//------------------------------// // That Night // Story: Caring for Emerald // by AzureWing //------------------------------// After a few minutes of fighting the wind with her wings, Rainbow Dash finally saw the familiar tree structure. The filly on her back was clinging on as tight as she can for fear of falling off. Rainbow gently landed on the cold, puddle infested ground in front of the tree. She raised a hoof and knocked on the door of the library. It then swung open, revealing a small baby dragon. “Hey Rainbow Dash! What are you doing out in the rain?” The dragon asked, opening the door wider to allow entry for the cyan pegasus. “Is Twilight here, Spike?” Rainbow asked, ignoring Spike’s question as she walked inside. “Yeah, she’s upsta-.” He stopped short as his attention shifted to the shivering filly on Rainbow’s back. “Who is that?” He asked as he fought the wind to get the door shut. “Rainbow!” A muffled voice emanated from up the library’s stairs. At the top stood Twilight, who began coming down when she heard the knocking on her door. She was using her magic to levitate a towel with her. Rainbow tried to shake some of the rain water off of her, but stopped for fear that the child on her back would fall off. The small pegasus’s head poked up from the comfort of Rainbow’s back as she began to look around the foreign room. Her large emerald eyes stopped on the purple unicorn that was trotting down the stairs with a floating towel. She continued to stare at the levitating object with the purple aura. “Alright squirt, this is your stop.” Rainbow said, addressing the weight on her back. At this, the scared filly held onto Rainbow tighter. “Here, use this.” Twilight said, floating the towel on Rainbow’s head. “Oh, hello there.” She said, finally noticing the unrecognized face in the room. “Who are you?” The scared filly grabbed on even tighter after hearing this question, finally making Rainbow flinch. “Oww, ok, you’ve gotta quit it.” Rainbow said, moving her wings frantically. The yellow coated filly slid off due to of all the movement. She quickly got up and began getting close to Rainbow. Rainbow took the towel off of her own head and wrapped it around the scared filly. The other two watched in silence as the young pony’s dark green mane was rubbed dry. Satisfied with her work, Rainbow then turned her attention on herself and began drying her coat and mane. “I found this one on the outskirts of Ponyville. She said she lives in Cloudsdale. I would have taken her back home, but flying her all the way to Cloudsdale would be far too dangerous. I’ve gotta wait until this storm is over.” “She was out all alone!?” Twilight exclaimed in disbelief. “Yep.” Rainbow said, turning her attention back to the little filly. “What were you doing out there alone?” Twilight followed up. She stayed as unresponsive as ever at the mare’s attempts of getting an answer. “It’s okay, don’t be afraid, she’s just an egg head.” Rainbow said jokingly. Twilight shot her a disapproving glance. “hehehee.” The little pony laughed. Rainbow blushed, as honestly it was never that funny of a joke; just a word to tease Twilight. The filly looked up at Rainbow. “What is your name?” Rainbow asked, softening her voice. A short silence followed the question. “I’m… I’m Emerald.” The filly squeaked. Her high pitch, childish voice echoed though the room. “Hello Emerald. My name is-.” Twilight began but quickly cut herself off as she noticed Emerald get behind Rainbow Dash, almost as if Emerald was hiding from Twilight. Rainbow sidestepped and faced Emerald as Twilight was. “Something wrong, Emerald?” Rainbow asked. Emerald backed up a little bit and kept her eyes fixed on Twilight. “There is nothing to be afraid of. I am not going to hurt you.” The purple pony said, confused. “I am Twilight Sparkle, and this is my Library.” “Where are your wings, and why do you have a cone on your head?” Emerald asked, looking directly up at Twilight. “Emerald…” Twilight began as she put two and two together. “Do you know what unicorns are?” “Un-ic-orns?” The young filly questioned, looking directly up at Rainbow Dash this time, as if expecting an answer out of her. “Oh, brother.” Spike said, finally breaking his silence with a face-claw. He began to step away from the three ponies near the front door so he could continue cleaning the library. He grabbed a duster and continued on the book shelves. “You seriously don’t know?!” Rainbow asked, flabbergasted. The filly began to tense up as if she really did something wrong in not knowing. Dash calmed down and softened her voice to comfort Emerald. “Unicorns are like us, except they don’t fly. They use their horns to do magic.” “They are like us?” Emerald repeated, trying to comprehend the complex subject. “You were never taught about unicorns or earth ponies in Cloudsdale?” Twilight asked. Emerald shook her head ‘no’ in response. “I’m Rainbow Dash. Don’t worry, Twi here is a good friend, you will have nothing to worry about as you stay here tonight.” Rainbow said to comfort the pony. “Tonight?” Twilight questioned. “It’s only about 5 pm, I thought you said you were taking her back when the storm was over?” “It will be way too dark when this doozy is over.” Rainbow informed. “I thought that you of all ponies wouldn’t mind watching after this little one until then.” At this, Emerald looked up at Rainbow with a disapproving stare. Rainbow tried her best to ignore the adorable face. “Well, I guess if that’s what has to happen, then it would be my pleasure.” Twilight said. “Are you hungry Emerald? Would you like something to eat?” The little pegasus’s eyes lit up immediately at the mention of eating. She quickly nodded her head at the offer. “Rainbow,” Twilight began, “you should stay too. She seems to be more comfortable around you.” “Well…” Rainbow started, finally remembering her prior schemes with Pinkie Pie. “I actually was hanging out with Pinkie before I found Emerald. We had some….plans.” Emerald’s face pulled a complete 180 as she looked up at Rainbow Dash. Her sad look broke Rainbow’s heart, as it looked as though Rainbow just kicked a puppy. “Oh, well, if that is what you want to do. Then I am sure I can handle this little one until you get back. All I wanted to do was organize my books today, but that can wait.” Twilight said, turning around to go to the kitchen. “Come on Emerald, how about a nice salad?” She said over her shoulder. Emerald did not move. She continued staring at Rainbow Dash with her hurt puppy dog face. Rainbow slowly began to inch to the door. With every small step, Emerald countered the step with one of her own. Rainbow quickly realized the situation she was in. She rationalized that Pinkie would most likely not be doing any of the pranks they planned today due to the weather. She might as well stay until Emerald falls asleep. Rainbow still had a few questions that Emerald should be able to answer. “Make me a bowl too Twi!” Rainbow shouted to the pony in the kitchen. Emerald’s mood once again flipped, and was back to excited. Rainbow began walking to the kitchen and heard quiet hoof steps behind her. There was a square table in the center of the kitchen that Rainbow and Emerald sat down at. Twilight was levitating ingredients left and right in what could only be described as a symphony of instruments as every item was being used in perfect time. Tomatoes were being tossed around as olives, peppers, and onions were being added to the creation. Rainbow sat back and relaxed in her chair. “Glad you decided to stay.” Twilight said, not taking her eyes off of her work. Rainbow decided now would be as good a time as ever to question the filly sitting at the table with her. “So, Emerald. How did you get to the outskirts of Ponyville?” Rainbow asked. Emerald was completely blown away by the magic act that it took her a few seconds to comprehend Rainbows question. “I.. I don’t actually know for sure.” She began, looking down at the table as if she could see it all vividly take place on it. “I was just standing next to a cloud, when all of the sudden, I felt the wind get faster and faster. I was swept off and was falling before I even had time to react.” Her eyes began tearing up as she got the last few words out. “That must have been very scary.” Twilight said, as she began setting up the table for her and her guests. Emerald nodded and used a hoof to wipe the small tear away. “You mean that you were actually all of the way up in Cloudsdale and you fell off?!” Rainbow asked, surprised. Cloudsdale is very high up and a filly that can’t fly has a very small chance of making the landing alive. Her thoughts flew back to Fluttershy. How her best friend from Cloudsdale made the same fall, but was barely saved by butterflies. “I was able to spread my wings out and glide down.” Emerald showed her wings and spread them out as much as she could. They were still very small and neither of the two mares could tell if they were honestly spread out all of the way. “The ground still hurt though.” “You’re not hurt at all from that?” Rainbow asked, concerned. “It hurt at first, but I felt better after I rested for a little bit.” Emerald said, sinking down lower in her chair as she talked. “How long were you out there before Rainbow found you?” Twilight asked, just finishing her cooking. “I don’t really know.” Emerald confessed. She did not care to talk much anymore as a bowl filled with food was put on the table in front of her. The three ponies began to chow down. Rainbow and Emerald both were swallowing their food in single gulps. Emerald’s appetite mirrored Rainbow’s in almost every way. Twilight took her sweet time, which compared to the other ponies, looked like she was eating in slow motion. Twilight laughed, as she expected this behavior from Rainbow, but not from a filly. Emerald could not be any older than Applejack’s little sister, Applebloom. In fact, she might be just a little younger than Applebloom. Twilight was thrown out of her train of mind as the two pegasi in front of her finished their meal and loudly stretched back in their chair. “That was delicious.” Emerald squeaked. “Thank you Mrs. Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight chuckled at the unnecessary formality. “You can just call me Twilight, Emerald.” Twilight looked at Rainbow, expecting some kind of thanks. “You got any more, Twi?” Dash asked, putting a hoof over her stomach like she was still hungry. “Yeah, got any more Twi?” Emerald asked imitated. Twilight and Rainbow stared at her in surprise. Rainbow had to admit that the imitation was flattering and pretty adorable. Twilight however was surprised at the random break in character. Emerald held her bowl towards Twilight with a large, childlike grin on her face. A chuckle escaped the purple unicorn’s lips. “Sorry you two, that’s all I made.” Rainbow and Emerald both looked down in disappointment. Not much was said as Twilight finished the rest of her dinner. The three ponies sat at the table for a little longer, listening to the rain outside. Emerald started bouncing back and forth, humming an unknown melody. The water soaks off of the tree as thunder booms outside. “So Emerald,” Rainbow began, “what are you wearing on your left forehoof?” Rainbow asked, taking notice of her white wrist band. This question seamed to freeze the filly in her tracks. She stared at Rainbow for a few silent seconds. Twilight noticed this awkward silence. “My mom’s wristband.” She answered, monotone. The grown mares were shocked by the complete change in Emerald. The life in her emerald eyes was completely replaced by a wave of seriousness. “She tells me to wear it.” “Oh, your mother must be worried sick about you.” Twilight responded. “She does not even know where you are.” “She’s alright.” Emerald said, completely devoid of emotion. “Don’t worry, tomorrow you will be back with your moth-,” Rainbow began but was cut off shortly. “What was that purple animal I saw here earlier?” Emerald asked, completely ignoring Rainbow. “Purple animal?” Twilight questioned. “Oh, Spike? He’s a baby dragon.” “A baby dragon?” Emerald questioned. Her childlike wonder over took her gloomy mood. “Yes,” Twilight started, happy to have the interest of the filly again. “I was with him from the moment he hatched. He has been like a little brother to me and he helps me out with my studies.” “Studies?” “Twi’s an egg head. She studies magic for Princess Celestia.” Rainbow answered. “Woooow, that sounds so cool.” Emerald said. Twilight blushed at the compliment. “What do you like to do?” Twilight asked the filly, taking notice that she did not have a cutie mark. “I don’t have any talents or anything that I know of.” Emerald started. “But I really like to play with clouds. That’s what I was doing before the tornado blew me off of Cloudsdale.” Rainbow froze with a sudden realization. “It was a tornado that made you fall?” Twilight questioned with a worried expression. “Yeah, I have never seen one so close to Cloudsdale before, and it really took me by supprise.” Emerald said. “How fast was it moving? Did it break any of the Cloudsdale? Is everyone else ok?” Rainbow shot out, almost like Pinkie Pie would. “It was… pretty fast.” Emerald got out, overwhelmed by the random outburst of questions. “I am sorry, I don’t know anything else.” “You had to of seen something!” Rainbow said, raising her voice and placing both hooves down on the table. “Where did it come from? Do you know how it got there?” “Rainbow!” Twilight said sternly, cutting off her rapid questions. Rainbow looked at Emerald, who was closing her hooves around her body and looking down on the table. Her head was shaking a little bit, and her right hoof was covering the white wrist band that was on her other hoof. Rainbow got her hooves off of the table. She didn’t intend to scare the child. “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight repeated, giving a serious look. “What’s gotten into you?” “Twilight, can I talk to you in the other room?” Rainbow asked, calming down a little. Twilight let out a heavy breath as she removed herself from the table. Both mares left Emerald sitting at the table in her scared and confused state. The two left the kitchen and made for the main room of the library. Twilight turned to confront Dash once they were out of earshot. “So what was that all about?” She shot. “It’s about that tornado.” Rainbow started “What about the tornado.” Twilight questioned. “Tornados don’t naturally form that close to Cloudsdale.” Rainbow started. “Are you calling Emerald a liar?” Twilight said, tensing up. “You don’t see tornados in Cloudsdale often because of the altitude.” “What do you mean?” Twilight inquired. “Rarity, Apple Jack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and I were hit by a twister when we went to visit you at the Wounderbolt academy.” “Yes, because Diamond Dust and I made that twister. A pegasus would have had to make the tornado.” Dash continued. “Okay, so an irresponsible pony made the tornado. What are you getting at?” Twilight questioned, getting slightly irritated by this back and forth. Twilight stared at Rainbow as she waited for an explanation. Rainbow’s head fell until she was facing the floor. “I had weather duty today.” Rainbow began, her voice sounding hurt. Twilight’s eyes grew wide as she finally began to put the pieces together. “Rainbow…..did you…did you make that tornado?” Silence. “I’m that irresponsible pony.” Rainbow finally got out. Twilight’s mouth dropped. Neither of them said anything for a few seconds. “I thought you learned your lesson at the Wounderbolt academy.” Twilight lectured. “You could have hurt more ponies, you almost KILLED Emerald. Why would you think such a thing would be a good idea?” “I just wanted to get my job done earlier.” Rainbow snapped, attempting to defend herself. “I made the tornado to spread out the clouds. It was small when I made it, and I positioned it on the outskirts of Ponyville. There was absolutely no way it could have hurt anyone here. I couldn’t have even guessed that it would end up catching speed and dragging itself all of the way to Cloudsdale.” “Why would you leave something like that unattended?!” Twilight asked. “I was going to hang out with Pinkie.” Rainbow was very ashamed of her answer. Twilight could tell by her tone that Rainbow felt remorse. “Are you going to tell Emerald?” Twilight asked. “No. She doesn’t need to know.” Rainbow said immediately. At this, a loud crack was heard in the direction of the kitchen. Rainbow and Twilight turned their heads, afraid to see the little filly eavesdropping on their conversation. They instead found the source of the noise to be a small purple dragon at the top of the stares who was watching the entire spectacle. Spike stared for a few seconds before speaking. “You really should tell her.” With that he disappeared up stairs. Rainbow motioned to Twilight to fallow her back to the kitchen. Upon reaching the kitchen, they saw that Emerald was out of her seat. The two mares were greeted by the child’s two large, sad looking eyes. They slowly approached the girl. “Am I…” She started as she began to shake. “Am I in trouble?” Rainbow and Twilight were both taken back by this question. They both fought inside their minds for a few seconds to find the right thing to say. “You’re not in trouble.” Rainbow Dash finally got out. “Why would you think that?” Emerald looked between the adults for a few seconds before realizing that neither of them was going to scold her. “I thought you were mad at me.” She said in an innocent voice as she looked directly at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow’s heart felt as if it broke from the weight of her words. This child was adorable. Rainbow felt as though she could never forgive herself for what she did to the poor little filly. “No one is mad at you Emerald.” Twilight said, putting on a very motherly voice. “Okay, good.” She said, letting out a huge yawn. The contagious yawn affected Rainbow as she looked above the kitchen counter for the time. 9:26. It was definitely getting pretty late for this filly, and Rainbow felt a little tired herself. “I think it’s time for me to go. The storm should be clearing up a little bit so a flight home should be a piece of cake.” Rainbow said, stretching out her wings. Emerald copied Rainbow by stretching out her wings the same way, but this time she let out an even bigger yawn then before. “Okay, what time are you going to come by to pick up and take Emerald home?” Twilight asked, finally catching up to the time herself. “I’ll most likely be here aro-.” “You’re not staying?” Emerald said, putting on a pouty face again. “I am going to go to my house now, Emerald.” Rainbow said, bending down a little bit to get closer to her level. “I wanna go with you, Rainbow Dash.” The cute little filly said, putting on more of a puppy dog face. It killed Rainbow to try and fight it’s hypnotic spell. “It’s ok Emerald,” Twilight intervened, “you can stay here with me and spike. Wont that be fun?” “I wanna go with Rainbow Dash!” She repeated. Rainbow looked at Twilight for a few seconds with a look that seemed to say ‘I don’t know what to do here.’ “She’s attached to you Rainbow.” Twilight said, referring to her almost like a new dog. Rainbow looked back at the little kid. “Fine.” She said, defeated. “But I need my beauty sleep, so don’t keep me up all night.” Emerald took victory in the first word and was too excited to hear the rest. The two bid Twilight a good night and thanked her for her generous hospitality. Before they left, Twilight wished Rainbow luck and said to let her know if she needs anything. Emerald and Rainbow walked out at felt the raindrops hit their faces immediately. Rainbow was correct, the storm has died down a little bit. Emerald got on Rainbow’s back as she took off to the sky. The moonlight lit up the entire town, and Emerald was baffled by how different it was from Cloudsdale. They passed a plethora of tall buildings and houses on the way to the open field that Rainbow’s house was parked above. Emerald let out a small sigh of relief as Rainbow landed on the familiar cloud floor. Emerald slid off of Rainbow’s back as she was let into the cloud home. Emerald was shortly thrown a towel, which she used to quickly dry herself off. Rainbow’s house was a two story, floating paradise for the filly. She had missed the wonderful feeling cloud beneath her hooves. Rainbow’s front door led straight into the kitchen, which was just as standard as Twilight’s. Her kitchen is directly connected to a living room that essentially acts as a central hub to the other rooms of the house. There are three different directions (not including the front door) that hold different rooms. Across from the front door is the stairs to the master bedroom, and a bathroom. Taking a left upon entering the house leads to a downstairs bathroom. Taking a right leads straight to the laundry room. “I guess you can sleep on the couch.” Rainbow said to the filly as she got blankets out. Emerald laid on the couch in the living room and was quickly grabbed and held by sleep’s embrace. Rainbow tiredly walked up the stairs to her room. She got into bed and closed her eyes. Rainbow was then awoken a few hours later by very loud sounds coming from downstairs. She was up quickly and rushed to the origin of sounds. It did not take long to find the mysterious sounds were coming from Emerald on the couch. She was breathing heavily and letting out short, loud gasps. Rainbow stood for a few seconds and played with her options on how to handle this. She sleepily shook Emerald awake. Emerald’s eyes opened to reveal that they were watering the entire time. She looked up at Rainbow and quickly got out of bed and threw herself onto the cyan pony. Rainbow stood in shock with what just happened. Without saying a word, she lifted the small crying pony and carried her upstairs and tucked her in the big bed. Rainbow got in next to her and started falling asleep. “Tomorrow morning I’ll take the little tyke home and everything will be just fine.” She thought to herself.