7 - Reclaiming the Rainbow

When I returned to the team this time, not questions were asked. I got a sympathetic smile from Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie, but the other half of the Six were different – Rainbow looked frustrated, Rarity wore the same pitiful look she had before – I guessed that her mind wasn't clear following my rejection of her – and Fluttershy looked as though she was urging herself to go on, shivering in fear. I gave each of them a quick smile, but the effects were adverse.

Rainbow Dash's scowl grew, but she didn't speak. She darted off into the sky above me. Rarity tried her best to smile back. I went to console her, but my instincts stopped me. You've done that in the past and it's not got you anywhere. Girls take you for granted. My lack of confidence also stepped in, pinning duct tape over my eager mouth. It pulled me back to my original position, where I showed Fluttershy a kind grin. A cowardly whine escaped her, and she turned away, joining Rainbow Dash up above for a second, then flying on ahead.

Why does that glass wall of hatred exist? How do I break it? I'm no good at this stuff...

Let me give you some clues. Listen up, Game. Are you sure Rarity doesn't like you? Why would she still be after you if that was the case? She'll be fine, just don't keep her waiting. And for Dash, consider this – if a pretty girl wandered into your ex-life, would you be jealous if she was taken?

I knew the feeling too well. Seeing Laura dating Tom back in high school was a crippling blow to my confidence. Did I even stand a chance anyway? Nope, I just made a fool of myself.

I take it from that flashback that that's a yes.

Yeah...

Poor you. Long way off Equestria, wasn't it?

Yeah. Anyway, next clue...

Don't you think how you acted before made you look...

Aggressive? Out of contr – The message of 'Putting Your Hoof Down' played out in my head alongside a Spongebob episode of similar meaning. I've got it! This'll be a toughie to fix, but I might be able to pull it off... I hope so... Let's go, Starlow!

I took a deep breath, relaxed my posture a little, and tried what I'd just done again, but this time in a different order. Maybe if I console Dash first, then that might show Fluttershy how nice I can be, but it won't risk offending Dash on Rarity's terms...perfect. I'd better move before everyone's thoughts throw them into unforgiving moods. I fluttered ahead, soon realising that it wasn't enough to catch Rainbow Dash. I kicked up the pace, soon about a tail's length away from here. "Rainbow Dash?" I called. She swung around, throwing me a scowl, but she soon noticed that my expression spoke kindness.

"...Yeah?" Her scowl faded into a fairly neutral look.

"I know how you feel...I'm so sorry. I had to turn Rarity down. I might look OK on the outside, at least in this state, anyway, but I just...I'm...not experienced. You're not missing out on anything. But...I guess we can talk a little more, right? Guess I don't always have to lead the crowd..."

"Yeah, Twilight can do that! Well...if you say so...sure." She slowed down, flying next to me, and reached out a hoof, winking. "This isn't a trap," she grinned. "You two were hilarious!"

I gave her a brohoof, but looked at her in shock. "How did you see us!?...pegas-eye view, huh?" I laughed a little. "Where's Fluttershy?"

"She's probably digging out the magic mirror," Dash responded. We chuckled. "On a more serious note, though, I haven't seen her since she flew a little further on. She looked pretty frightened. Let's go and catch her, Game! Last one to Flutters is an egghead!" The sky-blue mare took off, kicking up dust with a rainbow trail.

"Not fair!" I shouted to her. "I haven't had flying lessons yet!" I dropped to the ground, picking up pace with my new blue hooves. I didn't stand a chance...or did I? Guess I'd might need to do a little...rule-breaking. I bestowed all my thoughts to the Power Hoof, and it began to glow. I was blinded for a moment. I felt time stop – nothing and nopony, not even I myself, moved an inch. A strange, floating, near-transparent golden menu appeared before me.

Use your thoughts to navigate, and choose what you need. You'll be needing this thing.

Sure. EXP Gain, please!

Prepare yourself... My wings were being filled with an overwhelming power, and soon enough they felt like two full stomachs either side of me.

Ugh...what have you done, Starlow!? I feel...fat? Tired? Something bad, anyway.

This'll be lifted if you get out of the menu.

Get me outta here, then...

Sure there's anything el –

YES! Move it!

I dropped to the floor, feeling like a new pony. Three transformations in a day? What... Anyways, let's move it! With one single flap of my brand-new wings, I jetted ahead. I reached for the air in front of me and boosted ahead even further. The full colour spectrum glimmered before me for a second, and I could barely hear the frustrated growl that followed its passing. I looked around, catching a glimpse of a buttery blob. There was some pink in it too.

I slowed to a stop, then turned around, investigating. "Fluttershy?"