Applejack had never been so relieved to see her butt glow.

The preposterousness of that sentence notwithstanding, this call to action couldn't have come at a better time for Applejack. She was far from the type to take pleasure in some pony or group of ponies experiencing a friendship problem so dire that they needed outside assistance to get through it. That simply wasn't her style. In this particular situation, though, the map couldn't have called her at a better time. An adventure was just what she needed to get her mind off of the problems she was dealing with in Ponyville. At the very least, it would get her away from Fluttershy.

Under normal circumstances, getting away from Fluttershy would likely have been the last thing on Applejack's mind. The two had been a couple for over a year now, and by all accounts were fantastic together. Sure, they might not have been the most exciting couple in the world. They couldn't match the dynamic energy and passion of Rarity and Rainbow Dash. They didn't share a deep intellectual bond like Twilight and Moondancer did. And Pinkie...well, Pinkie was Pinkie, and whoever she happened to be dating at the time–Soarin at the moment–was usually able to work off of that. Applejack and Fluttershy were, to the naked eye, not quite as exciting as the others, but what they lacked in thrills, they made up for with pure happiness. They didn't need to be exciting. All they needed was the quiet presence of the other to be happy and problem-free.

Or at least mostly problem-free. If they were entirely problem-free, then Applejack wouldn't have been so ecstatic at the idea of getting far away from Fluttershy. It had already been two days since Fluttershy had stormed out of Applejack's house, and the two hadn't spoken to each other since. Seeing Fluttershy that upset and that open about being upset was a shocker to Applejack for sure. She was usually the type to bottle it up when she was really upset, and it typically took some prodding to get her to talk. This time, though, she seemed more than okay with telling Applejack exactly how upset she was. Hearing sweet little Fluttershy shout in anger was quite the experience. Applejack had never dreamed that talking about the two of them moving in together would get her so riled up, but the fact remained that it had. Applejack felt awful shouting back at her, but it was just her way to respond in kind when somepony yelled at her. Neither pony had made an effort to see the other in the last two days, but the events still weighed heavy on Applejack's mind. A trip to who knows where to solve a friendship problem was just the ticket to clear her mind. Once the problem was solved, she just had to take a little longer getting back so she could think things over clearly.

Applejack strode through the castle halls on her way to the room where the Cutie Map was. She idly wondered where she'd be sent for this friendship mission. Last time she'd gone to Manehattan, and while she enjoyed spending the time with Rarity and was happy with the final result, Manehattan was way too big of a city for her to feel comfortable in. She hoped that maybe the map would send her somewhere she would feel more at home in. Maybe Appleloosa would be nice? And she wouldn't be opposed to Dodge Junction. Hopefully whoever she was going with—if anypony at all; she wasn't certain that the map always sent a party of two—would feel the same way.

"I'm here!" Applejack called out as she entered the throne room. "Got here as fast as my hooves would take–"

The farmer froze in place as she caught sight of Fluttershy standing with Twilight, her own cutie mark glowing as well.

Applejack wasn't sure if there was a being higher than Celestia and Luna, but if there was, he or she had a terrible sense of humor.

The two mad marefriends glared across the room at each other, the tension thick enough that even those super knives that were always advertised really late at night when Applejack couldn't sleep were unlikely to make an incision in it. The fact was not lost on Twilight, who smiled awkwardly.

"Oh!" Twilight exclaimed. "This is...great! So good that the map chose the two of you, isn't it?"

"Fantastic," Applejack responded.

"Wonderful," Fluttershy replied.

"Great!" Twilight shouted, absolutely aware of the sarcasm present. "Sooo let's see where you are going, hm?" Applejack walked up to the map, making sure to use Twilight as a buffer between her and Fluttershy. She still loved her, but right now she needed that buffer, and she figured Fluttershy likely needed it too.

The three ponies watched the facsimiles of Applejack and Fluttershy's cutie marks floated across the map of Equestria, showing far more cooperation than their owners wished to at the moment. The marks twirled around each other, dancing across Equestria until they finally came to a stop in a location that made both Applejack and Fluttershy's hearts sink.

"Las Pegas?"

Neither Applejack nor Fluttershy looked at the other as they spoke in unison. Had they been on better terms with each other, they might have found their tandem distaste to be amusing, but for now it was just another irritation.

"Las Pegas!" Twilight said, beaming. "Such a rich and unique city! So colorful, so interesting..."

"So busy..." Applejack muttered.

"S-so loud and crowded..." Fluttershy whispered.

"So energetic and full of life!" Twilight swooned. "Oh, I wish I could go with you..."

"You should!" Applejack and Fluttershy said quickly. Once again, the unison was not enough to make them even look at each other.

"Oh, no," Twilight responded, although she looked none too eager to do so. "The map called for you two, not me. And as much as I'd love to experience that exciting, fast-paced culture in person..."

Twilight stopped suddenly as she watched the map begin to do something she'd never seen it do before. All six eyes stared in awe as the map seemed to zoom in on Las Pegas, enhancing the image more and more until the shapes of individual buildings were discernible amongst the map's contours. Applejack and Fluttershy's cutie marks swirled through the streets, dancing between lavish buildings until they finally settled over a rather large palatial structure. All three ponies stared in awe, though whether it was in reference to the map's new feature or the beauty of the building was uncertain.

"That lil' feature sure would have come in handy with mine and Rarity's trip to Manehattan," Applejack mused as they inspected the featured building.

"Well, it does limit the thrill of the search," Twilight said. "But it sure is helpful!" She gave the two a pleading smile. "Have fun, okay? I know this isn't the best time for this, but please, for your own sakes if not the sake of the mission, try to enjoy yourselves."

Applejack and Fluttershy made eye contact for the first time since they'd arrived at the castle. It only lasted for a brief moment before both sighed, looked away from each other, and nodded.

"Great!" Twilight responded, again, still not fully sold on her own enthusiasm. "Now get out there and make us proud!"

Both ponies responded with noncommittal mumbles before heading to the door. The two gave each other a little glare as they reached the door at the same time. Applejack stepped aside to let Fluttershy go first as she usually did. Unlike the other times where the intent was chivalrous, though, this was more to keep from having to interact more. Fluttershy took the invitation with a tiny "hmph" as she made her exit, and Applejack responded in kind as she did the same.

"...Have fun," Twilight said with a sigh. It was a futile effort, but she hoped that saying it would help.

Applejack felt her knees begin to shake as she looked over the extravagance that was Las Pegas. If Manehattan had made her nervous, then a new word probably had to be invented for what she was feeling right now. Manehattan was bustling and busy, and Las Pegas held these same traits, with the added bonus of being loud. The place was an endless sensory onslaught. The bright lights, loud noises, and scents of unfamiliar food and other things that Applejack preferred not to think about came from all angles, and it was just too much for the country pony.

It seemed to be too much for Fluttershy as well, considering the fact that Applejack could feel her lightly moving against her side. Her behavior was a stark contrast from what it had been like on the train. While she hadn't been so petty as to not sit next to Applejack, she certainly had not tried for any physical contact. In a normal situation, the two would have held hooves or leaned against each other, often with Fluttershy wrapping Applejack in a wing. None of that was present on this train ride. The two barely even spoke for the whole ride, and when they did their conversation was limited to short questions and responses related to the mission.

Applejack had half a mind to move and let Fluttershy deal with the fear by herself, but her conscience won out. Even if she wasn't terribly happy with her marefriend right now, she still cared about her and couldn't bring herself to abandon her. So she let Fluttershy huddle lightly against her, giving her a little sideways glance. She had to admit that it was nice to get a little tenderness again after a few days without. The relief was short-lived as Fluttershy caught Applejack's eye, realized what she was doing, and took a step away from her once more. Applejack's heart sank for a moment before she remembered how unhappy she was with Fluttershy and let it go.

Given the incredible architecture of the building's representation on the map, both ponies figured finding it would be a breeze. What the map hadn't let on was that while such a building would have stuck out like a sore hoof in Ponyville, the same could not be said for Las Pegas. Nearly every building they passed was decadent in design, so much so that it was hard for one to stand out over the others.

"We should ask for directions," Fluttershy said.

"Don't need to," Applejack replied. She practically heard the sigh from Fluttershy before it happened and rolled her eyes. "I mean it."

"Don't make me ask," Fluttershy said.

"Don't think you would," Applejack replied. She knew Fluttershy was far too timid to ask a random stranger for directions. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Fluttershy pouted. Then, to her surprise, Fluttershy began to approach a passerby. Applejack turned to watch, a bit of morbid curiosity overtaking her. She watched as Fluttershy tried to speak up, but lost her nerve as the pony trotted past her. She began to try again with the next passerby, but the same thing happened. Part of Applejack watched this with a sense of satisfaction, knowing she was going to win this one. That part was quickly overpowered by guilt when she saw Fluttershy pout pitifully. Annoyed as she was with her, Applejack couldn't stand around and let her look like that. Some battles weren't worth winning.

"Pardon me," Applejack said, walking up to the pony that Fluttershy was trying to approach. "We're looking for a big crystally-icy-looking palace thing. Any idea where it's at?" She saw the little satisfied look on Fluttershy's face out of the corner of her eye and felt the odd combination of frustration and relief overtake her. Fluttershy's grin, though, was nothing compared to the big smile on the other pony's face as he looked between the two mares.

"Looking for the Ice Palace, huh?" he asked. "It's two blocks up and one to the left. You two girls enjoy your stay." Something about the stallion's grin and soft chuckle as he left felt a little unsettling, but Applejack couldn't place her hoof on it.

"Well that was right neighborly of him," Applejack said, a slight tone of uncertainty in her voice.

"I could have done it," Fluttershy said quietly.

"You tried and you couldn't," Applejack said. "I know how you are talking to ponies you don't know. Couldn't make you do that." She could swear she saw a smile begin to creep across Fluttershy's muzzle. She could have left it at that, but for some reason her mouth kept going. "Looks like you got what you want like usual."

Any trace of mirth instantly disintegrated from Fluttershy's face. Applejack didn't need a visual or audible cue to know she'd messed up, but the frown and "hmph" from Fluttershy accomplished that goal regardless. Applejack knew she'd done wrong, but this time her stubbornness won out over her compassion, and she didn't bother with an apology. After all, she had nothing to apologize for. Fluttershy did always get her way in the end.

It was a short and mostly uneventful walk the rest of the way, although the hustle and bustle of the city streets tried valiantly to make a case for the opposite. Both ponies were determined to take care of the friendship problem they'd been called for as quickly and efficiently as possible. That meant no attention paid to the street performers that tried to distract them, no idly wandering into other buildings, and no stopping whatsoever. Distractions were plenty, but to the two focused ponies, there was no time for such things.

Soon enough, the two found themselves standing before the very building they had been searching for. The words "Ice Palace" were visible on the building's sign, and the name couldn't have been more fitting. If Applejack and Fluttershy didn't know any better, they would have guessed that the entire place was made of ice. Whatever it was made out of, it certainly did a good job of appearing as a mind-bogglingly never-melting structure of ice. Of course, such an idea was preposterous, given the general humidity of the city, but it as nice to imagine, and rather easy with the visuals provided to them.

"After you," Applejack said as she walked up to the door. It was out of sheer instinct. She may have been upset with Fluttershy, but that didn't mean she had to throw all of her manners out the window.

"Mm," Fluttershy responded as she walked past Applejack. The farmer couldn't help but sneak a peek at Fluttershy's backside as she passed. It only lasted a moment before she tore her eyes away. As lovely as Fluttershy's backside was, this was hardly an appropriate time to stare, and doing so would likely just make Fluttershy more upset with her if she were to catch her in the act. She did her best to keep her eyes up and forward as she followed Fluttershy inside.

As Applejack took her attention away from Fluttershy's rear, she couldn't help but notice the decadence of the palace. True to form, the ceilings, walls, and floors all had the same icelike appearance as the exterior, but accompanying them were grand furnishings that would have looked perfectly suitable for a Canterlot gala. A huge, shimmering chandelier set the tone rather well, casting the foyer in a gentle, elegant glow, the resplendence of which was magnified by the way the light reflected off of the smooth icy surfaces. A few mates walked out of one door and into another, all dressed in matching sequined tops and skirts. The skirts seemed a little short to Applejack, but she wasn't fitting to say anything about it. After all, in a city like this, the local businesses probably had to do a lot to garner the attention of the tourists, and the simple truth was that mares in skimpy skirts had a good chance of getting patrons talking. It wasn't a business model that Applejack was looking to employ any time soon on the farm, but she could respect it.

"Welcome to the Ice Palace!" a cheery voice sang out. The voice belonged to a perky blue unicorn who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. She wore a uniform that was somewhat similar to the other mares Applejack had seen, but replacing the sequined top was a slightly more businesslike jacket. "My name's Blueflame, and I'm the owner!"

"Well howdy there, Blueflame," Applejack said, giving her a neighborly smile. She wondered why the owner of a business would not only be greeting ponies who entered, but be wearing the same short skirts as the other workers. Again, though, it wasn't her place to judge. "I'm Applejack, and this here's..."

"Fluttershy!" Blueflame exclaimed, causing the pegasus to yelp in surprise. "Like I wouldn't recognize you, Miss Former Fashion Model! Oh, I still have one of your posters up in my room!"

"Th-they made posters...?" Fluttershy squeaked. Applejack sighed lightly, beginning to wonder just how much Fluttershy knew about royalties.

"They did!" Blueflame giggled. "Oh, this is so cool! Can you sign an autograph for me?" Fluttershy took a step back, looking for all the world like she wanted to be anywhere but here right now. Applejack took a certain joy in watching this interaction. It was nice to see Fluttershy getting recognition for her looks, even though it was probably the last thing Fluttershy wanted. A crueler part of her also enjoyed watching Fluttershy get so uncomfortable, but she wasn't proud of that part.

"Maybe a little later," Applejack said, stepping between the excitable unicorn and the pegasus who was far less so. "We've kinda got some important business to attend to right now." She raised a brow as the grin on Blueflame's face grew even wider.

"Heehee...of course you do," Blueflame responded. Applejack and Fluttershy exchanged confused looks, before they remembered they were annoyed with each other and looked away.

"You know why we're here?" Applejack asked. She idly wondered if the map had upgraded itself to also let the ones they were being sent to help know that help was coming. She quickly dismissed that idea, waving it off as ridiculous.

"Of course!" Blueflame replied with a giggle. "I'm pretty sure it's the same reason everypony else comes here, huh?" She waggled her eyebrows and gave them a playful smirk.

"Uh...you mean we ain't the first ponies to come here trying to solve a friendship problem?" Applejack asked. Now it was Blueflame's turn to be confused.

"Friendship problem?" Blueflame asked. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you see," Applejack explained. "This might sound a little crazy, but we're friends with Princess Twilight Sparkle, and we have this map that shows us where to go to solve friendship problems. It sent us here from Ponyville, so we were wondering what kind of friendship problem there might be that'd warrant calling us here."

Blueflame listened quietly as Applejack gave her little speech, giving little glances over to Fluttershy every now and again. Her eyes filled with wonder as Applejack namedropped Princess Twilight. She would have to ask for another autograph.

"A friendship problem? Here?" Blueflame asked. "Wow...I wasn't aware of anything like that happening here. But I suppose if you were sent here by your map, then there must be something, huh?"

"Apparently," Applejack responded. "So, would it be alright if we talked to the workers and the customers here to try and figure it out?" Blueflame let out a little giggle at this.

"Oh, I don't know if our clients really want to be bothered," the unicorn said with a smirk. "But you're welcome to talk to the employees, and if you find any clients who are willing to talk, then by all means!"

"Why wouldn't the clients want to talk?" Applejack asked, tilting her head.

"Heehee...they tend to be a bit busy," Blueflame replied, giving the two a little wink. Then she gave Fluttershy a little look over. "Tell me, are you two a couple?"

"We are," Applejack answered, confused as to the relevancy of the question. "Why?"

"Oh, that's a shame..." Blueflame lamented, still smiling. "Tell you what: how about you two get a room and take some time to relax before you go questioning ponies, hm? Ponyville to Las Pegas is a long trip." She gently placed a hoof on Applejack's shoulder, sparking a little look from Fluttershy.

"Hm...yeah, I guess that's not a bad idea," Applejack replied, pretending not to notice the hoof. The look from Fluttershy hadn't escaped her attention.

"Great!" Blueflame said, beaming. "You can use our VIP room, since you P's are VI!" She giggled at her own joke before continuing. "Feel free to make yourself at home in there and use anything you'd like! Go take a load off. And if you find yourselves wanting to invite another pony in to take a load with you, just hit the call button. Any of our employees would be happy to help! Although if I could be honest, I don't think anypony here can beat me, so feel free to call me if you want the best experience you can get!"

Blueflame's little spiel had set off enough red flags to blanket a hoofball stadium. Applejack eyed the unicorn curiously, finally summoning forth the question that had been on her mind, yet had managed to evade recognition this whole time.

"...Exactly what kind of establishment are you running here, Blueflame?" Applejack asked. Blueflame raised a brow, then giggled.

"Oh, you haven't heard of the Ice Palace?" she asked. "It's the finest and most enchanting brothel this side of Las Pegas."

Fluttershy immediately attempted to gallop out of the building. If Applejack's reflexes weren't so quick, she very well might have succeeded.

"Brothel?!" Applejack shouted, loud enough for some of the patrons nearby to stop in their tracks.

"Maybe you should have researched us a bit before you came here?" Blueflame offered. She was still smiling, but it had faded somewhat, having been a bit offended by the ponies' extreme reactions. "Don't worry. Anything that happens in here is strictly confidential."

"But...but..." Applejack stammered. "Ponies...in here...have..."

"Sex?" Blueflame finished, rolling her eyes slightly as the word caused the two to blush. "Yes. That is what happens in a brothel. I'm sorry that my business offends you this much."

Applejack and Fluttershy were stunned to silence, with Fluttershy in particular looking about ready to faint. It was safe to say that this turn of events was far outside not only their expectations, but their comfort levels as well. If it wasn't for the mission at hoof, Applejack might very well have been making her exit just as Fluttershy had tried to, albeit likely in a more calm manner. Though in all honesty, it wasn't fair to judge what she might have done in that kind of situation, as neither of them would have even been in Las Pegas at all, let alone in this particular building, if it wasn't for the mission.

And the mission was the most important thing right now, the more Applejack thought about it. As much as she couldn't understand why she and Fluttershy were the ones called for this—not that she could think of any of her friends as any more fitting—the fact remained that they were, and they had a duty to solve whatever friendship problem the brothel had in store for them. They weren't comfortable about this, but neither was Applejack when she had to go to Manehattan; although to be fair, this was a far different situation. Regardless, they were here for a mission, and as far as Applejack was concerned, they would be sticking it out until it was a success.

"No," Applejack said quietly. "I'm sorry we offended you. We shouldn't have reacted like we did. We'll take that room, if the offer's still valid." Fluttershy gave Applejack a pointed look, but Applejack paid it little heed. Accepting the room was the least they could do after hurting Blueflame's feelings.

"It sure is!" Blueflame responded, perking back up almost instantly. "And don't worry about offending me. It takes a lot to do that!" The unicorn giggled as she pointed down the nearby hall. "The VIP room is right down that hall. You can't miss it! It kinda does say VIP over it and all."

"We'll keep an eye out," Applejack said, giving Blueflame a polite smile. "Thanks." With that, she headed down the hall. Fluttershy still looked terribly uncomfortable, but did her best to hide it.

"Th-thanks," Fluttershy squeaked. She then zipped down the hall after Applejack, trying her hardest not to look at anypony or anything on her way.

"What a sweet couple," Blueflame giggled as she watched them walk off. She then glanced around the hall until she located one of her workers. "Buttercup! Is the VIP Room set up with all the usual accommodations?"

"Just as always, Miss Blueflame!" Buttercup responded.

"Great!" Blueflame said, beaming. "I'm sure those two will find something to pass the time with."