I worked really hard on this big chonky chapter. You also get to see Adorabella's POV. I hope you all enjoy this chapter :3
(Mini time-lapse)
Adorabella and Ralph had spent a good few hours at the Wonderbolts open day. Adorabella had talked to a few other ponies, which she accidentally bumped into. Luckily they were friendly, but she hadn't managed to make more friends as for now. She wondered how she could quickly become friends with Ralph, but not any other pony. Perhaps it'll come with practice once she fully knew how to make friends on her own.
(End of time-lapse)
The open day is just getting more and more busy. The more ponies, the more overwhelmed Adorabella's head gets.
"I- I need to go... it's getting too much..."
"Fair enough, I'll see you around tomorrow," Ralph nodded. He extends his right forehoof out. Then unexpectedly, Adorabella shakily reaches for his hoof with her left forehoof. The 2 shake hooves before letting go. Ralph quivers with joy, because Adorabella's white hooves felt so light, gentle, and innocent.
"Remember what I said? Treat strangers as if they don't exist, alright?" Ralph double checked. Adorabella nods, not as if she needs reminding.
"Also before you go, here's some more tips. Try not to think about the past wehn you go to Fillydelphia, alright? Treat it as if you were going to a new place and a new city, with new adventures, new stories. Now I'll cya tomorrow. For whatever reason I'm not at Sugarcube Corner tomorrow, I'll be there the day after to make it up," Ralph advised, which Adorabella takes on board. Then, Adorabella takes off, both waving to each other, both smiling at one another.
(Fluttershy's cottage)
Some time later...
Knock knock knock...
Fluttershy gets off of the sofa and walks to the door. She opens it and sees Adorabella, pulling her hood down.
"Oh, hello Adorabella, come in come in," Fluttershy gently smiled. Adorabella returns the gentle smile. Adorabella walks in, and closes the door for Fluttershy. The 2 walks to the sofa at the opposite end of the door. The 2 then sat down on it.
"So how was your day?" Fluttershy lightly asked. She tries being careful with how she speaks so she doesn't startle Adorabella.
"I'm... I... I don't know- I mean, I'm fine... but I- I don't know... I've had the best week, ever... but after some time I just feel... flat. I don't know how to explain it," Adorabella explained how she's feeling.
"I understand... maybe it's because you're overwhelmed?" Fluttershy thought.
"Yeah... I can definitely say it's been overwhelming, b- but in a good way," Adorabella agreed. She just couldn't find the word to describe her feelings and emotions.
"I... I really appreciate everything. I... I feel a lot better. Not perfect, but I feel alright."
"That's good to hear Adorabella. You sound a lot more healthy too," Fluttershy smiled.
"Is there anything you want me to do to help you?" Adorabella asked.
"Um..." Fluttershy thinks to herself for a moment.
"...well... I need to feed my animal friends... I also need to make the bed for Angel bunny."
"Okay, where's the bed?" Adorabella asked.
"It's upstairs but... would you like anything to eat first? I want you to feel at home," Fluttershy offered. Adorabella politely declines.
"I'm... not a huge eater," Adorabella replied.
"Well let's go upstairs and- and I can show you the spare bedroom too when it's night time," Said Fluttershy. The two pegasuses got off the sofa and starts walking over to the stairs.
"I'm uh- I'm worried... about tomorrow... it's the crowd strangers..." Adorabella sheepishly admitted.
"I'm also scared I'll bump into the bullies again and- I'm just scared in general Fluttershy..." Adorabella added. She has to go to Fillydelphia to show Rainbow Dash's support. But at the same time she's afraid she'll get recognized.
"It'll be okay, my friends are going to watch the show too. We'll be there as well. We will keep you safe Adorabella," Fluttershy gently reassured.
"I used to be a bit like you. I don't really like big crowds either, and I still don't... but as long as I have my friends, I'm okay," Fluttershy added.
"Yeah... crowds are scary, b- because you don't know what p- ponies are in them," Adorabella agreed. Both pegasuses are able to relate to the fact they can be overwhelmed by things such as big crowds, they can both be easily startled, they're both reserved, they've both been bullied, and they're both shy. Adorabella and Fluttershy can see they have a lot in common with each other when they think about it.
"I'm a bit better with crowds now... so if you need a um, some time out, I can come with you and we'll find somewhere," Fluttershy gently reassured.
"Thank you... thank you..." Adorabella lightly smiled, her eyes start swelling, and watering. The 2 stop walking as they're at the stairs. Fluttershy slowly reaches for Adorabella with her left forehoof. The white pegasus steps closer to the yellow pegasus to allow her to hug.
For the rest of the day, Adorabella voluntarily helped Fluttershy with taking care of the animals. The 2 pegasuses had quite a bit in common, and talked a lot. They become close friends, just like how close both are to Rainbow Dash.
(Time skipping to tomorrow morning)
The mane 6 as well as Spike and Starlight are at the Ponyville Train Station, except for Rainbow Dash as she'll already be in Fillydelphia. Right now, they're waiting on Fluttershy. While waiting, Starlight is reading a magazine, which she's levitating it in front of her with magic.
"The train is about to arrive. What's taking her so long?" Starlight wondered, because usually Fluttershy never takes as look as she does.
"She could b' bringin' another friend along. That's why we got the extra ticket, jus' ta be safe," Applejack stated.
Fluttershy and Adorabella had just arrived at the train station. Adorabella does her usual glances around her to check her surroundings. But she very quickly remembers what Ralph said about other ponies minding their own business more than worrying about them having a desire to do harm and the chances of them wanting to do harm in public is negligible.
There is an office window which ponies are lining up towards, to purchase and reserve train tickets. There is also a lobby with a sitting area with a small snack bar, and a public uni-sex toilet. By the inside office window in the lobby there are secure lockers that can hold in small items. Then there's the platform, which they're on.
"Hey Fluttershy, luckily you got here on time and- who's under the cloak?" Twilight wondered, she couldn't quite tell. The cloak obscured the face from light. But the pony briefly pulls it down before pulling it back up.
"Oh, Adorabella, pleased to see you. Are you coming to watch the Wonderbolt show in Fillydelphia?" Twilight gently said. Adorabella weakly nods, waving with her left forehoof. The others say hello too, especially Pinkie Pie.
"Who's she?" Starlight asked, stepping over to Twilight, looking at the cloaked pegasus.
"Oh, we know her through Rainbow," Twilight replied.
"Adorabella, this is Starlight. Starlight, this is Adorabella," Twilight introduced the pegasus and unicorn to each other.
"H- he- hello," Adorabella sheepishly stuttered.
"Nice to meet you Adorabella- huh?" As Starlight stepped close to Adorabella to introduce herself a little bit, her magic conked out, making her drop the newspaper. She steps back to use her magic to reach for it, but it doesn't work. Magic doesn't work near Adorabella it appeared. She steps over to grab the newspaper with her left forehoof and then steps back.
"Uh... um... uh um... " Adorabella nervously stammered.
"What's... wrong... Starlight?" Fluttershy asked, gritting her teeth, knowing it's the shard on Adorabella's necklace cancelling out Starlight's magic.
"For some reason, when I go near Adorabella, my magic decides stop working. I don't know why though," Starlight explained.
"Maybe it's Discord?" Adorabella quickly thought of an excuse, to deflect the attention from finding out about the shard on her necklace.
"Discord wouldn't do such a thing. Sure he may like to wind us up but... that isn't the kind of thing he does when he wants to wind us up," Rarity countermanded, getting a little suspicious. But not as suspicious as Applejack. Not only can Applejack tell something is up with Adorabella, she can also tell Fluttershy is feeling uneasy.
"Ow long 'ave we go' till the train arrives? Ah wanna talk ta them two," Applejack requested, looking at Adorabella and Fluttershy.
"We still got ten minutes," Pinkie Pie stated. Adorabella, Applejack and Fluttershy walk away from the group to talk.
"Ah know you got somethin' on ya. It's hard for a lie ta pass 'round me," Applejack stated. Adorabella looks down, then looks at Applejack.
"The shard stops anypony near me using magic," Adorabella bluntly stated.
"Why did you blame it on Discord?" Fluttershy asked.
"I didn't want anypony to take it off me... because without it I don't feel safe," Adorabella sheepishly admitted. The 3 ponies sit down. Adorabella wants to trust them fully, and the only way to know she can is explaining why she feels safe with the necklace.
"One t- time... a stallion throw a molotov with a love potion in it... b- because I- I became- immune... I wasn't affected... and at that time... Discord and Tirek a- appeared and t- took his magic while I got a- away and the shard on my necklace even stopped Discord getting near me and prevented Tirek catching me in time to steal my magic..." Adorabella sighed after explaining about the incident in the Everfree Forest. Adorabella doesn't know why but it felt good explaining it. It shouldn't feel good explaining it, because it's so difficult to talk about.
"T'ank you for bein' honest. It's definitely understand'ble why y'be hesitant to trust. Had ya explain it ta beginnin' it'd be fine. Yer using yer necklace solely to defend yerself, and t'at is fine. At least ya ain't gotta keep it all in yerself now sugarcube, you got Rainbow and us now," Applejack responded, giving a reassuring light smile. Applejack and Fluttershy can definitely understand how the event affected Adorabella. That event has stuck to Adorabella's mind like permanent glue.
"Also, um... Discord changed since then. He was manipulated by Tirek. It may not excuse him helping Tirek, but Discord has changed. Maybe I could have you two talk it out and put that behind," Fluttershy gently reassured. She wants Discord apologize to Adorabella's face. Adorabella likely knows Discord since then has changed, and her slow nodding suggests that. The 3 ponies then hear the train whistling, so they regroup with the others.
"Well now we know w'at it is. She's wearin' a necklace t'at cancels out magic nearby. Bu' given her tellin' us why... I don't blame 'er one bit," Applejack explained. Twilight, Rarity and Starlight are okay with it, because it only affects anypony near the necklace on Adorabella, it didn't affect anypony within a huge radius. It is also Adorabella's way of defending herself, and ponies have their own ways of defending themselves.
They then all hear the train whistle, the loud whistle making Adorabella terribly jump briefly into air, badly flinching before landing back down. The whistle was so loud and shook Adorabella so bad, she felt like she was going to have a heart attack.
Everypony else looks left and sees the steam train puffing out steam, screeching along the tracks as it slows down, applying the brakes. The doors on the carts open, and flocks of ponies leave.
The 5 of 6 present mane 6, as well as Adorabella, Starlight and Spike get into a line, joining with the line getting into the cart nearest to the train itself. Fluttershy goes in front of Adorabella. Fluttershy would usually be further back and has one of her friends show her ticket for her, but out of her other friends that are present, she is who Adorabella trusts the most.
Fluttershy gives the 2 tickets to the conductor, then she and Adorabella gets on the train carriage. Adorabella immediately goes to the far left side on the sit, opening the windows, in case she has to dart out. Fluttershy can tell Adorabella feels very uneasy. Fluttershy sits down next to her and gently puts her left forehoof on Adorabella's right shoulder. Immediately she can feel Adorabella calming down. Then, Adorabella leans on Fluttershy, making her flinch slightly. But Fluttershy allows Adorabella to, because it's making Adorabella feel safe and secure.
Meanwhile, the others came over. They sat down at the same area Adorabella and Fluttershy are at. All of them hear a whistle blow, the engine chugging, and then, there's movement. The train is departing from the station. Soon enough, the train fully departs and is heading for Fillydelphia, with only 2 other stations being in the way, which are in Appleloosa and Dodge Junction.
"Are you okay, Adorabella darling?" Rarity asked Adorabella.
"I'm okay..." Adorabella quietly replied. She feels safe being clung to Fluttershy.
"Is there anything you would like to get off your chest?" Twilight quietly asked. She had some gauge that Adorabella has something on her mind.
"I... I want to open up... I want to share my past with you... to show I trust you," Adorabella quietly replied.
"You don't have to if you're not fully comfortable," Starlight reassured.
"Yeah but keeping something bothering you bottled up inside is just as bad," Spike stated.
Anyway, Adorabella starts sharing her past. It isn't that Rainbow Dash and her friends saving Equestria on multiple occasions that makes Adorabella trust them. It's that they are also the ones who got Rock and Catch detained, the 2 males that had harassed her and on many occasions came close to doing something to her. That alone tells Adorabella that she can trust Rainbow Dash's friends as much as she trusts Rainbow Dash herself.
"... that's why I'm scared of going to Fillydelphia... there was never any light there for me... I'm scared of bumping into the old bullies... but I'm going because I want to support Rainbow," Adorabella sighed weakly, after explaining everything about her fillyhood, except the fast-flying part. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Starlight and Spike are hit hard by the cruelty Adorabella faced as a filly. Adorabella went through a lot, and the others feels for her. Fillydelphia had a negative profound impact in making Adorabella who she is. For a few moments, there's some silence. The others let Adorabella's past sink into themselves, they can't even comprehend being in Adorabella's hooves in her situation.
"Adorabella, it's okay to be scared. We completely understand that. For somepony to go back to a place that was so... so cruel to them, just to show their appreciation for a friend... is really wholesome," Twilight gently commended, smiling.
"If you need to talk to somepony, you know who you can go to," Starlight lightly reassured.
Half an hour into the train journey, everypony is relaxed. Adorabella is still leaning comfortably on Fluttershy. They still got roughly an hour of the journey left. Meanwhile, there's an tanned earth pony mare with a blonde mane and tail going up the down with a 4-wheeled trolly of food and drinks. There is also a small bucket full of bits. They stop by the table Twilight and her friends are at.
"Do you wanna buy some refreshments?" The tanned earth pony mare asked. The 5 present of the mane 6, as well as Starlight and Spike have decided to buy a pack of salted cashews.
"Do you want anything Adorabella?" Fluttershy quietly asked.
"C- ca- cashews t- too... please..." Adorabella stuttered as she made her request, getting off of Fluttershy as she did. They all have chosen to get a pack of cashews. Twilight pays in total 16 bits. The pack of cashews are 2 bits each. The seller then moves further down the carriage.
The others open their packets seemingly with ease. Adorabella goes to open hers, but struggles to. She tries pulling and pulling, but she stops trying, because she can't open them and doesn't want to embarrass herself.
"Do you want one of us to open it darling?" Rarity sincerely offered. She as well as the others noticed Adorabella struggling to open her packet.
"I- I'm just n- not- not that hungry..." Adorabella nervously stuttered.
"Ador'bella, we ain't gonna make a fool of yer jus' for not able ta open a packet," Applejack reassured. Adorabella sighed and passes her packet to Applejack. She opens them with the same ease, then gives it back to Adorabella.
"Sorry... I just didn't want you all knowing how weak I really am... I did say I was weak... but I didn't feel comfortable with anypony knowing that I'm... that I'm this weak..." Adorabella apologized, sighing afterwards.
"No need to apologize. We're your friends and we help each other," Pinkie Pie said enthusiastically.
"Thank you... because back when I was a filly... I had to use a sharp object to open a packet. Ponies used to bully me for how weak I am. I feared I would be picked on again," Adorabella said gratefully. She was fully expecting everypony to laugh at her.
"It doesn't matter if a friend is weak or strong, we help them no matter what they're having trouble with," Starlight reassured.
Everypony slowly ate their cashews. By the time they finished them, the train stopped at Appleloosa. Then the train took off again. There is still roughly 1 hour and a half left until they arrive in Fillydelphia. Adorabella starts leaning on Fluttershy again, and starts having a nap. Fluttershy, as well as the others, are happy, because it tells them that Adorabella feels safe.
(Adorabella's POV)
I flinch as I felt somepony touch me. But I quickly realize it's Fluttershy. I rub my eyes, yawning as I step back into the real world. I slowly get up, and Fluttershy helps me balance myself as I wobble.
"We're here," She says in that calm voice. Even with the calm voice, my heart starts to race. I am back in Fillydelphia, the place I ran away from a decade ago.
"S- sorry... I- I was sleeping." I was asleep, I know. But anything could've happened while I was asleep. I'm always used to not sleeping a lot when I should. My fears and anxieties and worries... everything always kept me up. But now I feel semi safe, I have relaxed a bit, I started to feel more sleepy, even though I try not to relax, in case something still happens. Even though I trust Rainbow, Fluttershy and the others, I'm scared they'll turn their back on me. But they've done a lot for me, I don't believe they'll turn on me, but the fear still remains.
I get up, and I walk out of the train with Fluttershy. I feel an uneasy tingling shiver. Not only am I in Fillydelphia, but I don't remember there being a station in this particular area, it must be new. But I can still remember this area was my home town before I ran away. Regardless, I extend my wings, I'm scared... very scared.
"Are you okay?" I flinch, but realize it's only Fluttershy.
"S- sorry..."
"Are you okay?" She repeats to me. I slowly shook my head. I am not okay, I'm scared, but I need to be strong now.
I can only muster a weak murmuring 'no' back. I get close to Fluttershy as we start walking with the others out of the station and onto the pebble path. I feel somewhat better now we're out the station itself, and being closer to Fluttershy. I'd feel safer if Rainbow was here, but I trust Fluttershy too, she is really relatable.
"Alright gang, we've got a mile to walk until we reach the place the Wonderbolts are doing the show." I hear Twilight say. This is odd, I don't remember there being any shows down here. This area is the more rural, less urban areas that are a part of Fillydelphia. It is clear to me that the show isn't going to be taking place in the really massive, rich area of the city. That, in some ways, is better, but worse in some others.
So for a few minutes, we pass by some houses, all of us following Twilight. When passing one of them on the left, I looked away... it was my original home. I'm scared that my parents still live there... I'm scared they'll snatch me... I whimper in fear... the echos of my past drags me back to that place... the wall-banging... the screaming... oh no...
"It's okay Adorabella... focus on me..." Fluttershy whispers to me, and her voice calms me down at least a bit. Something about her voice relaxes me. It's like when I'm with Rainbow or even Ralph, I feel safe... like, I trusted them from a young age, I trust them so much. Rainbow, for saving me from isolation. Fluttershy, for being really relatable to. And Ralph, for giving me advice that's working well for me. I look ahead, and I use Ralph's advise... to treat this old place as if I was on a new adventure... and to an extent... it helped. Thank you Ralph.
I try to think I'm on a new adventure like Ralph suggested yesterday. I also try focusing on Fluttershy as well instead of my old home to the left. Both of which help together. It's almost as if I wasn't walking through the area I was born in. I fold up my wings. I feel a lot lighter, for once. I feel a lot stronger, for once.
"Thank you... Fluttershy..." I briefly hug her. She startles a bit too... in a similar way as I would if I got hugged without warning...
"I'm sorry..."
"No, don't be, it's perfectly fine with me," She told me back. I feel a bit better now.
So, we all just walked on. Some time later, we were passing my old school. I again done what I did earlier, not pay attention to it. Again... it helps... and before I knew it... we were passed the school. I feel fully safe with everypony with me.
So some more minutes, we walk past more houses. Even when I was young, I didn't venture this far out when flying from the school during breaks as a filly. But I have been down here whenever going out shopping with my parents.
After some more minutes, I see a massive green open field with a big array of seats, being 50 seats wide. There are steps on the left, the middle and the right, which leads to 10 more flights of stairs, a total of 500 seats... *gulps*... there's going to be a lot of ponies. There is also a big roof structure covering them, in the event of rain, which at the moment there's no rain.
On the other end, opposite the seats, are some small, basic concrete buildings, which is where I imagine the Wonderbolts are getting ready. There is a solid concrete pavement surrounding the open field. This field also looked brand new like the train station, because it doesn't look as run down as some of the other houses. Ralph's advice in treating this as a new adventure came into full effect. I don't remember there ever being a field being a field down here. Maybe I'll have a go and meet with Ralph at Sugarcube Corner for more advise in dealing with stressful situations. His advice is so simple but so helpful. But that's later, this is now, and right now, I'm going to watch the show.
I see Twilight using magic and a bag is summoned. She opens it with magic and levitates out 5 bits for all of us, 40 bits in total as there's 8 of us in total. She gives the bits to a pegasus stallion in wearing a dark blue shirt and a blue cap, holding out a bucket. Twilight drops the bits into the bucket. She then uses her magic again the bag disappears. The sound of magic always makes me feel on edge. It reminds me of the unicorns back at my school using it to torment me. But knowing I can trust Twilight, as well as me having my necklace... I feel pretty safe.
Now we're allowed to take a seat. I poke Twilight to ask something. She turns around, knowing I want something.
"D- do- do you mind t- that we t- take one of th- the c- corners at the top?" I would feel even safer if I was at the top, in one of the corner seats.
"Of course Adorabella, yes we can." I smile when Twilight said yes, and she smiles back. I feel comfortable with everypony in this group. We follow Twilight to where the seats are, from the left. Next to the display of seats is a sign attached to a metal pole saying 'toilets --'. There are toilets underneath the seats. If I need to go I'll have to wait until we get back. I always held it in back at my old school as a filly. I never felt safe in using the school toilet, let alone a public one.
We all follow Twilight to the steps. We all get to the top. I sit in my corner and the others sit in seats around me. Fluttershy sits next to me, and I lean on her again.
"How are you feeling?" She asks.
"A lot better than I thought it'd be..." I replied. It has been a lot better than I was expecting. I was expecting to have a massive breakdown or a massive panic attack. Ralph's advice, as well as Fluttershy, and everypony else of course, they've really helped me cope walking past my old school and old home.
"D- do y- you mind if I- I stay leaning on you?"
"Not at all Adorabella, you're completely fine," Fluttershy replies in her calm voice. I always feel the sense of... calm, and peacefulness from her voice. It always makes me feel... relaxed. I find her voice rather... therapeutic, her voice so smooth and soft-sounding, it calms me down. I don't know how to explain it to even myself.
Some time later, other ponies start arriving. I feel safe, because I'm at the top corner on the right. I have a good view over everypony, and if anything happens I can leap out of my seat and fly away. I have my cloak and necklace, and my friends surrounding me. I feel pretty safe right now.
A few minutes after all the seats being taken, the Wonderbolts are exiting the concrete buildings. I see Rainbow, I wave with excitement, and she smiles while nodding back. I imagine she has to remain professional, but at least she noticed that I am here. All the Wonderbolts I saw yesterday are all there. They are getting into some formation that looks like a flower. I see Rainbow is in the middle. I see they're all starting to take off, getting into the sky.
I watch in amazement, they use the trail they leave behind to create patterns in the sky. It looks so pretty, and mesmerising. They appear to be flying in a spiral formation around but below Rainbow, and as the others got closer in, Rainbow dives down really fast and does her Sonic Rainboom. As she did the others fly outward and flies in an oval shape, like petals. It looks exactly like a flower, and it's so beautiful.
But then everypony else that's watching starts cheering, loudly. I flinch, and close my eyes and cover my sensitive ears with both my forehooves. But even then they still ring my ears. But I continue to watch, and now the Wonderbolts are flying in a different formation, one in the shape of a star. But again, the crowd cheered louder... even with my eyes covered... it's getting too loud... it's hurting my ears. I hold onto my breath, I'm getting really stressed! As soon as the cheering died down at least a little...
"Fluttershy I need a break!" The noise is too much! Both of us leap over our set, and we flap our wings, gently landing down on the ground. The others notice us, but they stay put as Fluttershy is with me. Meanwhile, me and Fluttershy walk to where the toilet sign is, where it's much quieter. I pull my hood down and I gag for air. Fluttershy and I sit down and she hugs me, and I again start to calm down. My eyes start feeling... heavy... I feel some tear rolling down from my eyes... the noise is too much...
"Are you okay?" She asks me. I shake my head.
"No... it was so loud..."
"I'll be honest... I was finding it loud too," I feel her hug getting tighter.
"Flutter- I- can't- breathe-" She's holding me too tight. She immediately let's go together and gasps.
"I didn't mean to I was-" I interrupt by hugging her back myself, and then I let go. It looks as if both of us got overwhelmed by the noise. We both needed a de-stress hug from one another.
"How about we watch the show from here?" Fluttershy suggested. I prefer that idea, because it'd just be us too down here.
"A- Adorabella... is that you?" No way... that mare's voice sounds familiar. Fluttershy and I turn around, and this other pony is a cyan-coloured unicorn. Her eyes are green, she has spaghetti-like bright blue mane, her tail is also like spaghetti, but both her mane and tail lost some colour, some of it being grey. She has also got a few wrinkles. Her cutie mark is of course still the same, a rose-flower inside a red heart.
"M- m- Miss Blossom?" I cannot forget Miss Blossom. But... this has became so awkward. She steps over to me. I stood still, frozen in place. So many thoughts are racing through my head. Both of us look into each other's eyes.
"Um... hi again..." I heard Fluttershy say. I remember a couple days ago she and the others tried contacting her to get extra info on Rock and Catch. But still, seeing Miss Blossom again... so many things are going through my mind right now. I see Fluttershy step back from both of us. This talk is between me and Miss Blossom.
"Are you... are you safe?" She asked. I see tears form in her eyes. I cry too... because only now... only now do I realize that she tried helping me all that time ago...
"I'm sorry I didn't trust you back then-" Both of us pull each other together with opposite forehooves. We both cry on each other's opposite shoulders.
"Why didn't you just talk to me back then? Why?" I had to think how to answer my old teacher.
"B- because... I w- was... I was scared to... and after that day you last saw me... I ran from home... I hid in the Everfree Forest for a decade, but then Rainbow found me... and now... I'm glad she did..."
"I didn't know you were suffering that much..." I hear her say. She is really emotional over seeing me, and so am I over seeing her.
"I'm sorry I didn't trust you..." I wish I trusted Miss Blossom. Now I'm even more glad I turned up to watch the show. I wouldn't of seen Miss Blossom otherwise.
"I'm just happy to know that... that you're doing a lot better," She murmurs, and both of us let go, wiping our eyes. My mental space isn't in such a bad shape like it was a week ago. But I've still have a long way to go.
"Where do you live now... do you still live in Fillydelphia?" She asked me, and I shook my head.
"I'm living with Rainbow above Ponyville at the moment, near Cloudsdale. But my end goal is to eventually find my own place in Ponyville," I replied as I stopped crying. Miss Blossom is still emotional, and I can understand.
"Do you still teach?" I ask her.
"Not anymore. I didn't want to expel anypony because I was the only teacher in the area at the time. But... a week after your disappearance, we had a new student join us. Rock and Catch tried making the new student do something illegal. I caught them forcing that student to do cocaine in the toilet. I had solid proof against them. Rock and Catch had to go, and I was forced to expel them. Their parents filed a lawsuit, and although I won, the parents started gave me death threats and I felt pressured into giving up my job. For the past decade I have been a charity worker. I like helping ponies in need. The charity I work for, 'Lend a hoof', contacted Spitfire and we asked if her Wonderbolts would do show in this area to help raise some bits, which will go towards our charity. We use the bits we raise to help ponies struggling to make ends meet." Miss Blossom wipes her eyes. The more she speaks about helping other ponies, the more bad I feel for not trusting her back then. Back then she really was trying to help me, but... but I saw her as equally scary as everypony else.
"I'm so sorry I didn't trust you. But back then, everypony was so horrible... I didn't know how to trust anypony. But now, I've got some friends, and they've helped me a lot," I reassure her, I don't want Miss Blossom doubting herself.
"I should be the one apologizing. I failed you, and because I failed you... you ran away. You had every right to not trust me." Both of us are overwhelmed by seeing each other again.
"Please... I don't want to view you as an old school teacher. I want to view you as a friend," I ask of her, and she smiles to me, and I lightly smile back. I wanted to move on from the past, I want to be friends with Miss Blossom. I didn't want to see her as some old teacher.
"Me too," She replies, and my smile grew. Now thinking about it... I'm glad that I was overwhelmed, otherwise I may of missed the chance to meeting Miss Blossom again.
"Now, let's enjoy the show," She added. I nod to her. I then gesture to Fluttershy to come with us. All 3 of us, not wanting to go up the stairs again as me and Fluttershy were overwhelmed by the noise and Miss Blossom is... well, old now and probably doesn't want to climb a lot of stairs... us 3 sit down and watch from where we are. We can't escape the noisy cheering, but where we are, it is at much quieter levels, levels that me and Fluttershy can deal with.
"What's your full name, out of curiosity?" I ask Miss Blossom, while still watching the show in the air. I always known her as... as Miss Blossom. I never knew her full name.
"Daisy. Daisy Blossom. Also, I should point out it's no longer Miss... it's now Mrs Blossom," She replied.
"Oh, you're married?" I knew that 'Miss' meant the mare isn't married and 'Mrs' meant the mare is married.
"Yeah, it'll be seven years we've been together in a few weeks. My stallion is the best stallion I could've ever asked for," She nods back in response. She sounds content, and I'm happy to know she's doing good.
"I wonder if I'll get a special somepony, whether it's a mare or stallion..." I was so scared of being hurt again and focused on sheltering myself, I never really thought about my sexuality. I think I'm either I'm bi or straight, I don't know. I never really thought about it.
"I'm sure whoever your future special somepony will be, they'll take good care of you. It's the best feeling you'll ever experience, marrying somepony and spending your life with them. Trust my words on that," Miss... well, Mrs Blossom... or Daisy Blossom, says to me.
"I think I'm straight, or bi, I don't know." Now I'm questioning who I am into. I never really thought about it until Daisy brought up she was married. Despite everything Rainbow has done for me, I don't feel any romantic feelings towards her. Despite me finding myself so relatable to Fluttershy, I don't feel any romantic feelings towards her either. I'm getting on with Ralph really well, and even then I don't have any interest in him at the moment either. But it's far too early to decide for any of the 3, I can't be too sure, I could even end up with somepony completely different later down the line, who knows? As long as I feel safe with my future somepony forever, mare or stallion, that's all I can ask for, when the time comes. For now, I just want to focus on the show.
I am so mesmerised by the different tricks the Wonderbolts can do. I have heard of the Wonderbolts before. But seeing their shows first hoof, live... and not fearing about strangers... is so much better. It's much more impressive seeing their shows for yourself than hearing about them. Maybe I'll attend more shows in the future... but maybe I should bring something to protect my ears. I don't like loud noises. I'm so used to my surroundings being so quiet, the noise made me have a sensory overload.
I see that the Wonderbolts are wrapping things up in the air. I see that they're doing the first stunt they did, the flower thing, except on a much bigger scale. Rainbow waits above in the middle while the others fly in a spiral, closing in on the middle. Rainbow flies down so fast to do her Sonic Rainboom and the others fly in a much bigger oval shape. The flower shape they made is so pretty, it's so awesome, I love it.
The Wonderbolts gently land down and they all bow to the crowd. The crowd are screaming with satisfactory cheers and clapping their forehooves. Then I see a group of pegasi wearing a dark blue shirt and a blue cap escorting the crowd out of the area. Me, Fluttershy and Daisy wait where we are. We waited for a few minutes, and as soon as the crowd left, I sigh with relief. Peace and quiet at last. The only ponies still here are me, Daisy, the 6 including Rainbow, Starlight, Spike... and of course the Wonderbolts. I see all of the Wonderbolts high-hoofing one another, patting each other on the back, and congratulating each other. The Wonderbolts had put on a truly fantastic show, I loved watching it, I found it truly spectacular. Fluttershy and Daisy returns to the others, but I'm not that concerned about going back to them, I want a hug Rainbow...
"RAINBOWWWWW! THAT WAS SO SO SO SO AMAZING!" I scream with joy as I lunge with both forehooves facing out in front, and I cling onto her. The others giggle, I can tell their giggles are of delight. I'm delighted myself, I really enjoyed the show
"Ah ha ha ha, hey Adorabella. I'm glad you turned up and enjoyed our show." Rainbow softly chuckles as she hugs me back. Then both of us let go.
"That was so amazing I loved it! I would definitely watch another show!" I couldn't contain myself. I was so ecstatic. I loved the show.
"Ah ha, I'm happy to hear you would watch another of our shows." I look right, and see Spitfire, talking to me.
"Maybe... maybe I'll consider being in the reserves at least... only for when Rainbow can't fly. I'm not sure about being a full-on Wonderbolt yet, though." I stated my new stance. I really enjoyed watching the show. I wouldn't mind helping the Wonderbolts every now and then. But I'm not sure about joining them fully. But still, I definitely see a smile grow on Spitfire.
"I'll let you have more time to think about it." Spitfire nods, and I nod back. She turns her head to Daisy.
"Mrs Blossom, I'm pleased to say we have raised a lot of bits for your charity. I hope you continue doing the fantastic work Lend a Hoof does with helping ponies in need," Spitfire says to Daisy. The 2 exchange hugs before letting each other go. I could tell Spitfire had a forced smile on. Maybe she doesn't like hugs all too much.
"Um... Adorabella, we need to get going. The train back to Ponyville will be here in the next fifteen minutes." I see Twilight walking to me.
"Th- thanks... but I'll think I'll fly back, or race back, with Rainbow," I don't really like to go back on a train, it was a bit scary.
"Sure ya can fly back, but... race back? Ye ain't got ah chance against Rainbow," Applejack chuckles. I am going to share my biggest secret with them all.
"Well... about that..." Rainbow chuckles next to my right. Our eyes locked into looking at one another.
"Are you sure you want them to know?" Rainbow whispered to me... *gulps*... then I nod.
"It'd be more convincing if you told them yourself," I replied, winking with my right eye. I brace myself as Rainbow and I look back at the others.
"Adorabella is faster than I am," Rainbow says it how it is. Her friends don't show any looks of doubt, they believe her, and they applaud me, and so does her Wonderbolt friends. But I still feel really guilty.
"I do still feel bad that I taken her spot as the fastest flyer. She trained her whole life for that status. I never had that in mind, and yet I took it from her," I feel really bad for being faster than Rainbow. I feel like I took all her work away.
"No, you didn't take anything from me. You mean a lot more than some... title." Rainbow pulls me closer to her, and I let her.
"You don't have to feel bad just because you're faster than me. In fact, embrace it, you should be proud of that. You're our friend, Adorabella." Rainbow smiles at me. Everypony around me, Rainbow's main friends and her Wonderbolt friends, they have the same kind of light, reassuring smile. They all respect me... and I always wanted respect. I smile back, and nod to all of them. I am grateful for them all.
"Now, Ralph wanted to meet with me at Sugarcube Corner. I wanna tell him that his advice helped me today. I returned to Fillydelphia, and I came back... stronger." I tell Rainbow.
"Okay, well in that case... I'll race ya to Sugarcube Corner!" Rainbow Dash immediately takes off, and I do as well. We are flying parallel to each other, looking at one another, both of us being roughly 10 metres apart.
"Yeah ha ha haaaa!" I never felt so alive. I never knew this side of me. I've discovered this side of me, thanks to Rainbow and her friends. Both of our forehooves and rear hooves are horizontally facing outwards, and I see a rainbow trail being left behind by Rainbow. I look behind myself and see my pink trail. I didn't even notice we were going up to this speed, I was so focused on being alive... it's almost as if I was... reborn.
"You know what to do, beat me to Sugarcube Corner," Rainbow says to me, as if it was like an order. If she want me to beat her in this race, then that's what I'll do.
(No longer in Adorabella's POV)
From the field, everypony sees 2 expanding coloured rings in the distance, one being rainbow-coloured, the other one being pink-coloured. The pink trail is clearly going way faster and dissipating much faster than the rainbow one. They all watch in awe of both pegasuses. Both Adorabella and Rainbow Dash are impressive flyers.
"When Rainbow says Adorabella is faster than her, she reallymeans that Adorabella is faster." Pinkie Pie is clearly bewildered. All of Rainbow Dash's main friends are also bewildered. Adorabella really is faster than she is.
"Hang on a minute, it was Adorabella made that pink equivalent to the Rainboom!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in realization to herself.
"After hearing what Adorabella has been through, I'm happy she's doing great now," Twilight smiled. She found it all so wholesome.
"Ador'bella is one unique peg'sus," Said Applejack.
"Darlings, we need to get back to the station. The train will arrive in ten minutes!" Rarity had to interrupt the wholesome moment. But she is right, they have to get back to the station or they'll miss the train. The rest of the mane 6, Starlight and Spike make a dart for the train station. Now, it's just Daisy and the other Wonderbolts left.
"Again, thank you for doing this. It means a lot to us," Daisy is very grateful for Spitfire.
"Anything for charity... now we all better get going. Keep up with the good work your charity does," Spitfire responded. With that, Spitfire and her team flap their wings and takes off. Meanwhile, Daisy starts walking home. She is very happy, today went very well. A lot of bits have been raised for charity, and a lot of struggling ponies can be supported and assisted in making their ends meet.
But what really made Daisy happy was finding out Adorabella was still alive and is having desperately needed help in slowly working on her inner issues. She knew Rock and Catch were part of Adorabella's problems, she met with some of the mane 6 and had to give all the information she knew about the 2 disgusting stallions. She did her very best to stop them, as well as the bullying. But Daisy was especially distraught at discovering truly how deep Adorabella's suffering was as a filly, as not only school was getting to her, but home was as well, which made Adorabella run away all that time ago. Seeing Adorabella alive as an adult slowly making the steps in the right direction to recovery made Daisy really happy.
A lot has happened in this chapter, as you already know. Adorabella returning to Fillydelphia. Adorabella being a lot more confident. Adorabella meeting her old teacher again. Adorabella fully confesses and confirms her flying skills to be above Rainbow's to her new friends. I believe Adorabella is progressing really well, and I look forward to be writing and sharing more of her story with all of you.