Chapters 2 What More Could Go Wrong?
9,10,11 She increased the volume of her cell higher as she plugged the buds into her ears. The only solution she could find now was to drown her problems in music...not like she had any...
The weather was wet, and heavy with rain, many had gone indoors for their outings. The road was bare, and slightly desolate, vehicles rarely passed around here and every now and then if one did pass it was either a cab or a police car.
This route was the least distracting. Rainbow always took this route because of it's quietness and from experience, she learnt lack of active shops, lack of active shops meant no families, which also meant no painful reminders.
For a moment, she wondered what it'd be like with a family, or a least one member. Though it was just one day, after this she'd 365/366 other days of the year to forget about it. But yet thinking of a different topic for the next 12-16 hours (or 24 hours if the whole day was counted) was always felt difficult no matter how many times she'd been through this. Snapping herself out of the transition, her mood quickly flipped 'Why'd the have to make a big deal of it anyway' she sulked 'It's not like people don't see their families everyday! Why does there have to be a WHOLE day dedicated to just this, all this trouble just for one day!?' Her fists clenched absentmindedly, slowly sinking her nails into her palms.
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"So, do you think she's got anything to do?? I don't see her car nearby, and there isn't another bus stop in sight??"
"Of course she hasn't! Sometimes Silvie you ask the siliest of questions, ponies like her don't make plans."
"Oh I'm such an ditz sometimes... on the other hand, I think we both know that 'flightless' beats me in that category by a long run obviously."
"You're right, no brain, no flying it all adds up...and ponies wonder why we call her chicken. It's really her own ."
a gasp "Diamond!! You really shouldn't say that she'll hear you, besides" Silver looked around as pretending that her next statement was a great secret. "You don't want her telling her parents now would you?" a quiet chuckle was shared between the two.
"Who cares, chickens don't have ears, and even if they did, what much does a flightless pony, I mean chicken got to say anyway... wouldn't you agree Scootaloo?"
The three fillies strolled down the slope footpath. Scootaloo, the orange-textured and plum-haired pony strolled a tad bit faster than the other two accompanying her attempting her best to end the 'delightful stroll' as soon as possible. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara walked at either side, their shoulder purposefully squashing the poor filly between them.
Scootaloo hadn't been expecting this kind of trouble today, she always seemed to be out of the clear. Maybe it was because both her friends were usually there to back her up, on account of family business they left early, and she sure wasn't going to bother changing her route primarily because she had no choice .. and it was a great idea at the time... though now she wished, ever so regretfully, that she had.
Today wasn't those days when she would talk back. School in particular today already put her in a bad mood. So rather than speak up she let the words soak in, her bag was heavy enough with the 'studying' she wanted to catch up on, so many books in fact that she'd to even carry a few and it wasn't like wasting her strength on those two would make a difference.
"I asked a question, Scootaloo aren't you gonna reply?"
"See Diamond, a complete dunce! Better stop, she's not used to using her brain this much!" Silver jeered.
The two burst into incontrollable fits of laughter, to which Diamond laughed so hard to she tipped over, bumping into Scootaloo and almost knocking her over, being the shortest of the trio definitely wasn't a good position to be at, and, unfortunately, a new idea escalated from that.
"Watcha got in that bag of yours anyway?" Silver said bumping her side shoulder off of tear-filled pony, the rest of her face remained expressionless as she tried to hold them back, she bowed her head slightly so her bangs fell, covering her face.
"Woopsies" laughed Diamond "I think I've lost my balance again" she faked a fall, similar to her genuine one but this time with a little more force.
"Hey! Don't knock her into me, she's a blank-flank!"
"Well, I don't want her either!"
"If you don't want her and if I don't want her then there's only one solution to this" a sinister smile crept slyly onto both their muzzles. With no restrain, Diamond Tiara held grip Scootaloo's laden backpack, whilst it still attached to her back and shoved her violently into the puddle filled road. Her bag drenched, herself muddy and her books scattered.
At first they'd expressions of astonishment, not expecting to have given such an impact but soon what seemed like witch cackles forced their way out of their mouths, showing no sympathy or reason. All they gave was a synchronized "Bump, bump!! Sugar lump rump!!" they chanted as they bumped elbows and hip together. There was an occasional "Loser!!" that blurted it's way through the laughter and forced it's way into Scootaloo's ears. Finally, they walked off, their laughs still heard in the far distance before they entered the pearl white limo parked at the far bottom.
Rainbow stared in disbelief at what had just happened, one of her ear-buds were out at this point being held in her hand, the music, though still blaring, oblivious to her ears, rapid flashes of her childhood sped through her mind. She had wanted to help, but her mind was still deciding. For some reason she felt connected to this filly, like she'd seen her somewhere before.
A sudden honk from farther up the slope brought her back from the daze. Rainbow spotted a truck as it sped towards them. It honked repetitively as it gave warning. The wet road must've made it difficult for it to slow down and on a slope like this, gravity was at its best. The honking edged closer. Rainbow began to worry. Surely the filly heard it, she had to. She waited for the filly to get up, at first she was still, and was in a kneeling position, but then she took the choice of picking the books she held off the ground lost in thought, totally unaware of her surrounding and Rainbow's screams of caution.
Rainbow now realising this, decided to take action.
Scootaloo blindly gathered the books and staggered up on her hooves. At the same time Rainbow dropped hers. Scootaloo began making a start back to the side-walk when there was a sudden, strong push from behind, she once again lost balance landing with her hands knees on the footpath. Her palms and knees now grazed, she once again stood up, turning round to see who the culprit was.
As she turned she saw a large business truck on the road, the owner currently standing by it. A few metres away lay a rainbow-haired mare.
'Rainbow Dash??' Scootaloo was speechless more than anything, she'd only seen Rainbow in school and even with that they were both in different years. But she was a big enough fan of hers to know lots about her without even seeing her much. Rainbow, not to mention the rest of her friends, were very well known. But Scootaloo looked up to Rainbow Dash especially, the fastest mare in Equestria! She'd never thought she would get to meet her hero in person!.....in...person. Scootaloo's face fell upon snapping to reality, her mind piecing together the puzzle that stood before her. Running over to an unconscious Rainbow she whipped out her cell, which to her disappointment was destroyed from her recent fall in the puddle. She almost began to panic when the driver of the truck walked over.
"Please! Allow me to help".
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3 A Really Dark Cloud With a Silver Lining
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Muffled speech filled the air as Rainbow Dash slowly regained consciousness. Soon the voices got louder till they were loud enough to be so familiar yet so indistinct. There was a sound of a door, then another group of familiar voices, finally the hushing of the voices and quiet sighs of relief. Everything became clear to hear.
At first she sat up rapidly, causing pain to her injured muscles and plastered head. There also was soft bandaging around her right forearm and one of her hooves were in a cast. Rubbing her side, stopping once she noticed each her friends, watching silently as they to had no words, they were all here. She absorbed the feeling of her surroundings. She scanned the hospital room, it was already sunset. The day was almost complete. An urgent thought came to her mind.
"Where's the filly?? Is she okay??" Rainbow asked worringly.
"Perfectly fine thanks to you" Twilight smiled. "She only has a few cuts and bruises, nothing that can't be treated."
Rainbow now relieved relaxed her back, slowly this time, so a to not cause any discomfort.
A slightly timid voice arose " That was very brave of you Rainbow"
"But don't you ever scare us like that again!" warned AppleJack.
"Yes dear, you really should be more careful, we know you meant well. But we're just lucky that things went the way they did."
The crowd nodded in agreement.
"Fine, fine." Rainbow said dismissively, though deep down she was overjoyed that her friends cared that much and the smile that played on her muzzle made it no secret to anypony either.
Rainbow observed the room again noticing a few get well cards placed on the window sill, the books and bag that she'd dropped in order to save Scootaloo, were stacked neatly beside the bed. Her smile faltered as she let out a grand sigh.
"Sorry to have spoiled your day guys"
"Oh it's quite alright darling, we consulted our families before coming here. Beside you're just as important, best friends are always like a second family to oneself."
"I appreciate it all, really. Rainbow insisted. "But I can't be the reason that you all had to cut your day short."
"Oh there's no such thing Dashie, it's not like we're strangers" Pinkie assured.
" I know that much"
Fluttershy added "Don't worry, they'll und-"
"No.... why don't you understand, I mean...for how long will you keep doing this? Every year you all appear to take pity, I know you all don't mind, I know they don't mind either, but it'd be easier if they did. It wouldn't feel right to be included on a day like this, I just... wouldn't belong. So thank you but..."
"No thank you??" AppleJack finished.
Rainbow's head lowered a bit, she hated shouting at her friends like that. After all they were only trying to help.
"I'm sorry"
With that they headed for door, naturally they weren't angry. They knew Rainbow was hot-headed and being with her for so many years this routine managed to pop up very frequently, even when it wasn't on Family Day.
She rolled over onto her left side, which didn't hurt, and cupped the pillow around her head.
"Here Dashie" spoke Pinkie quietly. "We made this just in case you wanted a change in menu" she left a tall cylinder metal canister on the nightstand Rainbow was facing before joining the others at the door. Leaving, they closed the door behind them
The door opened again.
"Go away!"
There was no response.
"I said, GO AWAY!" Rainbow immediately sat upright and chucked the pillow she was using at the door.
Time froze as she gaped at the door, it was slightly closed undoubtedly being used as defence mechanism against the flying pillow. A familiar face peeked through the space that was left, exposing a piece of their fringe which was curled at the tip and a slight reddish-purple in colour. The pony gave Rainbow the impression that it was short in height.
"Wait, wait, wait!!." she yelled as the door began to close a bit more, the small figure felt frightened and unwelcome.
The door opened once again, this time wide open fully revealing the familiarly small pony.
"Ehh, you can come in if you want?"
Rainbow patted an empty space on the bed, motioning for the filly to sit. At first she hesitated, still a bit shocked by the fluffy, whiteness that was thrown at her. Picking the pillow up she walked over to Rainbow and soon found herself sitting on the bed.
Her head was still bowed with the same expression she had on this morning, she was still silent and she emitted and awkward vibe.
"So what brings you here?" Rainbow questioned as she started toying with the lamp on her right nightstand, switching it on and off.
"Shouldn't you be with your family?" she asked, unknowingly sounding cold to Scootaloo.
Silence
"Do they know you're here?" Rainbow asked again this time she didn't want to sound hostile, not wanting her own sadness to get the better of her attitude.
When she found there was no reply she turned to the filly who's face was now filled with what looked like a waterfall flowing from each eye as her head stared downwards, the drops landed on the pillow wetting it as they came in contact with the fabric. Some of the emotion that was being kept in began to show and Rainbow realising the power of her words began to feel guilt.
"I'm sorry I caused you trouble!" Scootaloo blurted. "It's all my fault! I let them get to me!" The tears began to fall faster but her face remained expressionless from what Rainbow could observe.
"You don't have to be sorry, I didn't mean to sound so rude. Honestly." apologised Rainbow. "I saw those two treated you and I could tell that it certainly wasn't your fault, bullies will always be bullies."
"But I should've looked where I was going! Or at least I should've seen all this coming!"
"You mean it happens often?"
Scootaloo nodded as her tears began to calm down. Still not looking Rainbow in the eye.
"Don't you have anyone to tell?"
"O-Only my friends... but they left early"
Of course! . Rainbow recalled some info"You're Scootaloo aren't you? Friend of Applebloom and Sweetie Belle."
"H-how do you kn-. right" she too remembering the countless times they'd seen each other. But they never getting a chance to have an official meeting.
"What about an adult like a parent or guardian??"
There was more silence for a moment.
".......I...I-I don't have any...."
At first Rainbow couldn't understand, but with a bit of call to mind, everything became crystal.
"Is that what they were teasing you about?" now being able sympathise with Scootaloo.
Scootaloo nodded shamefully "That and...other things"
Though they both knew what those things were, Rainbow didn't want to risk hurting the filly anymore than she had.
"I didn't mean to"
"It's ok" she smiling that 'it's not like anybody actually cares about me' type smile.
"Well to be honest, today wasn't any good for me either" Rainbow bragged. Somehow being able to relate to Scootaloo so much, her comfortable enough to share her secrets with her, well only some , Scootaloo wasn't worthy of hearing every secret, not yet.
"How so??" Scootaloo looked up, surprised. "Oh, sorry. I'm probably being really nosy"
"Not at all actually, maybe it's time I told someone."
"Really!!??" Scootaloo asked completely stunned.
"Yup" Rainbow thought telling someone else would make herself upset, but her friends were right, it helped take the weight off her shoulders.
The sun was still setting as the sky kept its calming orange-pink colour. Both marvelled at the window before Scootaloo began to un mount from the bed.
"Wait, where're you going kid?"
"I better move, thank you for everything. And I'm sorry for causing trouble" There was a hint of sadness in her voice as she spoke.
"At this time, on your own??"
"I'm used to it, it's not that far"
Rainbow gave Scootaloo a stern look to which Scootaloo couldn't argue with, she couldn't get out of this one. She let up a slight groan as a sign of surrender returned to the spot where she sat.
"Seems like we have a lot in common. You know the day isn't over yet, and I'm not letting you go anywhere unsupervised how about we become sisters...just for a day" they looked at the sun, still setting. "Or whatever's left of it. Of course if-"
Rainbow sentence was interrupted as Scootaloo glomped her, and began to sob softly. Rainbow patted her back, calming Scootaloo's tears and apparently setting off her own in the process, upon seeing this Scootaloo began crying again and they both consoled each other. A caring moment was shared between the two.
Once they'd expressed their feelings, Rainbow reached out for the canister Pinkie had left for her.
"So, Are you up for a feast?"
Scootaloo's tummy growled. "Uh, maybe??"
They both laughed and began to eat. Sharing stories, exchanging thoughts. For the first time they both forgot their troubles as they both found someone to share it with. The void had been filled.
Soon night time fell upon them as the rested soundly. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all.
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1 An Introduction - Setting the Scene
The school bell rang. Rainbow ambled down the long corridor, reflecting deeply. It seemed to last endlessly. It was deserted and empty and even though she'd hate to admit.... lonely, almost mirroring the current emotions that were painfully being shoved down and kept from surfacing.
The lockers were a metallic, deep sea-green. Each locker, however, had a slightly unique shade than the other. Her locker, a brighter shade of sea-green, in particular read "Rainbow's Awesome Locker- Don't touch!! " in carefully sprayed rainbow-coloured, bubble-written graffiti that she'd tagged personally on the front of the locker. She twisted the combination skillfully, no effort included. As the door opened, many heavy books tumbled out of the locker onto the marble hallway floor. Rainbow let out a heavy-hearted sigh of frustration, reluctantly shoved each book into any open space of the messy container of a locker she could see, slammed the locker shut and locked it afterwards. She then continued her ambling down the hall towards the exit.
Today was a cheery day, or at least meant to be one. A day to pass time with those who are the first ever friends one receives immediately from birth, those who've been there for support and accompany you through every stage of life.... those who are family.
"Well... I guess it's back to the same routine, huh?" Rainbow thought to herself. She'd hoped at least one of her friends would've been free so as to spend the day with them, her expectations of that happening weren't that high, as she already expected something like this to be the result. It wasn't like she had to hang out with them 24/7, they needed their personal space as much as she did and it wasn't like she lived a lonesome, miserable life or felt like she needed to be in someone's company constantly. She just figured maybe it would've been nicer to have an etxra somepony to stay with at home with, right? Rainbow had fans and friends there was no need to feel lonely. But for some reason practising stunts to pass time or watching videos wouldn't be the same, though the TV on her mind would wander off, and trying stunts in mid-air would prove dangerous without any proper concentration, which she kept losing, anyway. Nothing just seemed to want to work out as far as she was concerned.
Family Day, which was celebrated throughout Equestria was a well known holiday, all schools and workplaces would close early on the pretence of people getting to spend the whole day with the ones they called family. Her thoughts skipped back to this afternoon before school closed.
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"Twilight and AppleJack are immediately crossed off the list, and Rarity said something about taking Sweetie Belle to an amusement park near Canterlot." Her thoughts bounced from one friend to another. She soon spotted a certain pink haired pony, who looked like she was waiting in anticipation for someone.
" Pinkie, got any plans for today??....Uh Pinkie??"
Rainbow frowned, perplexed at her cotton-candy friend who was negligent to her words. She stepped closer to Pinkie, raising her voice so she could be heard.
" Hey Pinkie, I-!!" Rainbow's words were immediately cut off.
"MAUDE!!!" screamed Pinkie almost taking her sister and Rainbow ,who was already aware of her, by surprise.
"The college let us take a day off today" Maude spoke in a dry almost robotic tone that sounded like its host body was in a complete state of boredom not capable of feeling anything, which everypony knew was false of course. At certain times, especially when a loved one's life is at stake, Maude proved herself to be very affectionate. " So do you still wanna go to tha-" another interruption from Pinkie Pie.
"YES!!" She squealed ,not giving her dear sister a chance to finish, squeezing her sister in a hug so hard, Rainbow was worried that Maude would pass out any moment from now. Pinkie ceased her death-grip on Maude and spun round facing her now disheartened friend. "What was it you were saying?" questioning in her sing-song voice.
"Oh, it's nothing" lied Rainbow. It took only minutes to break what remaining hope she had left, but she wasn't gonna let it show.
"Okie-Dokie-Lokie" she replied before skipping alongside Maude out of the school.
Pinkie was now crossed off the list. Fluttershy was next. Rainbow searched the school gardens. She found the shy, pale pegasus frolicking with the animals, Barry the bear cradling her in his large, hairy paws. The other animals were either playing or chatting with each other almost as if a little get together was being held. They seemed to be in such great harmony.... Rainbow found no encouragement to even try, what was the point in ruining a thing like this.
She was once again crushed and suddenly the day felt like it'd just gotten longer.
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4 A Conclusion with a New Beginning
The school cafeteria was filled with great chatter as the ponies ate their lunches.
"No, it's true it really did happen!"
"Sure it did, Pinkie" Applejack began lifting her tray and tidying the scraps of brown and white, takeout papers that were originally made for her now eaten sandwich.
The group laughed in amusement as Pinkie Pie began explaining about her weird adventures of a supposedly 'normal' weekend.
One by one they began to clean up their trays and head for their classrooms. Rainbow watched from the table as she saw Scootaloo, she as well was conversing with her friends. Scootaloo, who was now in eye contact with her new sister, gave an excited wave. Rainbow laughed returning the greeting in a similar, but slightly controlled, manner. Today she was going to surprise Scootaloo with something BIG. She checked once more to see if the papers were still in her bag.
"Still here" she noted
As Twilight stood up she turned round to speak "Aren't you coming?"
"Uh sure" with the support of her crutches, Rainbow stood up and moved on to her next class.
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END
