Mutual Rescue

Luna finished going over the plans sent to her by the Pegasus in charge of the two building contracts that the castle had commissioned, the orphanage was going to be a fully modernised building that would, in theory, include aspects of Pegasus, Unicorn and Earth pony architecture.
There were some issues with this, her solution had been to suggest that if one building could not incorporate all three, have three separate smaller buildings on site. It would require a complete re-design but in the end the new plan was agreed upon.

The second set of blueprints she had been perusing over was the suggested second base addition to Ponyville barracks that would house her new ShadowBolts.
These plans were giving her a considerable headache as she couldn’t recall everything that would need to be included in the buildings, hopefully however help would be arriving just about. . . *Knock-Knock* Echoed throughout the room as a hoof impacted the other side of the door.

“Enter!” Luna called looking up from her desk to the door of her office as it opened up to reveal two Pegasi stepping through, both were wearing the trademark light blue jumpsuits trimmed with golden lightning bolts that was the WonderBolts standard attire.
The first Pegasus was a bright gold coated, with a two-tone fire orange mane, aptly named Spitfire, the Captain of the elite team, closely followed by her second in command and if rumours were true her lover.
This Pegasus was slightly taller, grey coated with a midnight blue mane and an easy smile across his features.

“You wished to see us Princess?” Spitfire said as she and Soarin’ approached, standing to attention at the desk.
Luna nodded, she hoped these two could help. Once they had finalised the ShadowBolts base blueprints, she was going to authorise a second base to be built up in Cloudsdale, a completely new base for the WonderBolts.
“Please relax, thou know that when alone we prefer you refer to us by our name.” Luna said as she nodded for Soarin’ to close the door.

Once done Luna continued on, explaining what she was doing and what was needed.
Spitfire and Soarin’ both nodded and looked at the designs seeing problems straight away.
“Luna, if I may suggest,” Spitfire started. “You need to have a decent ground area training zone – many Pegasi don’t realise this, but if you want the best, you can’t rely on flight alone. They will need to train their entire body.” Soarin’ stood next to his captain and nodded before he spoke.
“And here” He indicated by pointing to an area near where the captains office would be. “You need this in a tower – the Captain needs to be able to have a 360 degree view to monitor some of the training.”

The meeting continued along this vein for some time until they were all happy with the final design, that was when Luna informed them about their own new base. Two smiling Pegasi left her office to head back to Cloudsdale as Luna went to meet her sister after sending the updated design’s to the builder.

Stepping through the heavy doors of the throne room she breathed a sigh of relief to find that it was empty of petitioners for the day. Only her sister was there reading through the latest reports from the Royal Orphanage Inspectors (or ROI's as Luna liked to called them) that had gone out to the three based within the capital although the thought of one here being run badly was not believed possible, the same was once thought for the hometown of the Bearers of The Elements of Harmony.

Luna approached her sister and spoke quietly as not to shock her.
“Sister would thou care to join us on our excursion to Ponyville this afternoon? I will be going to ask Loyalty about taking her post as Captain.”
Celestia looked up from the report she was reading with a smile.
“You know what, I think I will. I believe I shall call upon Twilight Sparkle and see what her latest project is.” Luna nodded as they continued to talk before heading to her chambers to rest for a while.

-o.O.O.o-

Rainbow looked up from the couch in the living room when she heard the door to the cottage being hammered.
She shook her head before calling out, “Okay, calm down willya!”
When she got to the door she pulled it open – the sight caused a smirk to steal across her features.
“Hi Cloudkicker, what’s up?” She asked stepping back inviting her in as she made her way to the kitchen with the other Pegasus following.

“What’s up she asks! As if you didn’t already buckin’ know! 100 BITS?! What the HAY?!”
Rainbow turned around with a couple of drinks balanced on her good wing passing one to the slightly shocked weather pony.
“What? Is the bonus too small?” Rainbow asked with a smile, trying not to laugh at Cloudkicker’s expression.

“Too small? Too small?! Rainbow that’s twice what I earn in a week. I’m not sayin’ no to it, but what the hay?” Rainbow couldn’t help but laugh.
Inviting the Pegasus to join her at the table Rainbow explained her reasoning as to why she’d given such a generous bonus, including the fact that they didn’t even know they would even be paid for the extra work they put in the day of Fluttershy’s attack.
“So you see, I felt you and the other two really earned that bonus. You pulled all our tails out of the frying pan when you helped me bring those clouds back.”

Cloudkicker nodded to what the polychromatic maned mare said.
“Ok, I get what you’re sayin’ Dash, but please warn me next time – I nearly fainted when I read my payslip this morning.” She said with a bit of a blush.
“Say” She continued looking about. “Where’s Fluttershy and how is she?” Rainbow sighed before she answered, a troubled look stealing across her face.

“She’s still abed – she needed the extra sleep, since the attack . . .” Cloudkicker nodded at the trailed off sentence, when another knock echoed through the cottage.
Cloudkicker got up saying something about going to finish her shift as Rainbow led her to the door.
When Rainbow opened it to let Cloudkicker go, she turned back to Rainbow.
“Take care of Fluttershy, I hope she improves soon.” Rainbow nodded as Cloudkicker left before turning to see who had knocked, only to come face to face with the Princess of The Night.
Oh horseapples, what now! Rainbow thought as she invited Luna in.

-o.O.O.o-

Luna looked about the cottage trying to discern Fluttershy’s location before Rainbow explained that she was taking a nap. Luna nodded as she made her way over to the couch before she spoke again.

“It is actually you that I would have words with.” Luna said causing Rainbows ears to perk up in curiosity.
“You wanted to speak to me?” She asked, surprise colouring the Pegasus’ words.

Luna smiled before she continued. “Indeed, I am in need of thy services, once thy wing has healed, yet I would ask you to consider helping with some things before then.” Rainbow nodded slightly before asking, “What can I do for you Princess?”

Catching Rainbow's eye Luna went on, “I am reforming my ShadowBolts, and I would like you to be their Captain. Thou would be required to fly fast, faster than any other Pegasus upon a regular basis – we would also have thee trained for all types of combat and self-defence, you would also be adequately compensated. This is offer is made to thee for thou are the best I feel for the job. What say thee?”

Rainbows mouth had dropped wide open as Luna finished, before going on to prove she was the best candidate by not accepting straight away as expected; but instead she came back with only valid concerns, “I’m looking to adopt a little filly and the initial paperwork has gone through – will I have the time to be a proper guardian, or do I need to look at getting another pony to help with joint custody? Who are the other Pegasi I’ll be leading – will they accept me as their superior? What flight training will they and I need to complete? Where will they be based?”

Luna blinked slightly, then organised her thoughts and gave Rainbow Dash a proper response.
In her response she outlined the training that she wanted Rainbow (and any other Pegasi that Rainbow hoofpicked) to complete the WonderBolts flight training and nighttime flight in all weathers.
She also explained that the aerial display training would have to be suspended until the team had flown together for a while and gotten used to each other in the air.
She then went on to explain about the new base that was being built in Ponyville specifically for the ShadowBolts.

“Finally we do not see this stopping or impeding your application to adopt.”

She watched on as Rainbow Dash processed all this information before the prismatic pony smiled.
“I’ll do it Princess, how many ShadowBolts would you need me to recruit?” Luna was impressed with her question, it was something she honestly hadn’t thought about. She cast her mind back and concentrated on remembering how they used to be, and how many were on the team.
“I believe, including you, we need a squadron of 9. We shall arrange for the best flyers in Equestria to meet at the cloudiseum once thou art recovered enough for thee too pick thy fliers.
“That’s fine, but I’ve already got four names in mind - Cloudkicker, Firestorm, Bloomer and Thunderlane. I’d trust them with my life. Also I’d like it if we could have a reserve squad like the WonderBolts.” Rainbow finished seriously.

Luna nodded and made sure to mark that five places in the team had provisionally been taken. Luna also decided that a reserve squad would be very beneficial.
Suddenly her mane flared as a sensation of ice shards running down her spine overcame her.
This was the sensation that she got when somepony was trapped in a terror-filled dream.

“Quickly, Fluttersh-“

Luna blinked when she noticed the empty space where the rainbow maned pegasus had just been, she looked around and noticed a rainbow trail leading up the stairs.Luna slowly followed the trail up the stairs until she heard a scream rend through the air, then she moved on to a full sprint.
She slowed down when she was approaching the open door to the master bedroom.
Looking in she saw that Rainbow had sat on the bed and pulled the usually quiet Fluttershy onto her lap, forelegs holding Fluttershy close as she cried into Rainbows coat.

Rainbow Dash brought her wings around Fluttershy, offering as much comfort as she could, while Fluttershy's fear fueled wails continued to echo throughout the cottage.

Luna could hardly manage to keep her own tears at bay hearing the despair and fear in those cries as she stood in the doorway.
Slowly stepping forwards Luna settled on the bed next to them, as Rainbow held on to Fluttershy trying to bring her out of the fear induced cries as Luna started to sing quietly.
Her song was one of hope. As the song went on Fluttershy’s cries slowed until she was just holding on to the blue Pegasus who had wrapped her in a shell of love.

“Th-thank you” Fluttershy whispered as she looked up to Rainbow. Luna watched with a smile as Rainbow leaned down and kissed Fluttershy on top of her muzzle.
“Anytime Flutters, I wouldn’t be awesome if I didn’t. Oh, and I bet Luna’s singing helped.”
Fluttershy blinked, and Luna would later swear to her sister she saw Fluttershy’s coat turn pale.
The timid pony turned to the Princess and squeaked out an attempt at an apology.
Luna held up a hoof before she could finish.
“No apology is needed Fluttershy, now unfortunately I must be on my way.” With that she enveloped herself in her magic before fading from the room, appearing outside Ponyville library.

-o.O.O.o-

Rainbow sat back against the headboard and continued to holding Fluttershy close.
“Hey Flutters guess what?” She asked the canary coated Pegasus.
“Hmm? You finally made the WonderBolts?” Fluttershy asked quietly, looking up and placing a quick kiss on Rainbow’s cheek, smiling Rainbow shook her head.
“Nope, I’m gonna be a ShadowBolt instead, not just any ShadowBolt though, Princess Luna’s asked me to be the Captain!” She finished, still not quite believing it.

“Oh Rain, you mean it? Really?” Fluttershy asked, being one of the few ponies that had an interest in history, and knowing the ShadowBolts place in the past, she understood the significance of what Rainbow had said.
“Yup, sure deal – and here’s the kicker, they’re gonna be based right here in Ponyville!” Fluttershy smiled when she heard this and Rainbow knew why – she wouldn’t be leaving her for months on end to do her job now like she would have done had she become a WonderBolt.

Fluttershy tightened her grip on Rainbow as she lifted her head up a little, gently kissing up Rainbows neck to her mouth before giving her one of the most tender, loving and sweetest kisses she had ever given. As the kiss broke Rainbow quickly darted in with a final peck on the lips before she went on to explain in more detail what Luna had told her and running the names she’d already decided to approach to be on the team.

“So, you got any suggestions for others?” Rainbow finished with the question.
“Hmm, well, I . . .uh this might sound a bit . . .strange, but. . . Derpy?” Rainbow blinked as her mind froze, rewound, played the name through again, and froze once more.
“Flutters, babe, I think I just misheard you – I could have sworn you just suggested Derpy?!”

“Mhmm” Fluttershy nodded before continuing. “Next time you see her flying on her own watch her – you’ll see when Derpy’s alone she’s actually quite a good flyer – it’s just with all the teasing she gets . . .” Rainbow felt guilt welling up in her chest at this last statement as she had at one time been one of Derpy’s tormentors – unwittingly – until the day she came across the grey Pegasus in an alley crying her eyes out.

-Flashback-

Rainbow was strolling through the back-streets of Ponyville on her way to the park, she knew it would be empty now thus perfect for her to practice her Sonic Rainboom for the Best Young Fliers contest, as she passed a darkened alley she was greeted by the sounds of muffled crying. Rainbow knew that if she didn’t try and help a pony in need she would hate herself later, she turned heading off to investigate – worst case scenario she could always take whoever was upset to Sugarcube Corner to Pinkie – now there was a mare who could cheer anypony up.

As she got closer to the distraught pony she instantly recognised the grey coated blond Pegasus, the bubbles cutie-mark confirming her identity.
“Derpy? Hey what’s wrong?” Rainbow asked, genuinely worried for she never saw Derpy upset.

“J-justtt Go awaaaay” Derpy cried as she brought her wings about herself trying to hide from the world, a sure sign of a very distressed Pegasus.
Moving quietly closer to sit in front of the quivering mass of wings Rainbow spoke up quietly.
“Hey come on wall-eyes what’s. . .” She was cut off by even louder wails as she spoke, before Derpy lashed out between sobs.

“That’s just .(hic) . it, carry on an . (hic) . insult me! I knew you .(hic) . hated me, but to . (Hic) carry on when. . . when. . .” As Derpy’s sentence trailed off, enough had been said for Rainbow to understand what was bothering the mare.

“Hey, hey, hey, come on Derpy look, I don’t hate ya, I’m sorry for whatever I did to make ya think that, come on.” Derpy’s golden eyes lifted above her wings slightly to glare at her, well one at her and one at the wall next to her.

“Oh ‘really’? So you don’t think ‘Wall-Eyes’ as a name doesn’t tell me you don’t like me, how about when you shout at me for crashing an stuff with your post huh? An’ you always shoutin’ at me t-to.… to get out the air!” by now she was screaming at Rainbow, but instead of Rainbow Dash going on the defensive as she normally would in a confrontation, she just sat there in shock, each accusation bringing up memories of emotions from times past - the hurtful names still echoed through her head.

“Rainbow Crash, Fillyfooler, Reject”

Rainbow Dash shuddered.

The difference being she hadn’t meant any of those words to hurt, she had just been teasing the mare.

“Oh Derpy, I. . .I look I’m sorry okay. I didn’t know it was upsetting you. I was only tryin’ to joke with you. I didn’t say those things because I hate you. I call you ‘wall-eyes’ like I call Twilight ‘Egghead’. I don’t mean it as an insult honest.”

By now Rainbow Dash had hung her head low, her whole body radiated with shame at what she’d unknowingly been doing to Derpy. She had been defending her to everypony else, yet to her face she had been no better than her own fillyhood tormentors.
If there was one thing she could thank flight camp for it was her utter hatred of bullying – to find out that somepony thought she was bullying them when all she really meant was light joking crushed her.

Rainbow felt a hoof on her shoulder shocking her to look up and miraculously for a moment she met both Derpy’s eyes before one drifted away again.
“you, you truly mean that?” Derpy asked quietly. Rainbow nodded.
“Well yeah – I never knew you thought I hated you, thing is I always thought of you as a friend.” She finished looking to the floor.

Derpy’s hoof rested under her chin lifting her head back up to look to the grey Pegasus’ face.
“It’s ok Rainbow, I forgive you, but please, ‘please’ remember I’ve had trouble all my life with this, so I expect comments like that to be said to me by people who don’t like the fact I’m different – not as a nickname or joke, ok? Remember that what you sometimes see as a joke, another pony will take seriously ok?” Rainbow nodded, her own eyes getting slightly damp with the impact of what she had been doing.

“I Promise Derpy.” She managed to get out around the lump in her throat.
“Come on, lets go get a muffin. Muffins make everything right” Derpy said pulling Rainbow out of the alley with her towards Sugarcube Corner.
From that day on the friendship between the two Pegasi grew, but Rainbow was always wary sharing the sky with her – ready to catch her at a moment’s notice when they flew together in case she missed a building in front of her or misjudged something.

– End Flashback –

Rainbow had a crestfallen expression on her face before she spoke.
“I did it again... didn’t I? I judged the book by the cover so to speak. You say she’s a good flier when nopony is around?”
Fluttershy nodded, she didn’t reprimand Rainbow because she herself had once thought the same about the mail-mare, until one day she spotted Derpy flying carefree and pulling off tricks that only Rainbow Dash could equal.

“Ok, I’ll give her a try – but she’ll have to work out that nervousness pretty quick if she goes for it. Now how about we go and get something to eat hm?” Rainbow finished guiding Fluttershy off the bed and leading the way downstairs.
As they entered the kitchen Rainbow spoke to Fluttershy over her shoulder.
“Hey Fluttershy, how’d you feel about goin’ to let Scootaloo and the other little one about our plans to adopt them if they want huh?”

Fluttershy could feel a small smile pull at her lips.
“Oh that would be wonderful Rainbow, I know I need to see the colt from the orphanage soon anyway. I was going to help him to pick a new name for himself.” She explained as she sat down at the table while Rainbow brought over a couple of sandwiches and glasses of milk.

“That’s cool – so how do you wanna play it? Scoots or the little one first?” Fluttershy sat back a little to think.
She decided to do the barracks first for a simple reason, they were further away than Lyra and Bon Bon’s home. With her decision made she told Rainbow what she’d like to do.
Once more had any other pony been about they would have been surprised at the softness of Rainbow Dash’s voice as she spoke.
“Ok Flutters, whichever you wanna do.” She said smiling.

-o.O.O.o-

They carried on with their lunch before making their way to talk to the little colt at the barracks.
They continued their meal with pleasurable silence, enjoying the presence of each others company until they were done.

They made their way out of the cottage, making small talk as they walked. This continued until Fluttershy dropped the bombshell that she was going to model for a single show, Rainbow made a puzzled expression upon hearing this.
“But Fluttershy, I thought you hated that?” Rainbow asked curiously.
Fluttershy nodded before answering, “Mmhmm, I did – but don’t you see – even now I still get offers to model that I regularly turn down. Now if word gets out that I’ll be doing a charity show, how many more will turn up?” Fluttershy finished rhetorically.

Fluttershy watched as Rainbow shook her head, “Damn, okay. So when’s my beautiful marefriend going on stage?” Fluttershy felt her face warm with this; she honestly hadn’t expected Rainbow Dash to say anything of the endearing sort to her in public, so when she did it made Fluttershy feel a warm glow throughout.

“Ehehe, Well you see, it’s not going to be for at least three months yet, and now I know you’re going to be in charge of the ShadowBolts. . . so I was hoping that. . . Maybe . . .their first public appearance could be at the show??”
Fluttershy was, once more, trying to hide behind her mane. Thoughts raced through her head; Why had she thought it would be a good idea to ask this, Was it truly a good idea, Would Rainbow Dash think she was being silly?

“I’ll have to check with Princess Luna first, but I think that can be arranged, I should be back in the air by then as well.” Rainbow said, and with that the yellow Pegasus leapt forwards wrapping her forearms about Rainbows neck, a broad smile arched across her features
“oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” Fluttershy squeaked out before quickly kissing Rainbows cheek.

“Ah it’s nothing, now come on we gotta get to the barracks sometime today” Rainbow said looking around to make sure they were going the right way.
Fluttershy just smiled and walked next to Rainbow, draping a wing over her back.

-o.O.O.o-

Pinkie Pie had been sent to visit Applejack at the farm with Mrs. Cake's suggestion. This was an action that had been repeated too many times to her liking.
With how Pinkie Pie woken up that morning, it was urged upon Cup Cake that it was much needed.

-Flashback-

“AAAARGH!” Pinkies high pitched scream shattered the morning peace of the apartment above the bakery, Cup Cake shot out her bed and ran into Pinkies room. It had been years since Pinkie had an episode this bad with her nightmares. Cup Cake could only think it was due to Fluttershy’s near miss that brought back suppressed memories.

She entered the brightly decorated room and looked towards Pinkie Pie who had sat up gasping for air. Upon second glance she noticed her drooping mane and how Pinkies eyes were looking around haphazardly.
“Pinkie” Cup Cake quietly spoke, tender care emanating from her voice.

As Pinkie’s head whipped around Cup Cake could see lingering traces of fear in her eyes, but nothing more – She hadn’t come round paralysed in fear like the Cakes had feared.
“It’s okay, I’m okay.” Pinkie said quietly. Shaking her head Cup Cake came over to the bed and sat next to Pinkie.
“No you’re not, remember last time you tried to carry on as if nothing was wrong after bad nights? You go on to Sweet Apple Acres for the day, talk to Applejack, spend time with her. You need it okay?”

Pinkie tried to shake her head no when told this.
“B–but the store?” Cup smiled at her as she spoke.
“Pinkie, we managed the store for years before you even came to Ponyville, I’m sure we can manage one day.” She finished with a smile.
“Okay, but please don’t tell anypony else I’m having trouble again. Please” Pinkies question hung in the air. Cup Cake pulled Pinkie in to a quick hug.
“The only pony who already knows is Applejack, nopony else need know.” Cup Cake told her quietly.
“Now go get cleaned up and off to see that marefriend of yours.” Cup Cake finished getting off the bed and making her way to the door.

“Mrs. Cake, Thanks. For Everything.” Pinkie called quietly. Cup Cake, looking back over her shoulder answered.
“Anytime Pinkie, you should know that.” She finished with a gentle smile leaving the room.

-End Flashback-

Applejack looked over to Pinkie Pie catching her eye, Pinkie smiled when she saw the orange earth pony indicate a shaded spot on the ground.
As they settled, Applejack sat with her back to the tree leaning up against it. She was surprised when Pinkie lay on the ground next to her, putting her pink head in her lap.

“Nah then Pinks, whatsup?” She asked concern tingeing her voice. She had been surprised when Pinkie showed up to the farm early in the morning just as Applejack had finished helping Applespark with a few questions on a maths paper. He had been working hard so he could catch up with his year group in school. The orphanages version of education still had her blood boiling, ‘Be good or be punished’ When she’d seen the scars on his back. . .

She shook her head; Right now Pinkie needed her – the only time Pinkie did this when they were alone was when she was either completely content or needed comfort.
Gently Applejack started to run her hoof through Pinkie’s mane, letting the younger mare start in her own time.

“I’m havin’ those dreams again Apples. I. . .the one’s with HIM in them and. . .and. . .(hic)” Applejacks hoof didn’t stop, she knew how calming Pinkie found it when her mane was gently played with.
“Easy thar, it’s okay, ya don’t have’ ta say nomore.” Applejack said quietly, glad that she couldn’t get her hooves on the stallion that had done this to her Pinkie.
It may have been before she came to Ponyville, but to Applejack the fact was somepony had hurt her Pinkie. Now that is unforgivable.

Pinkies body started to shake with little whimpers as tears started to fall from her closed eyes.
Applejack leaned forward and picked Pinkie up, settling her in her lap better. Pink wrapped forelegs about her.
Applejack had been there for Pinkie when she had these . . .episodes. . . many times before their relationship. She had been the only pony Pinkie would trust near her outside of Mrs. Cake when she first came to Ponyville.

Strong orange arms pulled Pinkie close and gently rocked her as Pinkie let the tears fall.
“Why Applejack . . .Why did this happen to. . . to me, Is it my fault, did I make it happen with one of my parties, did I lead hi- “
“Now you stop right thar Pinks.” Applejack interrupted.
“How in tarnation can ya even think that? What happened to ya ain’t your fault filly, you didn’t cause it – it was just an evil stallion who didn’t know what were raht from wrong, ya hear?”
Pinkie nodded, sniffling back her cries.

Applejack hated that Pinkie could even think this about herself, as she held her close she spotted Big Mac walking near and waved him off, knowing that although Pinkie was fine around anypony now normally, in times like this, any stallion near would send her into a panic.
Thankfully Big Mac seemed to realise the need for privacy and nodded his head before turning away.

“Ttthanks Apples. But; I’m scared. . . I. . .I’m remembering what he looked like now.” Applejack looked down to Pinkies watery eyes before she spoke, tightening her grip once more.
“Easy Pinks, ah told ya’ iff’n you ever remember him properly, alls you gotta do is tell Twahlight an she’ll put out his description. Ah promise yer if he ever show’d up rahnd here you got Ponyville watchin’ yer back.”

Pinkie smiled a little before burying into Applejack a little more.
“Thanks Apples. Do we have to do any more work today?” She asked quietly, obviously needing to stay in her arms for a while the orange pony thought.
Applejack looked at the cart, blinked, looked again and smiled.
“Nah Pinks, we c’n stay raht here – you forget when yer help out on th’ farm we always get more in than we need.”

Pinkie’s smile was all the answer Applejack got, but it was all she needed as they sat there, Applejack once more being the steady presence Pinkie needed.
Looking back down she saw that Pinkie had drifted off to sleep, Applejack couldn’t help a tear fall as she thought of everything this pony had gone through. Quietly she made a promise.
“Ah promise Pinks, ahl see him brought afore the princesses for trial one day, Ah promise you’ll have yer own justice.”

Somewhere in a city suburb a Stallion had a shiver go down his spine.