Thanks for all the love in the last chapter. In sincerity I like all the favorties, follows and ect. Had a lot of fun writing this one. We're here at the finale of act two. Definitely tested how dark I could make a kids show without it losing the spirit of it. Feel free to review at the end and always thank you for reading. Enjoy.
Chapter 11: The Calm Before the Storm
"Let me hear a run down of the plan again." The cyan pegasus stated.
"We go to the party together, we mingle, have a good time with our friends, don't fight, don't ruin the mood and once all is said and done leave the party together. We've gone over the plan three times now. I think I'm the last one you would need to worry about starting something." Fluttershy snapped back.
"Well considering how warm a welcome I got this morning when I picked you up made me a little cautious. I've seen you blow up on small animals that didn't do anything, but not love you. What makes me think you wouldn't blow up over something more serious." Rainbow Dash snarlingly said.
"The way I see it I still see an animal that doesn't love me." the yellow pony fired back.
Rainbow Dash let out a great sigh before answering. "Don't think that. I still love you Fluttershy. We're just having a really big fight. That doesn't mean I don't care about you."
"Hard to tell. Least when my parents fought my father stuck around. I haven't seen you since you were yelling at me in my bedroom." Fluttershy argued back.
"I'm sorry. It was a combination of work and not wanting to see you. I was afraid I would make things worse if I came in with such a hot head." Rainbow Dash admitted.
"To be honest, I probably didn't even want to see you. I don't know why I'm complaining."
"It's fine. We've never fought like this before. We've never even been in a relationship before. For all we know we're doing better than expected."
"Not to spoil your spirit or anything, but if neither of us have made progress on our insecurities then we're probably doing less than average." Fluttershy pointed out.
Rainbow Dash didn't want to hear that, but her girlfriend was far smarter than her. It's very hard to argue with such logic, especially when she was right. Rainbow Dash wanted to ask outright if Fluttershy was working on her weaknesses, but the greater one at fault here was herself. She hadn't been working on her problem, but if anything was finding another loophole that she could live in. Sadly, every time she thought she had a breakthrough she noticed that it was another sly aspect to make Fluttershy a better candidate to be a public girlfriend. So she was left with the only option, change. Rainbow Dash changed before because of Fluttershy so it wasn't an outrageous concept, but it was hard before and it seems it doesn't get any easier the second time.
She looked over to her girlfriend. Even on a cloudy day she was still a beacon of beauty. Mane so long and flowing with the little flips at the end. Coat always so clean despite being outside all day. Her teal eyes full of compassion and kindness. Although she missed her physical form, what she missed the most was the pony behind all that. She missed how after a long day at the academy she could come over and sleep atop Fluttershy as she was giving her a massage. She missed how Fluttershy would come up with thoughtful ideas to spruce her home up, whether it be light cleaning or a simple wall decoration. She missed the bashfulness of her intimacy when they were making love. She missed all of her.
Luckily Rainbow Dash was on the side of Fluttershy's mane where her peripheral vision was impaired because the cyan pegasus hadn't realized she'd be staring. Almost on reflex it slipped out. "You look beautiful today."
"Rainbow Dash...please don't say things like that. It's not appropriate. Also I don't want you to get the idea that you can fix this with some kind words and a smile."
Rainbow Dash didn't like the tone of her girlfriend, but the ponies were almost in town and she'd be breaking the third rule of her own plan if she was to bring the ruckus. She just turned and paid attention to what was in front of her since Fluttershy was going to put down everything she said.
"I think you look nice too."
Rainbow Dash looked over when Fluttershy made the flattering comment. The yellow mare didn't look over, but continued concentrating down the path towards Twilight's. Rainbow Dash smiled on the inside. No matter how cold they were to each other, the warmth of their love was still burning inside them. There was still hope no matter the bitterness between them.
After a quiet tension filled walk through town, the ponies made it to Twilight's house. Judging from the loud music bursting at the seams of the tree, the party was well underway. Rainbow Dash knocked on the door and was greeted by the alicorn of the hour.
"Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy! So glad you could come. Please come inside." Twilight greeted.
The pegasi stepped passed the threshold and into the warm embrace of a full fledged party. From how crowed the room was, it seemed almost every pony in Ponyville was invited. The Cutie Mark crusaders, The Apples, The Cakes were catering, Zecora and some of the pegasi from the Cloudsdale. Seems everypony that Twilight has touched over the time that she was forced to live in the small town was here to celebrate her first arrival.
"I'm sorry girls since this is my party I have to go around and play host. Hope to talk to you girls later. The refreshments are over there." Twilight said she swiftly dove right into another conversation.
Rainbow Dash hadn't eaten anything for lunch so binging on some snack food sounded heavenly. She walked over to the long table. Tripled layered, cake, dandelion sandwiches, tarts, cookies. All of it looked so good. Even the salads and fruit for the ones looking to keep their slim figure. Rainbow Dash knew her usual chivalry wasn't was welcomed as before, but that wasn't going to stop her from trying. She cut off a piece of cake and offered it to Fluttershy. In a slightly dismissive attitude, the yellow pegasus politely declined.
"All right so I'm just going to guess that everything I do is not welcomed. The good and the bad and probably even the neutral will not be received by her. She has built up such a huge wall around her that even what used to work doesn't. If it didn't go against rule four of the plan I'd probably end up just throwing this in her face. Change can't happen overnight and I don't know if I can do it this time. Wait...rules. I know at least a way that we can enjoy this party still."
Rainbow Dash got close to Fluttershy's ear so misinterpretation wasn't possible. "Hey. I know I said for the plan that we had to come together and leave together, but that doesn't mean we have to be next to each other. If you want to go talk with the other ponies please feel free."
It took awhile for her answer, but Fluttershy agreed and disappeared. Rainbow Dash was disappointed that Fluttershy took her offer without protest, but the few seconds that she was gone and that giant wall of hate wasn't between them was more than appreciated. Instead of dwelling on such dismal thoughts at a party, Rainbow Dash focused her attention back back to the food. The Cakes always had an amazing spread and with such portions she felt that taking at least one of everything wouldn't be the worst crime in the world. The blueberry cupcakes tray was already low so, with a little shuffling around of items she had a free tray and loaded up on the sweets.
With now a full meal of desserts in tow, Rainbow Dash was looking for someone for her to talk to. "Miss Cheerilee. No. Big Mac. That's like having a conversation with myself. Granny Smith can't hear. I love you Scoots, but your just a reminder of my fight with Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie usually would cheer me up, but it seems she is busy with being the party pony and all. Oh Celestia, Spitfire is here. That's what I need. A good tongue lashing on why my performance has been lack luster. Let's pile on the insults."
Rainbow Dash felt a tap on her shoulder. "Hey there Sugarcube."
Her spirits perked up as she knew the only pony to use Sugarcube is Applejack. She turned around and greeted her friend with a brohoof. "Good to see you, Applejack. I was just looking for some place to talk."
"And I was lookin' fer some food. Looks like you got a lot on yer plate there. Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all. It's just kind of noisy up here. Want to go to the basement?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack didn't see a problem with her request and proceeded to go downstairs to the cellar. Rainbow Dash remembered the last time she was here and quickly wanted to leave. If it wasn't for the heavy wooden door and thick roots of the oak she probably wouldn't have immediately thought of this quiet stronghold secluded from the rest of the party.
Rainbow Dash and Applejack we thankful for the brilliant idea she had. The convenience of looking for the quiet part of a house that's having a party is that you can have a conversation without yelling. If anything they were fighting with their own echo as it reverberated around the walls. Since both ponies were known for having a large appetite, it was almost a challenge on the tray to eat as much as you could before the other one takes another delicious treat.
At least throughout the battle of the bulging cravings, Rainbow Dash was able to catch up with with her competitive friend. If there was one thing Applejack held higher than anything in Equestria, it was her farm. Sweet Apple Acres was at an all time high in produce and that was thanks to smart rain scheduling by the pegasi in Cloudsdale.
"You might actually get the cider without worry this year RD. It's really been a good year fer us Apples."
"Glad my pegasi brethren could be of service. So long as we get that cider I mean. Let's just say that if said cider doesn't make it to my hooves this year there may be an unexpected drought next year." Rainbow Dash tauntingly joked. Applejack reached over and lightly punched her in the shoulder. The pegasus found it refreshing to talk to another pony and it actually be enjoyable for once. Being so busy lately she only had time for work and home. At the academy, her and Cloudchaser would talk about how hard Spitfire has been coming down as she's weeding out some recruits. Tank wasn't the best conversationalist either being a turtle and all. Also not to forget her feud with Fluttershy made her almost a shut it. Seeing how dreary her life has been socially, Applejack was the perfect cure to her ailment.
"So how's you and Fluttershy?"
"I knew I wasn't allowed happiness. Who am I kidding? We're a couple. Our friends care about us. The question is bound to come up. Wouldn't be surprised if every time Fluttershy is hanging out with Rarity, the unicorn asks for every detail. Even what happens in the bedroom. Luckily I know Fluttershy wouldn't be so crass and paint a lovely picture of our love making."
Rainbow Dash thought she could elude the question and went off on a side tangent. "Good. Heard she was helping you with Winona. How is Winona by the way?"
"RD. I saw what you did there. Somethings wrong with you two. You heard me talkin' about the farm fer a good quarter and we went over my dog. Now come on, talk to me."
Rainbow Dash was both annoyed and flattered that one of her closest friends were able to sense that she was having a troubled time. "What gave me away?"
"Look where we are. We're in a basement stuffin' ourselves with food durin' a party. You love a good easy time and the attention. It may not be yer party, but at least half yer fan club is upstairs. I've seen you jaw on fer hours about how you saved somethin' or whatever. Also, you may not notice this, but you and Fluttershy are usually close, literally. When you and us girls are out or kickin' it back, you are glued to that pony. Now I'm seein' you down here with me and I know Fluttershy is here. The pink mane is a pretty big giveaway."
"The way you break that down it's almost like you're Daring Do solving a mystery." Rainbow Dash praised. She looked to the floor. She was never one to open up so easily. Applejack nudged her a bit on the shoulder. She looked over to see her friend with genuine non-judging eyes. Applejack was a good friend when she was figuring out her feelings for Fluttershy, so maybe she could help her now when she's fighting.
"It goes like this..." Rainbow Dash made sure to not victimize herself. She tried to get the story as fair as possible. She did want help and having the details straight would only be beneficial. Telling the story out loud felt horrible. It was as if she was being stuck by needles in her heart every time she mentioned how she hurt Fluttershy. "...She said that I really can't fix this so simply, but I'd have to change my perspective on her."
As Rainbow Dash had finished her story, Applejack was giving her a look of disgust. The farmer buried her face in her hooves and shook her head. "Rainbow Dash...That is so...so wrong."
"I know. It's just that The Wonderbolts are it for me. They are what I've always wanted for as long as I can remember and I can't have anything hinder that. There's only eleven spots on that team and believe it or not there are other talented pegasi for me to compete with for that position. I love Fluttershy. I will always love her, but she's not Wonderbolt material. She's not even Wonderbolt girlfriend material. They date some incredibly famous athletic ponies too. I don't want to give up on my dream...but I don't want to give up on Fluttershy either." Rainbow Dash confessed.
Applejack let out a deep sigh. "At least yer conflicted about it. Yer morals havn't gone loopy."
The two ponies stayed silent. Unable to come up with a response to follow up Rainbow Dash's conundrum. The crushing muteness made the gravity of the situation more aware. She knew she had done wrong, but Applejack seemed at a loss of words. Considering the farmer had a very high moral compass, she couldn't imagine how she would look to the rest of her friends, her fans, the community.
"You know what you gotta do, right?" the earth pony spoke up.
"All that I know is change." she said hesitantly as if she wasn't sure that this was what Fluttershy wanted.
"Yes, but tell me what exactly you need to change."
"From what Fluttershy said, I have to place her first. Above my reputation which I guard so readily with my lies."
"Nah. That doesn't sound right." Applejack dismissed.
Rainbow Dash looked over a little peeved at her friend's immediate dismissal. "What do you mean? That's almost her words exactly. How can you tell me she's wrong?"
"Cause she is. You answer me honestly. Is Fluttershy number one in your heart?"
Without missing a beat. "Yes. Absolutely. She's the world to me."
"Then yer problem isn't that she's misplaced in yer heart. What yer problem is is that you don't think other ponies will think the same as you. That they'll focus on the weaknesses of Fluttershy and tear her apart and take you down with her. What you need to focus on is the strengths of that pony. The reasons you found her attractive anyways. If you notice them I'm sure others will too." Applejack pointed out.
This sparked a small fire in Rainbow Dash. "You make it sound so easy. That no pony will see her shudder and freak out every time she's on stage with me and all that attention and cameras won't get to her. Or the fact that she is overly nice. I know that I and the Wonderbolts are nice, but we don't stop to save little birds falling from trees or kiss knee scraps to make them better. Last but not least, she is a horribly weak flier. I don't care, because her job isn't to fly and she likes the ground more than Cloudsdale in some cases, but how does that look in comparison to one of the top fliers in Equestria."
"You are bein' a negative nelly." Applejack snapped back. "It's really sad to think that her girlfriend of all ponies would be pointin' out such a harsh outlook. Here's my take on it. They will never shun her kindness. If anythin' it might save you cause you put yer hoof in yer mouth more than you know. Some kind words from yer girlfriend to soften whatever you said could come in handy and is always welcomed. Yes Fluttershy is a weak flier, but think about how good that makes you look. So accepting even if a pegasi isn't up to par. On top of that yer closest relationships aren't even pegasi. We're made up of an alicorn, earth ponies and a unicorn. Yer girlfriend is a weak flier and yer little adopted sister Scootaloo is a late bloomin' flier. You look like a hero to everypony. Yer scope of popularity is greater than anypony I reckon." the farmer explained.
Rainbow Dash was processing all of it. She was being extremely negative in her perceptions of how Fluttershy would be portrayed to the public. She wasn't completely convinced, but she was glad she had talked to Applejack. She never bothered to look at both sides of the coin. Applejack's predictions may not pan out as optimistically as she thinks they'll be, but that doesn't mean they cant happen to a certain degree. Even with the slightest chance that any of her doubts could be reversed was worth taking the chance of getting Fluttershy back.
Applejack saw the pony in a daze. "Look. RD I probably shouldn't be tellin' you this, but I caught Fluttershy over at Rarity's the other day. She was in a dress and all dolled up under these immense spotlights. I only heard a little of what Rarity was shouting, but it seemed she was coachin' her on how to be confident in the spotlight."
Rainbow Dash jeered her neck towards Applejack. She knew she heard right and knew this pony couldn't lie. Fluttershy really was working on improving maybe the one thing that she can fix. She felt so low. Who knows when Applejack caught them two rehearsing, but it didn't matter. Rainbow Dash had been faffing about looking for excuses to hide Fluttershy and get her way. Maybe if she had been more introspective on the approach she wouldn't be in the basement throwing herself a pity party.
"I hate myself." Rainbow Dash said as she put her face between her hind legs.
Applejack was quick to support. "Don't be beatin' yerself up about it. Bein' in a relationship in new to you. I know this may come as a disappointment, but yer not gonna be the best at everythin' and that includes bein' a girlfriend. You've done good so far. Don't let this setback define the rest of yer relationship and we'd all be sad if you two broke up. To be honest. I really like seein' you two together. You seem happy."
Rainbow Dash smiled fondly towards the ground. "Thanks Applejack. I know we never forget to say it to each other, but thanks for being my friend. I'm still nervous about all this because I caused such a huge ripple in our relationship, but at least you gave me a glimmer of hope that it can end well."
"Not a problem Rainbow Dash. Come here." Applejack reached out and Rainbow Dash willing embraced her friend. "Now let's get back upstairs. I'm full off of these treats anyways and could go fer some drink."
Rainbow Dash was feeling the same sentiments. She was very tired of this creepy basement anyways. As she was walking up the wooden steps, a flash of lighting burst through the little window. Rainbow Dash looked over with concern towards the phenomenon. "A lightning storm wasn't scheduled for today."
"Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy! So glad you could come. Please come inside." Twilight greeted.
The pegasi stepped passed the threshold and into the crowded study room of the library. There was ponies wall to wall. It was quite suffocating to the yellow pegasus. Being in a house with little creatures in one thing, but being around your peers when all you want to do is be alone is different. Even though Fluttershy wasn't enjoying the packed atmosphere, she was still impressed by the friendly turnout, which is be expected. Twilight was sentenced to live in their town to learn about friendship.
"I'm sorry girls since this is my party I have to go around and play host. Hope to talk to you girls later. The refreshments are over there." Twilight said as she swiftly dove right into another conversation.
Fluttershy had a very modest breakfast so the tables of small edibles was not as arousing as Twilight had hoped. The Cakes had even made her favorite kind of cupcake and that wasn't enough to stir an interest in the presentation. She looked over to her girlfriend, whose eyes were as big as saucers, was already counting how much of each treat she wanted. Fluttershy internally rolled her eyes. As charming as it was to watch Rainbow Dash eat an entire meal, especially one of her home cooked dinners, the distaste for her was preventing of any of the fond quirks to soften her mood. As if Rainbow Dash was reading her mind, the cyan pegasus offered her a piece of delectable vanilla cake. Her heart was impressed at the rainbow mare's tenacity, but the logical part of her brain knew she would be standing around with a plate in hoof as she nibbled slowly at the food. Fluttershy shook her head to Rainbow Dash's thoughtful gesture and disappointed her partner.
"I'm so sorry Dashie. I really like how you're trying, but this is not the part of your character where you are lacking. Although that cake does look really good. It's so hard being the bad mare in all this. It's leaves such a bad taste in my mouth that I can't believe it's normal for some ponies to be this cold. Still I have to keep smiling, keep it all together for Twilight's sake. Even though I can't think of a better opportunity to incite a fight and stain that precious reputation of hers. However, Rainbow Dash's rules are set in place. I can't believe she was so worried as I would try something. Well I am a bit on edge and ill tempered with her..."
Fluttershy's thoughts were interrupted as Rainbow Dash got close to her ear. "Hey. I know I said for the plan that we had to come together and leave together, but that doesn't mean we have to be next to each other. If you want to go talk with the other ponies please feel free."
Fluttershy was taken aback by the proposal. She had mixed feelings on it, but there was one thing she knew for sure. Having her space away from Rainbow Dash wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Even though she was the one that proposed it, Fluttershy couldn't help, but think Rainbow Dash secretly wanted her to decline, but it's not like Fluttershy couldn't come back if she was feeling a bit lonesome. She took the offer and left before her partner could see Fluttershy's troubled face. She felt uncomfortable in the sea of ponies and decided the best place to go was up.
Gently excusing herself past the party goers, Fluttershy couldn't help but think that they all knew why she was walking around solo. All the eyes. All the judgment. It was sinking into the pony's already tormented mind. Fluttershy's chest became tight as her fear was turning into anxiety. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, her panic was increasing steadily. "Everypony knows. I'm the one being unreasonable, aren't I? I'm the one that is being a stubborn mule. I'm the reason why me and Rainbow Dash aren't happy. I'm the weak one. I'm the bad..."
Fluttershy's darkening thoughts were blocked as a hoof caught her and pulled her into a conversation. "Oh Fluttershy darling. It is so good to see you."
The charming eloquence of her unicorn friend was easily recognizable amongst the noise and cloistered voices. "Now if you excuse me you fine fellows. Me and my friend have something we need to do. You guys enjoy yourselves and I'll be right back."
Fluttershy looked to Rarity and she motioned themselves to another tier of the home. She couldn't have hoped for a better guardian angel to swoop in. Rarity, clearly having a good time, was fanning herself with a small novel. "So good you came when you did Fluttershy. I swear, those two colts have been following me all around the party and cornered me into talking with them. They are lovely, but honestly not my type."
"So glad I could be of service. So...great party, right?" Fluttershy meekly said.
Rarity immediately picked up on this. "It is, but it seems you're not having a great time."
Fluttershy stood there, averting eye contact. It was if her guardian angel accidentally dropped her. Fluttershy knew she was caught and Rarity was never one to leave a friend in such a condition. The yellow pegasus shook her head in acknowledgment.
"Would you like to go someplace quieter?" the unicorn gently asked. Fluttershy again nodded her head and followed Rarity one more floor up. Past double glass windows was Twilight's balcony. The muggy day was still in effect and it grayed the brilliant red wood. Fluttershy took a seat at the edge of the railings and looked out over the town. It was so peaceful, but also remembered half the town was probably beneath her having fun. Rarity made sure the doors were shut and sat next to her feathered friend. "Take some deep breaths. It looks like you were about to have a panic attack."
Fluttershy breathed in through her nose and slowly out her mouth. After a slow minute of proper exhalation, the winged pony was no longer on the brink of crying, but her mind was as gloomy as the day. Fluttershy could feel the unicorn staring at her, analyzing her like a mental patient. "It seems everypony is judging me today..."
"Fluttershy...do you want to talk about whatever is troubling you?" Rarity lightly asked.
Fluttershy wanted to talk, but didn't know where to start so what came out was almost an insane blurting of guilt. "I'm a horrible pony!"
Rarity's expressing changed from concerned to surprised as the pegasus was bearing her guilt to the unicorn. "Now Fluttershy, don't be silly. Whatever you have done..."
"You don't know what I've done." Fluttershy interrupted. "Rainbow Dash and I are having a really big fight right now and I feel like I'm being to mean to a pony who's trying to give an honest effort in winning me back."
"Fighting? Oh my gosh, Fluttershy. I'm so sorry to hear. What could have Rainbow Dash done that would cause you to be this distraught?"
Fluttershy gave the short version of the date and quickly explained to Rarity how her supposedly loyal partner was covering up what they did for a date to Scootaloo. "I know what Rainbow Dash was wrong in what she did. At first I tried to deny what was happening. There was no way that Rainbow Dash could be this underhoofed nor could she be this stupid as to think she could get away with such an erroneous lie. I was so angry with her that I thought I would never speak to her again. Also I was too aggravated to be around my home with all the animals about so I took the day off to cool down. During that time, I almost wanted it to happen. Too never see that pony again. I had never felt so betrayed, especially after she gave me her word that she would change. After I cooled down I came back home and decided the best way to forget my problems is to bury myself in the rum drum activities of my animal care. It did work as my anger was slowly subsiding, but then I started feeling lonely. Rainbow Dash would come over frequently for a meal, to rest and just talk sometimes after a long day at the academy. I started to miss the dates she would take me on, even if they were a little extreme at times. I wanted nothing more than to go back to the times before all this. A time when it was so simple to be together with her. We'd laugh, we'd kiss, love each other..."
Fluttershy's confession started breaking as her voice was shaking and the powerful will it takes to hold back tears. "I would give anything to be back with her. I wanted her...I missed her more than I could miss any other pony. At least that's what I thought until I was keep-keeping her at a distance. She started coming over the past week before the party. Flowers, chocolates, little hoof-written notes were le-left on my door. I was split. On one hoof I knew I couldn't let her win me offer with such material commodities... But then I finally saw her today, and on the other hoof I see her just as sad as me." Fluttershy felt some mucus run and sniffled it up as if Rarity wasn't even looking at her. "I see the look in her eyes when I am so dismissive of her nice actions. They look hurt as if each time I'm mean it's stabbing her in the heart."
Fluttershy didn't realized that tears were now streaming from her eyes. Rarity had already grabbed the pony deep into her chest and muffle the crying. Through desperate sobs, "I don't...think I can do...this anymore."
Rarity sat there with her friend tightly embraced stroking her mane ever so often to console the depressed pegasus and checking on the glass paned door to make sure Fluttershy would have the privacy she deserved. "You let it all out. It's alright to feel like this. It's alright to be feeling all these emotions. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression. It's almost as if it's the death of a relationship. Fluttershy, you can answer me this if you want to. Do you think it would be better if you didn't catch Rainbow Dash lying? That if would it be better to stay ignorant to her fabrications of herself and you?"
Fluttershy stayed silent and merely swung her head back and forth indicating a no. "Then no. You're not a bad pony. You're a pony that is so good at heart that she doesn't even have the nerves to be cruel, even when's it's justified. Seeing you like this though. I wish you came to me sooner. I mean not to embarrass you or anything, but we are at a party. I know you're not one to draw attention to yourself, but crying here is a pretty good way to do it."
"I'm sorry...ahh" Fluttershy barely peeped out before Rarity hugged her shut.
"Don't be sorry darling. Rarity is here to make sure your emotions are kept in private. I do wish you would have talked about this when you were coming over for practice. We could have had this conversation there." Rarity pointed out.
"I-I didn't want to burden anyone with what I was feeling. Also I didn't want anypony to know that me and Rainbow Dash were fighting. I thought I would resolve itself, but look at it. It's been over a month and I feel that nothing has changed. I feel so weak." Fluttershy sobbingly peeped out.
"Fluttershy you look at me." Rarity said in an authoritative tone. The pony pulled away from her friends soft bosom and into her peerless azure eyes. "You are not weak. I'm surprised you lasted as long as you did before breaking down like this. If you really were holding this in for a month then it proves that you are not weak. You're silly, but not weak." Fluttershy felt Rarity's grip weaken and Fluttershy lay her head sideways as Rarity continued. "I probably would have broken down day one and stayed that way. You were dealing with a lot of powerful emotions. Life seems to always pack it on when we're at our lowest, but I'm always here to lessen the load for you. Never think you're not welcomed to talk your problems out with me. Celestia knows how I can talk your ear off at times with things more trivial."
Fluttershy didn't want to be selfish, but hearing Rarity's kind words and the caressing of her mane was soothing. Mostly because her feelings were validated and the unicorn was being so sympathizing despite knowing she could be having fun downstairs. "As for you and Rainbow Dash...well I know you've been trying to work out your shyness so you could be around her in the spotlight, but I'm going to give Rainbow Dash the benefit of the doubt on this one. I was speechless when you told me what happened, but despite the fact Rainbow Dash is a deceiving, bamboozling, betraying, cheating, dupe..."
Fluttershy realized that as the list went on that she'd rather Rarity still be speechless. She was mad at Rainbow Dash, but didn't want to hear all the negativity about her. "...scamming, swindling, defrauding con pony. If the way you describe her trying to get your attention is accurate then maybe she's been working on changing too and if not she certainly about to."
"What makes you so confident that she's trying?"
"You don't put in effort into something you deem unobtainable. She still clings to the hope that you two can be together after this. She knows what she has to do to win you back this time so I don't think she would show her face if she knew deep down that your request was impossible. I don't want this hopeless act anymore. Not when there is a small glimmer at the end of all this." Rarity explained.
Now feeling better with Rarity's advice, Fluttershy relinquished the safety of her friend's warm grasp and wiped the residual tears from her eyes. "Thanks Rare. I promise I'll stay st-strong."
"Say it one more time. This time without the stuttering." Rarity politely ordered.
"I will stay strong." The yellow pegasus said as loud as she could with her soft voice. Fluttershy may have felt heavy, but Rarity helped leeviate it enough that it wasn't sinking into a pit of her stomach. Fluttershy smiled small, but more than she had been smiling in a long while. Rarity reciprocated back as she was magically fixing Fluttershy's mane from all the tears that may have seeped in causing it to frizz in the wrong places.
As if the weather knew that Rarity was working on Fluttershy, a few drops of rain dripped onto the yellow pegasus' face. "Curse this rain. Inside Fluttershy or both of us will need an emergency beautifier."
She followed her friend to the emptiness of the top floor, but couldn't help but wonder. "I don't remember there supposed to be rain today?"
Fluttershy let that passing thought slide as Rarity was trying so hard to boost the pony's mood. The music of the party switched up as Vinyl Scratch brought her own special mixes to the party. Rarity nudged the pony, encouraging her to go have some fun. Fluttershy looked down and it certainly looked like the only pony who wasn't having a good time was her. Even if it was for an hour or two she didn't want to have Rarity dote on her. The least she could do for the unicorn was not make the time that she took from consoling be wasted.
As she was about to throw herself in the throng of ponies, she noticed a flash of rainbow making its way to the doorway, From the look on Rainbow Dash's face, it turns out Fluttershy wasn't the only one having a bad time. She didn't look sad, but the frown of concern was enough for the yellow pegasus to step in and address her girlfriend.
As Rainbow Dash was about to leave, Fluttershy was able to snag her multicolored tail. The cyan mare looked back to see the trouble, but it seemed whatever was concerning her was at the forefront of her mind. "Can you let go? I have to do something?"
Purely curious Fluttershy followed up, "What's wrong? Why are you so worried?"
"Probably couldn't notice it up here with all this going on, but it started sprinkling outside and I noticed a lightning strike in the distance. Might even rain soon and I know the pegasi didn't schedule any rain. I'm just going up to Cloudsdale, check the plant and come back. It's probably a malfunction. I'll be right back." Rainbow Dash seriously stated.
"Oh. Alright. Hope everything is fine up there. Stay safe."
Rainbow Dash let out a small grin. "Thanks Fluttershy." Normally this is where the yellow mare would give a kiss of good luck to her pony, but it seemed her soft words were enough to make Rainbow Dash feel at ease considering it all. Fluttershy stood back and watch as her partner disappear with a stream of rainbow behind her.
Fluttershy looked towards the sky and felt Rainbow Dash's concern was more than justified. Seeing as her girlfriend was more than qualified to handle the situation, if there was one, she went back inside to enjoy herself. At least that's what she thought she was going to do. No matter how hard she tried to distract herself from the possible doom, the pegasus couldn't help but wonder for Rainbow Dash's status. "I know Rainbow Dash takes some things seriously. Training, competitions, her image, but never the weather monitoring. She is proud of her efficiency at it, but found it more of a necessary chore than something that would ever call for her attention. I don't want to admit this to myself, but I'm scared. If it got Rainbow Dash to get up and leave the party then I have a really bad feeling about this."
Time seemed to pass individually like sand in an hourglass. Each second represented by a pebble as Fluttershy watched the outside get darker. She would glance at the windows every so often to check for the pitter patter of rain, but the weather was teasing her. To the pegasus' surprise the door slammed open and the rainbow streak came rushing by her. Fluttershy felt the slight of relief fall off her shoulders, but from what Rainbow Dash was doing she felt a whole knew anxiety come about. She couldn't hear what was being said, but her girlfriend was drenched and frantically trying to get explain something to Twilight. The alicorn's expression went from surprised, to confused, to concern. The princess nodded and Rainbow Dash swooped in to kill Vinyl Scratch's set. She took the microphone from the DJ and took center stage.
As the music was cut short, the party stopped and all eyes were on Rainbow Dash. "I'm really sorry everypony, but this is an emergency. The Cloudsdale factory was sabotaged."
Hushed whispering erupted from the crowd.
"Sabotage?"
"Why?"
"What does she mean?"
Rainbow Dash started to quell the fear that she invoked in the party. "I don't want to scare anypony, but there is a storm coming. Seems somepony was able to keep the cloud producing machine on and at a faster speed. Whoever they are, they made sure that it wouldn't be easy to fix. As of right now, we have Cloudsdale's best working on the problem to stop the storm from growing, but I'm hear to soften to the blow. It's big enough to cause real damage, but I or should I say we pegasi can change that. All pegasi ponies. This is not a request, but an order. If we are to cause a dent in this we got to work together. I know there's only a hooffull of us here, but I think we can change the course of the storm so it hits less of the town."
"Why can't you just destroy it? Isn't it just like any other cloud?" Flitter asked from the crowd.
"When you take a look outside you'll see that it isn't an option. It's far too dense and diving through a storm is too dangerous. The only thing we can really do is move it."
Twilight took the soapbox from Rainbow Dash to calm the rest. "Now don't worry the rest of you. While the pegasi do have a mission, I've invited the rest of you to stay until the storm either passes or is safe enough to run to our respective homes. I can tell you right now, this tree house is one hundred percent protected by my magic and a magical lightning rod atop the home. Without a doubt we have plenty of food and drink thanks too the Cake's services."
The tension in the room shrunk with Twilight's kind offerings. Rainbow Dash didn't exactly like this because she knew she couldn't sit back and eat like the rest of them. "Yes. Twilight is right." She said slightly annoyed. "Pegasi. Meet me at the balcony. That means you too Thunderlane."
"I didn't say anything this time." said a stallion's voice somewhere in the crowd.
Fluttershy's legs were making their way towards Rainbow Dash's destination, but her mind was telling her to tuck tail and try and beat the storm before she got home. She tried to keep her breathing even as she was going in between ponies. Listening in from the conversations, it seemed Twilight's offer of safety gave the home a breath of relief. The ponies were concerned, but seemed to trust Twilight's word of refuge.
Fluttershy made it to the balcony. Returning to the place where she bore her emotions to Rarity was stirring the nervousness she was feeling. There were the few pegasi who attended the party. Thunderlane, Flitter, Cloudchaser and Blosssomforth. Each now with a small coat of rain on their coats and manes. Cloudschaser's usual up do was sliding down her neck and Thunderlane's mohawk was splitting down the middle giving him an unsavory part in his mane.
With the small, almost insignificant, team of of pegasi Rainbow Dash paced back and forth. Fluttershy never really gets to see Rainbow Dash be so serious and even the smallest part of her found it attractive despite it all.
"Kay guys. This is a long shot, but I feel if we pair up with teams of two, the combined wing power of the pairing should create a change in the current and divert the storm. If we're lucky entirely from the town, but I'm not going to lie. It's unlikely, but any amount is a job well done. Pair up now."
As expected Flitter and Cloudchaser were together and Thunderlane paired up with Blossomforth. Considering how hush they have kept their fighting, everypony expected her to be with Rainbow Dash. As the thought passed, the aforementioned pegasus walked up her her and whispered in her ear. Through the constant sound of rain Fluttershy was about to make out, "Look, I know we're not getting along so if you want me to pair up with Cloudchaser or whatever I won't feel offended."
Fluttershy thought back to her conversation with Rarity and how she promised to stay strong. It seemed there were multiple ways to represent strength. "No. It-It's fine. I want to be your partner."
The yellow pegasus wished she had picked better words as what she said could be misconstrued as something different, but if it instilled Rainbow Dash with some confidence for the moment then she had no regret. The cyan pegasus smiled. "Cool then. You know since we've been through a tough time I wasn't even going to force you to do this. When I saw you walk through that door, I was sort of surprised. Impressed even. You're a better mare than me I can tell you that much."
Th weather shifted to a light rain to a steady flow of droplets. Now Fluttershy had joined her pegasi brethren as a soaked pony. As she was staring back into Rainbow Dash's magenta eyes she saw a change. She didn't know why or how, but whatever happened at this party sparked something in her and it was showing slowly. However this was neither the time nor the place to delve deeper into her hypothesis.
Lightning struck in the distance and echoed to the pegasi. Rainbow Dash got up again and started commanding the teams. "The path is simple. Follow the borders of the town and lead it to the Everfree Forest then circle back and repeat. Make sure to not make a hurricane or tornado so keep the return trip half speed. Are we ready?"
"Yes Ma'am!" They all cheered.
"Thuderlane! Blossomforth! Go!" The two shot off and Rainbow Dash counted to ten in her head.
"Cloudchaser! Flitter! Go!" On command the duo left the safety of the tree house.
Rainbow Dash then stood next to Fluttershy. Both took a deep breath. "Remember. Give it your best out there. Every bit helps."
"No need to remind me." Fluttershy said. She felt the confidence, but a lot of her was still worried. Playing around in lightning was extremely bound in the pony's mind as a foal. It was a first for her and Rainbow Dash and anything could happen out there.
"Go!"
And they were off. Fluttershy knew Rainbow Dash was slowing her pace so she would keep up, but even at this speed the yellow pegasus was finding it almost impossible to keep up. She knew she couldn't falter though. It wasn't just bringing water to Cloudsdale or breaking some wind speed record. These were homes, businesses of their friends and hard working ponies. Fluttershy knew it was hard work and pressed on.
Many passes in, there was a shift in storm. The pegasi were exhausted, even Cloudchaser and Thunderlane, aspiring Wonderbolts, were needing to catch their breath. The only one still up and flying was Rainbow Dash. "Come on guys. Just a few hundred more passes."
"You make it sound" Thunderlane said while taking a deep breath, "Like it's easy for the rest of us. Just give us five minutes."
"In five minutes we can have fifty laps. Are we really taking a break?" she posed.
No pony spoke, but Rainbow Dash was able to see mutual agreement between them all. She rolled her eyes and gave a quick glance towards Fluttershy. She was in even worse shape than the rest. Laying on the deck of the town hall, the yellow pegasus' pink mane was plastered across her face and panting hard to recover. Fluttershy looked up, but expressed through her eyes that she was at capacity.
Rainbow Dash felt the groups' consensus, but decided to go on with her plans. "Fine. Whatever. You slackers join me in five minutes. I'll be going solo."
Fluttershy knew that tone. The disappointed tone whenever she let down Rainbow Dash. As much as she knew she was going to suffer, she promised her self to be strong. However saying it was different from doing it. Using all her willpower, she was able to lift her heavy head up from her long mane now soaked in rain. She extended her wings ready for flight and even found that to be a challenge. She was sore in places she didn't know she could be sore in, but now was not the time to concentrate on the details. It was a weak start, but she was able to catch up to Rainbow Dash on her pass by.
Unfortunately the spirit was stronger than the body. Fluttershy was overexerting herself and before she knew it was on top of a house unable to keep her pace. She watched as Rainbow Dash was carrying on in the distance. As she was flying, the cyan pegasus turned back, but being the expert flier that she was, was cruising as she kept her eye on Fluttershy. As she was making her way towards Fluttershy again she egged her to get up. As she was staggering to her hooves, a crash of thunder and a flash of lightning erupted in front of her.
She thought that mother nature was scary. The scene in front of her was far worse. A cyan blot was leaving a black smokey trail and sailing downwards. With the fear of adrenaline now flowing through her, Fluttershy flew at such a pace that she thought she would break the sound barrier. She caught up and cradled the cyan pegasus in her hooves. Unfortunately the epinephrine coursing through her was not enough for the new weight. It was a small decent at first, but it quickly went from bad to worse as the two were barreling towards the thickets of the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy tired to cover Rainbow Dash with her body, but the first branch made her go blank.
Rain. It was pouring around her. As her vision focused she looked around. Trees as tall as the sky and around her a myriad of broken branches. Her brain may have been rattled, but all that was burned into her mind was the falling Rainbow Dash. She could barely piece together what had happened, but knew her partner was hurt and with the first steps of trying to find her, she found out she was injured too. Her front fore hoof was throbbing with pain and as she tried to extend one of her wings, she felt one of the tips bent. Seems the adrenaline wasn't as powerful as she hoped as discovering her injuries only made the ones she didn't know about materialize in pain Small tears formed from the new found pain. Fluttershy toughened up and held the tears in. The rain made the field of view hazy. Tears on top of that would blind the pony.
Now slowed down, she trudged along the muddy path. Her head being dragged down as her hair was collecting mud. As her mind was regaining proper thought patterns, she was able to use logic to determine where she might have lost Rainbow Dash. She followed her course which led her to a skid now being covered with water. She followed it a few hundred feet till she saw a cyan figure amongst the dark brown and green. As fast as she could, she hobbled towards the scene. Fluttershy didn't think it was possible, but Rainbow Dash was in worse shape than she was and was looking only at one side. She didn't know what was on the other side, but judging from the way her wing was bending, it couldn't be any better. Fluttershy collapsed next to her lover and nudged her face.
"Please Rainbow Dash wake up." The first tear dropped as their faces touched. No response.
"I-I need you. Get up Rainbow Dash." She sobbed out as the realization was kicking in.
"Rainbow..." What came out next was inaudible as the yellow pegasus gave out a gut wrenching wail. She screamed so hard that she was giving herself stitches in her stomach that prevented her from carrying on, which at the time was beneficial. She felt the strain on her vocal chords and any longer would have blown out them out. The mare broke down. Tears pouring from her glands. Hopelessness set in as Fluttershy looked around. No friends. No help. No anything. She looked down her her pegasus. She was breathing, but for how long. If Rainbow Dash was a mirror image of her injuries then both of them were lucky to have even survived. Feeling the total desolation of the situation was sinking in, Fluttershy was trembling with fear. The fear of dying now circling her brain as she felt the grasp of the reaper slowly numb her into submission. She slowly lay opposite Rainbow Dash, eyes wide open, paralyzed by the blackness of death.
Thanks for reading. This is part one of the finale of act two and hope to see you then for its' conclusion. If you just so happen to be a Rarijack fan, I also have a story for them as well. So check if out. Review, favorite and follow. Have a nice day.
