“~Wakey, Wakey sleepy head~” A gentle coo comes to my ears. “~Time to get up~”
My eyes slowly open to see Pinkie looking down at me with a smile.
“Hey, Pinkie.” I smile at her. “What time is it?”
“Still early, Anon. The girls and I are getting ready to have some breakfast. Wanna join?”
It sounds like a question, but I can see in her eyes a pleading look she is giving me. Oh how I could never deny those large puppy eyes she gives me.
“Yeah, let me get ready.”
I yawn as I slowly wake my body up with a long stretch. The cracking of my spine aligning can be clearly heard. After a few smacks of my lips do I roll out of bed. One more stretch for good measure gives a few more pops of satisfaction. I slowly trudge over to the bathroom so I can get my dailies out of the way.
“We’ll be waiting in the hall when you're done.” Pinkie calls to me.
“Alright. I shouldn't be long.” I answer back.
I had taken a quick shower and was dressed for the public. I walk out of the hotel room and see the girls were gathered in wait for me. I take notice that someone is missing.
“Where’s Rainbow?” I ask having not seen her with the group.
Rarity shrugs. “We aren't sure, Anon. We knocked on her door but we haven't got a single peep from her.”
“Do you think she’s alright?” I ask concerned.
“I’m sure she’s fine, sugarcube.” AJ pats my thigh.
I look to Rainbows room. She didn't have a reason to leave, so she had to be in that room.
“Maybe I should check on her.” I turn back to the others. “Go get a table for us. I just want to be positive she isn't hurt or sick.”
They all nod slightly but do as I say as they leave for the dining area. I walk over to Rainbow’s door and knock a few times.
“Hey, Rainbow. You in there?” I call.
I don't get a response. I just scratch the back of my head confused. I see a maid walking by.
“Excuse me, ma’am, but did you happen to notice a mare with a rainbow mane leave this room?”
‘
The maid freezes in place when she notices I was talking to her. She quickly shakes her head and sprints at high speed down the hall. I just shake my head at that as I knock a few times on the door.
“Come on, Rainbow. I know you’re in there.” I mutter getting more worried by the minute. I jiggle the cloud door handle and find it’s unlocked. I facepalm. “Why didn't I do that first?” I mutter to myself for skipping the obvious. I turn the knob and slowly push it open. “I’m coming in.” I warn aloud.
When I look inside do I let out a sigh of relief. There on the bed is Rainbow. Though something seems wrong here. She’s laying on her side. On the other side sitting atop an extra pillow is the necklace I gave her. She’s just staring at it. Her eyes look bloodshot. Has she been crying?
“Rainbow?” I call gently to her.
I see her jump a little in shock as she quickly looks over to me. She wipes her face quickly and sits up at breakneck speeds.
“Oh, Anon! I-I didn't hear you.”
I raised my brow at that. “I was knocking a few minutes ago. Your friends did the same thing earlier.” I inform her.
“I must’ve been asleep.” She says looking away from me.
Something is definitely wrong here. “Are you alright? We were worried there.”
She nods. “Y-Yeah, everything’s fine.”
I try to move around to the other side of the bed ,but I instantly take notice that Rainbow is actually moving to face away from me. Have I done something wrong? I decide not to push her. Maybe she is just having an off day? I mean, women get PMS. Ponies get that too, right? I just point over to the door with my thumb.
“Our friends want everyone to have breakfast together. You in?” I try to keep the worried tone to a minimum.
She nods slowly. “Y-Yeah, sure...”
I don't see her move a muscle right away so I just start to walk toward the door to show myself out. She probably has to get ready and doesn't want me standing here like a weirdo.
“Anon.” I hear Rainbow call from behind.
I turn back to face her but find it a bit shocking when she is already in front of me. Even more so that she has her lips pressed against mine. Something is very wrong with this kiss. My body is screaming at me too push her away. I don't know why either, Rainbow and I have done this before, but for some reason this feels different.
Rainbow pulls away with a sad smile. “Let’s go.” She says flying out of the room before my brain has time to register it.
“Y-Yeah...” I say to myself.
I’m walking up to my group of friends as they all got comfy at a large table. I kinda walked there in a shocked state for some reason. All the girls are looking at the necklace Rainbow is wearing openly and giving her compliments on its beauty and perfection. When I approach, I take notice that Rainbow can't meet my eyes as I slowly take my seat. A lead weight feels like it’s been placed in my stomach.
“Who do you want?”
I jump a little in shock as I look to Pinkie. “What was that?”
“I asked what you wanted to eat?” She says with a smile.
I quickly shuffle around and grab my menu. I flip through it quickly and decide what I want. The waitress that was waiting took my and Rainbow’s order and took off. All around me I watch the girls just talk to each other, but my mind is somewhere right now. All I can do is look at Rainbow. I notice something is different about her.
I can see her sometimes turn her glance my way and then redirect it. It’s almost like she is actively avoiding me. But why? What did I do? She’s wearing my gift, so doesn't that mean she likes it? Maybe it was too expensive? I know if someone gave me a gift that is worth a small fortune, then I would be acting kinda weird too. I don't know. I-I just don't feel right about this entire thing.
“Are you alright, Anon?” Pinkie asks.
I jump slightly again startled from my gaze on Rainbow.
“Y-Yeah... Just, something on my mind.” I try to dismiss it.
“I noticed.” Pinkie admits. “Wanna talk about it?”
I let out a sigh. “No. I think I just need time to think.”
When our food arrives I let out a small ‘thank you’ for the timing. We all eat our meals and are looking forward to our final day.
“Alright everypony, now that we ate we can talk about our schedule.” Twilight comes in.
“Lay it on us.” I encourage her.
“Well we have an hour until the race starts. Now I would like it if we arrived early so we can get settled in and even have some snacks ready. This show is going to be rather long, so we need to make sure we have everything we need.” Twilight says.
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Everyone nods at that.
“Alright then everypony, let’s go to the Cloud Colosseum!” Twilight announces as we give a short holler.
I’ll admit it. We were not expecting a giant line already being formed around the block to the Colosseum. I’m not even lying here. Pegasi literally lined up as far as the eye can see.
“Twilight, please tell me we don't have to wait?” I ask looking to her.
She smiles brightly at me. “We do not. We are part of the VIP seating. That means we have a separate entry point. Plus, that looks like the ticket buyers line. Probably some ponies trying to get last minute seats.”
Twilight shows us to the VIP entrance. All along the way we could see ponies giving us evil glares. I just flipped them off, turning their anger to confusion. As we get closer to the gate do we see a single guard standing in wait for us.
“Halt.” He calmly says. “Tickets please.”
Twilight magics all seven to him as he looks them over. He then looks to each of us. As soon as his eyes meet mine do I know that trouble has found me.
“I can't let that in.” He says pointing to me.
“Why is that?” Twilight’s irritation is apparent.
“This is a place strictly for ponies.” He says.
“I bought the tickets.” I say feeling my anger slowly take hold.
“I wasn't talking to you creature. Now be a good little pet and keep quiet.”
It was when that left his mouth that I felt the world stop for a split second. No one moved, no one breathed. Then it happened. I saw a rainbow blur shoot past me. By the time everything seemed to come back, I could see Rainbow on top of this stallion, smashing her hoof into his face repeatedly. Out of nowhere another guard came and quickly took hold of Dash.
“Rainbow! Rainbow calm down!” He shouts while holding her tight.
Rainbows rage seems to subside as she starts to process what has just happened. She looks to the guard and then to me.
“I-I didn't...”
The guard gets back up, a few bruises are on some exposed areas of his face, but wasn't too worse for wear. I can see massive dents in his helmet, it’s probably the only reason he took so little damage. I see a fire in his eyes as he tries to walk up and strike Rainbow as she’s being held, but the guard holding her takes a step back, letting his hoof sail past where Rainbow’s face was.
“What are you doing?!” The one holding Rainbow shouts.
“This mare just attacked a guard!” The other shouts back.
The other guard lets Rainbow down. “Do you even know who this is? This is Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, fastest flyer in Equestria and first pony ever to do a sonic rainboom!”
Rainbow looks over to the guard with surprise. “Hoops?”
He doesn't seem to notice as he continues. “Why didn't you let them in anyways?”
The guard points at me. “That thing is not allowed to enter!”
Hoops blows a raspberry at him. “Where in the rules does it say that? If he has a ticket and is with the Elements of Harmony no less, I think that’s enough insurance to know he isn't going to cause problems.”
“How dare you talk to your superior like that!” The other guard yells.
“Superior my flank! I think after I tell the boss pony about this you won't be having this job any longer.” He says with a grin.
“You little ungrateful so-”
Hoops waves his hoof. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get to walking pops, your narrow minded ways are in the past.” He then looks to Rainbow with a smile. “Rainbow taught me how shortsighted ponies like that can be.”
The guard lets out a snort as he walks away. Rainbow is still in shock as we all help her up and make sure she’s alright.
“Sorry for that fossil giving you guff.” Hoops says to us.
“Hoops, is that really you?” Rainbow asks.
“Huh? Oh!” He takes off his helmet and allows his short tangerine bangs to fall over his eyes. “Yeah It’s me. How’ve you been?”
“F-Fine. What’re you doing working as a guard?” She asks.
“Eh, just a side gig for bits. You know how it is.” He waves it off. He then looks to me. “So what's with this tall friend of yours? He part of some kinda element business or something?”
I decide to walk up to Hoops and extend my hand. “Anon. Arrived in Equestria awhile back. Became friends with these fine mares.”
He takes my hand and shakes it.
“Awesome! So you're kinda like an alien, right?” He says with some excitement.
I shrug. “I guess so. I don't come from this planet.”
He shakes his head and looks back to Rainbow. “Your life is so cool.” He then suddenly snaps back to attention. “Sorry. Forgot you’re here to enjoy a show. Please, go right in.” He puts his helmet back on and waves us to a set of stairs. He walks over and picks up the tickets that scattered in the scuffle. “Let’s see. Ah! You’re in box 5. Nice seats.” He admits as he hands us our tickets.
The girls and I give him our thanks one last time before we show ourselves to the correct skybox. Looks like we had spent more time with that guard then we realised, because the show was actually starting to warm up. We could see many pegasi on the floor doing some stretches and the like. We made sure to quickly get ourselves some snacks and prepare the best we could.
We take our seats and start to get comfy. Pinkie is leaning against me as she always does. Though what catches my attention is that something to my left is leaning against me as well. I look over and see it’s Rainbow. Again, this isn't something new at all. In fact, it’s happened more times than I can count to be honest. But for some reason, I feel like there’s something wrong. Like something’s different.
I push it away though. The show is starting and I wouldn't want it to be ruined by some senseless feelings popping up. Now the show itself was actually really great. It was kinda like watching a mixture of the Ringling Brothers and the Blue Angels. Varies stunts and acrobatics mixed into one fluid show of skill. It was like poetry in motion, but also had its fair share of high throttle adrenaline stuff.
I now understand why these ponies love this stuff so much. There was literally nothing you could criticize it for. Add the fact we were in a skybox made it even better. The teams literally rocketed past our box on more than a few occasions. I can easily say that this was money well spent. Though the show was over, our time was far from done.
You see, there was a reason why I got the skybox tickets. The Wonderbolts actually go to each skybox and personally meet the guests to sign autographs and the like before they go out to the public signing area. There’s a knock on the door and a few seconds later it opens wide. In strolls the Wonderbolts team. Spitfire at the head with Sorin’ and Firefly at each of her sides.
Spitfire immediately notices me. “Whoa, look at this big guy.” She walks up to me. “Spitfire's the name.” She says coolly, extending her hoof.
It’s a little surprising to see how level headed this mare is. I was expecting some amount of shock or any reaction to be perfectly honest but, she just walked right up to me with a friendly grin and offered me her hoof. I gently wrap my fingers around her hoof, feeling her tremble a little, but give a few shakes before letting go.
“Anon.” I answer back.
“So Anon, you enjoy the show?” She flutters her eyes at me.
Huh, thats a first. I think to myself, I have never been hit on by a mare before. Let alone one that’s just met me. I feel slightly flattered as I smile a little.
“Honestly, it was amazing.” I compliment, ignoring the looks she is giving me.
“If you want amazing, you should come with me backstage.” She winks at me.
Alright... Maybe I should nip this in the bud.
I laugh nervously. “Thanks, but I already got a marefriend.” I admit.
She doesn't drop her attitude at all. “Shame.” She answers.
I point over to my friends. “These are my frien-”
“The Elements of Harmony.” Spitfire answers. “Haven't seen you in awhile, Dash.”
I look over to see Rainbow has an irritated look on her face, Pinkie mirroring the same expression. I kinda thought she would take this chance to flirt with Spitfire or something? Rainbow of course, not Pinkie.
“Yeah, it’s been awhile.” Rainbow says hotly.
I see Spitfire look to Rainbow’s necklace then back to me. She gives a short nod.
“I understand. I hope you all enjoyed the show.” She continues.
They all give her a little bit of praise but Pinkie and Rainbow were a little more reserved in their comments. Spitfire signs a few flyers for us and even gave us a couple souvenirs for free. Soon we all say our goodbyes as they take their leave. With a bag of swag in hand do my friends and I leave the colosseum. As we walk Twilight starts to speak.
“Alright, so we had a great time, but we need to get packed. Time to head over to the balloon and start our slow descent back to Ponyville.”
We all agree as we head back to pack our stuff up and get ready to leave.
We had touched down in Ponyville a few minutes ago. While Spike went off to help Rarity carry all the linen she bought. I helped Twilight pack away her balloon. Once I was done do I escort Pinkie back to Sugarcube Corner. I make sure to give Pinkie a kiss goodbye as I start to head my way to the outskirts of Ponyville. That’s where my house is by the way.
Though what I failed to notice was the Rainbow pony that was following me. I set my suitcase down and fish out my keys and was about to unlock my door when I feel a presence behind me. I turn around to see Rainbow is there. I let out a sigh of relief. She’s just flying there looking at me.
“Is something wrong, Rainbow?” I ask, sensing that something isn't right again.
“A-Anon... I-...I think...” She looks away. “N-Never mind.”
Rainbow turns tail and flies off into the distance. That left me even more confused and with the incredible sense of dread filling my body. Maybe we were in Cloudsdale too long? That place was admittedly filled with emotions. She will probably be right as rain in a few days. Though, as I unlock my door, I can't help but look back once more to where I last saw Rainbow.