In the playground of the flight school Viral and Ash raced joyfully on their own, the two mothers watching from a lone cloud not too far out of reach. Thought they had once left each other on unstable terms, the bond of their respective foals seemed to bring Lightning Dust and Spitfire a little ease around each other. Lightning wasn't exactly comfortable around the Wonderbolt Captain, likewise Spitfire wasn't comfortable either, but the pair were able to coexist in the moment.
Between them was pure silence, Spitfire being more concerned for her son and Lightning just happy that her daughter had a companion. It was only after Spitfire was satisfied that Ash was in good company that she struck up a conversation. There was something serious on her mind.
"So, I need to confirm this. You're her biological mother, right?" She questioned. Lightning turned her head to gawk at the captain's question.
"Of course, what do you think I wouldn't care for my own flesh and blood?" Lightning retorted.
"Don't take this the wrong way Dust, but you don't exactly have the best track record of caring about other ponies."
Lightning lowered her eyebrows, appalled by the accusation. But sighed, for she knew Spitfire had a point.
"I've been trying to get better about it, might as well start with my daughter. She's been through enough..."
"Sky couldn't shut up about it, I had to give him some leave so he could mentally recover. But, all this time we thought she was his daughter. Him and Vapor. It's why she stepped out, so she could take care of her."
The two foals darted by the adults, they were gone in a flash.
"I was still mentally recovering myself, not just from my parents but also....you understand."
"You do know who was in that balloon right? Twilight Sparkle, the elements of Harmony."
"I looked into it, I know how much worse it could have been. You can stop talking about it, it's not exactly a bright spot on my life."
Spitfire had to ponder for a second on what she was going to say next.
"Yeah, and Dash isn't exactly a forgiving pony. Can't even take a nickname, had to break her just to get her to fit in. Getting off topic, Lightning we have an issue."
"And what exactly would that be?" Lightning didn't even bother to stare at Spitfire as she responded.
"Dash has been wanting to visit Viral, take her under her wing. She still thinks she's Sky's daughter."
"I knew letting her go to that show was a mistake..."
"Hey! I can keep her occupied. I know you aren't exactly prepared for when the time comes so I'll keep this little bit of information between us, Sky, and Vapor, but you shouldn't hold stuff like that away."
Lightning sighed heavily, looking at her daughter who was now taking a moment to rest. Rainbow Dash of all ponies had taken a liking to her, but had no idea of her true identity.
"I'm okay with Dash seeing her now and again. I just don't want her seeing my face around her. Viral gets really excited whenever Sky talks about Dash but she has no idea of our history."
"I'm sure I can arrange some things around that to get it to work, Dash has to work around what I say anyway."
"That's generous of you."
Spitfire chuckled.
"I've been humbled by a few ponies that have their hearts in the right places Dust. Your getting somewhere, and your daughter is certainly a big part of that. I need to run, it isn't exactly good for my look if I'm late to lead the team. Ash! come, say goodbye to your friend."
Reluctantly, the foals bid farewell and returned to their parents. Before they went their separate ways, Spitfire asked Lightning one last thing.
"Would you be ok with having Sky drop her off at my place next week? If we can get Dash's eagerness out of the way it would make it easier."
"I'm sure Viral would love to have a chat with Rainbow Dash."
On cue, Viral's eyes lit up with glee.
"Okay, I'll see her in the morning then. Take care of yourselves."
"Trying my best ma'am."
Spitfire gave Lightning one last chuckle before she took Ash Wind back to their home. Likewise, Lightning took her daughter home as well. She made lunch for the pair and took a seat, it wasn't long before the filly consumed her meal, having worked up an extreme appetite playing with the colt. While Lightning began to fiddle around with her food, the crimson filly retreated to her room momentarily which now had a full size bed instead of a crib.
"I'm gonna take a nap mom." She explained on her way out of the room.
"Alright, sleep well sweetie."
Once Viral was out of sight, Lightning disposed of her leftovers and got comfortable for a workout routine. She was in the middle of getting started when she heard a knock on the door. She waited for a second, and after being certain the filly was not coming answered the door. It was Vapor Trail, whom which had brought a container of cookies.
Lightning welcomed her sister-in-law, Vapor setting the treats down and getting comfortable. Lightning was quick to get back into her routine, starting to do some core exercises as Vapor sat down. Vapor was noticeably awkward at first, but when Lightning gave her a curious glare she broke her silence.
"Oh, sorry. Uh, how's Viral?"
"Making friends, school has been off to a good start. She's sleeping right now."
"So she's okay at the moment?"
"Yeah, look Vapor I get that you feel like a second mother after all the time but I have everything under control now. I'm working my days around her and she's doing fine. Don't get me wrong, your family and I appreciate you stopping by but you don't have to worry for her."
Vapor lowered her head in shame.
"Sorry, I don't really have much to do without Sky around. I haven't gotten around to re-applying for the academy to have another go at it. In fact I haven't exactly been keeping in shape like before. I was the motherly figure while Sky was doing his dream."
Lightning pondered Vapor's words, and took a moment to figure out what she wanted to say. After a moment she stood up and went to her storage room, taking a spare workout mat and setting it beside the one she already had. Vapor, though initially confused, understood the kind gesture and obliged Lightning's invitation.
As Lightning got back into position, she dared to ask the question.
"So, your going to have another shot at it?" She asked Vapor, whom had gotten into a similar position to Dust' s
"Yeah, now that more of my time is freed up with you looking after your daughter I'd though I'd give it another go. Every pony there knows I'm a good flier when I'm in shape."
"I like to keep on shape at all times, even if I'll never have my time, looking good for the foal will make her more enthusiastic about staying in shape herself."
They worked for a solid 30 minutes, and while Vapor was visibly exhausted Lightning had barely broken a sweat during the routine. Vapor took a moment to compose herself before saying anything, taking deep breaths in between her words.
"Thanks....it means a lot....that your helping me....get back in shape."
"It's like I said, you don't need to worry about Viral but I do enjoy your company. It's better than being stuck in here alone. But, I do want to ask a favor. You won't believe who I ran into."
"Who, may I ask?"
"Spitfire, and before you say anything she knows now too. Only her, far as I know she hasn't told any pony else on the team. Anyway, could you take Viral over to her place next weekend? Preferably as early as possible." Lightning requested. Vapor stumbled over her words as she answered.
"Y-Yeah, no problem. I'll talk with Sky about it. Probably best he knows about it, and Spitfire knowing the truth."
"Perfect, anyway.... I think you could use a shower.
Vapor chuckled in embarrassment, and raced to the bathroom to clean herself off. Meanwhile, Lightning took a listen into her daughter's room. Inside, she could hear her daughter humming. This was a common occurence, she would excuse herself to her room and begin to him this specific tune. To a point where Lightning herself could recite it.
She gave the door a firm knock, and the humming suddenly stopped. Lightning waited a second, then as she opened the door there the filly lay in her bed.
"You know Viral, hiding secrets away from others makes it that much harder when they are revealed."
The filly groaned, rolling over to meet her mother's eyes. Her mother's soft expression was a relief, but Viral was still a little annoyed that her mother had been eavesdropping on her.
"What's wrong with humming to myself.in my room mom?"
"It's not the humming Viral, it's the fact that you told me you were going to sleep. You kept the truth from me. Since its nothing serious I'll let it go, but I just want you to tell me the truth when it's important. Now, I'm sure your excited to meet Dash. Keep in mind she's gonna see what your capable of. So, be on your best behavior while your there and show her what your capable of."
"Will do, thanks."
"Sleep well."
And sleep well she did, for in a few days she would attempting to catch the eyes of Rainbow Dash.