Author's Note

This chapter, man. GAH. The first couple paragraphs were easy but then it just... I don't know, it was like pulling teeth. I am totally running out of ideas for this fic, so if you have something you want to see, Message me, comment it here, put up smoke signals, just do SOMETHING to let me know. Celestia only knows that I could use some inspiration.

Enjoy the chapter!

The Grass Is Much Greener

Rainbow returned the embrace, looking confused. It wasn’t about Spitfire. It was about herself. She could feel herself slipping. But she still had enough of her older self to feel shameful. What if they kicked her out of the Wonderbolts? No, wait, that wasn’t rational. Spitfire would never let that happen. But complete humiliation was absolutely possible. Oh, she could just see it. The laughter. Spitfire wouldn’t have to kick her out. She would be laughed out. But… Spitfire was holding her. She had called her baby bolt. She only did that when she was in Mama mode. And if Spitfire wasn’t embarrassed, maybe she shouldn’t be either.

She melted into her, and felt the last of her older self fade as she gave in the little self that was bubbling beneath the surface. However, she retained enough of her bigger self to use bigger words, but otherwise, she was regressing quickly. She started whimpering, though wether it was out of pain or her littleness was unclear. Spitfire rubbed her back.

“Shhh. It’s okay Baby Bolt. Mama’s here.” She said.

“M-Mama.” She stuttered.

“It’s okay.” She said. Then, she turned to Thunderlane and Soarin. “Can you go find her pain meds and get the bag from my office?” She asked them.

“Sure.” Thunderlane volunteered first, and left. Soarin went over to the both of them. Rainbow looked at him.

“Hey Little Bit. You did a really good job. Really great.” He said.

“I did?” It was very quiet.

“You did.” He said. “You stayed calm, you kept a level head, and you didn’t hurt yourself in the process. That’s what it means to make smart decisions.”

“Yeah?” Hope shined in her eyes.

“Definitely.” He said. He winked at her.

She giggled a little. He cooed at her, then he looked at Spitfire. “Can I hold her?”

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Fine.”

Soarin gave her a cheeky grin. “Thanks, boss.”

“Be careful of her wing.” She ordered.

“Sure thing.” He picked her up carefully. “You okay, Little Bit?” He asked.

She felt herself slipping further. “Wing huwts.” She pouted.

“I know. But Thunderlane is getting you medicine to take it away and make it better. Then we’ll take you to the hospital.” He said.

“‘Kay, bubba.” She said.

Just then, Thunderlane came back, carrying the pill and Rainbow’s saddlebag. “Hey, Mini Mare. This should help you out.” He said.

She took the pill and swallowed it dry. It got stuck in her throat for maybe a few seconds, then went down hard.

“Good job.” Soarin said. Spitfire came up to her.

“Let’s get you to the hospital.” She said.

“‘Kay, Mama.” She replied.

Together, the three of them headed to the hospital.

Fleetfoot remained behind purposefully, though she desperately wished to be with everypony else. She had taken one look at the shocked and confused expressions of the rest of her fellow Wonderbolts and knew that some explaining was in order. But Spitfire couldn’t do it, for the obvious reason that she wouldn’t leave Rainbow, not in the state she was in. And with Soarin currently holding her and Thunderlane helping her manage her pain, that left her to do the talking.

She explained everything she knew, particularly about how she herself had figured it out, and how they had spent those first minutes afterward. Each one listened, and each had a different reaction at first. But by the end, they all nodded. Each of them weren’t exactly sure of how this came to be or exactly how to take it, but they knew that their teammate needed their support. And they would help her, no matter what.

Meanwhile, Spitfire, Soarin, and Thunderlane were helping Rainbow Dash along to the hospital. Thankfully it was morning and not evening, so there wasn’t much going on there. The moment Spitfire entered, the doctor in the lobby, and a nearby nurse, came to attention.

“A bone in her wing was crushed with a pair of bolt cutters. I want every test possible done on her, and she is not to be left without one of us present, including Fleetfoot. I expect the best care for her. I also expect complete confidentiality here, and one more thing. Should Wind Rider come to this hospital, I want to be alerted, and for him to be transferred to a different hospital after he is stabilized, should he require it. And should he come here, I want him in the room furthest away from Rainbow Dash. Am I clear?” Her orders were crisp and direct.

“Yes ma’am.” They said, fearful of what she might do should they disobey. It was, after all, her show.

“She took some pain medicine a few minutes ago. We need to take her to a room for a moment though.”

“Yes ma’am. This way.” The doctor instructed. He led her to a nearby room and opened the door. “I’ll be making rounds should you need me.” He said.

“Thank you.” She said in a tone that instantly dismissed him. He left, and wisely shut the door behind him.

Spitfire wasted no time. She grabbed the bag from Thunderlane and opened it. She grabbed a diaper from the duffel and some powder and rash cream, and then patted the bed.

“Lay down.” She said to Rainbow, voice sweeter than all the sugar in Sugarcube Corner.

Rainbow did as her mama told her. She winced a little when her wing brushed against the bed in it’s bad spot, but it was okay. She stayed still and stared up at the ceiling as her Mama diapered her. She supposed that mama figured since she had already slipped so far that she would need it. She wasn’t in a position to argue. She knew that at this point it was better to be safe than sorry. Absently, she stuck her hoof in her mouth and started suckling. Maybe fifteen seconds later, Soarin handed her her pacifier to use instead. She looked miffed to have to take it out, but she knew that Mama didn’t like it when she did that, and she knew better than to upset her over even the smallest thing, especially considering what happened. She opened her mouth and accepted it. Just after, The change was done.

Rainbow sat up. Mama looked pleased, so Rainbow smiled.

Spitfire gave her a minute or two to relax, but then decided that it was time to go.

“Come on, baby bolt. Let’s get you checked out.” She said.

Rainbow nodded, and followed her.