Rainbow Dash had never had such a good time in her entire life. Then again, up until now her life had consisted of her living in a cramped house of which she was terrified to leave. She always acted big and claimed to want to rebel, but her fear of being found out by the government outweighed her yearning for adventure. After all, it'd be pretty difficult to have fun if she was dissected.
How lucky it was that the Jokermort kidnapped her. He seemed a little scary at first, but he was actually very sweet. He didn't treat her like a filly the way her dad constantly did. No, this monkey treated her like an equal. If Dash was interested in something, such as the many carnival games, he would gladly explain how it worked and follow her along. He'd help her if she needed it, but it was never overbearing.
He also did his best to catch her up on everything she's missed from being sheltered for years. There were so many foods and drinks to try. There was so much music she'd never heard before. So many firsts were now with him. First beer, first karaoke song, first time in the city, first time ever letting her guard down enough to trust someone other than her dad or Lefonda. It was all so strange and wonderful. And the new monkey alongside her seemed to have a lot of respect and admiration for her. He never mocked her for what she didn't know and he'd clarify anything she didn't quite understand. He was never condescending or rude. He seemed more than happy to be by her side and assist her.
Dash told him about her fear of dissection early on and he made sure to take it seriously. Though he seemed to doubt the government actually wanting to cut her to pieces, he tried to make her more comfortable.
"There's no need to fear, Dash," he had said. "If anyone comes to take you, I'll simply pull out my wand and zap them away."
That eased her nerves greatly. His whole demeanor was so relaxed. He wasn't worried about getting caught or hurt. Maybe it was odd to trust a stranger, especially one who seemed to be her dad's worst enemy. But she couldn't help but feel safe, what with the confident and carefree way he carried himself. He promised nothing bad would happen to her and he kept his word. They made sure to stick close together while roaming the city and fair. It also helped that he kept her smiling and laughing to distract from any nerves she could have.
Now Rainbow Dash, being overly protected, knew little about romance. Oftentimes she'd listen to Lefonda talk about her boyfriend, but she hadn't imagined that she'd ever have a chance to meet anyone herself. Despite this, she couldn't ignore the feeling of butterflies in her stomach whenever the Jokermort gazed at her with adoration in his eyes.
Most of all, she couldn't get over how gentle he was when he held her on the ferris wheel. Moments ago he had used his wand to cut the electricity, stopping the ride at its highest point so the two could look over the shining city. The pair embraced, sitting in peaceful silence for a few moments as their hearts pounded in their chests.
"I predict big things for us both, Rainbow Dash," the monkey declared finally, pulling back a bit to look her in the eyes. "Between you and I, whatever else happens doesn't matter because we'll have each other."
"That's pretty cool," she replied. "I mean, my dad says that all the time. But coming from someone who's not my dad? Well, that makes me feel really special."
"You are special, dear. You're the most brilliant creature I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I hate your father, but I'm glad to be his enemy because it brought me to you. I love you, Rainbow Dash." By now both of their faces were completely red. Dash was speechless. No one had ever spoken to her like that. No one had ever made her feel so wonderful and cared for.
"Oh, wow, I love you too." There was that funny feeling in her stomach again. She wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Hug him again? Tell him that she loves him over and over? She wished she could phone Lefonda so she could know what the normal thing to do would be in a moment like this.
Thankfully, she didn't have to ponder any longer. She was brought out of her thoughts when the Jokermort took his right hand and caressed the side of her face. She leaned into the touch and smiled; her worries began to melt away. It was then that she noticed their faces inching closer to each other. Both were a bit shy, not wanting to rush and take either one of them off guard, but eventually their eyes closed and their lips met. Lefonda would sometimes mention how great kissing, or "making out" as she put it, was with her boyfriend. Once again though, it was an experience Dash never thought she would have.
It was nice. The bar was pretty low, but this was the best kiss she ever had. The beautiful atmosphere and sound of fireworks in the background certainly helped. Honestly, it felt like the aforementioned butterflies she felt exploded like fireworks in her stomach as well. The mare never knew she could feel so content and loved until now. She wanted nothing more than to stay in this moment forever with him.
Alas, that was the thought that brought her back down to earth. Hesitantly, she pulled away from him with a frown.
"Is everything alright, Dash?" Jokermort asked quietly, his voice dripping with concern upon seeing her upset.
"Well, I'm just wondering what's gonna happen when I go home," she sighed. "I don't think my dad will like me dating you. He won't even let me have friends so why would he be okay with me dating someone? I'm so happy right now. I don't want things to go back to how they were before." The blue mare felt tears welling up in her eyes. It was so dumb. She should still be in a state of bliss right now, not crying over what her dad would say or do. Would he forbid her from seeing her new boyfriend? Would this cause some sort of fight between him and his long-time enemy? Would the relationship end before it even truly began?
"Now, now, everything will be okay, dear," the small monkey promised, taking one of her hooves in his hands. "It doesn't matter what your dad thinks or does. I'll find a way to get you out of there. Who knows, maybe he and I can make amends and none of this will even be an issue." Once more, his calmness soothed her. He didn't even seem phased by the thought of something coming between them. She liked that trait of his. He always appeared so prepared for anything that came his way.
"If you don't feel like sorting out your parental predicament this evening, you're welcome to come back to my lair with me." The Jokermort's offer sounded lovely. Maybe it would make her dad angrier with her, but it would also take some stress off her shoulders for the night. Besides, she would much rather spend time with her boyfriend than her overly critical dad.
"Yeah, okay, I'd like that a lot," she replied, a small smile returning to her face. That smile only widened when she saw him beam back at her. It was then that he pulled out his wand and proceeded to teleport them both to the ground. Using his wand as a light source, as the rest of the fair was still unlit from his former scheme, they walked back to the fair entrance and got onto his moped.
Dash marveled at the bright city sights as they rode through it once again. She wondered what it would be like to live here. Surely it would be more lively than her small neighborhood. She'd certainly be closer to events such as the fair. The idea of her being able to go out whenever she pleased and make more friends made her grin. Maybe her dad was wrong about the pony dissection labs entirely. Perhaps if she explained that nothing bad had happened while she was out, then he'd allow her to have more freedom.
Despite her complaints about him, Harry Wayne was not a bad monkey. Nor was he truly a bad father. Was he a bit needy and clingy? Yes, but he wasn't being cruel to her on purpose. Dash knew this. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't at least a bit grateful for him taking care of her. That didn't erase her frustration with him not allowing her the chance to grow up though. She was lonely for so many years, only ever talking to him and Lefonda. That did take a toll on her. But it wasn't too late to make a change! The Jokermort could be right. They could make amends, ease her dad's fear of her getting taken or hurt, and things could be better for them all!