//------------------------------// // The Source of the Rainbow // Story: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic -- Off The Record // by The King of Hearts //------------------------------// //// The Source of the Rainbow //// I decided to put this short bit in really quickly, as it really helps keep things straight for me. I did it on a whim, so sorry about not posting it with the last chapter. //// Besides the beginning, the train trip to Manehattan had been rather uneventful. The group had chatted, eaten dinner, and then went to sleep. Alex had been disappointed when he saw the ‘bunk’ style of the beds, and the lack of privacy they offered. So, he simply had to accept that he wouldn’t be having any more private time with Dash for the night. He couldn’t really complain, since he had had her for the past two nights all to himself. Surprisingly, when the time came for them all to turn in for the night, he found himself having a bit of trouble sleeping. His mind kept going back to everything that happened back in the Crystal Kingdom. It made perfect sense that it would… He had seen some terrible things there. He had even watched somepony die in front of him. He wondered if Dash was having the same problem as him. They had been so preoccupied after they got back with Luna, and whatever else, that he hadn’t had time to think about it. But now that he was lying here in silence, it was starting to haunt him a bit. Finally, Alex managed to start dozing off. But all of these sudden feelings left him worrying about how often he would be kept up by these thoughts. Hopefully it would end soon… Once he fell asleep, the night passed quickly. Dreaming of nothing in particular had a way of doing that. He was woken up by the train whistling, and signaling the arrival in Manehattan. “Come on, Alex!” Spike said, bonking him on the head, “They’re gonna let us off soon!” “Uh, yeah,” Alex said, rubbing his eyes, standing up and looking around. “Ramsley said he’d meet us at the platform,” Twilight said, “And that he had some kind of surprise for us.” “A surprise?” Rarity asked, “I wonder what it could be.” “Me too!” Pinkie said, jumping up and down, “I hope it’s for me!” “Do you think he missed us?” Spike asked Alex. Alex thought for a moment, back to all that happened last time he was in this city. “No.” “They’re lettin’ everypony off!” Applejack called from the front of the car. Everypony grabbed their appropriate luggage, and headed for the exit at the end of the car. Alex and Dash stayed at the back of the group, and walked off together. She had been oddly quiet, and Alex had noticed. “What’s wrong?” Alex asked quietly, getting her to look up from the floor. “Oh…” Dash said, blinking, “I just had a bit of trouble sleeping last night.” Alex simply nodded. He had a feeling why, but didn’t want to bring it up here. “Ramsley!” Spike shouted from the front of the group. “Master Spike!” Ramsley said genuinely happy to see him, “It’s good to see you again!” “Where’s my surprise?!” Spike asked suddenly, “You said there was one, right?” “Well, it IS a surprise, but it isn’t for you,” Ramsley admitted, earning a sad look from Spike, “But I do have gifts back at the mansion for you.” Spike’s face lit up. “Who is the surprise for then?” Rarity asked. “It’s for your friend Rainbow Dash,” Ramsley explained, “By the way… where is she? And Alex?” “Here!” Alex called from the back, as he finally exited the train. “Bring your friend over here,” Ramsley instructed. Alex complied, and walked with Dash over to him. “Would you like to see your surprise?” Ramsley asked. “You don’t need to give me anything…” Dash said modestly, “You’ve done so much for—“ “There you are, Squirt!” A voice said from behind Ramsley. Dash knew that voice. “Oh sweetie, look at how big you’ve gotten!” Another voice said. Two Pegasi walked past Ramsley. It was her parents. Her father was a darker, and slightly more purple color than Dash, with the same rainbow mane as her. The only difference being that his hair was short. He was slightly larger than Alex, and had a cutie mark of a streaking rainbow into a cloud. Alex looked to her mother, and almost felt his jaw hit the floor. She was absolutely stunning. She was the same size as Dash, however her coat was orange, and her hair was a combination of red and orange. It was grown out, and hung out the back down to her knees, while it swooped past her right eye in the front. Her Cutie mark was a pair of wings wrapped around a flame. It was obvious where Dash got her good looks from. Alex wasn’t sure if he should speak up, and introduce himself to them. On one hoof, he didn’t want to look quiet… But on the other hoof, he didn’t want to look to eager. So, he opted for the former, and waited for them to address him. “…Mom? Dad?” Dash asked, stepping away from Alex, “W-what are you doing here?” “Oh look, dearie,” Her mother said, ignoring the question “She finally grew her hair out, like I always told her to!” “We came to see you compete!” Her father answered, “And you should keep your hair short for racing! Don’t forget that!” Dash rolled her eyes. Her parents both looked up from her, and properly addressed the ponies behind her. “Allow us to introduce ourselves,” Her father said to the group, “My name is Flash, and this is my wife Firefly.” “Um… Hello again,” Fluttershy spoke up. “Fluttershy!” Firefly beamed, “It’s so nice to see you again!” “You too!” She replied, obviously comfortable around Dash’s mother, “I’d love a chance to catch up with you.” “We’ll figure something out, dear.” She smiled. “Why don’t we go out for a bit, then get some lunch?” Flash asked Rainbow, “You can meet up with your friends in a few hours.” “Uh…” Dash said, looking back to her friends, uncomfortable for a reason none of them knew. “Come on sweet heart, let’s go!” Her mother begged. “I guess…” Dash said. “Great!” Firefly said, getting next to her daughter, “I know just where to go!” Dash reluctantly headed off with them, leaving all of her friends a bit confused. However, their questions were answered when her father spoke up. “So, tell me Rainbow, have you got a coltfriend yet?” He asked, before breaking out into laughter. “Dear,” Firefly giggled, trying to sound like she was scolding him, “Don’t tease her for her lifestyle!” Alex went wide eyed. They didn’t know she was dating him. “She can be however she wants,” Her mother continued, “And we’ll love her if she dates boys OR girls.” And they thought she was a lesbian. That’s why she was uncomfortable. ////