//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - One and a Half Truths // Story: Life Between Death // by cierragp //------------------------------// “Why didn’t you visit me?” Scootaloo asked, hurt evident in her voice. “I’m sorry, Scoots.” Rainbow said, nearly choking on her own words. “I really am. I didn’t know the note was from you.” “Then why didn’t you even read it?” Shooting her an accusatory glance, Scootaloo turned around and glared at the wall. “I thought it wasn’t important! I didn’t know it was from you!” “Whatever.” Scootaloo muttered. “Please, don’t act like this.” Rainbow pleaded softly. “I care about you. I really do.” “Then why did you call me a chicken? Why did you just ignore me like that? Why did you…” “I never did!” Rainbow’s jaw hung in surprise. What was Scootaloo talking about? “He showed me with the crystal ball! I couldn’t believe it! But why would he lie?” Scootaloo mustered a glare in her current state. “Who is this he?” Rainbow didn’t know what Scootaloo was talking about. “The large grey stallion with the dark grey mane!” Scootaloo said as if it was obvious. “Who?” Rainbow couldn’t put a name nor any other description to this figure, but it had sent chills down her spine. “He helped me.” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “He’s nice, but you look like you’re scared.” “No, Scoots, it’s just…” Rainbow couldn’t put an emotion on what she was feeling right then. What did you get mixing dread, anger, fear and hopelessness? _____________________________________________________________________________________________ “Soari,n I already said no, and I wouldn’t do so again.” Spitfire slammed the table. “Get out. I have a job to do!” “But Sppppiiiiiiitttttttyyyyyy!” Soarin whined. “I already said no, I and please just listen. I’m not in the mood to deal with your silly games right now.” “C’mon-” Soarin looked as if he would say something else, but stopped and covered his muzzle with a hoof. “We have jobs to do, as captains. I hope you understand.” Spitfire said curtly. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ “What has gotten into you? Was it the rutting jokes?” Lightning asked. “No…” Rainbow murmured. “Then what? I’m sorry about the jokes I made earlier. You know, I just couldn’t stand the melancholy mood here.” Lightning shrugged. “Besides, we need sleep. Hell, I’d give up a good portion of my life if I get to sleep. That way, the real world is dust.” “You know, you’re actually right about that one.” Rainbow smiled. “But still, you’ve got it totally wrong with the couples again. One, I am not an item with Soarin.” “Yet?” Lightning asked, failing to hide her Cheshire Cat-sized grin. “Ugh.” Rainbow muttered. “Don’t put me in a bad mood, ‘cause I don’t want to scare Scoots again.” “Why?” “She…She blew up at me. I didn’t see her. Soarin gave me the note but I didn’t read it.” “Really? Seriously can’t you see something is up? He obviously likes you! Otherwise why would he do a favor for you?” “We’re friends.” “But…” “No buts.” Rainbow said firmly. “And I still need to work out how to say sorry to Scootaloo.” “Jeez. Just let her cool down.” Lightning said. “Y’know, Rumble did say that Scootaloo was like a fire. Sorta. He said that she was like a flame in the winter. Basically, comfort.” “C’mon, are you telling a bad joke or what?” “I’m not. I overheard him talking to one of the other guys. Specifically, Soarin.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________ “What a way to be introduced.” Soarin grumbled. The new soldier ignored him completely and just sat there sulking. Soarin didn’t even know his name, only that he muttered defiant and angry words no matter what was asked. Spitfire had come by earlier and asked Soarin to lead the new soldier around for a bit, to get him settled. Instead, the opposite probably happened. The new soldier didn’t move from his stoic stance, nor even speak, if his unintelligible mutters weren’t counted. Soarin had long since given up on the speaking part. Instead, he just sat there, waiting for their mere hour of rest to come up. Then, he wouldn’t be stuck babysitting for Spitfire. Then he could meet up with Rainbow Dash. Why did the thought seem so welcoming, so comforting? He knew there was a part of his heart, which wasn’t taken over by war, their immense responsibilities, or the time ticking away. The part that he cared for others with. The part that wasn’t seemly frozen solid or cut away, corroded by the casualties and blood. Rainbow Dash. He could feel the same warm and soft feeling he did before at the mere thought. He remembered how she had sought his embrace when she was down. Maybe…maybe there was a chance for their friendship. Maybe the war wouldn’t destroy it, like it did with his family, many friends and life as well as career. Maybe…there was still a chance that war couldn’t get to the strongest of connections. But could it be possible? That was the only question floating around his mind. The thought had drowned out the infrequent chatter surrounding him, and it lead him to another thought. One that he knew, but never thought about so much. War was cruel. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ “Soarin.” The small smile on Rainbow’s face reflected her relief. Her relief to see Soarin again. “I’m not dead, don’t worry.” He said playfully. “No, it’s just…” Rainbow trailed off. “I was a bit scared. That you’ll die or somehow get bad injuries.” “I’m fine. I can take care of myself. I won’t die. I promise.” “That’s probably one you can’t keep.” Rainbow replied bluntly. “But if you could, keep it for as long as you can. I don’t want to lose another pony I care for all over again.” “I will keep it. And it’s a promise.” “Really?” “Yes. I swear on it, Rainbow Dash.” The use of her full name felt somehow strange. Rainbow was only used to being called by either, but not both. The only times both were used where when they weren’t spoken, written on paper in fancy script that she despised. Neither knew what to say. It had seemed like words weren’t enough, anymore, to express what they were thinking. Instead, Rainbow buried her head in Soarin’s chest. The familiar smell of dew, pine needles, and a bit of smoke was calming. She tried to drown out the noise, choosing instead to focus on the warmth that she had preserved. The months had worn down everything else, the land, the tents, and any terrain left, leaving a uniform, dull gray in its wake. It was strange, how their friendship had not suffered the same fate. Maybe it was meant to be something else entirely. But no one could be sure. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ “Scootaloo.” Lightning Dust said. “Can you just please forgive Rainbow Dash?” “No.” Scootaloo grumbled. “Please. She didn’t mean it.” “But she could’ve at least checked in with someone! It’s not like she has that many responsibilities.” “Listen.” Lightning said softly. “She’s told me a little something else. Don’t tell her about this, but please, judge her after you’ve heard me.” Lightning pleaded. “There are some things that you aren’t meant to know, but if you don’t, you’ll hate her for everything. She loves you. She really does.” Scootaloo felt strange. What was Lightning getting at. “Okay.” “So…” Lightning began. “Rainbow’s not your sister. She is, in fact…”