//------------------------------//
// Prologue 
// Story: The Long Road to Recovery 
// by super3rainbow1 
//------------------------------//

Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle as Rainbow Dash wrapped a wing around her back. The cyan wing pulled her closer to the other Pegasus in a tight hug. In a feeble attempt, Fluttershy struggled to break free but the wing was too strong. Where the feathers touched her back and sides, it felt all warm and fuzzy. Blushing, she leaned closer to her girlfriend on the sofa and nuzzled underneath her chin.

This was her new life: having a girlfriend to share precious moments like this with. It was only a few weeks ago since they became couple and yet Fluttershy still felt like she did then. She could feel heart skipping beats as she felt the warmth of her girlfriend's body. It was like their relationship had began only yesterday. Now here they are, hugging and getting cuddling on Fluttershy's green couch.

"Alright I think that's enough sappiness," said a blushing Rainbow Dash.

But Fluttershy knew this mare better than that. Underneath that tough persona of coolness was a sappy mare. The wing that was wrapped around her slowly receded and was replaced with a hoof resting on her shoulder.

"Are you sure?" Fluttershy teased as she nuzzled against her girlfriend.

Rainbow Dash gave a nervous glance around the room, unsure of what she should say. "Um, yes... well no, or maybe?"

"Okay you got me," she admitted "It's kinda nice, actually."

"I think you would like giving a cuddling a try," Fluttershy suggested.

"Eh I don't know about that, Shy. Hugging is cool you y'know but... like cuddling... I don't know if I can get into that yet. That's like way too mushy for me... no offense."

With a little smile, Fluttershy turned to her girlfriend. "Oh that's fine, Rainbow," she reassured. "I'm not offended if you're not comfortable with that."

"Okay, good," laughed Rainbow Dash. "Cause I think I'd pass out from all the mushiness."

"You wouldn't pass out, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy giggled. "I think you would actually like if you gave it a try!"

"Yeah, I dunno about that."

The couple shared a few giggles before leaning against the back of the comfy sofa. It was nice to spend their morning like this, even though Fluttershy knew that it would be for short time. Being able to relax like this and hearing the birds chirping outside was all that she needed.

"I'm really excited for you, Rainbow. I know you've practicing extra for today."

Rainbow Dash grinned and pulled her girlfriend closer. "Yeah, but it's more about learning some extra moves. They said they're gonna show how to do of their coolest tricks, so I gotta get ready to perfect some new tricks!"

"Well, that's still great, Rainbow," Fluttershy smiled. She reached a hoof around to rest it on Rainbow Dash's left shoulder. "I knew you could win the flying contest!"

"Of course," Rainbow Dash bragged. "I've got better moves than everyone else in Ponyville!"

"But, um... I kinda feel bad about yesterday," she added. "I know you weren't upset but I kind of did some thinking and we haven't really done much."

Fluttershy was surprised. She wouldn't have thought that Rainbow Dash noticed, or even paid attention to her body language. Of course she was still a little disappointed and even had been upset earlier, but flight practice meant everything to Rainbow Dash. It wasn't exactly easy saying how she really felt about it though.

"You're not mad at me, right?"

Nervous eyes glanced back at Fluttershy who was suddenly on the spot.

"Well... um no, Rainbow. I-I'm not angry you had turn to a date down. I know how important this is to you."

Rainbow Dash sighed and leaned closer. "Yeah, I know but I was thinking... but I don't know, I just feel bad about it."

"Sorry?" apologized a confused Fluttershy.

"No..." her girlfriend groaned. "Look, I think we need to figure things out. You should have been mad we haven't had a actual date yet!"

Still confused, Fluttershy shook her head but Rainbow Dash's mood quickly changed. Fluttershy was pulled up to look into Rainbow Dash's face, which had an entirely new expression.

"You know what?" Rainbow Dash asked, her face turning into a smug grin. "It's gonna happen tonight! This afternoon!"

Eyes wide open, Fluttershy almost squeaked loudly.

"Really?"

"Uhm, yeah!" Rainbow Dash bounced back. "I'm not gonna leave my girlfriend hanging! Besides, I think we really could use this."

The possibilities were endless in Fluttershy's mind. They haven't done much together in the past two and a half weeks except having picnics and hanging around. But that was what they did when they were close friends. She wanted something more involved, like actually doing stuff. The only problem was figuring out what kind of stuff to do.

"So yeah, I figured we'd do some really fun stuff like swimming and we can like stay up late to see the fireflies!" Rainbow Dash suggested.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement from the other side of the couch. "Sure, that would be really nice, Rainbow. We could even get ice cream after we swim!"

"Great!" agreed, Rainbow Dash. She approached Fluttershy and rested her hoof on her shoulder. "I really want to do this kinda of stuff with and it'll be cool to try new things."

Nodding again, Fluttershy smiled as her eyes focused on the face of her girlfriend. She couldn't help but briefly admire Rainbow Dash's features. The way her eyes looked back wasn't intimidating but warm and inviting. Between her wild mane and her magenta eyes, Fluttershy couldn't pick out what she found more attractive. For a brief moment, she thought Rainbow Dash would plant a kiss and that thought caused her to blush almost immediately. At least she was able look into her girlfriends face without blushing for not breaking eye-contact. 





Standing outside in the warm sun, Fluttershy couldn't help but smile as Rainbow Dash showed off in front of her cottage. As she sat on the little bridge over the stream, she watched in awe as her girlfriend cork screwed through the air before disappearing into the sky. She didn't mind that Rainbow Dash had to leave so soon. They had the rest of the day for their date and she was sure they would spend it having a good time.

Fluttershy couldn't help but wonder how they would spend their afternoon together. Swimming during a hot afternoon would be a great way to cool off and have fun together. She couldn't remember the last time she saw Rainbow Dash with a wet mane.

"Fluttershy!"

"Huh?" Fluttershy squinted to see who was greeting her. "Oh hi, Rarity!" she smiled as her close friend approached wearing a pair of purple sunglasses.

"Well, aren't you in a good mood, darling!" Rarity laughed. "You look like just won a free spa session!"

Giggling, Fluttershy shook her head. "No, but it's even better!" she teased.

"Then you have to tell!"

Rarity was already at the end of the bridge, beaming her eyes at her timid friend. It was almost intimidating now to look at her excited friend and share the news.

Fluttershy stammered as she found herself on the spot. "Well.." she blushed as she fought to continue. "I'm going-I'm going on a date today!"

Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? She's finally taking you on a proper date?!?"

"Y-yes! I wasn't sure how serious she was about our relationship," Fluttershy admitted. "I guess we needed time to sort things out." she shrugged.

Before she knew it, Fluttershy was given a bear hug from her friend. She giggled as her emotional friend couldn't hold back her excitement and happiness for her.

"Why that's so wonderful, Fluttershy! I have to admit I was a little concerned that 'testing the water' wasn't the best advice that I could offer!"

Fluttershy gently shook her head. "Oh no, it worked out better than you thought. I think Rainbow just needed some time to figure things out. She has a different way of showing how she feels, that's all," she explained.

"I understand, dear," Rarity apologized through the hug. "I haven't been judging Rainbow Dash very fairly these past days for that."

The two friends parted from the hug and exchanged smiles.

"It's fine, Rarity! It's all water under the bridge," Fluttershy consoled her. Yet a lewd grin managed to break through.

"Why yes, we can put this--Fluttershy!"

Rarity glanced to examine her surroundings, as if she needed to remind herself she was currently standing on a cobblestone bridge over a stream. "Did you set that joke up intentionally?"

"Um, no?" Fluttershy lied as she tried to hide her smile behind her mane.

Rarity shook her head in disbelief. "I swear she's been rubbing off those cheesy puns of hers on you," she laughed.





Meanwhile in the mountains, Rainbow Dash was hovering in a circle with a few members of the Wonderbolts. Though she was the only Pegasus not wearing a blue flight suit, she at least had pair of goggles for style--and less importantly for the protection of her eyes. 

But this wasn't entirely what she expected. Sure she was stoked to get to meet Blaze, Fleetfoot, and Surprise. Yet, no one told her that Spitfire would not be part any of this. Instead, Soarin had been leading the group with their demonstrations. As much as Rainbow Dash had wanted to ask about Spitfire's absence, she wasn't exactly in a position to question the Wonderbolts.

"Listen up!"

Rainbow Dash's attention snapped into focus on Soarin as his dark blue mane shook in the wind.

Soarin gestured towards Rainbow Dash. "I think you're ready for last part of the trick. Stay in formation or else we'll have to call this off!"

Blaze turned her head, getting her orange mane in her face. "She knows already! We agreed that Fleetfoot would handle the fireworks. You don't have to keep stalling!"

"Okay! Then get into your formation!" Soarin yelled back. He gestured back at Rainbow Dash. "Listen, rookie! If you want to be more than just a reserve, you better learn how we use teamwork!"

"I know how to be team member! You can count on me!" she replied with a grin.

"Good! Then get into place!"

Rainbow Dash didn't need to be told twice. This was the first time she was allowed to take part in one of their finale flights and this was one nobody else had seen yet. She approached the other members and took her place next between Fleetfoot and Blaze. On the other side of Fleetfoot, Soarin took his spot on her left.

"Go!"

Without delay, Rainbow Dash accelerated herself with the other daredevils and matched their speeds. She grinned as the group corkscrewed managing to stay in line with the others. As the force shook their manes and tails, they braced to make the next move. From an outside view they became a vivid blur of colors.

As they quickly pulled up in almost an 90 degree angle, Rainbow Dash suddenly felt the force of colliding pegasi. Yelling in surprise, she quickly pulled away to prevent collateral damage. 

But it was too late.

In the brief tangle of ponies, Soarin collided with Fleetfoot, whom had been carefully priming the firework rocket. In the seconds that this incurred, her grip weakened and the rocket misfired.

The group recoiled from the sound and glanced back as the source careened towards the mountains instead of the open sky. Without hesitation they after out of fear of a chain reaction. The possibility of causing a rock slide was all too real for them to question who was just at fault for the collision.

It was a hopeless attempt anyway.

They were a couple hundred feet away before the rocket collided into the mountain side. In a multi colored explosion, flaming bits shot off before briefly sparkling in the air. The force brought down many rocks before freeing a gigantic boulder. Rainbow Dash panicked as they watched the large cluster of rocks slide down. The rumbling noise deafened them as they flew within a safe distance down the mountainside. 

As they approached the base of the mountain, Rainbow Dash found relief in much of the larger rocks losing momentum. Pine trees became thicker as they followed the trail of the large boulder. All they wanted to know was that everything would be okay in the end. If the boulder finally stopped, they wouldn't have to worry about the aftermath. There would be no blaming but that would be the end of their session. 

Losing sight, Rainbow Dash spotted a path of crushed bushes and knocked overall trees. As she followed the path, she heard a rumbling noise followed by a loud cracking noise. Rising above the tree's she spotted a fast flowing river that she recognized.

"Shit!" cursed an out of breath Rainbow Dash. "The dam!"

Rainbow Dash followed the river with the Wonderbolts behind her until she reached where the boulder had been stopped. Her heart jumped at the sight of the damage. The boulder had gone off the edge of the river bank and collided with the right side of the dam. Cracks appeared all across the damaged side, slowly spreading and spouting water. Words failed Rainbow Dash as she struggled to get a grip on what had happened. Ponyville was not too far away from here.

"Dash!"

The sound of Soarin yelling interrupted her confusion.

Another sickening sound of cracking distracted them before turning back to Soarin.

"We have to reach Ponyville now! Spread out and warn everyone you see!"

With that the members of the Wonderbolts took off, leaving Rainbow Dash behind trying to catch up. She was running out of stamina and reaching her limit. Trees blurred as she flew past the edge of a forest. Behind her the rumbling roar water caught her by surprise and she lost balance. Losing altitude, she collided with the canopy and lost momentum. As she tumbled head first she was immediately caught in the violent torrents of water surging through.