Chapter 3: The Dilemma
~Early Morning~
Pinkie Pie awoke slowly and quietly, blinking to adjust her eyes to the light streaming in from her open window, likely the doing of Mrs. Cake. Pinkie Pie then realized she felt a cool, wet sensation on her cheeks and lifted a hoof up to her face, confused. She gasped when she felt the salty tears. She had been crying in her sleep? This was a first.
But…why?
Pinkie Pie fought to remember what her dream had been, but she was only getting little pieces that flashed through her mind before she could process them completely.
Just when Pinkie Pie had decided she didn't want to remember why, the pieces had already clicked together in her head. And fresh tears started to pool in her sky blue eyes.
"Rainbow Dash," she murmured, the silent tears trailing down her cold cheeks. "Why didn't you catch me?"
In that moment, Pinkie Pie wished now more than ever that Rainbow Dash was there to comfort her in this big, lonely bed.
~Later That Same Morning~
Rainbow Dash was, of all things, walking slowly down through Ponyville, ignoring everypony's attempts to converse with her. It was clear that she was not in the mood.
She had ditched her job as a Weather Patrol member and had slept in instead, even though she was expected to help make it rain today. For now, she was just thankful that her morning was so far Pinkie Pie free.
But she knew it wouldn't last.
Pinkie was a very demanding girlfriend, now that Rainbow Dash thought about it; always expecting to see her every day, always wanting to cuddle, always insisting they do things together, and then always complaining when Rainbow Dash failed to meet these obligations. That is why Rainbow Dash preferred to be surrounded by their other friends when they were together-that way the most she could do was glance at her a little longer than necessary and share secret smiles.
Well, I've gone in far too deep to stop it now, Rainbow Dash thought bitterly.
Because no matter what, she couldn't forget that there was always that chance, that possible threat, that if Rainbow Dash were to break it off with Pinkie Pie, she would do something to herself; something horrible. Something…deadly.
Rainbow Dash shuddered; she still couldn't wrap her mind around how Pinkie Pie could go to such extremes. Then again, everything was extreme when it came to Pinkie Pie.
She sighed inwardly. I really hope her crush on me blows over soon.
Then, while she was walking, she happened to catch something out of the corner of her eye. Rainbow Dash turned toward a piece of paper on the ground that had faded, dirty hoof prints all over it. Obviously, it had been out like this for some time. Wait a second…
Rainbow Dash squealed in delight, causing the ponies around her to cast her confused and concerned stares. But Rainbow Dash didn't care. Because this dirty piece of paper proclaimed in all capital letters and exclamation points that the famous Wonderbolts were coming-to Ponyville!
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh…
Rainbow Dash was seeing stars-she couldn't believe it! They were coming to Ponyville. Of all places!
I bet they heard that I lived here and wanted to see if it was true, Rainbow Dash thought to herself smugly. Her dreams were crushed however when she read more on the event.
IT'S NEXT WEEK? As in, next week on the day of the Square Dance Party? You have GOT to be pulling my tail.
Now Rainbow Dash was stumped. Either she went to the Square Dance Party to make Pinkie Pie happy, or she could go see the Wonderbolts and possibly be added to the squad this time.
In the end, it wasn't a very hard decision.
~At the Library~
Twilight Sparkle, also known as Celestia's most faithful student, had her lavender snout in a book when the front door flung open to reveal a sopping wet Rainbow Dash, which she inferred was due to the heavy rain pouring outside.
"Twilight!"
"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight could read the distress clearly on her face, "What's the problem?" Twilight carefully placed the book back on the shelf in its proper spot as she had been merely skimming through it to verify something in her studies. But now she was done with it, and it looked like Rainbow Dash required her undivided attention.
"I need some advice." Rainbow Dash stated simply, stamping her muddy hooves on the welcome mat and walking further inside; however the door closed shut behind her due to Twilight Sparkle's horn's magic rather than Rainbow Dash's decency to remember to close it.
"Okay, what kind of advice?" Twilight Sparkle asked, turning toward her friend fully.
Rainbow Dash's ears flapped down in embarrassment and she looked like she was harboring a dilemma inside, "Um…relationship…advice." She finally said, not looking up from the floor. She better not laugh.
Twilight Sparkle arched a skeptical brow, "Relationship advice?" she repeated, just to make sure she'd heard her right.
"Uh…yes." Rainbow Dash answered, feeling blood rush into her cheeks.
"Well, uh, I'm not really well…educated in that department." Twilight Sparkle confessed rather awkwardly.
Rainbow Dash sighed. Even the smartest pony in Ponyville can't help me.
"But, I will try my best." she said, still a little uneasy. Rainbow Dash perked up, "Awesome. So there's this pony…"
"Uh huh."
"And sh-they like me…in that way." Rainbow Dash hinted, not wanting to get into it. Twilight Sparkle nodded her understanding.
"And I don't see them that way. But this pony was threatening to-"
"Woah, woah, woah! Back up. Rainbow Dash, abusive relationships are NOT okay. You have to break it off with this pony, as soon as possible." Twilight Sparkle interjected, very much concerned for her friend now.
"You didn't let me finish!" Rainbow Dash pointed out, annoyed. "Anyway, this pony isn't threatening ME; they're threatening THEMSELVES."
Twilight Sparkle puzzled over this new information; what could she mean by that..?
A light bulb went off in Twilight Sparkle's head after some time thinking on it and she gasped out loud, staring at Rainbow Dash in shock.
"Oh Celestia! Rainbow Dash, who is it?" Twilight Sparkle clamored, leaving Rainbow Dash barely any time to think of what to say next.
"That's not important right-"
"It is so important!"
"No! Just listen, okay? I-"
"Rainbow Dash, just tell me who it is! We have to help this pony; they are obviously very unstable and need to see a professional about their problems." Twilight Sparkle insisted, getting angry with Rainbow Dash for refusing to disclose who it was.
"I can't, Twilight. Please, just tell me what I should do and I'll take care of it myself." Rainbow Dash pleaded desperately, almost begging.
Twilight Sparkle looked on in confliction; should she let Rainbow Dash handle it alone or persuade her further in accepting her assistance in this imperatively dire situation? Then, after debating over it in her head, she finally closed her eyes and, letting Rainbow Dash know she had given in, said "Fine."
"Thank you." Rainbow Dash said, relieved and surprised at Twilight Sparkle's compliance and trust in her. "Anyway, the reason I am telling you this is because I have recently discovered some awesome news."
"Which is…?" Twilight Sparkled urged her on.
"The Wonderbolts are coming!" Rainbow Dash trilled, smiling wide.
"What? No, they aren't."
"But I saw a flyer for it!" Rainbow Dash replied sharply, her wings automatically unfurling to make herself look bigger, almost as if she were threatening Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle shrinked back, "Uh-okay, they are. So...?"
"So! So, this means I have to go see them. I have to. But…," Rainbow Dash trailed off, sighing as her wings snapped back into place on her pale blue body. "the day the Wonderbolts come is also the day of the Square Dance Party. And my date wants to go to the Square Dance Party together or else who knows what they'll do?" Rainbow Dash finished ominously and looked to Twilight Sparkle for her answer to solve everything.
And Twilight Sparkle had seen the obvious solution, even though it apparently hadn't occurred to Rainbow Dash. But that solution wasn't what Rainbow Dash really needed. What she needed was a clean break with this mystery pony.
"Rainbow Dash…I don't know." Twilight Sparkle feigned cluelessness. "I really think you should consider letting them down easy. They're manipulating your emotions and that's not okay. Tell them the situation and they should understand." Twilight Sparkle implored her.
"You really think I should?" Rainbow Dash asked doubtfully.
"Yes. I really do." Twilight answered honestly, offering a small smile.
"Well…okay, Twilight." Rainbow Dash finally consented reluctantly; Twilight beamed at her. "I just hope you're right."
"Trust me; it's the best thing for the both of you." Twilight promised reassuringly.
~Sugarcube Corner~
Pinkie Pie was test tasting Mr. and Mrs. Cake's pastries; currently she was munching on some sugar cookies and then would work her way to the blueberry muffins.
At times like these when she was distraught over something, treats and snacks would help her boost back into her normal Pinkie Pie mindset. But, so far, it wasn't working.
Pinkie Pie couldn't get her mind off the upsetting dream she had last night, and then to make matters worse, she had cantered to the pegasus's house only to discover that Rainbow Dash wouldn't fly down no matter how many times she called her name or how loud she persisted on it. There was no answer.
Pinkie Pie had chalked it up to Rainbow Dash's usual laziness-but what if it meant more? She hadn't seen Rainbow ever since she had told her about the Square Dance Party. As much as she hated to even consider it, what if she was avoiding her? Was I being too pushy on the Square Dance Party? She wondered to herself.
Pinkie Pie reflected on what Rainbow Dash might be feeling and thinking. She certainly wasn't jumping for joy when Pinkie Pie mentioned it to her-maybe the Square Dance Party wasn't a good idea, after all. And Rainbow Dash's well being was the first priority here. Besides, there will always be other parties.
Pinkie Pie sighed. If Rainbow Dash didn't want to go, then she wouldn't force her. She wanted her to be genuinely happy.
Now all she had to do was tell her.
~The Flight to Sugarcube Corner~
Rainbow Dash was haunted by so many thoughts racing through her head during her voyage through the moist air; should I follow through? I don't want to lose Pinkie's friendship…I actually like hanging out with her…No, I can't wimp out. I have to do this-it's for the best.
All of this brain activity on the matter made the trip to Sugarcube Corner go by in a flash-it also helped that she was the fastest pegasus in Ponyville. Rainbow Dash even accidentally passed the gingerbread house but made a swift turn when she realized her mistake and settled to the muddy ground gracefully. She already had the speech in mind for what she was about to confess to Pinkie and strode to the door confidently.
She took in a breath and peeked through the heart shaped peephole on the door, in case Pinkie was in the main room.
She was.
"Hey, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash announced her arrival, letting herself in.
Pinkie Pie looked over her shoulder at her from the counter, giving a brief smile.
"Hiya, Dashie," she replied, crumbs of sugar cookies flinging from her mouth as she chewed and talked at the same time. She swallowed; then, turning away from the tray of sugar cookies she'd been testing the edibility of, she hopped right beside Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbo-" she started.
"Pinkie, we need to talk." Rainbow Dash interrupted tightly.
Pinkie Pie blinked at this. "Oh, okay, you can go first."
"Not here." Rainbow Dash decided, looking up the staircase. "Privately."
"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie Pie bounded to the staircase, hopping up the steps two at a time which caused Rainbow to grimace in concern for Pinkie. It was likely she might trip and break her neck. Then again, it was just as likely that her crazy, bouncy hair might break her fall.
"Hurry up, slow pokey!" Pinkie Pie giggled and grinned from the top of the staircase, reveling in the fact that she was able to stare down at the pegasus for once instead of the other way around.
Rainbow Dash observed how happy and carefree Pinkie Pie seemed; what she was about to do would change that though. And now she felt sick.
Rainbow Dash made her way up the stairs quietly and at a slow pace, reciting the speech in her head with every step she made. Pinkie Pie became a little bit concerned of the fact that Rainbow Dash was moving slower than Applejack's Granny Smith.
"Dashie, is something wrong?" Pinkie Pie asked, her eyebrows furrowing to illustrate her worry.
"No…I'm okay." Rainbow Dash muttered; four steps away from the next floor. Pinkie Pie didn't look convinced but just shrugged it off and went inside her room. Music in the form of synth backbeats could be heard omitting from it not five seconds after.
Rainbow Dash dragged herself inside the room, recognizing the music as she did. It was-
"It's the song I sang to you." Pinkie Pie said for her, gaining Rainbow Dash's attention so she could see her dancing all around the room, the music coming from a big, pink stereo. Just the instrumental was playing though-no singing this time, thank Celestia.
Pinkie Pie suddenly leaped over to Rainbow Dash, smiling madly. "Come on, Dashie! Show me your moves!" she giggled, throwing her forehooves around Rainbow in an attempt to make her spin and join her fun. Rainbow Dash resisted but that Pinkie Pie was strong for her size! Soon, she had spun Rainbow Dash like an out of control record player.
"Waaa-ahhh," Rainbow Dash stammered, getting dizzy. "Pinkie, I'm here to tell you something." She reminded her, after she had stopped her spinning.
"I know!" Pinkie Pie chirped, twirling all around her in a circle. "It's just you looked like you needed a laugh!" she took hold of Rainbow Dash's forehooves to bring her closer, let it slack, pull them back, let it slack, and then tugged them back toward herself again. Rainbow Dash was pretty sure they'd accidentally bump heads, causing a headache for the next hour or so.
"Pinkie!" Rainbow Dash complained.
"If you're happy and you know it, clop your hoovesies! If you're happy and you know it, clop your hoovesies! If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it. If you're happy and you know it-"
"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash tried again, smothering a smile that threatened to take hold of her face. But because Pinkie Pie's smiles and laughter were contagious, it was hard; she was just so full of happy, bouncy energy that one couldn't help but be drawn to her and want to be part of the fun, too!
"Yessss?" Pinkie Pie drawled, smiling cutely. Wait…cutely? Where did that come from? Rainbow Dash shook her head to rid of the thought.
"I didn't come here to play-"
"Oh, I know that, Dashie! If you had come here to play I would have already whipped out the silly string!" she cut in. "But, I'll save that for later." she added with a wink.
Silly string?
"So, what's been bugging you, hmm?" Pinkie Pie looked at Rainbow Dash expectantly.
Rainbow Dash could feel her heart beat quicken in anticipation. This was it.
"I…I…"
Rainbow Dash's grapple for words did not go unnoticed by Pinkie Pie.
"Try saying it really fast so you don't have to think about it." Pinkie Pie suggested, but only managed to disorientate Rainbow Dash's resolve to possibly break the pink party pony's heart.
"Pinkie, please, just stop talking." Rainbow Dash pleaded, closing her eyes as if it pained her to even have to look at the pony.
Pinkie Pie was silent.
And now, with her eyes closed shut, Rainbow Dash could get the words out easier. Because it was like Pinkie Pie wasn't even there and what she was about to say wasn't actually being said.
"Pinkie Pie, you've been an awesome girlfriend. The first I ever had. And these past three months have been fun." And it had. Once, they had gone to the zoo and Pinkie Pie threw a huge fit because she had wanted to see alligators, with teeth, but instead she was stuck with a turtle exhibit.
There was also that time last month when they'd had the chance to watch a horror movie showing at the trot-in theatre, which Rainbow Dash might have enjoyed more if she had been watching from a comfy cloud. Then again, she might have fallen asleep that way. Watching the big screen from the ground, however, Pinkie Pie made it impossible to snooze by screeching every five seconds, spewing popcorn everywhere, laughing at inappropiate moments, and clinging (read: choking) when a scene would get too intense for her.
Oh, and she couldn't forget the time they went to a bowling alley together where Pinkie Pie accidentally threw the bowling ball too hard in the wrong direction, causing quite a bit of destruction and scaring more than a few innocent bystanders. Needless to say, they were kicked out. Then there was that time they'd gone to an indoor skating rink and-wait, she was getting off topic, wasn't she?
"But…I don't think we can continue on like this anymore." Rainbow Dash rambled on before Pinkie Pie could get a word in, "It's not you, it's me. I'm just not ready to be as committed to a relationship as you are. I have other stuff I want to do, dreams to fulfill, and… and you're just gonna hold me back." All the words were awkward in Rainbow Dash's mouth; probably because most of the words weren't hers. She had, grudgingly, taken Twilight Sparkle's advice a step further by making her speech using a magazine she'd lent her. According to Twilight, it revealed a surefire way to end a relationship on a good note within its pages. Rainbow Dash, not being much of a reader, merely skimmed through it and picked what she thought was good. The real hard part was to remember all the gushy stuff to say.
Too bad Pinkie Pie saw right through it.
"Dashie, did you get that from some dating advice magazine?" she accused, eyes squinted in suspicion.
"No. I mean, uh, yeah." Rainbow Dash decided honesty was the best thing to use when a pony was looking at you the way Pinkie Pie was right now.
Pinkie Pie sighed, frowning now. "Well, if you're gonna break up with me, at least let it come from your heart."
"M-my heart?" Rainbow Dash echoed, automatically covering her chest with one hoof where her heart beat from underneath in alarm, as if Pinkie Pie was going to try and take it from her somehow.
Pinkie Pie gave a slight smile then grimaced, "Uh…yeah. Let it come from what you're feeling inside-not some silly filly magazine."
"Oh." Rainbow Dash said understandingly, embarrassed for thinking otherwise.
Pinkie Pie waited in silence, allowing Rainbow Dash time to think.
Rainbow Dash took in a deep breath and finally spoke her mind: "Pinkie Pie…I'm sorry. I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you this but…I don't like you… I mean, not in the way you want. And I need more time devoted to training in order to become a Wonderbolt."
Pinkie Pie nodded with now glistening eyes. "I was afraid you'd say that..."
"But don't you dare go and do something to hurt yourself-I won't let you." Rainbow Dash warned, her eyes narrowing in defiance.
Pinkie Pie cocked an eyebrow at this in confusion, "What?"
Rainbow Dash's harsh gaze didn't soften, "I mean it, Pinkie. I'll be watching you like a hawk."
Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes, "Have you been hanging out with Gilda again?"
"W-what? No." Rainbow Dash sputtered, disoriented as to why Pinkie Pie was taking everything she said so lightly.
"Well, I have noooo idea what you're talking about."
Rainbow Dash stamped her hoof in impatience, "You…" Now she was fighting back tears! What was wrong with her? "The night you asked me out…you…y-you were going to kill yourself!"
Pinkie Pie's eyes doubled in size and she stared, dumbfounded, as if this was news to her. "WHAT?"
Now Rainbow Dash knew her tears were out of anger, "You stupid pony! I saw you, you know! I saw you out on the balcony about to take your life, because you couldn't bear the rejection. Because you liked me and I didn't return your feelings."
Pinkie Pie's mouth formed an "o" in…surprise? Horror? Realization? Rainbow Dash couldn't read her expression well because of the tears blurring her vision.
"Rainbow Dash…" she heard her murmur softly, not sounding at all like the loud-mouth Pinkie Pie she knew.
Rainbow Dash wiped her tears away in frustration and could now see that Pinkie Pie was looking at her and smiling. Smiling?
"Oh, Dashie…" she said, still smiling and now shaking her head."What you said isn't true at all." she said matter of factly.
Rainbow Dash blinked.
"What do you mea-"
"I was never going to …do what you said." Pinkie Pie informed her, skipping around the word for it deliberately. "Not even you could drive me that loco."
Rainbow Dash took this all in and felt a subtle weight lift off her shoulders; she had always been hoping she'd jump to the wrong conclusion-that her mind had been playing tricks on her that night. And now she knew… Pinkie Pie was still Pinkie Pie! She was going to be alright.
Rainbow Dash's face broke into a watery smile, her tears changing to those of relief.
Wow, I haven't done this much crying since I was a little filly.
"Pinkie Pie," she breathed and the two ponies hugged each other, happy they both held no more secrets from each other and that, as a result, their minds were finally at ease.
The earth pony and pegasus spent the rest of the day together inside Sugarcube Corner-baking cookies, enjoying each other's company, playing indoor games (one of them involving yarn balls & silly string), and laughing. Lots and lots of laughing.
Rainbow Dash had almost forgot that Pinkie Pie had ever wanted more from her-until it was time to go home...
"Those cookies were the best-and you're totally welcome to send any leftovers my way." Rainbow Dash said, winking as she patted her belly. Pinkie Pie blushed, though it was inconspicuous due to her coat's color, and smiled, "I'm glad you liked them."
"Mmm, guess I should start my flight home now." Rainbow Dash remarked, gazing outside the front door where the sunset painted the sky fiery orange and red. All of Ponyville was settling down for Luna's beautiful night; but until then, they had this precious moment between night and day.
"Yeah…um, Dashie?" Pinkie Pie was standing next to Rainbow Dash and she turned her head to look at her while she spoke, instead of the glorious view the world outside had to offer.
"Yeah?" Rainbow Dash replied without looking to see the conflicted expression on Pinkie Pie's face.
"I want to try something…before you go."
"Try what?" Rainbow Dash asked, still watching the sunset play colors on the roof tops of Ponyville. Totally awesome.
Pinkie Pie didn't answer.
Rainbow Dash finally faced Pinkie Pie, confusion and concern etching into her face. "Pinkie-?"
Mmmph!
Rainbow Dash was startled into reticence when Pinkie Pie filled the gap between them to capture her lips in a passionate kiss.
Rainbow Dash's wings automatically reacted by flapping about wildly without her permission and she stared ahead wide eyed. Pinkie Pie didn't seem to notice though as her eyes were closed to enjoy the kiss properly. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash just stood there, clueless of what to do. How do you…what do I…this is…
Just when Rainbow Dash thought of how to respond, Pinkie Pie broke the impetuous kiss.
"Uh...sorry." Pinkie Pie apologized breathlessly, blushing. And Rainbow Dash just continued to stare at nothing in particular with a blank expression.
"Uh…um…well…that was…unexpected." Rainbow Dash finally managed to say, still in shock both mentally and physically.
"Yeah…" Pinkie Pie agreed and laughed nervously.
An awkward silence stretched out between them.
"Oh, is that Gummy?" Pinkie Pie wondered out loud, referring to no noise Rainbow Dash could detect. "I better go check on him."
"…Okay." Rainbow Dash said dumbly.
Pinkie Pie scurried up the stairs and Rainbow Dash didn't see her again for a long time.
~Dream Scene~
Pinkie Pie was clinging with all her might on the edge of a cliff, struggling to pull herself up. But she just couldn't do it. She wasn't strong enough…she needed help.
"Somepony…help…" she panted, feeling the urge to let go overtake her whole body. No! She had to hold on! Just a little bit longer…just a little bit-
"Pinkie Pie?" said a voice out of the darkness.
Pinkie Pie weakly lifted her head up in acknowledgement, letting herself hope that help had finally come.
There up on top of the cliff, leaning down, was the answer to Pinkie Pie's prayers.
"Rainbow Dash," she said softly, smiling as relieved tears made little rivulets down her face. "You came."
"Of course I came." Rainbow Dash chided, smiling down at the pink pony.
"I'm so happy to see you, I th-"
Cutting her sentence short, an explosion of smoke and sparks lit up the velvet night sky. Pinkie Pie instinctively flinched, almost losing her grip. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash had turned her back on Pinkie Pie to ogle up at the sky.
"Oh my gosh! That could only be…the Wonderbolts! They're here!" Rainbow Dash squealed excitedly, completely forgetting the distressed pony barely hanging onto the cliff behind her.
"Rain-"
"I have to go talk to them! This might be my chance!" Rainbow Dash realized aloud and then, Pinkie Pie's protests falling on deaf ears, she flew up into the air-on her way to see her number one role models.
Pinkie Pie whimpered, slipping further and further-she'd never noticed what a muddy cliffside it was before! Her hooves kicked uselessly against the face of the cliff that would be the end of her. She kept struggling, struggling, and struggling until finally...she gave up.
"Goodbye, Rainbow Dash." Pinkie Pie whispered, suddenly realizing with perfect clarity that she didn't care if she broke all her bones. Her heart was already broken. And so, she let herself drop through the cool, night air where she would disappear into the unknown.
~End of Dream Scene~