When life was normal

A low growl angrily escaped Rainbow as she sat legs crossed on a desk, staring directly at you. She had insisted with her strength more than anything to pull you to a discreet classroom on the lower floor and promptly lock the door. You had no choice but cower a few desks away, never letting your eyes stray and shivering like a coward. "Can I go?"

"No." She bluntly answered. "Not until you answer my question."

"I already answered it."

"And I didn't believe it so try again. What are you doing here?" she said reaffirming that menacing scowl.

"Am I not here to learn the art of life?"

"Still not giving me the real reason huh?"

"I am, I swear." you said lowering yourself behind a desk in fear.

All she could do is sigh in her attempts. "Just spit it out already. Why did you follow me here?"

"I'm sorry follow?"

"Yea, I said follow. You think anyone would give up some cushy position at a school like Everfree Prep?"

Now the stakes were a bit more understandable, your last school was indeed...cushy. "I had my own reasons for leaving that school." you said finally taking to a full stand. "I just didn't fit in there."

"Oh don't you even bother mister money out the butt. Everyone that went to that school was completely loaded, and let's not forget that they were treated better on top of that."

"Rainbow, the only reason you didn't quote unquote 'fit in' is because you never made the effort to even get to know us, the only people who talked to you."

"You know what, I was gonna settle this but it looks like you're still stuck up as usual. Go see Fluttershy or something, I don't care."

With that, she took her leave, effectively slamming the door upon her exit. "Talk about a waste of time when you don't even wanna listen to me. I should go check on Fluttershy though." As you exited the room and proceeded up the stairs, your curiosity was drawn to Starlight's room. The faint sound of her singing echoed ever so slightly through her door peeking your interest. She was singing the song. "I wonder why she's so embarrassed about that. Won't find out by barging in again, man that hurt."

With a quick step to Fluttershy's door, you knocked on her door. Quick she was to open the door, your hand the source of contact before she whipped you inside her room. "Lotus." she quietly squealed as she wrapped her arms around you.

A giggle escaped you in the moment. "Someone missed me."

"Well, it's just...I saw starlight kick you into that door and then Rainbow pulled you away all quick and suddenly I couldn't think."

Her actions became a bit frantic, constantly pacing back and forth while she nervously played with her hands. You felt obligated to stop her, shifting her eyes to meet yours. "Hey calm down Fluttershy, I'm fine. I've taken more punishment than this from my little sister on a daily basis, this is nothing."

"So you're getting hurt at home too?"

"No no, not seriously, just take a breath would ya?"

With a slow inhale, she released her breath, letting her eyes upon doing so. "Alright alright, i'm ok."

You have to admit, it was quite interesting to see her so worried for your well being, kinda like a certain little brat of a sister. "Ok now let's keep that composure shall we?"

"Right. So what's next?"

"Um...nothing actually. I've seen everyone that I was supposed to and learned what they do on and off the job, except for Starlight." you said nervously scratching your cheek. "She kicked me out when I mentioned that song."

Fluttershy's shoulders dropped in response, her gaze falling to the window. "And it's still morning too."

"Seriously?" you said checking your phone. "Only 12:30, We still got like 3 hours." As you took a rest on her bed, you couldn't help but notice the rather large pen beneath her desk. You hadn't noticed it before, even with all the time you spent in her room. "Is that a...doghouse?"

"Oh no, I forgot to cover that back up." she said quickly running and standing in front of your view. "Just forget you saw anything."

"But it's right there." you said leaning to the right a bit.

Once again she readjusted to block your view. "I don't know what your talking about."

Unless your seriously stupid, which you're not, that is indeed a doghouse. What kind of dog would Fluttershy even have anyway? A small dog to compliment her own height, maybe even a big boxer or German shepherd to cuddle with and protect her? These are the questions. "I know a doghouse when I see one Fluttershy."

"That's a science project."

Ok, that one wasn't even a good attempt. You thought. "A...science project? Listen to yourself."

"Oh stupid stupid..." she said as she frustratingly shook her head.

"It's not like it's illegal to own a dog Fluttershy, it's actually crazy responsible and soothing."

"Well...I was hoping no one would find out."

She seemed to have a believable amount of guilt in her expression, almost to the point of crying. "I don't see why, people love dogs."

"I'm not supposed to own one on campus."

"Oh, that makes much more sense. Wait if no one supposed to know about him--"

"Her."

"Right, if no one supposed to know about her then where is she?"

"In her house of course, she's been sleeping there since a couple of hours ago."

"Are you sure, cause that house sounds pretty quiet."

Her curiosity now seemed peaked, her eyes worried as they scanned the house. "I...maybe it's time to feed her. Angel?...Angel are you o--"

She stopped, her entire person froze and her eyes widened. "You ok?" She shook her head. "She's not in there is she?"

"N-no...no no no no, where is she where is she?"

"Hey calm down, just tell me what she looks like and we'll find her."

"I can't calm down, if anyone finds her than--"

"Fluttershy please, just take a moment to calm do-"

"I can't calm down, she's my everything, my apartment won't let me have her and if the school finds her--"

You could see it her eyes, the absolute desperation to find her beloved dog. You hadn't seen fear on someone's face since...the day you lost your dog. You sprang into action quickly placing your arms around her and pulling her in. With a low voice, you spoke. "Calm down Fluttershy, just take a moment to breathe."

Her frantic state began to dissipate, her breathing slowed and a warmness began to emanate from her. "B-but..."

"We'll find her Fluttershy, don't you worry. Just breathe in...now out...in...now out." You repeated those words over and over, again and again, seemingly luring Fluttershy's worry into a sense of peace as she followed with every instruction. "Breathe in...out...in...out. Good, keep it going Fluttershy."

Must have felt like a eternity before her breathing returned to a normal pace, her eyes pulling back to stare at you. "T-thank you, I'm really sorry for that."

"Hey we all have our worries especially when it comes to dogs. Now, how about we search for her ok?" She gave a quick nod as you finally released her. "Now if I'm not mistaken, I hear a faint sound of breathing coming from right," you said as you dipped your head under the bed. "Here."

Your eyes lay upon a small Pomeranian with golden fur. Fluttershy gasped as she peeked under the bed with you, her expression excited and happy at the drop of a dime. "Angel, I can't believe you were under the bed this whole time."

She tried to reach for her until you stopped her arms ever so gently. "I think she's enjoying sleeping under there Fluttershy, seems cozy."

"Oh, well..."

"Don't worry, I'm sure she just wanted a change of scenery. Come on, I say we go see Ms. Cherilee for a while, what do you say?"

"I suppose I could let her sleep, but first I need to refill her food and water."

Fluttershy quickly jogged over to kitchen, the sound of the cabinets opening followed by the sound of a large bag being plopping on the floor. A few moments passed before you realized exactly how long it was taking Fluttershy, making you realize the sounds of her straining to move the bag it seemed. You made your way to her and your assumption came to pass. "Do you need help with that?"

"N-no, I'm fine really."

"It just seems a little heavy is all."

"I...got it..." At this point it was kinda funny yet sad to watch her attempt to pull this bag full of food across the floor. You couldn't just sit there and watch. Your hand reached out and grabbed the bag by it's top prompting a pout from Fluttershy. "H-hey, I said I could do it."

"I believe you."

"Then why are you helping me?"

"Well, I don't think the amazing Fluttershy needs to waste time on such a light bag of food." That's never going to work on her.

"Y-you really think I'm strong?"

Holy crap it did work. "Y-yea, just save your strength and let me handle it."

Her hand released the bag and she made her way back into the main room with you in tow, the bag over your shoulder. "I shall provide the water than." You slowly made your way over to the two bowls sitting side by side on the floor and began to pour food into one while Fluttershy took the other and filled it with water. Like clockwork, the small little golden pomeranian shot from under the bed, her entire body happily jumping and yipping at the bag as it poured into the bowl. Within seconds, she was devouring as much as she could, her little mouth going at the food as if it were her last. I swear I see that dog licking it's lips. Fluttershy soon returned with the water placing it down next to the food as she hummed happily at her dog. "Angel, you came out just for this didn't you? Greedy dog you, but still so cute." The dog must have ate at least half that food before getting in a good minute of water. Sure can put it down can't she? The dog finally returned to Fluttershy's lap, happily wagging and looking up at her owner. "It's good to see you too Angel but there's someone I want you to meet." Her two arms wrapped around the dog and brought her to her chest in a cute fashion, facing you. "This is Lotus Angel, say hi."

The dog only stared at you in confusion. "Maybe it doesn't like me?"

"It hasn't even gotten to know you yet, let's try something different."

She placed the dog on the ground and awaited it's eventual advance toward you. It stalled, it's lime green eyes only staring at you even more so than before. As if fate was forcing your move, you reached out to greet it only to hear the sound of the door opening. "Hey Fluttershy I--" Twilight's voice called out before the dog quickly sped past you and her like a bullet. "What the--"

"Oh crap!" you called instantly standing up.

"Was that a dog?"

"No time to explain Twilight, Fluttershy come on!"

The two of you bolted out the door in pursuit, quickly making your way into the hallway. "Downstairs." Fluttershy motioned to you as she was already on her way. Following her, you instantly spotted the small dog running down the hallway towards the main classroom. We might be able to talk Twilight down but if Ms. Cherilee sees it we're done for. Fluttershy instantly took off, her mind seemingly dedicated to catching her dog. You, of course, were left in the dust. It was like night and day with her, her feet taking off like an Olympic track star was pulling her along. "Go around to the other side Lotus." she quickly ordered as she took off around another corner.

With no hesitation, you bolted back the opposite way, hoping to cut it off as it circled around once again. With a unrivaled cockiness, you slid into the hallway, the dog hastily running towards you with Fluttershy at it's heels. "No where to go Angel."

That dog sure knew how to make you regret those words. As it neared you took a step, your hands extended to catch it as it seemingly jumped into them, or so you thought. With the skills of some kind of military canine, she planted her paws on your face quickly jumping in the opposite direction. Fluttershy attempted to use that to catch it mid air only to lose her footing and crash into you sending you both to the floor. The dog quickly ran over you, almost on purpose, as it jumped to an open window. Time slowed, both your eyes widened as the dog was set to escape. It was over. Until a hand promptly launched up and snatched the dog right from her escape. Standing next the window was now, an extremely pissed off Rainbow Dash. "You sure got some explaining to do Lotus. When you two get done with...whatever this is...I'll be in Twilight's room."

The two of you only made the realization the moment she left, her complete form sitting gracefully upon yours. Her face instantly lit up with red, and yet, her eyes never left yours. "Um....we should probably get up now..."

With a small yip, she flew to her feet, brushing herself off as she nervously looked away. "S-sorry I..."

"It's ok, I blame Angel." You said with a chuckle.

"R-right...speaking of Angel...you kinda have..."

It sounded like she was attempting to point something out but the words froze in her mouth behind a slight chuckle. Rising to your feet, you couldn't help give her an awkward expression. "What's up."

"Well..." she began behind yet another stifled laugh. "You should see for yourself."

You whipped out your phone and turned on the camera. Across your face in straight line were two distinct paw prints, obviously from Angel. "Well, this sucks."

"I'm sorry for not pointing it out...earlier." she said turning away from you.

"No need to be sad about it Flutter--Are you laughing?"

"N-no." she couldn't help but utter under her snickers.

"I see what I've become to you." you said taking a step away. "I'm just gonna clean my face and be on way."

A few seconds passed before she finally noticed how far away you were getting. "N-no wait, I didn't mean it."

"No no, it's fine, just laugh it up." you said continuing to walk away.

Within a few seconds, she quickly took hold of your arm, wrapping her own around yours. You let out a few chuckles before realizing her sudden change of tone. "Please, I'm sorry i'm sorry, I didn't mean it..."

Her emotions shifted so suddenly from one to the next, she was cracking up just a moment ago and now, it just makes you feel guilty. Even so, you let out a few chuckles before placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't be, now let's go get chewed out by Rainbow."

"Oh dear...I almost forgot about that."

"So did I Fluttershy, so did I."

A minute later, you were dead center of Twilight's room, Rainbow and Twilight staring you down with their respective expressions. Rainbow with her usual 'I need to kill something' look and Twilight, a smile, her head bopping to the beat of her headphones. "Twilight." Rainbow called as she tapped her. "Would you be serious for a second?"

"What's there to be serious about?"

"The fact that Fluttershy snuck a dog into the school."

"Oh right that." She removed her headphones and proceeded to listen.

"So what in the world made you think it was a good idea to bring a dog into the school?"

Fluttershy only winced at the question, her entire body tense at it's arrival to hear ears, her fist balled up in fear. "I...I didn't think anyone would find out."

"You're lucky I caught her before she bailed out the window. You of all people should know the rules here Fluttershy, you're the student council president after all."

"I know...I'm...s-sorry." Oh crap, now she's starting to cry.

"Can't you take it home or something?"

"My apartment...doesn't allow dogs...and I just thought that maybe I could keep it...here...if no one found out."

"Well now that we know, we can't keep it. Either you're going to have to give it to someone who can take care of it or..."

"N-no please Rainbow, I need her. She's...my everything right now."

"Then what are we supposed to do?"

"I don't know..."

"Rules are rules Fluttershy."

"I..."

"I'll inform Ms. Cherilee and--"

Enough of this. "You know what Rainbow, you're the last person I would thought to be a stickler for the rules." you boldly state standing up. "Not to mention that you're not being very reasonable at all."

"Not reasonable? You don't get to talk about reasonable you preppy rich kid."

"I can't help but wonder if your sudden interest in being a goody goody has to do with me being here. Do you think I'll apologize just because I think you're better than me?"

"Stop talking Lotus, you know exactly what went down back then."

"I do, and for once, I'm trying to make amends."

"I don't care!"

"Yes you do, else you wouldn't be so mad!"

Her eyes still seemed to draw upon her inner anger as she stared you down. Your eyes of course, returned the stare never letting up for a second. That is until you heard the sound of Fluttershy crying. You turned to see her cowering a few feet away crouched down in the fetal position. Rainbow noticed as well and immediately drew back to leaning against a wall a simple grunt escaping her. "Listen you two," Twilight began. "It doesn't matter who's dog it is, we still have to tell Ms. Cherilee. Thankfully, I'll be the one talking to her, who knows, maybe I can persuade her to come to an agreement. Lotus if you could stay here and get Fluttershy to chill out." You nodded. "Alright then, Rainbow Dash come on."

"Whatever." She mumbled before following Twilight out of the room, Angel still in her arms.

You let out a sigh as you knelt down to accompany Fluttershy, her head still tucked neatly in her knees. "Fluttershy...Are you ok?" No response came as she seemed ignore you. "Come on Fluttershy, please talk to me."

"Y-you...y-you guys were fighting and..."

"Look, there's no need to cry. We're ok now, I promise."

"I-I k-know you're gonna fight again, I just..."

"Fluttershy come here." you say gently extending your hand. She looks up, her eyes pouring with tears as she assess the situation. "Come on, I won't bite."

She takes a moment to think before giving a gentle nod and placing her hand into yours. You slowly pull her into your embrace, taking in the heat she is radiating as she sobs into your shirt. Y-you're warm...It feels n-nice."

You let out a chuckle as the time seems to pass a bit. "Can I tell you a story about the first time I cried Fluttershy?"

"Mmmhmm..."

"Well, when I first cried, I was 12 years old."

"12 y-years old...I cried at 3 years old."

"You could say I was a pretty stubborn kid. Back then, we had a bit of a issue with out classmates. My sister was always so cheery and energetic that nothing could ever get to her, she is in fact the embodiment of happiness. Me on the other hand, people saw my pink tips and girly complexion and thought, hey that kid would be fun to pick on every single day of his life. No one year was the same. First it was just as simple as calling me a girl on 'accident', then next year they were calling me a trap or cross dresser for wearing a boy's uniform. They teased and annoyed me constantly, bought me skirts and hair products, it was unbearable. While I do secretly thank them for all that, my sister loved them, I wasn't so fond of it when It was directly implied that I was the girl. I switched classes, took different routes home, and all together stayed inside my house."

"T-that's horrible...I couldn't imagine that."

"That is until my mom found out and began fighting my battles for me. She would tell parents and scold the children for picking on me just because I looked a little more girlish than others. She was amazing."

"Your mom...she must have been your hero growing up."

"She was the idol of our entire lives. My sister always tried to be as happy as she was, mission accomplished. Me, I always looked up to her bravery, her courage in the face of being different. Instead of the usual business attire she's supposed to wear, she would wear bright colored clothes that would make anyone perk up, like a visual coffee. When everyone would get sushi, she would get a burger. When she got fired for not wearing the correct attire, she would bounce back to another job just like that."

"Your m-mom was amazing."

"Yep, she was. She just breathed pure excellence, that is until...she got a call from her mother that her father had passed away."

"Oh my..."

"My mom always looked up to him, adopted his personality of absolute energy. To hear he was dead, to see his body at the funeral, it was...devastating. She took to wearing actual uniform suddenly, she was distant and detached and some nights, even came home drunk. We couldn't figure it out for the life of us why she suddenly looked broken, so...normal. Still she fought my battles but they would escalate even more than they used to. She would almost be ready to fight other parents even if a solution had already been agreed upon. She was changing for the worse. One day, I was at the park against my better wishes, and there she was, sitting on the bench watching me. She smiled but it was weak, unfulfilled. Those boys showed up again and began picking on me and within a second, I was on the ground and hoping she would see. She didn't...for so long they simply threw insult after insult until finally, I heard her voice yell at them. They scattered like ants and before long, she was helping me up. I cried for the first time desperately to her, the first time I ever truly let them get to me. I'll never forget the words she said to me."

"What were they?"

"Crying is a sign of giving in and as pie's, we don't give in. Don't let anyone ever make you feel like who you are is wrong. You are who you are for a reason, and that's so the world can see who how unique you are."

Fluttershy looked up to you, her eyes finally void of any more tears. "I think that your mom was a very inspirational woman."

"Thank you, I hope that cheered you up."

She gave a warm smile as she finally stood up. "It did. I didn't want to see you two fight but..."

"It's ok Fluttershy. Just promise me the next time you want to cry, don't give in, don't let them see that they get to you."

She brought hands to her chest and slowly nodded. "I promise. And...I also promise to not let anyone tell me what I love is wrong, I love animals, and that's what I'm going to tell Ms. Cherilee. But tell me, are you going to fight with Rainbow again?"

"I really don't want to if it's going to make you sad, I'm just gonna avoid her until we can settle this."

"Thank you really, I hate seeing friends fight."

"My pleasure, now let's go get your dog back."

"Oh yes, Angel needs to exercise."

"Still trying to keep her on her schedule huh?"

"Just because she got found out doesn't mean I can't be a good pet owner."

"Hehe, cute."

You two quickly made your way downstairs, taking a deep breath simultaneously as you entered the main room. "Ms. Cherilee we can expla--"

"Who's a good girl, who's a good girl?" Is what came from Cherilee's mouth the second you entered. "Oh Fluttershy there you are. You're the one that brought this adorable little girl into our school aren't you?" Fluttershy nodded. "She's so cute, what's her name?"

"A-Angel?"

"Oh Angel, and that name seems to suit you suit so well, doesn't it baby? Now about the no pets rule." Both of you tensed up at the possible exile of the dog. "It's overlooked for this one."

You couldn't help but scramble a few syllables together in a jumbled mess. "C-come again?"

"Well, I figure the student council president needs a little relief every once in a while with all the work she has to do. So, I'm overlooking the rule this one time. Fluttershy, if you promise to take care of little Angel here, clean up, walk her, and so on, you can keep her."

Like a bullet, Fluttershy shot over wrapping her arms around Cherilee and frantically jumping up and down. "Oh my gosh, thank you thank you thank you."

"No problem deary. Just make sure she doesn't almost get loose like earlier."

"Oh..." she realized at that moment. "You saw?"

"Every minute of every frantic second. And Lotus, you still have paw prints on your face."

Wait really? "Wait really?" you said pulling out your phone.

You could let out a defeated sigh as you exited the room, both of them giggling in the background. The rest of the hours passed before finally, the final bell rung to signal everyone to go home. As you exited the building and waved goodbye to the rest of the council, you began home. Your mind was heavily centered around what you had told Fluttershy. About how your mom was so full of life and energy and suddenly there she was practically ready to dropkick people out of any anger she felt. As you arrived at your apartment complex, you were quick to notice Pinkie walking down from the opposite direction. "Big brother!" she called out as she waved at you.

You returned the wave and the two of you hastily made your way up the stairs to your apartment. You unlocked the door and watched as she bolted in first, literally dropping like a rock onto the floor.

Your apartment was a bit fancy to give in to Rainbow's accusations. It was a short hallway that led to a large living room. To the left, a glass table, 3 couches, one in front and two on either sides of the table, and a decent sized TV hanging on the wall. On both adjacent side of TV were large shelves that held your mom's obsessions such as movies, games, and a wide assortment of shot glasses she had collected over the years. To the right was another hallway leading down to all three of your rooms. Separated by a wall on the other side was the kitchen, with a counter that blocked off most of the entrance to it. It was a decently sized kitchen however so there was plenty of room to move around.

"How was your day because mine was superfantistical." she excitedly stated.

"Is that even a word Pinkie?"

"Sure it is." she said with such a sure tone.

"Sure it is." you replied with a sarcastic tone. "It was nice, I got to meet some really nice people today."

"Some?"

"Yea, some." You said heading over to the kitchen. Upon opening the fridge, you were met with a playful slap to your butt. "H-hey, watch you where you're hitting."

"You can't lie to me big brother, I know a lie when I see it."

"Sounds right considering you're the king of telling them."

"Am not. Anywho, who's the girl?"

"Why does it have to be a girl every time?"

"Because you're a lonely sad soul and you really need to get out there."

She sure can be blunt when she wants to be. You closed the fridge and proceeded to move her out of the way to go sit on the couch. As soon as you sat down, there she was right next you. "How in the world do you do that?"

"Pinkie logic."

"Right...well just so you know, there are alot of girls I met, no one is that special."

"I think you're in denial."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Don't you have anything else to do?"

"It was the first day of school you butt."

Right, I could have figured out how stupid that sounded. "Ugh fine."

You proceeded to tell her about the council, what the members were like and what happened throughout the day. "Sounds to me like you like this Fluttershy girl."

"Technically, I think it's the other way around. She clung to me like I was the only person around all day."

"But?"

"But what?"

"You don't sound disappointed."

"Well...I'm not gonna say I didn't enjoy it but it was interesting to say the least. I even cheered her up at one point."

"Lotus has got a girlfriend, Lotus has got a girlfriend!"

"You're childish."

"I'm a child duh."

"Well how was your day?"

"Oh oh, I met the nicest trio of girls when I got there."

She explained like a speed star how some girls named Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie belle took her on a tour of the school the minute she got there. They introduced her to most of the students and 'they were so nice' she would say. Except for two girls named Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who seemed to have some kind of rivalry with them. Later, she found out that the girls had given their help to Pinkie against the better wishes of 'The Principle Luna' she said as if it was some kind of royal title. After that, she met her homeroom teacher, a pretty chill and yet chaotic guy by the name of Discord. "I don't think I like that Discord Guy, he sounds like the type of teacher to get you guys into more trouble than prevent it."

"But he's so cool, he taught me how to invent a party cannon and everything. Do you know how much more fun people's lives would be with that? It shoots confetti!"

"That sounds like an easy way to get suspended."

"Says you mister no fun."

"I can have fun, when it's not borderline illegal."

"Yea right."

You and her must have bickered over the day for a few hours before the orange and purple of the horizon made it's known through the patio window. "It's getting pretty late."

"Where is mom?"

"You know, I don't know. She should have been home hours ago. I just hope she's not getting drunk again."

"I know mom, she wouldn't do something like that."

"You and me both have seen her come home drunk on countless occasions Pinkie, stop trying to act like everything's sunshine and rainbows."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean mom is being dumb right now."

"Mom. is not. dumb. She is..."

"What do you call a week before the move Pinkie? She was flat out drunk at 12 o'clock at night. She came home stumbling and slurring her words."

"Shut up..."

"I can't help but think you refuse to see the truth."

"I said shut up! Our mom is the pinnacle of innocence."

"If innocence means getting wasted off her ass and leaving me to take care basically all alone, then yes she's innocent." A loud smack ran through the complex, Pinkie's eyes staring at you with a rage unlike any you had seen before. With a streak of tears, she bolted to her room, leaving you with a fresh hand print to your cheek. You held it with no surprise that it stung, it was no surprise at all. You sighed slumping down to your back as you closed your eyes. "What happened to us..."