//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: To See Her One More Time // by TheMessenger //------------------------------// Chapter 13 For the first time in years, Robert and Rainbow Dash found their park occupied, though not exactly the kind of people one would expect to find at a park, decrepit or otherwise. Men and women in suits and sunglasses wandered about with rolls of blueprints tucked under their arms as they directed to the small crowd with hard hats and yellow vests following them. Robert's old fears of government sanctioned experiments returned at the sight of those dark foreboding sunglasses and immaculate suits and he immediately looked to the sky. It would either take a very trained eye or an eye specifically searching for a strand of red or yellow or a streak of blue to find the Pegasus among clouds but that assurance did little to quell Robert's apprehension. Hopefully, Rainbow could see the strangers from her vantage point and would remained hidden. With no way to communicate to Rainbow, Robert turned instead to the nearest group. The man who appeared to be in charge was standing in front of the swing set remains and reading off of a clipboard. "Uh, excuse me," he said, drawing the man's attention as he adjusted his dark glasses. "Hi, I was just passing by and couldn't help noticing-" "None of your business pal," spat one of the workers wearing vests. His helmet had a large dent in the front. The ill-tempered fellow twisted his lips into a growl but was interrupted by his apparent superior: "Curiosity isn't a crime and, really, hopefully, this project won't be a secret much longer," the man said, straightening his tie. "My colleagues and I represent Neuhaus Blu Enterprises." "The industrial firm?" Those sunglasses, which weren't so threatening up close, began to slip. The man quickly pushed them back up on his nose. "Oh, you've heard of us?" "Kind of," Robert answered. "I heard rumors about some big company buying land to build factories or something like that. Is that what's going on here? Construction work?" "Oh, no, just surveying," the businessman explained. "The actual construction won't actually begin for awhile if we do decide to go ahead and build here." He pulled back his sleeve and checked the silver watch around his wrist. "Excuse us, we're on a schedule." Robert watched the group move on then fade away into nothing. He moved toward the tree that had served as Rainbow's launch point so long ago and sat down at its base. The Pegasus herself hovered a few feet above before landing in Robert's lap. "Oof," he grunted, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. "Getting big, Dashie. Man, what a day." "I thought those guys would never leave," Rainbow grumbled as she shifted into a more comfortable resting position. "Sheesh, what did they want anyways? I didn't even have enough time to try anything new today." The man shook his head. "Who knows?" he said, folding his hands together and looking up. The sun was leaving for the day, painting the sky red and orange as it made it's journey toward the other side of the world. "Huh, will you like at that?" "Hmm?" Rainbow twist herself around to follow Robert's gaze. "What is it?" "A sunset. Been awhile since I've seen one of those." He motioned the pony off and got to his feet. "Well, time to go home." "Aw, do we have to? Can we stay for a few minutes longer?" Rainbow Dash pleaded. "Please?" "Dashie, it's getting late." "Just ten minutes, please?" Robert placed his hands on his hips and frowned. "Dashie..." "Please?" "...ten minutes. You've got ten minutes." ***** "Can I help you with anything?" "Huh? Oh, no, not right now," Robert said to the suited lady behind him. "I'm, uh, just looking for the listings." "Ah, thinking about moving into the big city?" the woman chuckled, adjusting her glasses. "You're not the only one, my friend. Plenty folk are looking around here to settle, mostly workers for the new factories and such." She gestured to one of the plush chairs in front of a large desk. "Please, have a seat," she said before moving behind the desk. Deciding that politeness would be the best approach, Robert sat. "Well, actually I'm planning on moving out of here before construction begins and was wondering if you knew of any property a little, I don't know, more rural?" "Really?" The real estate agent leaned forward in surprise. "I mean, not right away," he quickly added. "I mean, I've got time. Construction doesn't even begin for another year or so." "I suppose. Tea?" the lady offered, reaching for a large thermos and a stack of Styrofoam cups that sat next to an Employee of the Month plaque. "No thank you." She shrugged and poured herself a cup. "Yes, I suppose it could be some time before the factories do open up but you know what they say, the early bird gets the worm. I'm sure you're going to want your current place on the market as soon as possible." "Well...I don't know..." "People are coming in fast. That's just how it is. Tell you what." The lady leaned to the side and opened a drawer. She pulled out a small card. "Let's set up an appointment. Call me when you're ready and I'll get your home appraised. Then, we can discuss your new place in detail. Rural, right?" "Yeah, with lots of open space and...hold on." Robert shook his head. "I'm getting ahead of myself. I can't exactly afford a new place right this moment. I'm only suppose to be looking around, you know, planning." "Oh." The lady seemed to slump back into her seat. She took a quick sip of tea and her smile returned. "No worries. You've got my card so when you're ready, drop me a line and I'll be sure to get your house on the market at the highest buying price." She got up and extended her hand. Robert took it. "Thanks. Sorry for wasting your time." "Not a problem. It was a pleasure to help. Now, before you go, if you could just fill this out..." A clipboard and a pen found their way into Robert's hands. The paper attached was titled Service Evaluation. ***** "...and there's some pizza in the fridge. You only need to microwave it for thirty seconds and it'll be fine. I won't be back until it's late so it's up to you to remind yourself when it's bedtime. And-" "Geez Dad, I get it." Rainbow rolled her eyes and nudged Robert toward the door. "Stop worrying about me, okay?" The blaring blast of a car horn made it's way through the door and into their ears. Robert ignored it. "Are you sure you'll be fine? I mean, this is the first time you'll be at home alone, at night, in the dark, with no one around. I'm sure there'll be another opportunity to see that smelly new casino." "Dad..." Rainbow shook her head and pushed him once more. "I think I can handle one measly night alone in this dark, creepy house. Wooh." The Pegasus waved her legs in the air before bursting out in laughter. "Go on and have some fun, alright?" "I don't know. I mean, have fun without you?" "Yeah, I know. Try to, at least." Another honk. "You'd better make up your mind soon. Sounds like those guys are getting kinda impatient." Robert shrugged. "Alright. I'm going. Remember, if you're not in bed by the time I get back, I'm not telling you a thing about my night." "Psh, if it doesn't have me in it, it's not worth hearing about." The Pegasus smiled as she shoved him one more time. "Alright, I'm going, I'm going. Stop pushing okay?" Robert chuckled and set his hand on the door handle. "Um..." "Did you forget something or are you just stalling?" Rainbow asked, exasperated. "Look, I told you, I'll be fine. I'm a big pony now. I won't touch the oven or watch TV all night or prank call people again, I promise." "It's not that, it's..." Robert shuffled his feet awkwardly. "Could I have a hug for good luck?" "Seriously?" "Seriously." Rolling her eyes, Rainbow hovered up until she was about eye level and wrapped her legs around his shoulders. She rubbed her nose against Robert's warm cheek just as he wrapped his arms around her. "Good luck, Dad," she whispered. "Thanks, Dashie. See you later." Carefully, Robert slipped out of the house and after making sure the door was locked he ran to the small car parked against the curb. "About time," the driver grumbled. "Another minute and we would have taken off without you." "Gee, thanks," Robert said as he settled in the backseat. "Nice to know I can rely on you guys." "Hey, money waits for no man," laughed the woman sitting in the passenger seat. "Now, let's hit the road!" Her cry was met with cheers and hollers as the driver turned the key and the engine roared to life. "Yo Rob, your, um, lights." The young man sitting next to him pointed out at his house, where a small ray of light could be seen through the curtains. "Oh, come on? Really, more delays?" the driver groaned. Robert merely shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Let's get going." "You, uh, sure 'bout that?" "Yeah, it's fine." The house disappeared as the car drove away. The passing buildings blurred by into the whitening background. Seconds later, the car stopped in a packed parking garage. "Hey, be careful, alright?" the driver said as his passengers reached for the door handles. "This is a new car-" "Coulda fooled me." "Ha ha. You're paying for any new scratches." Sharing a laugh, the group exited out of the car. Eva and Neil followed closely behind as the cold concrete of the garage transitioned into a bright color filled room, with red plush walls streaked with lines of gold. Bright brass slot machines stood in rows like regiments. Some were like old arcade games or movie reels while others, more modern, were like computers. Blurry figures that barely resembled people sat in front of the screens, a stark contrast to the richly detailed machines. "Guess the slots made a bigger impression on Robert than the gamblers," Eva said, tapping her chin. "So, slots first or cards?" the young man who had served as the driver asked. "Or craps anyone? Roulette?" "We could just split up and meet together later," Robert suggested. "What, and lose our good luck charm? You crazy?" cried the driver. The young man wrapped an arm around Robert's shoulders and began to direct him toward the golden slot machines. "You're not gonna monopolize all the luck tonight, pal." "Well, too bad," Robert said with a chuckle. He took a seat in front of one of the open reel machines, built mostly for nostalgic effect, and took out a bill. "I'm not sharing, luck or winnings." He laid a hand on the lever, grinning as he saw all eyes fixated on the screen. Robert took a deep breath and pulled. The images began to spin until they were nothing but a messy blur. Then, slowly, the pictures reappeared, first a cherry, then another. The group leaned closer as they waited for the last image to appear. A seven. "Well," Robert sighed as everyone around him, including Neil, groaned, "the night's still young. How about some Texas hold 'em?" ***** "So, Mister, ah..." "Robert's just fine, miss." "Very well, Robert. I believe this might interest you." The smiling lady in red slid a printout before Robert. "Lots of open land, perfect if you have pets or kids. Few neighbors, however, and town is a bit of a distance away." "Sounds perfect but..." Robert frowned, tapping at the piece of paper with a pen. "It's pretty pricey." "Have you taken into account the profits from selling your old home?" "Er, well, no." "That's something you should probably consider, hon. I can get someone to appraise your place. Just tell me when and where." "I'm sorry, this is just going awfully fast. I just need a little time..." ***** "I just need a little time. Don't rush me." Robert's eyes shifted from his cards, to his impatient opponents, to the dealer who was swiftly growing annoyed. "Sir, I will ask only one more time: hit or stay." Robert turned his attention back to the two cards he had been dealt with. A shiny black five and the queen of hearts stared back. "Hit me." ***** "Hey, Dashie, can you come here for a sec?" Rainbow Dash removed herself from the couch and quickly entered the kitchen. Robert was sitting at the dining table, which was covered in folders and loose sheets of paper. "What's up?" she asked. "Can we go to the park today?" "Sorry, kiddo." Robert lifted a mug up to his lips and grimaced. "God, how long did I leave this coffee out." The filly frowned as well. "Are we ever going to go back?" "We've discussed this." "Yeah, I know. I can't be spotted otherwise bad guys in suits will take me away or something like that. Liked they'd ever catch me in the first place," Rainbow added under her breath. "Then can you, like, relax the rules about flying in the house? I've got to fly." Robert leaped onto the table, using his body as a massive paper weight as Rainbow hovered in the air in emphasis. "Dashie!" "Oops, sorry." The young Pegasus quickly landed. "What is all this junk anyways?" "Eh, finance stuff. Been looking over the books and I've got a question." "Uh huh?" "So, we've saved quite a bit over the past few years." "Yeah?" "Not to mention I've been doing pretty well at that casino." "That's not really a question, Dad." "Yeah, I'm pretty sure those slot machines are rigged but boy, the dealers there are chumps. Heck, I bet you could beat them." "You want me to try making some money gambling?" Rainbow Dash ventured. "No, of course not," Robert quickly said. "Then what is it?" "Well..." Robert shifted through a near pile of papers and binders and took out a sheet. He laid it in front of Rainbow, whose eyes were first drawn to the colored photo of a decent sized house, larger than their current one she guessed. "We finally have enough to make the move but I want to put it by you first." He took another sip of cold coffee. "I've been told there's plenty of open space and few people around so you'll be able to fly all you want. I'm checking out the property next week with an agent first. So, what do you think?" "Sorry, I wasn't listening past the 'be able to fly all you want' part." Rainbow grinned. "Of course I'm going to say yes!" "Are you sure? This is a big moment in our lives. We'll be saying good bye to this place, probably forever. Lot of memories here." "Yeah, I guess, but-" "Like this oven!" Robert had jumped to his feet and placed a hand on the old appliance. "We made our first cake with this thing. Remember, it was just after you performed a sonic rainboom and you got your cutie mark and it was your birthday?" "I remember. We burnt most of it." "Or your first bath. We'll be leaving that bathtub behind. You sure you're not going to miss the bathtub? Or what about the coat closet, your favorite hiding spot? Remember when I was looking for you and you didn't want to do your homework so you hid there for hours and I got so worried?" "Dad?" "O-or what about the couch? Remember the couch? Your first night here? Do you remember our first night together? I mean, we can probably afford to move the furniture and take it all with us but it won't be in the same spot ever again. Or Dad's recliner? Remember when I'd sit on his lap and he'd...he'd..." Something softly prodded Robert's shoulder. Rainbow Dash, her features filled with worry, had laid a hoof against as he had knelt in front of the old chair. "Dad, you're crying." He turned away, covering his face with a hand. Sniffs and suppressed sobs tore out of him as he fought to control his shaking shoulders. "We don't have to move, if you don't want to," Rainbow said quietly. "It's not a bad place, our home. I mean, it's home, isn't it?" "No," came Robert's sudden response. He stood back up and ran his sleeve across his face. "It's not fair for you, to stay all cooped up inside. You should be outside, flying to your heart's content. Mom and Dad wouldn't have wanted that. I'm sure they'd understand. Besides..." He took a shaky breath and gave Rainbow a lopsided smile. "I-it's just a house." Robert placed a hand on one of the Clair's armrests. He stood there silently for a moment, before sighing and taking a seat in the recliner. "It'll be fine. I'll be fine," he said with a weak smile. "I'll set up an appointment with an agent to get this place appraised later this week. Before then, we need to clean up around here and figure out how to hide you when the agent's around." "Well, what about the coat closet?" ***** "What do you think, sir?" Robert lowered his camera. He looked around. Not a single other house in sight. Each breath he took was fresh, clean. He looked up at the clear blue sky. "Yes, there is a pretty long drive between here and the city but-" "It's perfect." ***** "If you'd like my professional advice, I'd say wait for another buyer, one who's willing to pay full price. I mean, this is well below market value. I'm almost certain you can do better." "That's okay. So I just need to sign here?" "Yes, and here, and here." ***** "...happy birthday to you!" Robert removed his hands from Rainbow Dash's eyes. Those bright cerise orbs grew wide at the sight of the number of colorful candles peaking out of the thick layers of vanilla frosting. Tiny flames flickered and danced from every exhale but stubbornly refused to disappear. M&MS and skittles of every flavor were arranged to spell her name with a tiny rainbow right below it. Four juicy strawberries sat in the corners, one fruit for each corner. "Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen," the Pegasus muttered. "Is something wrong?" Rainbow shook her head. "Nah, nothing wrong, just a little weird. Last year there were ten candles, right? Why are there sixteen now?" "Well, I decided we ought to catch up on those five birthdays we missed," Robert explained. "And the sixteenth?" "Do you remember what tomorrow is?" "Moving day?" "That's right." It was then that Neil and Eva noticed the boxes tapped shut and stacked about. The entire kitchen was devoid of objects and furniture save for the single chair Rainbow was in and the table the cake was on. The plates waiting for use were paper instead of ceramic and the forks that sat with them were plastic white. "And I think that deserves a little celebration too, don't you?" Robert grinned. "Or is it that you can't blow out all the candles?" he taunted, placing a hand on Dash's head and messing up her mane. "Quit it Dad! Of course I can handle these measly candles. Who do you think I am?" With a humph, she took a breath and held it. Robert, Eva, and Neil waited patiently as the pony stared at the candles spread all around and about the cake. One flame went out. Rainbow pursed her lips. "You think she can do it?" Neil wondered aloud. "I don't think so. Rob here knows some stuff. Look at the distance between each candle. There's no way she'll be able to blow them all down with a single-" A torrent flew from Rainbow's lips, knocking out flames like bowling pins. "Told you I could do it," she said smugly. "Heh, like there was any doubt. Oh shoot." Robert clapped the palm of his hand against his forehead. "I forgot we packed all the knives. Oh well." He pushed the cake closer to Rainbow. "Go ahead birthday girl, dig in." "Whoa, really? Just like this?" "Yeah. Can't really cut out any slices so you'll just have to eat it like this." He stuck a fork into the frosting and ripped out a chunk of the sweet fluffy bread, waving it in front of the young mare. "Unless, of course, you want me to feed you." Almost immediately Rainbow flung her face into the cake, taking out a huge bite of the corner. "Whoa, carefully! And save some for me!" "Bleh! I think I ate a candle!" Laughter echoed from the two. As it faded away, so did the cake, the pony, and the man. The pony and the man reappeared next to the sink. In Robert's hands and in Rainbow Dash's face was a wet towel. "That was not a good idea." Rainbow groaned. "I ate way too much." "Yeah, you definitely did," Robert agreed as he scrubbed furiously. "And don't worry about the candles. They're not toxic so you'll be fine." "Well, that's a relief." The pony yawned. "Bedtime." "Aw, can't I stay up a little longer?" "You're not fooling anyone, Dashie. I can see how much trouble you have keeping your eyes open." He gathered her in his arms and with a grunt lifted her up. "Let's go to bed. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Gently, he rocked the sleepy pony as he made his way to the couch, the only thing left in the living room. Rainbow made no protests until he tried setting her down. Instead, the Pegasus hugged Robert's arm tighter, refusing to move. "All right," he sighed. "For old time sake." He nestled against the cushions as Rainbow nestled against his chest. "So, what did you wish for," Robert whispered. Rainbow opened an eye. "Not telling you." "Aw, come on." "Nope, I'm asleep." "You sure about that?" He poked her in the back, right in between her wings. "Hey!" the Pegasus yelped. "Stop it!" "Tell me. Tell me. Tell me." "Fine! Geez." Rainbow Dash stuck a tongue out and rolled her eyes before shutting them. She lowered her voice to a whisper, almost too quiet for Robert and his two observers to hear: "I wished we'd be together, forever." ***** "Dashie? Dashie? Time to wake up. We're here." Rainbow opened her eyes and stretched. "We're here?" she repeated groggily. She gasped and jumped in the passenger seat. "We're here! We're finally here!" She stared out the window, her mouth wide open. Robert slowed the car to a halt and turned off the engine. "Nice house, huh?" "Yeah, look at that sky. Wow, I can't wait to stretch my wings." "Heh, I guess you've been stuck inside way too long. We can take a grand tour later." He unlocked the doors and opened Rainbow's door for her. "We've an hour before the movers arrive with the rest of our stuff. When they arrive-" "Stay out of sight, got it." The Pegasus was already over his head, taking experimental dives and turns. "So, can I?" "Go ahead Dashie." "Yes!" Her shout was punctuated by a gust of wind Rainbow cut through as she rocketed into the sky, hollering as she did so. Robert smiled as her joyous cries drifted back down to earth and to him.. "Welcome home, Dashie."