Hill Top Practices & Pranks

Hill Top Practices & Pranks

by: monaimer88

Rainbow let out a deep sigh as her breath flowed out in a wispy tuft of vapor. An icy chill ran from the tip of her tail to the top of her prismatic mane. She veered down upon the soft white cloud she perched on, it was an immense drop down to the earth below. She lifted her head, scanning the panoramic horizon. Ponyville, Everfree Forest, and even the distant city of Canterlot could be seen through a veil of thin clouds. She had been practicing for a couple of hours and sun had started setting, illuminating the sky with a multitude of colors. Small stars peeked along the edges of the mountain ranges and a full moon crept up behind her from the glimmering sea.

Her legs held tense in anticipation and her wings rose fully extended. Every muscle froze for that instant, with only the slightest wavering of passing winds through the feathers on her wingtips. Her eyes closed as she savored the fleeting moment. It was a moment that she always felt before the rush. All of her fears barely held her on the tips of her hooves. As she closed her eyes and let the wind fade into absolute silence. Her thoughts came rushing in anxious expectancy.

You really out-done yourself today Rainbow. Whew! I’m beat... last one!... Still gotta do my best. I can’t let my adoring fan down. I can just… hear her now….

“Yay!” a soft voice barely broke through the silence that built on her. She opened her eyes and looked down at a tiny yellow figure down on a low-lying cloud. She couldn't help but grin.

She uttered softly under her breath, “It's on!”

Effortlessly her strong wings lifted her in an instant off her safe-haven and she gracefully dived down to earth. Her hair flowed wildly behind her creating brilliant streams of colors that painted the sky as she began to maneuver through her routine. With exacting wing-movements and charismatic flare, she performed spins, loops, and barrel rolls. An adrenaline rush surged through her wings right down to her outstretched hooves. She yelled out a cheer of absolute exhilaration.

"SOOO AWESOMEEE!!"

Rainbow steadied herself after a slew of complex maneuvers to look down toward her captivated audience.
“Woo Hoo!” The pink-maned mare bounced gingerly on the cloud with a nervous smile.

Rainbow's grin broke into a wide smile as she fell into deep thought, I can always count on Fluttershy to come and cheer me on. Even though I have to make sure she’s close enough for me to hear her voice. Sure... she can't yell as loud as Pinkie Pie. But I can’t complain. She always tries to make it to my practices, ever since we were fillies... and it's so cute the way she says “yay”… wait… cute… hmm yeah it is kind of adorable. I mean-- HEY she’s not looking! Some pony needs a little wake up call! Rainbow Dash mischievously smirked as she fluidly spun around and started to dive towards a unsuspecting Fluttershy.

Further down below, Fluttershy looked down for a moment to admire the natural scenery. Although she was not even that high up she clamored to keep her body on the cloud. The two ponies were up in Rainbow’s practice spot, a grassy hill made of soft dirt which was great for if she ever crashed. Ironically, it was very serene, besides Rainbow’s deft defying stunts in the sky there was still a good number of things to see. The wavy dark green grass cascaded along the hillside and fell into a small creek that lead to Applejack’s farm if you were to walk along it. The hill was dotted with an array of colorful field flowers and a single ancient oak tree stood on top of the hill. It made for a great shady spot for little picnics or just a place to relax after Rainbow finished her routines. She glanced at Angel Bunny sitting down below with his back against her saddle bag which was just at the edge of the tree’s shade. He was nipping at some of the snacks that Fluttershy brought for their little outing.

Oh! That Angel Bunny! He is going to ruin his appetite! Well…. I wouldn't want him to get hungry. We are up here for hours sometimes…. Not that I really mind. Dash always has a new trick she wants to show me… It’s always so amazing since I can barely do a wing flip. I hope she doesn't tire herself out too much, but at least I'm ready if she is hungry or thirsty...

Fluttershy made sure to bring the essentials considering the fact that Dash constantly forgot to bring anything. Dandelions, carrot sticks, and some freshly picked red apples from Sweet Apple Acres were among Dash’s favorite snacks to eat. There was also two flasks of cool water that Fluttershy had collected from the stream. Of course she couldn't forget to bring the first aid kit. Fluttershy smiled warmly as she remembered the many times she would have to bandage Dash's wing or put some ointment on a cut and hear a whining groan. But Rainbow would always say, "Shy, Celestia forbid that I would ever have to do this for you. But one day.... I make it up to you." in that moment Rainbow and Fluttershy would look into each other's eyes. Fluttershy would always look away first. Her day dreams faded as she startled herself realizing she was still on a cloud.

Oh!… dear, I always forget how high it is... Dash always has to hold me by the hoof to get me up here. I would rather be on the ground. But then she wouldn't really hear me when I cheer-- I mean… if she cared about hearing me. Even if she doesn't… I like being up here with her. It’s the least I could do for all that she does for me.

Fluttershy daydreamed again of early times in flight camp and how Rainbow always stood up for her against bullies. It wasn't easy for the shy mare to make friends when she was young. Dash always tried to make her a more assertive, and stronger pony. She would always make it a point to coach Fluttershy on something whenever they were together. Sometimes it was a bit rough the way she would say it. But if it went too far Dash would always comfort Fluttershy with gentle hug and spoke softly to her, "I'm only doing this because I care." Fluttershy looked with a determination in her eyes as she admitted to herself quietly She just makes me feel stronger…

Fluttershy with a renewed feeling of confidence looked up to see what the daredevil was up to now.

I wonder what she is doing now—AHH!

She let out a little yelp as a fuzzy blue bullet literally swept her off her feet and started heading down at breakneck speeds.

“Is my captive audience sleeping on the job?!” Rainbow snickered out.

The frightened yellow Pegasus started to scream and in her mind made another admittance, Well she makes me stronger most of time.

“Gahhh!? Rainbow! Please! Put me down!” She squeaked as she looked towards the ground.

“Hahaha! Oh come on! Don’t be a such a baby!” Rainbow laughed out as she picked up speed as the hill started to get closer.

Fluttershy in utter terror, reached for something to hold on to and put her hooves around Rainbow Dash’s neck. She turned her own face away from the ground and locked with Rainbow’s cerise eyes. Time seemed to slow down as the two ponies fell into a strange trance.

Fluttershy couldn't look away as she stared in thought, Oh… my… her eyes are so bold, so pretty… wait, what am I thinking?

Rainbow was delighted to see her little prank was going well. But Rainbow caught eyes with Fluttershy as her mind started to wander, Hahaha! I got her that time. She has got to be the most adorable pony when she’s scared. Just look at her…Why is she looking at me like that. What's this feeling?

A random gust a wind suddenly hit the two ponies breaking their gaze and Rainbow Dash's concentration. They began to fall into a tail-spin as a soft fluffy pink mane wrapped around Rainbow’s head blocking her vision.

“Aw! What in Equestria?!… Oh! Really?! Fluttershy your MANE! ” Rainbow mumbled as she tried to get out of the spin.

“Sorry! Sorry! Sorrryyy!!” Fluttershy squeaked as she closed her eyes tightly.

"Shy! just try to open your wings and slow us down!!" Rainbow continued to muffle out through Fluttershy's mane.

Fluttershy’s wings opened and locked up in complete fear, they started spinning even faster.

"What's going on?! why the hay are we spinning faster?! Move your wings!" Rainbow yelled.

"I'm TRYING!" Fluttershy screeched out.

In the midst of this Fluttershy’s scream was barely louder than her normal voice as Dash’s screams cracked and echoed throughout the valley. In both their minds their thoughts were the same.

This is going to hurt.

CRASH!

The two landed with a slight bounce on the soft grassy hill as they tumbled down the hill together. They finally stop at the base of the hill. A cloud of feathers mixed with blades of fresh-cut grass and colorful flower petals slowly floated back and forth around them. Rainbow looked around dazed as she fumbled to get off the ground. She slipped off her hooves landing on something soft. “Ow!” a little voice yelped as Rainbow looked down. There on her back was Fluttershy shaking her head and looking up towards Rainbow Dash that was right on top of her.

Rainbow's heart starting racing. The sound of rustling grass faded away into white-noise. Their breaths were quick and short. Both feeling the breath from the other's mouth. She gazed at Fluttershy lying on the grass. Her mane and wings were a sprawled out mess and her big teal eyes stared deeply into Rainbow's. Her forelegs were still around Rainbow Dash’s neck.

Wow! she looks so good…wait! This is Fluttershy, what am I doing? Rainbow’s cheeks started to feel like they were burning. She looked away quickly breaking the spell between them.

“Oh! Um... I’m so sorry Shy!... I just wanted to play a little prank on you and give you a little scare… But it didn't really end well and… umm” she fumbled clumsily with her words as she stepped away from on top of her friend and put a hoof behind her neck in embarrassment.

What the hay?! Am I a newborn filly? Come on Dash! She shook away the awkwardness and asked in a cool tone “So you alright pal? I know it was a bit of a tumble but nothing we can't handle... right?” she started unassumingly straightening out her mane and checked for any post-crash damage.

“…Oh!” Fluttershy stirred out of her haze. Her cheeks were burning red and she quickly bolted up and stepped away “I…I… I'm fine... Dash ummm…” She froze in terror as she tried to hide behind her mane. “Meep!”

Fluttershy was stuck in the moment agonizing in the awkwardness, Oh what!? I can’t even look at her…. Gosh that feeling I don’t even know what came over me. I wanted to…? What? I’m not sure and I even ruined her awesome prank she was going to do to me. I’m such an idiot… well maybe I can make it up to her somehow?

“I-I’m really sorry that I ruined your prank Dash… I’m sure it would have been awesome... if we, um... didn't crash.… But I’ll make it up to you.” Fluttershy apologized nervously.

Rainbow continued to play it cool as she slowly swaggered towards the top of the hill beckoning to her friend, "It's cool Shy, stuff happens...come on! let's get some chow! I'm starved."

Fluttershy slowly tried to turn back to the tree and start walking up the hill when she yelped “Ow! My leg.” she started as stumbled over.

“Whoa! Fluttershy are you okay?! Lemme help you!” Rainbow's cool exterior melted away as she ran and helped Fluttershy lean on her flank.

“Thanks Rainbow, I guess I had a little sprain there…” Fluttershy meekly stated.

“I’m so sorry Shy, I didn't mean for you to get hurt… come on let’s go up to the tree there is a first aid kit in my… I mean your bag...” Rainbow chuckled out realizing how much Fluttershy was ready for just an occasion.

Rainbow carefully guided Fluttershy as they began to trek up the hill. Rainbow heard the small labored puffs coming from Fluttershy and looked down in troubled thought, Argh! Dash now you've done it. Have your best friend come with you and cheer you on. You end up giving her a sprained hoof over a stupid prank. She always brings you snacks and she always patches you up when you crash… I hope I haven’t scared her to not come back. Who would cheer me on like her?

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow's troubled expression and asked. “I’m sorry to ask but… can you… put your wing around me? for just a bit? I’m still having trouble…”

"Oh... sure, Shy. No problem. Here... put yours around me too." Rainbow uttered softly as she lifted her wing up and carefully placed her wing around Fluttershy’s flank and brought her in closer to help support her body. Fluttershy made a small gasp as Rainbow's strong wing enveloped her flank. Fluttershy also slowly wrapped her wing, holding on to Rainbow's firm flank. With a few adjustments they began to continue to walk up to the crest of the hill. Fluttershy looked at Rainbow's dejected demeanor and felt terrible.

"Rainbow... its okay. Don't beat yourself up over it... Really... I'm sorry for getting hurt... maybe Pinkie Pie can start coming to your practices? she can yell louder than me..." Fluttershy apologized again.

Her request was enough to break Rainbow's heart as she insisted loudly, “Stop it! stop saying you’re sorry! I'm sorry! It was a stupid prank. Considering you come to all my practices to watch me, the snacks that you bring… and hay! You even brought the first aid kit… you’re the one that always knows that I have crashes now and then… you didn't ruin anything, and... besides... I like having you around...

"You like having me around? ...” Fluttershy asked as her cheeks blushed behind her pink mane.

“Dah! Oh come on! yeah...I like seeing you… I like when you’re with me and I really don't want to lose our time together.” Rainbow confessed as she felt her cheeks get hot.

"Oh..." Fluttershy was caught in deep surprise and a odd feeling of excitement as she processed Rainbow's heartfelt words.

A deep silence fell between the two as cool breeze brushed the grass around the two. They huddled together closely and felt a gathering warmth between them. The day continued to wane, giving way to the darkness and lights from Ponyville started flickering on in the distance. All around them little fireflies lit up and started passing them by as they slowly went up the hill. Hints of sun still remained, as beautiful hues of deep magenta and wisps of small pink clouds brushed the sky. Stars came out of their hiding places and glimmered all around them. The air seemed to become thick with racing emotions as they continued along the beaten dirt path to the top. Angel Bunny looked at them with a wry smile on his face as he continued to munch on his carrot.

Rainbow began to feel even hotter as her thoughts drifted, This is nice…. Horse Feathers! At least she doesn't seem to mind. I mean we are close friends and besides no one else is here. She glanced over at her friend to notice that Fluttershy didn't look as frazzled as she once did. Rainbow eyed her smooth, soft looking coat, her beautiful pink mane and her gorgeous teal eyes. Fluttershy's cheeks went obviously red as she caught Rainbow gazing upon her. She glanced at Rainbow, smiled and slowly nuzzled on to her shoulder and closed her eyes.

Rainbow felt a deep lump on her throat that she couldn't swallow. Her eyes widened as she felt a different kind of rush then she was used to.
Whoa! This is...different. What am I feeling? Am I... falling for her?… Well, she’s totally into me after that little display. Okay Dash play it cool just keep on doin' what you’re doin'. Even though the prank didn't work out at least we are having this awesome moment… It would be nice to do this after every practice. Of course not the crash and I won’t sprain her hoof again...but… She just looks so good tonight. Oh what the hay! Stallion up Dash! I'm going for it!

Rainbow took a deep breath and tilted her head slowly towards Fluttershy's muzzle. She made sure go slowly, so she didn't startle the yellow mare. As she got closer, Fluttershy feeling the slow movement, blinked open her eyes and looked directly into Rainbow's. Time slowed to a passing clouds pace as both of them didn't look away. Their muzzles slowly closed the distance and came together softly.

"DOLF!~"

Fluttershy quickly put a hoof in front of Rainbow Dash’s forelegs and causes her to trip face first on the ground. Rainbow looked up in a daze to see Fluttershy standing without the support of the blue Pegasus with no pain at all. She giggled lightly and came up close to Rainbow’s ear and whispered, “Um…pranks on you this time…”

A wicked smile was on Fluttershy's face as she turned away from her fallen friend and started running up to the top of the hill where Angel Bunny was grabbing his sides laughing hysterically. Just as she reached the top of the hill she turned back to Rainbow beckoning her over without a single word.

Rainbow Dash smirked and looked longingly at Fluttershy with new vigor as she stood up. Her muscles tensed with anticipation, all of her fears barely held her on the tips of her hooves, she couldn't help but grin....

She uttered softly under her breath, “Oh...Now its really on!”

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