//------------------------------// // A Day in the Life of a Rainbow Dash // Story: Take to the Skies // by Gallifrey //------------------------------// Take to the Skies by Gallifrey Chapter Seven A Day in the Life of a Rainbow Dash Well, that was unexpected," said a worn out and slightly disappointed Rainbow Dash at Sugar Cube Corner a short time after the race. "You can say that again Dash," said an equally put out Spitfire, resting her weary head on a hoof. "Urgh, what happened?" "You two were too busy tryin' to best each other instead o' tryin' tah best everyone else," said Applejack, "not that ah'm in much of a position to comment..." "Ohhhh," said Rainbow, realisation hitting her, "boy do I feel stupid now." "Don't blame ya sugar cube, it was pretty stupid," teased the earth pony. "Wow, kick a pony when she's down AJ," said Rainbow. "Aw c'mon, ya know ah don't mean it." "Yeah, I s'pose." "You both did well to come where you did," commented Twilight, "considering you both missed the start of the race." "Yes, just what were you two doing?" asked Rarity innocently. "Spits was giving me a pep talk, I thought it would be more obvious Rares, you saw how I was before she arrived." "Oh..." said Rarity, not even trying to mask her disappointment at the lack of gossip, "yes, of course. I knew that." --------------- "Well, good game Rainbow," said Spitfire, in the early evening light. They were outside Rainbow's house, and since her home and Cloudsdale were in the same direction from Sugarcube corner, they had travelled together. "What time should I come round tomorrow? I still can't believe you work on Sundays.” "Don't bother coming down here Spits, I go up to the Weather Factory at nine o'clock to get my instructions, so I'll come round to yours at like half eight?" "Ah, cool, I'm looking forward to it." "Really? Don't hold your breath, it's not that exciting." "We'll see, I hope you're wrong though." "Heh, me too, I don't want you to be bored all day..." "I'll be fine no matter how tedious it is, don't worry." Their gazes lingered on each other for a second. "Spits, thanks for today ya know, I had a good time racing with you." "Don't sweat it Dash, I had fun as well." "Can we maybe do it again some time?" "Rainbow, I'd love to!" she said as she flapped her wings to take to the air. "Seriously, you're real match for me, unlike anypony else, and I love a challenge." She flicked her tail, batting Rainbow's snout lightly as she did so, and she sped off into the skies. Rainbow Dash watched her, as she became smaller and smaller against the blue sky, before disappearing altogether. The pegasus eventually turned away to get inside, she was beginning to feel cold. "She is such a tease," Rainbow said to herself, shutting her door. "I kinda like it." She took two paces into her house, and realised that she didn't know what to do with herself. She had no books to read, she had just seen all her friends, she wasn't particularly hungry, nor was she in the mood to do anything else. That only lead to one conclusion for the mare. "Sleep, lots of sleep." ------------ Rainbow woke the next morning, feeling unusually sprightly. Most days, she was not a morning pony at all, today was different. Today is going to be a good day. She jumped out of bed, whistling all the while through her shower and as she prepared eggs and toast for her breakfast, the enticing scent permeating her nose. Rainbow heard the clatter of the letterbox. Picking up that day's copy of Equestria Daily, the pegasus returned to her meal. She flicked through the pages; not much had been going on in Equestria recently, at least not to her interests. The main news today was talk about Equestria further expanding trade routes with the Griffon Kingdoms, but such news tended to bore Rainbow Dash silly. A burst of bright, golden sunlight streamed through her window, as it peaked above the clouds, lighting Rainbow's world. Correction, today is going to be an awesome day. Full of eggs and toast, Rainbow Dash left her home, making a beeline for Cloudsdale. I do hope Spitfire is in as good a mood as I am! she thought as she did a few loop de loops. ---------- Spitfire awoke a few hours earlier than she would do normally. She slouched out her bed and half fell down her stairs as she struggled to wake up. "Coffee," she moaned. "Need, coffee." She slumped at a table in her kitchen, a freshly boiled pot of coffee in front of her. "Ah, that's the stuff," she sighed, letting the hot drink warm and wake her up in synchrony. After she had awoken properly, she poured a bowl of cereal. Not just any cereal either, it was called Canterlot Crunch and featured a beaming image of Princess Luna on the box. The reason for this was because Luna loved the cereal so much, she asked if she could help support it financially, and so the makers put her picture on their boxes as a thank you. Why the Princess liked it so much was obvious to everypony, given that it was chocolate cake flavoured. Her gaze turned to a clock, twenty past eight. Rainbow ought to be here soon. As if Rainbow had read her mind, there was a knock on Spitfire's front door that heralded the cyan mare's arrival. "S'up?" said Spitfire, Rainbow could hear the slight sleepiness in her voice. "I'm feeling awesome!" said Rainbow as Spitfire welcomed her in, "Yourself?" "Not bad, not bad, I'm a lil' sleepy but coffee will sort that out." "Cool, are you looking forward to today?" "As a matter of fact, I am. I'm not familiar with how pegasi control the weather, do you know what you'll be doing yet today?" "I find that out when I get told at the Weather Factory." "Ah, I see. Shall we get going?" "Bit early isn't it?" "I'd rather go on hoof," said Spitfire, "gives us more time to talk." "Good idea," said Rainbow. -------------- On the way from Spitfire's to the Weather Factory, the two ponies talked about the previous day's race; and how they still couldn't believe Derpy won, amongst other, inconsequential things. "Well, here it is," said Rainbow, looking up at the great, white, fluffy factory. "Oh wow!" said Spitfire, looking at the fountains of rainbow pour their spectrums of colour into deep pools, the chimneys that created all types of clouds, and the great silver doors that were the entrance to the meteorological fortress. They entered and Spitfire followed Rainbow down many intriguing hallways and corridors, sneaking peeks of the manufacturing of snowflakes, hail, and even bolts of lightning. "This place is so cool!" "You think?" said Rainbow, surprised, this was all pretty mundane for her. "Totally! I mean actual bolts of lightning? I love lightning!" "I do too, but I guess you just get used to it after a while." After Rainbow had collected her orders for the day, the pair of pegasi flew back to Ponyville. "So, what have you got to do today?" Rainbow nodded to the west. "You see that thundercloud over there?" "Yuhuh," said Spitfire, seeing the large, dark grey cloud in the distance. "I need to charge it with lightning." "Okie doke, anything else?" asked Spitfire as they made their way to the thundercloud. "Yeah, I need to make a rainbow after Thunderlane makes a shower this afternoon." "All sounds pretty interesting." "Yeah, you got a lucky day, normally it's just shifting clouds about or keeping the sky clear." "Sooo, how do you actually charge up one of these?" "You don't know?" said a surprised Rainbow Dash. "To be honest, I didn't even know that pegasi made lightning." "Of course we do! It's good for the atmosphere, it makes chromozone or something... or was it astrogen... I should've paid more attention at flight school." Spitfire laughed, "It's ozone you numbskull!" "And yet you didn't know we made the lightning in the first place, or how," countered Rainbow, which shut Spitfire up. "So, tell me pony gal, how do you do it?" They both landed on the top of the great, fluffy cloud. "First things first," began Rainbow, "you gotta check it that it's not already got lightning in it." She gave the cloud a swift buck, and nothing happened. "Right, so it's clearly empty, follow me." And without further ado, Rainbow began digging into the cloud with her hooves. Spitfire stared down the hole in puzzlement. How the hay is this supposed to do it? "What are you waiting for?" came Rainbow's slightly muffled voice. A thoroughly confused Spitfire followed Rainbow's wake, into the cloud. "I haven't a clue what's going on," she said when she saw the top of the cyan mare's head. "You'll see," said Rainbow, manoeuvring around the small hollow she'd created. "Well, this is cosy," said Spitfire. "Yeah," Rainbow agreed; she could feel the pegasus' warm breath on her snout they were that close, could see every eyelash around those bright, golden brown eyes... "So, you gonna show me how to charge this baby up?" Rainbow blinked, then nodded, coming back to her senses. "It's a neat lil' trick," she said, "and it's all about the wings." "Your wings? You mean you make the electricity?" "Yeah, well, no, well, some of it," said the pegasus, stumbling over her words. "I just set the ball rolling you know, give it a kick to make even more. Now watch my wings." Spitfire tilted her head so she could see. Rainbow began flittering her wings rapidly, as if she were shivering, but much faster. "How does this do it?" asked the puzzled pegasus, looking from Rainbow's wings, to her eyes. "My feathers rub together creating static electricity," she replied, her voice shaking due to the fact her entire body was vibrating, "and the static diffuses into the cloud. Simple as." "I've never heard of a pegasus doing this before." "Not many can do it, it takes a lot of practise to perfect." "Just how strong is the electricity?" she said, a hint of suggestion lacing her words. "Well," said Rainbow, picking up on it, "why don't you come here and find out." Spitfire leaned forward slightly, which was all it took for her lips to gently brush Rainbow's. A spark leapt from the blue mare's mouth to tingle Spitfire's in a most delightful way. Rainbow felt it too, as the electricity left her, and gasped at how good it felt. As much as Spitfire wanted to continue, she left it at that and pulled back. They had agreed to get to know one another better after all. Rainbow looked slightly disappointed but nodded. "I-I think the cloud's charged now," she said, somewhat lamely. "Sweet, now what?" "I'm free until after lunch, so you wanna go get some?" "Lunch? Sounds good to me!" ----------- Rainbow and Spitfire were both quite damp when they made it to Sugar Cube Corner. Spitfire's normally windswept and fiery mane now hung down to her sides and clung to her coat. Rainbow was in a similar state. "I didn't know it was gonna rain that much!" said Rainbow, "That was horrible!" "Nah, it'll do you good," she said briskly, shaking herself, spraying water everywhere. "Ooh! Fun! Can I join in?" squealed a pink party pony, jumping out of nowhere and shaking her body like Spitfire was. "Hey Pinkie," said Rainbow, "the usual please. In fact, make that two usuals," she added, glancing at Spitfire. "Okie dokie lokie!" she said, bouncing away. "Usual?" asked Spitfire as they sat down at a table together. "Yup, you'll love it, pizza, hay fries and salad." "Isn't this a bakery though?" said a puzzled Spitfire. "Yeah, though Pinkie doesn't do this for just anypony; just awesome ones like me. And you." she added. "Dessert is pretty sweet too, cherrychanga." "What now?" "Deep fried tortilla wrap with cherries in it." "That sounds... horrific." "No, really, it's amazing." "You sure about that?" "Trust me, I'm the Dashter." Spitfire snickered. "The what now?" A blush was developing on the cyan mare's cheeks. "I-I don't know why I said that." "Me neither! Dashter!" She fell about laughing while Rainbow sat, feeling silly. "Ohhh, heh, sorry Rainbow, I couldn't help it," she said, still giggling. "It's fine, I'll get my revenge when I kick your flank the next time we race." "Whatever you say pony gal." "I mean it," said Rainbow, determination blazing in her eyes. "Perhaps you do, I better up my game." "Damn straight." "Good, I like a feisty competitor." "Hmmm, I bet you do. I'd even bet-" Their banter was cut short however by a sudden pink arrival. "Here you are!" she chimed, "enjoy, enjoy enjoy!" "Boy, that was fast!" said Spitfire in amazement, "how did you-" "It's Pinkie Pie," said Rainbow simply. "But it's impossib-" "It's Pinkie Pie." "But-" "Seriously, that's the only explanation you'll ever get." "Well, okay," she said hesitantly, looking at the curious and excited aqua eyes of the pink pony. "You'll get used to it, don't worry." Spitfire blinked, and Pinkie was gone. -------------- The pair remained in Sugar Cube Corner until the rain had passed. "Time to shine," said Rainbow, walking out and taking a deep breath, smelling the petrichor. They took to the air together and flew to the outskirts of Ponyville. "Soo," said Spitfire, making a small splash as she landed next to Rainbow, "how do you make a rainbow?" "Most pegasi have to paint it themselves using the liquid rainbow from the Weather Factory, although, I can do it differently, because, well, if you haven't noticed, I'm all about rainbows. All I have to do is this." She trotted over to a clean looking puddle of recent rainwater. Spitfire was curious to what she was about to do, but definitely did not expect her to start rolling around in it. "Why are you doing that?" "Because it's necessary, I haven't just gone mad on you don't worry." She then suddenly leapt into the air and flew in a great, smooth arc over the town, leaving a vibrant band of seven colours in her wake. "Well, that was unexpected," said Spitfire, darting off after her. "And that's how I do that," said Rainbow proudly, when Spitfire flew within earshot. "You really are full of surprises Rainbow Dash." "That's me all right." "Is there anything else you have to do?" "Nope! All done for the day, free to do whatever now." "Which would be?" "Either seeing my gals, or just going home, nopony's doing anything today, so I'd normally go home, is that alright?" "Yeah, I told you, I want to live an average Rainbow Dashy day." "Let's get going then! Race ya! Threetwoonego!" Not missing a beat, Spitfire took of with as they sped into the air like bullets. --------------- "I totally beat you!" claimed Spitfire, collapsing on Rainbow's sofa in her somewhat untidy living room. "As if! I was in the house way before you!" said Rainbow, joining her. "Only because you flew in through a window, I was trying to get in through the door like a normal pegasus. Besides, I would've won if you hadn't added that stupid rule." "Nu-uh! You're just upset 'cause you got beat." "Oh shut up and c'mere." She leaned over and hugged Rainbow, who reciprocated. They stayed there for a time, content to be in each other's hooves. Rainbow could feel the beating of Spitfire's slightly rapid heart astride her own, bodies pressed together, in the simple gesture that meant so much for both pegasi. "Is this what you usually do then when you get home from work?" whispered Spitfire, lazily running a hoof through Rainbow's mane. "No, but I'm glad I am today," murmured Rainbow in reply. "Mmmm, me too," said the yellow mare placidly. The silence between the two of them returned, a comfortable silence where no words needed to be spoken, at least not verbally, instead, they expressed themselves physically, a hoof dragging through mane here, a nuzzle there. Eventually, they broke apart and looked at each other. “You hungry?” asked Rainbow simply. A grin spread across Spitfire’s face. “Very.” ------------- "Well," said a well fed Spitfire, "what do I do now? Should I just stay here tonight?" The Sun was beginning to set on Equestria, deep, orange beams made Rainbow's living room glow like molten gold. "If-if you want," said Rainbow, caught slightly off guard, she had not expected her to say that, even though she was hoping for it. "Makes sense anyway," said Spitfire, as way of flimsy justification, "I'm at work tomorrow, so if you're coming with me, it's best that we stick together." "Yeah yeah," said Rainbow, nodding vigorously. "So, where shall I be sleeping?" "In my bed." "Okie doke, and where will you be sleeping?" "Uh, in my bed?" "You are?" said Spitfire, slightly surprised. "I-I can sleep on the sofa if you want." "No, it's not that, I just didn't expect you to say that." "Oh, I see, well, I have no issues with that, I mean, it's not like we both slept in your bed that, ah... night." "True true, I'm cool with it too." The rest of the evening they whiled away in typical Rainbow Dash fashion, reading while listening to the radio, often talking to one another. Spitfire found it surprisingly fun to wind down like this. She might even do this herself sometime. "What will we be doing tomorrow?" "Just my usual training." "Which is...?" said Rainbow, at a loss. "Oh yeah, course, um, warm ups, bit of casual flying, then some hard training and practise for our next performance, and that's it I think. It's not that interesting." "Oh believe me I am interested," said Rainbow, eyes wide. "I can't wait!" "Well, as long as you're looking forward to it, that's enough for me," said Spitfire with a smile. ------------ "This is your room?" said an amazed yellow pegasus. "Yeah, I know, it's a mess." 'Mess' was quite the understatement, Rainbow's room looked as though it had been bombed. There were books everywhere, paper everywhere, apple cores and crisp packets everywhere, and a clear view of the floor, nowhere. "I love it!" "I'm sor- what?" "I love it! The mess, makes the room feel lived in ya know?" "You actually like it? Twilight can't stand it when she visits, and don't even get me started on Rarity." "Well I'm loving it, no matter what anypony says, though you could lose the apples I suppose." "Heh, sure thing." Spitfire had a shower while Rainbow tidied up a bit, once she was finished, she was immediately bored. She could hear Spitfire humming away, which gave Rainbow an idea, a very devious idea. Could I get away with that? she pondered. I don't see why not, it's not that unusual, plus Spitfire seems cool with almost anything. Having made a decision, she put her plan into action. Sneaking to the bathroom door, she all but silently crept to her shower cubicle and slid open the door, and simply tapped Spitfire on the withers. "Oh, hello Rainbow Dash, I was beginning to think you weren't going to join me," said Spitfire in a surprisingly low voice that rolled off her tongue like honey. "You were?" said Rainbow, more excited than she anticipated at Spitfire's sultry tone. "Nah, not really," she said, snapping back to her usual, bright tone. "But it certainly is a pleasant surprise." "You wanted to live a day like me, so that's why I'm here." "That's the single worst excuse I've ever heard," said Spitfire with a giggle. "Yeah, it was bad wasn't it?" "So why are you really here?" "Dunno, just felt like it, it also speeds things up, two pegasi with one stone and all that." "As long as there's not actually any stones, I don't mind." They looked at each other, water falling upon their bodies, steam rising around them in thin, silver veils. Sweet Celestia she looks gorgeous when her mane's wet, they both thought. Spitfire took the initiative to take the shampoo bottle in her mouth, put some into Rainbow's mane and began working it into her hair with her hooves. "That's nice," said Rainbow contentedly. "Oh I know," said Spitfire, hooves working magic on the cyan mare's head and neck. Rainbow returned the gesture, and soon, her water ran out; so much the better that they had taken the shower together. "Thanks for that," said Rainbow, flopping onto her bed. "Right back at'cha pony gal," she said, joining her. "I'm so tired for some reason," murmured Rainbow, yawning widely. "Oh, don't do that, or you'll get me doing-" Spitfire's sentence was stifled by a huge yawn. "Heh, got'cha," she said sleepily, snuggling into her pillow. "Goodnight Rainbow Dash," whispered Spitfire into the cyan mare's ear and gently kissing her on the cheek. Rainbow smiled as Spitfire drew her hooves around her and in her loving, secure embrace, she slowly drifted off to sleep.