//------------------------------//
// Meeting Lightning Dust 
// Story: My friend, not yours 
// by Kunama Windrider 
//------------------------------//

Fleetfoot had been walking along the main street of Ponyville near the Town Hall when she met Lightning Dust, that fateful day where their lives would be entwined forever. She had seen a pegasus being bullied. The pegasus' fiery mane had been limp and her eyes had no sparkle. Her hooves had been dirty and her wings had dangled uselessly by her side. After Fleetfoot had rescued her, she still didn't look up, not even after Fleetfoot had said, "You need to stand up for yourself, kiddo. The world isn't a kind place." Finally, the mare had looked up and Fleetfoot had realised with a shock that the pegasus was Lightning Dust! For readers who are wondering, 'Who on earth is that?', Lightning Dust was a student at Wonderbolts Academy, and one of Rainbow Dash's friends. But one day, she went too far and created a tornado. Rainbow Dash owned up and told Spitfire. Lightning Dust was kicked out of the academy. No one has heard of her since as she hasn't been in any other shows as far as I know. Back to the story. Lightning Dust had looked surprised too.

"Do I know you? she had asked. Fleetfoot had shaken her head. "Um, thanks. You know, for saving me back there. Um, want to grab a baked chestnut or two?" Fleetfoot had giggled inwardly at Lightning Dust's pathetic attempt to make friends.

"Thanks, Lightning Dust," she had replied. "I'd love a chestnut." Lightning Dust had gasped. Fleetfoot had laughed again. "Yes, I know you.  What Wonderbolt doesn't?" Seeing the look on Dust's face when she realised she may have lost a friend, she had added,"But don't worry, I won't abandon just because of one little thing. Every filly makes mistakes. Colts, too." She had led Lightning Dust to a stand of roasted chestnuts. Lightning had blushed when she discovered that they were roasted chestnuts, not baked.  Fleetfoot smiled. She had made a new friend.