Monochrome was walking around town while Rainbow and Fluttershy took a test at school. For the time being, he was just traveling the plaza, visiting some ponies that knew him. The town treated the human boy well, giving him kind greetings and some treats. Today, he stopped by the Ice Cream Cart run by a fellow pegasus.
“Strawberry please.” Monochrome requested.
The Cart pegasus took his bits and gave him two cones. “Here you go! One for you, and one on the house for your sister!”
Monochrome held both in his hands before saying, “Thank you.” He looked at the two cones of Ice Cream and sighed, unable to give this cone to Rainbow right now. He continued to walk through town, watching the day go by when he happened to spot a young griffon sitting around. The young griffon looked around shyly, not doing anything. She turns and sees the human boy in front of her, holding two cones of pink ice cream. She looked at him with unease until he offered her one.
“Do you like ice cream?”
She stared at him for a moment before accepting the offer. They sat down and ate as they watch pegasus go about their day. Halfway through the cone, she finally speaks.
“What… are you?”
“… Would you believe me if I said a griffon?”
“Not a chance.”
They laughed before he answered truthfully. They returned to eating their ice cream until even the waffle cone was devoured. She then introduced herself.
“My name is Gilda.”
“I’m Monochrome.” He smiled.
“Nice to meet you!” She grinned as she shook his hand. She looks out to the distance and the sea of pegasus in town. She then says, “It’s hard to fit in here…”
“I know.” He replied. “But when you do fit in, it’s pretty nice.”
“I was worried that it’d be hard for me since I’m one of the only griffons here.” Gilda stated.
“Well, don’t worry. I’m the only human here at all. And I managed to make some friends and get a family.” Monochrome pointed out.
“Are they nice?” Gilda asked.
“My friend is really nice and a bit shy. My sister is really cool and loves flying.”
“Oh! I love flying too!”
“You and Rainbow Dash will get along great.”
“So… How does she fly if humans don’t usually have wings?”
“S-She’s not human! I was adopted by a pegasus family!” Monochrome quickly corrected her.
They laughed some more before talking about other things. Soon, it was getting late and the sun was setting. Monochrome however needed Rainbow to take him home, yet she was nowhere to be seen.
“What’s wrong Monochrome?” Gilda asked.
“Rainbow should’ve been out of school by now. Where is she?”
“If… you want, I can fly you.” Gilda offered. “I mean, I’ll need you to show me where to go, but other than that, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“That’d be great! Thanks Gilda!” Monochrome said gratefully.
Gilda blushed a bit before getting Monochrome onto her back. It took a moment to get used to, but she could fly with him still okay. Soon, they traveled he sky together.
They arrived at the school with the sun almost setting completely. There, they see Fluttershy waiting outside, alone. As they landed, Fluttershy screamed in surprise until she realized who it was.
“M-Monochrome!? And… Who are you?” Fluttershy asked.
“She’s my new friend, Gilda.” Monochrome introduced. “Hey, have you seen Rainbow?”
“Um… She’s still taking the test.” She told him. “I… don’t think she’s going to get a good grade.”
She’s still in there!? Monochrome thought to himself.
“I said I would wait for her, but my parents are getting worried. So they stayed here too.”
“Your family is too nice.” Monochrome warned her. “You should all go home now. I’ll wait for Rainbow.”
“A-Are you sure? It’s going to get dark.”
“It’s no problem for me.” He told her. “Sorry for making you wait.”
“Alright then… Mom, Dad? It’s time to go home.”
Fluttershy and her parents left. Monochrome and Gilda sat again and looked out at the flying field. Gilda took some time looking around the area, taking in everything all at once.
“I’m going to this school starting tomorrow.” Gilda announced. “I’m still a bit nervous though…”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll do fine.” He smiled as he placed his hand on Gilda’s talon. Gilda’s face became red before Rainbow Dash suddenly pushed open the doors as dramatically as she can.
“I’M DONE! I’M FINALLY DONE!” Rainbow cried in sheer happiness.
“Yo.” Monochrome greeted her.
Rainbow looked down at Monochrome and Gilda, realizing they were there waiting for her. She became embarrassed but tried to play it off. “H-Ha! Hey there! Sorry to keep you waiting!”
“Why’d you take so long for a test? I heard Fluttershy finished it way earlier.”
“Whatever! That’s not important right now!” She shouted. “C-Come on! Let’s go home!”
As she grabbed Monochrome, she looked at Gilda and said, “Oh, and thanks for looking after my brother.”
“No problem.” Gilda told her.
As they went their separate ways, Gilda smiled as she looked forward to a better tomorrow.