//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: Those Moments 
// by MidnightInkpaw 
//------------------------------//

11 months later... (December)

It was a quarter to seven in the afternoon and the sun was halfway below the horizon. In the shcool, its inhabitants were no more than a few teachers and students finishing off their respective activities. Most of the students have already gone home to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Twilight sighed in exhaustion as she exited the classroom. She had just finished her extra classes she suggested on having since she wanted to try harder subjects, she knew she liked to learn, but this was really tiresome. She had to stay back in school for some time longer than the rest of her friends.

School ended at 2pm, Applejack and Rarity went home right after school. Applejack had to help her family with harvesting the apple trees and Rarity had to look after her recently born, little sister, Sweetie Belle, since her mother had to work the night shift at a restaurant. 

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow had joined after-school activities since they didn't have anything else to do. Pinkie joined the baking class and became the top student. Fluttershy went to join the scouts. They did some camping as extras and they even allowed pets, Fluttershy brought her pet bunny every school scout gathering and besides, they taught them how to use the first aid kit. Rainbow joined hockey since she was into sports and was fairly curious about that particular one.

As Twilight passed the canteen, she saw three familiar ponies standing in on the side of the opening leading to the food stalls. She was sure they saw her as they started walking over to her. Twilight knew it was pointless running away or calling for a teacher. They would catch her before she reached the school gate and the staffroom, where most of the teachers were, was on the other side of the building.

The three students stopped infront of Twilight, each towering over her. One was a sky blue pegasus colt with mint green and purple mane. He was wearing a dull-colored sweater, it's sleeves were tied and was worn around his neck. He looked at Twilight with his pastel pink eyes while her gaze was pointed at the ground, still thinking of ways to escape from him. Seeing none, she sighed and spoke sternly.

"What do you want, Pastel?" She asked as she lifted her head to glare at the pegasus. Pastel Sky smirked.

"Me? No, I don't want anything from you." He responded, still giving that annoying grin. "Just wondering how you made friends. I mean, you're just a unicorn with social issues. And plus, you're friends that dumb, egotistic pegasus filly we all hate." Pastel spat. His voice was raspy, like Rainbow's, but was lower pitched and used a penetrating tone.

"Do you really think she wants to be friends with you? I mean, you're nothing like her! You don't even go outside that much! Someone probably paid her to like you or something. And I don't see why you'd be friends with her, she's more of a burden for you to handle and isn't as loyal as you think. She even left one of her griffon friends from flight school after a single fight! You call that loyal?" Twilight seemed calm on the outside, but she was raging internally at Pastel for insulting her friend. And that stupid smirk he's giving her doesn't help either. If this were the Stone Age, Pastel would have to be on life support afterwards.

Just as Pastel Sky was about to say something he would really regret, a cyan hoof gripped him tightly on his shoulder. His eyes went wide as he and his companions spun around to look at the pony who interrupted them. It was Rainbow Dash, along with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Twilight's face visibly lit up at the sight of her friends.

"That's where you're wrong. I may not act like like it, but I'm there for my friends more than you think." Rainbow said. She snuck a quick glance at Twilight who smiled gratefully at her. She would have smiled back if it weren't for Pastel Sky and his friends. She looked back at Pastel and gave him a glare. 

"Buzz off." She growled. Pastel nodded frantically in return and flew off, his two friends following him. Twilight nearly laughed when Pastel struggled to time his wing beats mid flight.

Twilight turned back to her three friends and gave them that same smile and mouthed, "Thank you." They smiled right back.

"No prob, Twi. Glad we came right on time." Dash started.

Two days ago, Twilight and Rainbow Dash had planned a sleepover at Twilight's house. The reason was partly because Rainbow's parents had to organise a meeting with the owner of the house they were renting about the schedule for a renovation and thought that Rainbow would find it quite boring, so they let her have a sleepover at Twilight's. 

Twilight's father thought about it and agreed since it might improve Twilight's social skills and her friendship with Rainbow Dash. Not that it wasn't already a stable one, of course.

The past eleven months were going smoothly for the six of them, for their friendship and their families. The Apple Family's business has been increasing in popularity after they invented more tasty drinks and pastries like carmel-coated apple candies. They were a favourite for all those sweet tooths out there. 

Rarity's side of the business has also been interesting. After her mother taught her how to sew, she's been really creative in her designs and were selling rapidly. Nopony could look at a fashion magazine without seeing one of her dresses on the front cover. But, as generous as she was, she couldn't take all the credit and gave some to her mother for teaching her how to sew and inspiring her to make those creative dresses and suits.

Pinkie has been successful too. With all those new recipes she's been trying out, one of them was bound to be good, and of course, all of them were fantastic. They could clearly see a lot more ponies gathering up in Sugar Cube Corner waiting to get their hooves on that sweet, new pastry everypony was talking about. The Cakes were obviously proud of Pinkie and she was obviously happy. Guess her joy made its way to those who entered the bakery, Pinkie made sure everypony walked out with a smile.

Fluttershy has been doing fine. She's been helping wounded animals she found in her area and nursed them back to health, even when she doesn't get so much recognition for it. She's guided the animals, teaching them how to act as their respective species. Some of them had even grown that attached to her that they'd rather stay with her than go back to where they came from.

Rainbow Dash's parents were busy, as stated earlier, but they still took time for Rainbow to play with her or do something fun as a family, and hockey was a great family activity. It has been really hectic on Dash's side, her uncle and cousin were sending things from their home to help her family get started since they disposed most of their stuff in their old home. 

"Well, I think we should go too. Have fun you guys!" Pinkie Pie waved at them before leaving the building, Fluttershy followed in suit.

"Hope it goes well." Fluttershy said as she followed Pinkie. Twilight and Rainbow Dash watched as their friends disappeared into the town.

Rainbow looked over at Twilight and noticed her expression. She was smiling a few seconds ago, now it was blank and weary. Rainbow could clearly see Twilight was thinking of something, best to use a calm, quiet approach.

"So, you ready to go, Twi?" Rainbow asked carefully. Twilight snapped out of her trance and blinked a few times. She turned her gaze to look at Rainbow, she looked worried. Twilight understood and felt guilty for worrying her.

"It's alright, I'm fine. You don't have to worry so much. Let's go." Twilight reassured while giving Rainbow a soft smile. Rainvow nodded her head once and trotted down the dirt road. Twilight knew she'd be suspicious, she's not stupid after all. 

As they trudged through town, Rainbow Dash noticed Twilight was giving that blank stare again. Sure, she was aware enough to dodge the obstacles when they came, but part of her was somewhere else. Somewhere Rainbow couldn't find her. She tried to start a conversation.

"Soo, Twi, how've you been here? You okay living in Ponyville?" Rainbow asked while watching Twilight. Nothing. Rainbow tried again. "Um, how about your classes? Anything interesting goin' on?" Nothing. Rainbow frowned, she was really starting to get annoyed.

"Twi?" She tried. "Twilight?" And again. Still nothing. Rainbow snarled under her breath. "Twilight!!" She called loudly, luckily there weren't many ponies on the street.

"Wuh-? What?" Twilight spluttered out. Dash smirked and rolled her eyes.

"About time you tuned in. I was about to kick ya in the flank or something." Rainbow joked. Now it was Twilight's turn to roll her eyes.

"Well then, glad I listened before you did so." 

"So, what's on your mind? Those bullies gettin' to you again?" Rainbow asked seriously. Twilight hesitated. There was an uncomfortable silence between them until Rainbow spoke again. "It's fine, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Just know that I'll always be there when you need me."

Twilight's eyes widened slightly and she let out light gasp. She's never heard Rainbow say something so... what was the word.. sweet. She would ask Rainbow about it, but Twilight didn't think she'd want to talk about it. If she knew Dash well enough, she'd just deny it and say she was 20% cooler or something opposite of sweet or cute or other words of similar meanings.

But, with those words fresh in her mind, Twilight smiled to herself. It was nice seeing that side of Rainbow. Maybe she should listen to it.

Finally, they reached Twilight's house and knocked on the door. A unicorn stallion came out to greet them. He had a slightly dull-ish cyan coat with blue mane. His eyes were firey yellow and his cutie mark consisted of two moons, one bigger than the other. Rainbow assumed that was Twilight's father, Twilight confirmed it by calling him 'Dad'.

"So, you invited her for a sleepover? How about your other friends?" He asked.

"Well, they had other priorities. I couldn't blame them." Twilight answered. She then looked over to where Rainbow Dash was. She was over at the living room table setting her bag down. "Dad, this is my friend, Rainbow Dash. Rainbow, this is my father, Night Light." Rainbow smiled as Night Light looked at her.

"Hello." Dash waved awkwardly and walked over to Night Light.

"Ahh, my daughter has told me so much about you." Night grinned back and streched out his hoof to Rainbow Dash. She took it hesitantly. Night shifted his gaze to Twilight who was preparing for the sleepover. With an evil glint in his eye, he started. "So, you're the one foalsitting my daughter at school, hmm?" He asked playfully. Twilight's ears jerked up at that and her face flushed red. She turned round to look at her father.

"Daaad, please no." Twilight whined. Rainbow chuckled before playing along.

"Oh, you have no idea how much she's been getting into trouble with this one group or students. I had to come to her rescue about ninety-nine percent of the time." Rainbow teased. Twilight's face turned more red as she covered her face with her hooves. Rainbow laughed uproariously. Twilight was just so cute at times.

The next hour was filled with laughter and some dinner. Rainbow Dash and Night Light got along well, which was great,  Twilight got most of the embarrassing moments though. They told a few stories and myths around the table, some were recited from books which kinda pushed Rainbow into reading one. They went from experiences to legends to dreams then family. 

Eventually, Rainbow asked about Twilight's mother, Twilight Velvet. Night Light was hesitant at first, but he then explained that she had to stay in Canterlot to look after Twilight's older brother, Shining Armor. Rainbow was quizzical at first. She's never heard Twilight mention a brother, or any sibling actually.

"What? Twilight, you've known each other for how long now and she doesn't know you have a brother?" Night Light asked sarcastically. Twilight shrugged with a sheepish smile.

"Well, I guess I can say she's more like her mother." Rainbow commented.

"Oh, you have no idea! She reminds me of her mother so much that I think she's actually here! I guess that's a good thing."

Rainbow's ears slowly dropped as she was reminded of an unpleasant time. "Y-yeah, it is." Rainbow answered, although it wasn't as optimistic. Twilight and Night Light noticed.

"Rainbow, are you okay?" Twilight asked worriedly. Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just.... reminiscing about something." Twilight and Night looked at each other then back at Rainbow.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Night asked. "It's not healthy bottling everything up."

"Nah, I'm good." Rainbow dismissed, waving her hoof while looking down. There was an awkward silence that filled the room, it lasted a few minutes before Rainbow spoke. "Well, I'm not one for sharing feelings or anything, so can we talk about something else?" Night nodded but looked at Twilight with concern.

Rainbow Dash, clearly seeing the conversation going nowhere, stood from the table. "Umm, I'm gonna go upstairs to Twi's room, if you don't mind." 

"No, it's fine. My room's on the second door from the staircase." Twilight said as she threw a suspicious look over to Rainbow. She didn't notice though.

"Thanks, Twi." Rainbow yawned as she trotted up the stairs. As soon as Rainbow was out of hearing range, Night asked, "Was it something I said?"

Twilight shrugged. "Maybe, she said she was 'reminiscing' about something. I don't thing it was anything pleasant."

"Maybe you could go and talk to her, I'll be washing the dishes." Night Light stood up form his seat and walked over to the sink. "Hope you two can still have a great time here." Twilight nodded then turned her gaze to the staircase.





Rainbow sighed as she walked into Twilight's room. The walls were overlapped with bookshelves that contained genres like Adventure, Mystery, Non-fiction, stuff like that. The room also had an adult-sized bed with a nightstand next to it, the floor was relatively clean too, there were a few books scattered here and there with an oval-shaped carpet that matted the floor. A closet was on the opposing end of the room to the bed.

Rainbow walked over to one corner of the room and threw down her bag. She took out a sleeping bag, a torch and a book that Twilight had recently introduced to her and set them down on the floor next to Twilight's bed. She unfurled the sleeping bag and layed it flat on the floor, taking her book, she slid into it and opened the book to page one, reading it silently.

A few minutes passed by until Twilight entered the room. Rainbow Dash stole a glance at her. She looked tired mostly, but slightly concerned too. And it was directed at her. Rainbow quickly looked back at the book, but not really reading it.

"I know you said you were alright back there, but I know you well enough to know you're not." Rainbow sighed softly. Twilight was right, she can be oblivious sometimes, but she could read her like a book. And she knew how Twilight loved to read.

"Please, Rainbow. Remember what you told me while we were walking here? That you would always be there when I needed you. I want you to know that I'd do the same for you." Rainbow nearly teared up after that. It's just... the way Twilight said it, the sincerity in her voice, just made her emotional for some reason. Rainbow sat there staring at her book, not minding it's contents.

Twilight spoke again, it snapped her out of her trance. "Well, I'm going to shower now, if you don't mind." She said and turned to leave. 

Rainbow automatically reacted. "Wait!" She called out, stopping Twilight in her tracks. She turned back to look at Rainbow, she was holding out her hoof as if to reach for her.

"Yes?" Twilight asked.

Rainbow hadn't really thought of what to say yet. Whatever she had said was on instinct alone. "Uhh, well, yeah, you're right." Rainbow said in a defeated manner. Twilight was skeptical.

"'Right?' About what?"

"About me not really being okay. I wasn't lying when I said I was 'reminiscing' about something. I was thinking about my auntie. I don't know why, but it just reminded me of her." Rainbow explained, looking a little dejected. Twilight's worry grew.

"Well, if you need somepony to listen, I'm here." Twilight encouraged as she walked over to where Rainbow was and took a seat next to her. Rainbow nodded slowly.

"Well, okay. I don't really know where to start though." Rainbow said as she rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.

"Maybe you could tell me more about your auntie?" Twilight offered.

"Sure, though I might not remember that much. That was years ago." Twilight nodded and gave an encouraging, soft smile. Rainbow mirrored her expression. "Okay. My aunt was a really good flyer, she was actually a trainer working at the Wonderbolts Academy. She lived in Las Pegasus and was kinda rich, even owns a whole open field in the clouds. She took care of me, taught me how to fly, stuff like that. She bought me a pair of goggles for my birthday once, you had no idea how happy I was when she gave me my first flying practice the next day." Rainbow let out a bittersweet laugh. 

"Yeah, it was like, 5 am in the morning when I woke her up. She taught me the basics and I got it straight away. The only time we stopped was for breakfast and lunch. We stopped at about 7 pm to have dinner, then took one more flight. It wasn't for practising, just for relaxing. We sat on a cloud, had a conversation. She was saying some weird stuff then, saying that I had to stay with my parents in Cloudsdale and that she had to go away for a while. When I was about to fall asleep, I heard her say, "Show the world what you're made of, I believe that you'll be in the Wonderbolts one day." That was the last thing I remember of her." Dash paused and sniffed softly then continued, her voice sounding more broken with each word. 

"I woke up at my parents house the next day. I tried to ask about her b-but my parents didn't say anything. I found out fr-rom the letter on the t-table, sh-she was..." Rainbow Dash couldn't and finish her sentence as her body shook from her silent cries. Twilight immediately put a hoof around her neck, but her attempts to calm her were in vain. Instead, Rainbow practically threw herself onto Twlight, accepting her embrace.

The two sat there in silence for minutes until Rainbow spoke up. "I'm sorry about holding you back. You might want to take a shower now." Twilight shook her head.

"Don't worry about it. You're more important than that. But I guess I do have to shower now, don't I?" Twilight said to herself and laughed. Both fillies drew back from the hug with Dash immediately missing it and Twilight walking towards the door. "Once I'm done, you can go." Rainbow nodded absently.

Once Twilight was gone, Rainbow gave a weary smile, more to herself than anything else, and laughed humorously. "Heh, I actually do feel better. Guess it's better to not bottle everything up." Dash looked back at her book and continued to read.