//------------------------------// // Chapter Eight // Story: Third Time's a Charm // by RazedRainbow //------------------------------// Chapter Eight With a sigh, Rarity released a small pebble from her magic and kicked at it with her right foreleg, catching it at an angle. It took a couple of hops towards the lip of the gorge, but stopped a few hairs shy of a echoing freefall. Coward. Rarity wasn’t usually one for playing with rocks, nor was she usually one for insulting said rocks for not obeying her will, but what else was there to do? Each step felt like it was only taking Rarity further away from her destination, even though it was the first time in two days she could say, without the slightest hint of doubt, that that wasn’t the case. Ghastly Gorge began right outside of Ponyville. Since they had come across it at the end, and Ponyville was nowhere to be seen... well, it didn’t take a genius to figure out which way was the right way. That, of course, did nothing to dull the sheer boredom of it all. A part of her kept screaming out that talking to Dash would make time pass rapidly. That same part was completely and unabashedly infatuated with Rainbow, and letting it speak its mind would only lead to stuttering, blushing, and most unladylike glances. Even covered in grime and cuts, trudging her way through untamed wilderness, Rarity would not let such crude things bubble to the surface. Still, trying wouldn’t hurt. “Um, Rainbow?” she began. “If I may ask a... tiny question. How much longer would you say we have?” Rainbow Dash turned around, glancing over Rarity’s shoulder, and then looked back in the direction they were headed, never slowing a bit. “I’d say we still have a few hours of walking ahead of us.” Rarity gulped. Skirting around exacts: never a good sign. “Define ‘a few hours,’” she said with a broad grin, as if a charming smile would wash away cold, hard reality.   Dash sighed, lifting a hoof and smacking twiggy branch off a dead tree—it seemed messing with inanimate objects to deal with boredom was a universal constant. “Six. Seven. Maybe eight.” First there was only silence. Then the squeaks poured forth. “Wh-wh-wh-what?” Rarity whimpered. “Eight... eight hours?” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I said six, seven, or eight. And even that was just guessing. Might be less. Sheesh, you always expect the worst, Rares.” “Is that not smart?” Rarity asked, quickening her pace until she was directly parallel to Rainbow. “In the last two days, we’ve crashed, hurt ourselves—granted, not equally—gotten lost, dirty, and worn ourselves out.” She took a deep breath, wiping her brow. “Honestly, Dash. At the moment, if there are multiple options, I’d go for the worst possible one.” “You’re such a pessimist,” Rainbow chuckled. “Jeez, you’re never gonna get anywhere with that amount of confidence.” Rarity stopped dead in her tracks. “Excuse me?” Rainbow stopped and lifted her head back, staring towards the descending sun. She let out a deep sigh that seemed to last for a minute. Then, without taking a breath, she said, “Forget it.” Rarity was about to prod Rainbow—was she criticizing her? The nerve—but quickly thought better of it. She just wanted to get home; arguments could wait for later. Silence overtook the duo once more. The clops of their hoofbeats droned on and on until they were but a faint echo in the back of Rarity’s mind. Afternoon passed, and soon the sky was a dim orange and purple. Another day had passed in which Rarity seemed to only communicate with her thoughts. It was a shame they weren’t saying much. “We should find someplace to set camp,” Rainbow said, coughing slightly. It felt like the first time Rarity had heard that harsh voice in hours. Sure, Dash had tried off and on to start conversations, but they never really went past small talk: “This weather’s killer, huh?” “Yeah...” “Man, I can’t wait to get back.” “Same here...” Rarity had come across livelier conversations in cemeteries. At least there ponies tried to be poetic. The only reason Rainbow had even spoken to her was to stop that ringing in the ears that always came with prolonged silence. At least that’s what Rarity thought. It made sense; there were few noises as annoying as unceasing tinnitus. After a bit of quick glances in every which direction, Rainbow’s ears perked up and she quickly bolted into the shadows. Rarity squinted, trying to see what had caught the pegasus’ attention, but couldn’t make out black from the slightly less black. “Hey, Rare!” Rainbow called out from somewhere in the darkness. “Get over here.” “Get over... where, exactly?” “There’s a cave over here.” “‘A cave?’ Rainbow Dash, if that is meant to be a summons, it is a truly awful one.” A chill sprinted down Rarity’s spine, from mane to tail. Camping in a cave? It made her gag. Sleeping in an old farmhouse? Well, it was raining and she needed shelter. Sleeping in the wide-open? She was upset and not thinking straight... and she had to admit that the breeze was quite nice—especially on a troubled mind. A cave? Even in the middle of nowhere a lady must have standards. A groan echoed through the growing darkness. “Look, it’s either in here or outside.” Rarity scoffed. “I slept fairly well outside last night. I’m sure tonight will be no different.” “Last night you had grass. Whatcha got now? Rocks? Dirt and rocks. Good luck getting your beauty sleep.” A chuckle filled the still air; Rarity rolled her eyes. “I’m not going into some dank, spider-ridden cave, Rainbow Dash. Why not just set up camp out here?” Rarity looked up. Thousands of stars dotted the night sky. She could even see a nebula or two. “It’s lovely. Not a cloud in the sky."   “Look,” Dash said flatly. “It’s gonna get cold tonight. I’m talkin Whinnypeg in January cold here. I’m gonna have a fire going in here. Trust me, you’ll be thanking me for finding this cave before this is all over.” Rarity stood her ground. “And we can’t build a fire out here because...” “A: the wind. B: easier to spot us.” “Wait, wait, hold on a moment,” Rarity stammered, taking a few steps towards the shadows. It was dark. Too dark. She shook. “Are you saying you don’t want us to be spotted.” “Not in Ghastly Gorge, no.” Rarity forced a laugh. Dash had to be joking. “But, Rainbow Dash... what...” She shook her head. ‘Easier to spot us.’ As if that was a bad thing. She cleared her throat before continuing. “What if a search party comes through here?” “They’re not.” Rainbow’s voice was low, serious. Rarity could see her eyes reflecting the moonlight. “Nopony would willingly go through Ghastly Gorge. As far as they’re concerned, if we’re here we’re probably dead.” “You flew a race through here, though.” “Yeah, ‘cause I was flying—flying fast,” Rainbow said. The sound of twigs knocking together graced Rarity’s ears. “Only thing I had to worry about,” Rainbow continued, “were thorns, rocks, and quarry eels. And even just those thing almost did me in. Ghastly Gorge is a messed up place. Worse than the Everfree. Most of the creatures around here are landers, predators, and nocturnal.” It took a moment for Rarity to understand those words, but when they hit they hit hard. She crouched, shaking like a dead leaf in a hurricane. “Well... isn’t that l-lovely. How do you know this anyway?” An odd grinding sound filled the air, followed by a few mumbles. There was a long moment of silence before Rainbow spoke. “Spend enough time around Fluttershy, and enough time flying around these parts to round up clouds, and you learn the place.” As soon as she finished, the grinding continued. The sound brought images of starving manticores and wolves and all sorts of creatures with pony-piercing fangs to Rarity’s mind. She couldn’t stop shaking. Deep breaths, Rarity thought. Deep breaths. Dash is trying to scare you. Again. How often has she done that? Three, four times? Yes, this is but another one of her ‘spooky stories.’ She gave a brief chuckle. Honestly, Rarity, you’re overreac— A spark. A flame. With a bloodcurdling shriek, Rarity was nearly a mile into the air. She landed on her hooves, body lowered like a frightened cat, coat an even paler shade  than usual. Once the burst of fear died down, she was greeted by the angelic sound... of Rainbow Dash laughing at her. The frown that spread across Rarity’s face could’ve been measured in miles. “Why is it that you find my suffering so amusing?” she asked through gasps for air. “Just do,” Dash replied, sitting down with a loud grunt and raising her forehooves to the campfire. Muttering words even a mechanic wouldn’t utter, Rarity made her way into the cave—hating the world as a drop of Celestia knows what fell on her back not two steps in—and plopped down across from Dash, locking eyes with the pegasus. If looks could kill, Dash would be bloated by now. And to make it worse, Rainbow couldn’t seem to wipe that manure-eating grin off her face. Oh, how Rarity loathed Rainbow Dash But, oh, how she was enthralled... No! It took far too much effort to keep Rarity from literally slapping herself. It’s accepted, not embraced! she inwardly scolded. You are... attracted to her, but that is no excuse to start acting like a barbarian. “Something on your mind?” Rainbow asked, eyebrow raised. The fire reflected off her ruby eyes. Stunning. She had always envied Dash’s eyes—had envied Dash in general. Given such wonderful features, and she doesn’t even care. Rarity shook her head. Her mouth dropped open, but for the longest moment the words simply wouldn’t come out. After what felt like an eternity, she found her tongue. “Uh... just thinking,” Rarity mumbled, tapping her hoof on the ground, sending a paper thin cloud of dust into the air. “‘Bout what?” Rarity shrugged. “Just... um...” She let her voice trail off as she leaned forward. She could feel sweat starting to form on her brow; at least she had the campfire to use as an excuse. “I was wondering. You said there were predators—vicious, pony-hungry beasts—out here, correct?” Rainbow nodded, and Rarity continued. “Well, isn’t a campfire a little... obvious?” “We’re fine.” Rainbow’s grin glowed in the firelight. “We can see anything coming, and when we turn in for the night we’ll put the fire out. Like we aren’t even here.” “Last time I checked, wolves still have noses, Rainbow.” Dash rolled her eyes. “There’s no guarantees, Rare. Chill. ‘Sides, I’ll kick the tails off any wolf that even gets within spitting distance of here. We’re almost home. Let’s just... I don’t know, try not to think that everything’s the end of the world.” “Well, we won’t get home if we are hors d'œuvres for a pack of ravenous monsters.” Rainbow threw her forelegs in the air, shook her head, groaned loudly, then slumped in defeat, head still on a swivel. “Do you always have to be so friggin’ dramatic?” she grumbled. “Most times, yes,” Rarity answered. “Though...” she continued when she noticed Dash shoot her a glance that was equal parts annoyed and... pleading? Odd. “... I guess I probably should tone it down just a tiny bit.” Dash sighed and tossed a nearby twig into the fire, sending sparks sailing into the air. “Better than nothing,” she muttered. Rarity chose to ignore the comment. Silence was a sound Rarity had grown used to over the past few days. She liked to think that it was simply the fact that she and Dash were so different that was keeping conversations from springing up, but that would be a lie; even she couldn’t deny that. She was avoiding Dash. Avoiding the kiss. Avoiding the unceasing storm bubbling within her, growing stronger by the hour. Avoiding herself. It was in moments of dissonance, such as her current train wreck, that she would ask herself a question: What would Rainbow Dash do? She smiled as the answer came to her, like a light bulb turning on in her head: Stop hiding. “So, Rainbow,” she began, clearing her throat, “how did you learn to light a fire anyway?” “Applejack taught me.” Rainbow snorted. “She’s a horrible teacher—thought I should have it down on the first try. But... eh, I learned, so there’s that.” She leaned back. “Granted, I’d prefer having something like a pet phoenix to keep around to light these babies up in the blink of an eye. Quick and effective, ya know?” “Not completely,” Rarity said, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof, “but I get enough.” “Not like it’d really make much difference.” Rainbow sighed. “Gotta be able to do it with stick or stones or... whatever things out here can cause fire.” “Why is that?” “Wonderbolts,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “Have to know these things.” A breeze blew through the cave, tickling the flames and sending a shiver through Rarity’s chest. “Hmm... I had no idea. Forgive me, but I’ve always assumed the Wonderbolts were only about, well, flying fast and doing tricks.” “Eh, not surprised. That’s exactly what they make it out to be... until you get to the training camps. Then you find out what it’s really like.” “If you don’t mind me asking, Dash... what is it ‘really like’?” Rainbow fell back against the cave wall and sighed. “Crazy’s a good word for it. Last camp I went to, we had this lesson where we were thrown on a random cloud in the middle of nowhere, wings tied up, and told to survive for two days.” She smirked. “As you can tell, I passed.” “Really now? I didn’t realize you were alive.” This comment was met with a few giggles from Rainbow. Rarity smiled. When in doubt, humor them. It was a rather bad joke, but something was better than nothing. “But yeah, the Wonderbolts are a little bit extreme, sometimes. All these lessons on navigating unknown locations, surviving in the wilderness, first aid, and all that junk. Don’t tell you that on the posters.” Rarity leaned forward. “Sounds like somepony’s getting a bit disillusioned.” Eyebrow arched and head tilted, Rainbow stared at Rarity for a long moment, blinking. After what felt like forever, her eyes lit up and she spoke. “Eh... well, I mean it’s not perfect, but it’s still awesome. I mean, come on! Making a living off of being awesome; what more could you possibly want?!” She sighed, looking off into the distance. In the light of the campfire, her eyes shone like the finest rubies. Rarity’s gut felt like it had grown wings and started doing loops. “My whole life, I’ve wanted to do that, Rares,” Dash continued. “Fly in the Wonderbolts, I mean. Everything I’ve ever done has been for that. It’s my dream, and... well, what’s a pony who doesn’t follow their dreams? I’ll tell ya what: nothing. I wouldn’t have even come to Ponyville if it weren’t for them, so... no, I’m not disillusioned. It’s just a little chip on the most awesome thing ever.” Rarity just stared at Dash. When had she gotten so deep? “Huh... well I must admit, I’m glad to hear you’re still thinking that way. You haven’t mentioned the Wonderbolts in... well, a few months, actually, and I was concerned that maybe you’d fallen out of love with them. Good to hear you haven’t though. Watching you fly is rather dazzling, I must say. Plus, that flight suit would look... dashing on you.” Rarity couldn’t suppress the giggles that poured forth. “Oh my, that was a dreadful joke, forgive me.” “Mhmm...” Rainbow smirked. Rarity expected her to go on, but... nope. Rainbow simply nodded, a sly smile on her face. The heat of Rarity’s cheeks would’ve melted steel. If only I could read minds. Then I’d be able to accuse her of mocking me. I know she is! “Seriously though... thanks, Rares.” The words caught Rarity off guard. Had she just heard Dash correctly? “Excuse me?” “Hearing you say you enjoy my flying,” Rainbow explained. “That means a lot to me. When we first met, you hadn’t even heard of the Wonderbolts, and now... who’s the smartest money in a race?” “Fleetfoot. Small but fast.” Had she not felt her lips moving, her vocal chords shaking, Rarity wouldn’t have believed that those were her own words. On one hoof, she wanted to hide. After all, her enjoyment of the Wonderbolts—of stunt flying in general—was a lock and key secret, like if Rainbow Dash had a love for dolls. But, on the other hoof, it was something they had in common. Something they could talk about. And she loved talking with Rainbow Dash, especially about things that excited both of them. Because... Oh, just admit it. You love her. Rarity groaned and put her hooves to her face, rubbing her eyes, massaging her temples, hoping that the circular movements would somehow make the truth disappear. She knew that her feelings for Rainbow had... changed in the past two days, but ‘love’ was a strong word—a powerful one. To say that she loved Rainbow Dash would be simply silly. And yet you fell head over hooves with that Prince Blueblood. Of course, that was different. After all, he was a— A stallion. Yes, and how did that work out for you exactly? Rarity whimpered. Not only had her mind turned against her; it was making a point. Finding no solace within her own head, Rarity forced herself to look back to Rainbow Dash. She was smiling that typical brash smile, eyes showing that same glint. Rarity forced a smile back, but she couldn’t stop her forelegs from shaking a tad. “So,” Dash said, “you do pay attention when I talk about the Wonderbolts.”   “Heh heh, guilty as charged. What can I say? Flight is a majestic thing.” “Haha, I knew it!” Rainbow thrust a forehoof in the air. “I told AJ, but she said I was lying through my teeth. Aw yeah! Score: Rainbow Dash!” Rarity’s brow was about to burst through the ceiling. “Pardon? Did you and Applejack... bet on me... over the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow nodded, eliciting a loud sigh from Rarity. “And pray tell, what was the wager?” “Nothing special,” Dash said, leaning back, placing her forelegs behind her head like a pillow. “Just a barrel of cider!” “Really? Applejack was willing to give up that much over a measly bet? Seems a bit extreme.” “Well, if you know which buttons to push, you could get that girl to bet the world. ‘Specially if it’s a challenge she’s sure to win.” Rainbow shot a devilish smile at nothing in particular. “Too bad for her, ‘sure’ doesn’t mean squat.” All Rarity could do was giggle and shake her head. Rainbow was good company. Not perfect, but nopony ever was. Rarity enjoyed spending time with her. There was hardly a dull moment, and when there was, Dash was trying everything in her power to make it somewhat fun. “Never change, Dash,” Rarity said, smile no longer forced. “Could say the same for you,” Rainbow replied. “Sure, I’m not big on the whole frou-frou stuff, but you’re more than just that, Rares. Besides... um...” Dash swallowed hard. “Can you keep what I’m about to tell you secret? Ya know, just between us?” Rarity nodded. “Of course, Rainbow Dash.” She was all for gossip, but she also was not one to break a request. There were many levels of rudeness, and betraying a friend was near the top—the absolute worst. “Guess this is my own confession, heehee.” It was Rainbow’s turn to force a smile; Rarity saw right through it. “Okay... so... I kinda, sorta, maybe like wearing your dresses.” She flinched before the sentence had left her mouth. “Really?” Rarity asked. Usually she had an ability to read a pony’s emotions—Dash being no exception—but she had to admit that this one caught her off guard. “Yeah, I know, laugh it up,” Dash mumbled. “Was I laughing?” Rainbow didn’t respond, instead choosing to play with the cave floor. “They make me feel pretty is all,” she mumbled, barely loud enough for Rarity to hear. “And... well, I know I don’t show it, but I kinda like to feel like I’m pretty sometimes.” “You are,” Rarity said. “Honestly, Rainbow, if you think you aren’t pretty, you had best have your eyes checked.” She laughed, but quickly stopped when she noticed Dash’s flat look. “Hey, you’re the one who’s always going on about how I need to ‘take better care of my mane,’ and all that!” “Well, yes, that would be a welcome change, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t pretty. You most certainly are.” Rarity wasn’t sure if Rainbow blushed at that statement, or if it was simply the campfire reflecting off her face. “...Thanks,” Rainbow said, head lowered but eyes locked on Rarity’s, giving a hint of a smile. Rarity smiled back. “Still, though,” Rarity added. ”Getting your mane styled every once in awhile would be nice.” “Yeah... not gonna happen.” Rarity laughed. “It was worth a shot.” Rainbow returned the favor, her chuckles seeming to light up the cave. It made Rarity smile wider than she thought possible. For a long while, she simply sat silently, watching Dash laugh, smile, be completely joyful and alive. Rarity liked seeing Rainbow happy and carefree; it made her smile and forget where they were and what had happened over the last few days. For the most part. She groaned. Her mind wouldn’t give her a break. With a huff, she lay down beside the fire, chin resting on her crossed forelegs. “Yeah,” Rainbow said, “it is getting a bit late, huh?” “Mhmm.” Rarity yawned. “I think I am going to turn in for the night.” “Yeah, same here. Sooner to bed, sooner we can get up and get outta here, right?” Rainbow chuckled. She rose to her hooves, scooped up a pile of dirt beside her—half in her forelegs and the other half in her good wing—and dumped it on the fire. The cave was dark now; Rarity couldn’t see an inch in front of her. “Well, goodnight,” Dash said from somewhere in the darkness. “You know...” she added. “We should hang out some more when we get back home. We don’t hang out nearly enough. Whaddya say?” “I’d... love that,” Rarity replied, unsure if the tugging on her lips was a smile or a frown. “Nice...” Rarity imagined that Rainbow was smiling—she hoped it. “‘Night, Rares.” “Sleep well, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity closed her eyes and veered towards slumberland almost instantly. Her thoughts were filled with images of rainbows streaking across the sky, looping, soaring, a natural grace she could only envy. Such power, such beauty. The sky. Flying. Falling. Rarity’s eyes shot open. “Rainbow... are you awake?” A loud grunt filled the cave. “Am now. What’s up?” “I just wanted... to say that I am sorry about...” Rarity’s head hurt. Why was it so hard to say? It was just a word after all. “I’m sorry about kissing you.” The apology sent a wave of pain through Rarity’s chest; she wasn’t sure why. “It’s fine, Rare. No need to be sorry,” Rainbow replied. “Everything was going crazy. You weren’t thinking straight. Things happen.” “Yes, b—” “No. No ‘buts’. I'm not holding anything against you, Rarity. Didn’t then, don’t now.” A chuckle. “And trust me, I’ll keep this between us, if you’re worried I’ll, like, spill my guts to everyone. Pinkie promise, this just has to be between us if that’s what you’re wanting. I won’t bring it up again.” Rarity could only nod. She felt weird, unsure. Rainbow had just said what she’d wanted, but... were they really what she’d wanted? The feeling in her gut wasn’t satisfaction, that much she knew. With a small sigh, she rolled onto her side and watched the stars twinkling outside the cave. One by one they blinked, lulling Rarity to sleep.