Chapter 3;
It had been several days since Luna had visited Rarity. Not much had changed. Rarity had gone to Twilight’s place and picked up Lighting a book he had asked for; “Times with Shadow”. He said it was a spy book, and he was compiling a letter to the author to complain about how inaccurate it was. Rarity was not sure if he was serious or not. It was sometimes hard to tell with Lighting.
The mail arrived at the house. Rarity went to get it, and found that a box addressed to Lighting was there. The box was larger than a hoof-box (like a shoe box, but ponies do not wear shoes). Rarity smiled. Lighting had shown issues trusting her, and she figured this was a good way to help open him up, and see what was inside the box. She lifted it up, and brought it over to Lighting, who was still sitting in the bed. But he looked focused on something, staring straight ahead, breathing somewhat heavy.
Rarity was confused by what was going on. “What are you doing?”
Lighting stopped what he was doing, and smiled to Rarity. He did not smile very often. “I was simply trying to channel my energy into healing myself.”
Rarity frowned. “Do you not like being here?”
Lighting replied, “I did not say that. It’s that I simply do not wish to impose.” He paused. “And this pink is starting to drive me crazy.” He pointed to one of the walls. “It’s just so intense.”
Rarity moved the box over to Lightning. “Well, maybe this will help with the intense pink. This came in the mail for you today.”
Lighting’s face lit up like it was Christmas morning. “All right!” Pushing various spots on the box, it produced a loud click, and causing the top to pop open a bit. Rarity could not see inside the box, but could see what Lighting removed.
The first item was an eye patch, but one made of some kind of thicker material, and more electronic looking. Next was some kind of electronic brick.
Rarity asked, “What’s that? A Game Pony?” (Game Boy)
Lighting laughed, “No. It’s a scanner. It lets me scan and detect things that I could normally not detect with either magic, or my eyes.” He set it down, and continued to examine the box. Next was a picture frame. Rarity could not see who was in the frame, but she could see it made Lighting very happy. He put the picture back in the box. Lighting continued to look through the box, and then put it on the night stand. He sighed contently.
Rarity said, “You seem more chipper today than usual. Does the content of that box really make you that happy?”
Lighting said, “It does, but I also came to a realization today.” He leaned forward. “If you were a secret spy, trying to kill me, you would have already done it with either some poison, or some kind of truth serum.” He leaned back. “So I have decided to label you as; not a current threat.” Lighting smiled contently.
Rarity smiled a weak smile. “Um, thank you. I think.” She turned away from Lightning a bit.
Lightning responded, “This is a big deal. It normally takes longer for me to label people not a threat, and the list is not very long.”
Rarity turned back to Lighting, “Is that because you don’t meet lots of different ponies?” She asked, poking a bit of fun at the pony.
Lighting held his hoof up and shook his head no. “No my dear. I meet lots of ponies. But they are usually the rich snooty kind, foreign dignitaries, or are actively trying to kill me. Or are normal ponies that I simply do not know walking down the street.”
Rarity asked, “Do ponies often try to kill you?” She asked hoping the answer was no.
“Often enough. It’s not a daily occurrence, but I would definitely say a monthly occurrence.” Lighting smiled a sincere smile.
Rarity was taken aback by this. She stuttered a bit, “Well. Ok. Me and Sweetie Bell were going to meet up with some of her friends at the park. You are welcomed to join us if you would like.”
Lighting smiled. “I would like that.” He got out of the bed with ease, and walked over to Rarity.
Rarity was shocked at how well Lighting was doing. “You can walk rather well there.” Her mouth still open.
Lighting smiled. “Well, it still hurts a bit, but I can walk some distances without too much pain.” He winced a bit. “Shall we go?”
Rarity blushed a bit. “Lets.”
It was a sunny day at the park. Rarity balanced a pick nick basket on her back, with the help of some of her magic. Lighting insisted that he wear his cloak, but at Rarity’s request, he kept the hood down. Rarity, and Sweetie Bell only had to stop briefly to let Lighting rest. By the time they arrived, Applejack, Apple bloom, and Scootaloo we all waiting. Sweetie Bell ran up to her friends and they ran off to the jungle gym, making up plans for later.
Rarity approached Applejack, “Sorry we’re late. Lighting is still not healed.”
Applejack had a confused look on her face. “Lighting? Who’s that?” Rarity pointed to Lighting, who was still panting a bit from the walk. Applejack walked over to Lightning, and picked up his hoof, and started shaking it vigorously. This took Lightning by surprise; he attempted to jump back, but Applejack’s grip was just too intense. “Why howdy there melon-cube. My name is Applejack. Mighty glad to meet ya.” She paused briefly. “I hear you are called Lightning. What do you enjoy Lightning?”
Lightning felt Applejack’s killer grip start to loosen. Sensing this opportunity, he jumped back, and in the same motion, pulled out an expandable night stick, and placed it in his hoof, and stood in a defensive position. Applejack’s face shows the confusion she was feeling.
Rarity walked along side Applejack. “Lighting is a bit.” She paused. “Energetic about things.” Rarity paused again. “Lighting, this is Applejack. The element of honesty.” Rarity nodded and smiled to Lightning, whose facial expression turned from stern, to ‘oh man’.
Lightning collapsed on the ground, and sighed. “Rarity, do all of your friends have elements assigned to them?” Lightning put his expandable stick away.
Rarity responded, “Not all, but most.” She smiled a fake innocent smile.
Lighting stood up, and walked over to Applejack. “Hello. My name is lightning, and I sell spatulas.” He paused and smiled briefly. “Buy nine spatulas; get the tenth one for just one bit.” He smiled an obviously fake smile.
Applejack frowned. “Somehow I find I find that hard to believe. The cloak isn’t selling it.”
Lighting continued; “Remember, they make great winter-wrap-up day presents.” He paused, turning to Rarity. “And what better way to say I care for you, than the give of a spatula.” Rarity blushed a deep red, and looked away. Lighting then yelled, “SPATULA CITY!” Rarity and Applejack both jumped. But then Lighting winced from pain in his midsection. “How about we have a sit down?”
Rarity laid out a blanket, and the three sat down on it. Rarity and Applejack conversed for a few moments about various things. Applejack talked about the trees on her farm, and Rarity talked about some of the newest fashions. During this conversation, Lighting’s head jerked to the side. This caught Rarity’s attention.
She asked, “What is it, my dear?”
Lightning responded, “Some pony is here.”