The Brightest of Rainbows

"Oh no, that won't work," Fluttershy said in a frustrated manner.

She had been thinking of a way to tell Rainbow Dash those three little words that had a huge meaning, 'I love you'. Time had escaped Fluttershy, and she realized that Dash's training session would begin soon.

"I had better get going, bye Angel bunny. I've left you plenty of carrots. If I'm not back before ten, I want you in bed ok? Well I'm off." And with that she set off to the normal spot where Rainbow Dash would practice her stunning moves in hopes of being a Wonderbolt one day.

As Fluttershy arrived at the designated field, she noticed Dash wasn't there. At first she thought nothing of it, but after waiting for an hour and Rainbow still hadn't shown up she started to worry. Her worry's were eased when she spotted Dash on a cloud, seemingly asleep. 'I guess I'll go wake her up.' With that thought she flew up to the low hanging cloud that Rainbow Dash resided.

When she reached the cloud, she heard sobs and moans coming from it. Thinking it was just her imagination, she proceeded to wake up Rainbow Dash.

"Um..excuse me Rainbow, but...it's time for your training session...." Fluttershy had barely got that out of her mouth before Dash turned around and looked into her eyes. Now Fluttershy realized what the sobbing was earlier. Rainbow Dash had been crying. Hard.

"Rainbow Dash! What's wrong? Are you okay?" Her voice was full of concern.

"J-Just....go....please...*snivel*...I want to be alone f-for a while ok?" Rainbow Dash had to fight through tears to even say one thing. Fluttershy could see that Dash didn't just want to be alone, she needed to be alone. And with that, Fluttershy flew away. She had a pony she needed to see.

Twilight Sparkle was having a normal day. Relaxing in her home while reading a book having a nice drink. But this was all disturbed when she heard the thunderous sound of Fluttershy crashing into her door.

"Oh my goodness are you ok Fluttershy?! Be more careful next time! So anyway, what brings you here? Need a book? Or just here to chat?" Twilight had her usual bright and cheery attitude.

"Well um..it's...Rainbow Dash...she was crying....she looked so sad...she said she just wanted to be alone." Saying this almost made Fluttershy cry. She could hardly bare the thought of her love in despair.

"This is bad. Rainbow never cries. Do you have any slightest clue as to why?"

"Not a clue Twilight, I didn't want to ask her because she seemed sad enough without me interfering. I hope she's okay..." Twilight could detect the pure sadness and concern in Fluttershy's voice. "Well maybe you should ask her what's wrong. You are closer to her than any of us. One because you're a Pegasus and two because you were in Flight School together." As usual Twilight had spot on advice.

"Thanks Twi, but....should I ask her now? Yeah, I think I will. Wish me luck" After that was said, she took to the sky in search of Rainbow Dash.

'No...no...stop...go away....' These thoughts seemed distant to Rainbow Dash. She was reliving a memory from Flight School. The moment she decided to seal away most of her emotion. Rainbow was walking back from the last course of the day, when an especially attractive mare walked up to her. The mare had a powder blue coat, with a shimmering gold mane that matched the sun.

"Hey, you're Rainbow Dash right?" the mare asked.

"The one and only!" the filly Dash said.

"I'm Skies Cadence. I just wanted to say that you did awesome today."

"Well thanks. I try not to be too awesome." Rainbow chuckled.

"Very funny, I also came to settle a rumor. Is it true that you're into mares?

"Of course not! Who said that? I ought to throw them a good beating." Rainbow Dash knew she had been caught. She had always harbored an affection for mares. It was a weakness. Something to pick at her psyche.

"Oh, so you wouldn't feel anything if I did this?" And Sky proceeded to nibble Dash's ear. Rainbow knew that she was done for. Her wings unfolded from their resting position and snapped to attention. "Oh ho, getting a little excited are we? I guess somebody is a liar." Sky then winked at Dash, which caused her to clumsily lean forward and kiss Skies Cadence.

"Easiest bits I've ever made."

"What was that?" Rainbow asked, still slightly indoctrinated by what transpired not 5 minutes ago. "Oh it's nothing, see you tomorrow Rainbow Cra-Dash!

They were everywhere. Every space of the Flight Academy was covered with pictures of Rainbow and Sky. Some had her kissing Sky, while others had her wing outstretched. There wasn't a place where she wouldn't get laughed at. The laughter continued for days. Always being called names, always being made fun of. She couldn't take it, Rainbow Dash was broken. One day when she came home, she collapsed onto the floor. She had given up. Given up on flying, on trying, and on life. She made a choice that day though. Either end it all, or she could lock away every emotion. She chose the second option, and not a single emotion shown through her rough exterior. Gradually over time she softened herself to let certain things through, but she never showed a sign of weakness.

Back in present time, a fresh batch of tears erupted from Rainbow Dash. She felt like she did all those years ago, she felt....done.