//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 - The Challenge // Story: Can a Flower Bloom in the Desert? // by DashieSoup //------------------------------// In the warm, sunlit sanctuary of Fluttershy's cottage, the scent of a lovingly prepared breakfast wafted through the air. She hummed a sweet tune, her heart brimming with happiness. This was the first morning Rainbow Dash would be waking up in her bed, their newfound romance still blossoming with each passing day. With a gentle rap on the bedroom door, Fluttershy timidly called out to her slumbering partner. "Rainbow, breakfast is ready!" She didn’t like to wake anypony, but even this early into their relationship she had come to realize that Rainbow required a little prodding to stay on the right track. And on the right timezone. Rainbow Dash, not one to relish early mornings, stumbled into the dining room with a yawn, her vibrant mane tousled from sleep. She offered a sleepy, yet appreciative, smile and murmured her thanks as she eagerly sipped the steaming coffee. Fluttershy smiled as she watched her partner sit and eat. Even in this frazzled morning state, she couldn’t help but appreciate how pretty Rainbow was. The scattered mane, faint bags under her eyes, and gravelly morning voice just emphasized what Fluttershy loved about her. She was a rebel off the beaten path, an unkempt rogue of a mare. “I um, really liked having you over last night,” said Fluttershy, idly circling the rim of her coffee mug with her hoof. Rainbow looked up with half a piece of toast still in her mouth. “Mmph, mmeef toop” Fluttershy giggled at her uncouthness. Rainbow swallowed and said “You know, I don’t think we can keep it a secret from the others much longer. It’s getting a little obvious between the sleepovers and you holding your wings down every time I do something awesome.” Fluttershy blushed and said “You’re so bad! I don’t do that, do I?” “Well, to my trained eye yeah, but I’ll admit I probably spend more time looking at your sexy bod than the others do.” Looking mortified, but still smiling, Fluttershy picked up the empty plates and said “Oh my goodness, what am I going to do with you.” “You looove it,” came the reply. She leaned back in her chair, balancing it precariously on its back legs. “Your sexy bod aside though, what do you think about finally telling them? You know I’ve been for it since day one.” Fluttershy turned on the faucet to wash the dishes and thought for a moment. “I’m just still worried about it changing things between the six of us. I mean, we’ve all been friends for so long without there being any romance. What if...I mean, I can’t stand the thought of us not all being friends anymore.” “Eh, you worry too much. Don’t worry, I’ll keep the secret though. You know, I’d alllmost think you were ashamed of me if I wasn’t, well, awesome.” Fluttershy trotted back over looking concerned and gave Rainbow a hug from behind. “Oh of course I’d never be ashamed of you!” “Whoah, hey, watch where you’re pulling! I’m gonna fall off the chair!” Fluttershy let go, and Rainbow hopped out of her chair, landing on all fours. Her head was low, and she looked at Fluttershy with mischief in her eyes. Clearly, the coffee had kicked in. “Ha! Tricked you! Now prepare for revenge!” Fluttershy squeaked with delighted fear and tried to gallop away. Rainbow chased her down with startling speed, and jumped over the couch between them, tackling her to the ground. Fluttershy’s heart raced as Rainbow looked down at her like a predator at its prey. “R-Rainbow! What if, I mean, the windows are still open and…” Rainbow dash just smirked and said “Nobody’s gonna see us here behind the couch, although them hearing us is up to you,” before pressing her muzzle against Fluttershy’s soft neck. Lost in the fervor of their embrace, they failed to notice the small "pop" that sounded in the room. “Well actually it’s quite easy to see you from here, but don’t mind me,” came the snarky voice that caused them both to turn. “Discord,” Rainbow said in a near growl. “The one and only,” he replied, looking at them from a lifeguard’s tower he had made appear above the couch. “Really, I’m here for your own safety.” Rainbow Dash's eyes blazed as she glared at the intruder. "You saw that we’re busy, now get out!” she barked at him. "Now, now, that's no way to treat a visitor," Discord chided, feigning hurt. “Rainbow, don’t yell…” said Fluttershy nervously, standing up from her position on the floor. She looked at Discord “But she’s right, you can’t show up here uninvited.” "Why not?" Discord asked, his voice tinged with betrayal. "I thought we were friends." Fluttershy looked at the ground, avoiding his gaze. “Well, I know you used to pop in and it was okay, but now, I mean, Rainbow and I…” "It's because we're dating now," Rainbow Dash finished. “Rainbow!” came Fluttershy’s nervous response. Rainbow didn’t look away from Discord, but said “I think it’s a little late for secrecy Fluttershy, he saw us.” Discord smiled malevolently. "Oh, so your little relationship is a secret is it? Well, it sounds like I’m the least of your problems. You ponies have it so easy these days, and yet you still feel the need to hide? Your relationship wouldn’t last one minute back in my time.” Rainbow stamped her hoof on the floor. "Our relationship could survive any time, anywhere.” "Is that so?" Discord mused, a cunning grin spreading across his face. "I'll make you a bet then. If your relationship can start, much less thrive, back in my day, I'll leave Fluttershy alone whenever you're over. But if you lose, well, no more RainbowShy. Or FlutterDash. I always forget which it is.” Fluttershy's eyes widened in alarm. "No!" she cried, looking between the two. “Rainbow it’s not worth it!” Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Easy bet," she declared, her voice resolute. "We can survive anything." Discord grinned and held out his paw. “Well then, we have a deal.” Ignoring Fluttershy's pleading gestures, Rainbow reached out and firmly shook. As their pact was sealed, the world around them faded into darkness, leaving Fluttershy's desperate cries echoing through the void.