Chapters Three years later...
"...yet another protest last night, in Valley Square several thousand ponymorphs gathered to demand the resignation of officer S. C. Goode. Officer Goode, for those of you who may not have caught up with the coverage, was seen on dash cam footage shooting and killing an adolescent ponymorph by the name of McIntosh Apple. We're playing the video now. Viewers, please be advised that the following footage is graphic.
"McIntosh's younger sister Jacqueline dialed for police after a gang of young men attacked him. The assailants fled the scene before authorities arrived. As you can see, the police cruiser pulls up to the curb where Apple rested. Officer Goode proceeded to exit his vehicle, drew his weapon, and according to eyewitnesses, ordered Apple to stand up and place his hands on his head.
"It seems as though Mr. Apple is complying, but Goode then opens fire. Rookie officer Sentry also fired two shots, in what he described was a "blind panic". A total of 15 bullets were fired at Apple, and he was struck 9 times in the chest, arms, and head. The official police report stated that Apple glowered at the officers, made threatening remarks, and charged at them.
"The footage isn't very clear, but Apple does not seem to be advancing towards the police as he stands up. Obviously, there is no audio, but eyewitnesses claim that Apple said absolutely nothing in the moments leading up to his death.
An internal investigation has been launched, and officer Sentry has been suspended, but many in the ponymorph community are still calling for justice. And that's a call that isn't being ignored by anyone.
"Glenn Copperfield, INN."
Rainbow Dash dumped out the contents of her piggy bank. A handful of quarter pieces piled on the carpet, as well as a five-piece note. She smiled proudly. This would be more than enough. Rainbow scooped the money up and stuffed it in the pocket of her ripped jeans.
She stood up and grabbed her sweatshirt and beanie, quickly throwing them on before hurtling down the stairs. She flew to the front door (literally, thanks to the holes she cut in the back of all of her tops).
"Dad, I'm going to go hang out with Fluttershy!" She called.
Her father paused the TV he was watching. "Did you finish your homework?"
"Yes, I finished my homework," Rainbow groaned, rolling her eyes.
"Alright. Be back before nine."
Rainbow whipped open the door, bursting free with a lunge. She took off with a powerful beating of her wings. She glided over the pavement, the tips of her sneakers skidding against it.
Rainbow followed the mental path to PV Road, where Fluttershy was waiting, hopefully not upset that Rainbow Dash was late. Rainbow turned one more corner, then folded her wings. Fluttershy sat on a park bench, entranced by a flock of pigeons nearby.
Rainbow Dash walked over, sitting herself down next to Fluttershy.
"Heya, Flutters."
Fluttershy looked up and smiled when she saw Rainbow. "Hi, Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow Dash leaned back and stretched out her legs. "So, first day of summer. Got any plans?"
"I'm going to go visit my grandmother and brother next week."
"You doing anything special today?" Rainbow asked, lightly elbowing Fluttershy. Fluttershy shook her head.
"Perfect!" Rainbow Dash grinned. "Come with me." Rainbow grabbed Fluttershy's arm, pulling her up and leading her away. The two girls scampered down the street, Rainbow going at a slower pace to let Fluttershy keep up.
Finally, Rainbow Dash came to a stop. Fluttershy panted slightly, winded from the run. "So, where were we going?"
Rainbow Dash gestured up to the sign on the building they stood in front of. "Here, to the best ice cream parlor in all of Camelot Garden!"
Fluttershy shied away. "Oh, that's nice."
"Yeah it is! Come on!" Rainbow dragged Fluttershy in, who was too confused to protest.
They stopped at the display counter, where countless buckets of ice cream flavors sat in chilled containers beneath the glass.
"So, whadya' want, Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy crossed her arms behind her back. "Um, I don't have any money."
Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Pfft, I'm buying it, silly Butterfly."
Fluttershy felt a knot in her stomach. "Oh Rainbow, you don't have to do that."
Rainbow Dash smirked, giving Fluttershy's shoulder a friendly squeeze. "I know, but I want to. You're always so kind to me. I want to do this for you."
Fluttershy felt like her insides had been crushed. "Wow, Dash. That's..." Fluttershy held in a shuddering breath. "Thank you."
"My pleasure," Rainbow Dash smiled widely. "So, what do you want?"
Fluttershy peered through the glass, searching for any recognizable flavor.
"Um, strawberry would be nice."
Rainbow Dash seemed baffled at Fluttershy's rather plain choice, but quickly replaced it with her usual confident look.
"One strawberry cone, sir!" She said to the man at the counter. As the cashier scooped the pink creamy substance into a waffle cone, Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a befuddled look.
"Aren't you getting anything?"
"Nah. The ice cream here is the best, but that’s why it's expensive." Rainbow Dash said as she fished quarter pieces from her pocket.
Placing the money on the counter, Rainbow Dash accepted the cone, handing it to Fluttershy. Hesitantly, Fluttershy wrapped her fingers around the cone, following Rainbow Dash outside. Neither of the girls noticed the dirty glares directed at Rainbow from other patrons.
Fluttershy couldn't help but feel a stab of guilt. What Rainbow Dash had done was very generous of her. But still, it didn't feel right to enjoy something in front of her; that would be just plain rude.
"So, do you like it?"
Rainbow Dash spun around to face Fluttershy, walking backwards down the street. Fluttershy felt another wave of guilt as she gazed into Rainbow's expectant, concerned eyes. Hopefully not shaking too hard, Fluttershy brought the cone up, running her tongue over the creamy scoop.
"...It really is the best."
Rainbow Dash exhaled in relief. "Sweet! Hey, let's sit in the shade so it doesn't melt so fast." Fluttershy followed Rainbow Dash to a picnic table under an oak tree. Fluttershy remembered playing in this park as a toddler.
Fluttershy sat down next to Rainbow, who sighed and stretched. "This is the life! I wish it was summer all the time! Am I ri-"
She glanced over to Fluttershy for her agreement, and stopped at the sight of her holding over the ice cream cone.
"What?"
"It really is the best," Fluttershy began. "I would feel a lot better if you shared it with me."
Rainbow Dash's face twisted in confusion. "But, I bought it for you. My dad taught me to never do anything for someone unless I really mean it."
"And that was very generous of you. But my mom taught me that sharing is caring."
Fluttershy gently took hold of Rainbow Dash's hand, placing it on the opposite side of the cone she still held. Cautiously, Rainbow Dash scooted closer. Fluttershy silently noted that Rainbow Dash had never, ever before appeared to be nervous.
With what seemed to be great effort, Rainbow Dash leaned in, brushing her tongue into the fruity substance, which had already softened from the heat. The girls took turns doing this, staring into each other's eyes the whole time. Both saw the other's thoughts racing back and forth.
Finally, Rainbow Dash noticed that most of the remaining ice cream had melted onto their hands, and they had simply been staring at each other for a long time.
"I- uh, that was..." Rainbow stuttered, searching for words.
Fluttershy blushed a deep crimson.
"That- you know, I don't-"
The girls opted to remain silent. Rainbow Dash quickly began to mentally process what had just happened. Just then, she had felt... something .
"Um... that was..."
Fluttershy preemptively covered her face in embarrassment.
Rainbow Dash smirked her classic smirk, laying an arm around her.
"Nice. That was really, really nice." Rainbow Dash scooted even closer, hugging her friend. Fluttershy raised her head, meeting Rainbow Dash's eyes again. Slowly, she returned the smile.
"Thanks, Butterfly."
Rainbow Dash hummed giddily as she inserted the key in the lock. With a turn, she shoved the door open. The street lights were on, but hopefully dad wouldn't be too upset. She kicked off her shoes, yawning as she shut the door.
She heard movement from the living room. Her dad appeared, his fists shaking and his eyes red-rimmed.
"Where the hell have you been?"
Rainbow cursed silently. No such luck.
"I was out with Fluttershy."
Rainbow froze when she saw the furious look on his face.
"Okay, I'll pay more attention to the time, next time." She sputtered, suddenly terrified.
"Goddammit, Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow flinched as her dad leapt forward. She was perplexed as he wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Celestia my Savior, I called the police! I thought you were one of them, I thought you were one of them!" He sobbed loudly.
Rainbow Dash gradually felt a new fear take place. Something scared her dad. Nothing scares dad. Rainbow Dash looked over her father's heaving shoulder at the muted TV.
Inexplicable tears rolled down her cheek, as well, as she saw shots of men hoisting a rope, hanging the writhing figure of a ponymorph from a tree in Camelot Garden Park.
Three years later...
"--Police arrived at the scene shortly after the fight broke out. Thankfully, none of the boys were seriously injured. The perpetrator is still on the loose, however. All five boys' descriptions conclude that their attacker was a young ponymorph. So far, few confirmed details have come out, as the boys went on to say that none of them got a good look at it.
"The ponymorph viciously assaulted the young boys when they were returning home from a night out at a local attraction. They were caught off guard, and violently beaten. The ponymorph ran away before police could arrive and apprehend it. We can all at least breathe a sigh of relief that the boys all returned safely to their mothers."
It wasn't terribly uncommon for Fluttershy to awaken upon a sudden in the middle of the night. However, the circumstances were usually due to something along the lines of insomnia. So she was more confused than disturbed to open her eyes and discover a grinning Rainbow Dash hovering inches from her face, lips moving to form five words.
"I got my cutie mark!"
Fluttershy rubbed an eye. "Your cutie mark?"
Rainbow Dash nodded excitedly. "I was changing earlier, and I barely even noticed it. I betcha I got it when I was racing that dingleberry, Dumbell."
A race which took place yesterday evening, in fact. Rainbow Dash's wings had just gotten strong enough to carry her full weight; she could actually fly. Which, judging by Fluttershy's open window, explained how Rainbow Dash had found her way in.
"Oh, that's lovely, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy smiled. She knew that for ponymorphs, getting a cutie mark was a huge part of their coming of age process, and often celebrated as a major achievement. "What is it?"
"Ta-da!" Rather than describe it, Rainbow Dash simply dropped her pajama shorts. Fluttershy reddened slightly, but looked anyway; Rainbow Dash was one of those very loose, open people (which frankly, Fluttershy didn't mind at all). On both of her outer thighs beneath her tail was an image of a cloud shooting a bolt of lightning. What interested Fluttershy the most was its unique coloring: the lightning bolt was split into three sections of orange, yellow and red.
"Isn't it awesome ?" Rainbow Dash's voice went so high that it cracked. She stared adoringly at the image, taking turns on each side.
Fluttershy nodded. "It's amazing, Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow Dash smiled proudly, then pulled up her shorts. "Yeah. It was definitely the race."
Yesterday...
Rainbow Dash hung lazily upside-down from the monkey bars, while Fluttershy sat quietly on one end of the teeter-tot. She pored over her history book, jotting down notes as she read. Rainbow Dash hummed to herself to pass the time. When the blood in her head got to be a little too much, Rainbow dropped down, flapping twice to help flip her right-side up.
After a few minutes, Fluttershy shut her book. "Done."
"Sweet!" Rainbow Dash grinned. "Now we have the day to ourselves."
Fluttershy opened her bag to deposit her school items. "What do you want to do?"
"I dunno. I'm up for anything."
"Then get up and beat it, punk!"
Rainbow Dash groaned when a small cluster of boys approached from across the street. Fluttershy instinctively stood up and moved beside Rainbow Dash.
"Hoops, Dumbell. Always a pleasure." Rainbow Dash said curtly.
Dumbell snickered. "The feeling isn't mutual."
"Yeah," Hoops guffawed. "Your kind ain't welcome here!"
Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows. "I don't see you sharpening your pitchforks over Dumbell."
"That's cuz he ain't a dumb animal like you." Another boy spat.
"Oh, but hold the phone," Dumbell held up a hand, grinning in disbelief. "Who's the cutie? Dayum, is that Fluttershy?"
Rainbow Dash sensed Fluttershy shrinking beside her as the boys whistled.
"Ugly duckling turned into a Swan Princess, eh guys?" Dumbell high-fived his crew. "Say, doll. You wanna cozy up to a hotter hunk of horse? I guarantee I'm packing more artillery." The boys burst out into louder, rambunctious laughter.
Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. "Fluttershy isn't interested in dating a creep like you."
Dumbell faked an injured look. "Aw, come on. I can be nice."
"Okay, let me rephrase that in a language you can understand," Rainbow Dash wrapped both arms around Fluttershy, who only squeaked in surprise. "She's mine, and I don't share, so go wave your junk in someone else's face."
The boys giggled at this, but Dumbell glared at Rainbow Dash. "Did I say you could talk?"
"Afraid of getting verbally smacked by a girl?"
"I will beat your ass!" Dumbell was fuming, now. The boys looked on, ooh'ing in suspense.
Rainbow Dash smirked. "You couldn't beat me at anything."
It seriously looked like Dumbell might try, until Hoops coughed. "Yo, you're both Pegasus ponymorphs. How about a race?"
Dumbell took a moment to process this, then grinned. "Yeah, I like it. A race: the grand tradition which has settled countless schoolyard disputes. What do you say, guys?" The boys cheered in response. Dumbell turned back to Rainbow Dash, a challenging look in his eyes.
"...Why the hell not?"
Fluttershy knew the rest of the story. Rainbow Dash relished in recounting her win throughout the day. She had taken Fluttershy to the carnival in celebration of her cutie mark appearing, which was quite fun. Fluttershy had never before been to one; her mother said they were too outlandish.
But the mix of odd showcases, performances, rides, and food was just... fun . Rainbow Dash helped herself to deep-fried refried beans, yard-long licorice, bacon-wrapped corndogs, and sherbet ice cream. Fluttershy just carried a bag of popcorn.
Finally, after hours of exploring, Rainbow Dash seemed to tire. "Hoo, I think I'm outta juice. Anything you wanna check out before we go?"
Fluttershy looked around. Sure enough, her eyes spotted the perfect ride, which she pointed to. Rainbow Dash nodded, and led them up to the booth. The line was considerably shorter, given that the crowd had faded. In fact, the grounds would probably be closing in a couple more hours. Rainbow Dash gave the ticket booth operator two tickets: one for her, and one for Fluttershy.
When they were inside the basket, they sat across from each other. The ride came to life, and they slowly began their ascent.
"Best. Day. Ever." Rainbow Dash sighed. Fluttershy smiled.
"Mhmm."
She looked out from their basket. The ground below looked like a playset from the top of the ferris wheel. Fluttershy looked back at Rainbow Dash. Her eyes were closed in blissful content. Now seemed like a good time.
"Um... Rainbow Dash?"
"Yeah?"
Now or never. "Do you... do you ever think about... who you want to be with?"
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes. "I don't need to. I got you."
"No," Fluttershy bit her lip. "I don't mean as friends."
Rainbow Dash tensed. "Uh, you mean like dating?" Fluttershy hesitantly nodded. "Uh, then yeah, I guess. Why?"
There's no good way to say it, so just spit it out. "Y-yesterday, when you told Dumbell that I was... yours ," Fluttershy blushed at the language. "I-I know you were saying that to make him stop, but... I think I'd like that."
Rainbow Dash's ear twitched. "Huh?" She gaped dumbly. "You... you mean... for real ?"
Fluttershy nodded again. "You..." She swallowed. "...Don't?"
Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "What? No no, I just- I didn't-" Rainbow rubbed her head. "You... like girls?"
"I like you."
Rainbow Dash scratched an ear. "But... I'm a ponymorph," She said lamely. "People will hate us."
Fluttershy sighed this time. "I know. I don't care. But I've never felt like I do for you about anyone. I... if you want to, then I want to."
Fluttershy waited for a response. Rainbow Dash sat in stunned silence. "...Well then, I guess technically... we just had our first date, right?"
Fluttershy gave a short incredulous laugh. "Um, yes?"
Rainbow Dash twiddled her thumbs. "Uh, cool."
For a moment, they said nothing. Then, Fluttershy did something to break the barrier. She carefully stood up, turning to face away from Rainbow and sat back. For one terrifying moment, Rainbow Dash wondered if she was about to receive a lapdance.
Instead, Fluttershy simply sat crossways on Rainbow's lap, curling up and snuggling into her. Rainbow Dash froze, but eventually the tension in her body eroded. She placed her hands on Fluttershy's shoulders, holding her as they rose up and down while gazing at the last light of the sun. Fluttershy smiled as she whispered.
"Best. Day. Ever."
A hooded figure stepped into the light of the street lamp. Then another, and another. These figures being the reason that Rainbow Dash had led Fluttershy down Sector 5 and then sent her home, instead of taking the usual way to her house. Rainbow had spotted them almost as soon as they left the carnival.
They were all dressed in dark jeans and hoodies. Rainbow counted five in total. She sighed, shaking her head.
"Boy, you're just a sore loser, aren't you?"
Her comment was met with the thwip of a switchblade opening. Rainbow Dash rolled up her sleeves.
"This isn't going to be pretty..."
Two years later...
"Queen Celestia has recalled all troops deployed overseas. Every man and woman is being returned to further police the escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Princess Luna has declared a period of silence and mourning.
"Rioters defaced ponymorph memorials and gravesides in response to the bombing of Camelot Academy of Military Science. It took police 5 hours to regain control of the situation. The Princess advocated for a peaceful meeting, where a solution might be found, rather than continue needless violence.
"Others are not so calm. Ponymorph activists are encouraging civil disobedience in the streets. Some are even saying that if the systemic abuse of ponymorphs doesn't come to an end, then segregation from the Solar Empire is eminent.
"The frightening statistics of ponymorph military service personnel that agrees gives reason to lock your doors at night. Perhaps observant critics were correct, and our nation is heading down a dark, dangerous path."
Fluttershy reached a hand out. A single, delicate snowflake landed on it. Then another, and another. She smiled. Raising her head, Fluttershy stuck out her tongue, catching more on it. The freezing crystals melted almost immediately.
"Hi, girl!"
Fluttershy felt a strong pair of arms hugging her from behind. Cyan blue hands wrapped over her waist, and Fluttershy's smile grew.
"Hey, baby."
"Who you callin' 'baby'?" Rainbow Dash laughed as she lifted Fluttershy up. Fluttershy giggled, kicking her feet and squealing in mock protest.
Rainbow Dash's triumphant laugh was cut short, as she slipped on the sidewalk. She fell on her back, Fluttershy landing on top of her. Rainbow groaned as Fluttershy rolled off to lay next to her.
"You, you big baby." Fluttershy booped Rainbow Dash on the nose, before standing up. "Are you alright?" She asked, offering Rainbow Dash a hand.
"Oh, I don't know," Rainbow Dash moaned in despair. "I think I broke something," She rubbed her bottom, making a pouty face at Fluttershy.
Fluttershy gave Rainbow Rainbow a pitiful shake of her head. "Doctor Fluttershy is in. Do you need an examination?"
"Oh yeah. Full body, actually. Never know what might be wrong with me."
"I think I have an idea," Fluttershy giggled, tapping Rainbow Dash on the head. "My diagnosis: just a booboo."
Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around Fluttershy's waist, leaning her forehead against Fluttershy's. "Kiss it and make it better?"
Fluttershy stifled a laugh. "Where's the affected area?"
Rainbow Dash innocently pointed to her lips. Fluttershy cracked, her breath crystallizing as she laughed.
"You are so corny!"
Rainbow Dash tilted her head, shrugging. "I could die, doc. I need help."
Fluttershy rolled her eyes, still smiling. She pressed her lips against Rainbow's, tasting a sweet warmth. Fluttershy draped her arms over Rainbow Dash's shoulders as they kissed. Eventually, they pulled apart, their eyes gazing into each other's.
"All better?"
"You just saved a life, doc." Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy another peck on the cheek. The pair started down the street, hand-in-hand.
"So, the Winter Sno-Ball is coming up at my school." Fluttershy casually brought up.
"Yeah?"
"I would be most honored if you accompanied me."
Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. "You know that's not a good idea, 'Shy."
"On the contrary," Fluttershy sighed, "I think this will be a very good opportunity for both of us. And show people that this senseless discrimination can end."
Rainbow Dash shook her head. "All it's gonna do is give those assholes even more excuses to pick on you."
"I'm a big girl," Fluttershy tossed. "Besides, at the end of the day, you're my girlfriend. I want to show you off to the world."
Rainbow Dash groaned loudly. "Fine. But if it gets any worse, I'm picking you up after school."
"Deal."
Fluttershy leaned her head against Rainbow's shoulder as they walked. After a moment, she giggled to herself.
"I can't wait to see you in a dress."
"Wait, what?"
Rainbow Dash fidgeted. She did not like how vulnerable her legs felt.
"I never thought I'd see the day." Rainbow Dash's father laughed. "Oh, your mother would be shocked. I barely even recognize you."
"It's just for tonight." Rainbow insisted, studying herself in the mirror. In a way, she did look kinda cute. Rainbow Dash hated it.
"Do you want me to be your chauffeur for the night?"
Rainbow Dash shook her head. "I got it. Thanks, Dad."
"Alright then, as long as you're sure. Be safe tonight." Her father hugged her. "Use protection," He added with a wink.
Rainbow Dash snickered. "Whatever you say, Dad."
Fluttershy sat at the kitchen table, waiting patiently. Her mother had helped style her strawberry blonde hair in a fancy bun (that she honestly thought didn't suit her). She hoped Rainbow liked it.
Fluttershy jerked at the sound of a knock on the door. Eagerly, Fluttershy pushed back her chair and stood up. Taking a second to smooth her dress, Fluttershy opened up the door.
"H-H-Hey there, B-Butterfly." Rainbow Dash shivered.
Fluttershy forced her jaw not to drop. Rainbow sported a dashing slim dress that matched her hair. Her hands were over her bare arms, and Fluttershy forgot it was below freezing outside.
"Oh, oh come in!" Fluttershy gestured frantically, moving aside.
"Th-Th-Thanks."
Fluttershy wrapped her arms over her girlfriend after shutting the door.
"Car's running, babe. You wanna head out?" Rainbow Dash shuddered.
Fluttershy hugged Rainbow tightly. "Let's warm you up a bit, first."
Rainbow Dash snuggled up to Fluttershy. "You look beautiful, 'Shy."
"You too, Dashie. Dress, necklace, bracelets. Did you style your hair, too?"
"Well, don't get used to it, it's just for tonight. And it's just for you. I don't like hiding my tail like this."
"Aw, my sweet little Dashie, you poor baby." Fluttershy poked Rainbow's belly.
Rainbow Dash laughed softly. "Alright babe. Let's hit the road. We got a party to crash."
Rainbow Dash walked stiffly next to Fluttershy. Fluttershy's arms were entwined with Rainbow's right arm that was completely parallel with her body.
"It's okay. You can relax, baby." Fluttershy whispered.
"I'm trying, it's just these goddamn high heels." Rainbow Dash wished it was just the dumb shoes. Every passing look. Every disgusted glare. Every shocked eye-widen. Rainbow Dash felt them all locked onto her.
Fluttershy seemed a little nervous, too. But, she was Fluttershy; she never liked crowds to begin with. Rainbow Dash assumed a steely look, eyes aimed straight ahead.
The gymnasium floor had a few scattered dancers, mostly girls. It was hot and dark, but still light enough to make out details. There was no blending in here.
Fluttershy gently massaged Rainbow's shoulder with one hand. "Baby, if you're that spooked, we can just go back to my house and watch a movie."
Rainbow Dash faked a laugh. "Nothing scares me, 'Shy. Come on, let's dance!" Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy's waist, moving along with the heavy dance mix. Fluttershy giggled at Rainbow's nonsensical moves, but quickly joined in.
The girls laughed, constantly tripping over each other, song after song. Rainbow focused entirely on Fluttershy. Her cute smile, the happy glow in her eyes, the shimmer of the soft light on her hair.
Song after song played, and the pair danced and danced. They probably received a lot of stares from curious onlookers, but neither of them noticed.
Fluttershy woke up from her haze, detecting a slow song coming on.
"Oh, do you know what that means?" She smiled slyly at Rainbow Dash.
"Oh no," Rainbow pleaded. "I can't dance dance."
Fluttershy placed her lips on Rainbow's, softly letting her savor it.
"It's okay," Fluttershy promised with a coaxing whisper. "I'll teach you."
Resistance fading, Rainbow Dash let Fluttershy guide her left arm back down to Fluttershy's waist. She took Rainbow's right hand, holding it out to the side. And slowly, slowly, they began to sway to the music.
It wasn't a tune Fluttershy recognized, but she didn't care. Her whole world right now was the sky blue girl in front of her. Rainbow Dash looked deep into Fluttershy's eyes as they moved. She could practically read every passing thought that flashed across those teal irises.
Rainbow was overjoyed to see the longing and desire she felt reflect in Fluttershy's eyes. She closed her eyes, leaning her forehead against Fluttershy's. Fluttershy smiled, grateful to be spending this moment with her love.
"To all those who flood the streets, to those who campaign violently and with no regard to your fellow citizens, hear your Queen now.
"Such aggressive acts will no longer be tolerated. I understand your anger, but I ask that you let justice be served in a court of law. Our nation is in a period of conflict, and I do not wish for us to divide over petty differences.
"Return to your homes. Go on with your lives. Go to work, enjoy the comfort of your families. I only ask that these abominable acts of hate, both towards ponymorphs and humans, come to an end.
"Do not test the authorities' willingness to enforce my decree. Any and all further violations, great or small, will be punished severely."
Three years later...
Rainbow Dash tapped her pencil on the desk. She let out an exasperated groan. How was she supposed to finish this stupid test? Frustrated, she thumped her head on the wooden top. Just as she thought it couldn't get any worse, she heard a voice call out.
"Ew, what's that freak doing here?"
Raising her head, Rainbow felt all eyes simultaneously turn to look at her. All of a sudden she was at the front of the room. She tried to move back to her seat, but her muscles weren't obeying. Rainbow Dash realized with a start that she wasn't wearing any clothes.
"What the-?" Rainbow panicked. Suddenly, she choked. Rainbow spat out a wad of saliva, gasping in disbelief as two molars came with it.
Mocking laughter filling her head, Rainbow Dash strained to move. Finally, her wings broke free from the invisible hold. Rainbow Dash burst through the roof painlessly. She sighed in relief, but felt another wave of dread when she tried to flap.
Her wings weren't in her control. Rainbow yelled at the injustice. Up and up she went, until her wings folded. Rainbow Dash let out a horrified whimper as she plummeted back to the ground. Sharp wind whipped at her face as the ground rushed to meet her and oh god not like this not like this!
Rainbow Dash squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the impact that would crush her into a splatter-mark. She grunted as she slammed into lush, trimmed grass. Dazed, she stumbled to her feet.
"What the hell?"
Rainbow shook the dizzy from her eyes. She was in a massive, intimidating labyrinth. She tried moving her wings again, but they were twisted at sickening angles.
"You've gotta be kidding me." Rainbow panted.
Without warning, the garden walls behind her began to move closer. Rainbow's eyes widened as the truth dawned on her.
"You gotta be kidding me!"
Rainbow Dash took off, running at full speed.
"Rainbow Dash..."
Rainbow Dash's ears perked. That was Fluttershy.
"I'm coming baby, just hold on!"
Rainbow Dash pumped her arms and legs, powering through the heartless maze.
"Where are you?" Rainbow shouted desperately.
"Rainbow Dash..."
"God, oh god, oh god."
Rainbow wove in and out, around corners, into the next fork in the road. Everything looked exactly the same! How was Rainbow supposed to find Fluttershy in this? She panted from exhaustion.
"Where... are... you?"
Rainbow Dash collapsed, unable to go any further.
"Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow struggled to lift her head. Only yards away stood Fluttershy, calmly observing Rainbow Dash, like a bacteria under a microscope. Rainbow reached her hand out to Fluttershy.
"Baby, baby I'm here!" She coughed.
Fluttershy's expression remained emotionless. Rainbow felt her eyes welling up with tears as she cried in despair.
"Please don't leave me!"
Traumatized, Rainbow Dash watched as Fluttershy coldly backed away, eyes still empty and uncaring. Sobbing, Rainbow Dash tucked her legs close to her chest, the walls closing in.
"I love you." Rainbow Dash whispered pathetically, just before she was crushed into nothingness.
"Rainbow Dash! "
Rainbow bolted upright in bed.
"Don't- what happened? There was- I-"
"Shh." Fluttershy pressed a finger against Rainbow's lips. "You were having a nightmare, baby. It's okay."
Fluttershy stroked Rainbow's hair gently, beckoning her back down.
"God, I'm sorry, Flutters." Rainbow moaned, grinding her knuckles into her forehead. She worked her sore jaw a bit, feeling more than a few pops. She hadn't been grinding her teeth all night , had she?
"Shh, it's okay, baby." Fluttershy snuggled up to Rainbow, kissing her neck. "I hope it didn't ruin your happy Birthday morning."
Rainbow Dash chuckled lightly. She had passed out earlier that morning while receiving Fluttershy's "present". Rainbow Dash combed her fingers through Fluttershy's hair.
"Thanks, Butterfly."
Fluttershy pecked Rainbow on the cheek. "If that nightmare ruined your mood, I have a little gift that might cheer you up."
Rainbow Dash perked up at this.
"An actual gift," Fluttershy emphasized, sliding out of bed. Rainbow groaned silently, already missing the feeling of Fluttershy's breasts against her side.
Fluttershy crossed the room in the dark, digging into her bag. She pulled out a rectangular object that Rainbow Dash couldn't distinguish. Fluttershy flipped on the light, causing Rainbow to hiss as she dove under the covers.
"Come on out," Fluttershy teased in a singsong voice.
"Ugh, did you get me a pair of sunglasses?"
Fluttershy tugged on a corner of the blanket, exposing Rainbow. Rainbow Dash moaned helplessly, rubbing her eyes. "Alright, what is it?"
Fluttershy offered the object to Rainbow. She could tell it was a frame. Taking a moment to let her eyes adjust, Rainbow squinted at the picture. Her jaw dropped at what she saw.
"No way."
Fluttershy grinned. "Do you like it?"
In the picture frame was a poster with three figures posing heroically. The entities stood in elite blue and yellow uniform, a black marker signature underneath each one.
"I love it!" Rainbow Dash squeed. "How did you get this?"
"The Wonderbolts were performing in Cloudsdale when I was visiting my brother. I stopped before their show for autographs." Fluttershy explained.
Rainbow Dash leaned up to hug her girlfriend. "Seriously, babe, this is awesome. You're awesome." Fluttershy settled down on top of Rainbow, placing teasing kisses on her chest.
"I'm glad you like it, babe."
"Best Birthday ever." Rainbow Dash sighed in content. "But I can think of a couple things that could make it better."
Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? What did you have in mind, Birthday Girl?"
Rainbow's hands glided over Fluttershy's body, feeling and caressing. Rainbow Dash winked. "Nothing special."
"More arrests late last night, over 300 protesters locked up. Police had to fire tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd. A child was killed in the aftermath. 11 year-old Rumble was struck in the head when authorities-"
"Shut that damn thing off," Rainbow Dash muttered, gripping the wheel. "I don't wanna hear it."
Fluttershy reached to turn the dial in Rainbow's radio. "I'm sorry about your dad, Rainbow."
Rainbow Dash shrugged. "Could have been worse. He could have been shot, right?"
Fluttershy sighed. "I hate what this world is coming to. That shouldn't have to be your first response."
"It's okay, really." Rainbow insisted. "I just can't believe he went to that rally. He should have known something bad like this would happen."
Fluttershy rubbed Rainbow Dash's knee soothingly. "Are you going to be okay, baby?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Rainbow said without conviction. She pulled up in front of Fluttershy's high school.
"So anyway, once you graduate tomorrow, you're all mine for the week, right?"
"All yours," Fluttershy purred, kissing Rainbow Dash on the nose. "Drive safe, baby." Fluttershy ordered as she unbuckled.
"Sure thing, mom," Rainbow Dash replied jokingly.
Fluttershy waved goodbye, shutting the door. Rainbow waved back. She stole a quick look at her gas meter, cringing when she saw it bordering on empty. Rainbow cursed under her breath as she shifted the car back into drive.
Rainbow Dash tapped her thumbs on the table anxiously.
"Blaze, Rainbow."
Rainbow Dash jumped up at the sound of her father's name. "I'm here for Rainbow Blaze!"
The guard nodded, then mumbled something into his radio. Seconds later, another guard entered, escorting Rainbow's father. He shook his head in disappointment when he saw Rainbow Dash.
"You had better not have paid bail for me." He warned.
Rainbow Dash held up a letter. "The Princess has been issuing pardons for non-violent demonstrators."
Rainbow Blaze rubbed his wrists once they were free of the handcuffs. "Probably trying to recruit people."
Rainbow Dash shrugged. "If it's true about the secession, I think joining the army might be a good idea."
"Don’t even think about it," her father leveled a finger at her. "I've done everything I could to make sure you had a good life, a peaceful life. Don't go throwing it away the first chance you get just for shits and giggles."
Rainbow Dash's jaw tightened. "I'm not a kid, okay? I can make my own decisions. If you think keeping the peace is throwing my life away, then that's your problem, not mine." She pulled her keys out of her pocket, tossing them to her father. "You take the car," She muttered, turning away.
"I need some time to myself."
Rainbow Dash kicked at stray pebbles as she walked. She sighed, plopping down on the nearest bench. Elbows on her knees and head in her hands, Rainbow Dash shut her eyes.
Things were getting crazy. Joining the military just wasn’t something she could avoid. Her father would likely soon be fired from his job after that rally, Fluttershy wanted to go to college, and Rainbow's minimum wage job wasn't going to support them. Better she sign up for the Lunar Corps than be drafted into the Royal Guard.
Rainbow Dash felt a vibration against her leg. She reached into her pocket, pulling out her cell phone. She pressed the accept key, prepared for what was coming.
"Hello?"
"Rainbow Dash, where are you?" Rainbow Dash smiled at the sound of Fluttershy's shrill, worried voice.
"Hey, I'm sorry babe. I decided to walk home. I just needed to clear my head."
"Are you alright?" Fluttershy sounded so scared and distant through the device.
"I'm fine, babe. It's just, all that's going on... it's making my head spin."
"Me too, baby. It's not easy."
Rainbow Dash threw her arm up. "I mean, I’m trying to just make sense of what's going on, and what to do, but I can't! It doesn't matter what I do, because in the end, I'm always just so..."
Rainbow Dash paused, the words hitching in her throat.
"...Just what, baby?"
Rainbow Dash swallowed. "...Nothing."
"...Do you want to talk about it when you get home?" Fluttershy clearly wasn't buying it.
Rainbow ran her hand through her hair, staring blankly at the matted clump that came out. "Maybe."
"Alright. I'll see you once you get back. Be safe!"
Rainbow Dash managed to smile again. "I will. Love you, baby."
"I love you, Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow's feet dragged on the asphalt. It must have been past midnight. Her dad would be upset. And Fluttershy would be furious.
She yawned. She would deal with it tomorrow. Right now, Rainbow needed sleep.
The next day...
"My sister has sat idly by for far too long. It is the will of the people that the divisive, controversial way of life comes to an end. Now, we must take action. Henceforth, every territory south of Everfree shall be united under a new banner as the sovereign nation of the Lunar Republic.
"Our borders will be open as long as it takes to safely transfer those who wish to secede, and those who wish to remain citizens of the Solar Empire. I encourage my sister not to act rash in response to this development.
"We only wish for the hostilities to end. Please, do not consider this as a validation to them. This was the final measure, the last resort."
Rainbow Dash fiddled with the zipper on her hoodie. She felt a coldness inside of her, spiderwebbing through her veins. For not the first time in her life, Rainbow Dash was nervous.
She stood in line at the Lunar Corps recruitment center, along with many other ponymorphs (and a handful of humans). Fluttershy would probably be very angry, and distraught once Rainbow Dash told her.
I'll do it tomorrow, Rainbow told herself. I want at least one last normal night with Fluttershy.
Rainbow Dash suppressed an exhausted, longing sigh.
"What?"
"She must have left right after dropping you off, because she never came back. She quit her job at the store last night."
Fluttershy couldn't help but feel betrayed.
"I'm going to go talk her out of it," Fluttershy said into her cell phone.
She groaned as she tossed her graduation gown onto her bed and grabbed her wallet. Why would Rainbow Dash keep something like this from her? Especially now?
She got the idea that Rainbow wasn't telling her something, but this ? This was insanity!
"Where are you going?" Fluttershy's mother demanded as she sped down the stairs.
"I have to go get Rainbow, before she does something stupid!"
Her mother scoffed. "When is that troublemaker not doing something stupid?"
Fluttershy ignored the comment. "I'll be back in a couple hours."
"Make sure you are! The whole family is flying in for the celebration."
Nodding, Fluttershy took off through the door. Heading for the nearest bus stop, she realized that she hadn’t run so fast in a long, long time.
"Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow shrunk at the voice. "Dad." She growled in complaint. Who else could have figured out and told Fluttershy where she was going?
Rainbow Dash turned around. Sure enough, Fluttershy was already storming across the street towards her. Rainbow slumped. She was almost to the front of the line, now. So close.
She bit her lip. Maybe this wasn’t the right choice. Maybe she wouldn't even see Fluttershy again. There was nothing Rainbow wanted more than to make Fluttershy happy. But what did that mean? What could she possibly do?
I'll just have to find out.
Rainbow Dash knew that it would be hard, and confusing, but she and Fluttershy could figure something out. Together.
A hesitant smile on her face, Rainbow Dash raised a hand to wave. She opened her mouth to speak. But something struck her. Rainbow felt an odd cold sensation in her gut, and milliseconds later the world erupted in ear-splitting noise.
Wobbling slightly, Rainbow felt her knees give out underneath her. Just before collapsing, her eyes locked onto Fluttershy. Even though Rainbow heard nothing but ringing in her ears, she could swear Fluttershy was screaming her name.
Fluttershy didn't even see it. But she certainly heard it. The muzzle flash of a gun illuminated the shooter, who had fired into the line at the recruitment center. Fluttershy watched in horror as Rainbow Dash stumbled in mild confusion, before sinking to the ground, 3 holes in her chest.
"RAINBOW DASH!!!"
Fluttershy shrieked at the top of her lungs. She raced over to her girlfriend, past a tussle where three passersby were wrestling the disarmed shooter, a lean man with silver-blue hair, to the ground. She slid down next to Rainbow Dash, who was gasping like a landed fish.
"Omigodomigodomigod Dashie, Dashie!" Fluttershy screamed in despair. "Somebody call an ambulance!"
Several people gathered around, tending to a few others who had been shot. All that approached Rainbow moved back, a sorrowful grimace on their face.
Rainbow Dash's unfocused eyes landed upon Fluttershy once again. She smiled drunkenly, her face turning pale.
"Hi, Butterfly." She whispered hoarsely.
Fluttershy sobbed, stroking Rainbow's hair. "Nononononono, god, please no!"
Her tears dripped onto Rainbow Dash's shirt, which was already soaked in warm, sticky blood.
Rainbow Dash still smiled, the cold feeling spreading deeper and deeper. Her vision began to darken around the corners. She giggled; it made Fluttershy look like an angel. A sad angel.
"Why ya crying, Butterfly?"
"D-Don’t leave me, baby." Fluttershy begged.
Rainbow Dash giggled again, as if Fluttershy had just told a joke. "I'd never leave you. You'll always be my little Butterfly."
Fluttershy's shoulders heaved. Rainbow's jagged breathing was slowing.
"It's-It's gonna be okay, baby. Th-Th-There's an ambulance on the way."
Rainbow Dash suddenly laughed out loud. The corner of her mouth spilled blood. Her eyes dulled, and she gasped again. She weakly grasped Fluttershy's arm. Rainbow sobbed once, a single tear rolling down her cheek. Her lip quivered as she shuddered, as if only just now realizing what was happening.
Fluttershy's vision was blurred from the tears streaming down her face. Why did this happen? Why Rainbow Dash? The girl who always made small sacrifices for Fluttershy. The girl that loved reading and jogging and just wanted to be a pilot. The girl who taught Fluttershy what it was like to be fearless.
She looked up at Fluttershy with pleading eyes. In a childlike voice that broke Fluttershy's heart, Rainbow Dash whimpered.
"I'm scared."
The Girl from Sector 7 (Revised)
"---Everyone wants to make it about politics. It's about separation of species, simple as that. We don’t share bathrooms with dogs, or swim in pools with apes."
"Wait, just to make it clear, are you comparing ponymorphs to dogs, or apes?"
"Don’t twist my words. Humans and... them, don't mix. That's all I'm saying. I don't care if they go to school or anything. But does it have to be human schools? I have two young daughters, I don't want them exposed to them like that."
"So, why are you afraid of this exposure to ponymorphs?"
"I'm not afraid. I just don't want my kids around them. We aren't meant to be together. Kids hang around them too much, they might start to think it's okay to procreate with them or something. It's not. It's disgusting."
"Mr. Dee, could you elaborate on that a bit? It may sound to our listeners tonight that you're implying that ponymorphs are, subhuman, shall we say."
"No, they're not human at all. I don't care if they walk and talk like us. We should just have, like, two separate societies, and just leave each other alone. Thanks for having me on, Jimbo, but that’s all I have to say."
In the cozy warmth of a spring afternoon, a trickling stream of young children merrily poured into the street from the schoolyard. Many piled into buses, while others clambered into cars belonging to parents or siblings. The rest peeled off their separate ways, trudging to their homes in small groups.
There was one, however, who paced silently on her own. She kept her head down, her hair hovering in front of her face, veiling eyes from the view of others. She was always on her own, this one. At school, and after. She didn't really click with the other children.
In fact, it often seemed quite the opposite. And today was just one of those days.
Fluttershy felt a sharp pain on the back of her head. A small rock fell to the ground at her feet. Touching her hand to the aching spot, she felt another sting on her right arm.
"Hahaha, got her!"
Horrified, Fluttershy turned to the sound of the cruel voice. A group of boys was advancing towards her. They were waving sticks and lobbing rocks at Fluttershy as they charged. Wincing, Fluttershy took off at a run.
"Where do you think you're going?" One of the boys jeered. They continued to taunt as they chased, mocking her like a smug vulture circling a dehydrated rodent.
Fluttershy panted heavily. She hadn’t been running long, but her energy was long-drained, and they were gaining on her. How could she explain another black eye to Mommy?
In a desperate move, Fluttershy veered off the sidewalk. She pelted for the fence separating Oakview Avenue from Cherry Street. She dove, clawing at the gravel at the base. As soon as she had enough room, Fluttershy wriggled underneath, slightly ripping the ends of her skirt in the process. Once clear, she took off yet again.
By the sound of the chain link fence rattling behind her, Fluttershy already knew that the pursuit wasn't over; they were hopping the fence. Fluttershy kept running. She burst out from the bushes into somebody's backyard. Her legs and feet complained from the marathon, but she dared not stop.
She pushed herself, harder and harder. Turning down corners randomly and venturing further away from home. After a torturous 10 minutes, Fluttershy gave up. She collapsed under a tree in a park she only vaguely recognized. Let them catch her; she couldn't run anymore.
For a few moments, it seemed as if no one was coming. Fluttershy waited, no tormentors arrived. Fluttershy sat up, trying to catch her breath. She scooted back to lean against the tall apple tree. Eventually, the pulsing in her veins slowed.
"You know, you were pretty fast."
Fluttershy jumped at the voice from above. Sitting on a branch in the tree was a sky-blue ponymorph. Its hair seemed to shine in a spectrum of color. Fluttershy couldn't tell exactly, but it seemed to be around her age. No telling how long it had been watching her.
Fluttershy awkwardly scrambled to her feet, brushing off dirt. The ponymorph stared at her with curious magenta eyes.
"Whatcha doin'?"
"H-h-hiding."
The ponymorph raised an eyebrow. "You're not doing a very good job."
Fluttershy shifted. The ponymorph dressed and sounded like a young boy, but its face appeared rather... girlish.
"W-well, I was running from the boys that were chasing me." She explained quietly.
"Huh, I think I've seen them around. They don't come into my block very often. Matter of fact, humans don't really come here at all."
Fluttershy suddenly felt like an intruder. "Do-do you want me to leave?"
"It's a free nation." The ponymorph shrugged. It slid off the branch, dropping a short distance to the ground. "Anyway, I'm Dash. Rainbow Danger Dash." The ponymorph struck a macho pose with its arms held up. "What's your name, Short-round?"
"Um, I'm Fluttershy."
"Sweet. So, why were those creeps chasing you, Butterfly?"
"They do it almost every day after school. I guess they just don't like people who are different," Fluttershy explained, not bothering to correct Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow blew a strand of multicolored hair out of its eye. "Yeah, I know how that feels. But I don't have to deal with it. Papa homeschools me."
"Do you go with any friends?"
"Nope. My only friend is in juvie."
Fluttershy crossed her arms bashfully. "Um, what's juvie?"
Rainbow Dash's face hardened. "Juvenile detention, the hill, the hall, whatever. It's just prison for kids."
"Oh." Fluttershy reached an arm out. "I'm sorry to hear that. Don't you get lonely?"
"Uh... sometimes, maybe." Rainbow Dash's shoulder tensed at Fluttershy's hand touching it, as if it were a foreign object.
Fluttershy tapped her foot, lowering her gaze in embarrassment. "Um, I really, really don't want to seem rude, but... I'm sorry, but, are you a boy or a girl?"
Rainbow Dash's head cocked. Then Rainbow burst into laughter. "Papa told me I could fool anyone!" Rainbow Dash fell back, wiping away a tear. "I'm a girl, yeah." She laughed.
Fluttershy looked around, not sure what to say. After a minute, Rainbow Dash climbed back up, still giggling.
"I like you already." Rainbow Dash slung an arm around Fluttershy. "Stick with me, Butterfly; you'll be alright."
Fluttershy stared at Rainbow Dash. She was shocked at how this encounter had unfolded.
"Well, I better go. Papa is gonna need help cooking, and then we're gonna play rugby." Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy another friendly shake, then turned to leave.
"You know how to get back to your house, right?"
Fluttershy nodded. "Um, yes," She added, remembering that Rainbow Dash wasn't looking at her. "Goodbye, Rainbow Dash."
"Later, Butterfly."
Fluttershy watched as Rainbow Dash threw up a hand and gave a short wave as she walked. Holding in a breath, Fluttershy also made her way back. Once she was a safe distance away, Fluttershy squeaked in excitement. She just made a friend!
A ponymorph friend, which Mommy might not approve. But still, Fluttershy had a friend.
Now, don't get carried away, she just wants to hang out.
Fluttershy steadied herself. She only just met Rainbow Dash. But still, there was something special about her. Something that made Fluttershy feel...
"Wow."
"The Empire held its breath when the Princess declared a formal secession. After years of playing with fire, the fuse has finally been lit. How long it will take for the keg to explode is a question on everyone's minds.
"Some say that Queen Celestia could have done more to prevent the creation of the Lunar Republic, perhaps even by more strict regulations and punishments early on.
"But now the damage is done. There is no turning back. The Lunar Republic is up in arms after what appears to have been a siege on a military installation that left over a dozen injured. Reports indicate that there was a casualty."
"Tragedy struck in our Republic last night. 19 year-old Rainbow Dash was brutally shot and murdered outside of a Lunar Corps facility. The shooter has been identified as Flash Sentry, Royal Guard, formerly discharged from the Camelot Police Force, thankfully now in captivity.
"Rainbow Dash was shot three times in the chest when Sentry fired an automatic weapon into a line of brave new Lunar Corps volunteers. She died on the way to the hospital from severe blood loss."
"The first citizen of the Lunar Republic to die. Rainbow Dash. A kid. Think about that. Some people are saying that this wasn't an organized attack, and that Sentry was just crazy. Well, I know he is.
"This is what we've become. So consumed in our hatred for each other that all we can do is blame, shout at, attack, and kill each other.
"Rainbow Dash wasn't the first to lose her life because of our destructive decisions, and she won't be the last. I don't know what it was. Maybe because the Lunar Republic was finally actually seceding, I guess people were hoping this would be the end of it.
"It's not. They're out there, now. Calling for Sentry's execution. Or worse. You can do the math."
"I hoped for peace. I hoped for solace. I hoped we could put aside these petty differences between us long enough to build a surer future for our children. And your ignorance and hatred carelessly allowed that dream to wither away and die. You seem to actually ask for war.
"Our Lunar Corps was purely a defensive organization. And now, a child has died at your hands. So, to the citizens of the Solar Empire, I speak to you:
"Ask, and you shall receive."
