//------------------------------// // Chapter 30: The Jacket of Her Childhood // Story: This Bright Blazing Future // by Dynasty-Kaine //------------------------------// About 1 Month later... It was Dash's 21st birthday at long last, and she was excited beyond belief. It had taken her some time to notice that the tickets her new father gave her were for the show in Canterlot on the exact day of her birthday. He had said he had planned this all along, and she thought it was him talking big but she hadn't really cared. The forest green stallion was family now, and she couldn't be happier. He even had her take over the shop while he was gone on the road, it was hard for her but she always found a way to manage. With her working hard Spitfire had plenty of time to herself to realign her thoughts, the night they had spent together a month ago had been fiery and passionate to no ends. She could still feel her marefriends touch even now on her body, it gave her chills. Despite her tender care that night, her lover seemed taken by the prospect of conquest and lust. Something she had feared, and something she felt that she managed to quell. At the end of that night they had cuddled together tightly and compassionately. It had been a sweet gesture. She and Spitfire had been going out on occasion when she felt up for it, but something seemed to haunt her eyes and actions. Something that was not her. Dash had caught the golden mare looking away from her more and more often it seemed, and she began to worry if she relapsed in her treatment. The younger pegasus didn't think this was Spitfire's fault in her heart, but she knew that her heart was foolish in its logic of almost everything some days. Even now sitting beside her lover on the train to Canterlot for the concert, something bothered her to the core about Spitfire. Was I wrong to go that distance with Spitfire so soon? Deep down she cursed herself for Spitfire's current attitude, no matter how hard the golden mare tried to cover it up it was still visible. She checked out any mare or stallion that caught her fancy, but what was weird was seeing her facial expression after doing it. It was as if she was scolding herself for it, fighting against some unknown inner demon that had vexed her greatly. "Am I really so unappealing?" Dash muttered aloud. "What was that hun?" Spitfire mumbled drearily coming out of a haze at that moment. "Nothing." She answered in a neutral tone. "Hmm, no really what's up?" the fiery maned mare insisted. Dash didn't respond at first, but quickly she felt her heart wrench in anger. Here it comes. "What's up, I'm surprised you even came when you know damn well how hard it's gonna be to control that wandering eye you've been trying to cover up of late!" Dash growled almost in her words, she was sick of bearing this on her own. Spitfire's eyes widened in shock and she turned away in shame. "I can see every little damn bit of how you've been acting, and it is legitimately beginning to worry me." She sounded less angry at this point. "Maybe it's time to consider the thought of you relapsing and going in to see Doctor Psych?" Her marefriend immediately became defensive, "No, I won't! I've controlled myself this long, I don't need him to take this away." It wasn't the way she defended herself, it was the words she used that set Dash off again. "You don't need him to take THIS away?" Dash questioned. "What the hell does that mean, that you'd rather lose yourself to your lust? That you would rather lose me because you can't help but want to get it on with everyone else?" "N-No that's not what I meant at all Dash!" Spitfire answered seeming stricken and conflicted by what she had said. "I-I just...feel like my mind has been far harder to get grips with since that night at the club. It has been ridiculously difficult to get all of my own thoughts straight, and I'm sorry that it is taking its toll on you hun. The one I love most." "Sure doesn't seem like it anymore..." Dash scoffed. "How can you say that hun?" Spitfire sounded truly hurt. "You know what I'm going through, and have stood by my side the whole time helping me fight it. You do this best by enveloping me in your warm, gentle, blue wings when I need safety from my own mind and body. Are you saying you doubt my love for the one mare who has helped me keep myself together?" "Well I..." Dash couldn't believe that in her heart she felt conflicted by Spitfire's counter. She felt that it was a facade, but she could barely tell if it was so because of how well the part had been played. Maybe she was telling the truth, maybe not. She decided to keep going along cautiously, but her guard was up at this point. "Sorry Spit--" "Canterlot station!" Came the voice of the crier over the speaker system loudly as the whistle on the train screamed out loudly. Dash couldn't help but laugh at this moment being cut off as a voice trickled into her head. You worry yourself too much Rainbow Dash. Signature Sandwich, Dad, Yeah you're right I do worry too much. She recalled the ominous tone he used that day when referring to Spitfire, was he worried about what was plaguing the golden mare's mind as well? Maybe he sees something I can't. Dash realized that she may need to see her dad, but without a backstage pass that may be difficult with security being so tight. Then again, she realized this was her dad she was talking about. He would be out among the common people before the show and while getting ready for the show. He wasn't afraid of crazed groupies, psychopaths, or just crazy pastry salespeople. Those were his exact words too, which always made her smile. Dad, the significance had dawned on her that not even a month into him becoming her legal guardian she one hundred percent accepted him as her father in name and in legality. There was so much for her to be happy about she just let go of the problems with her and Spitfire. And hey, if the Wonderbolts never get back together because their beloved Captain fails to be rehabilitated, then she would set out to rebuild the team herself. She was, after all, old enough to do so now! As the train came to a halt she and Spitfire got up and got their luggage before getting off the train and onto the platform. It was bright outside, a lovely temperate day with clear skies all around. All around them ponies bustled about trying to get to their destinations, and despite this Dash managed to notice the smaller things such as the birds in the sky. The air around her gave her a sense of freedom, but the crowded ground choked her out inside. Oh well, it was just a short trip to the hotel that she had booked for the two of them this evening. Maybe they could reconnect while they were here for the concert, at least that was what she hoped. The trip through Canterlot's bustling streets had proven too irritating to both pegasi, and they opted for the skies arriving much faster than they had originally anticipated. They were checked in rather smoothly and headed up to their room on the 15th floor, it was a pegasus thing. Immediately they set about unpacking their belongings they had brought with them, though Spitfire seemed to be rather secretive about her outfit for the concert. Not in a bad way Dash felt, more of a I don't want you to see till the concert kind of attitude. Which ended up being more adorable, and more... well like her. "Hey Spits, wanna go on an adventure around Canterlot with me?" Dash asked eagerly. Deep down she begged the universe for this moment with Spitfire. "Well honestly Dash I'm kinda tired." Spitfire rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Was hoping to get in a quick cat nap and then go out adventuring... if that's not too much trouble?" "No, not at all!" Dash was shaken inside. "Train rides really must do that kinda thing to ya." "They really do, would've preferred flying for that reason alone." Dash knew Spitfire shouldn't have been tired with how much sleep she should have gotten the night prior. Unless, she went out again after getting off the phone with her... that just couldn't be true. She knew that the golden pegasus hadn't stayed with her every night because they were trying to make it harder for Fleetfoot to pin her down, but she seemed so distant lately that it warranted some worry. She had to find her father at this point, she needed to know what he did. If only at the very least, he could put her worries to rest. She approached Spitfire and gave her a quick kiss that quickly got far too deep, far too fast. As she pushed away for breath she saw a wicked grin on Spitfire's face for the briefest second and it stopped her heart cold of who it reminded her of. She put on her own smiling mask and said her goodbyes to her marefriend to find her father. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Spitfire lay upon the bed of the hotel room crying, a radio playing a sad and melancholy song. The past month was such a blur to her and she could scarcely put the pieces together. It was as if something else would just cast her consciousness aside anytime it wanted to have its fun, and she had begun to notice her own normal speech begin to mirror her old self. Something was dreadfully wrong and she needed to do something about it before it hurt someone, but her heart felt hollow like a log. As if, deep down she didn't really care what happened. Her body began to feel hot suddenly, and an intense desire began to taint her mind as she was drowned in her own animalistic lust. Moans echoing in her mind, tingling feelings sent through all the nerves in her body, scents of two mares in heated ecstasy all began to tear at her mind. She began to twitch and writhe upon the bed in response to these feelings. She didn't want this. So this time whatever it was, she gave one more fight with it whatever it was. "Just leave me alone, I just want my world to be mine!" The golden mare cried out in pain. There was no answer and her body continued to ache for stimulation. Then suddenly it stopped and was replaced with a searing pain that left her retched and back arched into the air. She felt a soundless scream form on her lips, and then like that all feeling just stopped as she dropped back to the bed. Utterly numb. Fine have it your way, but Fleetfoot will purify you for us again soon enough. Her tears streaked her golden face, a grimace written painfully across her face as she curled herself into a ball and began to cry herself to sleep. A demon was feeding off her pain inside, and it would destroy her as it almost had once upon a time. Although, this one felt more hateful, more filled with spite than she felt once upon a time. What was it talking about when it said Fleetfoot and again? It couldn't have made her... Her tears streamed more as she thought about what pieces were missing and the few things she gained from her fight with Dash earlier. No it just couldn't be! Maybe, with this time she had she could at least make today memorable for Dash, she hoped she could at least give her that. But right now, she just felt so damn tired... so hollow... so numb. Her tears running silent as she slept. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Later that evening, back at the hotel... Dash had searched everywhere that she could think of to find her father with not a shred of luck, maybe they hadn't arrived early as he said they would. He always did suck at keeping to a schedule. Instead she sat here wound up as she could possibly get and this was terrible for a show. She just sighed and opened the door to the room. "Ahh, get in and close the door!" Spitfire said running into the bathroom in her underwear. "Whoops, sorry Spits!" Dash said coming in quickly closing the door behind her. Clothes and makeup strewn about haphazardly was already an interesting change of mood in the golden mare. Though for all she knew she was getting pretty to attract a new plaything. I need to stop letting these abysmal thoughts in my head. She thought as she headed over to get her clothes out for tonight. She hadn't picked too many special things, just what she thought was comfortable. Deep down she hoped she would feel more comfortable with it when she finally put on the outfit. "Hey hun turn around and tell me what you think, do I look like a vision of old school rock or what?" She turned to look and her jaw almost dropped open. Spitfire stood there wearing a denim short sleeve vest with band patches on both the right and left arms as well as on the back. Black denim pants with rips in the knees and visible fading from age, and chains on either side attaching from front belt loop to back. she slicked her hair down on the sides while flaring it up to a slight fluff on the top having some of it hang off in her face. Her eye shadowing was faded smokey black and very well done while she wore ruby red lipstick. She had a simple chain around her neck, and did I forget to mention she wore under her vest a v-neck Kirin Rush band t-shirt that carefully showed her bust. Yet, it was cautiously showy and this caught her off guard. "Wow, I don't think I'll look half as good as that when I'm done." Dash admitted breathlessly. "I just went with casual dress." Spitfire chuckled humbly, "Oh well thank you, and don't worry hun! I've got a gift for you once you're done with your shower that will make you more than any hardcore fan that shows up tonight!" Dash could feel her worry dissipate and her smile reignite, this was her Spitfire! The one she truly loved! She felt exhilarated at what the gift could be. "Go on, get in that shower; I'm all ready now." Spitfire commanded with a playful grin. She bathed with glee as the warm water, along with her worries, seemed to all just wash away and off her pelt. Her mane silky soft as she dried herself off and begin to put on her basic attire tight flex-weave denim blue jeans and a simple blue Kirin Rush band t-shirt. She braided the right side of her hair into a small strand that passed her shoulder then she flared her hair in her own usual way. Her mane really didn't require much styling as it was already quite the righteous statement. And she looked at herself in the mirror. "I feel so... plain." Was all she said as she ran a hand slowly over the curves of her own body, dissatisfied. A knock at the bathroom door and a voice then broke in, "Hey, you dressed in there yet? Come on Dashie you are gonna love this gift!" She felt this gift was something her Spitfire had managed to do to hold onto whatever she was... as if it was her last defense against the old her. This meant a lot to her marefriend, and she wouldn't spoil it for her. She exited the bathroom and walked towards the bedroom to see Spitfire holding a simple black denim jacket, but this felt like so much more with its tarnished buttons and zippers. It looked very old but very well taken care of. Like it was a priceless memory of her lovers. "Woah, okay what's the story Spits?" Dash questioned with a smile. "I know there has to be one since your smile hasn't faded in the least." "Come here and try it on, then I'll tell you!" She was bursting with innocent happiness. Rainbow could only smile and walk over, her braid tickling her cheek as she proceeded. She slipped in one arm and then another and it was just a bit big on her. Then Spitfire embraced her and nuzzled gently into her neck and began the story. "I was about eight when this jacket came into my possession." Nostalgia etching her voice gently as she continued. "It was my first concert, and the single best concert band I've ever seen in my life. It was in the cold north of Ravenwood and my dad had managed to get tickets, back when he was still in good health, Kirin Rush's Farewell for Now tour. Now mind you, when they saw me at the gates they didn't want to let me in, but my dad went to great lengths to convince them they wouldn't have to worry about me." Dash couldn't believe it, it felt like they were reconnecting over this simple gift of a jacket. Yet, it was so much more than that to Spitfire... to her it was a truly prized possession. "The cry of his guitar was what I learned was truly exhilarating at that first solo that your dad broke out into, it was almost as inspiring as it is for you and me to fly." The fiery maned mare began to rock gently back and forth. "Oh, but the show went on for so long. We danced, we screamed in joy, we begged for more, and we literally were freezing our tails off. But not for one minute did we want the show to end, and Kirin Rush knew how that felt just as we did. Oh it was so beautiful, but me being so young my body could barely handle the harsh weather. That was when he saw me on my dad's shoulders shivering." "Who did?" Rainbow asked curiously. "Your dad, from up on the stage." she answered warmly. "This is his very jacket from that day, and he gave it to me when I was just a little freezing filly that didn't wanna go home. Just cuz I wanted to hear them play one more song. And when he came down from the stage to give it to me that's what he told me. He said, This last song is for you little one! He wrapped his jacket around me and started in on his guitar as he headed back to the stage. He really shook the foundations of that entire venue! I remember despite the cold, his fingers were really warm." "If this jacket is so precious to you, why give it to me?" The cyan mare questioned. "To remind you how precious you are to me deep down inside, no matter what shit boils to the surface." Spitfire vowed. "I don't think life would be worth half a damn without you by my side." Dash felt herself begin to cry and she was now glad she hadn't put on any make up. This was her marefriend, the one she truly loved, and she was afraid she was about to lose her to something far darker. Just like she lost Jackie. Their embrace ended and they gathered the last of their stuff before heading out. "You sure you got everything hun?" Spitfire checked one last time. "Yes, come on lets go! I don't wanna miss this!" Dash shouted as she pushed her marefriend out the door one last time. This concert could be the beginning or the ending of everything, and Dash had to go into it head first no matter the consequences!