//------------------------------// // Chapter III // Story: Parental Glideance: TLC Timeline // by AizakkuHorooee //------------------------------// In Twilight’s throne room, I place the photo on the map and light my horn.  Unfortunately before I can do anything, the door opens.  I spin around to see Twilight. “Aita?” “Hi, Twilight.” “I thought you were with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, helping with their reports.” “I am… at least Scootaloo’s.  See, she was about to put a sandwich in her scrapbook, and I insisted she put a picture of it on instead when we were done with supper.  But I was also thinking that I’d make a copy for Scootaloo and-” When I show Twilight the picture, she stops me short.  “Scootaloo was about to WHAT?  And isn’t that Rainbow Dash’s sandwich of choice?” “Yeah… it was actually really good.  I can tell Windy adores making that.” “WHAT?  You were at Rainbow Dash’s parents’ house?!?  Oh I am so jealous!  I really wish I could go back with you, but I have to get ready for the Grand Galloping Gala!” “Are you sure?  You don’t even have enough time to copy this picture?” “Well that’s simple.”  Twilight takes the photo out of my magic and puts it back on the map.  “You remember how to do this, right?” I nod and let Twilight join horns with me.  That very same copying sequence that happened on my birthday happens here, even down to the fidget spinner-shaped beams of light.  Only difference now is that three new copies of the picture start flying around the throne room before smoothly landing on the floor. “You clearly only meant to use that on my DS.  I only needed an extra copy.  But no harm done, right?” “Alright, I suppose it could use a little tweaking.  Take these two, and I’ll take the other two.”  Twilight gives me the original picture and one of the copies, then teleports out with the other two going with her. So I teleport back to the kitchen, only to see that Scootaloo, Windy and Bow have all left the room.  I try to look for them, but I easily lose track due to the excessive amount of Rainbow Dash baby photos framed on the wall. “...eugh… Starting to see why Rainbow Dash never mentions Bow and Windy.  Isn’t one or two enough?” Our little Dashie was an early- I chortle a little when Bow refers to Rainbow Dash like that. “Oh Aita, you’re back.” “Yeah, I just, uh, copied the photo.  Here Scootaloo, Windy.”  I give Windy the original and Scootaloo the duplicate I took, who puts it in the scrapbook.  “I couldn’t help but notice the, uh, wide selection of pictures you guys got in the halls.” “Oh, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, Aita,” Windy replies.  “Whatever it is about our Rainbow Dash, we owe it as her parents to preserve it.” I am quickly getting uncomfortable around here.  Surprisingly Scootaloo doesn’t seem to mind.  She’s at around the same stage of development as I am, so what gives?  What kind of lackadaisical parent raises their child to think this is okay? “What’s wrong, Aita?” Scootaloo asks. “I’d tell you, but they’re right there,” I whisper as Bow and Windy approach a door with Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark on it. “Just try to go along; I think that’s her room they’re about to show us.” Scootaloo and I catch up to Bow and Windy, who open the door to reveal an actually pretty nice room for Rainbow Dash.  It has a linen closet, a hay carpet under a rainbow themed bed, a basketball hoop next to the main entrance, a bookshelf next to the linen closet, a mirror and desk on the other side of the closet, and a side-table that has balloons tied to a cloud. The bookshelf has a lava lamp on top, two play sets, dolls, and a record player with albums right next to it.  The walls have rainbow themed wallpaper on them, and are littered with a variety of posters.  One of the walls has an extra shelf that has a globe, toy dinosaur and breezie trophy.  Below that is a bulletin board with, again, a variety of pictures plastered on. Scootaloo drops her jaw with awe, as I do.  “Whoa…” we both exclaim. I’m the first one to walk around.  “I figured you meant what you said Windy, but this is impressive!” Scootaloo takes pictures of various spots in the room and puts them in her scrapbook, then takes a look at the poster right below the hoop.  It depicts text above a tortoise in a grassy field. “Hey Aita, look!  When the going gets tough, the tough don’t notice because they have hard shells!” Bow leads Windy to a door past the one to the hall.  “Scootaloo, Aita, wanna see something REALLY cool?” “Scootaloo, go ahead if you want.  Considering the baby pictures in the hall, I’ll probably just admire the work put into this room some more.  That’s where your dedication counts.” “Okay, but you’re really missing out,” Windy replies. Suddenly when the door opens, I hear a choir sound playing.  Scootaloo gasps as they enter and the door closes, which stops the choir sound. I, uh, installed the sound effects myself.  Bow chuckles, then demonstrates that choir sound two more times.  Pretty great, huh? “Amazing work, Bow!” I respond. And look at this… Windy starts, before she becomes inaudible. “Man, what is up with those ponies?  First the racing gear in the kitchen, then the baby photos in the hallway.  I understand they’re supposed to be Rainbow Dash’s biggest fans, but this goes beyond the maternal love that puts Twilight there with me by default… oh well, at least I won’t have to babysit for much longer.” OUR DAUGHTER’S A WONDERBOLT?!? I hear Bow and Windy shout. Scootaloo opens the door to play the chorus sound. Uh oh, looks like I need to think of something quick, something Twilight could do.  Wait a minute; I have the perfect idea! You two were kind enough to show me the Rainbow Dash you know!  Now please, allow me to show you the Rainbow Dash I know.