In Search of Fire

by Greyscale

Rating: everyone
Tags: Spitfire, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character, Scootaloo, Slice of Life, Wonderbolts
Length: 9068

As rainbow prepares for the final tryouts to be a wonderbolt she gets a gift from her closest fan that causes her to ask questions, she quickly discovers that questions can unlock secrets you never knew existed.

As rainbow prepares for the final tryouts to be a wonderbolt she gets a gift from her closest fan that causes her to ask questions, she quickly discovers that questions can unlock secrets you never knew existed.

Published 2013-04-15 23:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-06-17 22:50:26 UTC

Chapter 1 The daring behind the do

Rainbow dash opens the door to her house high above the lamps of Ponyville, it’s been some time since she has stayed in her own house. The last time she remembers being at her house was before she got her letter for the wonderbolts academy. She usually slept where ever she was needed at the time. She was tired, to think about it, she was always tired. And she was a very busy pony. She had taken naps in trees, on clouds, and her old room when she would visit her father, which always made her feel like a little filly. That was a feeling she didn’t particularly care for. As rainbow closes the door to her house and tosses her saddlebag aside, a familiar smell hits her nose, the smell of rain. The pitter patter of the rain on and around her cloud was music to her ears. She searches for the clock she had on the wall, upon finding it she is slightly surprised it is still working. She utters the words, “right on schedule” to herself, and continues her march to her room.

In her room she is once again surrounded by familiar sights and sounds that put her at ease. Among her favorite possessions is the photo she has of spitfire in her uniform, signed by spitfire as well. The photo simply reads, “Never give up on your dreams- Spitfire” Rainbow was particularly proud of it for two reasons, one it was the first wonderbolt show her dad had taken her to, and second because she had confided in spitfire her desire to be where she was one day, as Capitan of the wonderbolts. Rainbow remembered the look in spitfires face as she said, “I’ll be waiting for the challenge, squirt” followed by her signing the photo and releasing a slight giggle.

A knock came to the door, shaking rainbow from her state of remembrance. As she walked to the door she called out, “I’ll be there in a second” and upon reaching the door she again speaks, genuinely curious she asks, “Who is it?”

A small excited voice on the other side of the door yelling over the rain replies, “Dash you know who I am, open the door! I have a surprise for you!”

Instantly recognizing the voice rainbow expectantly opens the door, and there in the doorframe is a tired and soaked Scootaloo.

Rainbow quirks her head to the side and asks, “You flew all the way here by yourself?” and continues to say, “I see your wings are getting stronger” she gives Scootaloo a smile and finishes with, “You shouldn’t have come during a storm, it can be dangerous, but you’ve got spunk kid. Now get in here it must be freezing out there.”

With that Scootaloo entered the house and sat her bags on the floor, she asked if she could have a towel. Rainbow obliged and helped Scootaloo dry off, taking extra care on her wings to make sure she didn’t damage any feathers. Scootaloo had come all the way from Ponyville to bring her a gift, as she wondered what she had brought her Rainbow takes note of how the young pony is trembling. Concerned she asks, “Hey, are um, are you ok scoots?”
Confused by the question Scootaloo faces rainbow and says, “Yea? Why wouldn’t I be?” a bright smile covers her entire face, which forces a snicker out of Rainbow

“Because you are shaking” After speaking Rainbow could tell the young mare had no idea that she was if fact shaking, which led her to believe that it was the result of an adrenaline rush. “Flying feels pretty good after being stuck on the ground for so long, doesn’t it?”

Not being entirely sure on what was meant by the question Scootaloo replies, “Well, from town hall to your house is the farthest I’ve ever flown by myself, my wings are sore and it feels like they are on fire, but I can’t wait to go and do it again! It feels strange to touch the ground again after I’ve been in the air for a few minutes, and these clouds are so soft! Man have I been missing out.”

Rainbow laughs at Scootaloo’s remarks, and motions for her to sit with her. As she plops down next to Rainbow her laughter dies down a bit and she tells Scootaloo, “Why do you think I hover off the ground so much?” the chuckles get the better of her for a moment and as they trail off she continues, “And that sore burning feeling is the one you get when your wings are getting stronger! The more you fly, the less that will happen, but it will always feel just as good. We are pegasi after all; we’re supposed to be in the air.”

Scootaloo giggles for a moment, and suddenly gasps, as she gets up and moves quickly for her bag she yells, “I almost forgot!”

“Almost forgot what you silly filly?” says Rainbow as she sticks her tongue out at her guest. Rainbow had already known full well what it was that Scootaloo had forgotten, her “gift” as she had put it earlier. She had come to be almost envious of the filly; she remembered how good it felt to fly for the first time. However, what she was most jealous of was the fact that scoots could come see her whenever she wanted, yet for her she had only been able to see spitfire on rare occasion. And when she saw spitfire they never got to talk for long. Rainbows thoughts are disolved as Scootaloo breaks the silence.

“I left your present in my bags!” the small flier half ran half flew across the room, holding an object in her mouth. It was wrapped in paper and it read, “To the best flier in Equestria”

The writing had caught the mare off guard, feeling slightly embarrassed her ears went back a bit and her cheeks flared red with a sheepish smile to hide her thoughts. Her expression quickly changes upon seeing what this filly had found for her. It was a limited production run of the newest daring do novel. Paper on the floor, book in hoof, and surprise in her eyes she asked, “Where did you get this? I couldn’t even get this…you have to tell me.”

Scootaloo takes a deep breath and explains to Rainbow that the reason she could not find one, is because Scootaloo had waited by the mailbox of Twilights tree for it to arrive. She had known about the books for weeks, and was intent on being the first with a copy, not to read it herself, but to give it to Rainbow. Only one copy came, so she spoke to twilight, and managed to secure the book for herself. She asked that Twilight not tell the cyan pegasus that she had it, or that one had even come in, so she could surprise the one it was being gifted to.

Being impressed with the growing filly’s abilities rainbow makes a playful remark, “well aren’t you just sneaky” now more serious, “But why did you get this for me?”

“That’s an easy one! You taught me how to get off the ground!” exclaimed the bouncing filly, excited to know her idol had liked the gift. Her bouncing stops momentarily, just long enough for aloud gasp to escape, “Do you think we could read it together?!”

Not being quite sure if that was even possible Rainbow began to ask questions, “Wouldn’t your paren….” Realizing what she was about to say she paused and rephrased her question, “Don’t you have school tomorrow?”
“Today is Friday!” replied the eager filly with a smile.

Rainbow thought for a moment and a question popped into her head, “Where do you stay at night scoots?” the worry showing through in her tone.

“I stay where I am welcome” Scootaloo said with a smile, “Mostly with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle!” she paused, and with slight agitation asked again, “Can we read the story now?”

A familiar fire rose in Rainbow’s eye as she spoke, “Sure, I’ll read it with you, on one condition..”

“What condition?” Scootaloo asks

With a smirk the older mare says, “Since you can fly up here by yourself now, why don’t you just stay here? I never use the place, and it’s better for you to be inside at night scoots.”

A silence settled over the two, the only thing making noise the clock in the background, and the ever so shallow noise of a breath being inhaled by the awe struck filly. All her days of being without a true home, of staying at friend’s houses, all laid to rest by the one mare she looked up to the most. With the silence becoming awkward, and Scootaloo’s eyes widening to the point they were watering, she finds the energy to speak. Try as she might, she is only capable of a whisper, “yes”

“What was that scoots? I didn’t hear you..” Rainbow spoke as she leaned in closer to hear.

With a burst of volume and excitement Scootaloo yelled at the top of her lungs, “OH MY GOSH YES!! You mean it?! I can stay?! Where do I sleep?! Will you sleep here too?!?!?” taking in another breath she starts to speak again, “Are we going to…grrudusn kshfkgh” her voice being muffled as a hoof is shoved into her mouth.

Rainbow takes advantage of this moment to let a laugh escape,” I’ll be taking that as a yes” her laughter fading to a smile. ”To answer your questions, yes you can stay, you can have the guest bedroom, and I will most of the next few weeks. I have final tryouts for the wonderbolts in about a month, and since I’m the manager of the weather team, I took the time off to train. Now, let’s read this book shall we?” Rainbow gestures for Scootaloo to get comfy next to her so she can begin to read. The filly does as desired, and waits expectantly for rainbow to start.

The two sit well into the night reading, laughing at moments, needing to explain jokes to Scootaloo. As rainbow read it was almost hard for her to keep her eyes on the book, the look on Scootaloo’s face being much too entertaining. The orange pegasus was pushing herself to stay awake so she could hear the rest of the story. However, at the top of the stories action, Rainbow again looked at Scootaloo, only to see she was steadily drooling on the couch. Looking at the clock she decided she would finish the book in silence and reread it when Scootaloo woke. She didn’t want to move for fear of waking the sleeping filly, and she looked so happy.

As she read the conclusion to the story, daring do escaping with the prize as she always does, she sees the authors rendition of daring. She is surprised and excited to find out she looks just like daring do. She thinks what an amazing coincidence, I wonder if I can send fan-mail to him. She turns to the back page of the book to look at the author’s bio, and contact information. Upon reaching the page a familiar array of colors catch her eye, and doing a double take she sees that behind the author in his photo, is a very familiar face, “Dad?” Rainbow whispers quietly. She reads the quote under the photo, curious of its origin. All it says is, “This story would not have been a reality without the help of Roy G. Biv, my partner in crime if you will, he helped me forge a great deal of what is technically the first book in my series. I hope this clarifies any loose ends from the novels and increases your enjoyment of them”

Rainbow looks up from the book, down at Scootaloo who is still asleep, and then back at the book. She asks herself a prying question, “Why wouldn’t my dad have told me about this?” Her question asked in vain as there is no one there to answer.

Author's Note

Format fixes for everypony!! XD

If you guys like it, thanks! if not, tell me why, and maybe i will write another.

Thanks to my friends Jaydee, Mastercheap,Fralor, and Spitfire for the kick in the pants, proofreading, and feedback on the initial idea C:

Chapter Two Curiosity...

Chapter Two Curiosity...

Rainbow awakens suddenly, as if from a bad dream. Worry showing in her face, her eyes hurriedly search for the clock. Her gaze takes her around her room, with how sparingly she used her home it is not surprising when she has to get out of bed to find the clock. After what seemed like an eternity she located the ticking object. She mumbles to herself as she removes it from the wall, engineering it with a few old toys to keep it upright she places it on the empty nightstand to the right of her bed. Proud of the odd work of a kinetic sculpture, relieved that it was only 6:30 a.m. she whispers to herself, “Always the last place you look”.

Has she makes her way into her bathroom a noise from the other room startles her. Frozen in her steps while her mind races for the answer to what it was she suddenly remembered that Scootaloo had stayed with her that night. Rainbow moves to make sure the younger pegasi is alright. Entering the room they had been in last night she sees that Scoots is still curled up in a ball on one side of her couch. Rainbow stops for a moment and watches the filly, her chest slowly rising and falling in rhythm, the look on her face pure jubilation. Rainbow couldn’t wake her now; all she could manage was a grin at the sight. A sudden shock of reality hit her like a cold bucket of water to the face, what had that noise been? Eyes getting wider by the second, she frantically looks for what could have made the dull thud. Just as she is about to chalk it up to her being crazy, she feels a warm slimy feeling creep up part of her foreleg.

“Tank! You scared me little guy. I suppose I forgot to get you your propeller didn’t I.” Rainbow snickers as she picks up the turtle, or tortoise, whatever her was she didn’t care. She touches her nose to her pets and wiggles it around before her display was interrupted by a half asleep Scootaloo.

“Are you going soft over a turtle?” Scootaloo teased.

Embarrassed rainbow quickly places the Tank on the ground and attempts to appear as if nothing had just happened. Her mind searches for something to say that will negate the effects of her actions, but to no avail. All the surprised mare can say is, “so what, I like my pet turtle, sue me” as she finishes her ears fold back and she deviates her gaze from her guest.

“Don’t feel bad about it” began the tired pegasus, “I mean, it’s a flying turtle, how cool it that?” She gave a reassuring smile, ”It’s understandable why someone such as yourself would like him” With that Scootaloo gets off the couch, stretches her legs, and finagles her wings to a position she finds comfortable against her body.

Rainbow recognized the morning routine, it was the same thing she did most mornings since she had started to fly. The only exception being when she molted her feathers, or they had gotten so out of shape they needed to be preened. Preening was a process Rainbow deemed boring, but necessary. She knew that if she let her feathers stay mangled flying would be difficult, but doing the process alone took hours of contorting your body in was most ponies wouldn’t deem natural. Rainbow asked, ”What are you doing up so early squirt?”

To which the orange pony replied, “I knew that you would be up early to practice, and I wanted to fly with you.” A short smile came over the child’s face before she continued, “I knew that if I stayed up until you finished the book I wouldn” Her voice suddenly being overpowered by Rainbow’s.

“The book!” exclaimed Rainbow, “Where is the book?!” She had almost forgotten about the book, she had awoken that morning and the thought was completely displaced in her mind. The reference made by the younger mare sent Rainbow’s mind into a state of temporary panic and confusion, Her frantic search calmed only by Scootaloo relinquishing the book to her.

Concerned about her mentor and would be sister Scootaloo asked, “Did something happen to the book? In the book? What’s got you so worked up?” She watches as the worry melts from Rainbows face. She tilts her head in surprise and confusion, Less than 12 hours ago that book was just that, a book. Now Rainbow seemed to need to know where it was almost as if her life depended on it.

“I’m sorry scoots, I just…I found a picture in the back of the book that has me asking a lot of questions, I got worried when you mentioned it because well.. I hadn’t thought about it all morning, and I thought maybe it was a dream.” Rainbow spoke more softly, “When I couldn’t find the book I over reacted, sorry scoots. Now, what were you saying?”

Considering if she should repeat herself or ask rainbow what she found Scootaloo found words to address both issues with one breath, “I was saying if I stayed up to Finnish the book I wouldn’t be able to go flying with you in the morning. How could a picture get you so worked up?”

Rainbow places the book on the table and opens it to the page with the author’s photo. She directs her hoof the show the young mare what she had seen. “You see? Right there, why is my dad in this photo, all buddy- buddy with the author.” upon closer examination with a rested eye she spots what appears to be somepony’s tail. It couldn’t be her father’s that one’s easy, and it couldn’t be the author’s because his was black, or was it grey? She couldn’t tell. The tail had seemed almost amber, maybe orange. Ironically Rainbow wasn’t the best with colors, especially one on photos taken when? She looks down to see the date of the photo. As she spots it her train of thought continues, especially photos taken almost two decades ago. She does a double take and acquires a look of concentration, and confusion. Her mouth opened several times only to close again without noise.

Scootaloo again became worried, “Something on your mind?”

The expression on her face and the direction of her gaze not changing Rainbow spoke softly, “This picture, was taken only a few months before I was born” Earning a gasp from Scootaloo. Rainbow continued, “And there is another pony in this picture, not my dad, not the author. My dad said my mother was with him when I was born. Could that be my mother?” This time Scootaloo made no noise, but stared in awe.

“If that is your mom wouldn’t your dad have told you about her?” Scootaloo interjected, only to be surprised by the answer.

“No. My dad never told me much. He told me that she loved me more than anything, and that was one of the biggest reasons he couldn’t tell me who she is.” Rainbow said, her head lowering and her ears lying flat on her head, “All he would ever say was she had beautiful eyes, and he could tell every feeling that she was having, just by seeing them.”

“That’s adorable!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she rose from the couch and closed the book. She starts going through Rainbows stuff and tossing little things like paper, some pencils, a blanket. It is when scoots moves to pick up Rainbows picture of spitfire that she is broken out of her daze.

“What are you doing with that?!” Rainbow snapped causing Scootaloo to recoil from the picture

“Well if I were you, and I found a picture with a parent in it that I never knew, I would go for it.” A smile overcomes the young mare’s face. She continues, “I was packing up the things you need to go to Cloudsdale and ask him about her, I mean when was the last time you talked about her with your dad?”

Given the question Rainbow thinks to the last time she had tried to get information from her father, “It been a while.. I think I was about your age? But why do I need a picture of spitfire? That thing has been on my desk for.. I don’t even remember. It’s been so long”

Scootaloo opens her mouth to explain, “You need the picture because it will remind you not to give up! If it has really been that long, why would he hide it now? You are your own mare! And you deserve to know your mother.” As she finishes her sentence, she places the picture into the saddle bag and carries the half full bag over to the table.

Rainbow couldn’t help but giggle as the small pony walked sideways to balance out the weight. As Scootaloo reached the table she slid the book into the other half of the bag. The book weighing slightly more than the total of the bags other half Rainbow watched as Scootaloo scrambled to find any old object that looked light enough to balance the pack. “Good job scoots, now what’s rule 4 of Rainbows rules?”

Paused in her tracks Scootaloo stops to think, “Um.. Never fly with a saddle bag when most of the weight is on one side.”

“Okay, good.” Replied the sudo-flight instructor, “Now, tell me why.” As a grin spread on her face.

Scootaloo stopped and turned to rainbow, shooting her a look Rainbow knew all too well. Scoots was not a dumb pony, and she would often say things a bit more serious to rainbow, that usually made perfect sense. The thing that always confused Rainbow is that it was never back talk per say, more like, insightful criticism. “I know exactly why you’re asking me these questions. You’re stalling! Why don’t you want to talk to your dad Rainbow? It’s not like he will get pissed off and disown you right? The answer to your question is because if your center of gravity is of then you will fly in circles. Which is why I just balanced this bag.” Scoots tosses the bag off of her back and onto rainbows, “Now go talk to your dad.” She smiles, “OH! but before you go what do you want me to do today for exercise?

Rainbow liked the determination she saw in Scoots, even though she was younger she was defiantly good at giving her the kick in the flank that she needed to get things done. “Fine, I’ll go talk to him.” Rainbow turns toward the door, “And as for training.. Pinkie Pie brought some of those triple chocolate cupcakes you like so much a few days ago, I want you to put them on the counter, and every time you think about eating one, do ten laps from here to town hall.”
A gasp escapes the surprised filly, “That’s just not right…will I get to have one? And how did pinkie..”

“Let me cut you off right there squirt” As Rainbow turns to again face the pegasi in training, “That’s just.. well that’s just pinkie pie. She tied balloons to herself.” Rainbow shrugs and walks for the door, “Don’t burn my house down kid.”

Amused Scootaloo asks, “Is it even possible to catch a cloud on fire?”

Rainbow replied in all seriousness, “Ever hang out with Derpy Hooves? If anypony can do it, she can.” After a moment of silence both started to laugh at the remark, it was soon brushed aside and rainbow took one more look at Scoots before she left her home. “Be careful and stay safe!”

As the door closes Rainbow makes out a muffled “I WILL” From inside the house. As she took flight and aimed herself for Cloudsdale she let her mind wander. She was glad that Scootaloo could finally reach her house on her own; she had waited a long time to tell the little pegasus that she could stay there. Sure she could have carried her, but it would have taken twice as long for her to learn to fly, Rainbow was all too familiar with the need for motivation. While she was glad, she was also slightly upset that she somehow managed to force her to leave her own house and face issues she had long forgotten. Although rainbow would never admit it, Scoots was learning faster than she was at that age.

The flight was long, and quiet. Leaving the cyan colored mare alone with her emotions, and at a loss for how she would bring up the topic of her mother. She thought about how her dad would react. He was normally very open and forthcoming with answers when she had questions, just never those pertaining to her mother. The more she thought about her situation the more upset and confused she became. She hadn’t realized it but she had picked up pace. She enjoyed time with her father, and she knew he would most likely not answer her about this. She didn’t want him to shut down the whole time she was there. The logic Rainbow used to talk herself out of an immediate confrontation was impeccable, but as most logic, it was still flawed. Ponies that put off their issues and try to cushion the blow may only end up making it worse, or putting it off and talking themselves down to the point of never actually doing it. Rainbow wouldn’t let that happen, in fact, she already had a plan to get him to bring it up first. She would leave her bag open at dinner, and her father being the nosy pony that he was would ask what she was reading, that’s when she would show him the picture, and she would get him talking about the author he father was known to give too many details by mistake at times, all she had to do was put him in the ballpark.

Before she realized Rainbow was only a few blocks from her father’s house, she decided to give her wings a rest and walk for a while. The sun had started to set covering the sky in brilliant colors, all kinds of shades of blues, oranges, reds, and even a little pink and purple. Rainbow would never admit it to anyone but herself, but she liked the purples that the night sky created. She especially liked the night sky around Cloudsdale, and how the leftover moisture from the weather factory created a multi spectrum explosion of rainbows on the cities west edge. In her opinion, that was the best time and place to fly, just for the fun of it, to feel the wind and see the colors all around you, the feeling of your coat becoming damp. Rainbow closed her eyes.

She opened them again right as she started toward the house not quite on the end of the street but still far enough she could get a good trot in. As she reached the house she noticed it was one of few in the area that was still lit. It was like her father to work late and rise early, it was the kind of pony he was. Rainbow on the other hoof much preferred sleeping in and having a cloud pillow be her best friend.

She knocked on the door and after a moment the door opens, the two smile when they see each other, and her dad give her a hug. “It’s so good to see you dashie, it’s been some time hasn’t it?” He releases her and speaks before she can say anything, “Why don’t you come inside, it must be cold and wet out there.”

Rainbow obeyed her father and started inside; she snickered at how she had sounded exactly like her father when Scootaloo had showed up at her house.

The door shuts behind the two leaving them inside the colts house.

Author's Note

I was a bit ahead of schedual, so i decided id post number two way early. i will post the next on monday. Thanks for reading :)

Chapter three....Killed the cat

Chapter 3 ….Killed the cat

Roy could not remember the last time his daughter had come to see him; it had been a few years at least. He understood, she was busy, on the fast track to becoming a wonderbolt and what was he but a retired weather manager. The weather is a job he understood all too well. He sometimes questioned how his daughter could manage every aspect of her life as well as she did with how often she slept. She was the Ponyville weather manager, one of the elements of harmony, and she trained for 4 hours a day. Perhaps that explains why she was always tired. Noticing Rainbow looking in his storage room he spoke up to grab her attention. “So what is my favorite mare doing in Cloudsdale this time of night?” A smile spread into his cheeks as she turned her attention from the office.

“What, I can’t just come see my dad for a day or two?” Rolling her eyes into a devilish smile, she adds “You know I just show up whenever”

He recognizes the look in his daughter’s eyes; He sees the fire behind those waves of magenta. He knows there is more depth to her visit than she is letting on. He gestures for her to come to the table with him. “I was just finishing dinner when you got here. Your lucky tonight was salad night, I always make too much”

He disappears into the kitchen to retrieve the salad. Roy wonders why Rainbow has shown up at such an odd time. He knew that she didn’t usually visit. she did so when she had the time. Which is what makes this a particularly unusual situation, this upcoming month should be the busiest of her life. How did she find the time to visit? Rainbow shifts in the other room, causing him to quicken his pace as not to take too long.

As Roy re-enters the kitchen Rainbow has settled into a chair, placing her saddlebag on the floor And she asks, “How has retirement been treating you? It must be so much fun. I know your job isn’t the easiest, especially now that it is my job.”

“I told you so”

“Hey, you’re not supposed to say that…” Rainbow spoke and was unsure how to feel about the statement.

“You know I kid Rainbow. What was I supposed to say, that it was easy for me? You know how hard you work, and you never listened when I told you why I was tired. If I remember right you used to tell me” As he makes air quotes, “You work with clouds all day, how can you be tired?” He lowers his hooves and shoots his daughter a knowing glare, “Now you see it wasn’t the clouds, it was the ponies I worked with.”

Throwing her hooves over her face and slouching slightly “Oh Celestia..how I wished I had listened.” She chuckles and sits up again, “ponies can be lazy. I don’t understand lazy..er, well I do..but not when you have something to do.” A sheepish grin spreads on her face.

“Rainbow” her father begins, “you must understand that not everypony thinks weather is important.” He slides her some of the salad, “And then again, not everypony is about to be in a show with the wonderbolts, the one that will decide if they take you or not.” He grins and sips a glass of water,” I have no doubt that you will be one.”

Rainbow toys with the salad for a moment, thinking of what to say to her father. She takes a mouthful of the greens, and swallows it. “I..hmm..The wonderbolts are the best fliers in Equestria, it would be an honor to fly with all of them. I have trained hard for this, stressing myself about it will only make me nervous, and I don’t want this to be like the best young fliers competition..” She shifts uncomfortably as the memory passes through her mind.

Managing a slight snicker as he eats some of his food, “You will do fine, how could they possibly refuse you? You have after all done the impossible twice, and saved their lives.” He drinks some more of his water. “I’m surprised they haven’t just offered you the job.”

Looking up with a smile on her face Rainbow replies, “Oh, they have..more than once..i turn them down because I want to earn it.” Her smile widens, “It’s more of an accomplishment that way.” Her grin turns slightly sinister, “ and it lets me see what kind of ponies I’ll be competing with.”

Roy laughs as he gets up and collects the plates. He speaks as he takes them to the sink, “That’s my Rainbow” the dishes make a distinct sound as he sets them down, “Always pushing yourself, and refusing the easy way.” A sigh escapes, “I wish more ponies were like you”

Rainbow slides away from the table and starts to look around, “it’s been a while since ive been here. I missed it, and you.”

She walks to her old room and studies the way it has changed over the years. The walls looked slightly greyer than she had remembered, that might be because she wasn’t there every day to kick the water out of them. She had always found the clouds to be interesting. As a child she never did understand why only pegasi could walk on clouds, it seemed so unfair. They got to fly, and walk on clouds? But now she understood the balance that the three races had with one another. There was music that she would never be able to play because she lacked magic, and farming..forget about it. Rainbow was about as good with the ground as rarity was. She turns to see her father in the doorway.

He speaks softly at first, “I know you must miss it.”

She smiles, “Yea..”

He stands up straight and asks, “What brings you here so soon before your show. I know you took the month off to do so. I know that must have been difficult to arrange.” He laughs, “ Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to see you. But, shouldn’t you be training? Or resting?”

Knowing that her father could see right through her, she didn’t try to hide her purpose. “I was given a book..you are in it. I am curious as to how you got in it.”

Surprised Roy searches his mind for what she could mean, and he finds nothing. “I..I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about Rainbow. I haven’t even seen any authors in years. What book is this?”

He forces himself to keep the worry in the back of his head. He knows there are only a few possibilities. Rainbow walks past him to her saddlebags and starts digging in it. Only a few seconds pass but every thought of what it could possibly be entered his mind, he hoped it wasn’t what he thought it was. He pleaded that if it was, Rainbow hadn’t seen something she shouldn’t. There was far too much that he could not explain. His fears became reality as she pulled out the collection of words out of the bag.

Rainbow pulls the Daring Do novel out of her bag and sets it on the table. She flips the book to the back and places her hoof next to the picture. “This, I see you. And you are sitting right by this guy like you know him. Do you? Or..rather.. Did you?”

Roy feels a bit relieved. He recognizes the picture, and he knows that they are not the only two in it. Believing that rainbow hadn’t noticed the tail of the third he responds, “Why yes, I knew him. I knew him quite well actually.” He stares at the photo for a moment and speaks again, “His name is Greyscale, and he is the pony who writes these novels.”

Rainbow looks up at her father, “How do you know him? And why have you been staring at him so long?”

Snapping himself back into reality he quickly looks at Rainbow. “I’ve said too much as it is..we should get to sleep..its late.”

Confused, “Told me too much? What do you mean? If you know him why is it such a big deal?” she deadpans and her eyes go wide, “Is he a secret agent?”

Defeated by his daughter’s curiosity he takes a deep breath, “ He is..my brother.”

Rainbows jaw hits the floor. She cannot find any words to say. Her mind races, and fills with questions. Her mouth opens several times but closes again thinking those aren’t the right words.

Roy stares at his daughter as she sits dumbfound in his living room. Biting his lip he says, “We really should sleep now” he motions to the clock, “Its two in the morning..and I really shouldn’t have said anything..im sorry”

Rainbow jumps up and shouts, “Wait! One more question!”

He sighs and starts to speak, “ Rainbow I can’t answ..” he is interrupted by his daughter.

“Please just!” rainbow points to the orange tail in the photo, “Who is this?” her tone calming down as she asks.

As he hears the question he turns around to see her hoof on the picture next to the tail. His eyes widen and his heart sinks in his chest, breathing becomes hard. She had noticed more than he had hopped. He couldn’t explain who that was, not now, not when Rainbow was so close to being a wonderbolt.. sadly he spoke, “Rainbow..I can not tell you who that is..I wish I could. But I can’t, not now. You will know soon enough. Now, I really mustn’t say more.” He again bites his lips, he can’t look her in the face.

Confusion and pain hit Rainbow like a brick wall. What secret was my father keeping from me? Her thoughts running wild in her head, was that her mother? If it was, why would he hide that from her? Why would her father hide anything from her? A blank expression falls over her face as she speaks to her father’s back, “That’s my mother in the picture, isn’t it?”

As that question leaves his daughters lips Roy stops in his tracks. He thinks to himself, “Roy G. Biv..this is a fine mess you’ve walked into” he knows he can’t tell her the truth, but he won’t lie to his Rainbow. He knows if he turns around he will feel too guilty and heartbroken not to tell her everything. He bites his lip again and closes his eyes, fighting the erge to face her. He speaks softly, “Rainbow, get some sleep dear.” He walks into his bedroom and closes the door. As soon as he is inside he lets out a sigh and sits in front of the door. Several minutes pass and he hears the front door open and close. He sobs to himself, not because he had kept the secret, but because he had to face his daughter about it. If he had told her, he would have disappointed someone just as important to him. He hated to be the bad guy.

As Rainbow watched her father enter the room she thought of again asking more questions, but quickly killed the idea as it was apparent she was going nowhere fast. She sat alone with her thoughts for a few moments; she looked at several familiar objects in the house. Her gaze shifted between several rooms each adding a different emotion to the mixture of confusion pain and anger she already felt. She thought about entering her father’s room, but that thought was quickly tossed out. She knew her father would never hurt her on purpose. He had never been one to keep secrets. It wasn’t often she found herself at a total loss as to what she needed to do. She decided it would be better to leave. Her father wasn’t willing to tell her anything more. And she didn’t want to push him. There were several times when she was a filly where she regretted taking a few things too far. She didn’t want to add tonight to the list. She got up, put her things in her bag, and walked out the door, closing it just hard enough so her father would know she was gone.

chapter four, What are friends for?

Chapter 4: what are friends for?

The sun is rising on a new day in Ponyville. The birds sing, clouds move in and out of the sunlight as the busy pegasi of the town arrange the days weather. It is a calm morning, Celestia’s sun blazing high in the sky; its warmth spreading throughout the countryside. A lone pegasus flies low and slow toward the town. A few ponies stop, look, and wonder. However, most are too busy to think about who it might be. In fact they hardly seemed to notice. None would have guessed the mare’s identity just based on how slow she was moving, each action having a definitive purpose. It is not her fault she is acting so strangely. It is not every day that Rainbow’s faith has come to question. It has before, but she had always known exactly what to do. This time was different, she was lost, nowhere to turn for answers and so many questions.

Rainbow looked at the ground as she flew. Her mind constantly trying to form a new thought, but constantly being purged for fear it lead her deeper into a field of questions she had no hope of understanding. What she needed, what a drink. She toyed with the prospect of drinking, but decided against it. She had never had a drop of anything worse than the Apple’s cider, and even then she had restrained herself to one or two glasses. She couldn’t lie, she often wondered what it felt like to be drunk. She knew what it did to your body. She had been asked to drink once, but found it more worth her time to watch the other ponies lose their minds. She laughs quietly to herself as the memories of that night flood her mind.

Shaking the memories out of her head she takes a deep breath and folds her wings, letting her fall. The rush of the wind always helped her think. Just as a smile starts to spread over her face she is brought back to reality by a few ponies screaming on the ground. Rolling and catching herself, she finds they were just worried she was going to hurt herself. Slightly put off she continues her lazy flight home.

As Rainbow passes a group of ponies in the streets of Ponyville she wonders where all these ponies come from. Her eyes instantly shoot open as she realizes she left Scootaloo all by herself, again. The sudden rush of adrenaline that rushed into the mare’s body as she accelerated toward her home helped her forget about her troubles for the moment.

Upon reaching the door to her home she opens it and calls out for the filly. “Scoots? Where are ya?” a few moments pass as Rainbow searches, slightly more frustrated she calls out again. “Scootaloo?! Where are you?” She starts looking in the blankets of the young pegasus’ bed. Just as she is about to give up and move her search to town the closet doors spring open, and the next thing she knows, she is on the floor.

A small but familiar voice calls out, “GOT YA!!” Scootaloo giggles and quickly trots off to the other room.

Confused Rainbow stands. “huh? What jus….HEY, get back here” she follows Scootaloo.

The two begin a game of cat and mouse that lasts a good fifteen minutes. It comes to an end when Scootaloo tries to hide in the closet. Rainbow opens the door and Scoots takes off around her. Rainbow catches sight of the calendar. Her eyes go wide.

“Crap! I’m going to be late!” Rainbow dashes to the clock and looks at the time. It is 2:37 p.m. Rainbow runs back into her room and starts looking for something and calling out “tank!”

Scootaloo is confused at first, but then remembers that rainbow has a pet turtle. She calls out to Rainbow, “Doesn’t your turtle fly? I mean if he does, why would he be on the ground?”

Rainbow pauses, “Scoots, you’re a genius.” She looks around the ceiling of her house, and there he is, the flying tortoise himself. Rainbow flies up and brings him to the floor. She turns to Scootaloo, “Hey, I have to meet my friends at the park. We all bring our pets. It’s really fun. Maybe Fluttershy will let you play with Angel. What do you say?” She smiles at Scootaloo.

“Really? I get to go with you?!” A short pause as Scootaloo takes in a deep breath, “ SO COOL!! OF COURSE ILL GO..er I mean, yea. Sure, sounds cool.” Scoots forces a smile.

“Sweet! Let’s go.” Rainbow motions for tank to follow her and smiles back at Scootaloo. “This is gonna be great!” She starts to walk out the door. The two pegasi and the tortoise make it outside, and Rainbow closes her door. She looks at Scootaloo who is stretching her wings, “Yea make sure you do that, it’s more important when you first start flying, but it is never a bad move to stretch.” Rainbow does a few stretches and shows Scoots a few she didn’t know. “Oh, and one more thing. I will keep up with you, I won’t make you keep up with me. So if you need to stop and take a break let me know.”

“I could fly all the way to Cloudsdale!” Scootaloo boasts as she spreads her wings, “Ready? I am! I’m so ready!”

Rainbow smiles, and motions for Scootaloo to take off first. Scootaloo dives off the cloud, struggling to keep level or straight at first, but is in complete control after a hundred yards or so. Rainbow takes off, catching up in no time. She stays by scoots side, tank in tow. She gives Scootaloo tips on how to be more accurate while she flies. After what seems like hours the two arrive at the park. All of Rainbow’s friends are there, except Rarity.

Rainbow lands next to twilight, “Hey twilight. How late am I?”

Twilight doing her best Rarity impression, “Fashionably” She bats her eye lashes and giggles.

Rainbow laughs and looks around, “Where is Rarity anyway?”

“She can’t make it. Opal is sick, and you know how particular she is with that cat of hers.” Twilight grins as she notices Scootaloo. “Hello Scootaloo, how are you today?”

Panting, out of breath and sweaty Scoots looks up at Twilight, “Im, Great! Never, Better.” She flops on the ground.

Rainbow leans over, “Wings sore?”

“She flew all the way here? By herself?” A look of surprise on Twilight's face.

A smile of pride overtakes Rainbow, and Scootaloo pushes a smile. “Of course she did. I was right with her the whole time just in case. She works really hard, she might even be better than me one day. MIGHT.”

The rest of the gang walks closer to Rainbow, Twilight, and Scootaloo. The pets are all playing in the distance. Applejack is the first to speak, “ Well Howdy there Rainbow, I reckon we got ourselves a party now.”

Pinkie Pie jumps up excitedly, and expectedly, “A party? Where? Do I need my cannon?”

Fluttershy shrinks back not liking how loud the cannon was Applejack facehoofs before speaking, “Pinkie, ah only meant that most of us are here. Ah’m Sure it’ll be jhust as fun without that there cannon.”

Pinkie is still excited, but not as much, “So what’s new with everypony?” She smiles and waits for someone to speak up.

Scootaloo stands up, having caught her breath and her muscles not so achy. “I learned to fly! It’s so awesome!”

Pinkie smiles, “I flew once! I tied Balloons to myself! It is great.”

Rainbow giggles, “Yea I’m still not sure how you knew exactly how many you needed to get to the same height as me. I mean it was a perfect match.”

“That’s easy silly! I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie Bounces in circles around Rainbow and Scootaloo. “You just need to know how much you weigh, the force of gravity, and how much a balloon can carry up! It’s easy math.”

Applejack slouches and sighs, “Now ev’rypony is good at math? First my brother, now you?”

Twilight uses condescension, “Math is a great thing to be good at Applejack.” It’s super effective.

Yet another sigh from the farm pony, “Ah s’pose yer right. Sorry pinkie. So what’s new with you Rainbow? You’ve been quieter n’a mouse in a litter of kittens.”

She chuckles at Applejacks comparison. she always found them oddly entertaining. “Well AJ the past few days have really been something.”

Applejack and Twilight are both curious and say, “Oh?” They look at each other and Twilight finishes the question. “How so? Good news?”

Rainbow thinks for a moment, “ uhh, well, a few good things a few bad, and some im not sure about.”

“OOOOOHHH Whats the good! Huh? Tell me, Tell meee!” Pinkie gets her face as close to Rainbows as possible.

Twilight rolls her eyes, “Pinkie, maybe let her breathe so she can tell us?”

Embarrassed Pinkie backs up, “Oh, Right, Sorry.”

Rainbow continues, she pulls Scootaloo into a sidelong hug. “Well Scoots here will be staying with me from now on. Almost like, MY little sister.” She laughs, “I just wish I could have taken a picture of her reaction!”

Everyone smiles and tells her that’s great news. Rainbow explains she has her own room and everything she needs. Scootaloo remains silent, carrying a smile throughout the conversation.

Applejack speaks up, “ Alri’ht ill ask. Whuts the bad news?”

Rainbows smile fades, “My dad is keeping a secret from me.”

Twilight tries to assure her friend, “Ponies are allowed to have their secrets Rainbow.”

The weather mare looks her friend in the eye, “It’s a bit more important than that.”

“So your dad has a secret. You have secrets. I even have secrets. Why are you taking it so hard?” twilight puts a hoof on Rainbows shoulder.

A deep Breath and a short pause later, Rainbow tells her friends. “My mom.”

A long silence falls over the group, each mulling their own thoughts over in their head. They glace back and forth between each other, none knowing what they should say. Finally Twilight takes a breath and sighs, “What makes you think he would keep something like that from you Rainbow?”

Rainbow digs out the book Scootaloo gave her. She turns to the picture and shows it to Twilight. “See? My dad is right here.” Points to her dad. She moves to the Unknown ponies tail. “Who is that?”

Twilight pushes the book down and is confused, “Rainbow, isn’t it possible that the pony you see just happened to be walking by when that was taken?”

Rainbow looks slightly more sad, “Well I suppose..but look at the date.” She gives Twilight the Chance to read the date. “That’s not even three weeks before I was born, and look. My dad, he isn’t looking at the camera, he is looking at whoever this is.” The rest of Rainbows friends ask to see the book and she passes it around. “I never knew my mom Twilight. My whole life it was just me and my dad. I don’t care if it was just a random pony, because on the off chance im right, I don’t want to be wrong.”

Twilight looks over Rainbows face. She had only seen that determination two times before on her face, the day she saved Rarity and the wonderbolts, and the day she got into the academy. “Well, I will do everything I can do to help.”

Rainbow smiles, “Thanks twilight, it means a lot”

Twilight appears to be lost in her thoughts. After a moment she looks up with a smile on her face. “And let me start by telling you that the author has a book signing coming up in about a week.”

Rainbow hugs twilight, “You guys are the best.”

Twilight writes a note with the address and times on it. She hands the note to Rainbow, “Here, this is the when and where. Let me know what you find!”

“wait, doesn’t spike usually write?” asks rainbow.

Twilight responds, “well, yes. But, I let him sleep, he is at the treebary.”

“Again, thanks. I think I should go home and get some sleep.” Rainbow turns to Scootaloo, “ Ready to go back?”

Scootaloo spreads her wings and grins, “Always”

Rainbow laughs and whistles for tank. She waits for scoots to take off and follows her back to her house. The sun is setting when they arrive. Scootaloo is still out of breath, but not as much as before. Tank bumps into a wall several times before she puts him inside. The two enter the house. Rainbow takes Scootaloo to her room and reads a short story to her until she falls asleep. She quietly gets up and takes herself to her bed. She lays staring at the ceiling. There is still a lot on her mind, but she pushes it aside, and closes her eyes.

Author's Note

FINALLY!!! so many things to keep me from doing this...i wrote this instead of sleeping tonight. your welcome.