It was a bright day in Canterlot city and Lightning was on her way to Crystal Prep. It was only about a 10-minute walk from where she lived. As she was about 5 minutes away, she heard a girl calling to her form across the street.

“Hey!” The girl crossed the street and approached her. “Aren’t you that girl from school?”

“Who are you?” Lightning asked, only now starting to notice she looked familiar.

“Indigo Zap,” Indigo reminded her. “We met yesterday after you slapped Sunny Flare.”

“Oh, yeah,” Lightning replied. They looked at each other for a moment, then burst into laughter. What a way to meet your first friend.

“I’ll race you to the school entrance,” Indigo said.

“Challenge accepted,” Lightning agreed. And with that, they took off down the sidewalk towards Crystal Prep. Lightning immediately took the lead, and Indigo only was able to overtake her once, but it didn’t last more than a second.

The school was in sight now, and Indigo did all she could to catch up, but Lightning was too fast. Indigo had never lost to any other student before. Lightning was just a few feet ahead of her when they reached the main doors. Both girls stopped outside to catch their breath.

“Wow!” Indigo said. “Okay, that was unexpected. We should try it again later. I wasn’t warmed up yet.”

“Me either,” Lightning laughed.

“Well, it makes sense why you got into Crystal Prep for running, anyway,” Indigo commented.

“I live up to my name then,” Lightning said. “I’m fast as lightning, and I leave everyone else in the dust.”

Indigo laughed. She was starting to think they would get along well. “So, do you play any other sports?” Indigo asked her as they entered the school.

“Not usually,” Lightning answered. This may or may not have not been completely true. “But my dad really wants me to join in.”

“Sure,” Indigo said. “I play basketball, and I want to be a professional when I’m old enough.”

“That’s cool,” Lightning replied.

“Come on, I can’t be late again and you can’t be in any more trouble than you are already,” Indigo laughed as they continued walking together. “But remember, running is strictly forbidden in the hallways. I’ve learned that the hard way.”

“This school is really strict,” Lightning noticed.

“Totally,” Indigo agreed. “But it’s the best school ever, if you’re set on success. Just one thing I need to do, I’ll see you later.” Indigo went around the corner, and Lightning’s curiosity got the best of her. She followed Indigo around the corner and saw her a little ways down the hall, talking to a girl with red and purple hair and glasses. The girl looked to be upset about something. Maybe she was one of Indigo’s friends.

Lightning watched as Indigo turned around and came back the same way, but the girl didn’t move anywhere. Indigo was looking at some papers in her hands and didn’t notice Lightning right away.

“Hey,” Lightning said, getting her attention. “I thought you had something to do.”

“Oh, yeah,” Indigo replied a bit nervously. “Just had to talk to her about something, she’s…well not really a friend. Anyway, I don’t have to tell you everything.” Indigo had become defensive very quickly for some reason.

“I’m just curious,” Lightning said. “You don’t have to. but if we’re friends, then-”

“Friends?” Indigo asked. “Oh, I don’t know about that. Honestly, Crystal Prep is really against friendship too, they think it gets in the way of success. You’ll notice most people who are ‘friends’ around here just need something from each other.”

“So…why are you talking to me then?” Lightning questioned. It didn’t seem like Indigo needed anything from her.

“Well, because…” Indigo paused, searching for an answer. “I don’t know. I just admired the way you stood up for yourself against Sunny Flare, and today I was pretty impressed by your abilities. I guess I like you.”

“Well, that would make us friends,” Lightning told her.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Indigo admitted. “Just don’t make a big deal about it.”

“I’m not stupid, Zap,” Lightning replied. “I can call you that, right?”

“Sure,” Indigo said, walking ahead to the classroom. “Why not?”

~.~.~.~.~.~

The rest of the day had gone well, even though Lightning had to go to detention again. She did get to try out for the basketball team, though, and Indigo Zap had said she would get in. Lightning wasn’t worried, of course. She didn’t worry.

When she reached home, she was having dinner with her dad and discussing the day.

“So, did you join any of the teams today?” her dad asked.

“Yeah, I did,” she answered. “I tried out for the basketball team, but I know I’ll get in. Zap said I would, too.”

“Zap?” her dad questioned. “Who’s this?”

“She’s the girl I told you about yesterday,” Lightning explained. “Not the first one! That’s Sunny Flare,” she quickly clarified. “The one who supported me. She’s so cool, she’s almost as fast as me.”

“Wow, well that’s impressive,” her dad commented. “I’m glad you are joining in more. Even though I told you to. It makes me happy when you take my advice. Maybe you’ll end up liking it more than you expect.”

“I don’t think so,” Lightning said. “Not in the way you’re saying.”

“How do you know what I’m saying?” her dad laughed slightly.

“Because I do,” she started. “I’m not going to be a professional athlete. Just because you want me to. I’m still going to join the Airforce after I graduate.”

“Well, you have 3 years until then Lightning,” her dad continued. “And you’re so gifted at sports, you shouldn’t take it for granted. It’s also much safer than flying jets! Don’t make decisions too quickly.”

Lightning paused. “Okay first of all, do you even know me?” They both laughed, yes, even she knew that she made decisions without thinking too hard. “But yeah, I’ll let you know how it goes.” She added, though she knew she wasn’t going to change her mind.

No matter what friends she had in school, her dad was her best friend. And she hoped it never changed.

~.~.~.~.~.~

The next day, Lightning was walking quickly through the hallways of Crystal Prep. Not running, of course, as she didn’t need to get in trouble again. When she spotted Indigo, she walked up to her.

“Hey,” Indigo greeted her. “I know it’s totally not a surprise but you made the team!”

“I wasn’t worried,” Lightning replied.

“You’re really good,” Indigo said.

“Yeah, okay,” Lightning replied indifferently. The girls started off towards the classroom once again.

Indigo laughed. “What, you don’t seem that excited about it. Oh well, see you at practice later, got something to take care of.” Indigo suddenly sped ahead, as if she were looking for someone. Maybe she wanted to talk to that girl again about something.

Lightning decided to mind her own business and keep going. In the distance, she saw Sunny Flare walking with her friend, and looking down at a book. As they were passing by her, Sunny looked up and gasped, then walked faster, whispering to Sour Sweet.

Lightning laughed. Well, on the bright side, Sunny Flare wouldn’t be messing with her again.

~.~.~.~.~.~

Basketball practice had gone great, with Lightning and Indigo being the best on the team, obviously. Afterwards, the 2 girls had stayed in the gym together. They were sitting on the bleachers chatting.

“So, how did you get so good?” Indigo asked. “Your family must be into sports, right?”

“Kind of,” Lightning replied. “It’s just a natural talent, you know, it’s not like I’ve played a lot before.” This wasn’t fully true. Lightning had played sports in her old school as well, but having a natural skill seemed more impressive.

“You should!” Indigo told her. “We could go professional together.”

“No thanks, Zap,” Lightning said. “I’ve got other plans. I’ve always wanted to join the Airforce.”

“Oh, well, that’s quite different,” Indigo laughed. “But that is so cool! I hear it’s not very easy.”

“No, it’s not,” Lightning agreed. “But it’s what I want and I’m going to get it.”

“I love your attitude,” Indigo complimented her. “You just remind me of myself. What do your parents do?”

Lightning wasn’t ready for that question. She looked away for a second, but then decided she would open up to Indigo. They were friends, after all.

“Well, it’s a long story,” Lightning started. “My parents were in a band together with some of their other friends. It was called Over the Rainbow. But not too long after I was born…my mom passed away.” Lightning looked up at Indigo, and noticed her regret asking the question. “I don’t remember much about her. But after that, the band kind of fell apart, they couldn’t keep going without her.”

“Oh no…that’s too bad,” Indigo said. “So, your dad was a singer?”

“Sometimes, but mostly he played the piano,” Lightning continued. “My mom was the main singer, and she was amazing. According to my dad and his friends anyway. I don’t know much about music. But they also opened a music shop together, and my dad still works there today.”

“I thought you’d know a lot about music,” Indigo commented.

“No, I kind of have an aversion to it,” Lightning explained. “Maybe because it reminds me of her.” After a moment of uncomfortable silence, she got up and jumped down. “I’ve got to get going,” she said as she picked up her bag and headed for the exit. It wasn’t hard for her to tell the story, as it had been long enough. She had somewhat accepted it.

~.~.~.~.~.~

That evening after dinner, Lightning was on her computer. She didn’t usually go online without a purpose, as it made her feel unproductive. However, she was still thinking about her parents and their band. She never let herself stay in her feelings too long, but she wondered if she could find a video of the band online.

Wondering why she hadn’t tried this before, she typed ‘Over the Rainbow’ in, and searched for videos. To her surprise, a video came up of the band performing a song she was familiar with. Her dad would sing it to himself around the house sometimes. She clicked on the video, but noticed her headphones weren’t plugged in. It was too late! The video had already started and the volume was way up. She fumbled around trying to plug the headphones in, but then there was a knock on the door.

“Wait one second!” she called, slamming her computer shut and luckily, it turned off. “Okay, come in!”

Her dad came in and looked at her strangely. “What are you up to?”

“Just uh…gonna go to bed soon,” she lied, then glanced up at the clock at the same time he did.

“It’s only 7:30,” he commented.

“Well…” she trailed off. “Yeah, okay.”

“Did I hear music?” he asked. “I didn’t know you listened to music very much.”

“Sometimes, okay?” Lightning replied defensively. “I mean, everyone listens to music sometimes, right?”

“Okay, no need to be that way,” he said.

“What way?!” she snapped, just then realizing how annoyed she had been sounding. “I’m just…okay fine,” she admitted. “I was watching a video of your band.”

“Oh,” her dad sat next to her. “I miss her too.” She opened her computer and the video resumed, with her mom singing the first verse of the song. “How did you get that video?”

“I found it online,” she explained. “From some concert you were in. Over the Rainbow.”

“Yes, she wrote that song about me,” he said, looking very deep in thought. “To this day, it is still my favourite one.”

~.~.~.~.~.~

It was Tuesday, and Lightning’s second week at Crystal Prep. Things were going great, though the classes were a little difficult and there was a lot of homework. She was having a great time, though. It was around 2 p.m., and everyone was outside for physical education, her favourite class. They were at the starting line, preparing to run around the track.

“Man, I hate physical education!” Sunny Flare complained. “Why can’t we just do things indoors and while sitting?”

“Who are you asking?” Sugarcoat said. “Nobody really likes it, but we’re being forced to do it anyway and you don’t need to make the situation worse by whining about it.”

Sunny Flare gasped. “Whining? How dare you?!”

“Yeah, right,” Lightning laughed, then whispered to Indigo. “The reason they hate it is because they suck at it.” Indigo laughed with her. “Let’s show them how it’s done.”

“Okay,” the coach got their attention. “Ready, get set, and go!” he announced. Lightning and Indigo instantly took off, in the lead of everyone else. Sunny Flare didn’t get far before she got a cramp and collapsed, and Lemon Zest tripped over her own feet.

The other students were not doing as badly, but still far behind Indigo and Lightning. The only girl catching up to them was Sunny Flare’s friend, Sour Sweet. She seemed to be quite athletic as well, and about halfway around the track, she was getting closer to them. Lightning looked back to laugh, but she didn’t expect Sour Sweet to be as close as she was.

Just as they were reaching the end, Lightning looked around. Sunny Flare was still trying to get up with the help of the coach, and no one was looking their way. Lightning slowed her pace down a bit, letting Sour Sweet catch up. But before Sour could think anything, Lightning extended her foot in front of her, tripping her. Sour Sweet face-planted on the ground, and Lightning didn’t look back. She crossed the finish line first, with Indigo just slightly behind her.

“Alright everyone, that’s good for today,” the coach announced. Then he looked at Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest, still on the ground. Sour was sitting up, but seemed to wince when she moved her leg. “Is everyone okay?”

“Hey!” Sour called to him. “I’m not, my leg really hurts.”

“That’s what happens when you’re clumsy,” Lightning commented a little too loudly.

“Lightning Dust, don’t say things like that,” the coach scolded her as he walked over to Sour Sweet. He reached for her hand to help her up. “Did you trip on something?”

“I don’t know, there wasn’t even anything there!” Sour replied. “Happened too fast. One of the other students must have done it, I’m telling you.” she took his hand.

“What? No, they wouldn’t,” the coach said. “I was watching for nearly the entire time. Come now, can you stand up on it?” He helped her up, and she winced slightly, but was slowly able to stand on her own.

“Sour Sweet, what happened?” Sunny Flare asked as she approached her friend.

“I don’t know but it’s got to be one of them!” Sour pointed to Indigo and Lightning, standing together on the side.

“Now Sour Sweet, we don’t blame others for our own mistakes,” the coach explained. “Come, we’ll go to the medical room. Class is dismissed.” He walked with her and Sunny Flare back inside, and the other students made their way back inside. Once Indigo and Lightning were the only ones remaining, Lightning started laughing uncontrollably.

“What’s so funny?” Indigo asked.

“Don’t tell,” Lightning whispered, calming herself down.

“What?” Indigo asked again.

“I’m the one who tripped her,” Lightning told her, trying not to laugh.

“What?” Indigo gasped, before laughing herself. “You did?!”

“Yeah,” Lightning said. “The coach just looked away for a second and I had the chance.”

“Why, though?” Indigo asked. “She wasn’t a threat to us.”

“She was getting kind of close,” Lightning answered. “Anyway, nobody believes her. See?”

“Yeah,” Indigo laughed again. “That’s pretty funny, but just be careful with it. Make sure you don’t get caught.”

“I’m not going to, Zap,” Lightning said. “Come on, let’s go, it’s time for practice.” She walked ahead.

Indigo thought for a moment, then caught up to her. “All I’m saying is if there’s not a need for it, then don’t trip people just for fun,” Indigo advised her.

Lightning glared at her. “Well, you can do whatever you want, Zap, but don’t try to change me. You don’t wanna be my enemy, do you?”

Indigo was a little surprised, she hadn’t seen this side of Lightning before. It was almost…scary. “Alright, I get it,” she answered. “Let’s go. We do have that basketball game this weekend, gotta be prepared.” As the 2 girls headed inside, Lightning went back to her usual fun and positive self. Indigo was not quite sure what to think about what she did, but Lightning was right, she didn’t want to be her enemy.

⚡⭐⚡⭐⚡⭐⚡⭐⚡⭐

Author's Note

I hope you are enjoying the book so far. Lightning is my favourite character, and most relatable to me <3 I'm trying not to binge update, but I've written 8 chapters 😅