After cleaning her room, Lightning Dust went to make a sandwich. She sat at the table, having her lunch, thinking about the message she received last night.

Why would Twilight Sparkle want me to meet her at the library? Lightning Dust thought. Could this be the help I need?

Looking at the clock, she sees that it’s 12:25. After cleaning up, Lightning grabbed her phone and started to go out when her mother called her.

“Lightning!” The mother called. “Where are you off too?”

“I’m off to the library, mom.” Lightning Dust answered.

Her mother was pleasantly surprised. “The library, huh? Sounds like somebody is in for a change of pace other than the arcade, hanging out with Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse.”

“I know. But, for now, those two will have to do without me for a while.”

Lightning went out the door as her mother watched her.

Good think I have spies roaming that arcade this week. The mother thought. They’ll tell me if she goes there or not.

Lightning Dust walks through town. Looking around, and feels different.

Somehow, I don’t feel so bad as I did last night. Lightning Dust thought. But, I still wonder what Twilight Sparkle wants to see me for.

Looking at the town clock, she sees that it was 12:55. She sees a bench near the library. So, she decided to sit and wait. Pretty soon, her two recent companions, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse pass by.

“Hello, love.” Rolling Thunder greeted. “Heading to the arcade with us?”

“Not today, boys.” Lightning Dust answered. “I’m just waiting for somebody else.”

“What?!” Short Fuse yelped. “Are you crazy?”

Short Fuse got very mad when Rolling Thunder got his attention. “Come on, Short Fuse. No need to blow up over this.”

The two boys left, having Lightning chuckling to herself. That’s why that little guy is named Short Fuse.

Soon, Twilight Sparkle came along and greeted the light teal skinned girl. “Hi, Lightning Dust. Thanks for coming.”

“I got nothing else to do.” Lightning Dust replied. “Besides, I’m still worried about my fate with the soccer team.”

“That’s what Trixie told us.”

Lightning Dust placed her head down. “She told you about my situation. Huh?”

“Yes, she did.” Twilight answered as she placed her hand on her shoulder. “That’s why we’re meeting here. Maybe a visit to the library can help start a path to redemption.”

Lightning Dust thought about it for a minute. Then, she gave a response. “What have I got to lose? Let’s go.”

Twilight and Lightning walked into the library. The brainiac explains softly about why she likes this place. “As you probably know, I like to read. And, there are many books to choose from.”

“Do you think there’s a book for me to read?” Lightning Dust asked.

“Maybe. But, there are also newspapers if you want to catch up with what’s going on. And, magazines in every subject. Fashion, cooking, and sports are good examples.”

“I’m impressed.” Lightning Dust said softly. Twilight’s eyes widened as Lightning gave her an explanation to her voice. “Even I know to be quiet in a library. I even turned off my smartphone.”

“But, there’s more.” Twilight said softly. “Follow me.”

Twilight lead Lightning downstairs to the kids area. They see kids reading, playing games on computers, and grown ups reading stories to kids.

“I remember being in a library when I was a kid.” Lightning realized. “And, story time was my favorite part of this place.”

Twilight Sparkle was very happy to hear that. “That’s good to know. Hungry?”

Lightning Dust heard her stomach rumbling. “Yeah. I am getting hungry.”

“Let’s get a hamburger. My treat.”

Later, Twilight and Lightning sat on a bench munching on burgers, and enjoying the peace and quiet. Twilight sees Lightning getting nervous.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked with concern. “You look like you’re shaking.”

Lightning Dust noticed it herself. “I g..guess I’m a b...bit nervous.”

“Nervous about your future?”

“I guess. I hope Spitfire doesn’t kick me off the team.” Lightning Dust starts to tear up. “I’m scared, Twilight.”

Lightning Dust is so worried, she’s starting to cry softly. Twilight comforts her. “Don’t worry, Lightning. Me and my friends will be there for you.”

“Even Sunset Shimmer?” Lightning sobbed. “She took a lot from me. I called her a she-demon and all of that stuff.”

“Don’t worry.” Twilight said. “Sunset Shimmer won’t carry a grudge.”

Lightning felt a little relief. Then, she saw something behind the bench she and Twilight are sitting on. “Hey. A book store. I’ll bet you want to check this out.”

Twilight’s eyes widened with glee. “Now, you’re talking my language. Come on.”

The two girls went inside and looked around. Twilight was very happy.

“I’m glad you suggested this.” Twilight praised. “There are some new releases I might like.”

Lightning went to the section with graphic novels. And, she saw one she couldn’t believe would be out.

“Gunnerkrigg Court?” Lightning yelped. “That’s one of my favorite web comics. Now, it’s in print. Cool!”

“Found a book you like?” Twilight wondered. “Most people like these graphic novels too.”

Lightning Dust holds the book in her hands. Then, she looks through the book. “Chapters one to fourteen. This is when the main character, Antimony Carver, first started in this school.”

Twilight Sparkle has a twinkle in her eye. “Sounds like somebody found a book she likes.”

“Sure do, Twilight. Good thing I brought some money with me.”

Twilight looks at Lightning with interest. “I heard you’ve been putting money aside.”

Lightning nodded. “I put money aside from allowances, taking back cans and bottles, and jobs around the neighborhood. Like shoveling out driveways during winter.”

Soon, Lightning Dust made a decision. “I’m getting this book.”

“Good for you, Lightning.” Twilight praised. “Now, you have something to read.”

Later, at her house, Lightning Dust reads her new graphic novel when her mother called her. “Lightning Dust, do you have a moment?”

“Coming, mom.” Lightning responded. She puts her book and comes downstairs.

Lightning’s mom gives her some information. “That farmer girl, Applejack, called while you were out. She wants you to help her at her home at Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow morning.”

Lightning Dust figured the reason. “There’s going to be a party going on over there. Probably needs help to get everything ready. And, probably help with some of the chores.”

“That’s great!” The mother said. “A little hard work will do you some good.”

Lightning Dust never knew something like this would come her way.

“Trixie knew what she was doing when she called for help.” Lightning said to herself. “I hope.”

Author's Note

This is the first phase of Lightning Dust’s redemption.