Chapters Nurse Redheart had patched up my eye pretty well. Whatever she gave me started reducing the swelling immediately. I could open my other eye now!
I thanked her and walked out of the office.
'Well next objective would be to find my first class ' I thought as I reached into my pocket for my schedule, only to find it empty. I checked the rest of my pockets hoping I had put it in a different pocket.... no dice.
"Uggggghhhh" I groaned. "Course I can't have a good day... screw you universe"
After a quick facepalm, I walked to where I remembered the principals office was. I had gone to something of an open house before I officially started my school year, from the bits I could pull from my memories (which wasn't much) the office was.... this way.
I started walking down the hallway, hoping I was heading the right direction. As I continued my walk I took notice of the other students. They looked like a normal bunch of highschoolers, except for the fact they weren't staring at me. Most schools I'd been to had been a nightmare to walk through. Everyone would stare at me, judging me. It was creepy, and pretty stressful too. But... these guys were just going about their day, ignoring me as I walked through the halls.
I smiled.... maybe.... maybe I could get used to this place.
"Ah storm, there you are" A voice said from behind. I looked around and saw a tall, blue woman that I remembered to be the sister of the principal. "I have been looking for you, come, my sister wishes to speak to you"
I nodded and followed her. She led me in the opposite direction that I was wandering in. It took a few minutes, but we finally reached a door that said "MAIN OFFICE" on the top of it.
"Just go in there, first door on the right past the desk" The woman directed.
I simply nodded and walked the route she told me to. The main office was nothing special, just a desk up front and a hallway behind it. I walked past the desk, and into the hallway. I only had to walk a few feet. The first door on the right, or the principals office. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Come in" A voice said from inside.
I turned the door knob and pushed open the door. Stepping in, I noticed the woman sitting at the desk, which I assumed was Celestia. I looked around the room, it was decorated with shelves and shelves of books, the occasional award display case filled with various awards and ribbons.
"Take a seat please" Celestia motioned to a chair in front of the desk.
I quickly walked to the chair and sat down, standing up straight.... ya know for impressions and stuff.
She looked over me quickly "Storm correct?"
"Uh, yes ma'am" I nodded nervously
she giggled at my nervousness "No need for that, just call me Celestia." She smiled "Now I assume your here for your schedule"
"Yeah... uh how'd you know that?"
She cocked an eyebrow "Well, we never gave you one in the first place. Probably would've been a good idea looking back on it" She shrugged "Nevertheless, here is your schedule" She reached into a file cabinet and after a few seconds of fishing around, she came up with a single piece of paper and handed it to me
-RIII-I-I-III--IIIINNNGGG -
"You better get going young man" She said as I stood up from the chair "Your first class is with Mr. Quill. Math I believe. His room number is 1-1-3-2.
I nodded my thanks and quickly walked out the door. As I exited the main office I looked to my schedule in confusion
'Ugh, she could have told me where these classes are, these numbers aren't really helping..... although I could have paid attention at the open house'
"HIYA!" A loud voice startled me from my thoughts. I jumped and looked around. "Up here silly!" I looked up and sure enough, there was a girl standing up there. She had really poofy pink hair, and pink tinted skin. Her smile was larger than I thought humanly possible... she creeped me out.
"I haven't seen you here around before! OH WAIT! Your that new student! That's so AWESOME! We haven't had a new student in like... forever!"
Wow she's loud "Uh yeah that's me.... um, could you by any chance show me where Mr. Quill's room is?"
Her eyes widened and she took off from the railing. 'well that wasn't much help' . I turned around and was met face to face with the pink girl from before. "AH!" I shouted and jumped back, falling on my back.
She reached her hand down to me "Come on no time for break-dancing! Follow me we gotta get you to class!" She shouted excitedly
I took her hand and she pulled me up. Before I could thank her she bolted off "Come on you're gonna be LAAAAAATE!"
I sighed an shook my head before sprinting off after her. By sprinting I meant SPRINTING, she was frickin' fast! I had to go my fastest just to keep up with her, and my fastest is FAST! She finally seemed to be slowing down as we came up to a door.
"Heeeeerre we are!" She motioned to the door. On the side was a plaque that read Mr. Quill, and under that four letters that formed the most dreaded word in history MATH.
I smiled despite my extreme for the subject. "Thank-"
"SORRYNOTIMETOTALKGOTTAGOSEEYABYE!" She bolted off, leaving behind a comical trail of smoke
"-You" My finger drooped as I lost sight of her. I simply shook my head and walked into class.
Upon entering I saw the class was about to begin. "Ah you must be Mr. Storm" A man who I assumed to be Mr. Quill said from the front of the class. I only nodded "Very well, I wont bother you with a introduction. Please find a seat"
That was something I was not looking forward to. Especially in the middle of the school year like this. It always ended in some awkward situation. I didn't even get a seat last year, I had to stand in the back...
I sighed and scanned the room for a seat. Every seat seemed to be taken, I was starting to fear having to stand again, until I saw a familiar rainbow haired girl in the back waving to me. I waved back to her and smiled. She returned the smile and motioned to an open seat next to hers.
My smile grew, thankful for a seat so easily. I walked up the seat and put my stuff-... I didn't have any of my math stuff. I leaned back in my chair and let out a long defeated sigh.
"Whats up dude?" Rainbow asked
I ran my fingers through my hair and turned to her "I forgot all my damn math stuff...."
She smirked at me "Pfft, that's what your worried about? I never bring any of my stuff" She motioned to the area around her "See? nothing"
I raised an eyebrow "Don't you need to like... take notes and stuff?"
She shook her head "Nah, he usually just talks about some random math stuff then hands us homework, and when he does lecture us, which is like never, it's soooo boring." She scoffed "I couldn't listen if I tried"
I shrugged "Well I feel ya, there." I heard the teacher began talking about the plans for the week, and I was immediately bored out of my mind. I slumped in my desk "God, I hate math"
Rainbow just snickered and rested her chin on her fist.
--
The hour went on like I thought it would, long and boring. After his ramblings about geometry or something he started handing out the homework. The homework consisted of about thirty problem solving questions. It was hard, and boring, but nothing I couldn't finish in about twenty minutes. I looked over it, and already knew I'd screwed up on a few questions. I debated going back and fixing it, but my lazy side won out in the end and I just plopped it on my desk.
I looked back over to Rainbow... only to discover her head laying on top of her homework, fast asleep. I looked over her for a second, she looked... pretty cute sleeping actually. I mean it was still ridiculously funny, but cute.
I shook the thoughts out of my head. I had just met the girl, I didn't need a "Love at first sight" type of deal going on already. Looking again back to Rainbow I could barely hold back a snicker as I saw drool falling from her open mouth onto her paper.
I realized I should probably wake her up now, it would be pretty embarrassing if other people started to notice. I gently nudged her side. she mumbled and stirred for a moment, but eventually went back to a peaceful sleep. I rolled my eyes and looked to my fist.... it was the only way.
I gave her a solid punch to the arm, she jerked up after that.
"Huh?" She started blinking and rubbing her eyes before they finally settled on me. "Oh.... I fell asleep didn't I?"
"Yup" I chuckled
She started to raise her arm to punch my side, but she winced and started rubbing it. "Ow.. wha- wait, hey! Did ya really have to punch me to wake me up?" She said with mock anger
"Yuuup" My chucking growing
She rolled her eyes and looked to her drool stained homework. "Ew... I guess you did have to punch me"
I nodded "Yeah, also ya got five minutes to do that" I pointed to the sheet of homework.
She shrugged "Eh, I'll just do it at home" She folded it up and stuffed it in her pocket. "It's called homework for a reason right?"
We both shared a good laugh and continued to wait until the period was over. Once the bell finally rang everyone piled out the door, anxious to get out of the terrible horror that was math. Rainbow made it bearable though, something about her just.... I don't know.
Before I could leave to get the stuff for my next class though, Rainbow invited me to sit at her table at lunch. She said I probably wouldn't find a spot anywhere else, plus she wanted me to meet her friends. Before I could thank her for her offer she ran off saying something about a due date. I just shrugged and went to my locker.
--
My next to hours went by smoothly. My second hour especially, it was chemistry. I was ok with chemistry, I mean it's not my favorite subject but its way better than math. Oh yeah, that pink girl that showed me my math class? Well she was in this class, and I was assigned to be her lab partner. She said her name was Pinkie, and she started rambling on about different things. I couldn't really hear her though, I was still trying to figure out how that many words could be said on one breath. I could tell being her lab partner would be.... interesting to say the least.
Next up was English. English was... English. I just sat next to some random guy and listened to the teacher talk about English stuff. Oh and guess what? The school day was only five hours long! I think I'm gonna like it here...
-RIIIIIIIING -
There was the lunch bell. Good thing to, I was getting hungry. I was also pretty anxious about meeting Rainbow's friends. I'm not anti-social or anything, it just always ended badly for some reason.
As I entered the lunch room I was blasted by the noise of about 200 hungry sophomores. I tried to ignore the noise as I moved to the food trays and got myself some lunch. Nothing special, just a chicken sandwich with some fires on the side. I walked away from the kitchen area, and walked to the seating area.
Not knowing where they sat, I just wandered around looking for the distinctive rainbow hair.
"HEY STORM! OVER HERE!"
I heard Rainbow yell from my left. I looked over to her and sure enough, she was their with five other girls all waving at me... except for one who kinda looked like she didn't want to be there.
I smiled and walked over to their table, I found one empty seat in-between Rainbow and Pinkie. Pinkie smiled with the power of a thousand suns and patted the seat with her hand.
I moved to the seat and sat down. Around the table were the other five girls. One of whom I had already met, Pinkie. One of the others had pure white skin, and curly styled purple hair, She had fashion written all over her.
Another had orange skin, with three white freckles on each side of her mouth. She had blonde hair placed in a simple style. She also had a stetson on top her head. Cowgirl x1000.
The one that was sitting next to pinkie had yellow skin, her hair was pink and drooped over her face covering one of her eyes. When she caught my glance she let out an adorable "eep" And hid behind her hair.
"Hey girls!" Rainbow spoke up "This is Storm, he's that new kid I was talking about earlier"
The orange, freckled on spoke up next "Yeah I remember 'im. Isn't he the one ya drilled in the head?"
Rainbow smiled sheepishly "Y-yeah, that one"
To my surprise the yellow one spoke up first "Oh... I heard about that" She said in possibly the meekiest, smallest voice ever "Are you ok?... That black eye sure looks bad"
I nodded "Yeah, I'm fine. The swelling stopped. Just gotta deal with the bruise for a few days"
The white one spoke next "You really must be more careful Rainbow, you're lucky he wasn't seriously hurt" She pushed her purple hair out of her face "I have no idea why they put that soccer field right next to the sidewalk. I knew that was a bad idea"
Rainbow put her hands up to her ears "Ugh! Can we please stop talking about that? It's making me feel bad..."
"Yes I suppose that would be best" The white one looked to me "I'm Rarity by the way. Pleasure to meet you"
I smiled and nodded
"And Ah'm Applejack, Nice ta, meet ya sugar"
"I'm.... Fluttershy...." The yellow one said... barely
"And this here's Sunset Shimmer" Applejack pointed to a girl slouching at the back of the table "She ain't talking much."
The girl suddenly stood up. I could make out her appearance now.She had orangish skin. Her hair was red with yellow streaks in it. Oh and she looked pissed. "I'll talk when I want to! Just cause Twilight made you promise to be my friend doesn't mean I have to be your friend! With that she stormed off.
I raised an eyebrow "Whats up with her?"
"Oh you know, her evil scheme to take a magical element from another world and turn into a demon and take over this world failed and she used to like own the school and now she doesn't so she's mad" Pinkie answered quickly and stuffed a cupcake in her face.
I honestly didn't know what to say. The other girls were all glaring at pinkie, who now had a cupcake covered smile on her face.
"That's.... nice" I offered. I don't know what it was but I believed them. It didn't look like Pinkie could really lie anyway/
"Just nice?" Rainbow asked "She just told you what is probably the most shocking thing you have ever heard... and all you say is nice?"
"Yup
"Wow" She shook her head laughing. The rest of the girls soon burst out in laughter as well. I couldn't help myself as I let out the laugh I was holding in.
"You are.. You are truly something Storm" Rarity said, recovering from her laugh. Rarity stopped panting and looked back and forth between me and Rainbow. "You know, you two would make a great couple"
"What?!" We both yelled
"I was only joking!" Rarity laughed
I could feel the heat of the blush on my face. I took a glance at Rainbow, and she too was blushing.
-RIIIINNNNNGGG -
I sighed "Well as much as it pains me ladies, I must go on"
Rarity and Applejack rolled their eyes and moved off to their next classes along with Fluttershy.
"Hey Storm?" Rainbow asked, I looked over to her "What class ya got next?"
I checked my schedule. "Uh... says P.E."
Rainbow smiled "Awesome! Me too, hey follow me I'll lead you there"
I nodded and followed Rainbow as she left the lunch room, and headed towards gym class. As I followed her, I thought back to the lunch table when Rarity made that weird joke. I swore I saw Rainbow blushing...
...It was probably nothing.
The rest of the week went by in a breeze. The work was hard, the classes were boring... but I had friends. In my first week at this new school I had made six friends, well.... five I guess. I didn't know what that Sunset Shimmer girl's problem was. Every time I'd tried to talk to her she'd just brush me off or tell me to go away. I was able to shrug that off though.
Then there was Rainbow. I didn't know how I felt about her. I mean I knew she was my friend and all... I just felt weird whenever I was near her. I'd think about it all night long, but couldn't come up with an answer. Eventually I'd give up and go to bed.
Speaking of Rainbow, she was supposed to be coming over in about ten minutes. I had agreed to go rollerblading with her. When she first asked me I said no, me and rollerblades have had a nasty history with each other. I mean I was ok, no pro or anything. However, that rush I always get when I go fast never seems to remember that. My focus turns to speed, and that's where things go downhill.
"Oh well" I sighed. I just hoped she wouldn't push me to much. Cause I knew if she did I wouldn't back down.
I shook my head and got up from the couch I was siting on. It was saturday, so I didn't have many things to do. Once I'd gotten up I went straight to the Tv (After a shower of course).
I walked over to a door that led to the garage. I opened the door and stepped outside. I noticed the garage door was open, which meant my mom had left for something. She never shuts the door for some reason.
Ignoring that, I started looking through boxes for my rollerblades. They were black with a yellow trim. The wheels being a swirling combination of yellow, grey, and black.
After about five minutes of random searching through boxes, I heard the unmistakable sound of wheels on concrete. Turning around I saw Rainbow rolling into my garage.
"Hey Storm, you ready?"
"Yeah, just give me a second. I'm looking for my blades" I said turning back to the boxes. They had to be in one of these.
"Uh... Storm?"
"Yeah Rainbow?" I asked, still rummaging through the boxes
"Are those it?"
I turned around and saw her pointing to something on the other side of the garage. Looking over I saw my blades... they were right in the open. So in the open, that someone would have to be pretty stupid not to see them, says a lot about me I guess.
I facepalmed and started walking over to them. "I think I'm going blind" I joked
Rainbow giggled "Come on get those on we don't got all day"
I reached the rollerblades and started putting them on "What's that hurry?"
Rainbow rolled over the the wall and leaned on it "We're meeting the girls at Surgarcube Cafe, takes awhile to get there on foot."
I raised an eyebrow "That'll take us forever if we go around the hill"
She smiled and pushed herself off the wall "Who said anything about going around?"
I frowned. The Hill was not something I'd like to ride down. It's huge, and steep. I'm not sure who came up with the totally original name, but Rainbow said it's because they couldn't find a name that could hold so much extreme. Whatever that meant. When she said we were going to ride down it earlier I declined. With some convincing she finally agreed to go around.
"I did" I said "Remember what I said earlier?"
Rainbow groaned "Yeah I know, but the detours sooo boring." I gave her an unamused look "Come on Storm it's not that bad"
"Not that bad? Almost everyone who's tried to ride that hill has ended up in the hospital" I replied
Rainbow gave a defeated look. I could see her thinking for a comeback.... and when she did I could almost see the light bulb over her head, well that and the mischievous look on her face.
"I don't like that look on your face...." I could feel the fear rising in my stomach
She grinned evilly "Well I have gone down the hill before, and if you cant.... that means I'm the awesomest!"
I narrowed my eyes at her. I knew she was gonna pull that one. I was now regretting challenging her the day I met her. "I hate you.."
Her grin only increased "You know you love me!" She laughed
"Your goin' down colors!" I yelled as I got up with my rollerblades strapped to my feet. With a push I was off down the street.
"Hey wait up!" She laughed as she shot off after me
Again, I wasn't the best at rollerblading so I wasn't surprised when Rainbow had easily caught up with me. She twisted around in front of me and started skating backwards, so her eyes were facing mine. "Show off" I snorted
"Oh you wanna see me show off?" Her eyes narrowed "I'll show off" She flipped backwards and twisted mid air so she landed facing forward. She immediately started doing twists and turns, occasionally throwing in cartwheel. As she twisted around again to face me she began to speed up. She was going straight for me, If I didn't know any better I would have thought she was going to ram straight into me. Instead she jumped up about a foot in front of me and put her hands on my shoulders, using them to propel herself into a front flip. She landed on her feet and skated back up in front of me.
She faced me again with a smirk on her face "That was pretty good" I joked
She looked at me confused "Pretty good? That was awesome! Admit it!"
I rolled my eyes "Alright, alright yes it was awesome"
She nodded a confident nod and slowed down so she was skating right next to me "We're almost there"
I looked forward and saw she was right. The street kept going straight, until it came to sudden drop which went all the way down to the city. Down there is where we would find Sugarcube Cafe.
As I slowed to a stop I looked down the steep and long drop. I started sweating as I noticed just how steep it was. There was no doubt I was scared as shit. But... there was another feeling, excitement. As I thought more and more about how much speed I would generate by going down this hill the rush got stronger. I tried to fight it... but there was no point. My nervous frown twitched into a maniacal smile. My eyes narrowed in determination all the fear and nervousness was flushed from my body.
"Wow... this hill is steeper than I remember..." I heard Rainbow mutter
I turned around. The smile still on my face, the pure determination still in my eyes. There was no doubt about it, I was going down this hill.
"I really don't like that look on your face Stormy" I could see the smallest amount of fear in her eyes
"I though you went down this hill before" I asked confused
"Well.. yeah but" She rubbed the back of her head "I didn't bomb the hill, you gotta be careful here"
I laughed "This doesn't sound to much like you"
She put her hands to her hips "Well it's not very like me to want to die going down a hill!"
I smiled. I knew I had to go down the hill. There was only one thing that would convince her to come with me. "Does that mean....
"Storm don't say it"
"You give up?" I finished
Once I finished I saw the words trigger her. She looked up to me with the same determination my eyes were displaying "The Dash never gives up!"
I smiled "Then come on!" With that I pushed my self forward and started going down the hill. As I went further down I felt my speed increase. The Rush was getting stronger than ever. I smiled so much it hurt my jaw. My eyes narrowed with sheer determination. I leaned forward and my speed increased further. I was completely engulfed in my own excitement. I kicked out all other distractions from my mind, my only focus was speed. I ignored every obstacle, every car, every bush. I had even forgot Rainbow as my speed continued to increase.
Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder that brought me back to reality (Sorta). "Storm you need to slow down!" I heard Rainbow shout over the rushing wind.
"Why?!" I laughed still enjoying my speed induced rush.
She pointed forward. Up ahead was a branch laying on the side of the road, it must have fallen from a nearby tree. Upon seeing it the excitement and the rush immediately fled my body. Fear took its place. I tried to turn out of the way but I was going to fast, the blades slipped in the loose gravel and I fell to the ground. I slid forward on my side, I could feel the skin peeling off. I hit the branch and it stopped my momentum.
I saw Rainbow coming straight for me trying to slow down, but it was too late. She hit me and pitched forward. Her feet left the ground as she involuntarily flipped over the branch. She landed on one of her knees hard and gravity pulled the rest of her, slamming her body against the ground.
I stared at her body for a moment. I could see her holding her knee in pain. I flipped my own agony the bird and ripped off my blades. I quickly hopped to my feet and ran over to her.
"Rainbow? Rainbow you ok?" I asked her, fear in my voice.
I could see her face scrunched up in pain. She was holding her knee which has a pretty bad scrape on it.
"Ahhhhh" She groaned "That was a terrible idea"
I smiled. "Heh, you're telling me" I looked again at her knee "You ok?" I asked her again
"Ugh, yeah... I think my knees busted though" She replied, rubbing her knee.
I sighed "I'm sorry Rainbow... If I hadn't been so stupid this wouldn't of happened"
She shook her head "No... it was my fault. If I hadn't pushed you to go down this hill..." She opened her eyes and looked up at me "Hey, what was up with you up there? I mean, to be honest I had expected you to chicken out"
I shrugged "When I saw the hill... the speed demon in me kicked in or something" I sighed "I just like going fast, maybe a little too much"
"That's kinda awesome" She laughed
I grimaced a bit "Yeah... sometimes"
She started to get up and take off her blades "Well, we might as well walk from here"
I shook my head "Not with that knee we're not"
She rolled her eyes "Eh, I've been in worse"
"Well I can believe that" I chuckled
"Shut up" She playfully nudged my side and laughed
"So uh, you gonna be able to walk?" I asked her as she took off the last rollerblade "I mean, that knee looks pretty bad"
She shrugged "Probably, here put these on" She handed me my shoes and started putting on hers.
I looked at them with confusion "Uh... how'd you carry these with you?"
"I dunno, learned it from Pinkie... I still have no idea how it works though" She replied and continued to put on her shoes
I shrugged, knowing not to question the Pink. I mean anyone who knew her for over a day would think the same. I slipped my shoes on and held a hand out for Rainbow.
She smiled and took it. I pulled her up off the ground, but once she put weight on her injured leg she pitched forward as it buckled beneath her. "Whoa!" I caught her in my arms before she could hit the ground.
We both looked at each other. I noticed it looked a lot like a hug. I looked straight into her eyes and did what seemed right at the time.
"Didn't know ya liked me that way Rainbow" I smirked
She rolled her eyes and pushed away from me. As she turned away and started testing her leg, I could see the faintest blush on her face. Only visible through the amplification her cyanish skin provided.
"You good?" I asked her
She took a step on her injured leg, and although she was clearly limping she continued on "Yeah, come on lets get to the Cafe"
I smiled and walked up next to her, ready to catch her if she would fall again. I looked to her knee again. It wasn't bleeding bad, but it was clearly bruised. Her limp wasn't terrible either, I could see the occasional grimace of pain on her face. I sighed, I still felt responsible for all of this.
Rainbow must have noticed this cause she spoke up. "Storm this was not your fault. This happens all the time, well maybe not all the time, but... you get it"
I nodded even though I didn't quite believe her.
--
We had finally reached Sugarcube Cafe. I saw the girls sitting outside in one of the patio tables.
"Hey Girls!" I shouted trying to get there attention
They all looked over to us and upon noticing Rainbow's limp, rushed over.
"What in tarnation did ya do to yourself this time RD?" Applejack asked
"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Rainbows hurt! SHE'S GOING TO DIE!" Pinkie exclaimed with tears rolling down her face. She dived down on Rainbows good leg and clung to it "DON'T GO TO THE LIGHT"
Rainbow rolled her eyes and started shaking Pinkie off "Pinkie I'm not gonna die, I just had a little accident rollerblading with Storm"
"The last time you had a "little" accident you ended up in the hospital for a week" Rarity said while looking at Rainbow's knee. "I guess it isn't that bad... but would it really hurt to be careful once ?
"Oh my, Storm you arm..." Fluttershy squeaked
I looked at my arm and it was covered in scrapes and cuts. There were a few blood trails dripping off as well.
"Whoa.." Was all Rainbow said"
I shook my head "I-it doesn't matter I'll get it taken care of later, just get Rainbow to the table"
They nodded and helped Rainbow back to their table. After they set her down in a chair, I sat next to her.
"Well, at least it ain't life threatenin' and such" Applejack said, still examining her knee.
"You should probably get that checked out Rainbow" I said "It's probably nothing but..."
"Yeah, yeah" She replied "It better not be anything, I gotta game I gotta play tomorrow"
My eyes widened, I remembered when she told me about that. It was the biggest game of the season. She had told me about the Hamton Bulldogs. The bulldogs had always wiped the floor with the Wondercolts, Rainbow was determined to win tomorrow. Without her they would most likely lose. I had no idea it was tomorrow though.
I shook my head and put my head in my arms "This is all my fault"
"Ugh" Rainbow groaned "I already told you it wasn't your fault, stop worrying about it. Besides I'm sure I'll still be able to play tomorrow..." Everyone else nodded satisfied with her answer. They all started talking about their days and such.
I wasn't satisfied though, she might not be able to play in the game tomorrow. I have no idea what losing to Bulldogs would do to her. I knew she hated losing, and losing something as big as this....
I couldn't bear to see her like that. It made me feel terrible just thinking about it.
I looked at her. I could see the doubt in her eyes.
I thought about it again. With an injury like that she probably wouldn't be able to play...
And it was all my fault.
I began walking towards Sugarcube Cafe. It was a day after Rainbow's injury. It was also the day of what could possibly be the biggest game she's ever played... if she even plays. I tried to stay optimistic, but there's always that stupid pessimistic sense of logic at the back of your head. That stupid sense of logic was telling me she wouldn't be able to play, and it was all my fault. I agreed with it, even though the girls have constantly said she didn't blame me for anything. It's not about blame though... it's about fault, and right now I was at fault... even if I was the only one who thought that way.
Anyways onto brighter topics. I was meeting Applejack at the cafe. She said Pinkie might show up later as well. They had taken Rainbow to the hospital while I got my arm bandaged up.
I looked over to the my now bandaged wrapped arm. It had taken about ten minutes for me to wrap and clean the cuts. I tried putting band-aids on every one of the scrapes.... but eventually just gave up and wrapped the whole damn thing. I didn't do the best job though, you could see the faintest bit of dried blood that had attempted to seep through.
I sighed and continued walking to the now in-sight cafe. Applejack was going to tell me how Rainbow was doing, and then we would just hang out. I hadn't spent too much time with the other girls. I tried a few times, believe me when I say that... I can't believe Rarity got me to try on a dress! . She even took a goddamn picture!
I rolled my eyes at the picture that had almost been uploaded to multiple social sites... luckily Rarity knew a lot about public images and such, and refrained from ruining my school life... for now.
Finally reaching the Cafe, I pushed open the doors and headed straight for the counter. I arrived there and saw Mrs. Cake, who owned the shop along with her husband Mr. Cake, bending over to pick up some dropped cups. I rung the little bell that was sitting on the counter and she looked up.
"Oh, hello there dearie... " She slowly got back up and put her hands on the counter "Storm, is it?" I nodded and smiled "Welcome back then, I saw what happened outside... nasty stuff. Oh I hope she's ok"
I nodded "She'll be fine. Rainbow's a tough girl"
She laughed at that "Oh! Don't I know it... tell ya the truth I'm surprised this hasn't happened earlier" She calmed down and looked towards me again "Alright Storm, What can I getcha?"
I quickly scanned over the price board and found a simple drink. "Uh.. just a grape smoothie please" She nodded and went to work preparing my order. While she was doing that I put the two bucks it cost on the counter.
She turned back around, drink in hand "Oh thank you deary" She picked up the money and handed me the smoothie "Thank you Storm. You have a nice day now!" She said as I grabbed the drink.
I gave her a quick two fingered wave "Will do Mrs. Cake" I turned around and started looking for Applejack. I saw the familiar stetson over across the room, a blonde haired girl sitting under it at a booth. I saw Pinkie there as well, sitting across from Applejack.
I walked over to the booth and Pinkie immediately greeted me... if you can call greeting grabbing my arm and throwing me in the seat. As I lay in the extremely uncomfortable position I was thrown into I saw Applejack staring at Pinkie with a deadpanned expression.
I got up from my position and sat against the wall, Pinkie quickly sat next to me. "Hey girls... nice meet and greet there" I said giving a chuckle and rubbing my sides.
Pinkie sat there twitching slightly... wait no twitching a lot. "Jeez Pinkie I know you got some energy in you buuuuut..." I said as her twitching increased and she continued to ignore me. "Uuuh" I started poking at Pinkie "Are you broken?"
I saw Applejack roll her eyes in the corner of my eye "Don't bother with er' Storm. Ah let that crazy gal get coffee." She shook her head
I stared wide eyed at Pinkie who continued to twitch around "You let that girl" I pointed to her "Have caffeine?" She nodded and looked to the ground "What did you expect?"
She put her hand to her forehead "Ah honestly don't know... Man Rainbow's gonna get a kick outta this"
"Speaking of Rainbow" I turned away from the crazed (Possible high) Pinkie "How is she?"
Applejack took our her phone and started typing at it "Good news!" Applejack exclaimed "She says she's alright! She'll be able to play the game!" She put her phone away and threw a fist into the air. "With Rainbow in the game, there's no way we'll lose!"
I gave her a confused look "Wait back it up. Rainbow's good to play?" She nodded enthusiastically "But... how?
Applejack threw her arms up in the air "Don't matter how! She's ok and we'll be able to whip those bulldogs right off the field!"
I shook my head "I dunno... her knee was messed up. Are you sure she's good?"
Applejack threw on a smirk and put her hands to her hips "That girls tougher than a stone.... more stubborn'n one to"
Applejack quickly got up outta the seat "Now come on! we got a couple hours to kill before the game!"
Before any of us could move however Pinkie gasped. We both looked to her and saw her pupils had grown to about the size of her eyeballs. "Pink-" Was all I got out as her pupils quickly dialted to the size of a pin-prick and she face planted into the table.
Both of us just sat there and watched her "Uhhh.... okaayyy?" I said still confused by Pinkie. i poked her shoulder and a loud snore erupted from her mouth.
Applejack cocked an eyebrow and picked Pinkie up, slinging her over her shoulder. She looked in surprise at Pinkie "Darn you're light. With the amount of junk you eat... well Ah guess that's why you're Pinkie Pie"
She started walking towards the door, Pinkie still slung over her shoulder. "Come on Storm, we're headin' to the carnival. I reckon some more sugar'll set her right"
I got up confused "Wait more sugar? How will that help?"
Applejack shrugged as she walked out the door "I dunno, but it's Pinkie Pie so Ah'd assume it's something completely ridiculous like that"
I rolled my eyes and gave a little chuckle as I followed Applejack down the streets toward the "carnival". Another reason I liked it here, year round carnival!
As we walked my mind drifted to another topic, one that worried me... Rainbow. Applejack had said she's ok, and I believed her. Something about her just... yeah there's no way Applejack would lie.
It's Rainbow that I thinks telling the lie. I knew how much she wanted to play, and how stubborn she could be. I also knew she screw up her knee pretty bad. I tried to shake the thought from my head but it stuck there. I just knew something wasn't right about this.
I just knew it.
The three of us had left the carnival not five minutes ago. I was glad too, the only interesting thing that happened was Pinkie. (Surprised?!) the tons of cotton candy we gave her seemed to work perfectly. She just ate em and waltzed right off towards the ferris wheel. After the boring ferris wheel ride Pinkie dragged us around as she ate literally all of the candy at the carnival. I mean, the only reason we're not still there is because they ran out of food. I looked at Pinkies stomach and saw it was as small as ever. She hadn't gained a pound! Or... it wasn't showing.
I shook my head at the strange physics defying girl, I don't dare question it though. Whenever I do I think about it all day AND night. If I think it about it all night then I don't get sleep. If I don't get sleep I throw things at people.
Anyway, we were about ten minutes away from the game field, the game would be starting in about an hour. We hoped to get there earlier and possible chat with Rainbow before the game. I had some things I wanted to talk to her about as well....
--
I sighed as I saw the soccer field in the distance. During the short walk we had to take to get here, Pinkie decided to lighten the mood with one of her stories. Something about cupcakes or whatever. I didn't pay attention, as fun as she was, she could really get annoying.
As we stepped onto the grass I heard what sounded like arguing. Straining my ears, I discovered it was Rainbow's voice.
"What do you mean you can't play?! Come on Flitter we need you!... No-I mean.... No No that's not what I meant. Ugh... alright fine, I'll see ya later."
I walked over to the bleachers and saw Rainbow sitting there with her head in her hands. I rushed over to her. "What wrong Rainbow?" I asked her
She looked up at me then back at the ground "Hey Storm... Ugh, I just talked to Flitter over the phone"
"Yeah I could hear it across the field, what's up?"
She sighed and put her hand to her forehead "Flitter's not gonna be able to play tonight. Something about a reunion or something..."
I looked at her confused "I'm... still not seeing the problem here"
She rolled her eyes "The problem is that without her we can't play the game... We barely have enough to man the field" She started making circles in the dirt with her foot "There needs to be at least seven people on the field at once.... we only have a seven person team. Without her we'll be forced to forfeit the game.."
I sat down next to her "I'm sorry to hear that.... wish there was a way I could help" I said glumly
She suddenly perked up. "Hey Storm... any chance your good at soccer?"
I looked at her confused. Why would she want to know that? Unless she.... shit. "Y-yeah I guess... but-"
"Great! You can fill in for Flitter!" She yelled cutting me off and throwing a jersey over my shoulders.
"R-rainbow I-"
"We're totally gonna whip those Bulldogs!" She cut me off again
I shook my head in annoyance "Rainbow!" I yelled. I was about to tell her that I couldn't play... until she looked at me. Her magneta eyes staring straight into mine. The happy look on her face made my heart skip a beat. I started deeper into her beautiful eyes. I sat there for a few seconds just staring, until I realized what I was doing and looked away, a blush slowly forming on my face.
"Yeah?" She asked still staring at me.
I stared up to her again and was met with the same beautiful smile and adorable excitement. There was no way... "N-nothing"
"Whatever Storm" She rolled her eyes and smirked. I heard a ringing sound and Rainbow broke her gaze from me. She pulled out her phone and stared at the screen. "Aw... dangit... Hold on Storm I gotta take this" She said and walked off. I kept my eyes on her as she walked around the corner of the school building.
As she left my sight I sighed and put my head in my hands. There was no way I could say no to her. I had no clue why... was I? No... no that's not it. We're friends.... just friends. Shes probably got a million guys going after her anyways I thought. Sighing, I got up and walked to where she had gone. I had to tell her I couldn't play.
As I walked I remembered why I had to tell her that. I hadn't lied when I said I was good at soccer, I was quite the player a few years ago. Sure I might have gotten a little rusty, but I'd probably still be able to help Rainbows team. That would be the case if I was going to play... but I wasn't. Not after what happened last time.
~2 Years Ago, Storm~
I panted heavily as I returned to the huddle our coach had called. The score was currently 5-5. Tied. We were tied, at the championships. Whoever scored this next goal would win the Champions Medalion. A little something-something thrown in by the soccer committee. It was something I, and my team, were very much expecting to win. The other team had a couple replacements playing for their injured players. I smirked as I noted there nervous faces, this would be easy.
After out coach had finishing barking out his orders we all took our places. I was playing more of a defensive role, and considering the other teams state right now... heh all I had to do was sit back and watch the fireworks!
As the whistle blew the ball was kicked. Our team took the ball straight away. The kid dribbling the ball, Sheldon, was our star player. He swiftly dodged around his opponents, kicking the ball around them or straight threw their shaking legs. I was so caught up in his quick jukes and kicks that I almost didn't see a foot coming for the ball. By ball I meant balls, by balls I meant that he was about to be thunder kicked in the dick.
The foot made contact with his groin and he immediately flopped to the ground, obviously in pain. Everyone stared at his struggling body for a moment. Just looking at our star player holding his privates and silently crying was enough to scare any of us halfway to hell. The coach eventually ran forward to tend to our fallen mate. After talking for a few seconds the coach called an ambulance.
The coach helped Sheldon who was still clutching his groin and crying with agony. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I watched the other team laughing hysterically. I felt no anger towards them, I probably would had been if I wasn't scared out of my mind.
I heard a whistle and saw the coach motioning for everyone to come over and form a huddle. We all jogged towards him, as I neared, I saw that my friends all looked as if they had just pissed themselves. Except for Dark... he never had emotions... not that I saw anyway. We all huddled around the coach. With a sigh he explained that Sheldon wouldn't be able to play. He said that he'd have to pick someone else to take up his position.
"No one here's as good as Sheldon!" I heard Core yell. "We're screwed! I say we just forfeit the game..." I glared at him. Who was he to say we were screwed? We still had a chance.. The coach instructed him to stop, which he reluctantly did. After that bit, the Coach began to scan all of us. His old eyes would stop on a player for a few seconds, before he would shake his head and move onto the next. Eventually his eyes rested on me. Instead of the expected shake of the head he simply looked at me, his face scrunched up in thought.
"Storm" The coaches old grainy voice caused me to jump slightly. I looked to him with a questioning expression on my face. "Son I need you to take up Sheldon's position" I raised my eyebrows. How could he possibly think that I could play his position? I mean I wasn't terrible... but I was no where near as good as Sheldon. I shook my head "N-no coach I can't-" He cut me off with a wave of his hand. "You can... you have to"
With that, he stood up and informed us on the game plan. I was to play Sheldon's position which would mean me taking the ball up to the net and scoring the goal. Dark would kick it to me once he got it after the whistle blew. As I stood center field a wave a nervousness washed over me. I tried to focus, but was unable to. I kept thinking of all that could go wrong... there was no way I could do this.
The whistle blew, the game resumed. I looked to Dark as he struggled with another player for control of the ball. As he momentarily gained control he quickly kicked the ball to me. As the ball hit my feet my body moved for me, almost as if on auto-pilot. I quickly dribbled around my opponents. I felt some sort of confidence drifting up. The confidence boat had sank once I saw the goal though. I looked at the goalie, who was determined to block the kick. I looked to the players who were hell-bent on getting the ball from me. The goal net started to get blurry as the wave of nervousness washed over again, only this time is was more like a tsunami. I paniced. I stumbled slightly as I tripped over the ball for a quick second. I closed my eyes... and kicked. I kicked as hard as I could... the best I could. However, instead of the familiar feeling of soccer ball, I got nothing but air. I fell backwards as my center of gravity shifted causing me to fall on my back.
When I finally opened my eyes I saw the ball... in our net. The other team was laughing with joy. I grew angry.. not at them, but at myself. How could I have done that?! All I had to do was kick a damn ball! I looked over to my team as they walked back to coach, their heads hung low. My eyes widened, there was no way I could face them, nothing I could say... so I didn't face them. I ran, I ran all the way home. It didn't matter though, I'd be gone by tomorrow. Moving again. I'd never see one of them again, and they'd never see me. I thought over that... I'd never see one of them again. That thought ripped at my heart. I would never see one of them again... and this was the goodbye I was giving.
I turned around to go back, but stopped midstep. The shame of letting every single one of them down was too much. They probably didn't want to see me anyways. I had caused them to lose the most important game of there soccer career so far. I hung my head low, and turned back to my house. I took one last look towards the field before walking inside, tears slowly streaming down my face
~Present, Storm~
I had to stop to lean against the wall after remembering that. I couldn't let Rainbow down like that, and the only way to do that was by refusing to play. I'd screw everything up. At the same time though, there was a different feeling... I didn't quite know what it was yet. All I knew was that it was directed towards Rainbow, and it was telling me to play... for her . But that's why I'm not playing right? So that I wont let her down? I re-thought that. It sounded weird all of the sudden. It sounded more like betrayal now. If you don't play you will be letting her down. She's your friend, and you hers. Act like it I thought to myself
I thought over that for a few seconds. I was right... I smiled. I turned and walked faster to where Rainbow was.
As I turned the corner however, I saw something NOT expected.
There was Rainbow... lying in the ground, dirt all over her clothes and face, glaring at two guys standing over her.
The two guys were easily as tall as me. Both of them wearing shirts with the word BULLDOGS . On them.
The two guys were still standing over Rainbow. Rainbow was glaring back up at them, but I could she she was in pain. I noticed I was still hiding behind the corner, and willed my body to go to something about these two jackwagons. As I left the corner I began to hear them talking.
"So Rainbow Dyke you think you can beat us?" The taller one spoke.
"Yeah... we always kick your butts!" The smaller, fatter, and obviously stupider one said. Seriously this was getting way to comical.
Looking back to Rainbow I could see her grinding her teeth in anger. She slowly pushed herself up off the ground "Oh yeah? Well we're tot-" The taller one hit her with his shoulder, sending her back to the ground. Seeing her get pushed to the ground made me pissed . No one pushes my friends around, especially not these two jokers.
"Hey asshole!" I shouted, curling up my hand into a fist.
"Wha?" The taller one turned... only to get a face-full of fist. I had thrown it at him as hard as I could. His head snapped back and he lost his balance, falling to the ground. "The hell?!" He slowly regained his senses and stared back up to me. The instant his eyes met mine I could see fear, and suddenly he didn't seem as tall and tough as he did a few seconds ago. I didn't know what it was and it didn't matter. His goon of a friend started approaching me, only to be stopped by him. "Don't, he's not worth it" He got to his feet "This little shit'll get his on the field." With that him and his friend walked off, both giving me what could have passed as death glares. I could see his left eye starting to swell, I smirked, this game might be fun after all.
"Storm?" I heard Rainbow call from behind me. Turning around, I saw her still sitting in the dirt.
"Yeah, you good?" I asked, offering my hand to her.
She grimaced a bit, and took my hand. "Yeah I'll be fine" I pulled her up, but once she took a step she stumbled forward. I put a supporting hand on her shoulder to balance her.
"Rainbow...." I said again, the look I was giving was enough to tell her I in no way believed her.
She sighed "Yeah, they roughed me up a bit, but i'm fine ." I rolled my eyes at her stubborn antics. I suppose I wouldn't be able to stop her from playing the game anyway.
"What was that all about?" I asked as we began walking back towards the field.
"Let's just say those Bulldogs really want to win" She chuckled "Fat chance of that!"
I gave her a little smirk "You can say that again" Then, I remembered what that guy had said when they were leaving. "This little shit'll get his on the field" . "Uh.. hey Rainbow. You think they'll actually try anything on the field?"
She gave me a confused look "What Sar? No that guy is a huge coward! You saw him after you decked him didn't you?"
I remembered the fear in his eyes as he lay in my shadow, but then I remembered the pain in Sheldons face. I grunted, why couldn't things just be normal? Does there have to be some completely unoriginal cowardly bully trying to kick my ass? Why of course Storm! Why wouldn't there be?!
"Stooooorrrmmm?" Rainbow yelled into my ear, snapping me out of my internal conflict.
"What?" I blinked and looked at her.
"You faded out for a second or something?" She asked. When I didn't answer she looked at me with concern "Hey Storm, you alright?"
"I'm fine" I replied. I looked forward and noticed the girls were all sitting at the bleachers "Hey the rest of the girls are here, let's head over" I said quickly and walked towards them.
"Howdy Storm" Applejack spoke as I approached. She looked over to Rainbow "Whoa girl, you been crawlin' around in the mud or somethin'?"
"Nah, just some Bulldog jerks trying to get me to forfeit" Rainbow replied with a roll of her eyes.
"WHAT?!" Fluttershy literally shot up from the bleachers "Oh my gosh! Are you hurt Rainbow?" She immediately begain stalking Rainbow's body for any signs of injury.
Rainbow flinched away "Whoa whoa, calm down Flutters I'm fine!"
Fluttershy reluctantly backed up "Oh s-sorry. I was just so worried they hurt you!"
Rainbow smiled and patted Fluttershy's shoulder "It's nice that ya care for me Shy, but you should know that it'll take more than that to keep me down!" I smirked a little at her signature smugness.
"Those Ruffians" Rarity spoke up from the bleachers "Well... I suppose we'll just have to beat them back even harder"
"That's the spirit Rarity!" Rainbow fist pumped. "Oh, hey Storm I almost forgot. I gotta introduce you to the team!" She grabbed my hand and rushed off, with me struggling to keep my balance behind her. We ran a little ways from the bleachers to what I assumed was the players bench. There was five people sitting around it. One of them, a girl with red hair, turned to look at us.
"Hey Rainbow!" The girl said and gave us a smile.
Rainbow smiled back and waved "Hey Roseluck, whats up?"
The girl, or Roseluck, turned back to the field and shrugged her shoulders "Nothin much, just waiting for you. What happened on the phone? You talk to Flitter?"
Rainbow groaned and sat down on a cooler by the bench "Yeah I talked to her, she's not gonna be able to make it"
Roseluck gasped and turned back to Rainbow "Shes what?! How will we be able to play?"
Rainbow threw on a smirk "Storm here's got that covered" She said, pointing to me. Roseluck, who had seemed oblivious to my presence until now, finally looked over to me.
"Oh!" Her eyes widened "Sorry, guess I didn't see ya there" She scratched the back of her neck. Her mouth formed a smile "So you're gonna be filling in for Flitter, huh?" I nodded and smiled. I have her a little wave as I walked closer to the team. "Yeah, you're that new kid right? Well nice to meet you! I'm Roseluck."
I sat down on the cooler next to Dash "So Rainbow you just gonna sit there or are ya gonna introduce me" I asked motioning to the rest of the team who were still scattered about the players bench. I raised my eyebrows and motioned for her to get going.
"Oh yeah, sorry" She got up from the cooler and cupped her hands over her mouth. "HEY GUYS OVER HERE, TEAM MEETING!"
The rest of the team started getting up from their seats and walking over towards us. They all stood in a circle... around me. I didn't know how they knew I was somehow the subject of the meeting, but I didn't have time to think about it. "Alright girls" Rainbow began "And guys" she added, the one guy on the team smiled and nodded "I'd like to introduce you to Storm, one of my friends. He'll be playing for Flitter. And yes, Flitter's not able to be here, but I'll explain that later" everyone looked at each other for a second, but then shrugged nodded their heads. "Oh, and by the way. Storm's kinda new here so help him out a bit if he needs it"
I held a finger up "I don't think being new here affects my soccer ability" I looked at her with a playful smirk.
Rainbow rolled her eyes with a smile and continued "Anyway I'd like you guys to introduce yourselves to him. I'll be right back, I gotta go clear up some game details with the refs"
With that she strolled off and the team began their introductions. I learned all of their names: Roseluck, who I already knew, Sparkler, Bon Bon, Lyra, and Caramel. I thought Caramel was especially happy to see another guy join the team. I'm not sure what it was like for him to play on a all-female team, but it probably had a few downsides. After the introductions, the rest of the team started to drift off to their own conversations. I had been talking to Caramel about the other sports teams the High school had.... and the countless amounts of video games we both seemed to play.
Eventually our talk was cut out by a loud shrill whistle.
"Alright team" I heard Rainbow say. "I've got a few things cleared up with the refs about our new player, that was the pregame whistle. We have ten minutes before it starts." I turned and saw the rest of the team heading over to her. I looked over to Caramel.
"Cmon Storm, we gotta get in the huddle. She'll probably give your position there" He said as he stood up. I shrugged and followed suit into the huddle.
"Alright so, positions" Rainbow said once we were all in the huddle "Caramel, Lyra, Sparkler and me are gonna be on offense. With my usual awesomeness, added with your skill we'll be scoring goals like there's no tomorrow!"
"Wow Rainbow, didn't take you for the egghead type" Lyra quipped
"Whatever" Rainbow smiled "Anyways, Bon Bon and Rose are gonna be on defense. Which leaves you" She pointed to me "As goalie, which is what Flitter played" I raised my eyebrows a bit. I hadn't expected that, I figured she'd just put me in as defense or something. It's not that I was worried about playing goalie, in fact I was pretty confident I would do great! The thing I hadn't expected is that Rainbow would trust me with guarding the net, the most important part of the game in my opinion. "she really does trust me doesn't she. She really is my friend" . I felt my heart rate quicken, and a pressure filled my chest. It really wasn't that big of a deal, but something about me having her trust really made me feel.... awesome.
"You good with that Storm?" She asked, cutting of my thoughts.
I gave a confident smirk "You bet! No balls gettin' past me!"
She nodded and clapped her hands together "Well that's it then! Get in your positions! Time to teach this dog whose boss!" She then put her hand in the middle, which everyone else copied. I hesitated, was this a team only thing? I didn't really know of they considered me an actual part of it, or just a sub.
Luckily my worries were cut off "Come on Storm you're part of the team too ya know!" Rose said. The others nodded happily. I smiled as I put my hand into the pile. It felt good to be apart of something again, even if it was only temporary. Although they could use more players... maybe I could join the team officially? You know... I think I might do that. "first things first though"
"Ready?" Rainbow said We all nodded. "Wondercolts in 3.....2....1 WONDERCOLTS " We all yelled as we shot our hands up into the air. I smiled as I saw the teams hands held next to mine. With that we all ran to our respected positions, mine being in the net. I watched as the rest of the team settled into the positions along with the opposite team. Surprisingly they weren't all comically jerks out to kill us. Most of them looked like normal kids, a few even wished us good luck. However when I reached a certain player on their team, my smile left my face. It was Sar, and he was looking pissed. For some reason he would avert my gaze when ever he looked up at me. His anger seemed to be directed at Rainbow for some reason, maybe not, I couldn't really tell from here. What I did notice, and fully made out, was the aura of fear he created for his team. Any Bulldog near him had a fearsome look on their faces, and would never look him in the eye. I couldn't understand why, sure he was one of the taller ones on his team, but he wasn't all that intimidating. He had blue skin, his hair was a simple yellow, and hardly combed. He was pretty lanky as well, if I hadn't started lifting weights I might have still looked like that. Soccer didn't do to much for upper arm strength.
A whistle erupted into the afternoon and the players sprung into action immediately. Our offense took the ball almost immediately. Some of the kids too terrified to dribble that ball, although I still didn't know why.
Seeing that our offense wouldn't be giving up the ball anytime soon, I decided to observe the opposite team more. The players were pretty average. When I say that I mean have good, half bad. It seemed the players skill had to do with how they were affected by fear, or that's what I'm thinking. Seeing as whenever they screw up they look over to Sar with a look over complete fear. Whenever they did something that was beneficial to the team, a look of extreme relief crossed their faces. For some of the players, the fear being instilled on them seemed to motivate them to play harder, while others seemed to trip over themselves all the time.
I was confused. My face must have shown it too, cause Roseluck saw my look "Something up Storm?" She asked.
I shook my head. My confusion still present "I dunno, it's just... look at the other team" She did so for a bit, but looked back to me with a cocked eyebrow "Don't they seem... scared?" I asked
She looked again, and this time her eyes widened "Oh hey yeah... whats up with that? They scared of us whipping their tails outta here?" She joked
I looked to the scoreboard 5-0, we were winning. Wait how did I not see us score? I looked back just in time to see Rainbow hit the ball into the goal, right in-between the goalies legs. Once it happened, I saw the same fear cross his face that I had observed earlier. Suddenly an idea popped into my head.
"I don't think so" I replied "I....have an idea. But let me think about it for a bit".
Before I could think about it Bon Bon shook my shoulder "No time Storm, look" She pointed to the field. Looking out where she was pointed I saw the other team had somehow managed to strip the ball away from our offense. One of the opponents, a girl, had the ball and was rushing towards me. We all dropped into our game stances. As she neared though I could see emotion in her eyes. That same fear... and she's looking right into my eyes. She almost looked like she was pleading me to let her score. I didn't have time to think more. She clenched her eyes shut and kicked the ball, it went sailing right towards me. I didn't even have to move, as I let it bounce off my raised hands. Once the girl opened her eyes and saw the ball had failed to enter the net I could see her eye widen. The ball was kicked away by Rose, and Caramel took it as he and the rest of our offense rushed forward. However, the girl, who was obviously younger than me just stood there. I could see tears in her eyes, I was about to ask what was wrong but she shut her eyes and ran back into the game.
"What was up with that?" I heard Roseluck say
"I dunno" Bon Bon replied "She looked kinda young, maybe she was just upset she didn't get the goal?" They both shrugged and went back to watching the field.
I on the other hand, turned my eyes to Sar. I saw him standing at the sidelines with his tubby buddy. He was taking pictures? Wait... Is he? Yup, he was taking pictures of that girl. She was still running back to the field, a few lone tears visible from the side of her face. This really sparked my curiosity, the players obviously feared him for something, and I think they had something to do with the pictures he seemed to be taking. I suddenly realized they weren't afraid of what he had physically, but digitally. He was blackmailing them, the whole team. I narrowed my eyes at him, sure I thought he was an ass an all, but I didn't think he blackmailed his team. That's not right, not right at all. I clenched my fist, I wanted so badly to go over there and punch his brains out. Then promptly take a picture and upload it to a few social media sites. I restrained myself, in the long run it wouldn't do me any good.
Ridding my sight of him, I turned back to Rainbow. She was currently going toe-to- nope, nevermind she just juked him. I watched as Rainbow kicked the ball around countless players and finally reached the goal. She kicked the ball to one side of the goal, before kicking the ball back causing to goalie to lose balance as he tried to catch the fake. Then she slowly nudged it into the goal and fist pumped.
"Rainbow sure is amazing isn't she Storm?" Rose spoke up, noticing me gazing at her. "But... you think she's more than just that, don't you?"
I widened my eyes in surprise. Did my stare really look that noticeable? I mean I didn't think of her that way... or did I? I always had a certain feeling whenever I was near her, I mean I've dated before, but I'd never felt like that. I straightened my face quickly "I-I don't know what you're talking about" I stammered out.
Rose rolled her eyes "Whatever you say"
I contemplated what she said as I stared at her. Her beautiful rainbow hair, that awesome smile and personality. "Maybe... Maybe I do have a little interest in her.... but not like that! I thought to myself.
I quickly buried the thought. This was a game, not the time to be thinking of that. I noticed Sar had decided to actually help his team. More likely because he wanted to win, not cause he actually cared for his team. Something else was up with him though, I could barely make it out from here. As he got closer though, I noticed the mischievous smile on his face. "Whats he thinking?
I saw him heading for Lyra, who was currently dribbling the ball. I stood there for a moment watching him slowly gain on her. Only when he was right behind her did I realize what he was planning to do.
Before I could speak up he used his foot to kick on of her legs behind her other one, causing her to trip over herself. she wasn't prepared for the sudden fall and fell face first into the ground, the ball rolled quickly out of bounds. "The hell?!" I immediately yelled out. I looked to the two girls "You girls saw that right?"
Rose had her eyes widened "Yeah! He just tripped her! Why aren't the refs calling him out?!" She yelled.
"H-hey guys?" Bon Bon spoke. We both turned towards her and saw her worried look. "I don't think she's getting up" She pointed to the still fallen Lyra. My eyes widened as the ref's whistle paused the game.
I started running out to my fallen teammate "Cmon! We gotta help her" I heard their footsteps behind me as we raced to her. She was in the middle of the field so it only took about ten seconds. Once I got their I saw Rainbow heading towards us too, along with the rest of the offense. "Hey Lyra. You good?" She was on her side holding her arm. I also noticed a nasty bump on her head. Looking down I saw she had fallen on a small rock that had been thrown out onto the field. "I know this is a huge dick thing to say... but you gotta commend this guys accuracy" .
"Whats up?" I heard Rainbow ask as she approached "Lyra you still good?" She slowly shook her head
"N-not really" She tried to push herself up into a sitting position, but yelped and fell back to the ground. "C-could you guys help me?"
I nodded as I grabbed the her good arm, well... she wasn't holding this one so I assumed it was her good arm, and pulled her up. She immediately started to lose her balance. I quickly grabbed her arm again and slung it over my shoulder. "Cmon, lets get you back to the benches" I said as I began helping her to the player benches. The team followed suit, helping steady her whenever she stumbled. Eventually we had gotten her to the bench, and carefully set her down. She had recovered enough to sit without our support.
"Lrya you ok now?" Rainbow asked, her eyes showing concern.
Lyra nodded slightly "Yeah, I'm not sure if I'll be able to play though"
Bon Bon shook her head "You definitely wont be able to play, you couldn't even walk back here without Storm's help" She smiled at me and nodded.
Lyra let out a long sigh "Well, then I guess we have to for-"
"No" Rainbow cut her off. I looked at her confused. There was no way we could play with only six people, and there was no way she'd make Lyra play...
Bon Bon looked at her, shocked "What?"
"There's no way I'm forfeiting this game!" Rainbow said "Lyra come on you still gotta have some fight left in you!"
"There's no way Lyra can play without hurting herself more!" Sparkler yelled
Rainbow was about to retaliate, but then slumped down. "Yeah you're right. I just don't want to forfeit and let that jerk win again!"
Rose but a hand on Rainbow's shoulder "No one wants to leave the game to them, but Lyra is a bit more important than a soccer game and some lost pride."
Looking at Rainbow's saddened form, my brain went into overdrive trying to find a solution. "Wait!" I suddenly yelled out and everyone turned to me. "Hear me out, what if we found a place she could play that she could play without getting hurt?" They all looked at me confused "Like the goal! I'll go on offense and we'll make sure the ball never crosses into our side of the field!"
Bon Bon scratched the back of her neck "I dunno, it's not one hundred percent..... but I suppose nothing ever is"
"Well I think the choice should be up to Lyra" Sparkle spoke. We all nodded, it seemed pretty fair.
Everyone looked to Lyra and awaited her choice. She looked to be in deep thought for a few moments, looking at her various injuries. Finally she took a deep breath
"I'll Do It"
-BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP -
I awoke suddenly to my obnoxious alarm clock. I opened my eyes and stared at the bland white ceiling of my new room, my brain not quite functioning yet.
BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEEEEEEEP
Well that woke me up. I shook my head and looked over to my alarm clock which was gradually becoming more pissed off than an alarm clock should. I was about to hit the snooze button, when I remembered what day it was.
I rolled back into bed and let out a long sigh. Today was monday, a.k.a. my first day of the school year. Yes, MY first day. I was a couple months late. Me and my family had been moving around everywhere, trying to find a decent life. The most we stayed in a place was 5 years. That was up in Minnesota, it also happened to be the place I was born. We had moved back after almost 6 years of constant moving, I though just maybe this would be the place, but no. We left after the 5 year milestone, and headed here.
Before I could dive more into my past I heard my mothers voice from downstairs. "Honey! It's time to get up, you'll leave a bad impression if you're late on your first day!"
I groaned, realizing she was right. Not about the impression part, but being late on my first day didn't win me any points. With some mental motivation, I finally mustered up the courage to get up and shut my alarm clock off, formally starting my day.
Having sit up to turn the alarm off, the beautiful sensation that was sleepiness was taken away from me, and was replaced with drousyness. My eyes felt thick and heavy as I sat up, but I knew I wouldn't be able to fall asleep again until tonight.
With that in mind I slowly trudged out of my plain, square room. The boxes were still unpacked and placed around the room, I didn't have any time to decorate. Outside of my door was a hallway that led to more doors, and a stairway which led down stairs. The hallway was long and narrow, only allowing one person at a time to get through comfortably. It also served as a motivation to stay fit.
I dragged myself to the bathroom which was two doors away from mine. Their was a single door to the left of the bathroom, which was a simple closet. Past that was the stairs.
The bathroom door was opened, and the lights turned off. Satisfied that I'd have the bathroom before my little sister Raindrop, I gave a little fist pump. A good start to the day like this was a rare occurrence for me.
I stepped into the bathroom and turned the lights on. The bathroom was simply. A small square room with a mirror to the right of the door and a shower to the left. Past the sink and mirror to the right was a toilet.
I gave the shower a quick glance before looking to the mirror to look over myself.
I considered myself to be pretty good looking. I had jet black hair which was usually combed down except for a section near my hairline, which I combed up. My skin was tan in color. It just seemed kinda weird that some peoples skin were different colors. There were a lot of those people here in Canterlot, and no I'm not some kind of racist, and I don't judge them if they do have different skin colors like purple or something. It just seems.... weird.
I turned away from the mirror and lifted up my arm, putting my nose up to my armpit. My nose was met with some of the worst smelling pit it has ever smelt. I recoiled and gagged, almost throwing up my non-existent breakfast. Yeah, I would definitely be needing a shower.
I walked to the shower and reached inside to the nozzle and turned it all the way to the left, which was the hottest setting.
I only had to wait about thirty seconds for the water to warm up. I put on a smile as I turned the notch that controlled the water heat to the right a few inches to cool it down.
I reached into the shower again, and the water felt perfect. I broadened my smile. This day really was looking up! I took off my boxers and stepped into the shower. After a quick scrubbing with the soap bar, and standing in their contemplating the meaning of life, I stepped out.
I walked over to the sink and grabbed a toothbrush off the counter as well as toothpaste. I poured the toothpaste on the brush and began with the morning ritual of teeth brushing. Once that was done I spit it out and washed out the excess paste with some water.
With my morning cleaning finished I quickly walked back to my room and put some clothes on. Nothing special, just some dark blue jeans and a blue t-shirt.
I grabbed my phone off my bed and stuck it in my pocket, being sure to put it on silent and walked out of my room, and downstairs.
Arriving down stairs I saw my great mother had set out the most wonderful breakfast for me.... Half of a fucking pop tart. Their was a note next to it.
'Dear Storm'
Wake up when your supposed to and you might get breakfast next time.
-Mom
"But it isn't that-" I started, but a look at the clock shut me up. 7:45.... class started at eight.... school was three miles away... I had fifteen minutes to run three miles. I stared at the clock with my mouth open for a few seconds.
"This would be a challenge" . I put a cocky grin on my face. "I love me a good challenge"
With that I bolted away from the table and towards the door, ignoring my breakfast. I sped towards the door, quickly grabbing my leather jacket and backpack. Bursting out the door, I was met with the chilly, late-fall air. I threw my jacket and backpack on and increased my pace to a full force sprint.
I hopped the fence that reached around our house and bolted off towards the direction of school. The cool nippy wind brushed pass my face, it felt great. My smile grew as I increased my pace.
I kept my current pace, which was about as fast as my legs would carry me. I rushed passed joggers and twisted around others on the sidewalk. As I came closer to the school I noticed the amount of people on the sidewalk increasing. They all looked to be my age or younger. Was everyone always this late?
Ignoring them, I pushed forward, weaving through the increasing crowd of people. I would get the occasional negative comment when I brushed to close to someone, other people just seemed to shocked to see someone going this fast.
The school was finally coming into sight. The three miles had seemed like nothing at the pace I was keeping. I was hardly winded. I had always enjoyed running. I enjoyed the speed and excitement. Whenever I hopped over a barrier or across a gap, or just went fast in general I would get a rush. It was amazing.
I slowed my pace as I reached the sidewalk that led to the main doors of the school. Between me and the school was a large statue and tons of students. I stopped and stared. Why was everyone outside? Weren't classes about to start?
The realization finally donned on me and I facepalmed. I had been early not late.
"HEADS UP!"
"Huh?" I looked toward the source of the voice... only to see a flying soccer ball.... heading straight for my face.
I didn't have anytime to react as the the ball struck me in the face. I was stunned and immediately knocked down on the ground. The world seemed to fade out as I lay there.
"Hey...kay?"
"Ugh" I groaned as the world came back to me. I opened up my eyes, but it seemed I was only seeing out of one eye rather than both. I tried to open the other one but was only met with a stab of pain.
"Hey dude? You alright?"
I looked up and saw a girl standing over me. She had what looked like rainbow colored hair and cyan tinted skin. Her magneta eyes were looking at me with concern.
"Can you hear me?" She asked
I shook my head and finally came to my senses "Ugh, yeah... what happened?" I asked, rubbing my forehead.
She rubbed the back of her neck and smiled sheepishly "Uh... well, I kinda missed the goal with my kick... and I accidentally hit you instead"
I sat up, my head immediately started pulsing with pain. I tried to stand, but was met with dizziness and had to grip the side of a nearby wall to keep my balance. I felt something warm start trickling down my nose. I reached up to wipe it off, but when I looked at my hand it had blood on it.
The girl looked at me with shock "Oh my gosh! Uh... come on we need to get you to the nurses office."
I nodded and took a wobbly step, but was met with the same dizziness as before and stumbled a bit. The girl put a supportive hand on my shoulder. She was looking pretty scared and concerned.
"I am sooo sorry!" She put her hand to her forehead "If I had just thought for once this wouldn't of happened!"
I shook my head. "You have nothing to be sorry for, it was a accident. Happens to everyone" I smiled "Besides I'm not so dizzy anymore. I can probably make it to the nurses office now."
Her expression brightened and she smiled a bit "Alright, if you say so. I still feel bad though...."
I smiled at her "Well, if you could take me to the nurse we could call it even. I'm kinda new here"
Her smile broadened "Alright I guess that's cool." She started walking towards the school building motioning for me to follow. Once we walked up the stairs she turned her head towards me "Hey how'd you stay awake after that ball hit you? Lotta kids would have missed a couple days of school after something like that."
I shrugged and put on a cocky grin "Guess I'm just that awesome"
"Heheh, not as awesome as me though" She joked
I raised an eyebrow at her and increased the cockyiness in my smile. "You're gonna have to prove that"
She gave me the same cocky grin "You bet your butt I will. Maybe some other time though, I not sure if even I would play with a black eye like that." She pointed to my swollen eye.
I poked it and it gave me the same pain as last time, only less this time. "I'll look forward to it"
We stopped in front of a door that said "NURSE" above it. "Here we are" The girl said
I hadn't noticed how fast time had passed. We both walked in and stood in front of the nurses desk. The nurse was a woman with pink hair, she had a cap on with a red plus sign in the middle. I looked at the name tag, which said Redheart.
She looked up and immediately noticed my red eye. "Oh my, please sit down over there" She pointed to a bed in the corner of the room "Ill be right back with something to help that eye"
I started towards the bed when the girl I came here with spoke up "Listen, uh... I have to get back to practicing. I have a big game coming up"
I turned back to her and flashed a smile "It's fine, thanks for taking me here"
She nodded with a smile "No problem, it's what friends do right?" She held out her fist for a fistbump.
I smirked and returned the fistbump "Yeah, names Storm by the way"
"I'm Rainbow Dash." She smiled and turned on her heels headed for the door "See ya around kay?"
"See ya" I said as she left through the door. Smiling, I went to the bed the nurse had instructed me to go to and sat. My first day and I already made a friend, Rainbow was pretty cool in my opinion. She basically had coolness radiating off her. As I sat back on the bed, I thought of the challenge I offered to her and smiled.
I didn't know what would happen next, but I knew it was gonna be great
After Lyra agreed to my little plan we all rushed back out to the field. I took up position next to Rainbow on offense.
"You ready Storm?" Rainbow asked, staring straight ahead at the opposing team, who were just now getting to their positions. The same fear evident on their faces.
A thought crossed my mind before I could answer, and I looked down at her knee. Being so close, I could see her putting weight on her uninjured leg, lifting the other slightly off the ground.
"Rainbow are you sure your good to play?" She looked back at me with an annoyed expression about to say something. "Like your doctor said you were good?" I cut her off.
Her eyes widened briefly. "Y-yeah, of course" She averted my gaze. "Why wouldn't he say so?" She let out a nervous laugh. She must have seen my staring at her leg, as she slowly began to put weight on it... she couldn't hid the small grimace of pain though.
I closed my eyes and sighed. "Rainbow your good at a lot of things.... but you really suck at lying"
She turned back to me and glared. "How would you know?! Your a doctor now, huh?!"
I cocked an eyebrow at her "Really?" I said, unimpressed.
She dropped the glare and looked away from me again. "Yeah, yeah fine. I may have lied just a teensy-little bit.... but I'm totally good to play! Plus, I need to play or we'll be forced to forfiet!"
I shook my head and facepalmed "How did you even manage to play to this point?"
"I guess I'm just that awesome" She said, pointing to her self and smirking. I gave her a look that let her know I wasn't buying it. "Ok, ok..... I may have used some painkillers. I think they wore off though" She grimaced and rubbed her knee.
Before I could argue further, the whistle blew; resuming the game.
"I'll be fine" Rainbow said as she ran off.
I sighed and followed behind her, I looked ahead seeing an opposing player dribbling the ball. Looking to the scoreboard, I saw the score still at 5-0. We were of course in the lead. As long as we kept the ball out of our goal it would be an easy victory.
Suddenly my leg caught on something. "Shit!" I swore as I tumbled to the ground. Rolling onto my back I looked up to see one of the opposing players looking at me with a hurt expression.
"Sorry" he whispered before running off. I quickly pushed myself up and looked over to the sidelines. There, standing with a smug expression, was Sar. His friend right next to him using his phone to snap pictures.
Narrowing my eyes, I shook my head and ran back to the game. I could see Sparkler dribbling the ball, and Rainbow running in front of her. I didn't notice a limp or any pain on her face, but I knew that knee had to be hurting. I sighed, looking back on what I'd just thought. Rainbow was tough, she wasn't some little kid. She'd be fine, but after the game I'd be bringing her straight to a doctor. I looked back at our goal. Lyra, who was leaning on Rose, looked a little dizzy; but as long as she doesn't exert herself she'd probably be alright.
"Storm!" I heard Sparkler yell. I looked over to her and saw the ball coming straight for me. Reacting, I took the ball and began dribbling towards their goal. I saw their defense rushing towards me. I couldn't see any opening, I'd need to get the ball to someone else. I saw Rainbow rushing up to my left waving her arms at me. I quickly kicked the ball to her. Taking the ball, she rushed towards their goal.
"Hey!" I heard a voice to my left, I turned, only to get thrown back as something hit my chest. I hit the ground with a thud, and began coughing as the air was knocked out of my lungs. I frantically tried to suck in air, only to be thrown into a coughing fit. I heard a whistle blow, and footsteps running towards me.
"Storm?!" I looked over, seeing Rainbow standing over me. "You alright?" She reached her hand towards me.
I nodded, still coughing "Yeah- ugh, just got the wind knocked outta me" I took Rainbow's hand and she pulled me up.
"Yeah you can thank Sar for that one. I can't believe he did that! This isn't like him...." She said with a worried expression. I looked over to the sidelines. I could see Sar being told off by a ref. He had his hands up shaking his head, probably saying it was an "accident" or something.
I shook my head. "Well maybe hes changed. Either way, this game just got a lot more complicated."
" Yeah, you can say that again"
