Spectrum Bolt was a miniature tornado for the first couple of weeks of the arrival of his new little sister. His parents were expecting a colt and were surprised to have a filly instead. It was even more exciting to decide a name for her. Looks wise, she had the same rainbow colored mane that both of them had inherited from their father. She had a soft, cyan coat and was a bundle of joy and pleasure to everypony.
"I think Spectrum Skies would be nice. You know, since both she and Spectrum have your multicolored mane" said their mother.
"Nah! Almost everypony has got such ideas these days. Besides I like Prism Splash better. It sounds cute." replied their father.
In this manner, quite a lot of names were suggested, but none of them seemed to fit the active and naughty filly.
Finally they decided on 'Rainbow Dash'. Spectrum absolutely adored her. He was a first-class big brother.
Days, weeks, months, a few years passed.
Dashy was in school now and Specs (Yeah, that's Dash's nickname for him) was in the weather patrol.
Today, he was supposed to pick Dash from school.
"Hi Specs!!" cried Rainbow.
"Hey Dashy!!! So how was school today?" Spectrum inquired as he flew down.
"Boring! Except break time."She replied. "I say!! Where's Mom?" she continued.
"She and dad are out today. So they got me to come instead." he said.
The two chattered on about just about anything that crossed their minds, unaware of the shock they were in for.
As the cloud home neared, Spectrum spotted two pegasi in uniform standing outside, apparently waiting for the occupants to arrive.
"What are those big serious guys doing here Specs?" Rainbow asked.
"I dunno," replied Spectrum, "I don't think they're here for us though. They must be waiting for mom or dad. Hurry up Dash! We don't keep visitors waiting, do we?" he said, quickening his pace.
"Pfft! That one has a wierd moustache." Dash giggled as she pointed one of the ponies.
"Shh...Dash!! Don't say anything in front of them. They'll think us rude." warned her brother.
"Duh...I'm hungry. I'm gonna race ahead and grab a cookie. Do you want one."
"No thanks Dashy. I'm fine."
Rainbow Dash sped ahead, ignoring the two waiting ponies, and went in to fill her empty tummy. The two ponies noticed Spectrum arriving and turned towards him.
"Is this Mr Rainbolt and Mrs Cloud Sounder's residence, please?" asked the one with the wierd moustache.
"Yes. They're away at present. I'm their son, Spectrum Bolt. Is their any message for them?" Spectrum replied.
"I am Officer Light Wind and my companion here is Officer Swift Striker. Were your parents on board the 8:40 Manehattan Express this morning?" said the other pony.
"Yes, they were." answered Spectrum, beginning to feel uneasy.
The two ponies looked at one another, as if each were telling the other to do something which neither of them wanted to.
At last, Officer Swift Striker heaved a sigh spoke the words dreaded by Spectrum. "We are extremely sorry for your loss, Mr Bolt, but I'm afraid you're parents are no more. They were both killed this morning, when the train went off the tracks. We offer our condolences." But Spectrum hadn't heard a word after 'loss', for he was absolutely sure by now that his fears had come true.
His mind was in a whirl. The shock proved to be too much for him to stand and he passed out.
As Spectrum came to his senses, he could hear little sniffs and whimpers coming from something warm cuddled against his side on the couch. He saw Rainbow there, crying to herself. All of a sudden he remembered all that had happened and the weight of the responsibilities he now carried came down upon him heavily. He saw nothing but black for the next coming hours.
