Rainbow Stripes - Element of Compassion

Chapters

Shutting Down?!
Packing and Shipping
A Night in the Wild
Of Stripes and Rainbows
Prologue

Shutting Down?!

A young mare looked out her window at the full Moon that was casting light into her room. "On the darkest nights, you send me light," She murmured, "Thank you..."

"You can't...!" Her ear flicked at the sound of a distraught voice and she looked around. Her two roommates were still asleep, but there was artificial light filtering in from under the door. She quietly trotted over and pressed her ear to it. "You can't do this... You can't shut down Angel Orphanage...!" The young mare's eyes grew wide. Shut down the-?!

"I'm sorry, Miss Halo, but you didn't meet the bit requirement this month to keep this place going." Not enough...?

"That shouldn't matter...! This is a place for foals who have no home...!" She sounds like she's crying... The young mare quietly opened the door and poked her head out. Both mares stared at her in surprise. Amber Halo was a golden-tan Pegasus with an amber mane and yellow eyes. Her cutiemark was a comet with a fiery tail, looping around in a circle. The mare beside her was an Earth Pony with a dark blonde with a black mane in a loose ponytail. He cutiemark was hidden by the lavender dress she was wearing. "Rainbow, what are you doing up?" Amber Halo asked nervously.

"Is it true," I asked softly, "Is Angel Orphanage shutting down?" Tears stained Amber's cheek fur and my heart sunk.

"I'm sorry, young one," The foreign mare murmured, "But you don't have enough to keep this place running. If I could help you, trust me, I would, but-"

"I'll raise the money, then...!" I exclaimed softly. Both of them looked even more surprised at my words.

"Very well," The business mare said, "I'll give you four months. That's all the time that I'm allowed to give you, but it should be enough."

"And how much do I need to earn?" I asked timidly and the blonde mare sighed.

"Twenty-five thousand bits." My eyes grew wide, and both my ears and mouth dropped. "Four months," She repeated, "You should try to get work in Ponyville; there are plenty of ponies in need of help, there." I nodded, calming myself.

"And what's you name, in case I need to contact you?"

"Honey Bee. Yours?"

"Rainbow Stripes."

"That's a strange name, but I understand where you get it," I nodded solemnly, "Now, I suggest you leave as soon as Celestia raises the Sun." I nodded again.

"Thank you, Miss Bee." She smiled.

"No problem. This place has done wonders... It'd be a shame to see it close down."

"Indeed, it would."

"Any who, I should be on my way. My condolences, once again. I wish you luck on your quest. I'll see myself out." And with that, she was already trotting down the stairs.

"You shouldn't have intervened, Rainbow." Amber said sternly, but I met her gaze evenly.

"And let young fillies and colts be cast out to the streets? We're the only orphanage around here for miles...!"

"She's right, miss." I turned to see both Storm Trotter and Dream Quill standing in our doorway. Storm had a firm expression, while Quill had tears in her eyes. "And we're going to help." I shook my head.

"You two need to stay here and look after the foals while I'm gone. Miss Amber will need help." After a moment, they both nodded.

"You three... Have done so much for this place. But Rainbow, I don't want you going out there and getting yourself hurt...!" There were tears in Amber's eyes again, so I smiled reassuringly at her.

"Please, it's only Ponyville. What's the worst that could happen?"

Packing and Shipping

I was nervous. So nervous that I was trembling. My paranoia rate had tripled, to the point where I was making up ridiculous possibilities. What if I ran into Changelings or Timber Wolves? What if everypony hated me? What if Celestia herself came and sent me to the Moon? And what if I couldn't raise enough bits? I shook my head to clear it of such thoughts as I packed my favorite star-patterned blanket into my suitcase, as well a few notebooks and pencils. I checked my favorite gray digital watch; 5:04 A.M.. I sighed and packed my medicine in my case as well. It calmed both my Depression and ADHD. Then I packed my notebooks that already had stories, songs and poems in them. Hearing a little chirp, I looked to the side and smiled. "Of course you can come, Moe!" Moe was my pet Parasprite. He was white with big red eyes. He grinned with a small squeak of excitement, beginning to pack a miniature suitcase. He filled it with his special Parasprite food. It kept him fed, but also kept him from multiplying.

"Hey, Rainbow?" I looked at the doorway. Storm Trotter was looking at me with sad eyes. "The foals want to give you a special goodbye." I smiled sadly and nodded, finally closing my case and swinging it over my back. Moe and I followed Storm downstairs, and I teared up when I saw all of the children waiting for me. They all raced up to me.

"We're gonna miss you, Rainbow!" They chorused, and I choked back a sob.

"We have a present for you!" A little griffon by the name of Pennywish squawked, handing me a necklace. It was a simple black string, but at the end was a gold coin with a crescent Moon on it. I smiled and slipped it over my head, staring at it proudly as it dangled against my chest fur.

"Thanks, guys, it means a lot." I murmured, looking back up. Amber trotted up to me with a shaky smile.

"I love you, Rainbow," She whispered, "As if you were my own child. I watched you grow into a fine young mare, and now you're off to save the very orphanage that raised you... I'm so proud." She wrapped one of her broad, golden wings around me and I nuzzled her chin.

"I love you too, mom." She whined softly, trying to hold back a sob; I often called her mom, since she had always been one for me. "I have to go, now. But I'll be back as soon as I have the money, I promise." I started trotting out the door.

"Rainbow, wait!!" I turned around, only to be knocked to the ground by Dream Quill and Storm Trotter, who were now hugging me tightly. I looked into their eyes, Storm's pink and Quill's silver, as they stared into my gray eyes, and we all nuzzled each other before standing back up. The three of us nodded, a silent agreement that we'd see each other soon. As Moe nestled himself in the feathers of my wings, I turned and trotted off.

A Night in the Wild

Most of the land around the little town my orphanage was in was just meadow and field. A large field separated my town, Saddleburgh, from the Everfree forest, which was the quickest route to Ponyville. I heard it was dangerous and at first I was nervous, but in the face of adventure, Rainbow Stripes never backs down from a challenge! A challenge I had yet to face, because it was already growing late. "It sure is cold out here..." I muttered as Moe and I relaxed in a soft, grassy meadow. Moe shivered, as if to agree, then snuggled into my mane. I smiled and pulled out my star-patterned blanket, laying down and resting my head on my case. As I heard Moe begin to snore softly beside my ear, I gazed up at the stars and Moon, unable to find enough peace to sleep. "Oh, Luna... How am I ever going to raise enough bits in time to save Angel Orphanage...? Twenty-five thousand..." I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to relax. The patterns of the stars still danced behind my lids and the Moon still shined down upon me in the blackness of my mind.

I woke up slowly in the morning, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. I heard a tiny yawn and smiled at Moe. "Mornin', buddy." I chuckled and he blinked his sleepy eyes at me with a groggy smile. He squeaked in response nuzzling my cheek before beginning to scout around. As he flew about, I refolded my blanket and opened my case before putting it back inside. Then I reached in and retrieved an apple, smiling brightly; apples were my favorite food, after all. I munched on it happily as I watched the clouds roll by, sometimes blocking out the Sun. Once I was finished, I buried all of the seeds and the core separately. Perhaps, in a few years, this will become a field of apple trees. A small squeak brought me out of one of my many fantasies, and I grinned at Moe. "Ready to go, Moe?" He grinned back and nodded vigorously, then glanced up at the sky. "You wanna fly for a bit?" He was even more eager to nod this time. I laughed softly and swung my case over my back before stretching out my wings. "Come on, let's fly!"

As I soared through the air with Moe by my side, I noticed that the skies were clear enough to close my eyes while I flew. "Mm..." I almost immediately entered another one of my daydreams. In this one, I was one of Luna's royal guards of the night. I was fighting the Changelings, and we were winning. Take that! Haha! I grinned, performing a swift barrel roll with my hooves at front, then flashing open my wings again. They caught the wind and slowed me down to my original speed. In my mind, a Changeling was diving for my side, trying to aim for my wings, but I ducked quickly to the side and bucked him away with my hind hooves. Yes! Victory! And already, all the Changelings were falling out of the sky and to their dooms. Luna herself congratulated me for being such a brave soldier, promoting me to Major status. I beamed with pride, then sighed happily and opened my eyes to see that the bright blue skies ahead were slowly turning pink and purple in twilight's embrace. Beside me, Moe was grinning at my antics but looking a bit tired. "How about we take a break for tonight, buddy, and continue on hoof? You can rest in my wings." He looked at me gratefully and we quickly landed. To my surprise, we were already at the border of the Everfree forest. Moe shivered at the dark and looming trees before nestling himself in my feathers and letting out an exhausted sigh. What a great time to go on hoof...

Of Stripes and Rainbows

I had to admit; the Everfree forest was creepy. But I was thoroughly enjoying myself! There was so much wonder, so many mysteries and mysterious creatures! I had at one time run into a mouse that had a mane and roared. Leorat, I had called it. Moe was afraid for his life, of course, cowering in my mane. "It's okay, bud." I murmured soothingly, but try as I might, he wouldn't come out. "Hn? What's this?" Just randomly, as if by magic, I stumbled upon a small hut. Oh no, perhaps an evil witch lives in there! Like in mares' tails!! I heard humming coming from inside and let the sweet sound calm my nerves. Anypony who sings a tune as friendly as that can't be all that bad.

"Please, come inside. There's no need to hide." I gasped quietly as a head popped out of the window, but I ended up staring at her in fascination; she was a zebra, like my father had been. I stepped out of my cover in the bushes and shrubs and she smiled. "A Pegasus of stripes and rainbows. A mare no one in Ponyville knows." I nodded slowly.

"How did you know?" She chuckled and gestured for me to come inside. So, against my better judgment, I did.

"What would be your name, mare with the rainbow mane?" I tilted my head slightly, one of my ears flat in confusion.

"Rainbow Stripes." She nodded with a smile and sat.

"And the deal with the Parasprite, with eyes of red and fur of white?" I glanced at Moe, who was peeking curiously out of my mane.

"This is Moe. He's one of my best friends. What's your name?"

"Zecora."

"Exotic." She nodded again with a quiet chuckle.

"What exactly are you doing here? Civilization is nowhere near."

"I could ask the same of you. And why're you always rhyming?" Zecora laughed softly.

"It is a curse that I cannot lift, but sometimes it can be a gift. And I live in this forest, because I'm a potionist." I relaxed.

"Oh... Cool!" I squeaked excitedly. "Hey, could you tell me which direction Ponyville is?"

"If you wish to make it there by day, Ponyville is over that way." She pointed with her hoof, her bangles clinking together, and I smiled.

"Awesome! Thanks, miss Zecora!"

"Anytime, the pleasure is mine."

"Could I come visit you when I have the chance?" She grinned and nodded. "Sweet. Well, I'll see you later then, I have to hurry. Say goodbye, Moe!" With a quick chirp of goodbye from my Parasprite, we quickly left. "She was nice." I said happily, and Moe nodded with a broad smile.

Prologue

It was always dark and cold in the orphanage at night. Everyone was nice, especially the foals. But only a kind mare named Amber Halo ran the place, so we couldn't afford much. Sure, we had food, water, and shelter, but the roof often leaked and some of the children went to bed hungry some nights. I would often steal food from the market to feed the ones who didn't get a lot of meals. Storm Trotter, a gray Pegasus colt with a dark blue mane and a hard hat-shaped cloud for a cutie mark, often made repairs where he could. He had been here for as long as I had and had been my best friend for as long as I could remember. Dream Quill, a light purple unicorn mare with lavender hair and a moon and quill for her cutie mark, often helped us. She had also been here for as long as I, and was my other best friend, as well as Storm's. They sometimes stole materials from the market, as well. Though Amber Halo knew about our antics and didn't really approve, she never tried to stop us. We didn't have anything else to do, really. Every month we would watch a foal or two get adopted, or a foal or two come to stay. Nopony adopted us, though. Who wants a Pegasus who's afraid of heights, a zebra-Pegasus hybrid, or a unicorn with an eye that can't see straight? I'm the zebra one, by the way. I was born from a zebra colt and a Pegasus mare, but dropped off here because they couldn't care for me… But that's alright. That's what my cutie mark tells me, at least. It's a rainbow-striped heart with a bandage on it. I got it when I first arrived to the orphanage. A young hippogriff was sad because nopony would adopt him. But I gave him some advice and hope, and he became the happiest creature I knew! And that was when my cutie mark appeared. Amber says that it stands for how I care for others and "mend their hearts". I wonder if she's right? It kind of matches my name… Rainbow Stripes.