Rainbow Stripes - Element of Compassion

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.