Chapter 9: Angels Holidays

Two fillies walk out the school gates of Cloudsdale Flight school. They check the small groups of parents

“Mum!” Rainbow Dash waves frantically, quickly obtaining a happy smile from her mother.

The young blue pegasus pulls her shy companion along as they rush out of the school gates to meet Rainbow Dash’s mum.

“Hello dear. I hope you’ve been a good little filly.”

“Yes I have mum.” Dash grins eagerly, choosing to forget all examples of doing otherwise. “And mum. This here is Fluttershy! My best friend, she’s super cool!”

The happy weather pony takes her first good look at Rainbow Dash’s companion. “So... My girl has finally found a friend. How wonderful. It’s nice to meet you Fluttershy.”

“...H-Hello...” Fluttershy says shyly, looking away.

“Shy are you?” Giggles the mare. “Come on. I don’t bite.”

“Mum... there’s a reason she’s called Fluttershy.” The bold fily nudges her companion. “It’s okay Fluttershy. Smile.” The cyan filly’s face lights up in a hopeful grin.

Blushing a bit, unable to resist, Fluttershy smiles sweetly and looks up at the mare. “It’s...very nice to meet you...um...Mrs. Dash...”

“It’s lovely to meet you too Fluttershy.” The smiling pegasus gives the young pony a brief hug. “Now... do you know where your parents might be?”

“No.” Shyly replies the yellow filly.

Leading off, the weather mare looks around for any potential parents of her filly’s new friend. “Do you know who’s picking you up Fluttershy?”

“Um...I think my mother is...but I don’t see her...” Fluttershy says softly, looking around nervously.

“Oh... Shal we just wait here for her then? I think I’d like to meet her.”

“So would I!” Chimes in Dash, grinning widely.

Fluttershy smiles a bit, feeling pretty grateful that she doesn’t have to wait all alone. At least now she can finally introduce her best friend to her mother! “Okay...”

“I would very much like to know how your first went Rainbow. How are classes and are you doing well in flying?” Gust inquires as a way of both passing time and also in an attempt at finding what her daughter has been up to.

“Well... First day I met Fluttershy here and she became my best friend... Class is boring mostly but I like flying classes. I’m top of the class!” The proud filly grooms her own ego, filling with pride as the other two smile on.

“That’s good to hear dear. I do hope you still pay attention in class. You never know when something will be useful.” Although she feels pleasure that her youngster appears to have been good, she knows that she is not being told everything. Instead of breaking the atmosphere with harsh words, Gust allows herself to fall into happy silence, glad to at long last be reunited with her filly.

A dark yellow pegasus with a bright red mane flies slowly over. Circling once, the mare lands nearby, gazing around as if looking for something.

“Oh...there’s my mother! Um...so...I guess we can go meet her now...” Fluttershy begins to go over to her.

Chuckling softly, replied “We sure can. Run along now.”

Nudging her friend playfully, Rainbow Dash grins sideways at the shy pony. “Come on Fluttershy. I really want to meet her.”

Nodding, Fluttershy canters over to her mother, leading the two pegasi behind her.

“Mommy!” She cries happily, hugging her mother’s foreleg.

“There you are!” The elated mare replies, hugging her daughter.

“Mommy! I made a friend! I want you to meet her! She’s my best friend!” Fluttershy buzzes excitedly, nuzzling her mother’s cheek.

“I sure do...” Chuckles the dark yellow pegasus.

Seeing her fellow filly coming up, Fluttershy goes over to her and gives her a hug, before presenting her to her mother. “Rainbow, this is my mommy! Mommy, this is Rainbow Dash!”

“Hello, Mrs... Shy...?” Grins the cyan youngster.

“Good to meet you Rainbow Dash. I hope you’ve been nice to my girl here.”

“I have. She’s my best friend!” Replies the ginning filly.

“Oh, she has, mommy... She protects me, too.” Fluttershy giggles.

“Yep! From all the mean bullies!”

“That sure sounds like you Rainbow....” Sighs the weather mare from behind. “Oh well... as long as you two didn’t get into any trouble over it.”

“We didn’t.” cheerly grins Dash before turning her attention to the reserved sunny pegasus. “Are you cool like Fluttershy?”

“I... I hope so.” Fluttershy’s mother had failed to see that one coming and quickly finds herself smiling happily back.

“Of course she is, Rainbow. She’s my mommy!” Fluttershy says, nudging her companion. “Mommies are always cool!”

The storm cloud grey mare walks up behind her cocky daughter, “Rainbow... be polite.”

“I am...!” Insists the cyan youngster, grinning up at her mother.

“It’s all right.” Says Fluttershy’s mother, Scarlet Sunset. She smiled in understanding. “I used to be a lot like her when I was her age. Rambunctious and very...excitable, you might say.”

“Okay. Well, it’s good meet you. My name is Gust. This, is my daughter Rainbow Dash.” A light grey hoof assists in her introductions before it extends in greeting to the other mare.

Scarlet Sunset briefly shakes the other mare’s hoof, slightly put off that no hug was offered before she continues with the pleasantries. “It’s good to meet you too. My name is Scarlet Sunset. You’ve already met my little Fluttershy.” The older yellow mare nuzzles her filly. “Thank you for keeping her company, I came a little later than I had hoped.”

“It’s okay! Nopony will get Fluttershy while I’m around.” Dash proudly pats her own chest with a hoof.

“Oh, that’s great to know.” The deep yellow mare replies, smiling happily, relief flooding through with the knowledge that her daughter was safe the whole time. “Does my little filly finally have a friend does she?” Scarlet nuzzles the lighter coloured pegasus in her hold.

“Yes...I did say she was my best friend, mommy...” Fluttershy beams. “...Um...mommy...can we have a sleepover together?”

“I don’t see why not. What do you think Gust?” Giggles the deep yellow mare.

“She’s allowed. I won’t mind... her father won’t care...” Shrugs the weather mare nonchalantly. “Go on then Dash...” She prompts, pushing the bold filly forward with a hoof.

“Really?! I can?!” Dash grins widely, bouncing on the spot.

“Yay!!!” Fluttershy squeals, tackling her best friend, rolling around in the clouds in a playful ball of fun and filly as she shares the joy with the young troublemaker.

“This is going to be super cool!” Calls out the bold pegasus, hugging her best friend.

“Looks like you dad was right Dash... You have found a good friend.” Smiles Gust, patting her daughters back, adding to the fillyhug.

Scarlet Sunset giggles, smiling with amusement at the two fillies. “My, this is quite a day, isn’t it? My little girl made a friend, and even wants to sleepover with her. This time a few months ago, she’d have freaked out at the idea.”

“I know! She’s the best friend ever... even if she can be a little shy...” Dash grins happily up, ruffling her companion’s mane.

“Well then... Do you need to gather up anything before you come over Dash?”

“Nope! I have everything I need here.” She motions towards her overpacked saddlebags nearby. “See!”

“I do...” Nods the sunny pegasus. “And you’re sure you don’t mind me borrowing your dear filly for a day or two?”

“Of course I don’t.” Gust knows that her husband won’t mind either, if he even remembers that the holidays were supposed to be on now.

“Thank you.” Scarlet does a small bow, thankful that her daughter will have company for the holidays.

“Hey! Can I stay over for a lot of days?” Asks Rainbow Dash.

“Yes you can Dash. Now come here for a hug. Then I’ll go home, got a storm to prepare for tomorrow.” The weather mare instructs, happy enough to not have a spastic daughter to deal with for the holidays.

“Okay, mom...” The cyan filly chuckles, giving her mother a hug. “You’re the best, mum! Thanks!”

“Yea. Now, go. Have fun. Your brother will be back later in the holidays.”

“Awesome!” Dash trots over to her fellow filly.

“Um...goodbye Mrs. Dash...thank you for letting her stay with me...” Fluttershy murmurs shyly.

“It’s no problem. Really.” The strong mare waves to the trio, taking off into the sky with arrogant grace.

“See where I got it from?” Grins the cyan filly, “My mum has some cool moves for an old mare.”

“Rainbow Dash. Don’t be rude.” Cides the remaining grown up. “Now lets go.” She offers a hoof to her little one, a light smile upon her face.

“Yes mum...” Murmurs Fluttershy, hopping on top of her mother for a free ride.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing your cool house. Fluttershy’s told me all about it!” Dash eagerly trots along after the grown pony.

“I’m sure she has....” Scarlet feels a wash of joy flood her system, her daughter clearly is making progress, despite her shyness.

Fluttershy giggles a bit, looking away. “Well...now we can go see it...”

“Awesome! Go faster Miss Shy! We need to get there faster so we can do more.” Dash picks up the pace, overtaking the mare in the lead.

“What a fiery friend you have made Fluttershy. I do hope she’s nice to you.”

From atop her mother’s back, the creamy yellow filly beams happily. “She is, mommy. She really is such a sweet girl. She’s always nice to me. And she even helps me a lot...trying not to be shy, trying not to be scared, and stuff... Rainbow is a good friend...a really good friend.”

“Okay then. Do you think we should give Dash here her race?”

“Um...she doesn’t like losing, mommy...but I guess if you wanted to...”

“Well... How about we let her then... she looks like she’s enjoying herself.” The sunny mare picks up her pace, inching closer to the filly in the lead.

Fluttershy pauses and smiles. “Okay, mommy.”

The trio race off, slowly gaining speed as they head off towards Fluttershy’s home.

“And...well, this is my bedroom...” Fluttershy noses open the next door they come to, and trots into her room. She giggles and jumps onto her bed, happily settling onto it. “What do you think?”

“It’s so cool!” The bold filly almost explodes with glee, clapping her hooves together.

Dash quickly rushes around the room, eagerly checking everything that she can out.

“You like it?” The yellow filly hops down from her bed, going to help her out.

“This is the best bedroom ever! Mine is just a little cloud in the corner.” The energetic filly continues to buzz excitedly.

A sad, broken hearted look overcomes Fluttershy’s face as she looks at her best friend. “I’m sorry...”

“Don’t be... my house sucks. Don’t know what dad spends his bits on...”

“W-What? But...Rainbow...that’s not fair!”

Cyan shoulders shrug the problem off. “It’s nothing. At least you have a cool place. Can you show me more? I really want to see more ‘cause this house gets better and better the more I see!”

“One day....” Fluttershy murmurs to herself, heading out into the hallway again. “...One day...it could be ours...”

“No way. I’m sure I can make a place that’s ten times as cool as this!” LIght blue hooves eagerly wave, illustrating her point.

“Meep!” Squeals Fluttershy. “You didn’t hear that! No! I didn’t mean to say it...out loud...um... never mind! Come on! Bathroom! Yes, bathroom!” Fluttershy scurries off to the hallway bathroom.

“Okay.” Dash trots off after her friend.

‘No...why did she hear me? Why did I have to say that? Oh, now she’s going to think I’m weird!’

Fluttershy goes into the bathroom, not looking back to check if her friend is following, sitting down for a moment to think.

The shy filly’s train of thought is derailed by the entrance of the bold cyan filly who pounces on her, giving her face a quick lick. “Gotcha ‘Shy!”

“Ah! R-Rainbow...? What are you doing?” The shy filly asks, blushing.

“Giving my best friend a surprise. What else.” Grins the brash filly, picking herself up. “You look cute when you’re like that... Now... where’s this awesome bath?”

Fluttershy blushes. “Um...well, this is my bathroom, actually. The cool bathroom I told you about is in my mommy and daddy’s room. Do you want to see it, then?”

“Na... your one should be cool!” The bold filly bounds up to check out the rest of the bathroom, poking her nose into every cupboard, nook and cranny she can find.

“But...it’s not.” Fluttershy says, pouting. “It’s almost like the one we have at school, except with different colours, places and I have a shower thingy instead of it being in the tub.” She points to the nearby shower stall near the tub.

“I can still have fun in our bath times...” Dash passes her companion’s worries off, still gazing around the well decked out room in awe.

“Mommy and Daddy have a huge bathroom as big as our room at the school... Mine is so normal, Rainbow...you’re going to like that one more than this.”

“Okay. Take to more cool rooms in your house then!” The bold filly bounds up to her friend, grinning widely.

“You see?” Fluttershy feels a tad saddened.

“I see a cool bathroom in here and a sad Fluttershy. I don’t like a sad Fluttershy.”

A little smile courses on the yellow filly’s lips.

“That’s better...”

“I...well...just...know that my bathroom isn’t cool and I know you’re not going to think it after you see my mommy and daddy’s bathroom. So...you don’t have to say it, Rainbow.”

“Then don’t show me their bathroom. I like yours anyway.” The grinning bold youngster bounds out the doorway, ready to continue exploring.

“Okay...” The shy filly follows her friend out, unsure of herself. “Are you sure?”

“Yep! Sure I’m sure.” The cyan filly is already moving on, gazing up at the hoof made walls, carefully decked out with various pieces of art.

A larger smile overcomes Fluttershy’s face as she leads the way toward the basement. “Well, come on then! I’ll show you the basement. And then after, my favourite place in the house!”

With a confident grin, Dash follows her friend, totally eager to explore. “Any more fun things to find in this house?” She eagerly asks.

“Well, not really. It’s big, but, we do have to be careful in some of the rooms, as you could see.”

“Why can’t we explore them then?”

Fluttershy leads downstairs, biting her lip as she tries to figure a way to explain this to her best friend. “Mommy and Daddy tell me not to go in those rooms because they don’t want me breaking things or getting hurt. And even so, there isn’t anything to do in those rooms, so we won’t be missing out on anything. They’re...kind of like museums or the Rainbow Factory where we can’t touch anything.”

“And I know all about those...” Dash grins, overconfidently. “I went into a few of those... always go kicked out. You sure we can’t explore here too?” She can only imagine how fun it will be to explore the off limits areas of the house.

“No... Because....if you get in trouble here, you won’t be allowed to come sleepover anymore. And I don’t want that.” Fluttershy pouts. “Please, Rainbow? You’re my family now, and this is where all my family comes to during the holidays.... Please?”

“Okay. Just lead on then.” Although Rainbow Dash doesn’t like being told no, she allows her friend to lead on, hoping to discover better things together.

Relieved, Fluttershy leads her friend into the kitchen, where they come to another door. She noses it open, then trots down the stairs, a small landing, then two more steps. Below is a spacious basement with a few support beams, windows to let in some natural light, an extra bathroom, and another room that appears to be an office.

The entire room has some toys sitting around, a couple of tables, and a bar with a sink/kitchenette.

“Here it is! The basement!” Fluttershy says happily. “We can play all kinds of games here, Rainbow!”

“This is totally cool Fluttershy!” The bold young pegasus allows her enthusiasm to come bubbling to the surface, racing around, checking everything within hoofs reach out. She can hardly believe her shy companion lives in such a wonderful place.

“...I’m glad you like it...” Fluttershy smiles brightly, filling with joy as she sits on her haunches watching the cyan ball of plush dart about. “I thought you would.”

“How did you get so lucky!?!” The eager speedster reces up to the collection of toys and sifts through them as fast as she can.

Fluttershy looks at her with confusion. “I...didn’t. They’re just my mommy and daddy. I didn't’ ask for any of this, Rainbow.”

“Then you have the nicest parents ever!”  A cyan hoof picks up one of the small toys and Dash eyes it excitedly.

“Yes, I do...” Fluttershy giggles. “Do you want to see the balcony?”

“Sure... if it’s cool like this... it will be awesome!” Dropping the toy, Rainbow canters up to her companion. “Now?”

Fluttershy nods. “Then we can come back in for a snack, and we’ll come back down here to play. Does that sound good?”

“It does. I’m starving already!” Grins the cyan plush ball, nuzzling up to her friend, ready for some action.

Giggling, Fluttershy nuzzles her back with a beaming smile. She then leads her companion upstairs, through the kitchen and to a massive door that appears to face the late day sun. This one leads to the balcony, which offers quite a view of some areas of Cloudsdale and the residential neighbourhoods on one side.

But up ahead is a view of the ground below, with blue lines of all sizes and lengths cut through the green, yellow and brown-ish colours of the fields and trees. Further into the horizon are majestic mountains and rolling hills, further adding to the beauty and charm of the natural landscape.

Fluttershy sighs dreamily as she gazes out upon the breathtaking, dramatic view, feeling her heart swell. What makes it even better is that she is sharing this with her best friend in the world. Just as she one day hoped to do.

The daydream from once before returns to her. Both she and Rainbow Dash are grown up mares, sitting on this same balcony together, enjoying the sunset as they sit, snuggled up with each other. She giggles at the thought, then glances at her best friend.

“Well...what do you think? I really wanted to share this with you, Rainbow. You’re my best friend...and the first friend I ever had. And I never shared this with anypony...but you. It means a lot to me...” She says softly, looking away shyly.

“Okay... It’s nice I guess...” Feeling the first pangs of boredom approaching, Dash settles down upon the soft cloud underhoof, preparing for a nap under the warm sun.

Fluttershy’s ears droop as she looks away sadly. Of course this isn’t going to mean as much to her companion as it does to herself. She takes a couple of breaths and nods, getting up. “All right, let’s go inside, then.” ‘Not much point in enjoying it when I know Rainbow isn’t.’

“I thought you wanted to...” The slowly relaxing filly glances up at her friend.

“Yes, but you don’t want to. I know this...well, isn’t the same for you as it is for me. So, I get it. We’ll just go inside.”

“Stop being so easy ‘Shy... Sit... relax. I’ll be okay if it’s not for too long. I know you want me to be happy... but you’re my friend too... and I want you to be happy too.” The cheeky bold filly gives her friend a sad look, hopeful that she can get her friend what she desires.

Although the catch is not lost on Fluttershy, she is happy that her friend at least wants to take a minute or two to share this with her. Smiling, she sits back down next to her. “Okay.”

“When I do this in my neighbourhood, I get a cool look at the places nearby and get to dream of flying over them all.” Turning her gaze to the vista before them, Dash places her chin in her forehooves. “Just image how cool it would be to fly over all of that....” She wriggles excitedly, barely able to contain her dream, wings flickering eagerly.

This makes the creamy yellow filly beam, “Oh...I knew you’d like the thought of that, Rainbow. I’d...well, prefer to walk on that and explore...but it would be a thrill to fly over it all, and go out there...into the horizon...and see what’s out there...” She giggles at this.

Rainbow fends her hopes of walking off with a forehoof. “Walking is for earth ponies Fluttershy. I’m going to have to teach you to fly like me so we can explore all that...” Wrapping a foreleg around her friend, the other cyan forehoof waving about, illustrating her point.

“...That....would be nice, Rainbow... Okay. We’ll do it. I’ll learn to fly, and then one day...” Fluttershy looks at Rainbow Dash instead of the view. “We’ll fly over that. Together. On a big adventure!”

Mind and heart brimming with joy at what she hopes to come, the larger yellow filly cuddles up against her friend, relaxing into the combined warmth of filly and sun.

“Maybe we could even take Derpy out over there... more space for her flying...” Dash giggles into her forehoof as she imagines the ungainly filly crashing into everything in sight.

Although Fluttershy would have rather keep the party to the two of them, even she can’t resist the idea. “Yes, that’s very true. It would be nice... She’d like that, for sure!”

“Yep! And it will be funny seeing her go looking for muffins and crashing into stuff...” Giggles the prankster. “I’m sure we could have loads of fun with her...”

“You’re right, we could have fun... Well, wonderful! Then it’s settled! The three of us will go on that adventure together! Yay!” Fluttershy cheers, giving her friend a hug.

“There you two girls are...” The deep voice of a stallion reaches their ears as an older pegasus comes up behind them.

“Daddy!” Fluttershy smiles brightly at her father. “Daddy, this is Rainbow Dash! My best friend!” She snuggles the cyan ball of plush eagerly, grinning.

“It’s nice to see you’re making friends there. My name is Autumn Leaf. Are you a nice friend?” The sandy brown stallion settles down beside the two fillies, his deep brown mane flowing gracefully in the breeze as auburn eyes take in the colourful sight upon his clouds.

“I am!” Rainbow Dash gently pushes her friend off her, eager to make a good impression.

“Then I’m glad... I hope to see you around a lot then.” He gazes happily off into the distance, drinking in the familiar sights outside his home.

“She’s going to stay with us, Daddy...” Fluttershy explains, looking eager. “Mommy said it was okay!”

“I say it’s okay too. In fact, as long as she behaves herself like you do, she is welcome here anytime. Okay?”

“Sounds awesome!” The grinning filly speaks up, willing and eager. She is fully aware that she may ‘accidentally’ break the rules a little, once she gets to know the house better. However, for now, such matters were easy to put out of mind.

“Don’t worry, daddy, I’ll take care of her.” Promises Fluttershy, giggling.

“I don’t need taking care of...” Scowls the cyan ball of trouble, shaking her spiky mane as she stands.

“Hee hee...whatever you say, Dashie.” Fluttershy coos cutely. “C’mon, let’s go inside and get a snack!”

A little rumble from the speedsters belly beats her to answering causing the other pegasi myrth. “I’m ready...” She stries off, leaving them behind, doing her best to look as cool as possible.

Fluttershy playfully rolls her eyes and then trots inside after her. Sure enough, Scarlet Sunset is in the kitchen, preparing them some sandwiches and carrot sticks. She smiles at the two fillies, gesturing for them to sit up at the breakfast bar.

“Come on then, girls. I have your snack prepared.”

“Cool... I’m really hungry!” Dash leaps up, little wings flapping eagerly, doing all she can for the extra boost.

Giggling, Fluttershy climbs up onto her stool, sitting up at the counter as she dutifully awaits her helping. Scarlet Sunset places down the little plates in front of the fillies, along with two apple juice boxes.

“Thanks Mis Sunset!” The eager cyan speedster mows into her meal as fast as she can.

“Rainbow! Slow down!” Fluttershy squeaks, afraid of what her mother might think.

Between the look of mild shock on the sunny mare’s face and her friends own horror, Rainbow forces herself to slow down to a more public friendly speed.

“I see somepony likes their food... Don’t worry. I don’t mind... but please don’t teach my dear little Fluttershy any of your bad habits.” Scarlet Sunset leaves her reprimand at that, confident that it will be enough.

A little sigh escapes Fluttershy as she slowly goes to eating her own food. ‘Oh, what am I going to do with her? ….Well, she’s just being the same old Rainbow Dash I know and love...’

Moments later Dash finishes her meal, leaping up off her seat. “Done! That was really nice!” She grins happily at Scarlet for a few moments before remembering her manners. “Oops... um... Thank you for the nice meal...”

Fluttershy smiles approvingly at her, nodding as she slowly finishes her food. “Yes, thank you, mummy. It was really good.”

“You’re most welcome dears. It’s nice to have my little filly around the house again.” The deep yellow mare smiles warmly at the pair.

“Don’t worry. Soon I’ll teach her to fly! Then she can fly home every day!” Grinning, Dash approaches the idea with gusto.

Scarlet Sunset laughs with amusement. “Oh, is that right? Well, then my little filly must have a great teacher out of you!”

“She...is a great teacher.” Fluttershy giggles, nuzzling her best friend appreciatively.

“I sure am! You should have seen the last time she flew... she’s almost as cool as me!”

“And how cool might that be?” Scarlet, willing to humor the youngster, smiles lightly down at her.

“Very cool! Coolest filly in class is me... Fluttershy is second coolest!” Proudly announces the speedster, confidently giving her friend a hug with a single foreleg.

“Awww...” Giggles Fluttershy, giving her a hug back. “Thank you, Rainbow! Come on, let’s go play in the basement.”

“Okay... go have fun you two...” Picking up the left over items, the sunny mare begins the task of washing up.

Needing no further encouragement, the bold cyan filly begins bounding off. “Come on Fluttershy! Fun time!”

xxxxx

Down in the basement, Fluttershy pulls out the boxes of toys, taking a few out at a time and placing them on the floor. Along with that are dolls, toy machinery, toy buildings and homes, building blocks, and some board games.

“It’s not much, but I think we can have some fun games with all these.” She says.

“Sure.” Rainbow Dash stood with wide eyes, looking on as her companion continues to unpack toys.

“So...what do you want to play with first?”

“I don’t know Fluttershy... they all look cool. Which one is your favorite.”

“Um... I don’t know... I like them all. Are you sure you don’t want to pick?”

“Well.. . how about that one then?” Dash points to one of the pegasus dolls. “I bet that one can be a wonderbolt!” She rushes over, promptly picking up the toy and racing off with it in her mouth, imagination ablaze.

Giggling with amusement, Fluttershy nods and then picks up another pegasus doll, “Alright, Rainbow! You can be the Wonderbolt, and this can be the cheerleader who cheers on her best friend the Wonderbolt.”

“How about two Wonderbolts!?!” The eager filly charges back at her companion, eager to show how cool a duo can be.

“Okay.” Deciding to allow her friend to take charge, Fluttershy races up beside the athletic filly. “Just as long as you are the main Wonderbolt. I will follow you, my super cool filly.”

Soaking up the praise faster than a sponge that is dropped into a sea, the cyan speedster grins back, leading her companion on a crusade around the room. “Well come on then! Keep up super ‘Shy!”

Buzzing with joy at her friend’s words, the yellow filly tosses her toy into the air, leaping up and catching it again as she does her best to impress her friend. “I’m right here Rainbow!” She tumbles into the smaller filly and the pair find themselves rolling round and round and round before coming to a stop, yellow on top of blue.

A giggling filly pile lies upon the soft cloud floor of Fluttershy’s playroom.

“Somepony’s getting excited.” Grins Rainbow Dash enjoying the close proximity as well as her companion’s boldness.

“Well... you do that to me sometimes.” Fluttershy nuzzles her friend, enjoying the cyan plush she is attached to.

“He, he... yea.” Extracting herself from her friend, the speedy youngster races over to the discarded toys, tossing her companion’s one over. “Here Fluttershy. Think you can catch the captain again?”

Giggling, the bright yellow filly, slowly stands. “Do you want to try duo work now?”

“Okay. Gimmie your best shot!” Dash throws her challenge out there, eager for her shy friend to break out of her shell and join in again.

The shy yellow filly sidles up alongside her best friend, toy held loosely in her maw, ready to play. “I’m ready.”

“Wonderbolt tag team go!” With Rainbow Dash’s jubilant declaration, the pair take off, racing around, side by side, imaginations alight as the tiny pegasi in their grip performed to thousands of fans.

As she races around, best friend at her side, Rainbow Dash can't help but feel eagerness welling up inside. Not only is she getting the best playtime ever, but it is clear to her that her friend's spacious house is the perfect place for a few incoming pranks.

Fluttershy meanwhile doesn't suspect a thing, happy to play with the bold cyan filly with whom she has already established such a strong connection with.

All in all, the holidays were certainly off to the best possible start.