almost time for business. Rainbow had plopped the Cash Register down at the stand and Applejack finished setting up the maximum number of apple goods.

"Ah'll do some o' the operating fer a bit, sugarcube. After, ya can take over fer a bit. Get used to it." Applejack said as she took out two chairs and set them behind the stand.

Applejack motioned for Rainbow to sit, which Rainbow hesitantly did. "Why isn't Fluttershy here? Isn't she taking care of the stand mainly?"

Applejack took her spot firmly behind the stand.

"She's trainin' with Pinkie and the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner. Ah hate t' admit it but Sugarcube Corner does get more business, and it's open longer. Perfect fer a pony like Fluttershy t' practice." Applejack said as she quickly picked up a small sign and placed it on the edge of her cart; the open sign.

Rainbow nodded in agreement. "Makes sense." she thought about her other friends. "What are the others practicing again?" Rainbow asked in curiosity.

"Twi' is... or was practicin' fer organization and documentin'. She'll be waitin' fer us when we drag the cart back to Sweet Apple Acres t' document today's sales an such. Rarity is finalizin' her dresses and askin' around to various places fer some tips on creating advertisements and Spike... well, let's jus' say he's doin' many things." Applejack finished up as a pony approached her stand. "One sec, RD."

Rainbow nodded as Applejack made a quick sale to a pony. Applejack continued the morning for half an hour taking care of the stand. Rainbow merely sat behind Applejack and watched as Applejack worked her Earth Pony magic. Rainbow admired Applejack from her small seat behind the stand, watching her as she ever so casually sold her products. She maintained a smile and Rainbow didn't think it was forced. Applejack was having a good time here. Every so often, Rainbow would watch as Applejack turned her head as her mane swung each time. Just watching Applejack in her normal, daily routine seemed to be a whole lot more... entertaining than Rainbow thought possible. She started to feel a bit of guilt as Applejack was doing all the work even if she did it on a daily basis. Rainbow scoffed; she didn't wanna let Applejack do all the work while Rainbow get's it off easy. After Applejack finished with a customer, Rainbow stood up. Her simple movement got the attention of Applejack.

"Apples, do ya wanna switch?" Rainbow asked.

Applejack thought for a second. "You sure? Ah figured ya would have t' have some more time." Applejack with a bit of reluctance in her voice. Rainbow picked up on this and felt a pang of anger.

"What, you don't think I can handle it?" Rainbow retorted as she closed the short distance between her and Applejack. "Uh, ah didn't say anythin' like that. Ah was jus' wonderin' if y'all were ready. Ah mean, it was only... what, half 'n hour?" Applejack said as she leaned against her stand. Rainbow squinted her eyes.

"Outta the way, 'jack. 'Ah've got this 'un'." Rainbow said as she nudged Applejack aside.

Applejack rolled her eyes with a smile as she stepped out of the way. "Whatever ya say, sugarcube." she sat down in the chair set down next to Rainbow's.

Almost instantly, a wall eyed blonde Pegasus known as Derpy walked over to the stand and proceeded to quickly examine the stock, seemingly not caring that there is somebody new tending to the apple cart. She eyed the pies... or the fritters and was deep in thought. She rubbed her chin, Rainbow was growing ever so impatient with this Pegasus.

"Do you have any muffins?" Derpy asked.

Rainbow tilted her head forward, examining the goods. No muffins from what she saw.

"No, Derpy. I suggest Sugarcube Corner." Rainbow said in annoyance.

Derpy got a sad expression before fluttering away towards Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow felt several hard nudges in her rump.

"Now what in tarnation was that, Rainbow? Sendin' away a customer?" Applejack said with slight anger in her voice. Rainbow was taken aback by this.

"What? We didn't have any muffins." Rainbow said as she gestured her hoof over the goods on the stand.

"We don't have no muffins on display. On th' list hangin' up near top, we have listed under 'Not on Display' muffins. Y'all shoulda asked me before." Applejack said as she let out a long sigh.

Rainbow felt a bit of pressure on her chest as Applejack's words stung a bit. She turned forward, not wanting to face Applejack at the moment out of the minor sadness she felt. Disappointing Applejack was the last thing she wanted.

"... I'm sorry." Rainbow said, obvious sadness in her voice as she peered around the town square.

Applejack let out another long sigh. "'s not your fault, sugarcube. Your first time an all and... well, I kinda overreacted. Look, jus' ask fer some help if unsure about somethin'." Applejack said as she quickly pet Rainbow's mane.

Rainbow didn't stop the gesture and bit her lip. "Alright."

The rest of the morning proceeded as such: Rainbow would get a customer, she would ring up the purchase, another customer with questions requiring Applejack's assistance... either way, Rainbow's morning was, after the previous incident, exactly like she predicted. Slow, drowsy, with Applejack. She enjoyed Applejack's company even if she only ever replied when Rainbow made a snarky comment. As it approached 11, Applejack let Rainbow finish up a purchase for Lyra.

"... and enjoy your day, and stuff." Rainbow said as she placed the bits into the cash register.

"Tsk tsk, Rainbow Dash. Gotta work on that attitude." Applejack said as she nudged Rainbow in the wing.

"I can't help it. This is so tedious, dealing with the same questions from ponies." Rainbow said, dragging the word 'ponies' out.

"Well, ya shoulda been prepared. Customer Service does come with tending to store related things." Applejack said as she stood right next to Rainbow.

Rainbow gave Applejack a suspicious stare at her close proximity. "Um, Applejack... what're you doing?" Rainbow asked. She didn't mind that Applejack was next to her, just it was odd.

"Well, don't ya have one o' those 'Weather Team" meetings ta get to?" Applejack said as she gave Rainbow a little push.

Rainbow's eyes widened.

"Shoot! SorryI'llbebacklaterbye!" Rainbow said as she quickly checked for anything she brought... nothing, so she took off towards Town Hall.

"Jus' be back here by 12:30, Rainbow." Applejack shouted as Rainbow soared towards Town Hall.

. . . ?

"See you Pegasi in a week's time!"

"Bye now!"

"Take care."

Pegasi were departing Town Hall after their mandatory hour long weekly meeting. Rainbow snored through most of the usual stuff and another Pegasus Pony always did her a favour by waking her up when the supposed "news" came in. She learned one thing: Clouds are in high demand lately near Western Ponyville; specifically Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow figured as much granted they're kinda getting ready for the competition. She wondered if Big Macintosh was going to be with her friends during the competition. There was no mention, so is he handling the Acres by himself...? Poor guy.

Rainbow later touched down near Sweet Apple Acres merely to talk to Big Macintosh himself prior to arriving at Applejack's stand. She trotted through the apple arch at the gates of Sweet Apple Acres, or... could they really be called gates? Rainbow trotted in and ran towards the house. She arrived at the front door and knocked on it quickly. Silence followed, so Rainbow repeated her knock.

"Hold yer horses, ah'm a coming." came an old, female voice.

Rainbow stood there for over 10 seconds, growing much more impatient and angry by the minute. As soon as she heard the click of the door, all of that anger and impatience vanished. She couldn't stay mad especially with Granny Smith's advanced age but part of her did remain annoyed in the least.

"Oh my stars, it's a walkin' Zap Apple." Granny Smith said as she squinted her eyes staring at Rainbow.

Rainbow stared on in surprise before chuckling. "Heh, no, Granny Smith. It's just me, Rainbow Dash. I was here yesterday."

Granny Smith squinted her eyes even more now. "... well, whatev'r ya say. Jus' be careful th' Timber Wolves don't snatch ya. Yer a big feller." Granny Smith said as she let out a yawn.

Rainbow let out another chuckle.

"Anyways... is Big Macintosh here?" she asked the elder pony.

Granny Smith stared up at the ceiling. "Uh... hmm..." she rubbed her chin.

"Eenope." came a dark voice from behind.

"Aww shoot." Rainbow said as she kicked her hoof against the ground. "Well, bye Granny Smit..." a dull expression took over her face as she turned towards Big Macintosh. "Very funny."

"Eeyup." Big Mac said through his stern look.

Granny Smith closed the door as Rainbow eyed Big Macintosh.

"Um, big Mac... I was wondering if you were... well, helping the Sweet Apple Acres with the whole competition?" Rainbow asked.

Big Macintosh motioned for Rainbow to follow him. "Eeyup." Big Mac walked towards a park bench overlooking their vast fields. Rainbow trotted along, deciding to try holding a conversation with the Pony of two words.

Big Macintosh signalled Rainbow Dash to sit while he turned to walk over to a basket of apples. It was an assortment of various types. He dragged the basket over before picking it up and placing it on the bench table. Big Mac sat down on one end while Rainbow stretched out her limbs and grabbed an apple.

"So, Big Mac... how come I don't see more of you?" Rainbow asked as she bit into a Red Delicious.

"... jus' have no reason to come in ta town." Big Macintosh said as she took a large bite out of an apple.

"What about Applebloom?" Rainbow said as she took another bite.

"Eeyup. She's a taste tester 'n helpin' Miss Rar'ty." he said as he took a third chunk out of the apple.

"Huhn. Lucky." Rainbow said as she took several bites out of her apple. She looked at the reddish glow it seemed to have. It was a juicy little fruit... Rainbow wanted more apples in her life.

"... soooo... what're you doing during?" Rainbow said as she took her last bite of the apple before placing down on the bench itself.

"Buckin'. Pullin' carts. Assistin' Miss Sparkle." he said before taking his last bite as well.

"... assisting Twilight?" Rainbow said as she tried to imagine it. "... you gonna be doing magic?" Rainbow tried imagining Twilight and Big Macintosh together; Big Mac in a tie, brushed mane, glasses... real big math pony. She chuckled at her mental image.

"Countin' profit." Big Macintosh said as he grabbed another apple.

"I didn't take you for a smart pony." Rainbow said, not thinking about what she said.

". . ." Big Mac stared coldly, chewing his apple slowly before Rainbow's eyes shot open at her realization.

"Oh shoot, I mean... um, well..." she said looking around as she thought. "You work on a farm all the time and... well, I just... you know... dear Celestia..." Rainbow said as she slammed her face into the bench table.

"Ah understan'." he said as he devoured this apple with ease, core and all. "... did ya see them photos Miss Rar'ty took t'day?"

Rainbow cocked her head. She didn't know Rarity was taking photos today.

"I can't say I have." Rainbow said as she nibbled on her apple.

"'kay." he said as he grabbed yet another apple.

"Alright, so... um, Big Mac," Rainbow started before finding the words stopping. "wanna hang out more?" Rainbow asked out of curiosity.

"Is this what I mean by 'more apples in my life'?" Rainbow asked herself in her mind.

"... eeyup. Jus' come fin' me when you wan' ta." Big Mac said.

"Alright, you're on." she said before taking a large bite of her apple. She spent her time chewing it before swallowing. "Does Applejack handle the competition stuff in Troronto?" Rainbow asked.

"'ayup."

Rainbow cocked her head. Did Big Mac just get a girlier voice and... become a ventriloquist? His mouth didn't move.

"RD, y'all jus' hook up with big bro?" Applejack asked from behind.

Rainbow sighed. "No, I just... stuff..." rainbow said as she nibbled on what was probably going to be her last apple for the moment.

"Anyways... Rainbow, we're leavin' now." Applejack said as she nudged Rainbow.

"Oh, really? Alright." she stood up from her bench.

She looked over at Applejack whom already dropped off the apple stand.

"Are we taking anything with us?" Rainbow asked as they trotted away.

Big Macintosh was simply munching away at an apple. Rainbow stopped. "Oh wait." she turned and looked at Big Macintosh. "See ya, Big Mac." Rainbow shouted, waving a hoof before turning around. Big Macintosh nodded his head and waved back.

"Nothin'. We're jus' takin' th' train to Troronto. And m' saddlebags." Applejack said as she nudged the bags on her back.

Oh, really?" Rainbow said in mild surprise.

They walked from Sweet Apple Acres through Ponyville towards the Ponyville Train Station, waving to any familiar faces.

"Doesn't it cost a lot to ride the train constantly?" Rainbow asked as they entered the station.

"Naw, ah got a special card considerin' ah often travel for various reasons." Applejack said as she pulled out a card from her saddlebags. "Frequent Rider's card. Pay a fee, cover's so and so."

"Well, it covers two, correct?" Rainbow asked as they approached the platform.

"Yup." Applejack said as they stood by, waiting for the train to arrive. "We'll be back by early t'morrow."

"Oh, we're staying overnight?" Rainbow asked as she spotted the train in the far distance.

"Yup..." Applejack said as the train slowed down as it entered the station.

"Well, we're off to Trotonto... and stuff." Rainbow said as she gave her wings a quick flutter.

The train doors opened up as the two ponies walked towards it.

"Let's go."

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Author's Note: Chapter 2:1 was a little long to type. I got a new Generator so now I have daily power. For about four hours so I type when I can now. Oh, and if nobody got the reference, Troronto is a play on the city of Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, which is the capital of Canada in a sense. Why? Becaaaause I'm Canadian. Huzzah! *ahem*

As I said above, I'm looking for some other artists to assist with... art stuff. Since I cannot draw Ponies and I really don't wanna go back to my tracing days from over two years ago. Back when I was a terrible artist, and stuff... not anymore but ponies still give me trouble. So yeah.

And question to any readers... well, several: Asked before, but should Zap Apples make an appearance? Second, how closely would one pin my level of accuracy at portraying the show's character personalities? Third, what should I do for a Klondike bar? Finally, should I include bonus/filler/guest chapters in this story ever? And if so, what should they be focused on? You as a reader shall decide since, well, a writer needs a reader to criticize the work.

Thanks, Mr. Masato/Arby Works.