Furious wind blew past Lightning Dust’s face. The speed and fury of it curled her wings as she came into formation with the turbulence. Nothing seemed to be able to stop her determination.
“You ready?” Rainbow Dash called.
Lightning Dust winked at her as they were coming close to the center of Ponyville. Ponies gently walking saw nothing but blurs of rainbow and yellow streaks as they passed.
The blue mare pulled her back the opposite and halted in her approach.
Rainbow Dash’s voice could be heard in the distance as Lightning Dust roared through town. She squinted and veered right as she came into a table. The wooden furniture flew into the air towards the waiter who was unfortunately carrying a couple’s dinner. Dust came before them as stallions and mares screamed in disgust.
As the dust dissipated, the crowd groaned and gasped.
Lightning Dust was brought back to consciousness.
“Um…” She climbed off the waiter and noticed she was covered in hay.
The mare that stood before her was now taking a glimpse at what seemed to be an expensive coat, now ruined by cherry sauce oozing through the fur. She wiped off the sweet liquid to only see stained clothing. The surprise of Lightning’s’ face struck her to curl her mouth in to keep from laughing at the hilarious sight. [Surprised as Lightning Dust was, she had to fight to keep from laughing at such a hilarious sight.] The mare’s eyes darted to the pony that her coat.
“Do you know what you've done, huh?! My glamorous coat now ruined!”
“Lightning Dust, what did you do?” Rainbow Dash finally caught up to her, now seeing the wreckage.
She quickly came to her friend who unfortunately seemed to be the cause. Lightning Dust bursted out in laughter at the mare, which only grew angrier.
“Young lady, what is so funny? I’ll have you know this was a gift from my daughter, my only daughter,” She said with the saddened voice of her royal accent drooping with expression. “And as if it couldn't get any worse, you ruined my dinner.”
Lightning Dust’s laughing grew louder. Rainbow Dash frowned and spoke.
“Ma’am, I’m so sorry about your coat, and my friend is sorry, too.” Rainbow Dash looked down at her friend still cackling on the ground in a ball. “She wasn't paying attention to where she was going.”
She grabbed a towel sitting on the ground that fell off the waiter and came close to her.
“No, no, no, I’ll take care of it.” She said, snatching the towel away and damping the already dry-stained coat.
Rainbow Dash rushed to Lightning Dust, who smiled amusingly while they came across a corner.
“Lightning Dust, somepony could have been hurt.”
“Yeah but did you see that mare’s new mane color?” She chuckled. “It was bright red!”
Rainbow Dash shook off the attempt to laugh. “Didn't you hear me back there?”
“I heard something that sounded like you but kept going,” she said, brushing the hay from her fur. “Wanted to see how good I was.”
It had happened before, but Rainbow Dash didn't realize it was going to get this much worse. She admired Lightning’s acknowledgement of a challenge, but risking someone getting hurt was out of the question. She sighed and touched her stomach, which growled with a vibration.
“Hungry?” Lightning Dust replied with a slight smile.
She tensed and tightened her face, which made her thoughts roam.
“Yeah,” she said, biting her lip. “Want to go to The Hay Burger?”
“Sure!” Lightning Dust readied her wings. “Race ya--”
“No--” Rainbow Dash exhaled. “Let’s just walk; I’m kind of tired.”
“Alright,” said Lightning Dust, kicking the ground in spite. Her hooves carried dirt that was still tracking hay. “Let’s go.”
“Cool!”
The walk down to the nearby restaurant was something Lightning Dust had been anticipating for a while now, not to mention how much she adored food.
***
“So how has the weather control been recently?” said Rainbow Dash, staring at the ground. “Anything new on your end?”
“Well let’s see…I was going to set a new record for myself in the Cloud Race-” --she gazed up into the partly-cloudy sky--
“But Cloud Chaser got in my way at the turn pike and she flew into some rain clouds after I accidentally hit her, so I’ll have to try again later.”
“Is she alright?”
“I don’t know. I didn't check.”
Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow as she looked at her friend. Lightning-- can you really be-- no. She can’t be.
“So besides that,” Rainbow Dash blatantly stared at Lightning Dust, who, despite having just been in an accident, was still going strong. “What else happened?”
“Not much, just regular weather business.” Lightning Dust quietly peered at Rainbow Dash. “Why?”
“Nothing.” Lightning Dust smirked.
“So what is it like in the castle?” Lightning Dust veered her eyes toward the west of town, where Twilight’s tower stood strongly and proudly with sparkles of crystal. “Been on any cool explorations?”
“It’s awesome!” Rainbow Dash flew up in the air, furiously flapping her wings.
“You've got to come with me sometime!”
“Heh, you bet!” Lightning Dust tapped her friend in the neck. “It’s a date.”
Rainbow Dash touched her cheek.
“Speaking of dates--” She tipped her head right, closing her eyes. “Hearts and Hooves Day is coming up, so do you--”“
“We’re here!” Lightning Dust tapped Rainbow Dash with her hooves, pointing to the restaurant with a wooden structure.
***
“Hello and welcome to Hay Burger! What can I get cha?” the waiter asked. He was a slim pony, no doubt, but his silver silky mane was quite similar to Lightning Dust’s. “Would you like to try our new Mysterious Hay Decker? Mighty tasty!”
Rainbow Dash grazed her hoof under her chin. “Sure, I’ll take that.” It wasn't everyday she came to eat here, and she only heard about it from Twilight. But she decided that she couldn't lose by eating whatever the waiter suggested.
“Ok….” The waiter turned to the mare sitting next to him. “Lightning Dust! What’s up?”
“Nothing much, Chanced. Nothing much. I’ll have the same.”
Okay, coming right up.” said Chanced, quickly moving from the table and leading into the back of the building.
Rainbow Dash tilted her head to the side. Lightning Dust had never mentioned being a regular here but then again, Rainbow had never asked.
“So come here often?”
Lightning Dust’s eyes widened after she examined her hoof.
“Huh? Oh yeah.” She strung her hooves down her silky mane. “I come here when I don’t have much time on my hands, which is about half of the time.”
“So what’s the usual?” Rainbow Dash pointed to the ticket left on the table by Chanced. It had slight cursive written down.
“It’s what you ordered.” She pointed here hoof at Rainbow Dash. “Do you even know what it is?”
“No, but can you tell me?”
The mare smiled ecstatically. “It’s totally awesome, Dash--” Lightning Dust explained her choice with unique gestures. “It has five different types of flavored hay stacked on top of each other, so it’s really tasty! But that’s not the best part…”
Rainbow Dash’s mouth stood ajar. Lightning Dust continued as she stood from her seat and leaned close to her.
“…You never know what type of hay you’re getting. The suspense keeps me coming back for more!”
Rainbow Dash amusingly smiled. “Wow!”
“I know, right?!” She returned to her seat, now excited. “It only began selling a month ago but since then, it’s been really popular. Just look around.”
Rainbow Dash looked around the restaurant, which was mighty full of young stallions and mares. Waiters moved and zipped through the spaces between tables giving plates of burgers which were topped in huge piles of hay. All of them looked the same: five layers of various brown with the delicate bun laying elegantly on top and lettuce and tomato waiting beneath it dripping in beige-colored sauce on a white plate.
“Here you go…” Chanced came galloping to their table in a rush. His horn glowed as he carried two white plates.
He laid a plate down in front of Rainbow Dash which showed a medium- sized burger with brown hay, bright colored lettuce, bright red apples slices between two brown buns . Rainbow Dash licked her lips as she gazed at her meal.
“And here you are, Lightning Dust...”
He laid down another one of the burgers everypony else was having, but with a side of hay fries.
“Thanks Chanced,.” said Lightning Dust.
“You’re more than welcome. Enjoy your meal!” Chanced sped away into the back to his post to take more orders.
“Let’s dig in.” Lightning Dust said, sinking into her teeth into the already leaking sandwich.
“So what do you think about Hearts and Hooves Day?” Rainbow Dash asked. Lightning Dust paused.
“Any thoughts?” Rainbow Dash asked again.
She stopped in her tracks and grabbed a napkin from the holder before her. “Not really…” She wiped the gooey beige sauce from her mouth. “I don’t really pay much attention to that kind of thing.”
“Why not?”
Lightning Dust stared at her meal with her eyelids getting heavy. “I don’t know… I just haven’t.”
In the midst of responding, she bumped into her drink which unsteadily slipped down sideways. The liquid closed in toward Rainbow Dash, drenching her in purple, not to mention her meal, now soaking wet. The restaurant began to quiet down as everypony stared at the commotion.
“Well, I guess that’s one way to eat it,” Lightning Dust replied. “Let me cle--”“
“That’s it!” Rainbow Dash yelled, standing up in front of the table. “I didn't want to believe it, but I guess it’s true.”
Lightning Dust sat puzzled. “What are you talking about?”
“Why are you so selfish?”
“Selfish?!” Lightning Dust stood up. “What the hay are you talking about?”
“What about Cloud Chaser? She could have been hurt, not to mention the accident that happened this afternoon.” A tear shined down her face.
“It. was. an. accident.” Lightning Dust put emphasis on her words. “She got in my way. And that thing this morning was just a minor incident.”
“I’m sorry, Lightning Dust, but…” A tremble came into her voice. “I’m afraid we can’t be together anymore…”
“Wha…” Lightning Dust stood in shock. “A-Are you saying you…don’t want to be friends anymore?”
“I guess so…”
“No, dash…” Lightning Dust moved closer. “I can’t let it end this way…not like this.”
“Then how do you want it?! Rainbow Dash sniffed. “You think I want to do this?”
“Rainbow Dash… I don’t want to…”
“Just go…Okay?”
Lightning Dust stood frowning with a slight groan. Rainbow Dash looked at her, tears shedding to the floor.
“Fine, whatever…” Lightning Dust moved past the table to the other side of the building. She stopped.
“You know what Dash?” Lightning Dust moved back. “I used to think that you were the perfect friend—“
“What?” Rainbow Dash whispered.
”But it seems we both still have some searching to do…later, Dash.” She flew out the door into the night.
The restaurant was completely silent; all eyes were on Rainbow Dash. She wanted to believe that Lightning Dust would improve, but it had just become too much.
“Chanced.” Rainbow Dash replied. Chanced stood before a couple.
“Yes?”’ he asked.
“I’ll be paying.”
***
Its two days before heart’s and hooves day and the alicorn of love and kindness has her hooves full. Every year during the chilly months, princess Cadence plans for action to ensure that everypony is happy on that special day. She ventures throughout Equestria visiting each place to ensure all faults in relationships between ponies are cared for.
“Two day left,” Cadence quickly galloped across her room, immensely going between posts. “hmm…”
A mirror glistened in the distance slightly reflecting the morning sun that rose slowly above the horizon. A mare with a brightly colored mane appeared as Cadence viewed it clearly. The tip of her muzzle quivered while she carefully poked it. In the eyes of herself, she could see a tired Cadence, now only having one more place to visit before the final day. Her rest had been very limited and last night had been the first constant in days.
“Ponyville, here I come.” She said, gently rubbing her hooves down her mane.
The day in Ponyville had just begun and as a distressed Twilight moves back and forth in the castle, Rainbow Dash sits in her chair looking at a picture of her and Lightning Dust. They both cheered that day because it was the first time they had met. They tapped hooves and had a generous laugh where a photographer took a photo. This was the last time saw each for a while.
“So let me see if I understand-“Twilight stops in her tracks and gazes at Rainbow Dash. “She accidentally had little commotion earlier yesterday and because it caused you to think she was selfish?”
“It wasn't just a little commotion Twilight; she’s been this way since I met her.” Rainbow Dash sets down the picture and moves closer to Twilight. “I just didn't say anything.”
“Well…I think you should go find her.” said Twilight, her horn glows as she picks up a book from the middle of the floor. The chairs sparkled in the sunlight that revealed the elements of harmony crescents. “If she’s your friend, she’ll listen.”
“Yeah, but one thing though…” Rainbow Dash placed her hoof on her face. “I kind of ended our friendship.”
The book slapped on the ground, leaving Twilight’s mouth open. “You what?!”
“Twilight, the circumstances called for it.”
“What circumstances?! You can’t just break off a friendship!”
“She hit Cloud Chaser without even checking to see it she was okay.” Rainbow dash turned to the stained glass window. “And yesterday she ruined a mare’s coat and laughed!”
Twilight rubbed her chin. “That is rather rude…”
“I want to be her friend but I can’t be with someone who would hurt my friends.”
“Have you ever thought about telling her how you feel?”
“I have but I didn't want to lose her. She’s the only one who I could count on to race with.” Rainbow Dash rubbed the window. “No matter when I asked.”
Twilight moved slowly to her and put her hooves around her back. “We need to see the others…maybe they can help.”
The train screeched to a halt as the station of Ponyville crowded with ponies. Everyone wanted to see who was coming and huddled beside the train car.
“Move aside! Princess Cadence approaching!”
The train car’s door opens where Cadence stepped onto the pavement looking around in grace. The ponies cheered with joy as the royal guards stood by her where she walked to the town.
“Hello everyone.” Cadence moved forward to see a Twilight standing before her.
“Oh-Twilight.”
“Hi princess.” She galloped toward Cadence who put their hooves around each other.
“Hello. How have you been?”
“I’m fine. But my friend Rainbow Dash needs help.” Said Twilight.
“Oh dear. Take me to her right away.”
As Cadence went to help console a now sadden Rainbow Dash, Lightning Dust went on to continue work as usual. In Cloudsdale, she continued to train around the clouds kicking them as she went.
“Okay…” She thrust her hooves toward a white cloud, pushing it aside. Lying on top of it, she peaked over to see Ponyville. Ponies walking among themselves continued with their day, undisturbed. With the sun shining bright in the noon, everyone went for early lunch around this time.
“Selfish…” The thoughts swirled in her head, remembering yesterday.
“I've lost my only friend. It just isn't the same.” She flips over staring at the clear blue sky.
“I might as well apologize to Cloudchaser.” She looks out to amount of clouds still left looking at the group of ponies still working. A couple kicking while others push them to others. Lightning Dust flew over to one of the ponies, kicking a cloud.
“Hey, have you seen Cloudchaser?”
The Stallion shook his head continuing with her motion.
“Hmm…Where could she be?” Her eyes scanned the area. There wasn't that many ponies around.
“She must be in Ponyville.” She slowly lowers down, thinking about what she wanted to say and rubbed her face gently.
Lightning Dust lands in the middle of the town in the multitude of ponies walk each way. Right by town hall laid Cloudchaser, taking a bite of a sandwich.
“Hey, Cloudchaser!” Lightning Dust yelled as the unsuspecting pony turned to see the mare charging for her.
“Don’t hurt me!” She curled into a ball, trembling.
“What?” Lightning Dust paused by the steps of the structure. “I don’t want to hurt you. I just came to apologize.”
“Really.”
“Yes. It was an accident but you should really watch where you’re going.”
“Excuse me?! That’s not going to cut It.” said Cloudchaser standing up abruptly.
“Huh?”
“I want a real apology! Not some sad excuse!
“But I—“
“Listen, if you can’t apologize to me right…just leave me alone.”
Lightning Dust twitched.*Sigh* “Okay…I’m sorry I hit you earlier.”
Cloudchaser looked around and scuffed the ground.
“Yeah, I know. I was just crossing.” Cloudchaser stood up.
“I didn't see you there and I guess I wasn't paying attention.”
“You guess?”
“So I wasn't paying any attention at all. I’m sorry.”
“Well, I’m sorry too, but I can’t accept it.
“Why not?” Lightning Dust held out a hoof. “But can we at least be friends?”
Cloudchaser hesitated and slowly hit her hoof. “No.”
“Wha—“Lightning Dust turned to her side in shock.
“Not really.” said Cloudchaser rubbing her frizzy mane. “I just completed my work. I’m eating lunch, do you mind?”
“I’m apologizing!” said Lighting Dust. “I’m really trying.”
“You’re talking but I don’t see your heart in it.” Cloudchaser took a bite of her sandwich.
“My heart?” Lightning Dust rubbed her hoof.
“Yes, your heart.” Cloudchaser said.
“Okay. I’m really sorry I hit you and I should have been paying attention—“
“There you go!” Cloudchaser yelled. “That’s an apology.”
Cloud chaser handed Lightning Dust a sandwich. “Here.”
“Um…thanks.”
***
Rainbow Dash continued to tell everyone about the yesterday and what her reasons were. She sat on the table while the rest crowded around. Cadence came shortly behind the rest.
“Dash, maybe it would behoove you to see her.” said Rarity. “She might be looking for you right now.”
“She’s right.” Twilight said. “She is in this friendship as much as you are, if that bond is that strong—“
“You’ll find each other again.” Applejack said. “It’ll be all right, Rainbow.”
“I couldn't agree more.” said Cadence, moving toward Rainbow Dash. “This isn't the end. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Plus, we’ll be there with you every step of the way!” said Pinkie Pie putting her hoof around Rainbow Dash.
“Okay, thanks guys.” Rainbow Dash lifted her head. “It’s nice to know I can count on you.”
“Just remember that the love in a friendship goes a long way.” Cadence replied. “I’m afraid I must go now, Hearts and Hooves Day is slowly nearing and I must attend to the town.”
“She’ll be back tomorrow, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight replied, opening the door for Cadence. “She has to make sure everypony is taken care of.”
The others watched as she developed into the distance outside of the window.
“I want to find her.” Rainbow Dash stood up. “Now.”
“Rainbow Dash, you don’t know where she is.” Twilight said. “And even if you did, do you know what you want to say to her?”
“…No, But I have to try.” she said.
“Perhaps it would be best for you to look now.” Fluttershy said. “The more we wait, the more miserable you’ll be.”
“She’s right!” said Pinkie Pie. “All of us have a part in this and if it takes all night—“
“Then so be it.” said Rarity.
***
As the mares launched into the town with high hopes, the town was readying for the holiday. There were balloons and gifts throughout the buildings while ponies conversed in enthusiasm.
“So why did you make a sandwich?” said Lightning Dust taking her last bit. "Its good."
“Thanks.” Cloudchaser replied, closing her lunch box. “I made it myself sometimes.”
Lightning Dust licked the bits of bread left on her muzzle while looking out into the distance.
“You know Lightning Dust,” Cloudchaser placed her lunch box on top of the railing. “From what you told me, its sounds like Rainbow Dash
really cares about you.”
“But why would she call me selfish?” Lightning Dust raise her eyebrows. “I was just being funny.”
“How about thinking about her for once?” Cloudchaser moved to the steps. “If she’s brave enough to tell you about your faults, she must care.”
“I miss her…”
“I know you miss her but…” Cloudchaser rubbed her chin. “Try to think about what you say or do before you say it.”
“Hmm…”
“Well, I have to go home. Are you going to be okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.”
“Okay then, bye.” Cloudchaser flew into the air.
“Bye…”
Lightning Dust stood there, watching the mare vanish into the distance as the sun began to descend. She had only begun to think that something might be wrong with her. No words could come to her mind as to how she would see Rainbow Dash.
***
As the day slowly began to end, Cadence trotted among the town, helping the last few ponies prepare for the day.
“Are you set?” Cadence said, patting filly dressed in painted hearts.
“Yay!”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She laughed, watching the filly rush off the opposite direction.
Cadence looked at the sunset finally descending under the horizon. The moonlight began to set where she stood, shimmering the sparkle in her mane.
“Well, I guess that’s it.” Cadence began to trot among the town. “But—“
Cadence stopped. Her thoughts were interrupted but the sudden sight of a pony. The pony, frown with her mane covering her eyes, slowly came past her. She turned, looking at the mare curiously.
“Excuse me.” Cadence said politely.
The mare stopped and turned slowly. The moonlight shined in her face and as she pushed back her mane, it showed tears flowing down and eyes half closed. “What?” She replied slowly.
“Um…are you okay?”
She rubbed the tears with her hoof and replied. “No.”
Cadence closed in. “What’s wrong?”
The mare choked on her words but finally began to spoke. “Rainbow Dash doesn’t want me anymore!”
Cadence quickly came to thought that this was the mare Rainbow Dash had mentioned but just to be sure…
“So you’re the mare she was talking about.”
“Huh? You know where she is?”
Cadence frowned. “Yes, but…”
“But what?” Lightning Dust said pounding the ground.
Cadence placed her hoof on her chin. “We need to talk about something first.”
***
Rainbow Dash twisted and turned as she laid rest in her bed. The voices came toward her. Closer and closer.
“Lightning Dust!” Rainbow Dash awoke, breathing heavily.
She couldn't believe what had happened. Ever since that fatal day, she wasn't able to sleep.
“I shouldn't have done it…” Rainbow Dash whispered. “Why…”
Rainbow Dash slowly lent again her bed, looking at the moon sitting over the horizon. She rubbed her mane gently, trying to brush away the thoughts.
“I need to take a walk…”
***
“Lightning Dust…When you talk…” Cadence thought for a bit. “Do you really think about how it affects others?”
Lightning Dust stared into the puddle, viewing her subtle reflection.
“No…Why do I care?”
“Why—” Cadence stopped herself. “Because every other pony would like it. Especially Rainbow Dash.”
“That’s what Cloud chaser said.” Lightning Dust replied. “I’m selfish she said...”
“Well, what can you do to fix it?”
“I've been careless…” Lightning Dust lay upon Cadence. “And I've lost her because of it.”
“She wants to see you.” Cadence assured.
Lightning Dust stood up. “I need to get my friend back.”
“Lightning Dust…” A voice was heard in the distance. A saddened Rainbow Dash appeared behind them.
“Rainbow Dash.” Lightning Dust said. “I’m-I’m sorry. I didn't--”
“You don’t need to apologize.” Rainbow Dash said. “I’m sorry I broke off our friendship.”
Cadence smiled as the both of them hugged.
“Lightning Dust, you are special to me in every way.” Rainbow Dash said. “I want to be friends again.
“But I’m selfish…” Lightning Dust frowned. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
Rainbow Dash held Lightning Dust’s cheeks.” You are who you are. And you are my friend.”
Lightning Dust wiped her eye. “Really?”
“Yes.” She replied. “But you know, tone it down a little.”
“Yeah…of course, Dash.”
“Oh—“ Rainbow Dash pulled out a teddy bear carrying a heart. “I still have one question
“Yes?”
“Will you be my special somepony?”
“Huh? Lightning Dust backed a little.
“You know, as a friend of course.” Rainbow Dash smiled.
“Heh, funny as ever.” Lightning Dust lightly pushed Rainbow Dash. “…Sure. We’ll have the best day ever.”
“So are we good?” Cadence said.
The mares looked at each other. “Yes.”
The next day, the town celebrated Hearts and Hooves day with excitement. Ponies cheering and the restaurant full, Ponyville was in full bloom, especially Lightning Dust and Rainbow Dash, zooming through the air.
“Do it!” Lightning Dust called as they both released the balloons, falling down to the town.
The two laughed, forever spending happy days together and racing for days to come.
