Day three.
Rainbow Dash had a later start to the day. Even though she got up later, she still completed her cloud duties in almost no time at all. Or what she’d like to say, ten seconds flat. But she was growing bored of saying it that it felt like the phrase was becoming old. After finishing with her duties, she thought about who to hang with next. She knew Rarity was always busy on a Friday, Fluttershy probably wouldn’t talk to her and she didn’t want to disturb Twilight after what she’d discussed with Pinkie Pie the previous day. She’d already helped out Applejack too. Or at least, attempted to, if hitting on her big brother counted as helping.
Her mind chose to go to the Carousel Boutique in the end. Even though Rarity was busy, maybe she’d get some entertainment out of it. Rarity often requires her to be a model for pegasus dress designs anyway. It didn’t take long for Rainbow Dash to speed through the sky of Ponyville to the home and workshop of Rarity. Planting her feet on the ground, she took a breath and knocked on the door.
When Rarity finally opened the door, she looked almost like not-Rarity. Her mane was a disgrace, her eyes were bloodshot and she had dust on her. Rainbow Dash also noticed that one of Rarity’s eyes twitched slightly. It was obvious she was very busy today, and really preoccupied with something.
“Hey Rarity, I thought we could-“ Rainbow Dash was halted as a light bulb appeared from the void in-between dimensions over Rarity’s head. It remained stationary in the air for a few seconds before it was brought to life with light.
“Oh Rainbow Dash! Thank goodness! Listen, can you possibly take care of Sweetie Belle today while I focus on my work please?” Rainbow Dash watched as Rarity activated her horn to levitate a smaller unicorn out of the door, struggling in the magical grasp.
“Hey Rarity, what’s the big idea!?” The small filly didn’t look happy in the slightest. The younger unicorn was treated with a few taps on her head by Rarity. She growled in response.
“I’m sorry Sweetie Belle, but I simply must finish these dresses by tonight. Rainbow Dash here will take care of you ok?” Rarity looked at Rainbow Dash. “You don’t mind do you?” As Rainbow Dash motioned to open her mouth, Rarity cut her off. “Oh you will? Thank you Rainbow Dash!” And with that, she slammed the door on the two.
Rainbow Dash tried her very best to gain some form of idea of what had just happened. First Rarity appears in front of her looking nothing like the Rarity she knows. Next a light bulb somehow came out of nowhere above her head and the next thing she knows is she has to look after her little sister. She had small experience after taking Scootaloo under her wing about caring for somepony younger for her, but this wasn’t Scootaloo. The one thing that Rainbow Dash feared at the moment is that Sweetie Belle might be a young Rarity.
A low voice caught Rainbow Dash’s attention. “If you weren’t always in your room at night-time with Applejack, maybe you wouldn’t be so busy.” Rainbow Dash instantly knew what she was talking about. But before she could ask Sweetie Belle about it, the young filly was already walking away.
“Hey! Wait!” Rainbow Dash ran over to Sweetie Belle, who had stopped in her tracks. Rainbow Dash nervously brushed her own mane. “Sooooo, I guess I’m looking after you?” Sweetie Belle shrugged.
“I guess.” Sweetie Belle was looking down at the ground, and Rainbow Dash could tell she was upset about something.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“Applebloom and Scootaloo are busy today, so I thought I could help out my older sister. She tells me I’m causing more mess than helping and then... well just what happened.”
“So why are you upset now then? You’re with Rainbow Dash! The coolest and fastest flier in all of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash didn’t always like to boast to make herself sound better than other ponies. Actually scratch that, she loved it.
“So?” Rainbow Dash nearly tripped over at the word that just screamed uneducated to her.
“Doh! So that means we’ll do something awesome!” Rainbow Dash threw her hooves in the air for dramatic effect. Sweetie Belle shot up.
“Something awesome? Like what?” She was now at Rainbow Dash’s hooves, looking up at her with excitement. “Rarity never wants to do anything awesome.”
“Pfft, don’t I know it.” Rainbow Dash put on a mock Rarity impression. “Oh my, that dress is too simple and uncouth.” Rainbow Dash’s impression brought a giggle from Sweetie Belle.
“That’s my sister all right!” Sweetie Belle jumped in the air. “So what should we do?”
Rainbow Dash thought about all of the cool activities they could partake in. She would love to have a different spectator to cheer on her moves rather than Fluttershy. However, she quickly realised the story of what Applejack told her about Rarity and Sweetie Belle. They had a blazing argument and Sweetie Belle grew annoyed that she and Rarity only did what Rarity wanted to do. They both learned from it in the end, but Rainbow Dash ultimately decided that the best idea would be to let Sweetie Belle choose the activity.
“I don’t know. What do you want to do?” Sweetie Belle thought about it for a moment.
“I don’t know. Why don’t we get some lunch at Sugarcube Corner first though? I’m a bit hungry, and Rarity is so busy that she didn’t make me any lunch. She wouldn’t let me try to make my own either, says I burn everything.”
Rainbow Dash knew that perhaps visiting Sugarcube Corner wasn’t the best idea after what happened the previous day, but they could make it quick.
“Alright. So do you want a lift, ride or wanna walk?” Sweetie Belle gasped.
“You mean, you’d let me ride on your back as you fly there?”
“Of course.” Rainbow Dash quickly realised something. “As long as you don’t tell Rarity about it. She’s a bit sceptical about my flying.” Rainbow Dash put on another mock voice. “Says I’m too reckless and dangerous.” Sweetie Belle giggled and climbed up on Rainbow Dash’s back when she lowered herself. “Don’t worry, I’ll only fly slow so there’s no danger.” Sweetie Belle grasped her hooves around Rainbow Dash’s neck. They were surprisingly soft, even when she grabbed hold very tight.
Rainbow Dash only lifted off a few inches off the ground. She also kept her word; she flew at a speed that was laughable even for her. But Sweetie Belle seemed to enjoy it, and that was the more important thing. Rainbow Dash had gotten lost in all of Sweetie Belle’s signs of enjoyment that she arrived at Sugarcube Corner in little time. She lowered herself again to let the young filly off her back, who jumped with a “Yay!” after the whole trip.
Sweetie Belle practically raced inside of Sugarcube Corner, but Rainbow Dash kept an eye on her from a distance. She watched as Sweetie Belle observed everything around the place. Surprisingly, the place had no customers. It was unknown why exactly, but somehow it didn’t seem so bad. Sweetie Belle motioned from afar to Rainbow Dash when she was at the counter. Looking up from Sweetie Belle, she saw Pinkie Pie across the other side, wearing her normal smile.
“Hiya Rainbow Dash! Hey Sweetie Belle! What can I get you?” As Sweetie Belle tried to decide, Rainbow Dash had joined her side.
“Pinkie, what’s with the emptiness?” Rainbow Dash looked around to see deserted tables and chairs. Not a single customer at all.
“Oh silly Dashie. Didn’t you see the sign outside?” Rainbow Dash shook her head, and Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “The cakes are away for a super special delivery today and left me in charge. Or rather, let me stand guard. There have been customers today, but only for a quick cupcake or muffin to go with. I can’t leave here until official closing time.”
“Oh.” Rainbow Dash looked down at Sweetie Belle. “Maybe we could stick around here for a while then huh?” Sweetie Belle nodded. “Did you want any help at all Pinkie?”
“No it’s fine. I can see you have your hooves full.” Pinkie Pie produced a cupcake from seemingly nowhere and handed it to Sweetie Belle, who took it and skipped over to a nearby table. “Why are you looking after Sweetie Belle anyway?”
“Rarity. Let’s leave it at that.” Pinkie Pie acknowledged by nodding her head, still a bit unsure of what Rainbow Dash meant though. “I suppose I’ll have a cupcake.” Rainbow Dash then remembered that she hadn’t actually brought any money with her. “But I don’t have any bits. Rats!”
Pinkie Pie giggled and produced another cupcake in front of Rainbow Dash. She was given a puzzled look.
“Pinkie, you know I can’t take this for free. And for that matter, the one you gave me yesterday.”
“Oh Rainbow Dash, I made this myself. Tried a new recipe. Besides, nopony has to know.” Pinkie Pie winked at Rainbow Dash.
“Oh. Well thanks Pinkie. Why don’t you come join us? You’re not really busy right now anyway.”
“In a bit. There’s a slight mess I made in the kitchen earlier. It’ll only take me a few minutes.” Pinkie Pie bounced happily into the kitchen while Rainbow Dash walked over to join Sweetie Belle.
Sitting down on the other side, Rainbow Dash sighed. She saw Sweetie Belle happily munching on her cupcake and couldn’t help smiling at the scene. She took a bite into the cupcake that Pinkie Pie tried making. It was the best cupcake she’d ever tasted. Even better than the one yesterday, as much as she didn’t want to admit it. It felt like it gave her massive energy and wanted her to fly at her top speed. She could feel the very thought of flying exciting. She enjoyed the cupcake so much that she went through it in almost no time.
“So Sweetie Belle.” The attention of the filly was caught. “Why don’t you tell me something about yourself? We don’t hang out that much and stuff y’know?” Sweetie Belle’s eyes beamed from the request. It was obvious that Rarity never talked with her about this sort of thing.
“There isn’t a whole lot to tell. We try to get our cutie marks in many tasks but it never works out. A lot of them are actually bad ideas. I haven’t actually told anypony else this but.” Sweetie Belle looked in both directions to make sure nopony could hear. The place was deserted, so it didn’t really matter. “I actually have a feeling that singing could be my special talent. I like to sing, but I get very nervous around other ponies. I want to improve, but I don’t think I can do it on my own. I know Applebloom and Scootaloo would try to get me to try something else if I said that. I want to practice, but I know Rarity wouldn’t help me. She’s too busy all the time.” Sweetie Belle looked down in disappointment.
“Hey.” Sweetie Belle’s eyes met Rainbow Dash’s. “Don’t give up. If you feel like that could be your talent, go for it. If it isn’t then no harm done. But if it is, well there you go! The important thing to do is believe. Pinkie Pie here is quite the singer. She comes up with songs on the spot. She might be able to help you, but I think Fluttershy could have a better chance. She’s a great singer, but is also nervous around others. You’d get along so well.”
“You really think so?” Sweetie Belle asked while tilting her head.
“No harm in trying right? I’ll ask Fluttershy about it when I see her next ok?” Rainbow Dash tapped Sweetie Belle on the head.
“Thank you Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash grinned in response.
“No problem. I always like to help out a friend. If I can, that is.” Before the conversation could continue, there was a crash from the kitchen as the sound of metal met the floor.
“Oh shoot! Whoopsadaisy.” Rainbow Dash looked at the door to the kitchen from the source of the noise for a moment and thought of a plan.
“Hey Sweetie Belle? Wanna have some fun with Pinkie Pie?” Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow.
“Didn’t you just say you help your friends rather than mess with them?” Rainbow Dash stared into space for a moment then shook her hoof.
“Well yeah, I do. But I’m also a great prankster! And Pinkie loves pranks too, so it’s all in good fun.”
Sweetie Belle looked at Rainbow Dash with scepticism. “Sure I guess.”
“Great! How’s your magic?” Sweetie Belle looked up at her horn.
“It’s not great at the moment. I can lift some objects for a short while, but that’s about it. Rarity hasn’t spent that much time with me practising.” Rainbow Dash looked back at the kitchen door.
“Do you think you could hold up Pinkie for a short time?” Sweetie Belle looked in shock.
“I-I think so. But what are you planning?” Rainbow Dash started to laugh.
“Ok, so this is what we’re gonna do.” Rainbow Dash got close to Sweetie Belle and talked in a low voice.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen...
“Oh I’m a silly filly.” Pinkie Pie picked up the tray she accidentally knocked over. Since nopony other than two of her friends were around, the loud sound didn’t matter. She hardly ever made mistakes, but it seems today added one to the tally. After a quick clean-up of any mess present, Pinkie Pie happily bounced through the kitchen door again. She spotted Rainbow Dash at a table waving to her, so she did the only logical thing in her mind, which was to go and talk with her.
As she approached Rainbow Dash, she noticed that Sweetie Belle was missing. Pinkie Pie frowned when she stopped in her tracks.
“Where’s Sweetie Belle?” Pinkie Pie frantically looked around Sugarcube Corner, twisting her entire body in the hopes of spotting the little unicorn. When Pinkie Pie finally looked back at Rainbow Dash to ask the same question, she saw Rainbow Dash make a motion with her hoof.
“ATTACK!” Pinkie Pie immediately reacted to the sound behind her and turned her whole body to spot Sweetie Belle lunging at her in the air. Quickly dodging out of the way, she saw Sweetie Belle crash to the floor in front of her. She was about to giggle at the failed attempt, when she noticed she fell into a trap. Before she could move, she already felt the blue feathers of Rainbow Dash’s wing brush across her back. She couldn’t move as her irises bulged, and her mouth opened ever so slightly as a tiny moan escaped.
“Now!” The voice came from Rainbow Dash, who motioned at Sweetie Belle to activate her magic. She knew that if Pinkie Pie was motionless, Sweetie Belle might just have enough power and concentration to lift Pinkie Pie. A green aura began to surround Pinkie Pie as Sweetie Belle’s horn activated, sending the small unicorn in deep concentration.
Pinkie Pie could still not move, nor could she say anything. She could only start to whimper as she knew what was coming next. She was lifted into the air a few inches by the power of Sweetie Belle and her limbs were exposed. In little time, Rainbow Dash grabbed her available hooves and brought her to the floor, making sure to do it as softly as she could. Pinkie Pie was now stretched along the floor on her stomach, still under the magic aura. Rainbow Dash quickly flipped over Pinkie Pie’s body and was met with a beg of mercy from the defenceless pony. She knew what was about to happen, and Rainbow Dash rubbed her hooves together and grinned like a crazy pony.
“Get her Sweetie Belle!” Before Pinkie Pie could escape, both Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle had jumped on top of her. Rainbow Dash extended her wing out and proceeded to tickle Pinkie Pie while Sweetie Belle used her forehooves. Pinkie Pie was in giggles and begging the two ponies to stop within seconds.
Several minutes went by, all the while Pinkie Pie attempting to free herself from endless tickles. She never ran out of energy in her escape attempts but that meant nothing overall. Rainbow Dash actually felt guilty about doing this twice to Pinkie Pie in the span of two days, but she knew that Pinkie Pie’s so called ‘punishment’ would be worth it (or did she?). She had strike one the previous day, so this would be strike two.
“Ok Sweetie Belle, she’s had enough.” Rainbow Dash removed her feathers from Pinkie Pie to which Sweetie Belle followed suit with her hooves. Pinkie Pie was lying on the ground, panting heavily for breath. Her breathing started to turn from one filled with tiny giggles to much louder pants, beginning to contain anger. As she rose from the ground, Rainbow Dash saw Pinkie Pie gritting her teeth, not at all happy. Her eyebrows rapidly descended. Rainbow Dash could see signs of heat coming from Pinkie Pie. She actually saw the fumes starting to fall into being, and she felt a sudden radiation forming out of nowhere. Glancing at a window, she saw that it was starting to steam up rapidly.
Lifting up her hoof in concern, Rainbow Dash decided to confront the beast before her. “Uh Pinkie? You ok?”
Wait a minute. Isn’t this the second day I’ve done this? Doesn't Pinkie Pie usually... oh no.
There was no worded response. Instead, her next hint of immediate danger was Pinkie Pie scraping the floor with one of her hooves, putting more force into it every time. Her eyes were locked on Rainbow Dash, and it looked like she would combust into fury out of nowhere and charge full force.
Rainbow Dash was now convinced that she was currently being targeted and locked on by the Pinkieradar. She knew what to do and grabbed the frightened Sweetie Belle as fast as she could, making sure she was actually on her back before bolting through the door.
Sweetie Belle didn’t have long to grab hold of Rainbow Dash tightly as the speed demon was off, followed closely by a blur of pink. At this point, Pinkie Pie didn’t care about leaving Sugarcube Corner unattended, but in her infinite wisdom, she had stopped herself momentarily to lock the front door behind her, smiled and giggled, and then was behind Rainbow Dash shortly after, returning to her mare hunt.
Rainbow Dash didn’t know where to go. She wouldn’t be able to escape from Pinkie Pie, as previous attempts have proven to her. She could find another one of her friends, but they’d probably take Pinkie Pie’s side and give her up, running away themselves in the process. Rainbow Dash was flying cautiously around Ponyville; looking out for any place the pair could take temporary refuge. One thing was certain. No matter how fast she flew, she wouldn’t get out of view from Pinkie Pie.
“Sweetie Belle!?” Rainbow Dash had to speak more loudly in the air while speeding. “Do you know where we could go!?” She felt Sweetie Belle shake her head. After a few seconds of panic, Rainbow Dash sighed. “Maybe we’d just have to accept what Pinkie Pie is gonna do! We’re not going to shake her!” Rainbow Dash felt a whimper from Sweetie Belle behind her. She knew she’d have to protect the young filly from Pinkie Pie. “Alright! I think I can try something!”
Rainbow Dash decelerated as she dropped to the ground outside of the library. Taking what quick moments she had to breathe, she barged through the door as fast as she could.
Twilight was interrupted in her book reading once again as she saw two ponies speeding into her home. She noticed Rainbow Dash locking and barricading the door with no clue what was happening. She cleared her throat to gain the attention of the pegasus currently destroying her Feng shui.
“Oh, hi Twilight.” Rainbow Dash was up on her hind hooves, exposing her teeth and trying to push the furniture in front of the door as much as she could. Sweat was dripping from her head as she took little break in watching the room before her. “Can’t really talk now Twi.”
Sweetie Belle took refuge next to Twilight, digging herself into the soft and comforting purple fur. Twilight raised an eyebrow at both behaviours that had entered her home. “Can one of you ponies give me some sort of clue as to what’s going on?”
“Well.” Twilight looked down at the scared unicorn beginning the confession. “You see, we were at Sugarcube Corner...” Twilight shot a quick glance at Rainbow Dash and narrowed her eyes.
“What did you do!?” Rainbow Dash’s eyes were darting all over the place.
“Uh well Twi, we just simply- OH HORSEAPPLES!” A bash came from the other side of the library door. The sudden force that drove into the door overpowered Rainbow Dash and her fort of furniture. She panicked as she tried to keep the maniac behind the door, quickly throwing the furniture back in front of the door.
Barge after barge after barge. Rainbow Dash was now physically struggling to keep Pinkie Pie out, who it seemed could keep up her strength all day. Sweetie Belle curled up in fear, attaching herself more to Twilight.
“Oh no.” Twilight laid an assuring hoof over the frightened filly. She still didn’t know what was going on, but she had a very strong feeling that it was Pinkie Pie behind the door. She shuddered at the very thought of how they angered her, and she felt sorry for Rainbow Dash right now.
“What did you do Rainbow!? Should I hide?” Twilight was partially relieved when Rainbow Dash shook her head.
“We may have exploited Pinkie Pie’s weakness...”
“Oh you found the sensitive spot on her stomach? It’s not really much of a weakness. That makes sense, but why is she angry?”
Sweetie Belle in all honesty didn’t know that Rainbow Dash had played a similar trick the previous day. It was time for Rainbow Dash to confess that fact, and face a terrifying truth.
After everything we’ve talked about Twilight, I’m surprised you don’t know of what turns her on concerning her back. You’ve probably touched it more times than I have. Oh wait. You need pegasi feathers for that.
“I might have- AH!” she felt another crash at the door, “done the same thing to Pinkie Pie yesterday. I should have-“ bash, “told you Sweetie Belle.” Twilight looked in horror.
“Rainbow Dash, you know as well as I do not to do that to Pinkie Pie. No wonder she’s after your blood. You’re doomed!” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
“Well duh! I thought it’d be worth it, but I didn’t know she’d-“ a larger bash, “be THIS committed for revenge.” Twilight sighed as she prepared to say her goodbyes to Rainbow Dash.
“You’re just going to have to accept it. She’ll get in eventually.” Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight with a look to ask “are you crazy?”, but she knew Twilight was right. She looked down, prepared to accept her punishment.
“In that case, could I use your bedroom? I wouldn’t want Sweetie Belle to see the fate that the creature known as Pinkie Pie will deal me.” With a nod of approval from Twilight, Rainbow Dash sped off towards her bedroom.
As soon as the pegasus had left her grip on the furniture blockade, one huge crash sent the furniture flying and the door swinging against the wall hard. In the rush, Twilight had to duck just to avoid any potential objects from hitting her. In the doorway stood Ponyville’s party pony, now in a state of everything un-Pinkie Pie. Twilight could see the beast stood only metres away from her, smoke almost coming out of her nose as she exhaled. Pinkie Pie turned to Twilight and surprisingly changed her mood.
“Heya Twilight! Sorry about the mess, I’m sure you know why.” She giggled. “You still want to have fun tonight?” Twilight looked at Pinkie Pie in horror, causing her to frown. “Oh don’t worry, I’ll be gentle. I’ll be fine after I’ve dealt with Rainbow Dash. Speaking of which...” Pinkie Pie turned back to stone-cold-killer-hyper-anger-rage mode. “Where is she!?” Twilight was scared just pointing her hoof towards her own bedroom, which Pinkie Pie sped off to as soon as she saw the gesture. Knowing what was about to happen, she covered Sweetie Belle’s ears as she heard a great scream coming from her private quarters mere moments later.
“But Pinkie,” came a voice echoing through the walls, “You said you couldn’t leave Sugarcube Corner until official closing time-“
The voice was cut off as a crash and a cry of pain was heard.
“It was nice knowing you Rainbow Dash...” Twilight whispered to herself, trying to think of happy thoughts to block out the carnage happening in her bedroom.