//------------------------------// // Canterlot // Story: Her Rainbow, Her Butterfly // by HyperBlossom7 //------------------------------// "Come on girls, we don't want to be late!" said Twilight as the six of them got to the train station. "Relax Twilight, the train just arrived," said Applejack. Indeed, the Friendship Express was just pulling up to Ponyville's train station. The six Elements of Harmonyy, as well as Spike, got their own private coach, as requested by Princess Celestia. It was a week prior to the Gala and Celestia wanted the six friends to be the ones who set it all up. Applejack would be taking care of food, Pinkie Pie was in charge of entertainment, Rarity would be designing the dresses, Fluttershy would be orchestrating the music, Rainbow Dash was going to get to hang out with the Wonderbolts, and of course Twilight Sparkle would be the one making sure everything went according to plan. Pinkie Pie bounced around her marefriend as they approached the train. "This is going to be so super duper funnerific! I'm so excited I don't think I can hold it in. Hold on!" Everyone paused as their party loving friend started bouncing rapidly until she suddenly shot up into the air, making a loud shriek of excitement. "YAY!" shouted Pinkie as loud as she could. She landed back on the ground and smiled, "Okay I'm good." With that, Pinkie Pie boarded their private coach. Her friends all giggled and got onto the coach after her. They all picked their own respective bunks and set their stuff down. Then they gathered around so they could start talking about what they would do once they reached Canterlot. Twilight took the lead in the conversation, as she was the chief organizer of the whole thing. Spike in the meantime just hung back listening as the girls chatted on. "Hey Twilight, this is great and all but you'll give us a chance to kick back and relax, won't you?" Rainbow Dash asked hopefully. Twilight smiled and nodded, "Of course! Canterlot is the capital city of Equestria. I couldn't keep you guys from exploring." "Awesome!" Rainbow Dash made a hoof pump. "Oh, but this will be so wonderful!" Fluttershy said in her soft voice. "I mean, it's such an honor being chosen to plan the Gala." "I'm with y'all there, sugar cube," Applejack agreed. "Hopefully this will make everypony appreciate mah food some more!" Rarity smiled at Applejack and said, "I'll be sure to point everypony towards your food! Surely when they see a beautiful mare such as myself recommending the Apple Family's franchise, they'll go to you like a dragon to his gems." She smiled at Spike when she said the last part. Funny enough, Spike was munching on a small bowl of gems Twilight had given him before they boarded the train. Spike realized everypony was looking at him, and his face turned slightly red. Everypony laughed at this, which made the baby dragon blush even more. "Oh Spike, darling, you look ever so adorable when you blush," complimented Rarity. Spike smiled a big smile as his crush complimented him, but being hungry, he went back to eating his gems. The ponies giggled and went back to their conversation. "The best part for me will be playing host for the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "I'll really get to hang out with them this time." Twilight smiled and said, "I'll be able to find time to catch up with the Princess this week, in case she's too busy to talk during the Gala like that first time." Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves together in excitement, "Oh this is going to be so much fun! I'll have balloons, streamers, cake, candy, and confetti! You can't have a party without confetti!" "I'll make everypony new dresses too," Rarity chimed in. "You can't wear the same dress to the same Gala twice, it doesn't work like that." "I can use this week to let the animals get used to me," Fluttershy said. "Then they can all be out and about for everypony to see and admire!" Rarity sighed wistfully and said, "I just wish I could meet the stallion of my dreams, somepony who isn't a total jerk like that Prince Blueblood." She shuddered at the memory of the snobby stallion who had treated her horribly at the Gala a year and a half ago. "Don't worry sugar cube, you got us here to hang out with," Applejack said to her. "We Ponyville folk might not be as fancy as the ponies in Canterlot, but you won't meet friendlier ponies anywhere else." "That's very true, Applejack," Rarity said, smiling now. "It won't be so bad this year, I hope." "It won't be if I'm setting up the party!" Pinkie Pie said excitedly. The six friends continued chatting as the Friendship Expressed carried them to Canterlot. After a good meal, they all headed off to sleep for the night. As Rainbow settled down in her own bed, she thought about what she would do tomorrow when they arrived at Canterlot. Should they go to the Gardens right away? No, Rainbow told herself. Fluttershy would want to get settled in at the Palace first. Rainbow Dash also didn't want to feel like things were rushed. She decided she should take it one step at a time. A yawn told her mind to go to sleep, and she closed her eyes and slipped off into dream land. ~ ~ ~ The Friendship Express arrived at the Canterlot Train Station the next morning. The six ponies and Spike all got off the train. They were met by a team of guards, who would be their escort to the palace. The guards led them to the palace and they walked into the great hall. Princess Celestia had requested an audience with the ponies soon after their arrival, but not before they could get settled into their rooms and everything. After they were shown their rooms, six ponies and a baby dragon headed to the throne room to meet Princess Celestia. The Princess stood tall and regal, and Princess Luna stood by her side. The ponies bowed in respect to the two sisters as they approached, and Princess Celestia stepped forward to speak. "Welcome, my little ponies!" Princess Celestia greeted the six friends. "And Spike, of course," she added, bowing her head to the young dragon. "I trust your journey went well?" "It went well, Princess," said Twilight Sparkle in a respective tone. "Thank you again for letting us plan the Gala this year. We promise not to let you down!" Pinkie Pie nodded and shouted, "It'll be the best party ever! Well maybe not the best party ever, because there was the party I threw for Gummy's birthday last year. And then there was the party I threw for Rainbow Dash when she got out of the hospital. And then-" Applejack stuffed a hoof in Pinkie Pie's mouth to cut her off. "What Pinkie Pie is trying to say here, Princess, is that we'll make it the very best Grand Galloping Gala Equestria has seen in years!" Pinkie Pie, who had been mumbling even with Applejack's hoof in her mouth, nodded in agreement. Applejack removed her hoof and Celestia smiled warmly at them. "That's good to hear, I'll be looking forward to it then," said Princess Celestia. "Remember that even though you are here to prepare for the Gala, you are also more than welcome to look around the city and enjoy yourselves." Rarity beamed at the sound of that and said, "Oh thank goodness! I heard Filthy Rich was going to be here this week, and I was hoping to get him to be a sponsor for my latest hat styles!" "I have plans as well," said Rainbow Dash. She turned her head to look at Fluttershy and gave her a small wink. Fluttershy blushed in surprise and looked away, hiding her face with her pink mane. She wondered what Rainbow Dash had in mind, and it made her a little nervous. Maybe this would be an opportunity to ask her to the Gala. She could follow up on Rarity's advice and do so. Of course, it depended on what Rainbow Dash wanted to do. Rainbow Dash smirked, seeing she had made the shy pegasus blush. She did wish Fluttershy wouldn't hide her face all the time. Those bright eyes of hers were so beautiful, and Rainbow often felt like she might drown in them. Rainbow Dash blinked, stopping herself. She had never liked being sappy, and she wasn't keen on starting now. She turned her attention back to the Princess as she spoke again. "Well I hope you all enjoy yourselves! Now go on and have fun," said Princess Celestia, dismissing them. "Oh, and Twilight, I'd like to have a word with you please?" "Of course!" Twilight stayed behind as her friends left the throne room. Rainbow Dash flew after Fluttershy and landed, walking beside her friend. "Hey Flutters! Wanna go around Canterlot with me?" she asked. "Um, sure!" said Fluttershy in her soft voice. "I mean, only if you really want to." "Course I do, I asked you didn't I?" Rainbow Dash quirked a brow at her. Fluttershy blushed and looked down. "Well, yes you did," she murmured. Rainbow Dash chuckled and smiled. "Awesome! I promise you this will be fun," she said excitedly. Then in a softer tone she said, "Besides, it's nice to hang out, just the two of us." Fluttershy smiled and nodded in agreement. "You're right." The two pegasi left the palace and headed out into the beautiful city of Canterlot. All the ponies around them were of course, well dressed ponies and very high class. Fluttershy felt like she stood out, but Rainbow's confident trot made her feel better. They may be ponies from Ponyville, but they were also two of the six ponies who had saved Equestria not just twice, but thrice! Fluttershy was pulled out of her thoughts when Rainbow Dash suddenly cried out. "Hey Fluttershy! Check it out, it's the stadium where they'll be hosting the Best Young Fliers Competition!" Fluttershy looked up. Sure enough, it was the stadium where Wonderbolt Derbies were normally held. But now there were pegasi, including Wonderbolts, setting up the stadium for next week's competition. Rainbow Dash was now staring at her heroes in awe. Fluttershy smiled warmly, glad to see her friend so happy. It reminded her of the first time the two of them went to a Wonderbolts' Derby together. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were on a special class trip to Canterlot. Their teacher was taking the class to see their very first Wonderbolts Derby. Rainbow Dash was very excited, since she had been talking about it all morning. "This is so cool!" Rainbow Dash squealed. "I can finally see the Wonderbolts in action!" Fluttershy giggled at her bold friend's enthusiasm. "You really are excited aren't you, Dashie?" "Sure am, Flutters! You just wait, when you see Rainbow Blitz up there, his speed will knock you right over!" Rainbow Blitz was Rainbow Dash's father, and also her favorite Wonderbolt. He really was one of the best fliers on the Wonderbolts team. He had won first place five years in a row already, and Rainbow Dash knew he would win again in this year's Derby. "Then when that happens, little Fluttercry will do what she does best!" said a cruel voice from behind the two fillies. Rainbow Dash whirled around as she saw the two bullies start fake crying, laughing and mocking Fluttershy. "You two shut up!" Rainbow Dash snapped at them. "If you make fun of her one more time, I'll...I'll..." "You'll what?" asked one bully, whose name was Hoops, sneering at her. "Yeah," said the shorter one, Dumb Bell, "Or what? You're no better than her, Rainbow Crash!" The two bullies fell over laughing hard. Fluttershy felt tears come to her eyes, which only made the bullies laugh harder. "Aww look, she's crying all ready!" Hoops jeered. "What's wrong Fluttercry?" "Did we hurt the wittle baby's feelings?" said Dumb Bell in a mocking tone. Rainbow Dash tackled Dumb Bell immediately, not wanting to hear him taunt Fluttershy anymore. She pinned him on the ground and punched him repeatedly with her hooves. She was so angry she didn't even notice she was making bruises form on the young colt's face. Then she heard a cry from behind her and looked back for a second. Fluttershy was on the ground and Hoops was towering over her, throwing insults in her face. "Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash cried. She started to charge to Fluttershy's aid when Dumb Bell grabbed hold of her tail with his mouth. Dumb Bell got to his feet and yanked her backwards. Rainbow Dash growled and bucked him in the face with a hind hoof. The colt cried out as he was knocked back from the blow. Rainbow Dash then charged at Hoops and was about to tackle him when she heard a loud whistle. "ENOUGH!" shouted the teacher, who was just coming over to the four young ones. "Rainbow Dash, I had hoped you would control yourself more. As for you two," the teacher rounded on the bullies. "You should know better than to bully your classmates. Especially in public like this! I'm embarrassed to have you two in my class right now." Rainbow Dash crept over to Fluttershy as the teacher chastised the two bullies . "Flutters, are you okay?" She whispered gently. Fluttershy got to her hooves slowly, shaking. "Y-yeah..." she murmured. Her eyes were teary and she looked up at Rainbow Dash with a face full of hurt. "Why do they have to be so cruel?" Rainbow Dash gently put a hoof on her friend's shoulder and said, "They're just jerks. They have no idea what a great friend you are." She gave the shy filly a big smile. "Now come on, do you want to watch the Wonderbolts with me or not?" Fluttershy forced a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, I do." "Great, come on!" said Rainbow Dash encouragingly. Fluttershy nodded again and followed her and the rest of the class to the stadium. Rainbow Dash noticed the frown on Fluttershy's face. She turned to her friend and asked, "You okay Flutters? You don't look happy." Fluttershy blinked and realized Rainbow Dash was speaking to her. The rainbow maned mare was giving her a look of concern. Fluttershy gave her a soft smile, "I'm fine Rainbow. Just a bad memory, that's all." "Cheer up Fluttershy, there's more places to see!" said Rainbow Dash with a smile. Fluttershy returned the smile and went with Rainbow Dash as they walked through the streets of Canterlot. Fluttershy caught sight of an ice cream parlor and nudged Rainbow's side to get her attention. Rainbow Dash saw the ice cream parlor too and she grinned. "Ice cream sounds good!" she said. "Let's get some!" Fluttershy smiled happily and went with her friend to the parlor. They went inside and met a aqua blue unicorn who was standing behind the front counter. The unicorn smiled warmly at the two mares and offered them the menu. Fluttershy picked out an orange sherbert flavor, and Rainbow Dash got mint chocolate chip. The two friends went outside and sat at a small table, eating their ice cream together. "Mm, this is some of the best ice cream I've tasted!" said Rainbow Dash. "Don't tell Pinkie Pie I said that, though." Fluttershy giggled and said, "I won't say a word. This really is good ice cream though." She started licking her ice cream, some of it getting on the side of her mouth. Rainbow Dash watched for a moment. She looked at that little orange flavored spot of ice cream on her cheek. It looked delicious, but the yellow mare was making no move to lick it off herself. Rainbow Dash found herself scooting closer to Fluttershy and leaning in. She stuck her tongue out and licked off the spot of ice cream. Fluttershy yelped in surprise, but managed to catch her ice cream before it hit the table. "Um, you had a little bit of ice cream there..." said Rainbow Dash, licking her lips nervously. "Oh...okay..." Fluttershy's cheeks turned pink, as she was slightly embarrassed. Had the cyan mare really just licked ice cream off her cheek? Had she really just touched her in a very intimate manner? Fluttershy could still feel some of the wetness from Rainbow's tongue on her cheek, but she didn't dare wipe it off. She didn't want to see rude. She smiled slightly at Rainbow Dash and said, "It's that good, huh?" "Yeah, it is," said Rainbow Dash, smiling sheepishly. The two of them finished their ice cream in silence after that. When they finished, they left the parlor together and made their way back towards the castle. Then the two mares turned towards each other, both wanting to say something "Rainbow-" "Fluttershy-" They both spoke at once. Fluttershy blushed and said, "You go first..." "Well, I was wondering if tomorrow night, you would want to go with me to the Royal Gardens?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I mean, if you want to. We could just go for a walk, see all the animals, talk. Just hang out, you know?" "Oh," a small smile spread across Fluttershy's lips. "That sounds nice, I'd like to do that." "Really?" said Rainbow Dash almost too excitedly. Then she remembered herself and said, "I mean, cool. We'll have fun, I know it." She gave her a smile and asked, "What did you want to say?" "Well I-" Fluttershy began, but she was cut off as a pink pony bounced over to them. "Hey guys! We're going to have a party to kick off the week! Wanna come? You have to come! Everypony's going to be there. Oh won't you pretty please come?" Pinkie Pie asked. Rainbow Dash grinned and said, "Sure Pinkie! That sounds fun. Come on Fluttershy!" "O-okay..." said Fluttershy slowly. She followed her two friends back into the palace to join the party. She hadn't been able to ask Rainbow Dash about the Gala, but Rainbow Dash wanted to walk with her in the Gardens tomorrow night. Fluttershy knew that would be exciting. It would also be a good chance to ask her too! Fluttershy smiled, feeling more excited about the idea.