Pretty in Pink

“~Wakey, Wakey sleepy head~” A gentle coo comes to my ears. “~Time to get up~”

My eyes slowly open to see Pinkie looking down at me with a smile.

“Hey Pinkie.” I smile at her. “What time is it?”

“Still early Anon. The girls and I are getting ready to have some breakfast. Wanna join?”

It was a question but I could see in her eyes the pleading look she gave me. Oh how I could never deny those large puppy eyes she gives me.

“Yeah, let me get ready.”

I yawn as I slowly wake my body up with a long stretch. The cracking of my spine aligning could be clearly heard. After a few smacks of my lips do I roll out of bed. One more stretch for good measure gives a few more pops of satisfaction. I slowly trudge over to the bathroom so I could get my dailies out of the way.

“We’ll be waiting in the hall when you're done.” Pinkie calls to me.

“Alright. I shouldn't be long.” I call back.

I had taken a quick shower and was dressed for the public. I walk out of the hotel room and see the girls were gathered in wait for me. Though I quickly notice that someone was missing.

“Where’s Rainbow?” I ask having not seen her with the group.

Rarity shrugs. “We aren't sure Anon. We knocked on her door but we haven't got a single peep from her.”

“Do you think she’s alright?” I ask concerned.

“I’m sure she’s fine sugarcube.” AJ pats my thigh.

I look to Rainbows room. She didn't have a reason to leave so she had to be in that room.

“Maybe I should check on her.” I turn back to the others. “Go get a table for us. I just want to be positive she isn't hurt or sick.”

They all nod slightly but do as I say as they leave for the dining area. I walk over to Rainbow’s door and knock a few times.

“Hey Rainbow. You in there?” I call.

I don't get a response. I just scratch the back of my head confused. I see a maid walking by.

“Excuse me ma’am, but did you happen to notice a mare with a rainbow mane leave this room?”

The maid froze in place when she noticed I was talking to her. She quickly shook her head and sprinted at high speed down the hall. I just shake my head at that as I knock a few times on the door.

“Come on Rainbow I know you’re in there.” I mutter getting more worried by the minute. I jiggle the cloud door handle and find it was unlocked. I facepalm. “Why didn't I do that first?” I mutter to myself for skipping the obvious. I turn the knob and slowly push it open. “I’m coming in.” I warn aloud.

When I look inside do I let out a sigh of relief. There on the bed was Rainbow. Though something seemed wrong here. She was laying on her side. On the other side sitting atop an extra pillow was the necklace I gave her. She was just staring at it. Her eyes looked bloodshot. Had she been crying?

“Rainbow?” I call gently to her.

I see her jump a little in shock as she quickly looks over to me. She wipes her face quickly and sits up at breakneck speeds.

“Oh Anon! I-I didn't hear you.”

I raised my brow at that. “I was knocking a few minutes ago. Your friends did the same thing earlier.” I inform her.

“I must’ve been asleep.” She says looking away from me.

Something was definitely wrong here. “Are you alright? We were worried there.”

She nods. “Y-Yeah, everything’s fine.”

I try to move around to the other side of the bed but I instantly take notice that Rainbow was actually moving to face away from me. Had I done something wrong? I decide not to push her. Maybe she is just having an off day? I mean women get PMS. Ponies get that too, right? I just point over to the door with my thumb.

“Our friends want everyone to have breakfast together. You in?” I try to keep the worried tone to a minimum.

She nods slowly. “Y-Yeah, sure...”

I don't see her move a muscle right away so I just start to walk toward the door to show myself out. She probably has to get ready and doesn't want me standing here like a weirdo.

“Anon.” I hear Rainbow call from behind.

I turn back to face her but find it a bit shocking when she was already in front of me. Even more so that she had her lips pressed against mine. Though something was very wrong with this kiss. My body was screaming at me too push her away. I don't know why either, Rainbow and I have done this before but for some reason this felt different.

Rainbow pulls away with a sad smile. “Lets go.” She says flying out of the room before my brain had time to register it.

“Y-Yeah...” I say to myself.

I was walking up to my group of friends as they all got comfy at a large table. I kinda walked there in a shocked state for some reason. All the girls were looking to the necklace Rainbow wore openly and were giving her compliments in its beauty and perfection. When I approach I take notice that Rainbow couldn't meet my eyes as I slowly take my seat. A lead weight feels like its been placed in my stomach.

“Who do you want?”

I jump a little in shock as I look to Pinkie. “What was that?”

“I asked what you wanted to eat?” She says with a smile.

I quickly shuffle around and grab my menu. I flip through it quickly and decide what I want. The waitress that was waiting took my and Rainbow’s order and took off. All around me I watched as the girls just talked to each other, but my mind was elsewhere right now. All I could do was look at Rainbow. I noticed something was different about her.

I could spot her sometimes turn her glance my way and then redirect it. It was almost like she was actively avoiding me. But why? What did I do? She was wearing my gift so doesn't that mean she liked it? Maybe it was too expensive. I know if someone gave me a gift that was worth a small fortune then I would be acting kinda weird too. I don't know. I-I just don't feel right about this entire thing.

“Are you alright Anon?” Pinkie asks.

I jump slightly again startled from my gaze on Rainbow.

“Y-Yeah... Just, something on my mind.” I try to dismiss it.

“I noticed.” Pinkie admits. “Wanna talk about it?”

I let out a sigh. “No. I think I just need time to think.”

When our food arrives I let out a small ‘thank you’ for the timing. We all eat our meals and were looking forward to the day.

“Alright everypony, now that we ate we can talk about our schedule.” Twilight comes in.

“Lay it on us.” I encourage her.

“Well we have an hour until the race starts. Now I would like it if we arrived early so we can get settled in and even have some snacks ready. This show is going to be rather long so we need to make sure we have everything we need.” Twilight says.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Everyone nods at that.

“Alright then everypony, lets go to the Cloud Colosseum!” Twilight announces as we give a short holler.

I’ll admit it. We were not expecting a giant line already being formed around the block to the Colosseum. I’m not even lying here. Pegasi literally lined up as far as the eye could see.

“Twilight, please tell me we don't have to wait?” I ask looking to her.

She smiles brightly at me. “We do not. We are part of the VIP seating. That means we have a separate entry point. Plus that looks like the ticket buyers line. Probably some ponies trying to get last minute seats.”

Twilight shows us to the VIP entrance. All along the way we could see ponies giving us evil glares. I just flipped them off, turning their anger to confusion. As we get closer to the gate do we see a single guard standing in wait for us.

“Halt.” He calmly says. “Tickets please.”

Twilight magics all seven to him as he looks them over. He then looks to each of us. As soon as his eyes met mine did I know that trouble had found me.

“I can't let that in.” He says pointing to me.

“Why is that?” Twilight’s irritation was apparent.

“This is a place strictly for ponies.” He says.

“I bought the tickets.” I say feeling my anger slowly take hold.

“I wasn't talking to you creature. Now be a good little pet and keep quiet.”

It was when that left his mouth that I felt the world stop for a split second. No one moved, no one breathed. Then it happened. I saw a rainbow blur shoot past me. By the time everything seemed to come back I could see Rainbow on top of this stallion, smashing her hoof into his face repeatedly. Out of nowhere another guard came and quickly took hold of Dash.

“Rainbow! Rainbow calm down!” He shouted holding her tight.

Rainbows rage seemed to subside as she started to process what had just happened. She looks to the guard and then to me.

“I-I didn't...”

The guard got back up and had a few bruises but wasn't too worse for wear. Though I could see massive dents in his helmet, probably the only reason he took so little damage. I could see a fire in his eyes as he tried to walk up and strike Rainbow as she was being held, but the guard holding her took a step back, letting his hoof sail past where Rainbows face was.

“What are you doing?!” The one holding Rainbow shouts.

“This mare just attacked a guard!” The other shouted back.

The other guard lets Rainbow down. “Do you even know who this is? This is Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, fastest flyer in Equestria and first pony ever to do a sonic rainboom!”

Rainbow looks over to the guard with surprise. “Hoops?”

He doesn't seem to notice as he continues. “Why didn't you let them in anyways?”

The guard points to me. “That thing is not allowed to enter!”

Hoops blows a raspberry at him. “Where in the rules does it say that? If he has a ticket and is with the Elements of Harmony no less, I think that’s enough insurance to know he isn't going to cause problems.”

“How dare you talk to your superior like that!” The other guard yells.

“Superior my flank! I think after I tell the boss pony about this you won't be having this job any longer.” He says with a grin.

“You little ungrateful so-”

Hoops waves his hoof. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get to walking pops, your narrow minded ways are in the past.” He then looks to Rainbow with a smile. “Rainbow taught me how shortsighted ponies like that can be.”

The guard lets out a snort as he walks away. Rainbow was still in shock as we all help her up and make sure she was alright.

“Sorry for that fossil giving you guff.” Hoops says to us.

“Hoops, is that really you?” Rainbow asks.

“Huh? Oh!” He takes off his helmet and allows his short tangerine bangs to fall over his eyes. “Yeah It’s me. How’ve you been?”

“F-Fine. What’re you doing working as a guard?” She asks.

“Eh, just a side gig for bits. You know how it is.” He waves it off. He then looks to me. “So what's with this tall friend of yours? He part of some kinda element business or something?”

I decide to walk up to Hoops and extend my hand. “Anon. Arrived in Equestria awhile back. Became friends with these fine mares.”

He takes my hand and shakes it.

“Awesome! So you're kinda like an alien right?” He says with some excitement.

I shrug. “I guess so. I don't come from this planet.”

He shakes his head and looks back to Rainbow. “Your life is so cool.” He then suddenly snaps back to attention. “Sorry. Forgot you’re here to enjoy a show. Please, go right in.” He puts his helmet back on and waves us to a set of stairs. He walks over and picks up the tickets that scattered in the scuffle. “Lets see. Ah! You’re in box 5. Nice seats.” He admits as he hands us our tickets.

The girls and I give him our thanks one last time before we show ourselves to the correct skybox. Looks like we had spent more time with that guard then we realised because the show was actually starting to warm up. We could see many pegasi on the floor doing some stretches and the like. We made sure to quickly get ourselves some snacks and prepare the best we could.

We took our seats and started to get comfy. Pinkie was leaning against me as she always did. Though what caught my attention was that something to my left was leaning against me as well. I looked over and saw it was Rainbow. Again, this wasn't something new at all. In fact it has happened more times than I could count to be honest. But for some reason I felt like there was something wrong. Like something was different.

I push it away though. The show was starting and I wouldn't want it to be ruined by some senseless feelings popping up. Now the show itself was actually really great. It was kinda like watching a mixture of the Ringling Brothers and the Blue Angels. Varies stunts and acrobatics mixed into one fluid show of skill. Honestly it was like poetry in motion but also had it's fair share of high throttle adrenaline stuff.

I gotta say I now understand why these ponies love this stuff so much. There was literally nothing you could criticize it for. Add the fact we were in a skybox made it even better. The teams literally rocketed past our box on more than a few occasions. I can easily say that this was money well spent. Though the show was over, our time was far from done.

You see there was a reason why I got the skybox tickets. The Wonderbolts actually go to each skybox and personally meet the guests to sign autographs and the like before they go out to the public signing area. There was a knock on the door and a few seconds later it opens wide. In strolls the Wonderbolts team. Spitfire at the head with Sorin’ and Firefly at each of her sides.

Spitfire immediately notices me. “Whoa, look at this big guy.” She walks up to me. “Spitfire's the name.” She says coolly, extending her hoof.

It was a little surprising to see how level headed this mare was. I was expecting some amount of shock or any reaction to be perfectly honest but, she just walked right up to me with a friendly grin and offered me her hoof. I gently wrap my fingers around her hoof, feeling her tremble a little but give a few shakes before letting go.

“Anon.” I answer back.

“So Anon, you enjoy the show?” She flutters her eyes at me.

Huh, thats a first. I think to myself, I have never been hit on before by a mare before. Let alone one that just met me. I couldn't help but feel slightly flattered as I smile a little.

“Honestly it was amazing.” I compliment, ignoring the looks she was giving me.

“If you want amazing you should come with me backstage.” She winks at me.

Alright... Maybe I should nip this in the bud.

I laugh nervously. “Thanks but I already got a marefriend.” I admit.

She doesn't drop her attitude at all. “Shame.” She answers.

I then point over to my friends. “These are my frien-”

“The Elements of Harmony.” Spitfire answers. “Haven't seen you in awhile Dash.”

I look over to see Rainbow had an irritated look on her face as well as Pinkie. I kinda thought she would take this chance to flirt with Spitfire or something? Rainbow of course, not Pinkie.

“Yeah, its been awhile.” Rainbow says hotly.

I see Spitfire look to Rainbow’s necklace then back to me. She gives a short nod.

“I understand. I hope you all enjoyed the show.” She continues.

They all give her a little bit of praise but Pinkie and Rainbow were a little more reserved in their comments. Spitfire signs a few flyers for us and even gave us a couple souvenirs for free. Soon we all say our goodbyes as they take their leave. With a bag of swag in hand do my friends and I leave the colosseum. As we walked Twilight started to speak.

“Alright so we had a great time but we need to get packed. Time to head over to the balloon and start our slow descent back to Ponyville.”

We all agree as we head back to pack our stuff up and get ready to leave.

We had touched down in Ponyville a few minutes ago. While Spike went off to help Rarity carry all the linen she bought. I helped Twilight pack away her Balloon. Once I was done do I escort Pinkie back to Sugarcube Corner. I make sure to give Pinkie a kiss goodbye as I start to head my way to the outskirts of Ponyville. That’s where my house is by the way.

Though what I failed to notice was the Rainbow pony that was following me. I set my suitcase down and fish out my keys and was about to unlock my door when I feel a presence behind me. I turn around to see Rainbow was there. I let out a sigh of relief. She was just flying there looking at me.

“Is something wrong Rainbow?” I ask, sensing that something wasn't right again.

“A-Anon... I-...I think...” She looks away. “N-Never mind.”

Rainbow turns tail and flies off into the distance. That left me even more confused and with the incredible sense of dread filling my body. Maybe we were in Cloudsdale too long? That place was admittedly filled with emotions. She will probably be right as rain in a few days. Though, as I unlock my door I can't help but look back once more to where I last saw Rainbow.