Chapter One: Courage Through and Through
Chapter One: Courage Through and Through
Just A Wish
By: Nacala
Chapter One: Courage Through and Through
The autumn morning was greeted with the beautiful sun that was barely touching the orange sky. The air was crisp and cool, a breath of it would make any creature feel relaxed. The trees danced to the light breeze, flowing north towards the capital city of Canterlot. The birds chirped to welcome in the new day.
One young pegasus was still sleeping. Warm and cozy, deep underneath her colorful lightning bolt blanket. Rainbow Dash awoke to the morning's call. The darkness that was covered by her magenta eyes was soon being interrupted by the light shining through the window. Rainbow Dash slowly pushed herself in an upright position. She leaned up against her pillow and rubbed her sleepy eyes. As she was trying to make everything clear. She stretched out her sore limbs, trying to alleviate some of the stiffness from her body.
Rainbow forced herself out of bed dragging her lifeless body to the kitchen to make herself breakfast. She loved being lazy in the morning, it made her feel relaxed before conquering the day. She looked over at the clock and smiled at the thought that she still had some time to do some early morning flying. She quickly finished the last of her breakfast and zipped straight into her room and got herself ready. Well, at least, ready in Rainbow Dash’s terms. She never truly cared very much about how she looked since she was going to be performing her athletic pursuits.
Rainbow trotted back towards the kitchen and poured her tortoise's breakfast into his bowl. He was a late sleeper and did not eat until the afternoon, but Rainbow Dash always made sure his dish was full in the morning. She then let her wings lift her above the ground as she flew to the courtyard of her cloud home.
She scanned the clear sky like a radar, making sure that nothing was in her way. As her heart beated with excitement, she took off to the sky, shooting off the ground like a firework exploding it's brilliant colors. She did flips and sharp turns feeling the wind in her mane run down her coat to the tip the tail. She pushed herself faster and faster, the sky was her true home. Keeping clear and bright so that she can perform her awesome stunts. Her cyan coat blended with the sky as she left a colorful trail behind her.
When she reached her top speed she started going into a roller coaster motion. Going zig zag, up and down, even throwing in loopty loops. She then started spinning into a colorful tornado, making everything around her light up the sky. As she broke free of her tornado, she let gravity take over and fell she towards Ponyville.
As Rainbow Dash got closer to the ground, she spread her wings out like a parachute trying to slow her landing. Rainbow Dash went into a ninety-degree angle shooting like a star across the sky. She was enjoying every minute of her flight until she heard a familiar yet annoying voice.
“Rainbow Dash,” sang an annoying pink pony
“Ugh, Pinkie can’t you ever leave me alone?” muttered Rainbow Dash under breath.
Rainbow Dash sped up, trying to get away from the bouncing pony. Pinkie Pie transitioned into a full out gallop to keep up with the getaway pegasus.
“Wait, Dashie I have to tell you something.”
“Not now Pinkie Pie.”
“But, but Rainbow Dash you're going to……”
Pinkie Pie ran faster and faster trying to grab the cyan pegasus’ attention. Rainbow Dash pinned her ears against her skull starting to get angry. She gritted her teeth and kept muttering under her breath about Pinkie Pie. Her ears then pointed back up towards the sky when she heard another voice one that was rather meek but concerning.
“Look out.”
Rainbow then looked in front of her and before she even had time to react. BOOM! Rainbow Dash slammed face first into a tree. She landed on tree branch unaware of what happening. Her mind was too dizzy to grab hold of what was happening.
Fluttershy landed gently on the tree branch that Rainbow Dash was on. She looked at the dizzy mare with concerning look hoping that she was ok. Then she looked a little past Rainbow to see Pinkie Pie coming up to the tree. It took all her strength not to laugh. Of course being Pinkie, no great force in the world can keep her from bursting out into laughter.
“Hahahaha, oh Rainbow Dash…..hahaha! I was going to tell you to look out for the tree….hahaha.”
Fluttershy glared straight at Pinkie, “Pinkie, knock it off Rainbow could have been hurt.”
“I’m fine, ok,” Rainbow claimed, rubbing her aching head.
Fluttershy lent a hoof to Rainbow to help her up. They both then flew down to the ground by Pinkie only to be greeted by their friends Twilight and Rarity
“Hey girls, what's going on?” Twilight replied with an enthusiastic voice.
“Oh, Rainbow Dash crashed into a tree again. I think she has made an Equestrian record of crashing into the most things in one month. I even have a list.” Pinkie replied pulling out of her puffy pink a very long scroll the rolled about three feet.
“I don’t think I’ve crashed into that many things, but anyway what are you doing here anyway?”
"Well Rarity and I were headed towards the market place and we saw you crash into the tree." Twilight answered.
"Seriously darling you should really watch your ruffian flying you could hurt yourself." Rarity uttered with great concern.
"Oh stop your worrying Rar you know that's just how I roll." Rainbow vocalized with confidence .
"Well I guess I can't argue with that." Rarity voicing in agreement.
"Rarity we should get going before the market place gets crowded." Twilight spoke.
"Of course darling. Alright see you girls later."
Without a moment to spare Rarity and Twilight made their way towards the market just leaving the three ponies to go about their day. Pinkie pie then looked over at the big clock tower not realizing the time. She was babysitting the cake twins today as Mr. and Mrs. Cake had huge orders to fill. Like the crazy pony she is she bounced like kangaroo saying goodbye the two Pegasi.
"Well I have to get going Rainbow I have much stuff to get done at home today." Fluttershy exclaimed.
Fluttershy waved goodbye to Rainbow and made her down the path towards town. Until out of nowhere Rainbow Dash appeared flying upside down right in front of her face. Each of their muzzles pushed up against each other.
"Wait Flutters do mind if I tag along and hang out? Ponyville is kind of dull." Rainbow Dash asked with hopeful smile.
Not wanting to upset her friend. Fluttershy nodded with a soft smile. Rainbow Dash's grin grew. She landed on the ground beside her friend and they both trotted into towns square and making their to Fluttershy's cottage. Moments later the pegasi were in the pasture area where Fluttershy kept all her animals.
It was late afternoon Fluttershy started feeding all her different common and exotic animals. Rainbow Dash sat back on the tea table just watching. She looked around observing the various animals that had competed in the best pet competition.
The rambunctious pegasus was starting to get bored and asked Fluttershy if she needed help. Of course Fluttershy had more than enough chores to be helped with. Rainbow soon started to clean the various bird cages around the cottage. She gagged and covered her nose from the repulsive smell. She was never use to this kinda stuff.
Trying to being nice enough Fluttershy let Rainbow Dash know that she was not doing the best at the job. Rainbow just backed off and let Fluttershy handle it. The cyan pony soon started to notice how Fluttershy was handling herself.
She had confidence in her eyes. Such pride in what she does. When it came to her animals nothing could stop her. That's how Rainbow Dash felt with flying. She soon started to wonder why Fluttershy was not big on flying. Rainbow always knew that she was not the strongest flier but what she did she have against it.
Flying was in her blood. However she uses her wings more for carrying supplies then for flying. As Rainbow Dash sat on the thought. She had an idea. Since she promised to help Fluttershy with her flying she decided maybe this would be the day.
"Hey Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash's voice was strangely hesitant.
"Fluttershy stopped what she was doing and looked at Rainbow who was biting her lip.
"Yes Rainbow Dash?"
"Do you want to go flying?"
Fluttershy was taken aback. She looked away mumbling each of her words. She always felt inferior to Rainbow Dash. Her high strung extraverted attitude against her own introverted shy attitude. Flying with her made her feel in embarrassed for even when Rainbow Dash is going slow she still has trouble keeping up.
Fluttershy looked back at Rainbow who was waiting for a response. The blue pegasus face looked desperate. How could she say no she had been so patient with her today and many times before. She breathed in slowly through nostrils and out with mouth letting the warm breath of fresh air course through her body.
"Sure."
They both found themselves flying a little high above the treetops around Ponyville that lead into Whitetail woods. Fluttershy looked like she was enjoying herself. However Rainbow wanted to push her to go faster. She looked above her head and noticed the winds was pushing on faster. She looked at Fluttershy and looked back at high wind.
"Hey Fluttershy see the high speed winds. Let's ride them out they look like fun."
"Well.......um....I'm not sure. They don't look safe."
"Oh come on there not even going that fast. We will only ride them for a little bit."
"I don't want to Rainbow Dash. I don't feel comfortable."
Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to protest but stopped herself. She knew better than to push Fluttershy like that. Even though the shy pegasus can do more than she thought. When she turn to speak to Fluttershy she notice that she had already landed the ground. Rainbow Dash flew towards her to see what her commotion was about now
"Hey Rainbow Dash that was fun but I think I going to walk home now. It's starting to get dark and I really don't like flying in the dark." Fluttershy said with a squeaky yet scared voice.
" But we barely did any real flying. Come on just little bit more. I promise nothing will happen."
"I have to go home and care for the baby bunnies. They're scared of the dark and I need to sing them to sleep so they won't be frightened. I'm sorry maybe another time."
Fluttershy started walking home. Rainbow tried to stop but there was no convincing Fluttershy. She knew that once she made up her mind there was no changing it. Unless their was something or someone was in danger than she would be in air in ten seconds flat. Rainbow Dash remembered all the times an animal was in danger. Fluttershy was like rocket flying at breakneck speed. Rainbow's ears perked up. A light bulb lit up her head she had an idea to get the pegasus really flying the way she should.
"Hey, Fluttershy wait. You have to come quickly I just saw one of your birds get caught within high wind." Rainbow Dash send frantically.
"WHAT! Oh no that poor little bird must be so scared. Come on Rainbow we have to go after her."
Fluttershy took off quicker than she ever did before going high above the clouds with Rainbow Dash behind her. She watched the pegasus flap her wings rapidly. She was struggling but she pushed on Rainbow Dash smiled knowing she could do it. They both breezed through the high winds. Letting it take them far through the sky.
Fluttershy's confidence grew with each flap. She scanned the sky like a radar looking for the so called bird that was in trouble. Both pegasi descended and climbed. Making sharp turns and twisting over each other. From afar it would like a stunt show that was practiced many times before.
"Rainbow Dash I can't spot the bird anywhere? What if something happened to her? What if she ran into a tree?" Fluttershy huffed and puffed and from the looks of it was about to have an anxiety attack.
Rainbow then gestured to Fluttershy to calm down. "Fluttershy I'm sure it's ok. Let's just enjoy it up here. The cool wind feels great and we're getting some good speed too. I mean I don't think you've flown this fast before."
"There's no time for that we have to keep looking. Come on!" Fluttershy pushed herself faster. Her heart was racing she needed to save that bird no matter what.
The sun had finally set the ponies found themselves well above the Everfree forest. Fluttershy slowed down softly flapping her wings and catching her breath. Rainbow Dash caught up with her. She could not stop smiling at that fact of how amazing Fluttershy flew. She had never seen her so determined or confident when they raised all the water to Cloudsdale.
"Hey Fluttershy let’s head back to Ponyville. I’ll race ya."
"Not until I find that bird Rainbow Dash."
Fluttershy flew underneath the canopy of the forest. Rainbow Dash with worried eyes went after her. The forest was dark and the ponies could barely see. The trees rattled their branches in wind looking as their were reaching to grab them. The forest was dank and dreary. Awful smells came from the soggy trees that rotted over the years. Animals lurked in the darkness staying quiet and hidden for their meal to come upon them.
The shy mare had finally came to complete halt. It was pitch black everywhere the yellow mare cowered near tree like a lost puppy. She whimpered at the thought she might not be able to find her way back. With a small twinkle in her Rainbow Dash landed right beside catching her breath.
"Fluttershy what do you think you're doing? Were in the middle of Everfree, at night, unable to see, and vulnerable to wild animals. We need to get home now!" Rainbow vocalized frantically.
"I have to find that bird and know that we have to make sure she is safe......Wait aren't you suppose to be the brave the pony?"
Rainbow's face became angered. She was tired of hearing about the bird she finally shouted the truth.
"Fluttershy there is no bird. I made it up."
Fluttershy cocked her head in confusion. "What?"
" I lied about that dumb story to get you fly."
"How could you lie to me like that?"
"I wanted to give you the confidence to fly faster. I am so tired of you always doubting yourself and being scared. I wanted to help you overcome your fear." Rainbow Dash replied angrily.
Fluttershy's innocent eyes turned to anger. She walked away from the tree not even glancing an eye at Rainbow Dash. The colorful mane mare cocked an eyebrow. She thought that Fluttershy was giving her silent treatment.
"So you're going to be angry with me now because I finally got you to fly like a normal pegasus. You know you should be thanking me. Now you never have to worry about another pony making fun of your weak flying."
Fluttershy turned to Rainbow with tears in her eyes. She snorted in anger and gritted her teeth like a growling animal. Rainbow Dash was taken aback at what she said about her. Rainbow's magenta eyes were turning red with anger as well. She pushed her muzzled against Fluttershy’s. Trying to scare her but it was not working one bit.
"You know you have not changed since you got your cutie mark. Your as selfish now as were then, making yourself look better at the expense of others. I did not want to fly but you had to keep pushing and pushing. Your just like the bullies."
"How dare you compare me to those bullies. I never picked on you the way they did. If maybe were not such a wimp then no pony would give you a problem."
"The problem is you Rainbow Dash. Forcing others to do things for your benefits. I though you were a good friend but now I realize that you will never be friend that I hoped you would. Your just an aggorant, selfish pony and that's what will always be."
"I..I...I hate you."
"Fine then I.......I guess were not friends.....anymore!"
The pegasi argued back forth almost turning into a feud. Their anger grew worse and the tension was rising if they kept it up they would end their friendship for good.
For miles all there could be heard was the bickering of the girls. Unknowing that a storm was on the horizon. Dark storm cloud with thorns as sharp as scorpion's tail were approaching fast. Electric blue lighting could be seen through the clouds striking the tops of the trees. The wind picked up harshly. Thunder roared through sky sending out a warning.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were so wrapped in each other's anger they could not sense the storm coming. The lightning was striking everywhere. Setting trees fire and even knocking them off their roots. Soon the eye of the storm was nearly over them. The thunder turned into a war drum of horror. The great blue bolt struck with its might and speed sending the large oak off it's roots.
Fluttershy's ears perked looking at falling tree. It was falling in the direction of Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy pushed her way from the falling tree. Dash grunted in pain from Fluttershy's impact. As she struggled to her feet she looked towards Fluttershy seeing the tree come crashing down upon the small yellow pegasus.
BOOM!
"FLUTTERSHY NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"
All there as was silence. Rainbow frantically ran over to the tree. Using her hooves she brushed away any broken branches and fallen leaves. As she struggled to move the massive branches she heard a faint moan and whimpering coming from underneath a small pile of leaves. Rainbow used her wings to blow the pile of leaves and was distraught at the sight.
Fluttershy just laid there unmoving and barley breathing. Fresh blood dripped from forehead. The wind was deep and it could be noticed by even the blindest that the pain surged through that fragile body. Rainbow rapidly trotted over to her side.
She nudged her trying to get Fluttershy to her open her eyes but there was no movement. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes. Rainbow then pulled to her into a tight Now holding her empty heart.
"Oh Fluttershy, I'm so sorry I did not mean anything I said. I don't hate you, I love you just.....please don't do this me........don't do this."
Rainbow could no longer hold back the tears they flowed freely down her cheeks into the injured pony's long pink mane. However with a slight bit a hope she Fluttershy coughing quietly . She was still alive. Rainbow pulled herself together and stood on all fours. She gently put Fluttershy on her back and without a moment to spare she flew into the sky to find help.
A little far in the distance. The crystal that stood at the edge of a vast waterfall in the small town of Ponyville glistened in the moonlight. Princess Twilight laid on a soft velvet pillow by the warm fire. Beside her Spike fell asleep underneath snoring like a hungry bear. Her newest friend and pupil Starlight was parallel as they were both reading about an explorer in far away land hunting for rare treasure.
All was quiet and peaceful when they heard faint screams for help coming a familiar friend.
"Hey Twilight did you hear that?"
"Yeah lets go out on the balcony to see what all the fuss is about?"
Leaving Spike to his sleeping they both teleported outside. They both looked in the darkness to see where the sounds were coming from when they spotted Rainbow Dash carrying an injured Fluttershy.
The two young wizards gasped at the sight of their shy friend. Her wings were looked as if they bent in different directions. The wound on her head looked serious. She was covered with dirt everywhere that the brightness of her coat had faded away.
"OH MY GOSH! Rainbow what happened? Why is she? How is she?"
Sweat ran Rainbow's forehead she felt her body getting heavy as she was about to fall to her haunches. Starlight used her magic to lift up the injured pegasus as she placed her on back.
"Twilight thats not important right we all need to get Fluttershy to the hostipatal right away. I will take her there, Rainbow you get the others and Twilight take a deep breath and bring Spike. I will meet you guys.''
The light pink pony teleported to the hospital as the other who were distraught did as Starlight requested.
*********
Fluttershy's friends were in the waiting room of Ponyville Hospital. Nether pony spoke there were too afraid and concerned about their friend. Rarity and Twilight sat side by side glancing at each other every once in awhile. Applejack held Pinkie Pie who was in tears sprinkling waterfalls from her eyes. Spike sat by Applejack trying to stay strong for the girls in this horrible ordeal. Even Starlight stayed right by Twilight's side supporting her through the ordeal.
Nurse Red Heart a kind and generous pony was the best nurse at hospital came through the door looking for the ponies who patently awaiting for Fluttershy.
"You may come see her now but before we do I'm afraid I have good and bad news."
They all gathered around her their eyes only inches away from nurse's. Red Heart sighed and continued.
"The good news is that your friend made through the surgery. However she suffered a serious head injury. We have no idea when she will wake up."
Everyone was horrified. They looked at each other with confusion not understanding how did this happen to their friend. They each followed the nurse to Fluttershy's room. She told the group to stay put so that they could get Fluttershy ready for the visit. The others tried to figure where Rainbow Dash had gone.
"Hey has anybody seen Rainbow Dash?" Rarity questioned with concerned
"I'm here."
The others looked in the direction of where the sadden voice came from. There was Rainbow Dash with face that had once been full spirit was now full of suffering. The brightness was gone from her magenta eyes. She was filled guilt and regret that she could not even look into her friend's eyes.
"Rainbow are you alright? Quick tell me where does it hurt?" Twilight said with concern.
Rainbow placed her hoof on heart and sat down on her haunches. Tears started to visibly appear in the corner of her eyes.
"In hear. Fluttershy is injured because of me?"
Her friends looked at her with confusion.
"I forced Fluttershy to fly with me by lying to her about some dum animal that was in trouble. We then landed in the Everfree forest and she found out. We then started to fight and we noticed the lighting storm coming.......and the lighting hit the tree................IT FELL ON TOP OF HER."
Rainbow broke down into tears. The others started were with a whirlwind of emotions. Thinking how could she have done this. Twilight walked up to her rubbing her mane trying to calm her down. Rainbow Dash with tears flowing down her eyes looked into Twilight's eyes.
"Twilight I...I."
"What were you thinking? Why would you force and lie to Fluttershy like that? None of this would have happened if were not your. negliagence."
"I'm sorry did not mean for any of this to happen."
"If you did not mean it then you would not force Fluttershy to have flown in the first place."
"N-no."
"Rainbow Dash do yourself and all of us the favor. GO AWAY AND STAY AWAY!"
Twilight stormed away in anger with a single tear running down her cheek. Everybody else looked at Rainbow with great anger.
"Come on y'all lets go check on Fluttershy."
They all followed behind Twilight and slammed the door in front of her face. Unable the bear of the thought of being alone. Rainbow Dash flew out the nearest window. She drifted like a lone feather in the wind. Going in no direction, with no purpose and no hope of returning where it came from.
She heard the voices of her friends ring through her head. Yelling at her screaming at her. She held her ears in horror trying to get it to stop. She envisioned them surrounding her and taunting her.
"Please STO-OP!"
She raced quickly over the Everfree forest she was in no state to go home to be surrounded by only happy memories. That would sadden her about the awful events that she has caused. As flew faster and faster the storm over the Everfree picked up quickly. Rain fell from the sky stinging the like a thousand bees. She tried flying below the trees to get out of the rain but the winds were just bad. The branches looked as they were reaching out at her trying to grab.
Within a wink of an eye lightining striked scaring her and causing to fall out of the sky. She landed deep into a raging river that roared as loud a lion. The currents were strong as Rainbow Dash tried to pull herself to the surface they over powered her. She pulled down under multiple times. The rapids pushed her father and father away from home. She screamed at the top of her lungs for help but her voice was over powered by the river.
She was pushed small waterfalls trying to grab anything in sight but her hooves were unable to grasp anything. The river then pulled her under. She closed her eyes as she tossed around holding her breath for as long as she can. When she finally resurfaced she looked behind as saw a rock in her that right in her path. Rainbow Dash panicked as she tried to swim around.
Before she had the chance her body made impact with the boulder. Everything around then started to become quiet. She vision blurred she fought to keep herself but soon everything became dark.
