//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Home // by Northguard //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash became a frequent visitor for Lightning Dust. They would talk for hours about their dreams, family, plans for the future, etc. Over the course of a few weeks the two became good friends and when Lightning Dust had almost fully recovered Rainbow Dash began to help her get up on her wings again. A few days after the flying lessons started Lightning Dust was released from the hospital, having made a full recovery and now ready to live a free life. However, one problem stood out. Where was she going to live? She didn't have any bits, but fortunately for her Rainbow Dash had thought ahead of everyone and rented a room for two at the inn just down the street and when the evening came she had a place to stay. But when evening came an unforeseen problem appeared. "Rainbow? Are you there?" Lightning Dust asked through the darkness of the room. "Yes, for the one-hundredth time. Yes, I am here." the annoyed voice of Rainbow Dash answered from the other side of the room. "S-sorry. I'm just scared to be alone. You know, because of the past." Lightning replied as she tried to go back to sleep. The sound of a quiet rustle was heard as Rainbow sat up in bed. "Never really got to sleep with your parents that much?" she asked as she looked into the darkness barely seeing the edge of Lightning's bed. "Is it really that obvious?" Dust answered as the sound of her sitting up in bed was heard as well was heard. Then an idea lit up in her mind. "I know this can be a bit sudden, but could I sleep with you?" she asked, not really expecting a yes. Rainbow Dash's cheeks grew hot as she thought about the question. Indeed it was sudden and it wouldn't be the best thing for her reputation, but she would just have to make an exception here. "S-sure... If it makes you feel better," she answered and turned on the oil lamp on the nightstand beside her bed so that Lightning Dust could make her way without too much trouble. Lightning walked slowly as she made her way up to Rainbow's bed. After a minute or so Lightning jumped onto the bed and lay down beside the rainbow-maned mare. Rainbow rested her head on her pillow as she tried to ignore the fact that she was sharing the bed with somepony else, but it was hard for her when Lightning Dust pressed herself up against her back and pulled her into an embrace. Rainbow could do nothing but blush in embarrassment. 'This has got to be one of the most embarrassing things I've ever done.' she thought as she felt Lightning Dust's chest rise and fall with every breath. The more breaths Rainbow felt, the hotter her face burned. 'I'm never telling my friends about this'. she thought as sleep finally claimed her. "How in Equestria did she manage to escape?! Better yet, HOW were you unable to capture her?!" Filthy Rich screamed at two of his guards. "Sorry sir, but I'm afraid she outsmarted us all. Her timing with our shifts was masterful. She has most likely been planning this for years." one guard answered. "There is also the fact that she managed to push her body beyond the known limits. She should've been nowhere near rested enough to make such a feat. I'm afraid we underestimated her." the second guard added. "I DON'T WANT YOUR DAMN EXCUSES!! I want her back here, NOW!!" Filthy Rich screamed. "Get her back by any means necessary!" he commanded. "Yes sir!" the two guards said in unison with a salute before they exited the room. Filthy Rich sat down in his chair as he let out a frustrated sigh. He made thousands of bits on this and he was not going to give up his business that easily. "If these religious ponies weren't so useful for me they would be six feet under by now," he said to himself, unaware that somepony was listening on the other side of the door. Morning broke over Snow Hill as the rays of Sunlight came through the window to Rainbow and Lightning's room. The sunlight crept up Rainbow's face until it reached her eyes, to which she let out an annoyed grunt. She made an attempt to move away from the light, but something, no, somepony was hindering it. Rainbow's cheeks quickly ran red as she remembered the events of last night. Each attempt to wiggle out of Lightning's grasp proved unsuccessful as every time she tried Lightning would start letting out a whimpering noise, which really didn't give Rainbow any choice but to just lie there. "At least her coat is comfortable." she whispered to herself as she enjoyed the warmth that the "embrace" offered. After some time Lightning Dust shifted position, giving Rainbow a chance to wiggle herself free without any disturbances. When she got off the bed she stretched her body making some joints pop satisfyingly. Afterwards, she walked up to the window and peered out to see the view. Not the one she was used to back in Ponyville, but it would do. "Is it a nice view?" Lightning Dust's voice came from behind her. Rainbow turned around to see Lightning Dust looking at her with half-awake eyes. She had evidently just woken up. "Not like the one back in Ponyville, but it'll do for today," Rainbow answered without much thought. "Going somewhere?" Lightning Dust asked as she rubbed her eyes of sleep. "We're going somewhere." Rainbow corrected. "We'll walk and fly to the Crystal Empire, from there we'll take the train to Canterlot." When Rainbow was finished explaining a low grumble came from both Lightning and Rainbow's stomachs to which both looked away with an embarrassed blush. "But first, we'll need some breakfast," she added sheepishly. Lightning Dust just nodded and jumped off the bed as they made their way out the door.