//------------------------------// // Chapter One; Strengthening Bonds // Story: Building a New Family // by Kix //------------------------------// ~~~~~Moonshade’s day~~~~~ As AJ helps me get settled into the passenger side of Luna’s dark metallic blue Charger, I watch from the black leather seat as the wheelchair is broken down by Luna and stored in the trunk. Rarity on the other hand is busy with Sunset, making sure the large cooler and backpack are stocked with who knows what. Silently I just sit there and observe what is going on around me. They… they do care about me… about us. Maybe… maybe I can start dreaming about one day having a loving family again. As the doors close, the clock on the dash monitor reads nine thirty in the morning before the time shrinks and switches to map view. With the windows fully lowered, the coordinates set and the radio on we start down the road as a mixture of both fear and anticipation runs through me. Both Rarity and AJ sing along to the current song in unison, not skipping a beat or stumbling over the words. They have some good voices. With a smile I let their voices relax me a little. At least, until Luna speaks up. “Do you sing, Moonshade? I have a feeling you have a beautiful singing voice.” Looking at her I offer a slight smile as my gaze falls to the floor. “No… I… I never saw much reason to when I got old enough. Once things got… bad I… I never found enjoyment in anything. I was just a… shell wanting to die.” “Well then, things are different for you now, Moonshade. Your shell is cracking and inside I can see the beautiful young woman you can become,” With a smile she takes the wheel in one hand while the other arm drapes across the backrest of my seat. “Follow my lead and we may have a few discoveries on this trip.” Clearing her throat she takes a deep breath and begins to sing one of the few songs I can instantly recognize. As she nears the chorus, both AJ and Rarity nod at me with smiles before joining in, encouraging me to do the same. Hesitantly, I start off, trying to keep in time with them as I sing in a whisper. However, half way through the chorus I go back to being silent and just stare at the floor board. I… I can’t… I sound horrible. “Are you alright, Moonshade?” I can feel the eyes of the two older teens focus on me as Luna takes notice of my change of mood. “No, I… I sound horrible. I don’t even know why I even tried.” My previous happy mood quickly flops as I answer in a soft whisper, looking down “Sugarcube, ya can’ be so hard on yerself. This was only yer first try at singin’, correct? Tell ya what, after a couple o’ meetins with mah therapist Ah’d like fer ya join us durin’ one o’ our band practices.” AJ pats my good shoulder as she leans as far forward as her seat belt allows. “Yes darling, Our band will help you learn, if it is something you really wish to do.” Rarity finishes as the car comes to a complete stop in a large parking lot and Luna hangs a handicap placard on the rear view mirror. “So Moon, what animal or animals would you like to see first?” The question comes from Luna as she starts pushing me once everything is unpacked, I’m settled into the wheelchair and sunscreen is applied. AJ takes responsibility for the cooler and bag as she walks easily next to us while Rarity produces a couple of wide brimmed hats, offering one to each of us along with a pair of sunglasses. The calm inducing scenery along with its beauty has a near instantaneous effect and I can feel myself relaxing. If the architects put this much though into the front, I wonder how much thought they put into the rest of this place. Off to my left is a very green lawn with no hint of trash on it, flowers are growing in a large bed along the black fence surrounded by rocks. The line to enter is moving pretty quickly despite how long it is. After we get our tickets we come into a large area with many lockers along the wall behind us. In front of us is a bunch of different trails and I can see the reptile house and butterflyatorium from where we are. “Where do you want to go first Moon?” Luna hands me the map after unfolding it, smiling. “How about we make just one big loop, starting with the bat caves.” Rarity is obviously not pleased with the decision as we start to make our way there. “But… but darling why the… bats first?” At the last two words she shivers in what I guess is either fear or disgust. “Why not? I think they’re a little interesting. I also want to really see the fox exhibit and the Outback experience as well,” Another shiver from Rarity only brings a giggle from both AJ and Luna as we make our way to the first stop. “And Luna, thank you for suggesting this trip. I like it here.” “Applejack, would you and Rarity mind going on ahead of us please. Or you can go off and do your own exploring. We’ll meet here for lunch at noon,” On the map Luna points out a large open spot designated as a picnic area. “You do have each other's phone numbers, correct?” “Sure thing, Luna, an’ yea we have each other's number. C’mon Rares, where ya’ wanna go?” AJ must have noted something in Luna’s words, posture or eyes, something I must have missed. A second bag is produced and draped on the handles of the wheelchair before being filled with water bottles and snacks. “Why did you send them off on their own?” The farmer and fashionista take off excitedly, going in the general direction we are. “Because, we never had a chance before to be alone and get to know each other,” I can hear the smile in her words as she pushes me towards the artificial cave like structure. “And I have wanted to ever since we met in the hospital.” “Well, seems like you already know most of my past, wh---” “The bad part yes, which I want to avoid talking about. I want to get to know who you are here,” A finger pokes against the back of my head playfully as we stop first just in front of the cave entrance. Surrounded by windows are a bunch of trees, not sure what kinds but hanging from the branches are a multitude of different bat species. “And in here” Who am I? I… I don’t even know that, how can she possibly expect me to answer? “Right now I… I don’t even feel like I---” As I twist to try and look at her my eyes fall on the largest bat in the exhibit, it’s fur, at least what I can see is an orangish color though it has a black head. As I look at it I can’t help but feel as if the animal is staring directly at me. “don’t even know who I am.” That last part is spoken slower and with a lot less sadness. “Well, you have a wonderful opportunity to learn. And I’ll be here to help support you when you need it.” I have no idea how long I stare at the large bat but the spell I seem to be under breaks as it flies off. Going through the rest of cave brings me a sense of wonder so powerful I’m afraid to speak, lest it’s broken. Luna just hums softly as she pushes me at a leisurely pace. How many different kinds of bats are there? And what was that bat I just kept staring at? My thoughts are so focused I barely realize the motions of us moving or hear the sounds of rubber on a wooden bridge. Pulling out a granola bar from the bag Luna hands it to me after opening it. “I am curious, how have you been adjusting since moving in with us? Is there something you would like changed?” The question comes out of left field as we stop and look at a sprawling mini marsh, ducks float lazily atop the surface, some going under the wooden bridge we’re on. The trees sway lazily in the light breeze as it caresses the water’s surface, enticing it to ripple in the same lazy motion. Continuing to look out at the small wilderness, I just let the peace it offers flow into me, my breathing slows down as I close my eyes. “At first it was… hard. I… I never wanted to believe that I could find a place or people that would… care for me without asking for something in return. I’m… I’m sorry I was so… grumpy.” “I understand completely sweetie, and I don’t hold it against you. As for asking for something in return, you can say we are, but it is something that will take time. We just want you to be happy and trust us.” Kneeling down to my level she gives me a loose hug. Her hug ends with a slight ruffling of my hair, which I try to swat at her playfully in retaliation. “Think you could… take a picture of this for me please, preferably with me in it?” Handing her my phone Luna turns the chair and quickly takes a picture of me. Looking at it I can only see my face, which is adorned with the biggest smile I’ve seen myself wear in a long time. Behind me is the marsh, a duck is actually in the center of the picture with its bottom raised above the water’s surface. For the rest of our time alone Luna and I just chat. Almost like I do with Lily, or… dare I say it? As if we are… mother and… daughter. After going through a few more exhibits and more pictures taken we begin to head towards the picnic spot. We’re the first ones to reach the designated site. Sitting at a shaded table I look over at the other families and people around us. “Hey Luna, think we could… get a picture taken, just the two of us?” “Of course, once the other two catch up with us. Speaking of which.” As the words leave her mouth, AJ and Rarity show up with large smiles. “How has your day been so far?” “It has been an enjoyable morning so far. We got to see a lot of different animals and even took some pictures. I even have some inspiration for some new designs.” Rarity settles across from me as AJ gets out the containers of food and begins setting them up. “How about you, Moonshade? Have you been enjoying your time with Luna?” “Actually, yeah, I have been. Luna and I had a pretty good time talking and getting to know each other a little. Thank you for inviting her.” “Ya need ta thank Sunset, sugarcube. She suggested it.” AJ helps fill my paper plate up with coleslaw, chips and a six inch tuna sub. The breeze continues to blow around us lazily, shaking the trees a little as pigeons, ducks, geese and even a few peacocks cross the grass, keeping their distance from the humans as we break into more mundane subjects. The talk eventually breaks down to the daily happenings at the high school and what would be needed to get me caught up to the level I should be on. “Hey Rarity, think you could… take a picture for me?” “Of course, darling. Where did you want the picture taken?” Taking the phone from me she looks around a little. “I would suggest those flowers right there.” The flower bed she points out is mostly a mixture of blue and purple blooms of obvious different types. Both of the girls smile as Luna pushes me to the directed flowers and helps me out of the chair, sitting me on the grass before sitting next to me, an arm goes behind my back as she holds herself close to me as Rarity snaps the picture. “They look like they could be mother and daughter, don’t they, Applejack?” Rarity shows off the picture to the blonde, who only nods in agreement as I’m back in the chair and pushed back to the table. Taking the phone I just stop and look at it. She’s… right, but… I can’t be thinking like that. I don’t want to betray my real mom. Once our lunch is packed up we go through the rest of the zoo, saving the Arctic and Outback experiences for last. The Arctic is first and the entrance is a glass tunnel under the sea lion pool. The water is crystal clear as a couple of sea lions swim above us. A couple of photos of the ones swimming right above us are taken, followed by another picture of a sea lion bobbing in the current vertically with his head above the surface. Making our way to the end a couple more sea lions swim next to and above us until we near the other side. The end of the tunnel is frigid, and is soon explained by the large chunk of glacial ice embedded in it. While I can keep track and even participate in the various conversations going on I can’t help but feel as if I’d be betraying mom if I thought of Luna as her replacement. This one pervasive thought persists throughout the rest of the Arctic, at least, until we stop at the fox enclosure. The cute fox stares at me, breaking the negative chain for a little bit as I stare back. Luna, meanwhile snaps a few pictures, including one of him yawning. Smiling we move on, and while Rarity and AJ finds the penguins amusing I don’t. My interest is perked back up as we enter the polar bear den. Watching the polar bear swim and play in the water returns the large smile I wore most of the day back to my lips. Looking up I notice a large television showing what I’m guessing is the room but in thermal view. Is this how polar bears see? This is cool. ***** ***** ***** “Alright folks, this part ah the exhibit is unique. We’re gonna let ya walk through our trail, but be careful o’ the wildlife. Don’ step on the grass an’ if an animal steps onta the trail please don’ touch it. We hope ya have a good experience an’ enjoy yaselves.” The guide must be Australian to have that good of an accent. The inner door opens and the guide leads us onto the pathway. Already we can see a few kangaroos on the grass close by and some dingos in a glass pen. Rocks painted in Native Australian styles decorate the pen as well. Halfway through the tour a kangaroo hops between Rarity and AJ, causing the fashionista to let out a surprised squeal, which the rest of us laugh at. After a few more pictures in the Outback we make our way back to the entrance, but stop quickly at the gift store. I can’t see what Luna is doing but it’s clear she is making a purchase, a rather large one, along with both Rarity and AJ. Once we’re all back in the car with everything packed up Luna turns to me, smiling as she produces a life size replica of the bat we saw and wraps its flexible wings around the strap of my arm sling. “Did you enjoy yourself today, Moon?” As we pull out of the parking lot my gaze never leaves the stuffed animal as I begin to pet it. Even though my inner thoughts are still focused on what Rarity said during lunch a little I still smile. “I did, very much. Thank you, Luna.” ~~~~~Lily’s Day~~~~~ “Okay kiddo, close your eyes and don’t open them until I say so.” Nodding, I follow Chrys’ command, smiling a bit as she places a hand on my shoulder and begins directing me out the door. Even though I’m still upset from yesterday the idea of spending most of the day with the woman pushes those thoughts away, leaving me to anticipate what she has planned. “So Lily, I know you don’t want to talk about it. But what happened yesterday that they ended up talking about forgiving your folks?” The growl of the vehicle’s engine along with the height leads me to think she is driving some kind of pickup. “Applejack, she… she was able to get Moonshade to… talk about her family. Moon seemed… happier when you guys dropped me off,” I can feel my throat tighten as I think back on yesterday. Though just being around Chrysalis helps bolster my resolve. “They… they said that I have to...forgive them if I wanted to… find true peace.” A hand snakes around my shoulders, giving me a caring shake. “Well, I’m not the one who you need to talk about forgiveness. You’ll have to pull Luna and Celestia aside and talk to them. What I can say is this. If I had the choice between happiness and carrying around that kind of hate and pain, I’d really have a heart to heart with myself and ask, is holding onto that negative worth losing out on the positive that can happen?” She gives me another shake before squeezing the shoulder. She maybe right, but… I don’t think I can do it right now. The vehicle comes to a stop and soon Chrys grabs me under my armpits and with an oomph she pulls me out and sets me on the cement. The movement must have had the desired effect because she just ruffles my hair as I laugh. Walking through the door she guides me with a hand in the middle of my back. I can sorta guess we are in a store, but what kind I have no idea as Chrysalis leaves me near the entrance for a little bit. Eventually she returns and guides me a couple more feet. “Okay kiddo, open your eyes.” I can hear her smile as my right eye cracks open just enough to catch a glimpse of what is standing in front of me. Once my eyes open wide enough, I find myself staring directly at a dirt bike. For a long time I just stare at it, speechless. The bike is white with the handles and seat being a light pink with my trademark lily on the sides of the gas tank. “Is this… is this really… mine?” “One hundred percent, kiddo, happy birthday. Go ahead and remove that piece of tape just above your mark,” I can’t even remember the last time I felt so… happy. Under the removed tape is my name in pink, stylized letters. “Oh, and there is more. Take a look in the box.” My eagerness to get to the contents causes the onyx-skinned woman to laugh as I just tear it apart. Inside the remains of the box is a motocross outfit, complete with chest piece, gloves, boots and helmet with a pair of goggle's. The suit is mostly light pink with stripes of white and even a light red that matches my hair. The chest piece is white with a light red lining while the gloves, boots and helmet match the coloration of the suit. A big, pink lily adorns the center of the chest plate. “I… I can’t… what… why would you do this for me?” “Because kiddo, I care about you and I know how much you have enjoyed riding my bike. So why not get you one of your own?” Speechless I just jump and wrap my arms tight around Chrys’ neck. “This is just part one of the day I have in mind for us. Let’s get this thing loaded up in the truck.” “What… what is with the other bike? What do you have planned?” As my new bike is wheeled out the door with the key in my pocket I notice for the first time the black, crew cab Ram with a teal stripe along the side and back. In the bed is a larger dirt bike with a teal gas tank and teal sides decorated by black, claw like marks going down from the top. As my bike is wheeled up the ramp Chrys smiles down at me and begins securing it with cargo straps. “Well, was gonna take you out and let you have your first ride with your bike. There’s an ATV place with multiple trails and stuff that is open to the public. I can teach you how to ride properly while we have fun.” “Thank you, thank you, thank you sooo much Chrys, I love it!” My arms encircle her waist as I tightly hold on to her for a little bit before she breaks out. “No time for that mushy mushy stuff, kiddo. Get in.” Eagerly I hop into the passenger side. This is gonna be so cool! I can’t wait to get on that bike. The drive feels like it lasts for ever as my anticipation builds at an alarming rate till I’m basically bouncing in my seat. “Calm down kiddo, or you’re gonna go flying out the door.” As she warns me I can hear the laughter she is desperately trying to hold back. Eventually, when I feel as if I can’t wait any longer, we pull into a dirt parking lot and already there are a few people starting to unload dirt bikes, quads and other types of ATVs. Among them is Rainbow Dash who is semi dressed in her riding gear and her bike is already on the ground. “Rainbow Dash, hey!” I didn’t know she was into dirt bikes, this is gonna be even sweeter. The rainbow-haired girl looks up and returns the wave eagerly as she runs up to the truck as Chrys parks and I eagerly try to hop out, only to get a little entangled in the seat belt I’m still wearing. “Hey Lily, when did you get your own bike?” “Just today, Chrys bought it for me along with proper protective gear. I had no idea you enjoyed riding dirt bikes.” “Of course I do, nothing beats the feeling of speed and the roar of a bike’s engine. They’re awesome, just like me.” Chrys just lets us talk as she begins to unload her own bike, smiling while laughing to herself. Once she is clear Rainbow Dash and I get up and start unhooking my own bike before bringing it down to the ground. Once the bikes are propped, Chrys and I suit up as Rainbow goes back to her own bike and finishes as well. “Alright kiddo, before I can teach you the basics we need to get you a sticker. Then we’ll spend some time in the flats to let you get used to the bike and give you some tips.” Rainbow joins us as we walk our bikes to the gatehouse. “Excited, Lily?” With the newly purchased sticker properly placed on my bike, the other two have their own stickers scrutinized before we are allowed inside, though a small pendant flag is attached to the right rear panel of our bikes. “You bet I am, though Chrys is gonna have me stay out here in the flats for a bit.” The words are shouted over the distant roar of the other ATVs here. “Okay, let’s get you started. Insert your key here and turn it, then straddle the bike. Now, you see that lever by your left foot? Stomp down on it, hard, while twisting your throttle, which is your right handlebar,” Following her directions it takes me a couple tries to get it started as she pumps something on the right side of the engine. But once the engine starts, I can’t even begin to describe the feelings of power vibrating through me and into my very bones. “This is your primer, if the engine doesn’t start after two tries you need to press it a few times,” She points out the rubber disc near the top, and she even has me press on it twice. A thick nylon string is then attached to my chest plate that leads to a rubber cap. “This is your safety cutoff. If this rubber piece is ever yanked off for whatever reason it’ll kill the engine immediately,” As she speaks she also demonstrates by giving the cord a sharp tug. “All you’ll need to do to get it started again is straighten up the bike, reattach the rubber cap and maybe prime it a little.” Seems simple enough, I don’t see how hard it could be riding this thing. The bike is started easily enough and with a flick of my right foot I lift the kickstand, now balancing the bike on my own. “Your bike has an automatic transmission, so you won’t have to worry about learning how to shift. It’s mostly like riding a bike, when you go to turn, lean in that direction. When going over bumps or going up or down hills, stand up. In the case of hills, either lean forward or backward, whichever is called for. Now, go and have a few laps or whatever you want to do, but stay in this area where I can watch you. If you want to, you can go off on your own Rainbow. I’m sure we’ll catch up at some point.” “Naw, I wanna watch this.” She just smiles as she rests against her own bike. “Hey Chrys, think you could… record this for me please?” Nervously I hand over my new phone when I unlock it for her. “Sure thing, kiddo. Now get out there, daylight is wasting.” Without any other encouragement I kick the bike out of neutral, which Chrys showed me how, and tear away from them. Probably faster than what she intended, which results in the bike wobbling badly as I fight to keep it steady. Oh shit… SHIT! After a couple of feet the bike’s wobbling increases to the point to where it falls onto it’s side while spinning, trapping my leg under its weight. My leg instantly goes numb as both Chrys and Rainbow rush towards me, picking both the bike and myself up. “You alright, Lily?” With an embarrassed smile I just nod, causing Rainbow to burst into laughter. Glaring at her, Chrys scolds me about taking off as fast as I did and helps me get started again. Once again I take off, but this time at a slower speed, and find how much easier it is to control the bike. As I go around the pit, riding across the small bumps or making random turns and other maneuvers, my confidence grows rapidly as I slowly increase the speed over time. The rumble of not just the bike but the effects of the terrain just… no words can describe what I’m feeling right now or how… happy and free I currently feel. After some time Chrys flags me down and I can tell she’s laughing at how dirty I must be looking right now. “How’s your gas level looking?” Opening the cap after unlocking it I can’t believe I rarely wasted what looks like a quarter tank, though I could be mistaken. “Alright kiddo, we’ll get you topped off and then we’ll head on out onto the trails for an hour or two, then we’ll have lunch. Rainbow, I know you like going fast, but if you’re gonna ride with us, then you’re gonna have to slow down some, understand?” “Yeah, I got it Chrysalis.” As I wait for Chrys to return with the gas can I take a look on the left side of my bike. I notice that despite the layers of dirt, the paint and even the lily and my name are still in tact, though covered in dirt. The left leg of my suit is also free of scrapes and cuts, though covered in dirt as well. With the tanks topped off and the gas tank returned to the truck we start our engines and take off, Chrys is riding behind me as Rainbow leads us down trails of her choice. The ride throughout the trails is something I can’t wait to experience again as we pull into the entrance pit and out the gate, heading back to the truck. “Hey Lily, I gotta admit, I wasn’t here by accident. Sunset sorta… told me to be here and wait for you two.” As Rainbow sits next to me in the truck bed, Chrys begins to pull lettuce, sliced tomatoes, bacon, mayonnaise and bread out of one of the two coolers before setting up a small, portable grill. “Why? Why did she want you to be here with us?” Please don’t tell me… I trusted you, Sunset. Well, sorta. Don’t tell me you told her about what happened. Absent-mindedly I stare over the side, away from the blue-skinned girl, watching the thick grove of trees, their branches swaying in the lazy breeze. “Well, she didn’t tell me the full story, just that you needed help understanding how to forgive being betrayed by someone close to you,” Soon the scent of frying bacon floats in the dust filled air as the other riders still out there kick up huge dust clouds. Rainbow’s next words are whispered in a threatening manner. “If you tell ANYONE what I’m about to tell you than you’ll regret it. It won’t do to have my awesomeness tainted by this if it becomes public knowledge.” Her change in demeanor shocks me as I look over at Chrys, who is busy tending to the bacon strips. Fearfully I nod in understanding, which seems to relax her some. “I wasn’t always this awesome girl you now see before you. My mom, she was… abusive, to both me and dad. My dad he… when I was born he was disappointed I wasn’t born a boy, which he wanted. He always wanted a boy that he could talk sports to, take to games and even cheer on to victory.” Chrysalis gives us our space, as if she knew this was going to happen, though it doesn’t seem to affect Rainbow as she continues. “His apparent disappointment in me and my desire to stay as far from mom as long as I could led to me wanting to excel in sports. I don’t know why but dad… put up with mom’s abuse and cheating till I turned nine, and he had a wake up call.” “What… what happened?” I almost don’t ask and as soon as the words leave my mouth I regret asking. “Mom was… disciplining me for something, I forget what. But she was beating me pretty bad, to the point dad had to take me to the hospital. Mom ended up getting arrested for child abuse and dad he… he almost lost custody of me. It took us a few years but we eventually talked and resolved our problems. Things between us have gotten a lot better.” With a smile Rainbow jumps off the back of the truck and I follow, thinking over what she just told me as we begin to eat our lunch. Is… if she can forgive that kind of betrayal, can I do it as well? After lunch we spend a few more hours riding the trails, the jostling of the bike just so happens to shake away my current worries and the excitement keeps it at bay. With the bikes returned to the truck’s bed and secured, we say our goodbyes to Rainbow. “Did you have fun out there, kiddo?” Chrys’ question comes as she starts the truck up and looks over at me. “Yea, I did. Thank you, Chrysalis. Though I do have one question. When can we do it again?”