Chapter 1.5 : Fresh Start

Earlier that morning the sun was beginning to rise against a collection of trees revealing the bright red apples gleaming as the sun hit the skin of the fruit giving a red glisten to the ground around the trees. The only lively thing upon this quiet farm was a small house filled with chickens resting upon fresh eggs when out of them rose a rooster awoken by the natural light of the sun who began to walk out into the small pen surrounding the coop and started to crow at the breaking of dawn. It was this caw that stirred the small world of the farm waking animal and people alike in particularly a farm girl sleeping on a few hay bales her cowboy hat slid down over her face. She lifted she sat up catching her hat against her legs and picked it up placing it upon her head adjusting it to fit tightly and rubbing at her eyes with the other hand.

“APPLEJACK,” a young voice called out, “WHERE ARE YOU.”

Applejack knew this voice it was her younger sister Applebloom who had no doubt been told to find the resting cowgirl.

“Am here in the barn sugar cube, I musta dozed off last night after putting all the tools away.”

“SHE'S IN THE BARN GRANNY,” the young girl cried out again before sticking her head into the barn wearing a nightgown covered in an apple print, “You’ve been in the barn all night Applejack how could ya sleep out here when you got a comfy bed inside?” the young girl asked confused.

Applejack yawned before replying in a groggy voice, “It was an accident Applebloom guess I was jus exhausted after working yesterday and besides I’ve slept on a fair few floors in my time when having sleepovers this hay bale is like an angels kiss compared to that blasted spare mattress dash had.”

Applebloom just looked at her older sister and giggled watching her rub the sleep from her eyes for the fifth time since she had seen her, “if you say so big sis anyway breakfast will be done soon I gotta just get the morning eggs come in when you finally wake up.”

Applejack rolled her eyes climbing to her feet and heading out the barn taking her little sister with her, “you go back into the house and get dressed I’ll get the eggs.”

Not wanting to even attempt to argue and lose a chance to avoid work Applebloom went running back into the house telling Granny Smith the outcome of the interaction and heading upstairs to get ready. Meanwhile, Applejack was taking off her straw cowboy hat and turning it upside down to create a makeshift bowl and diving headfirst into the chicken coop gathering up the eggs and softly placing them soflty inside of the hat. She slowly picked up the hat as to not damage any of the eggs and carried them inside placing them into an actual bowl so she could reclaim her hat and place it back where it belonged upon her head.

Just then an old woman slowly walked into the room complaining to herself about something stopping surprised when she spotted her granddaughter delivering the eggs, “Oh hey there Applejack you look gosh dang awful how many times do I gotta tell you to not sleep out there in the barn, now hurry off and get yerself cleaned up right.”

Applejack turned to look at Granny with guilt in her eyes, “aww shucks I’m sorry granny it was an accident,” she sighed guiltily heading towards the stairs only to be stopped by a young Applebloom charging down in her direction nearly knocking applejack down while talking on the phone to her friends about what activities they were going to try today.

“It's alright just don’t want you getting sick, the nights are getting colder as we get closer to winter,” a concerned Granny said as a last thing before starting to cook breakfast, “and Applebloom slow down ya gosh darn nearly toppled ya sister over.”

Applebloom went quiet for a moment out of guilt but quickly chirped back up as her conversation with her friends started to involve her again. Meanwhile Applejack was already halfway up the stairs crossing a larger character, her older brother big Macintosh or big Mac for short, they exchanged short glances as they crossed the older brother quickly realising the situation at the sight of his sister with her clothes still being clad in the dirt of yesterday and clumps of straw sticking out from her hair and pockets. He gave a small chuckle knowing too well he had been in that situation more than a few times letting her cross past him and shoot into the bathroom. The farmgirl quickly fiddled around with her buttons and belt undressing and stepping into the shower cleaning herself of all the dirt and dust, she couldn’t expect to show up at school covered in muck especially with a friend like Rarity. Applejacks thought drifted to think about her fashion-loving friend.

*it's not like I want to impress her anything just want to look decent so I don’t get an earful,* the now soaked girl thought to herself as she stepped out wrapping a towel around her to dry herself off and heading out of the bathroom and into her own room to retrieve her clothes. She drew her clothes out of the wardrobe and started getting changed using the mirror to check she looked decent. It was here a glint in its corner caught her eye causing her to turn around to remember the dress Rarity had made her for the fall formal, she stared at it quietly looking at how it somehow reflected everything about her so well. She wondered if Rarity was simply a good designer or if she had taken extra notice of her, in turn, giving her the inspiration to create the piece. In Applejacks mind she knew full well it was just the skill of the fashionista that allowed her to create such wonderful things, but a small hope lingered in her mind that there might have been something more. Applejack laughed at the silly thought she wasn’t even sure if she was gay never mind if she had feelings for Rarity, she put it down to mindless thoughts and closed her wardrobe putting the dress back in the closet where it couldn’t be damaged. Applejack prepared her things for school and headed downstairs to see what Granny had whipped up for breakfast, entering the kitchen she saw the old apple setting down a few plates for the already seated apples and one for the newly arrived. It was a simple breakfast but that didn’t mean it wasn’t filling if there was anything Granny Smith could do it was fill a belly there was a reason she worked as the head of the Canterlot high lunch lady team. The family sat talking about school and the state of the farm and preparations they’d need to make for winter when all of a sudden Applebloom shouted out announcing the cutie mark crusaders would be trying the rock climbing wall they were bringing to the school today for an extra curriculum at the end of the day. Applejack knew what this meant she’d have to wait around for an hour or so at the end of the day so she could bring her sibling home with her though rock wall climbing didn’t sound too bad maybe she’d give it a go herself. With breakfast finished and cleaned up she sat a while watching tv with her younger sister not needing to leave to catch the bus as she can now drive the family truck

In another corner of the town a certain fashionista was starting her day, she began much like twilight by waking to the sound of an alarm clock however much earlier than the scientist as Rarity had to make sure she looked perfect and stunning not for anyone in particular. It was just her job as a representative of the fashion world in her group of unlikely friends. She starts with the usual sequence of heading into her on suite bathroom and turning on the shower letting steam begin to fill the room letting her easily peel away at the face mask she’d put on the night before, taking the time to admire the soft and clear skin it left behind. With that over with she was ready to get showered stepping inside and closing the door shut letting the hot water hit her skin and run down over her body, but this was only the start as she would need to use her two separate body washes and then the face wash before using shampoo and conditioner a lengthy process but the upcoming fashion designer felt it was completely necessary. Once she was satisfied Rarity turned the taps off shutting off the water letting the steam disperse adding a slight chill to the air, she didn’t like this leading her to grab several towels and a robe covering herself head to toe in soft plush material wrapping her hair within the towel and draping the robe over herself heading back into her bedroom to locate her hair dryer and brush. She had a technique like no other heating the towel from the outside using the hair dryer to let small streams of hot hair flow through the tiny gaps in the towel letting it dry in a way that left it light and soft the touch but let it keep its curled shape. She would then spend over 10 minutes looking through one of her various wardrobes at the mix of purchased and crafted clothing trying to figure out what would be the perfect outfit for today, it had to be trendy but unique, stunning but practical and for that she had gone with her usual white top and purple skirt.

“there was nothing wrong with having a style you are renowned,” for she thought to herself, “especially one that’s so divinely made,” she laughed to herself marvelling her handiwork before getting dressed and heading downstairs with the aim of finding the perfect healthy breakfast. She settled for a fruit salad neatly cutting and slicing at the various fruits blending a few up to create a type of sauce to increase its flavour taking it to the table and preparing a napkin before sitting down and starting to eat. Just then her rather rough father came into the kitchen half dressed and even less awake opening the fridge and taking a drink directly from the milk bottle causing rarity to look away in disgust.

“I’d really much prefer it if you would get a cup for that, you know we all have to use that don’t you”.

Her dad turned to look towards her putting the milk back and rolling his eyes, “I paid for it I can drink it how I like,” he said slightly irritated he was already getting an earful so early in the morning before letting out a belch causing Rarity to gag and her father to laugh. Just then a more refined woman walked into the room observing the situation and shooting her husbands a glare

“Honey, don’t drink directly from the bottle it’s rather disgusting.”

That was Rarity’s mother Cookie Crumbles the only one of her parents that let you understand how Rarity fit into the family, her father was scruffy and frankly gross at times while her mother was always calm and clean definitely the neater of the pair but Rarity loved them both for who they were and while she would prefer it if her father would decrease some of his more gross outbursts like the belches. She knew while she could have the fashion world at her fingertips if she worked hard enough somethings she could never change. It reminded her of her one of her friends Applejack who lived and worked in an apple orchard on the outskirts of town, she was much like her father and had rather boyish and had her own set of vulgar and tasteless moments but she wouldn’t wish her to change either, she had grown rather close to the farm girl much closer than with a few of her other friends but that was only because for as much as they would clash they would also learn more about each other. These happy thoughts of Rarity’s were quickly snatched away from her as her sister came charging into the kitchen on the phone to her group of friends one of which was Applebloom Applejacks younger sister.

“Sweetie Belle” Cookie Crumbles called out in a warning voice, “how many times do I have to tell you about running in the house, the outdoors is for running not my kitchen.”

Sweetie stopped in place looking at the ground trying to hide the expression of guilt growing across her face, “Sorry Mom I will try my best to remember that,” she remained looking at the floor and sheepishly slid into the nearest chair at the table sitting across from Rarity and spotting her breakfast of assorted fruits reaching over to take a few pieces causing Rarity’s jaw to drop in a mix of shock and betrayal.

“Sweetie, please don’t touch mine my diet requires me to stick within the calorie guidelines I can't have you messing me up,” Rarity now ate more cautiously, ever watching the swiping hands belonging to her younger sister watching as she hastily and quite messily tipped cereal into a bowl spilling some over the table, then grabbing the milk and pouring it into the bowl also spilling drops of that over the table leaving a rather unimpressed Rarity to ponder how she could be related to such an untidy person. However, her questions were very soon to be answered as her father returned back into the kitchen making himself a bowl of cereal in very much the same fashion and manner as Sweetie Belle. Rarity hastily finished up her breakfast she knew it was unladylike to rush but she couldn’t risk being covered in food then excused herself from the table and washing her dish before heading up to her room to spend some time before school working on a few designs.

“Sweetie Belle we’re leaving for school in 20 minutes so make sure you are ready,” Sweetie tried to reply with her voice but was quickly stopped by her mother the second she opened her mouth due to her still having food in there causing her to go quiet and simply nod leaving Rarity free to go up to her room and work on her designs. Usually, Rarity would use this spare time before school to peruse the latest fashion trends and etiquette, but she had no time for that the Canterlot high Christmas ball was coming up and it was her job to ensure she and her friends glistened like diamonds by personally making each of their dresses. She went over to her desk and sifted through the many binders and folders of collages and design patterns she had created looking for the one she’d developed for her friends taking it out and opening it up. Inside the folder was cut up into sections for each of her friends listing previous outfits they’ve worn that suited them well and all the collected sizes along with their hobbies and interests. She flicked through the many pages not because she needed reminding about who her friends were but because she needed inspiration for the last few days she had been racking her brain hoping for a spark of ideas for what to create for her friends that she knew so well. She fell back onto her bed wanting perfection to appear in her mind when a knock came at the door snapping Rarity back into reality.

“Who is it, you may come in,” Rarity said composing herself and hiding her frustration.

The door slowly opened, and her younger sister popped her head into the room, “it’s Sweetie we need to leave for school soon.”

Rarity tapped her finger against her phone causing the screen to light up showing a picture of her and all her friends together causing a smile to fill her face along with even more determination to create the perfect dresses, but that wasn’t why she checked her phone, she was looking for the time and upon seeing it was getting close to 8 her younger sister was correct and they did need to get a move on and go.

On the other side of town, a Rainbow haired girl sat on the top of a hill taking the time to catch her breath and watch the sunrise. This was Rainbow Dash the star athlete of Canterlot high and captain of the soccer team. For one who would usually be considered a to be a competitive hothead, there was always that little bit in her that let her enjoy the more simple and quiet things like this sunrise. She watched as the street lamps shut off around the park and the sunlight did its job bringing light into the world, she took a few deep breaths smelling the freshness of the air and pulled out her phone taking a selfie with her back to the sun letting the light outline her curves and muscles perfectly while still having enough light to show the smile on her face. She quickly sent it to her best friend before putting her phone away and beginning her run back home, the world around her was peaceful with flowing streams and singing bird, the dew covered tips of the grass glistening. It was certainly a pretty spectacle and the aspiring athlete could appreciate that, but she was inside her own world right now headphones in and rock music playing inspiring her to run for as long and as fast as she could, she had to be on her A game this season, if there were any scouts for the college teams she’d need to impress them if she ever wanted to take a career up in the sport she worked so hard for. Of course, she couldn’t win games alone and as team captain she was already thinking of different practices and plays they could try to get the upper hand on their opponents. Last year crystal prep won the year trophy and this year it’ll be Canterlot high or else my name isn’t Rainbow Dash she thought to herself fuelling her determination and runner faster pushing herself to her limits and before she knew it she had run through the park and several blocks reaching her front door checking her phone to see how long it had been since she sent the photo.

“10 minutes I'm getting faster,” she said proudly to herself opening the door and walking into the home to see her parents arguing in the kitchen. This had been a common occurrence the past few days they would start arguing over something and Rainbow would go out for a run hoping they had finished by the time they returned but it was a first time for it being this early in the morning. It wasn’t that they were bad parents, in fact they were incredibly supportive even about the fact that Rainbow Dash had come out as a lesbian, it’s just while her mother supports her with love and kindness complementing her on how well she performs, her father would pick at her faults leaving her to consider him more of a coach than a father at times. The moment the pair realised Rainbow was stood in the doorway they both stopped immediately and went back to what they were doing avoiding even acknowledging that they had been arguing in front of Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, hey my superstar breakfast is all ready for you, so you just take a seat,” beamed Windy Whistles, Rainbows mother.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and slid into the nearest chair trying to avoid making eye contact and making the situation anymore awkward than it needed to be watching as her mother started making up the plates leading her to look towards her father hidden behind a newspaper well at least what was left of one over 80% of it had been tossed into the recycling bin leaving just the sports section in his hands.

“Here Rainbow eat up,” said her mother encouragingly handing her a plate piled with food full of protein and energy.

Upon receiving his breakfast Rainbow father Bow Hothoof dropped his paper to one side looking hungrily down at the plate before lightly punching Rainbow in the arm.

“Yeah eat up champ you’ll need all the energy you can get in order to ace it out there on the field today.” he looked at her for a moment full of pride before his nose perked at the scent of food causing him to turn back and start digging into his own breakfast. Rainbow Dash smirked as she began to eat knowing full well she didn’t need any of this to ace the field but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t accept a chance to be even more awesome. Breakfast carried on in a similar fashion with the topic of the conversation being based around sports and Rainbow Dash's ability to play sports along with the upcoming soccer season she would be partaking in.

“So, have you got a new midfielder yet since Merry left the team.”

Dash wasn’t paying attention she was too busy smiling down at her phone replying to a text she’d received in response to the picture she had sent that morning.

“Dash!” her father said louder gripping at her attention causing her to look up at her phone and towards her dad.

“Huh what did you say, I was replying to Shy,” Rainbow said rubbing at the back of her neck and stretching

Bow sighed and repeated himself frustration growing in his tone, “I said have you found a replacement for that traitor Merry,” Rainbow was shocked by the harshness of his tone towards someone he’d never even met.

“She’s not some traitor, she simply wanted to try other things she was good at soccer, but she just didn’t enjoy it as much as the rest of the team, you can’t blame her for that.”

Bow grinned in a way that filled Rainbow with dread, she knew that grin, that blasted grin. He leaned back in his chair looking Rainbow up and down before turning to her mother, his wife.

“See I told you she was far too loyal, the girl goes and ditches the team right before the season starts, potentially if she isn’t replaced by someone competent it'll lead to the teams downfall, I can’t think of a more selfish thing to do,” he paused for a second turning back to look at his athletic daughter, “Our daughter the team captain still defends her, it makes me wonder if its loyalty or stupidity.”

“That’s enough Bow,” Rainbows mother snapped glaring at him preparing to give him an earful at how that was completely out of line but was stopped as Rainbow got up from the table and headed straight for her room, she didn’t usher a word or give any indication what was said had hurt her, all that could be seen as the fire in her eyes raging. Her parents sat in silence Windy’s eyes locked on her husband annoyed and stunned that he could say something so foul to their daughter. Bow looked over in her direction not a strain of guilt or worry on his face at the potential consequences of his actions.

“You done staring at me I just stated the obvious, not my fault she feels some sort of loyalty to anyone that gives her the time of day, just like that girl whose more mouse than girl, I know they’ve been friends for years but I thought she’d ditch her when she realised she was a coward using her for protection.”

Windy took a deep breath trying to contain her frustrations rising up from her chair to gather up the dishes, “SHE is your daughter and that friend of hers has a name to its Fluttershy and she’s a lovely and sweet girl, don’t know why I have to tell you this you would the one who always suggested she came over for sleepovers and that she was welcome anytime.”

Bow raised an eyebrow before getting up and grabbing the things he needed for work, “Yeah I said those things years ago when nothing dash did had a major impact but we are talking about her future as a soccer player she needs to focus 100% on this season if she hopes to get scouted, and if that Fluttershy is going to keep distracting her and make her lose it then she clearly isn’t all that sweet.”

Windy sighed shaking her head “Sometimes I wonder who the angsty teen is supposed to be in this house” she sighed again “You should go to work and think about how pathetic you just sounded.”

Bow grunted grabbing his coat and storming to the door, “I see I'm the only one who actually cares about our daughters future,” and with that he left slamming the door shut behind him shaking the house and leaving Windy stunned in the kitchen and an upset Rainbow Dash sat upstairs with her back leaning against the door questioning if it was something she did wrong. Minutes ticked by and Rainbow hadn’t moved from her spot against the door her mind rushing with newfound doubts about whether or not Canterlot high even stood a chance this year with or without a midfielder when a knock came at the door and her mother's gentle voice called, “Rainbow darling can I come in,” the annoyed girl delayed any response for a few moments finally coming to the conclusion that she should get up and let her mother in. Doing so caused Rainbow much surprise as her mother stood their tears welling in her eyes as she moved into the room wrapping her arms around her daughter.

“I'm sorry about your father I know his work is stressful training all those athletes in his gym, but he has no right to speak about you or your friends in that way.”

Rainbow was stunned to see her mother in this way especially not over something her dad had started, “Mom don’t worry its chill, you know how dad can get I’m not that bothered trust me,” the renowned confidence that Rainbow Dash was known for was clear in her voice but this was her mother and she knew Rainbow better than the rest.

“You know you can drop the tough girl act with me it's not like you don’t drop it for Fluttershy sometimes.”

Rainbow smirked, “Yeah yeah whatever you say Mom now I got to get ready, so out please.”

“Alright alright,” she replied regaining her cheer as she was encouraged out of her daughter’s room leaving Rainbow Dash alone to herself again. She fell back landing on her bed relaxing for a moment this morning had been way way out of the ordinary and definitely not cool, a few quiet minutes passed before she checked her phone alerting her to having received a new text message she looked down at her phone the wallpaper of Rainbow and her band the Rainbooms all together on stage as best friends. She pushed a few buttons bring up the text seeing it was from that familiar name Fluttershy.

Fluttershy’s morning had gone far more peacefully than Rainbow’s she had woken up to the little pitter patter of rabbit feet as her pet rabbit Angel Bunny had woken up and started to hop about in its cage for food and water making just enough sound to stir the sleeping girl. This girl was Fluttershy the animal lover and the gentle soul of her friends. She very calmly arose from her bed that morning and went straight over to her pet opening the cage to let him run about of his own free will before moving back to where she came from. She crawled back into bed curling up into a ball and wrapping the blanket over and around herself making a cuddly cocoon, closing her eyes and drifting into her own tiny form of hibernation closing her eyes to grasp onto even the smallest bit of extra sleep. Sleep precious sleep, Fluttershy repeated to herself as she slowly slipped back to sleep. After some time had passed Fluttershy couldn’t help being dragged out of her sleep to the sound of fabric ripping at first Fluttershy had cast it off as nothing, before once again the sound was heard and her eyes shot open remembering that somewhere in her room a little white bunny was hopping around getting itself into trouble. She quickly threw herself out of bed searching around frantically for the rabbit while keeping her ears perked listening as desperately as she could to hear the noise again in order to pinpoint the bunny’s hidey hole. *Vriip* she heard coming from a low point of the room causing her to essentially throw herself down to the floor peering trying to look under her desk and bed when she caught a glimpse of light reflecting from the rabbits eye coming from under the bed causing her to slowly start to scoot over to the other side of the room and began to crawl under the bed to try and negotiate the item away from the rabbit.

“Angel bunny I don’t mean to be rude, but would you mind maybe giving me that, please.”

The Bunny looked at the girl almost as if it understood what she had said but didn’t seem to want to listen causing Fluttershy to grow a slight frown out of sadness and frustration at the stubborn bunny. A bunny who took notice of this frown, rolling its eyes which is rather unnatural for a rabbit but this was angel bunny and Rainbow Dash would argue that he was no normal bunny, no one could figure out when it had occurred but Angel had become a little more human after interacting with Spike from the other world. Sunset had made the assumption some of the equestrian magic must have rubbed of onto him but Fluttershy couldn’t see any difference he was still a cute fluffy bunny with his own personality like the rest of the animals she knew. Once Angel had let go of the item Fluttershy quickly pulled it away in case his moment of sympathy faded crawling back out from under the bed and spreading it out in front of her to see what it was. To her surprise it was a jacket but not one that she could remember ever wearing curious as to where it came from she pressed it to her face hoping to pick up the scent of whoever had worn it last. She took a breath in through her nose smelling a mix of sweat and vanilla, her mind raced wondering who it could belong too and why it was under her bed when her phone vibrated causing her desk to shake slightly startling her and breaking her concentration. She hated leaving people waiting in case they thought poorly of her picking up the phone to check the notification seeing it was a picture message from Rainbow Dash.

“I wonder what this could be about, probably wanting me to check over the answers for her homework,” she giggled to herself quietly as to not bother the bunny hopping around her feet and she quickly opened up the picture. What she saw was a stunning image of a rainbow-haired girl wearing tight sports clothing with the sun hitting the back of her body bending around her form to show her curves and defined muscles. Fluttershy blushed and she blushed hard her cheeks turning a crimson red and pressing the phone against her mouth to hide it, she looked down at the rabbit by her feet wondering how she should respond.

“Oh, angel what do is say do I compliment her, the sun or the nature around her I don’t even know,” she slid down onto her knees letting the rabbit hop up onto them where she sat stroking it for a while before typing her response.

*What a pretty view*

The shy girl sat still for a moment anxious to how her friend would respond, for minutes she sat there looking at the screen for any indication that her message had been received. The frown from before returning to her face casing Angel to push itself into her stomach in an attempt to comfort her.

“Don’t worry angel I know she’s busy with her own things, I’m probably not the only one who got that and I’m more of a hindrance than anything always relying on her to protect me,” she let out a long sigh before putting her phone down and went back to discovering who the jacket belonged to hesitant to check the pockets as it was rude to snoop through someone else’s things but felt it was necessary to figure out who it belonged too pulling out a piece of paper and unfolding to see it was maths homework from a few weeks ago with notes scribbled across it about different plays in soccer and a few doodles recognising the handwriting as Rainbows. “So, this must belong to Rainbow,” she said to herself picking up the jacket and smelling it again now instantly recognising the smell as her daring friend. At this point, she realised why she had heard a tearing noise earlier that morning as there was a hole about the size of an orange in the sleeve causing her to instantly panic she couldn’t give this back to Rainbow dash damaged what would she think of her ruining something she owned. A tear began to form in her eyes worried that this would cause her friend to think less of her it was bad enough they didn’t get to talk all that much now with Rainbow dash being busy with sports she didn’t want to give her another reason to avoid her. She sat petting Angel for a while when her stomach began to rumble startling both her and Angel causing her to let out a small giggle lightening her mood. Fluttershy got up and put Angel back into his cage with half a lettuce for his breakfast and headed downstairs into the empty kitchen and opened the fridge and began rummaging through pulling out a few items to put into a salad and closing the door to see her mother sat at the table scrolling through her Phone. This sudden appearance scared Fluttershy causing her to drop her items on the floor causing a scene. Panicking and leaning down to pick up the mess the flustered girl quickly picked it all up and placed it on the counter awkwardly looking over in the direction of her mother who was watching the whole time trying to hide her smile as to not further embarrass her daughter.

“Sleep well?” her mother spoke up in a calm voice startling her daughter again

“Y.. yes, thank you,” Fluttershy sheepishly replied preparing her breakfast.

“You seem more tense than usual this behaviour around others I can understand but with me is different what’s bothering you sweetie?”

“Angel Bunny tore the sleeve of one of Rainbows jumpers that was under my bed,” Fluttershy squeaked out tears welling up in her eyes.

“Well that’s alright bring it to me, and I’ll see if I can’t patch it up,” her mother replied remaining calm as to not worry her daughter further.

“Oh no, I could never impose upon you like that you are busy yourself…”

“it's not an issue sweetie, go and get it for me and I’ll take a look,” she said interrupting Fluttershy mid-sentence.

Fluttershy smiled a weak smile and walked out the room reaching the stairs out of her mother’s view and bounding up the stairs a feeling of excitement replacing the sadness inside as she grabbed the jacket and hopped down the stairs mimicking angel bunny stopping at the door and slowly walking back into the kitchen and handing it to her mom.

“that was fast, did you run?” her mother smiled laughing softly to herself.

“no.. my room isn’t that far from here,” Fluttershy whispered diverting the question.

Her mother pushed her hand along the sleeve of the jacket looking and measuring the hole created using her fingers to gain a measurement and wondering how best to go about repairing it. Fluttershy stood watching getting tingles down the back of her neck from the situation and the potential thought of being able to give it back to Rainbow and the happiness she would show her for returning it fading into a dream world of her being spun around by Rainbow them both laughing at the reunion of the jacket.

“Okay I think I can fix this I’ll go see if I can sow it back together now and I’ll get it back to you before you head out for school, you get back to your breakfast and make sure you clean up after yourself when you’ve finished.”

“oookay,” Fluttershy said sheepishly going back to work while keeping watching her mom walk out the room with the jacket in hand waiting until she was out of sight before doing a little celebration to herself. She quietly went about doing her morning routine eating her food and getting dressed and washed, preparing her bag and checking Angel was okay in his cage and had all the necessities when her phone buzzed in her pocket seeing that Rainbow had replied to the earlier text getting them into a conversation over text.

*Yeah one of the benefits of a morning run.*R

*You must see so many animals while on your run.*F

*I’ll the occasional squirrel or bird flying around but no normally I just hear the birds not see them.*R

*oh, that is a shame they can be so pretty and lifting to see.*F

*Yeah I guess but you’re the animal person so I might not get the same kick it why I think about sports rather than look at the surroundings.*R

*yes, I remember that the soccer season starts now.*F

*Yeah it’s pretty exciting I assume you’ll come to my games with the others like usual.*R

*I’ll try my best for you.*F

*Thanks, I know I can count on you all to be there, but anyway, what are you up to.*R

*Oh, I'm just petting angel, how about you?*F

*Eating breakfast while doing my best to ignore my dad XD.*R

*I kinda know what that’s like he’s always complaining about the animals that come into our backyard x3.*F

*You always do such cute emojis even when laughing*R

*Oh, I don’t know about that :3.*F

*I swear you are doing this on purpose now XD.*R

*I'm not it’s just the emotes I always use :3.*F

It was here the back and forth texting stopped which caused great confusion to Fluttershy thinking to herself that it was going so well and they were going to have a normal conversation again although inside she knew it would be like the rest where they talk once every week or two the rest of the time she’s busy with her sports. Her eyes saddened at the thought of them drifting apart they were always the best of friends but now they were growing up and it's not about Rainbow protecting her from bullies. She thought back to the past while they were in middle school Fluttershy was backed into a corner on the playground with three boys stood around her picking on her for her small and weak appearance when a voice called out challenging them to bully her instead, Fluttershy could remember it so clearly she was stood there like a knight, her knight who was arriving in her time of need to protect her scaring away the bullies and stretching out a hand.

“Hi, I am Rainbow Dash who are you.”

Fluttershy remembered how she was frozen lay on the floor looking up at the hand that was being offered to her and anxiously placed her hand against it with the brave girl pulling her up and waving her hand in front of her face.

“I asked for your name,” confusion and worry growing on her face as to why the girl would not respond to her. “I didn’t scare you did I?”

Fluttershy froze even more than before no one else other than her parents had ever been concerned about how they had impacted her they usually just picked on her, this girl was different, and she must try and be brave like her.

“I'm flut…” her voice fell off into a whisper causing the tiny young Rainbow confusion.

“I didn’t catch that dude.”

Fluttershy steadied herself taking a deep breath trying to grow her courage “Fluttershy” she said again quietly but loud enough for the other girl to hear.

“Well hi Fluttershy, do you maybe want to be friends.”

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up in hope she’d never had a friend before and here she had a girl come and defend her from the bullies and now offer her friendship what kind of dream was she living.

“I would very much like that.”

And with that she came back into her room and out of the memory smiling at the happy moment, they’d been best friends from that point onwards, well till at least a few weeks ago when she started to feel like Rainbow had been drifting away from her, but it wasn’t her place to ask those kinds of questions and invade on her privacy. When all of a sudden someone began to call her causing her phone to ring, looking down only one word was written across the screen Rainbow Dash impulsively she answered putting it to her ear.

“Hello, Fluttershy speaking."

“Hey Flutters its Dash, you free to talk for a bit.”

“Yes I'm free right now, you sound upset is something wrong.”

“Yeah yeah I'm Rainbow dash everything is perfect with me, my dad is the problem.”

“Oh is he still putting pressure on you.”

“still putting pressure,” Rainbow laughed, “He’s been adding more and more with each passing day since this year started.”

“Maybe he’s just trying to push you to try harder.”

“I do try my hardest, he makes me feel like that’s not enough and I'm not a good enough sports player because I'm too soft.”

“Rainbow you are the strongest girl I know, how you could feel soft?”

“Not physically soft flutters mentally soft.”

“Oh,” Fluttershy went quite unsure how to respond to a comment like that.

“he basically said I'm stupid for not thinking Merry was a traitor.”

“Merry was the girl who left the team right?”

“Yeah Shy, that’s the one.”

“Well I don’t think you are stupid or overly loyal for being okay with her leaving the team it shows how good a friend you are and how mature you can be.”

“Me, mature tell me another joke shy,” Rainbow laughed her smile being heard through the call causing Fluttershy to smile and giggle too.

“You know,” Rainbow added, “I feel like its been ages since we just hung out together.”

“it’s been a good while,” Fluttershy replied sadness growing in her voice, “But it’s okay I know you are busy training and working with your team it's okay,” she quickly added covering her tracks.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I should make time for you and the other girls how about this morning I remember Pinkie saying she was going to be there early this morning want to meet up with the gang a little before school starts so we can chill since I’ll be busy with training after school.”

“I’d very much like that it’ll be nice to see all the girls before I have to go into class might give me the energy to survive maths,” Fluttershy joked causing the pair to laugh together.

“Alright, Shy I’ll see you later.”

“Bye Bye Rainbow.”

The call ended with a beep and Fluttershy was left with a joyous feeling at the opportunity to hang out with all her friends with Dash being there it was like a cherry on top of the ice cream. She went downstairs and sat a while watching Monkey life a program about a group of monkeys living in the jungle and the shenanigans they get up too. After a while, the front door opened and in came a tired looking man who came in and gave Fluttershy a kiss on the forehead before slumping down onto a couch across from the one Fluttershy was sat on and watched the tv a while his eyes visibly heavy. Like the meeting point of the house Fluttershy’s mother also then came into the room wishing her husband good morning and handing Fluttershy the jacket.

“I’ve patched it up it’s a little rough on the edges, but it’ll suit Rainbow’s style, so if anything she will consider it an improvement,” her mother laughed to herself at the thought of her saying it looks way cool.

“Thanks, mom it means a lot,” Fluttershy smiled folding it up neatly and placing it into her bag.

“What’s this, what’s what,” the slouched man, Fluttershy’s dad said in a loud and sleep heavy tone.

“Oh, it’s nothing dear Fluttershy just found Rainbows jacket in her room and Angel took to chewing it so I patched it up so she can pass it back.”

“Ahh, I told you that rabbit causes more trouble than he’s worth” Her dad responded satisfied with the answer he’d been given. Meanwhile, Fluttershy was rolling her eyes at the comment about Angel and moved across to the side as her mother sat down beside her.

“You know Fluttershy I do wonder what an item of Rainbows clothing is doing under your bed, something you want to tell us,” her mother said teasingly intentionally joking to fluster her daughter.

“Oh, I don’t know she probably took off when we were all over here studying a few weeks ago and it found its way under there,” She responded blushing at the implications of the questions.

“You sure you won’t find any other items of clothing up there,” her mother came back with laughing aloud now more obviously teasing.

“That’s enough,” her father commanded, “That’s not something to joke about can’t even imagine her having an interest in girls.”

“Maybe you should get off to school now,” her mother gently said into her ear, “And quiet down you Zephyr is still asleep,” she said much louder for her husband to hear.

Fluttershy gathered her things and headed out the door the sounds of her parents talking behind her.

Author's Note

Soo this is the end of the initial morning stuff and all the main characters are introduced which means we can start getting into the plot now, hope you've enjoyed it so far and I'm eager to hear your thoughts.