Trusted Scales

As Rainbow Dash sped off towards Fluttershy's cottage, she tossed one last glance at the purple dragon she had left behind. If his worry was any indication as to how things would go, then it seemed like everything would be okay. He wasn't panicked or stressed out, he was just a little bit concerned.

Keeping this in mind, Rainbow Dash couldn't shake the feeling that there was a little bit more to the story than Spike let on. Either he was hiding something - and that could just be her wild imagination spinning tales - or he was missing just as much information as she was. Whatever the case, she'd get to the bottom of it. Then she could help two friends in one go, and get back to her house among the clouds for a well-earned rest.

Her mind drifted off into a dreamland that consisted mainly of flying, clouds, and napping, which was essentially the normal thing for her to do on a day like this. She wasn't much of a planner; unless, of course, the plan involved something like a dangerous stunt or an important operation. When it came down to business, Rainbow could handle her own in both wit and physical capability.

But this situation, she wagered, really wouldn't require much of either. Fluttershy confided within her with almost anything and everything; all it took, usually, was a little bit of coaxing her out of her shell. Or from behind her mane, in most cases. Rainbow gave a hearty chuckle and a wide grin as she went over the playbook in her head.

Thankfully there wasn't much time for careful, analytical consideration. Rainbow Dash was quickly approaching Fluttershy's cottage, which was no surprise when one considers the speed she had used to get there. She drew out her wings in order to slow herself, then drifted into a careful glide downwards. She was greeted by the perfect opportunity, it seemed, to gain a little information.

Fluttershy was in her garden and by some streak of sheer luck or otherworldly force, she was mumbling to herself. Moving as quietly as possible, Rainbow Dash took refuge upon a nearby cloud and slowly drifted over the garden to catch a better look.

".. But I can't," the soft-spoken pegasus said, speaking to one of her critters. "What if he doesn't like me back? Then I'm both nervous and embarrassing. He might not ever want to talk to me again! What'll I do then?"

Her voice was slowly lowering into little more than a half-hearted mumble. If Rainbow Dash hadn't been attuned over years to hear Fluttershy, she probably would have only heard a few words. Living beside her for all those years had trained her ears to be extra-sensitive to Fluttershy's soft voice.

But what was this? Stallion troubles usually wasn't a problem for Fluttershy. In fact, the only time she had ever mentioned something about a stallion was in Flight Camp, and it was a mere crush. Or it was a bully that she'd take care of.

This could be just another crush, of course. But the way Fluttershy's confidence was going downhill, Rainbow knew she'd have to step in soon. With that thought in mind, she leapt off of her makeshift-camouflage among the skies and hovered down to Fluttershy.

"Hey, Fluttershy," she called out, playing it completely casual. This garnered the expected reaction, which involved Fluttershy leaping into the air out of surprise and letting out a shrill, "Oh!"

"H-hello, Rainbow Dash," she greeted her, the look of panic slowly dissipating from her face. She still looked worried, though, which made Rainbow question her choice of a hiding spot. "Did you hear anything just now?" she asked tentatively.

Rainbow had played this game a great many times, and it had become rather simple for her to come up with an answer on the spot. "What do you mean?" she asked with a tilt of her head and a confused expression painted upon her face.

Fluttershy let out a small sigh of relief, and looked back to her usual self. "It's nothing. I was just singing, and you know how I can get," she answered with a nervous chuckle.

"Yeah I hear you," Rainbow confirmed with a soft chuckle of her own and then put her pseudo-plan to work. "So how've you been, Shy? We haven't had a chat in a few days."

"Oh, I've been fine, Rainbow," she said, but the fact that she was hiding behind her mane and looking up at Rainbow gave away her bluff. "I mean, there's one thing bothering me.. But it's silly."

"As silly as that one time Pinkie thought your butterflies were trying to make a war strategy?" Rainbow joked, but at the same time was completely serious. She still had no idea how Pinkie had come to that conclusion.

The joke had its desired effect, of course, because Fluttershy let out a miniscule giggle, then shook her head and said, "No, I guess not. But it's still a little silly."

"Come on, Shy. You know you can tell me anything, right?" Rainbow asked, leaning a little closer to the shy pegasus.

After a moment's consideration, Fluttershy gave a sigh and nodded. "Yes, I suppose you're right. But you have to promise me you won't tell anypony. I don't know what might happen if this got out."

"I promise," Rainbow said, putting on a confident smile. "In fact - I Pinkie Promise." She then went through the motions then both knew, and then it seemed that the deal was sealed.

"Okay," Fluttershy said with a smile. "But.. Let's go inside. Just in case."

Nodding in consent, Rainbow followed her faithful friend into her cottage, ready to be told just what was wrong. All was going according to Rainbow's hastily formulated plan, and she felt completely confident that she could handle whatever came her way. How hard could it be?