A Dog Named Storm

Scootaloo nodded understandingly, “I take it Storm did something in your gardens? Sorry, I’ll come clean it up right now.”

“Oh, no, nothing like that,” Fluttershy replied, showing a slight blush. “I was actually hoping if I could see Storm a bit more closely? I know you already know of her diet situation but when I thought more about the state of her I think I noticed some other concerns. Nothing serious,” she added, seeing Scootaloo’s worried expression.

“Oh, okay then. She’s right here,” Scootaloo gestured to an empty space that Storm had just occupied. “Well, she was. Storm?”

Rainbow ignored Scootaloo’s call. She was still working on stuffing herself under Scootaloo’s bed, her doggy nails scratching at the wooden floor as she tried. It was easy enough to do with Scootaloo not having too much stuff under her bed. This isn’t a dog thing, Rainbow assured herself. If I could fly home and lock my door I would. This is my best option.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t ready to face Fluttershy. Not yet. Not after the awful things she yelled at her. After her little outburst Rainbow wasn’t able to look Fluttershy in the eye and crept away before she or Scootaloo could notice. This day was putting too much on her. So much has happened from the uncomfortable train ride, the mad dash to Fluttershy's cottage, Scootaloo chasing her, hastily told Fluttershy that one of her best friends had turned into a dog and needed her to do something. Fluttershy had understood her, there was no doubt about that. Now that she had time to think under Scoot’s bed she guessed she could have waited to find Fluttershy. It would only be a matter of time before Scootaloo ‘introduced’ Storm to her. Rainbow had completely forgotten how sensitive Fluttershy could be. She must have seen Rainbow thinking she was a stray and needed help. Then I started spewing out crazy nonsense even though it was the truth; I came on too strong. I definitely came as too much of a shock to her and who could blame her? I don’t know how long I’ve been gone or what caused me to disappear. She probably thought she had gone nuts. All because I was aiming for what I wanted. I couldn’t have cared less if her house was on fire with the way I acted.

“Storm, are you in here?”

That voice. That sweet, kind and caring voice: Fluttershy.

Rainbow curled up tight under the bed trying not to make any noise to give away her hiding spot. Just go away. Please just go. I’ll just mess up again.

Fluttershy’s hooves moved, telling Rainbow she was getting closer. She breathed in as quietly as she could and held it in. There couldn’t be even the slightest clue she was under here. Then the clouds opened up revealing the majestic Princess Celestia in all her glory. She smiled down upon her scared subject’s predicament and said, ‘I hate you, Rainbow Dash.’

In other words: Rainbow Dash had sneezed.

There was no way Fluttershy didn’t hear her. Rainbow could see her yellow hooves pause, inches away from her nose.

“Storm?”

Rainbow thought for sure she had been busted. That sneeze was practically a thunderclap. Yet, Fluttershy resumed to pace around the room. It was as if Princess Luna, with all her grace, had flown in front of Celestia’s eyes of doom, blocking the misfortune it would bring down upon her. Then Luna winked at her most awesome subject and said, ‘We hate thee as well, Rainbow Dash!’

In other words: Rainbow sneezed again.

“Oh, you’re under the bed, aren’t you?" Fluttershy said, knowing the answer.

Rainbow’s eyes shifted left and right. She had been discovered. Maybe there was still a chance she could get out of it? Gotta be careful now, Rainbow shuffled backwards hoping to get out from the under the bed before Fluttershy could peak underneath. There was hope Princess Cadance would-

*bump*

The familiar feeling of a pony's legs were felt on Rainbow's hindquarters. She didn't need nor want to look back to know Cadance had indeed hated her guts, too. Without a second thought, Rainbow Dash scurried back to the middle. She knew she was being a coward but she had her fill of today. Whether Fluttershy was here to yell at her or forgive her, Rainbow didn't want to know.

“Did you find Storm? I can’t find her anywhere!” Scootaloo rushed in, her voice laced with panic. There I go, putting Scoots through unnecessary drama.

“Calm down, I found her,” Fluttershy spoke in her motherly tone. “She’s under the bed- but before you try to pull her out,” she quickly added as Scootaloo moved toward the bed. “I would like to have a few moments alone with her. I think she needs to get something off her chest. Can you give me some time with Storm, Scootaloo?”

“When you’re done can you share what’s bothering her?” Scootaloo asked. “I want to help any way I can.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

With a nod Scootaloo left the room, closing the door gently behind her incase Storm would make another break for it. Rainbow was shaking like she used to in the shelter as she watched Fluttershy’s hooves draw closer. Her trio of butterflies Cutie Mark came into view as she sat down. Rainbow looked back at her own flank almost expecting to see her Cutie Mark. Of course it was nowhere to be seen.

“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy began with a tone that asserted there wasn’t going to be any argument. No backtalk and no insults.

Rainbow practically felt like she had no choice but to answer, “Yes, Fluttershy?”

“You really hurt me,” she stated.

“I’m sorry.”

“I know you are but your behavior was inexcusable. I have put bigger puppies on timeout for far less, you know.”

“That’s not why you’re here, though... Right?”

“As much as I should be, no I’m not. You came to me for help and I do want to help you, but we can’t discuss it here. Not like this.”

“Why not?”

“Because I need to understand, Dash. I need to know how exactly you got here like you are now. In order for that to happen we need to talk more privately.”

“I’ll tell you everything I know but can’t we just go to Twilight now? She’ll understand better than any of us.”

“I know you want that to be an option but it’s not. Twilight isn’t in Ponyville right now and there are things you don’t understand yet. Things you’ll have to understand before we do anything.”

“What could I possibly need to understand?”

“I promise we’ll talk about it. Until then you are going to be on your best behavior for Scootaloo. You have no idea how badly she needs you as Storm. The poor filly has been through enough as it is.”

“What? What happened to Scootaloo? What did I miss? How much did I miss? Fluttershy, how long have I been gone?”

There was long silence before Fluttershy answered, Rainbow was about to ask again when Fluttershy forced herself to speak.

“I promise we’ll talk about it soon. Now one more thing before I go.”

“What’s that?”

“Will you please come out? So I can hug my friend?”

Rainbow’s eyes watered up as she heard the sincerity in Fluttershy’s voice. She had missed this so much. Being able to communicate with her friends. Being able to feel their love and warmth. Taking a deep breath she slid out from under the bed and looked up at her old friend. Tears were already coming down her face as they came face to face. Unable to hold back anymore the two embraced each other in a tight hug.

“I missed you,” Fluttershy whispered in her ear.

Rainbow had to take a second to steady her voice before responding, “I missed you, too, and I’m really sorry for what I said earlier. I didn’t mean a word of it.”

“I know, Rainbow,” Fluttershy assured her friend. “I know. Just don’t do it again, okay?”

“Pinkie promise.”

They didn’t know how long they stayed holding each other. All that seemed to matter now was that Rainbow had her friend back and no intention of losing her again. A big part of Rainbow didn’t want Fluttershy to leave. Scootaloo would still be there for her, however, Fluttershy was now the only pony she could speak with and there was so much to say.