That's the Way the Cookie Crumblesby grannysmithChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1All I remember is the gist of the thing, but no details. Hey, you wouldn't remember either if you had just done a sonic rainboom but hadn't pulled out of it in time. My head slammed into the ground with a bone jarring thud, and I blacked out. Ok, this will require some explaining. Hi, I'm Rainbow Dash, but you can't call me Dashie. I will smash your head into a table, making you lose a hundred brain cells in a violent face table if you do. Don't tell anyone but I love Daring Do books, if you tell, it'll be almost as bad as if you call me Dashie. So maybe you get that there are a lot of things you need to be careful of around me. I'm like a minefield. But anyways, il get in with the story. Scootaloo is a weak flyer. Let me explain. Scootaloo is reckless, brave, and pretty much exactly how I was when i was a filly. But I didn't admire myself so much. I'm like her idol. I'm not even being arrogant. But she came to me so I could help her. She wanted to see me doing a sonic rainboom. So I did. But of course I ended up in the hospital. My eyes slowly blinked open, and my head felt like Applejack was bucking a zap apple tree right onto my head. I winced and rubbed my head, but I felt something different. A cast! I jolted up quickly. My doctor gently pushed me back down. "You crashed into the ground at 1000 miles per hour. You can't argue that you don't need rest. You do, believe me." She whispered. But even that made my head pound. I could barely speak without unbearable aching. Then, an odd feeling to hit me right at that moment, I was hungry. I rubbed my tummy, and the doctor quietly spoke tow nurse who trotted out. She knew the speaking hurt my ears, so she wrote something down on a clipboard and placed it as softly as possible in my lap. I suddenly realized my whole body was tender and injured. Even my eyes hurt. But I read that I would need to use a wheelchair for a few months until my body healed. I had a major concussion that had been reduced as much as it could, but I could no longer fly for two months. TWO MONTHS?!? I would've screamed, but everything hurt. I needed to calm down. I realized I was hyperventilating. I stopped. I closed my eyes and thought about how I should be glad I was ok. I should be glad of what I had. Friends who loved me, wings, rainbow colored hair. I thanked life, and decided I would push through. I opened my eyes to a tray of hospital cafeteria food. I stuffed some carrots into my mouth, then enjoyed the hay salad. I finished it off with a scrumdiddlyicious cupcake. " Cupcakes?" I thought. " No hospital has cupcakes. Unless..." Pinkie Pie burst through the doors, hopping all the way towards me. I groaned. The last thing I needed to help me with a head ache was Pinkie! She was always overexcited and hyper. Usually, I could handle her. But now? After I just got a huge concussion and my head felt like it was about to blow up? No way, no how. She bounced beside me, silent. I let out a tiny smile that hurt me badly. She spoke as quietly as possible, "When are they letting you out of this joint?" I shrugged painfully. She spoke to the doctor, and then bounced away. My jaw dropped. Had she just managed not to be crazy for full TEN MINUTES? What had happened while I was unconscious? I couldn't go home. My home was in Cloudsdale, and I couldn't fly up there. Not that no one volunteered to take me. We just couldn't take the risk of me falling off. So I was staying at Twilights. I veered the joystick through the doorway, and the door closed. It was pitch black. I thought they were prancing me when the light went on and they yelled as quietly as possible, ( probably copying Fluttershy,) "SURPRISE." Fluttershy spoke quietly, "Yay." I smiled as I saw Pinkie Pie speaking softly just for me, but keeping her dramatics. Her mind boggling attitude made me feel dizzy and confused, so I wheeled away. I bumped into Twilight, who fell in my lap. She looked up at my suppressed smile and raised eyebrow and hurriedly got up, dusting herself off. "How are you feeling Rainbow Dash?" She asked awkwardly. I brushed off the incident and told her of the hospital food, and Pinkie's daily cupcake. "Everyday was a new flavour. One day I could've sworn it was pickle-" I was interrupted by Big Mac coming over and nudging a Pinkie Cupcake into my hand. I took a tentative bite, almost jumped out of my chair, and spewed out crumbs. Twilight used her horn to wipe herself off, while disposing of my cupcake. I looked wistfully at it. "I was just shocked. It was actually good." I said sadly, mourning the cupcake. Twilight brought me another one and one for herself. I took a gigantic bite, swallowing it whole. Twilight watched, then took a bite. She spit the crumbs on me, and I used a napkin to wipe myself and throw hers out in the garbage. She gave me a sarcastic smile ( I didn't think she knew about sarcasm) and got herself another one. Suddenly, "Cupcakes aren't for throwing out, they're for eating silly!" Pinkie whispered, jumping away. Twilight and I burst out laughing. "I never knew pink lemonade cupcake could be so good." I said, washing it down with a glass of pink lemonade. "Well, Pinkie can do anything." Twilight said, watching as Pinkie jumped down onto Rarity's head from the ceiling. Rarity shrieked and started staggering around the room, Pinkie whispering, "Yeeha! Giddy up horsy, giddy up!" Oh Pinkie. Applejack bucked Pinkie right off, sending her flying. Rarity fixed her hair, then sauntered off as if nothing had happened. "She could've said thanks." Applejack grumbled as she bumped into me, this time flying over my head and into the punch bowl. She sat dazed, when Pinkies head emerged under Applejack, carrying her out of the punch bowl. "This is all so confusing. It's making my head hurt. I'm going to sleep." I said. I came to a problem right away. The stairs. But Twilight used her horn to take me up the stairs. "Thanks!" I called down as I veered myself into my room. Twilight followed me and magicked me into my bed. "Good night!" I said as she headed back down to enjoy the party. The last thing I thought was "Oh yeah, I'm living the good life." Chapter 2I yawned and refrained from stretching out my arms. I had long since learned that my arm would feel as if its being pried off. So I didn't. I eased myself into my wheelchair and rolled myself down the stairs. I was so groggy I almost forgot it was stairs. I went to Twilights room and asked for some assistance. Twilight groaned and stumbled to the stairs. I felt myself lift off the ground. But she was too tired. She lowered me down next to the stairs. I was falling to the ground! I almost died of fright, gathering my legs into my chair. I landed softly, and quickly wheeled myself to the door, leaving Twilight to her sleep. I decided to visit Sugarcube corner. I checked my watch and realized why the streets were empty. It was 6:30 in the morning. I decided to catch up on some extra Zzzzz's while waiting for the story to open when Pinkie whispered "Hi!" I turned and saw her behind me. "Pinkie, you can talk normally around me now." I said, hoping she wouldn't take my words to literally. "Oh, really? Phew! I was getting tired of whispering, but if it would help you, I would do anything! Anyways, if you can hear now, I need to have another party! The other one wasn't as great as my usual parties. It needs to be spectacular! I'll get Gummy to sort out the guest list and-" "Pinkie!" I exclaimed. "I still can't handle TOO much. You can't yell. Just speak normally. " "Oh. Ok. Would you like a cupcake? The special today is cider and zap apple, based off of Applejacks special annual events." I nodded, and she ran in and back out carrying a tray of cupcakes. I grabbed two and stashed them in my cup holders. "Could I also get a Hot Strawcolate?" I asked. She hurried in and came back with a steaming take our cup. I thanked her and wheeled over to a nice spot under a tree with a lakeside view. I pulled out the second newest Daring Do book and enjoyed a wonderful, peaceful morning to myself. When it was 9:00 and most everyone was waking up (and more importantly, I was done my food and the book.), I rolled back to Sugarcube corner and paid for my breakfast. "Oh, Rainbow? I visited your house yesterday to tell your parents about how you crashed, and no one was there. Come to think of it, I've never met Fluttershy's parents either. Rainbow?" She called out to me as I wheeled away to Fluttershy's cottage. We needed to talk. I knocked, then rehearsed what I was going to say, but I kept getting distracted by the millions of animals dancing around my feet. "Shoo. No, no, not the book. No, go away. No, LEAVE!" I screamed, almost pulling out tufts of my hair. The animals scattered loud and obnoxious noises when Fluttershy opened the door. "WE need to talk about our parents." I said. She whimpered as I pushed my way into the house. "Would you like a cup of tea?" she stuttered nervously. I nodded, and she started the kettle. "So, earlier today, Pinkie asked me about my parents. I just left. But I feel like we need to come up with a credible lie. Not, we're living on our own. We can't even tell them we're sisters. We need to think of something. After all, they have reasons for us not being able to meet there parents. We need something just as good." I proposed. She almost spilled the tea she was pouring because of shaky hooves. She brought two cups of tea with sugar cubes and cream. "Maybe we could just tell them the truth? I mean, they deserve to know. We know about Pinkie's parents..." She broke off, wiping away a tear, "We know about all of their biggest secrets. We can trust them, right?" she said timidly. "Are you kidding me? This needs to stay between us. If it gets out, who knows what'll happen? Listen, we've had a pretty good life so far. If our parentage is revealed, none of what we've done or accomplished will matter. We'll be outcasts." I said. Fluttershy sipped her tea. "I just don't know. Plus, you're hiding much more than you let on. I can tell. Of all people, tell me. You know, if that's ok with you." she squeaked. I bit my lip and looked down. "I'd rather not. But think on that idea. Once you have what you think is a winner, come over to Twilight's and we'll talk." I said. She nodded and I showed my self off. Deep in thought, I wheeled myself over to Sweet Apple Acres. "Well Rainbow, Ah know you love our cider, but Ah never knew you'd come this early for a cup. It's not gonna happen for nother week now, isn't that right Big Mac?" she said. "Eeyup. But considering you never get any, we'll save a few mugs for ya." he slowly said in his deep voice. "Don't worry. I promise you I'll be first in line." Rainbow said. "Anyways, we have a special treat this year. Ah'll give you a hint. We've recruited Pinkie." Applejack whispered secretively. "Oh! I remember now! You're gonna be selling Zap apple jam too aren't you? The dates align this year. Awesome! And I bet she's making some muffins too, isn't she?" I said excitedly. "Eeyup. I reckon this year we're gonna have twice the line. If you really think you can get here first, you try." Big Mac pieced together the longest sentence we've ever heard him utter. "You know what? Why don't you save me some?" I said. Applejack looked around before hoisting open her saddlebag with her teeth and handing me a large sack. "This'll be for in case you miss out." Applejack whispered. "Eeyup." Big Mac said. I quickly hid it in my storage compartment and rolled away. I met Twilight at the door. She was about to leave on her errands. "Hey, Twilight, why don't you let me run the errands?" I asked. I needed to be out and about. She handed me a pouchful of bits which I put in my cup holder and I wheeled away. I rolled up to the bookstore and came out with a stack of books. I peered around the stack at the list and bought some Hot Strawcolate powder, a boxful of sandwiches, and a chest of gems. I came back and dumped everything on the ground. I quickly grabbed the newest Daring Do book from the stack and started reading. My, was this a productive day! Like I said, I've got a pretty sweet deal in this life. Chapter 3"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy called out. I turned around my wheelchair and she skidded to a halt. "I've decided on something. You're the one who always told me to be assertive, and I will. They're my friends, and they deserve to know the truth. Now, your personal secrets don't need to be revealed. But this is my secret too! And I have the rite to tell them!" She ranted, then she flew at top speed towards Twilight's house. I wheeled as fast as I could after her, but I knew I wouldn't make it. By the time I got there, I saw Fluttershy speaking through tears. I opened the door with a slam. All heads turned towards mine. But they all looked at me confusedly. "I'm so sorry." I said. "Sugarcube, what are you talkin' 'bout?" Applejack asked. "Fluttershy didn't even get a chance to finish. Go on, Fluttershy." Twilight said, turning back to her. I wheeled over next to her, and look down at my feet as she started from the beginning. "Ok. I'll begin. Our parents really loved us. But society really didn't. They had to leave. For one thing, they couldn't care for us. For another, well, our dad was an earth pony, our mother a unicorn." She said. They all gasped. "We were outcasts. Octavia got away with it because of how rich and high class her parents, and now she, is. We weren't. So they took us to the best orphanage they could find before the news got out. We've never met them before. As soon as we were old enough, we ran away to Cloudsdale. Rainbow, the oldest, took care of me. I kind of got used to her taking care of me, but I wasn't lazy. I know how to work and how to put up with it. The story about how she stood up for me, she wasn't just a bystander, she was my sister." Fluttershy ended, looking down. "And I supposed we should leave, considering how society looks at us." I said. "Now hold on just a minute, Sugarcube! You ain't no outcast! Everypony loves both of you. They don't care! And even if they did, Celestial would never stand for it!" Applejack said. "Yeah, nopony cares! After all, nopony cares that my parents are never around!" It didn't matter. I still felt ashamed. Because of more secrets that I hid. "Look. Guys, I really think we should just forget this ever happened," I begged. This would no doubt lead to more secret sharing,exactly what I didn't want. "You know what? I'm going to make a petition against the law about illegal foals. It shouldn't matter! It doesn't!" Twilight exclaimed. "Fluttershy, I need to tell you something." I said, urgently tugging her tail. But she ignored me, pulling her tail away. "That's really sweet guys. I was actually thinking along the lines of not telling anyone though..." She mentioned quietly. But Twilight ignored her and called Spike. "I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia, Dear Celestia, I must return to Canterlot immediately concerning urgent matters. Please send a chariot by the end of next week. Twilight." Spike scribble with his quill, but I rolled over and grabbed it. "Twilight this isn't necessary." I said urgently. But Spike was already transporting it. "Fluttershy, come with me, now!" I said. Grabbing Ed tail and pulling her outside and behind the library. "Fluttershy, this is completely insane!" I said. "Look, you're hiding something, and it concerns me too. I just know it! Look. I already know you like mares," she said. I blushed. "So what is it that you're hiding?" She asked. I cowered underneath her death stare, and started crying. Crying tears that wouldn't stop her from finding out the truth. But her eye softened, and placing one foreleg over me, she comforted me as I cried. I reluctantly boarded the train, wheeling myself next to the long cushioned bench-chair. Twilight trotted over and plopped down next to me. She dropped her saddlebag heavily on the ground and curls up on her seat, pulling out a book. I lean my head around er and look at the book title, "Official Laws of Equestria". I sigh and recline in my wheelchair when I suddenly hear the rattling of wheels against the bouncing train. I sit up straight and notice a woman driving by with a trolley full of food. "Ooh! Could I get a hot strawcolate, a hay sandwich, - oh you got a shipment from Sugarcube corner? Can I have a zap apple cypcake as well?" I call out, fishing money out if my pouch. She lays it out on a tray and puts it on my lap as I hand her ten bits. She rattled off as I take a but out of my sandwich. Twilight looks up, and gallops after her, her stomach grumbling. I chuckle. decide to replicate my peaceful morning, pulling out the Daring Do book. Twilight came rushing back, an apple shoved in her mouth and a tray in her hooves. The tray had a hay sandwich, two slices of cheese pizza, and three muffin flavored cupcakes. "Hungry, huh?" I chuckle. She just shakes her head and chomps down on her sandwich. I stole Aliza slice and a muffin and handed her three bits. She runs away again to replace her stolen food. I laugh while I take a bit of the pizza, focusing my attention back to the book. Finally, I noticed the train was slowing down, and that my food was gone and into my tummy. I put away my book and looked out the window, seeing the elegantly decorated train station quickly approaching. I panicked. I needed to speak to Fluttershy before we got to Princess Celestia and Twilight... opened her mouth. So I wheeled my way to Fluttershy's seat. "Fluttershy, you cannot let Twilight go through with this." I said urgently. "Why not?" She asked, glaring at me. "Look, Twilight's already done so much for us. We can't let her do more for us. We haven't repaid her yet. It would be rude to let her go through with this." I lied, manipulating guiltily. But it worked. At the word rude,her eyes filled with horror. She quickly got up and trotted over to Twilight, speaking softly. Twilight shook her head partially in confusion, partially in anger. I heard her say, "But we're already here!" I bit my lip, but Twilight did not get off. Neither did Pinkie, Rarity, or Applejack, who were glancing anxiously at Tilight, who was growing angry. "Look Fluttershy, you will have time to repay me after, but for now, you will just have to watch me be nicer than you for once." Twilight burst out, freezing Fluttershy. She collapsed in a heap and began to cry. "I am not nice! I shouldn't be the element of kindness!" She sobbed. I rushed over and lofted her head into my lap, stroking her mane comfortingly. "Fluttershy, you are the nicest person I know. Don't cry, don't cry." I whispered softly. I glanced up at Twilight accusingly, who's eyes had softened, but deep down, I knew it was my fault. And I almost couldn't bear it, on the verge of breaking down myself. Chapter 4The train slowed to a stop, bags sliding out from under the seats, and we were back in Ponyville without ever getting off at Canterlot. Twilight wasn't too mad. She was mad that she made Celestia send her unnecessary tickets, but the conductor said she could use the tickets again, so she didn't mind too much. She was more confused about the conflict between her and Fluttershy. I had draped Fluttershy around the back of my wheelchair and took her back to her cottage, her sobbing so softly I almost couldn't hear it. I gently pushed her off the back when I got inside. She shakily got to her hooves then sat down on the couch. I guiltily sat in front of her, contemplating what I was about to say. "I am such a mean, selfish, bad pony. A HORRIBLE pony." she cried. "You are not a bad pony. You truly are the element of kindness. I am a bad pony. It was my fault. I have something to tell you." I sighed, shivering with fear of her reaction. "But, before I do, just know that I never meant you any harm." I breathed in shakily and told her the truth. "Ok. So at the age of 2, I was put in the orphanage by my unicorn parents. 2 years after, I was the king of the toddlers. But not a tyrant. I was nice to everyone. But I wasn't as good and obedient as you. However, you arrived when I was 4. But you were too sweet and vulnerable. The crueler kids would've gotten you. So the orphanage director asked me to help you out. At first, we knew you wouldn't want me too help you. You wouldn't want me to go to all that trouble. But she figured out that I could have a reason by... pretending to be your sister." I closed my eyes, waiting for the reaction. "You're the best theoretical sister I've ever had." she said. I looked up, confused. "What do you mean?" I asked. "Well, you didn't have to be nice. I know you needed to follow the orphanage directors orders, but you could've been a mean sister. You weren't. Thank you. If I didn't have you, who knows what would've happened?" she said. I sighed in relief. "However, I'm still pretty mad. You could've told me after we'd ran away. But you kept up the act. I can't believe you would lie to me. And for so long without telling me the truth!" She said, hurt. "Look, Fluttershy. I didn't mean too. Just because I'm not your sister doesn't mean-" I tried to explain. "I don't need your pity party!" She yelled through tears. I was shocked. "Be grateful! If I didn't help you, you would've been friendless!" "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need your help anymore. You wanted me to be assertive, and I'll become assertive." she said. An odd fire in her eyes started dancing around. "Fluttershy? No matter how mad you are, I will always be loyal to you." I whispered. She however didn't hear me. She just ranted. "I'm really pissed. I'm grateful that you tried to help me, but you didn't need to lie. Don't show your face here ever again. I need revenge, so be prepared to be friendless like you think I would've been without you!" Fluttershy yelled angrily, galloping out to Twilight's library. And I knew a serious change had overtaken her. In her mind, she just swore, although it was fine by mostly everyone else. (The word was pissed) I wheeled after her. With the momentum I had gathered, I couldn't stop, and I crashed through the library's wall before Fluttershy was even halfway there. "Honestly, even without the wings to fly at sonic speed, you're still crashing through my walls! Although, it's worse now. You just used to crash through windows and bookshelves." Twilight laughed. Dazed, I shook my head. "Listen, Twilight, don't be mad. It wasn't such a bad thing! And you can't just leave me. Fluttershy is about to turn you guys against me. I didn't mean to-" Fluttershy burst through the door, panting and tearing up. I watched her theatrics that would ruin my life. "Twilight," she sobbed. What a great actress! "Twilight, Rainbow... she lied to me! She's.. she's not my real sister!" She cried real tears. Twilight looked at me, half confused, half appalled. "Look, Twilight, it isn't that bad. I was trying to do the right thing! She was being bullied, and the orphanage director was concerned, and I was going to do something anyways, but she wanted me to pretend as if she was my sister! I couldn't disobey the director! I love her like a sister, and even if she is not my sister by blood, she still is my sister!" Fluttershy looked up, a bit of apology and regret reflected in her eyes. Well it's a bit late for that! I thought. But Twilight was already appalled. "How dare you! I need to tell the others before they make the mistake of trusting you." She trotted off, Fluttershy calling out "Look, I admit that what I did was wrong, but it was in Fluttershy's best interest! Do you know what I went through for her?" "Wow, so you went through so much trouble so that you could lie to her. Good argument!" "No, I went through so much trouble when having to share my horrible family situation with her. I didn't want to do that! I was marring her! And it's hard to talk about!" Twilight was silent for a moment, trying to figure out a way to respond. "You know what? Too bad. You're an outcast! If you think for one second you're getting away with this, you're wrong. You're a huge jerk." She screamed. This brought tears. Being punished for something I didn't do felt horrible. Fluttershy's eyes were full of regret and apology. "Wait!" She turned to me. "I am so sorry! I didn't know..." she said. I looked down, tears streaming down my face. "It doesn't matter. You got what you wanted now." I said. "Now I'm friendless." Chapter 5Fluttershy runs after Twilight who was trudging slowly down the path. "You have the spell?" She whispered. Twilight gave a slight nod. Fluttershy handed over a container. Twilight's horn glowed as she used magic to fill up the container with a natural cream remedy. Fluttershy gingerly placed a lid on top and gently put it in her saddlebag. "You got Pinkie Pie in on it?" Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded. Twilight breathed out a so of relief. They part ways silently. "Twilight's willing to hear you out. I'm sorry." Fluttershy said. Twilight walked in. I thought at a million miles per hour. If I was ever going to confess my crush on Twilight, she needed to forgive me first. "Look, Twilight, you need to understand-" I started, but she stopped. "It's fine. You've gone through so much, I can't be mad at you. I've learned a very important friendship lesson this week. I'll write to Celestia later." She said. I began to cry. I couldn't hold in my feelings anymore. No longer will I keep on my anger, sadness, love... I leaned in and kissed Twilight. I pulled away. For a second, she was in second. Then she just smiled, and kissed me back through the tears. "And when I forgave you, which was thirty seconds after I left, I realized that something came over me. Emotion. I couldn't believe my crush could do something like that. I realized I was stupid. I'm sorry." She said. She turned away and used her magic to pull out a salve. She rubbed it on my wings, and they burst out of their cast. I jumped out of my wheelchair and flew across the room. I flew back to her and kissed her. "Thank you." Pinkie burst in. "And now it's time to PARTY!!!" She yelled. I laughed as she zoomed around the room decorating. She poked her head out the door and whistled. The party came to us. I drank many cups of cider, and danced crazily, flying around and greeting everyone happily. Twilight timidly danced, but I grabbed her hooves and spun her around, bringing out laughs. When she faces me, our noses pressed together, I kissed her, enjoying the feel of her lips against mine. That was when I finally got over my past. When life stopped getting in the way. When I could fly without the burden of guilt weighing down in my shoulders. When I could let go. Everything was gone now. All that was left was the future. And you're probably all like, where's your swag? I'm just choosing not to make you jealous of all my swag. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.
Chapter 1All I remember is the gist of the thing, but no details. Hey, you wouldn't remember either if you had just done a sonic rainboom but hadn't pulled out of it in time. My head slammed into the ground with a bone jarring thud, and I blacked out. Ok, this will require some explaining. Hi, I'm Rainbow Dash, but you can't call me Dashie. I will smash your head into a table, making you lose a hundred brain cells in a violent face table if you do. Don't tell anyone but I love Daring Do books, if you tell, it'll be almost as bad as if you call me Dashie. So maybe you get that there are a lot of things you need to be careful of around me. I'm like a minefield. But anyways, il get in with the story. Scootaloo is a weak flyer. Let me explain. Scootaloo is reckless, brave, and pretty much exactly how I was when i was a filly. But I didn't admire myself so much. I'm like her idol. I'm not even being arrogant. But she came to me so I could help her. She wanted to see me doing a sonic rainboom. So I did. But of course I ended up in the hospital. My eyes slowly blinked open, and my head felt like Applejack was bucking a zap apple tree right onto my head. I winced and rubbed my head, but I felt something different. A cast! I jolted up quickly. My doctor gently pushed me back down. "You crashed into the ground at 1000 miles per hour. You can't argue that you don't need rest. You do, believe me." She whispered. But even that made my head pound. I could barely speak without unbearable aching. Then, an odd feeling to hit me right at that moment, I was hungry. I rubbed my tummy, and the doctor quietly spoke tow nurse who trotted out. She knew the speaking hurt my ears, so she wrote something down on a clipboard and placed it as softly as possible in my lap. I suddenly realized my whole body was tender and injured. Even my eyes hurt. But I read that I would need to use a wheelchair for a few months until my body healed. I had a major concussion that had been reduced as much as it could, but I could no longer fly for two months. TWO MONTHS?!? I would've screamed, but everything hurt. I needed to calm down. I realized I was hyperventilating. I stopped. I closed my eyes and thought about how I should be glad I was ok. I should be glad of what I had. Friends who loved me, wings, rainbow colored hair. I thanked life, and decided I would push through. I opened my eyes to a tray of hospital cafeteria food. I stuffed some carrots into my mouth, then enjoyed the hay salad. I finished it off with a scrumdiddlyicious cupcake. " Cupcakes?" I thought. " No hospital has cupcakes. Unless..." Pinkie Pie burst through the doors, hopping all the way towards me. I groaned. The last thing I needed to help me with a head ache was Pinkie! She was always overexcited and hyper. Usually, I could handle her. But now? After I just got a huge concussion and my head felt like it was about to blow up? No way, no how. She bounced beside me, silent. I let out a tiny smile that hurt me badly. She spoke as quietly as possible, "When are they letting you out of this joint?" I shrugged painfully. She spoke to the doctor, and then bounced away. My jaw dropped. Had she just managed not to be crazy for full TEN MINUTES? What had happened while I was unconscious? I couldn't go home. My home was in Cloudsdale, and I couldn't fly up there. Not that no one volunteered to take me. We just couldn't take the risk of me falling off. So I was staying at Twilights. I veered the joystick through the doorway, and the door closed. It was pitch black. I thought they were prancing me when the light went on and they yelled as quietly as possible, ( probably copying Fluttershy,) "SURPRISE." Fluttershy spoke quietly, "Yay." I smiled as I saw Pinkie Pie speaking softly just for me, but keeping her dramatics. Her mind boggling attitude made me feel dizzy and confused, so I wheeled away. I bumped into Twilight, who fell in my lap. She looked up at my suppressed smile and raised eyebrow and hurriedly got up, dusting herself off. "How are you feeling Rainbow Dash?" She asked awkwardly. I brushed off the incident and told her of the hospital food, and Pinkie's daily cupcake. "Everyday was a new flavour. One day I could've sworn it was pickle-" I was interrupted by Big Mac coming over and nudging a Pinkie Cupcake into my hand. I took a tentative bite, almost jumped out of my chair, and spewed out crumbs. Twilight used her horn to wipe herself off, while disposing of my cupcake. I looked wistfully at it. "I was just shocked. It was actually good." I said sadly, mourning the cupcake. Twilight brought me another one and one for herself. I took a gigantic bite, swallowing it whole. Twilight watched, then took a bite. She spit the crumbs on me, and I used a napkin to wipe myself and throw hers out in the garbage. She gave me a sarcastic smile ( I didn't think she knew about sarcasm) and got herself another one. Suddenly, "Cupcakes aren't for throwing out, they're for eating silly!" Pinkie whispered, jumping away. Twilight and I burst out laughing. "I never knew pink lemonade cupcake could be so good." I said, washing it down with a glass of pink lemonade. "Well, Pinkie can do anything." Twilight said, watching as Pinkie jumped down onto Rarity's head from the ceiling. Rarity shrieked and started staggering around the room, Pinkie whispering, "Yeeha! Giddy up horsy, giddy up!" Oh Pinkie. Applejack bucked Pinkie right off, sending her flying. Rarity fixed her hair, then sauntered off as if nothing had happened. "She could've said thanks." Applejack grumbled as she bumped into me, this time flying over my head and into the punch bowl. She sat dazed, when Pinkies head emerged under Applejack, carrying her out of the punch bowl. "This is all so confusing. It's making my head hurt. I'm going to sleep." I said. I came to a problem right away. The stairs. But Twilight used her horn to take me up the stairs. "Thanks!" I called down as I veered myself into my room. Twilight followed me and magicked me into my bed. "Good night!" I said as she headed back down to enjoy the party. The last thing I thought was "Oh yeah, I'm living the good life."
Chapter 2I yawned and refrained from stretching out my arms. I had long since learned that my arm would feel as if its being pried off. So I didn't. I eased myself into my wheelchair and rolled myself down the stairs. I was so groggy I almost forgot it was stairs. I went to Twilights room and asked for some assistance. Twilight groaned and stumbled to the stairs. I felt myself lift off the ground. But she was too tired. She lowered me down next to the stairs. I was falling to the ground! I almost died of fright, gathering my legs into my chair. I landed softly, and quickly wheeled myself to the door, leaving Twilight to her sleep. I decided to visit Sugarcube corner. I checked my watch and realized why the streets were empty. It was 6:30 in the morning. I decided to catch up on some extra Zzzzz's while waiting for the story to open when Pinkie whispered "Hi!" I turned and saw her behind me. "Pinkie, you can talk normally around me now." I said, hoping she wouldn't take my words to literally. "Oh, really? Phew! I was getting tired of whispering, but if it would help you, I would do anything! Anyways, if you can hear now, I need to have another party! The other one wasn't as great as my usual parties. It needs to be spectacular! I'll get Gummy to sort out the guest list and-" "Pinkie!" I exclaimed. "I still can't handle TOO much. You can't yell. Just speak normally. " "Oh. Ok. Would you like a cupcake? The special today is cider and zap apple, based off of Applejacks special annual events." I nodded, and she ran in and back out carrying a tray of cupcakes. I grabbed two and stashed them in my cup holders. "Could I also get a Hot Strawcolate?" I asked. She hurried in and came back with a steaming take our cup. I thanked her and wheeled over to a nice spot under a tree with a lakeside view. I pulled out the second newest Daring Do book and enjoyed a wonderful, peaceful morning to myself. When it was 9:00 and most everyone was waking up (and more importantly, I was done my food and the book.), I rolled back to Sugarcube corner and paid for my breakfast. "Oh, Rainbow? I visited your house yesterday to tell your parents about how you crashed, and no one was there. Come to think of it, I've never met Fluttershy's parents either. Rainbow?" She called out to me as I wheeled away to Fluttershy's cottage. We needed to talk. I knocked, then rehearsed what I was going to say, but I kept getting distracted by the millions of animals dancing around my feet. "Shoo. No, no, not the book. No, go away. No, LEAVE!" I screamed, almost pulling out tufts of my hair. The animals scattered loud and obnoxious noises when Fluttershy opened the door. "WE need to talk about our parents." I said. She whimpered as I pushed my way into the house. "Would you like a cup of tea?" she stuttered nervously. I nodded, and she started the kettle. "So, earlier today, Pinkie asked me about my parents. I just left. But I feel like we need to come up with a credible lie. Not, we're living on our own. We can't even tell them we're sisters. We need to think of something. After all, they have reasons for us not being able to meet there parents. We need something just as good." I proposed. She almost spilled the tea she was pouring because of shaky hooves. She brought two cups of tea with sugar cubes and cream. "Maybe we could just tell them the truth? I mean, they deserve to know. We know about Pinkie's parents..." She broke off, wiping away a tear, "We know about all of their biggest secrets. We can trust them, right?" she said timidly. "Are you kidding me? This needs to stay between us. If it gets out, who knows what'll happen? Listen, we've had a pretty good life so far. If our parentage is revealed, none of what we've done or accomplished will matter. We'll be outcasts." I said. Fluttershy sipped her tea. "I just don't know. Plus, you're hiding much more than you let on. I can tell. Of all people, tell me. You know, if that's ok with you." she squeaked. I bit my lip and looked down. "I'd rather not. But think on that idea. Once you have what you think is a winner, come over to Twilight's and we'll talk." I said. She nodded and I showed my self off. Deep in thought, I wheeled myself over to Sweet Apple Acres. "Well Rainbow, Ah know you love our cider, but Ah never knew you'd come this early for a cup. It's not gonna happen for nother week now, isn't that right Big Mac?" she said. "Eeyup. But considering you never get any, we'll save a few mugs for ya." he slowly said in his deep voice. "Don't worry. I promise you I'll be first in line." Rainbow said. "Anyways, we have a special treat this year. Ah'll give you a hint. We've recruited Pinkie." Applejack whispered secretively. "Oh! I remember now! You're gonna be selling Zap apple jam too aren't you? The dates align this year. Awesome! And I bet she's making some muffins too, isn't she?" I said excitedly. "Eeyup. I reckon this year we're gonna have twice the line. If you really think you can get here first, you try." Big Mac pieced together the longest sentence we've ever heard him utter. "You know what? Why don't you save me some?" I said. Applejack looked around before hoisting open her saddlebag with her teeth and handing me a large sack. "This'll be for in case you miss out." Applejack whispered. "Eeyup." Big Mac said. I quickly hid it in my storage compartment and rolled away. I met Twilight at the door. She was about to leave on her errands. "Hey, Twilight, why don't you let me run the errands?" I asked. I needed to be out and about. She handed me a pouchful of bits which I put in my cup holder and I wheeled away. I rolled up to the bookstore and came out with a stack of books. I peered around the stack at the list and bought some Hot Strawcolate powder, a boxful of sandwiches, and a chest of gems. I came back and dumped everything on the ground. I quickly grabbed the newest Daring Do book from the stack and started reading. My, was this a productive day! Like I said, I've got a pretty sweet deal in this life.
Chapter 3"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy called out. I turned around my wheelchair and she skidded to a halt. "I've decided on something. You're the one who always told me to be assertive, and I will. They're my friends, and they deserve to know the truth. Now, your personal secrets don't need to be revealed. But this is my secret too! And I have the rite to tell them!" She ranted, then she flew at top speed towards Twilight's house. I wheeled as fast as I could after her, but I knew I wouldn't make it. By the time I got there, I saw Fluttershy speaking through tears. I opened the door with a slam. All heads turned towards mine. But they all looked at me confusedly. "I'm so sorry." I said. "Sugarcube, what are you talkin' 'bout?" Applejack asked. "Fluttershy didn't even get a chance to finish. Go on, Fluttershy." Twilight said, turning back to her. I wheeled over next to her, and look down at my feet as she started from the beginning. "Ok. I'll begin. Our parents really loved us. But society really didn't. They had to leave. For one thing, they couldn't care for us. For another, well, our dad was an earth pony, our mother a unicorn." She said. They all gasped. "We were outcasts. Octavia got away with it because of how rich and high class her parents, and now she, is. We weren't. So they took us to the best orphanage they could find before the news got out. We've never met them before. As soon as we were old enough, we ran away to Cloudsdale. Rainbow, the oldest, took care of me. I kind of got used to her taking care of me, but I wasn't lazy. I know how to work and how to put up with it. The story about how she stood up for me, she wasn't just a bystander, she was my sister." Fluttershy ended, looking down. "And I supposed we should leave, considering how society looks at us." I said. "Now hold on just a minute, Sugarcube! You ain't no outcast! Everypony loves both of you. They don't care! And even if they did, Celestial would never stand for it!" Applejack said. "Yeah, nopony cares! After all, nopony cares that my parents are never around!" It didn't matter. I still felt ashamed. Because of more secrets that I hid. "Look. Guys, I really think we should just forget this ever happened," I begged. This would no doubt lead to more secret sharing,exactly what I didn't want. "You know what? I'm going to make a petition against the law about illegal foals. It shouldn't matter! It doesn't!" Twilight exclaimed. "Fluttershy, I need to tell you something." I said, urgently tugging her tail. But she ignored me, pulling her tail away. "That's really sweet guys. I was actually thinking along the lines of not telling anyone though..." She mentioned quietly. But Twilight ignored her and called Spike. "I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia, Dear Celestia, I must return to Canterlot immediately concerning urgent matters. Please send a chariot by the end of next week. Twilight." Spike scribble with his quill, but I rolled over and grabbed it. "Twilight this isn't necessary." I said urgently. But Spike was already transporting it. "Fluttershy, come with me, now!" I said. Grabbing Ed tail and pulling her outside and behind the library. "Fluttershy, this is completely insane!" I said. "Look, you're hiding something, and it concerns me too. I just know it! Look. I already know you like mares," she said. I blushed. "So what is it that you're hiding?" She asked. I cowered underneath her death stare, and started crying. Crying tears that wouldn't stop her from finding out the truth. But her eye softened, and placing one foreleg over me, she comforted me as I cried. I reluctantly boarded the train, wheeling myself next to the long cushioned bench-chair. Twilight trotted over and plopped down next to me. She dropped her saddlebag heavily on the ground and curls up on her seat, pulling out a book. I lean my head around er and look at the book title, "Official Laws of Equestria". I sigh and recline in my wheelchair when I suddenly hear the rattling of wheels against the bouncing train. I sit up straight and notice a woman driving by with a trolley full of food. "Ooh! Could I get a hot strawcolate, a hay sandwich, - oh you got a shipment from Sugarcube corner? Can I have a zap apple cypcake as well?" I call out, fishing money out if my pouch. She lays it out on a tray and puts it on my lap as I hand her ten bits. She rattled off as I take a but out of my sandwich. Twilight looks up, and gallops after her, her stomach grumbling. I chuckle. decide to replicate my peaceful morning, pulling out the Daring Do book. Twilight came rushing back, an apple shoved in her mouth and a tray in her hooves. The tray had a hay sandwich, two slices of cheese pizza, and three muffin flavored cupcakes. "Hungry, huh?" I chuckle. She just shakes her head and chomps down on her sandwich. I stole Aliza slice and a muffin and handed her three bits. She runs away again to replace her stolen food. I laugh while I take a bit of the pizza, focusing my attention back to the book. Finally, I noticed the train was slowing down, and that my food was gone and into my tummy. I put away my book and looked out the window, seeing the elegantly decorated train station quickly approaching. I panicked. I needed to speak to Fluttershy before we got to Princess Celestia and Twilight... opened her mouth. So I wheeled my way to Fluttershy's seat. "Fluttershy, you cannot let Twilight go through with this." I said urgently. "Why not?" She asked, glaring at me. "Look, Twilight's already done so much for us. We can't let her do more for us. We haven't repaid her yet. It would be rude to let her go through with this." I lied, manipulating guiltily. But it worked. At the word rude,her eyes filled with horror. She quickly got up and trotted over to Twilight, speaking softly. Twilight shook her head partially in confusion, partially in anger. I heard her say, "But we're already here!" I bit my lip, but Twilight did not get off. Neither did Pinkie, Rarity, or Applejack, who were glancing anxiously at Tilight, who was growing angry. "Look Fluttershy, you will have time to repay me after, but for now, you will just have to watch me be nicer than you for once." Twilight burst out, freezing Fluttershy. She collapsed in a heap and began to cry. "I am not nice! I shouldn't be the element of kindness!" She sobbed. I rushed over and lofted her head into my lap, stroking her mane comfortingly. "Fluttershy, you are the nicest person I know. Don't cry, don't cry." I whispered softly. I glanced up at Twilight accusingly, who's eyes had softened, but deep down, I knew it was my fault. And I almost couldn't bear it, on the verge of breaking down myself.
Chapter 4The train slowed to a stop, bags sliding out from under the seats, and we were back in Ponyville without ever getting off at Canterlot. Twilight wasn't too mad. She was mad that she made Celestia send her unnecessary tickets, but the conductor said she could use the tickets again, so she didn't mind too much. She was more confused about the conflict between her and Fluttershy. I had draped Fluttershy around the back of my wheelchair and took her back to her cottage, her sobbing so softly I almost couldn't hear it. I gently pushed her off the back when I got inside. She shakily got to her hooves then sat down on the couch. I guiltily sat in front of her, contemplating what I was about to say. "I am such a mean, selfish, bad pony. A HORRIBLE pony." she cried. "You are not a bad pony. You truly are the element of kindness. I am a bad pony. It was my fault. I have something to tell you." I sighed, shivering with fear of her reaction. "But, before I do, just know that I never meant you any harm." I breathed in shakily and told her the truth. "Ok. So at the age of 2, I was put in the orphanage by my unicorn parents. 2 years after, I was the king of the toddlers. But not a tyrant. I was nice to everyone. But I wasn't as good and obedient as you. However, you arrived when I was 4. But you were too sweet and vulnerable. The crueler kids would've gotten you. So the orphanage director asked me to help you out. At first, we knew you wouldn't want me too help you. You wouldn't want me to go to all that trouble. But she figured out that I could have a reason by... pretending to be your sister." I closed my eyes, waiting for the reaction. "You're the best theoretical sister I've ever had." she said. I looked up, confused. "What do you mean?" I asked. "Well, you didn't have to be nice. I know you needed to follow the orphanage directors orders, but you could've been a mean sister. You weren't. Thank you. If I didn't have you, who knows what would've happened?" she said. I sighed in relief. "However, I'm still pretty mad. You could've told me after we'd ran away. But you kept up the act. I can't believe you would lie to me. And for so long without telling me the truth!" She said, hurt. "Look, Fluttershy. I didn't mean too. Just because I'm not your sister doesn't mean-" I tried to explain. "I don't need your pity party!" She yelled through tears. I was shocked. "Be grateful! If I didn't help you, you would've been friendless!" "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need your help anymore. You wanted me to be assertive, and I'll become assertive." she said. An odd fire in her eyes started dancing around. "Fluttershy? No matter how mad you are, I will always be loyal to you." I whispered. She however didn't hear me. She just ranted. "I'm really pissed. I'm grateful that you tried to help me, but you didn't need to lie. Don't show your face here ever again. I need revenge, so be prepared to be friendless like you think I would've been without you!" Fluttershy yelled angrily, galloping out to Twilight's library. And I knew a serious change had overtaken her. In her mind, she just swore, although it was fine by mostly everyone else. (The word was pissed) I wheeled after her. With the momentum I had gathered, I couldn't stop, and I crashed through the library's wall before Fluttershy was even halfway there. "Honestly, even without the wings to fly at sonic speed, you're still crashing through my walls! Although, it's worse now. You just used to crash through windows and bookshelves." Twilight laughed. Dazed, I shook my head. "Listen, Twilight, don't be mad. It wasn't such a bad thing! And you can't just leave me. Fluttershy is about to turn you guys against me. I didn't mean to-" Fluttershy burst through the door, panting and tearing up. I watched her theatrics that would ruin my life. "Twilight," she sobbed. What a great actress! "Twilight, Rainbow... she lied to me! She's.. she's not my real sister!" She cried real tears. Twilight looked at me, half confused, half appalled. "Look, Twilight, it isn't that bad. I was trying to do the right thing! She was being bullied, and the orphanage director was concerned, and I was going to do something anyways, but she wanted me to pretend as if she was my sister! I couldn't disobey the director! I love her like a sister, and even if she is not my sister by blood, she still is my sister!" Fluttershy looked up, a bit of apology and regret reflected in her eyes. Well it's a bit late for that! I thought. But Twilight was already appalled. "How dare you! I need to tell the others before they make the mistake of trusting you." She trotted off, Fluttershy calling out "Look, I admit that what I did was wrong, but it was in Fluttershy's best interest! Do you know what I went through for her?" "Wow, so you went through so much trouble so that you could lie to her. Good argument!" "No, I went through so much trouble when having to share my horrible family situation with her. I didn't want to do that! I was marring her! And it's hard to talk about!" Twilight was silent for a moment, trying to figure out a way to respond. "You know what? Too bad. You're an outcast! If you think for one second you're getting away with this, you're wrong. You're a huge jerk." She screamed. This brought tears. Being punished for something I didn't do felt horrible. Fluttershy's eyes were full of regret and apology. "Wait!" She turned to me. "I am so sorry! I didn't know..." she said. I looked down, tears streaming down my face. "It doesn't matter. You got what you wanted now." I said. "Now I'm friendless."
Chapter 5Fluttershy runs after Twilight who was trudging slowly down the path. "You have the spell?" She whispered. Twilight gave a slight nod. Fluttershy handed over a container. Twilight's horn glowed as she used magic to fill up the container with a natural cream remedy. Fluttershy gingerly placed a lid on top and gently put it in her saddlebag. "You got Pinkie Pie in on it?" Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded. Twilight breathed out a so of relief. They part ways silently. "Twilight's willing to hear you out. I'm sorry." Fluttershy said. Twilight walked in. I thought at a million miles per hour. If I was ever going to confess my crush on Twilight, she needed to forgive me first. "Look, Twilight, you need to understand-" I started, but she stopped. "It's fine. You've gone through so much, I can't be mad at you. I've learned a very important friendship lesson this week. I'll write to Celestia later." She said. I began to cry. I couldn't hold in my feelings anymore. No longer will I keep on my anger, sadness, love... I leaned in and kissed Twilight. I pulled away. For a second, she was in second. Then she just smiled, and kissed me back through the tears. "And when I forgave you, which was thirty seconds after I left, I realized that something came over me. Emotion. I couldn't believe my crush could do something like that. I realized I was stupid. I'm sorry." She said. She turned away and used her magic to pull out a salve. She rubbed it on my wings, and they burst out of their cast. I jumped out of my wheelchair and flew across the room. I flew back to her and kissed her. "Thank you." Pinkie burst in. "And now it's time to PARTY!!!" She yelled. I laughed as she zoomed around the room decorating. She poked her head out the door and whistled. The party came to us. I drank many cups of cider, and danced crazily, flying around and greeting everyone happily. Twilight timidly danced, but I grabbed her hooves and spun her around, bringing out laughs. When she faces me, our noses pressed together, I kissed her, enjoying the feel of her lips against mine. That was when I finally got over my past. When life stopped getting in the way. When I could fly without the burden of guilt weighing down in my shoulders. When I could let go. Everything was gone now. All that was left was the future. And you're probably all like, where's your swag? I'm just choosing not to make you jealous of all my swag. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.
