> Rainbow Dash Gets a D- > by Lady Brony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “One more level” “One more level” “Just one more level” A cyan filly with a rainbow mane thought to herself as she played her newly brought video game in her poster covered of The Wonder Bolts room the night before that big, important and if you a low grade you’ll be screwed exam on Equestrian history. She secretly knows that she should be studying but that isn’t very amusing. Blasting off zombie pony heads is the way to go, right? “Rainbow, are you doing your schoolwork?” her father called from downstairs. “Yes”, lied Rainbow “I can borrow Fluttershy’s notes and study on the bus tomorrow” Rainbow Dash making an consideration. “I mean how hard can that exam be?” Her father sighed on the living room couch, part of him knew that his daughter is being untruthful and he wanted to step in. However that almost always leads to an unnecessary battle ending it with Rainbow in tears. He doesn’t have physical the power to deal with a crying filly tonight, thank you doubled work shifts. While the other half of him wanted her to see the consequences for not buckling down and study. But he still didn’t want her to fail, sometimes it’s tough being a single dad. The Next Day 7:43 am “RAINBOW” “RAINBOW, WAKE UP OR YOUR GOING TO MISS THE BUS” her father screamed from the kitchen. Rainbow over slept from nearly staying up the whole night Zombie Kill 4502, the “one” more level was a lie. “Oh snap, I better rushed if I get Fluttershy’s notes.” She thought as looked at The Wonder Bolts alarm clock. “The bus will be here in about 20 minutes” She dashed to the shower, for the quickest shower she ever had. After that it was 7:49 am and she needed take the 15 minute flight . “Looks like I’m not getting a breakfast today, hope dad doesn’t freak.” Dash said to herself as she packed her saddlebag with pens, paper and her Game Colt with Zombie Kill 4502, the usual school gear a student needs. She rushed to the door of her cloud home. Before yelling bye to her dad drinking his coffee in the kitchen, prior to work as a weather pony. “Rainbow, you need to-“ “Slam” The door slammed hard as his daughter left in a hurry. “Eat breakfast” with an angry sigh the navy stallion, “She’s going to have a hard day” “You’re not going to make it” “You’re not going to make it” “I can’t make it” Rainbow told herself as flew as fast her tiny wings carried her. She’s been at the halfway point to the bus stop but there is no way she could it get there in time. If she didn’t get the notes she will for sure get an “F” or maybe something worse. “This is what you Rainbow deserve for being an idiot. I’m not gonna get to the bus stop and now use Fluttershy’s notes, your just stupid” Rainbow Dash coldly put herself down. Flying a bit longer Rainbow spotted the stop... with the bus… just leaving. The filly couldn’t help but feel the rage growing inside her. ‘ '"Well, great. Now I'm gonna be tardy, and not only that, but I'll have a detention. How wonderful," she said facetiously.Rainbow has been warned on countless times not to be late from her teacher Mr. Trotter. The Pegasus filly groaned and continued flying to school. “Miss. Dash, thank you for kindly joining us.” Mr. Trotter the 4th grade teacher replied as the out of breathe pony burst the in the classroom arriving 20 minutes late. “I’ll be seeing you after school”. Rainbow hung her head in shame as she took her seat in the very back next to Fluttershy. “Like I was saying, there’s class trip to a Wonder Bolts at the end of this month. If interest there’s forms on the back table and the tickets are $40 each. If you have-“. “Knock, knock”. Came from the classroom door. Mr. Trotter let out a groan annoyed with last interruption and muttered something under his breath as he went to answer the door. He opened the door to Mrs. Perry the principal, they spoke for a bit before Mr. Trotter stepped out, closing the door behind them. Moments after Mr. Trotter returned to the class alongside with a gray coated with a blonde mane filly. “Everyone, this is Ditzy Doo, she came all the way from Fillydelphia. So please make her feel welcome, Ditzy you take your seat by Rainbow, she’s the with the rainbow mane. “Well duh, captain obvious” Rainbow rolling her eyes. Ditzy made her to seat that’s when Rainbow notice an odd detail about the newest classmate. Something felt off about her, what it is? Rainbow trying to be causal to towards the matter glared around the room, slowly returning her gaze to Ditzy’s green eyes. Then the discovery went down hard and smacked her firmly, it’s her eyes. “Holy crap, her eyeballs are point in different directions. Ones up and the other one is pointing down. It’s so messed up almost creepy. Was she born like that or is she doing it on purpose, whatever the reason is, it’s totally weird. Can she even see like that? Should I ask her about it… no I can't asked her about it haven’t even talked to her yet.” Rainbow thought to herself with confusion and curiosity. “Umm… Rainbow w-what are you looking… if you don’t m-mind telling me” Fluttershy observing her BPFF (Best Pony Friend Forever) staring at Ditzy which is starting to get strange. Rainbow was in between Ditzy and Fluttershy, which explains why Flutters couldn’t see Ditzy’s eye condition. Rainbow realized what she was doing and rapidly putting an end to it. Luckily Ditzy’s right eye up to the ceiling, so she couldn’t have seen paying attention to Rainbow’s gazes. “Umm, I’ll tell you at recess, Flutters” Rainbow whispered to her BPFF. Not wanting to them to talk about Ditzy with her there. “The test is going to be after recess and also the test is going to be 50% of your grade. So I hope your all prepared” Mr. Trotter announce to the class. “I’m so screwed, Fluttershy better hoof over her notes or I might fail and be a loser weather pony”. > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After Mr. Trotter was finished talking he went to his desk, as recess would start in 5 minutes, giving the students a chance to chit chat. “Hey Flutters, do you think I could borrow your notes from you? Did I mention that you are greatest friend ever, if you do this”. Rainbow, using the most obvious flatterer that could be seen 100’s miles away. “Huh. b-but I do need them too” Fluttershy replied. “P-pp-pleeeassseee, do me this for me” doing classic sad eyes she uses on her dad to get her way. “I can’t do this without your help” Recess Rainbow was sitting at the lunch table with no notes or lunch because she left it at home (again). However that didn’t really bother her since she had more vital things to deal with. “I’ll say once and I’ll say it again, I’m so screwed” the cyan filly thought glaring at the ground feeling sorry herself. The one day she needed help from her Best Pony Friend Forever, she had to grow a backbone, pretty much telling her that’s she’s on her own in Fluttershy's typical polite way. Then she saw two of her classmates studying together, there was still hope for her. Rainbow causally made her way to their table. “Hey Spitfire and Soarin” Rainbow said in her for the most part friendly tone with hint of desperateness. “How are you two this fine day?” “Fine” both foals said in unison not giving Rainbow any eye contact. “I see that you’re both studying for the test. Mind if we have a little crams session?” Before answering the yellow filly with a fiery mane whispered something in her light blue and navy colt friend’s ear. “Yeah, you go ahead first” Spitfire said resisting the urge from falling on the ground laughing. “Ok, why did the three pony tribes leave their original lands?” “Giant dragons took over the land” Soarin replied trying his best to keep a straight face. “What was the unicorn princess name?” “Princess Bluebell” Spitfire allowing nervous laugh to slip though Rainbow didn’t catch on. *** After they were done and Rainbow wrote all the “right” answers in her notebook. She thanked them and went to play with Fluttershy and some other fillies. When she was far enough Soarin and Spitfire burst into uncontrollable laughter. “I can’t believe she fell for that” Spitfire said holding her gut as if it might pop out. “I know, she much be completely dumb” Soarin said as he let out the most unmanly giggle. “I thought she would at least caught on when you told her that earth ponies were cursed by Princess Celestia and weren’t able to use magic anymore.” “That what she gets for trying to mooch off of us” Spitfire said. With that the two foals once again burst into another fit of laughter. Their “harmless” prank worked better then exacted and to them it was the most hilarious thing ever. After recess the dreaded exam begun as Mr. Trotter handed out the test papers. Rainbow wrote the “correct” answers unknown to her knowledge that there were all lies, she felt confident that she would do well. She started with question one.. “Question 1 Which pony tribe found Equestria first? A) Alicorns B) Earth Ponies C) Unicorns D) Pegasus” Rainbow picked answer B, as she quietly thanked Spitfire and Soarin coming to her rescue. “Question 2 What pony tribe was in charge of the weather? A) Earth Ponies B) Unicorns C) Alicorns D) Pegasus” Rainbow chose C “Question 3 Who was the tribe leader of the Pegasus? A) Commander Hurricane B) Chief Wind C) Leader Breeze D) Commander Hothead’ Rainbow selected D. After she was done Rainbow proudly handed in her test. “I did well, gonna to remember thank Spitfire and Soarin later. Oh I almost forget I need to get Wonder Bolts form because I’m so going” Rainbow happily grabbed a field trip form and put it in her saddle bag. “Rainbow, you are to clean that desks in the room". Mr. Trotter lectured Rainbow as she stayed after school as a detention punishment for being late. Rainbow cleaned all the desks in the row before she was allowed to move on to the next. Mr. Trotter inspected the desks and if he didn't like it, she had to redo the whole. That happened maybe once or twice." When Rainbow was finally done with that forty of minutes torture, Trotter gave her a pen and some paper. "Now an ninety word essay of the etiquette, being on time" “Why Being Late Is Rude Being late shows that you don’t care about the other pony, its bad matters. When your shows don’t respect them after they put the effort of being on time. Thought sometimes you have those bad where you can’t help it and kind of just happens, you should still be sorry. When the pony is waiting for you and tardy, wasted the other pony’s time. Some ponies might be mad at you or others might not care, when late all the time. By Rainbow Dash” “Rainbow, this is not quality work, do it again” Mr. Trotter said not looking very impress. “And now it’s 200 words”. Rainbow groaned at redoing this, she wanted to go home, NOW! But fearing if she complained Mr. Trotter probably make it 400 words or more. After Trotter finally approve the paper. “Rainbow, you are aware of that you are failing all the assignments I give out?” "No" Rainbow annoyed at the fact she suppose go home at 20 minutes ago. She was starting to zone out as she got an lecture. "Also, you got every single answer in today’s exam wrong.” “W-what” that woke Rainbow up from her sleepy haze. “You’re sure you just didn't make a lot of mistakes”. “No but luckily for you there is a makeup test being held in 3 weeks. I strongly suggested you be there.” “Okay” Rainbow quietly repressing the urge to bawl right there and then. Can I go now?” “Not just yet, a meeting has been set with your parents and the school counsellor to discuss you struggling for this Friday.” “Fine,” Rainbow staring at floor. “Now you can go, by the way if you’re late again your detention will be doubled” Trotter threatens. “Whatever” Rainbow grumbled picking up her saddlebag and getting out of as fast as she could. On her way home Rainbow couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer, she openly cried on the streets of Clouds Dale in an alleyway, she didn’t want anyone to see her sob. "I'm so pathetic" The filly shedding tears in her hind out. > Chapter 3 (complete) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- When Rainbow was ready to move on from her little crying fit, she looked at the town clock, and saw she had an hour before her father would be back from work. With that in mind that she decided to head home and try to beat her father home. Rainbow grabbed her belongings and headed in the direction of home. “Rainbow Danger Dash, what's this of me getting a message from your teacher when I got home early that you're failing all of your assignments and the exam?” her father scolded as she entered the house. Rainbow knew when she was in trouble her dad used her full name. “Nothing, I don’t want to talk about it” Rainbow replied quietly, once more staring at the floor out of a nervous habit. She didn't want to deal with this right after her terrible day. “Rainbow, we are going talk about it now. This is serious, you might be held back if you don’t make some changes soon.” her father said sternly. “Trotter said that?” Rainbow asked a bit concerned. “No, but it could happen if you don’t straighten up. I know things haven’t been easy since your mother passed away but that doesn't mean your grades have to suffer”. Her father scolded once again, not realizing he brought up a very fragile topic. “Why did he have to bring up mom in this?” Rainbow thought to herself as she fought back tears for the second time today. She remembered six months earlier, her mother on the hospital bed... slowly, painfully dying while Rainbow and her father watched helplessly. It was one of those things that the cyan filly tried and repress as best as she could. Still, why were these tears making a comeback? “Rainbow, you're going to improve your marks or no video games for a month,” her dad continued, ignorant to his daughter is silently crying. “And you also didn’t have breakfast and you forget your lunch again. Don’t you know how unhealthy that is? You- Dashie, you alright?” Her father becomes conscious of Rainbow sobbing openly. Tears were rolling down her face as she thought about her mother. The heartbreaking memories floated back to the pain that her mother must have went through in her final years. Rainbow couldn’t stand it and flew over her father straight to her room, slamming the door behind her. “Rainbow, what’s wrong?” her father said, confused. “Did I say something wrong? I’ll gave her some time to calm down...” Meanwhile. .. The small filly had her face buried in her pillow, crying hysterically. Things haven’t been the same since the passing of her mom. Why did she have to abandon her? Rainbow never really expressed her feelings to others; it had always been struggle for her. “Why can't things go back to the way it used to be? I just want my mom back.” Rainbow sobbed “Is so much to ask?” Sometime Later... “Knock, knock.” “Rainbow, its dad, I can come in, sweetie?” her dad said in a soft calming tone. “Okay.” Rainbow said, calmer than before. This surprised her dad, usually there would be some yelling, screaming, arguing, or tears before Rainbow opens the door. “What’s going on here? Were those two mean colts teasing her at school by calling her "Rainbow Crash" again? What were their names again? Doesn't,matter now, I'll find out later. Better prepare to head off to their parent’s houses for the 1000th time. Whatever it is, I’m gonna find it out”. Her dad thought. Opening the door to finding a very upset filly on her Wonder Bolts bed, she looked emotionally beaten in her eyes. Why is she acting like this? Those colts are in for it now! “Dashie, what’s up with you? Why are you being this way?” Her dad said, getting to the point. “N-nothing” Rainbow said quickly. “Rainbow, I don’t think I believe you. Can’t you just please tell me what’s upsetting you?” “Am “sob” I “sob” stupid? “sob” Rainbow said in between cries. Not ready to talk about her mother, she instead came up with something else to tell her dad. “Of course not, Dashie, where'd you get such an outrageous idea like that? Her dad said, taken aback from the question. “Because I keep screwing up in school.” “Rainbow, a lady doesn’t talk that way.” Her father regretted the day he allowed it to slip to her daughter. “No, you just need to study better and improve your school homework.” He pulled his daughter in a tight hug. “You’re very smart and I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that. I’m sorry.” “D-dad?” “Yes?” “I-I c-can’t b-breathe, y-your h-holding m-e t-too t-tight” “Oh, sorry, to make it up, I’ll buy you ice cream for dinner.” “Really? Wait, are you sure you didn’t get hit in the head again. You've been acting weird for weeks.” “Your pushing you’re luck, missy. Let’s go now” > Chapter 4 (full) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At Bubble Gums Ice Cream & Candy Store, Rainbow and her dad sat outside on a branch with their usual favorite’s favors. For Rainbow, chocolate layered with dark chocolate and milk chocolate together; she gets it every time. For her father a very original idea... plain vanilla core, as always. “Dad, I almost forget,” Rainbow said as she remembered a very cool field trip form, “There’s a fieldtrip coming up next month to a Wonder Bolts show, can I pleeease go?” Handing over the form to her dad, yet again doing the puppy eyes for that day, no one could resist them. (except Fluttershy) “Rainbow, the tickets are 40 bits and you really need some more flying lessons.” her dad reasoned. “B-but Daaddd, I’m the best flier in the class and it would be a waste of your precious bits.”Rainbow pointed out sassily, “Plus it would make me forget the traumatic experience you put me through today.” “Traumatic experience,” the grey stallion version of Rainbow Dash repeated. “I think you've spent too much time with your Auntie Firefly.” “I learned it from the best,” Rainbow gave the biggest cheesiest smile that she could award for it, “So can I go?” “We’ll see.” her dad responded. That’s never good sign. *** Four days later Friday: The Meeting “Thank you for coming, Mr. Dash.” Mr. Trotter said as the meeting begun in the classroom after school with Rainbow not paying much attention there, not surprised she was bored to tears. “As you may know that your daughter falling behind the rest of the class and isn’t handing in any assignments, and if she does she’s given a failing grade.” “I do try and to push her to do it but it never ends well. Since it almost always turns into an argument with Rainbow’s stubborn attitude, it can be challenging.” Mr Dash replied . “I’m not that stubborn.” Rainbow harshly denied, not helping her case with the statement. “You do have your moments, sweetie.” Her dad softly said.' “No, I don’t.” Rainbow whined. “Yes, you do, and we talked about this before-”. Mr. Dash said in a furious tone. He was not in the mood to bicker over something so childish. Rainbow rolled her eyes at him. “Shut up” “Excuse me, young lady but-” “Umm, moving on,” Trotter awkwardly interrupted wanting to witness fight break out between them. “Rainbow, that’s very rude to talk to someone like that but anyway getting back on topic. Since starting the year, Rainbow she has little to no improvement. It begun with a few D’s or F’s but eventually turned into her just getting the lowest grade in the whole class.” ‘Rainbow, what is going on that’s making you to do this badly? I mean to be honest you never been that good of a student.” her dad said. “Okay, why are you dancing around the obvious? Rainbow blurted out. "It’s because I’m stupid." “Sweetie, you’re not stupid,” Her dad said rubbing her back in a comforting way.“You’re a tad slow on the material, nothing wrong with that.” “I’m afraid it’s not that simple, Mr. Dash. I've recently spoken to the school counsellor and if this continues Rainbow will be held back a year.” Trotter said. “WHAT?! I can’t be held back, I’ll be the laugh stock of the school!” Rainbow said looking on the verge of tears. “I can do better." “Yeah, that'll be the day,” Trotter thought coldly. “However, if you start buckling down for the make-up test and get at least a 'C-', you might just pass the year because it’s worth 50% of your mark and the rest is the projects I'll give out ”. “And I’m adding to this; if you don’t pass the test or get anything lower than 'C-', the Wonder Bolts won’t be happening for you. Got it?” Mr. Dash said sternly. Rainbow felt the sudden urge to cry right there and then. The pressure was already building up for her. She wasn’t quite sure if she can do this. She needed to find a way out of this disaster, and she knew who to go to. *** Monday: At school The nerdy sea-foam green, jade colored mane filly, Jane Stone sat on the ground at recess reading her smarty-pants book. Rainbow wouldn’t be able understand the book no matter how hard she tried, it was probably meant for ponies in high school. Why was she in the 4th grade again? Jane seemed to be the most intelligent filly in the entire school, even occasionally correcting Mr. Trotter and she was for the most part was right. So she is perfect to tutor Rainbow on Equestrian history, if she was willing to. Taking a deep breath Rainbow trotted towards Jane. It felt nerve-racking going on doing this but she had no other choice. Well, at that time she couldn’t think of any other useful solutions to her problem. What if Jane said 'No' to her like Fluttershy did? She'd have to get on her knees and start begging if it resorted to that. “Hey Jane...What'cha reading?” Rainbow greeting the bookworm warmly, causally sitting next to her. 'Jane' put down her giant book and gave Rainbow a burning glare that stung. “It's Jade, actually.” the green filly looked liked she wanted to smacked over Rainbow the head with the 300 ton book. “We have been the same class since Flight Kindergartner and you still don’t know my name?” “Umm, sorry but anyway I kind of need to your help with something important.” Rainbow quickly apologized. “And why should I help you after you were constantly mean to me?” Jade was looking angrier by every second. 'What do I do, she might not help now, I’m so screwed!" Rainbow thought nervously. “What? I-I haven’t been mean to you. Name one time I was mean to you.” “Remember two weeks ago?” Jade scolded. “You didn’t forget already?” *** Two Weeks Earlier Jade sat at a lunch table herself as usual, rereading “Fancy Mathematics for the Advanced”. Even though Jade was only in the 4th grade she dreamed of going to Hayvard University and becoming a doctor. But that school is very difficult to get into and even if it worked out for her, she have to deal the competitive nature of the school which she didn't mind that much. All of a sudden Jade felt a tap on her shoulder, she turned around to see Rainbow Dash with a piece of paper in her month. Yet not saying anything Rainbow put the paper by beside Jade. “Can I help you with something?” Jade said seemly annoyed by this. “Oh, Soarin told me to give this to you.” Rainbow replied walking back to her table next to hers. Jade eagerly put aside her book. There was no freaking way the popular Soarin was crushing back on her. Her countless daydreams of him were coming true. She stared him in class when she was the first one to finish her work, for what felt like hours. She never had the guts just to talk to him. Jade began to read the love note. "Dear Jade Stone, I’m admitting my feelings for you. I wish I was brave enough to do this face-to-face but as you may not know, I get too nervous around your beauty. I've see you gazing at me, and I do the same but you never noticed. I always wanted to tell you I really, really do. ~Soarin' PS: Talk to me when I’m alone.” Jade squealed with happiness. He liked her too, apparently he really, really did. If this was is a dream she didn’t want to be woken up. How sweet that he wrote out his feelings for her! Jade looked for him all over, until she eventually found sitting alone eating his sandwich. This might be her only chance. Jade headed over to him, feeling excited and anxious at the same time. “Hi Soarin” Jade said. “Hey Jade” Soarin said not paying much attention to the love-struck filly. “He’s so cute when he’s eating.” Jade thought. “I just wanted to say I feel the same way and your note is the kindness thing anyone has ever done for me”. "What are you rambling about?" Soarin said staring at Jade, “I never wrote you a note”. Jade was a bit confused, why was he treating her like this? Maybe he’s putting on an act to look cool. Jade calmed down a bit. “You sent Rainbow Dash to give me a note.” Jade said steadily hiding the fact she wanted to scream. She put the note beside Soarin so he read again to remind himself. After Soarin finished reading, he cruelly laughed loudly in her face. “If think I’d ever like a geeky loser, you are completely stupid. He took a step farther and the ripped the note to tiny fragments. “Now go away, nerd.” Jade felt her heart being shattered to a million pieces. She gave no answer but instead grabbed her things and ran to the restroom in tears. Rainbow snickering thorough the whole time with her friends. It was just too perfect. *** “I went home early crying all the way because of you,” Jade said giving Rainbow the most disgusted look she ever received from anyone. “You’re lucky I didn’t send my older sister to take care of you.” Rainbow entirely forgot the best, yet most vicious prank she has ever done. She copied the note from a dumb romance novel that used to belong to her mother. She meant it to be a funny, harmless joke. She felt horribly guilty and to matters worse Jade hated her with a passion. Rainbow has no choice but to... "Jane...I mean Jade, I’m so sorry for that. I wanted just play a little prank on you." Rainbow was now on her knees pleading with Jade. “But I really need your help with the make-up test coming up in soon”. Rainbow said dropping her act. "If I fail I'll repeat the 4th grade if you help". "That sounds your problem, not mine." Jade get up and started walking away,. "Please Jade, I'll do anything for you". Rainbow said still desperately pleading. Jade stopped and turned around “Anything you say?” Jade said with a vengeful grin. 'I'm so screwed...' Rainbow thought. *** “Okay Rainbow, put the pencil crayons in the identical color order.” Jade Stone told Dash as she reorganized her school desk after the day had ended. All Dash had to do was clean out her desk and getting rid of unwanted items. “No, Rainbow, cyan doesn't go with indigo. There're two completely different colors,” Jade corrected Rainbow, “It should with the cerulean pencils.” Rainbow sighed, as she followed Jade’s instructions. She could be done a long time ago if Jade would just shut up and let her do her job. “I didn't even know that some of these existed but I guess Jade’s punishment could've been way worse,” Rainbow told herself, “If I was her, I'd rather make myself eat bugs or walk through The Evergreen Forest by myself.” “Rainbow, how many times do I have to tell you that the lilac and mauve markers don’t go together?” Jade scolded, “I mean, you’re a giant, walking, talking rainbow and you don’t know the difference between lilac and mauve?” Dash stared at Jade coldly, beginning to reach her limit with the demanding filly. In a way she did deserve this, however, Rainbow was at the point where she could easily snap and it’s not gonna be pretty. “You know they’re just colors.” Rainbow talked back, speaking her mind. “I guess you don’t want my help with the make-up exam,” Jade having an untrustworthy smirk, which could have some work on, “I hope you like repeating the 4th grade.” With the last part sounding not very understanding and sympathetic, she had an almost mocking tone to her voice. She gave the impression of having fun with the borderline mental abuse. “She did not just go there,” Rainbow thought, now wanting to punch her out. “No, I need this. Sure, Jade is acting like a jerk and I would love to teach her a lesson, but I must pass the make-up test so I never have to talk to her.” “Umm, no, I just don't see the point of doing this,” Rainbow answered honestly, “This seems to be a waste of time. I mean don’t we better things to do?" “You said that you'd do anything for my help, and my desk needs some reorganization,” Jade replied in a superior way, “You’re putting the crimson and cerise in the wrong order again. It's the other way around!” “I hate this, I need a way out.” Rainbow rolling her eyes. “Don’t you want help with your lack of coolness?” Rainbow said, slightly nudging Jade in the company of a wink. “I mean, everyone makes fun of you and calls you a geek. Don’t you want to be awesome, like me?” “Oh no, did I blow it? She’s giving me that same look she did at recess.” Jade stared blankly at Rainbow, maybe she was in deep thought or rather plotting another way to get back at her. “That’s interesting idea, Rainbow. We should do that.” Rainbow let out a sigh of relief as she didn’t have to finish the pencils. “After you're done with my desk, you can give me cool lessons.” The bossy filly said. Rainbow sighed, “This is gonna be a long day.” Afterwards Rainbow had at last finished the everlasting reorganization and in exchange Jade said she would help Dash study for the make-up exam at the Cloudsdale library. Rainbow had trouble recalling the last time being here. Of course, she had been in a library before but she had always had better things to do then speed her day away with eggheads. Jade gestured to Dash to follow her, leading her to the studying area. Jade brought Rainbow to the “Equestrian History” region of the library. Still not saying anything Jade grabbed many large books, taking them to a nearby table. “Okay Rainbow, let’s get started,” Jade finally said anything, “We’ll start with chapter one and you take the notes, then we’ll go over them later, got it?” “Yeah, I do.” Rainbow answered impatiently. “Good, moving on to page one.” Jade said, opening the book. *** “Equestria founding was divided into three different tribes; Earth ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi. Each tribe had its own responsibility, for example the unicorns were in charge of raising the sun and moon. The tribes only interacted with one and another for their own benefits. For instance the earth ponies were the only ones that could grow food and the other two tribes expected goods in trade for the weather from the Pegasus and the same went for the unicorns.” *** ”Alright Rainbow, you understand this?” Jade stopped reading to see Rainbow sleeping, “RAINBOW, WAKE UP!” Jade screamed, giving the sleeping Pegasus a hard shove on the shoulder, gaining a few stares from nearby ponies. “W-Why did you do that?” Rainbow said in a drowsy tone. “You’re falling asleep, and I’m not going to put up with it!” Jade scolded. “If it happens again, you’ll be by yourself.” “But I wasn’t!” Rainbow quickly denied. “I heard you snoring...” Jade giving another one of her burning glares. “Okay I won’t do it again,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes, “We continue now with this?” “Yes, if you don’t snooze off again." *** “The tribes were governed by their individual leaders: Commander Hurricane for the Pegasi: Birth name:Black Hurricane Born:1263-1317-20 (the exact date of death and birthday of the commander is unknown) Hometown:Trottingham, Hayview Spouses: : Rose Dust (1285-death) Age: 54-57 Early Life: Little to none is known about Hurricane, as the most records were destroyed in the Great Pony War. (1270-1340) However, what was saved is known about him. At age 23 he had arranged a marriage with Rose Dust, but it is unknown whether or he had children. Princess Platinum of the Unicorns Birth name:Platinum Hearts Born:May 2nd, 1273-Septmter 12th, 1295 Hometown:Mareton (present-day Canterlot) Spouses: King Sombra (1289-1295) Age: 22 Early Life: Platinum grew up in Mareton. She married King Sombra at sixteen. Death: When Platinum married King Sombra in an arranged marriage, shortly after he turned abusive and controlling. He locked up Platinum with her royal assistant Clover the Clever in the Lunar Tower, six years before beheading her on false charges of theft. The body of the princess has yet to be found. Clover died of starvation in the first six months of being imprisoned.” *** “What’s beheading?” Rainbow asked, “It means that they chop her head off,” Jade answered, “And you better not be trying to take a nap again or our deal is off.” Now noticing her head on the table, fighting the urge to fall asleep. “I’m not.” “Then why are your eyes closed?” “I’m resting them." “Rainbow, that’s the oldest excuse ever.” “Fine I was,” Rainbow said, straightening her back in the upright position, “Can we go back to reading now?” “Only if you don’t nap again, it’s annoying.” Jade scowled, anger and frustration in her voice. “Okay, I won’t let it happen again.” Rainbow said. Jade stared indifferently at Rainbow for a second before returning to the textbook. *** Chancellor Pudding-Head of the Earth Ponies Birth name: Leo Pudding Head Born:April 9th, 1269-June 4th, 1303 Hometown: Pony Land (present-day Ponyville) Spouses: Jewel Suns (1287-1293, his death) Age: 34 Early Life: Pudding-Head grew up in a prosperous family. At the young of eighteen, he married Duchess Jewel Suns in arrangement. It is rumored his wife died during birth and he was too heartbroken to remarry.” *** “SLAM” Jade banged the large textbook the table, waking the slumbering Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow, I had it! I’m leaving, now!” Jade barked, getting up and grabbing her belongings. “What?!” Rainbow questioned, crawling out from her sluggish state. “You repeat the 4th grade for all I care!” The green filly screamed, getting livid at Dash. “Our deal is off! I’m outta here.” Jade angrily walked out of the building before Rainbow had the chance to respond. She blew her likelihood of passing the make-up test. Rainbow let her head hit the table in defeat, she was hopelessly on her own... > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Week Later: Sunday The rainbow filly stared hopelessly at the textbook. Trying her best to understand and sucking on all the new information. However no matter how hard she tried she wasn’t getting it. After the fight with Jade at the library, she completely stopped talking to Rainbow at school. Even when she attempted to apologized, resulting with Jade giving her to the cold shoulder and ignoring her much more. Now she is force to study by herself without any help. Rainbow continuing to look intently at the book, doing what to figure out she is reading. She kept rereading the same sentence or paragraph when she didn’t quite get it the first time. But still she is reaching her fear in failing and being held back a grade. Out of frustration she banged to her head against the desk recurring this for the tenth-hundred time or so. “Why I can’t I get this”. Rainbow almost screamed, gnashing her teeth and getting angrier by the second. She wasn’t sure what she is dreading, repeating the 4th grade or being the laughing stock of the whole school. *** “It’s the first day back to school from summer break and Rainbow is heading to class. In the corner of her eye she saw Fluttershy going towards the 5th grade class with her former classmates. She wished that studied harder for that exam, so maybe she can be a fifth grader. Dash sighed; she already knows she’s going to hate this. Rainbow enters the same classroom but only some things that are different. All her new classmates are shorter then she is and she doesn’t know any of them. Rainbow takes her usual seat in the back. She kept her head down on the desk, hoping she wouldn’t get notice by anyone. She wanted to run of the school and never come back. “Hello, class” Mr. Trotter warmly greeting everyone, coming in the room. “How was everyone’s summer?” “Good”. The class said in union. “Terrible”. Rainbow thought. She did not want to here. “Rainbow, keep your head up please.” Trotter scolded. “Now let’s see on this test what you learnt during the break and if you fail you’ll be sent to flight kindergarten”. Mr. Trotter let out an evil laugh as horns begun growing out of his head. The room turned to a fiery cave and screaming came out of nowhere...” *** Shaking herself back to reality, she didn’t have time to freak out; she must keep doing what she can to be prepared. There was only to two weeks until the horror of a makeup exam. Rainbow couldn’t lose it; she has to get a decent mark. “Rainbow, your sister is here”. Her dad called from downstairs. “Lilac is back”. Rainbow thought, dropping everything that she’s doing and running the stairs, not bothering to fly. She hasn’t her big sister since the funeral for their mother, six months ago. Rainbow hated the idea of her moving to a boarding school two years ago, it sucked so hard. “Sissy, sissy”. Rainbow said, running to her pale purple sister and giving her a big hug. “Hey Bow, it’s nice to see you again”. Lilac said, messing her sister’s mane a bit in the hug. “You’re so cute by the way”. “What are you doing here anyway” Rainbow said, still hanging on Lilac like her life dependent on it.”Dad said you weren’t back until summer”. “Do I really need a reason to see my little sister, squirt?” Lilac said, grabbing her bags and going towards to her room. “I’m gonna crash now, had a long day”. With that Lilac went to her room next to Rainbow’s. Dash waited until the door closed. “Dad’. “Yes”. “Why is Lilac here? I thought you said she wouldn’t be here until June”. “It’s a long story, I’ll tell you later”. “Fine”. Rainbow flatly said, while rolling her rose colored eyes. She’s always the last one to know these things. How very rude and inconvenient. Shortly After Rainbow went back to her room to study. She at least wanted to finish the chapter she’s on before calling it bedtime. Dash barely understood she what’s reading, it’s almost another language. This is gonna be a long night. She banged her head against the desk for the tenth-thousandth time now. She didn’t care that she might have a possible concussion. She is a screw up to the “T” and she’s going be in flight kindergarten once again. “I might as well get a new box of crayons and call it quits” . Dash thought. “Hey Bow”. Lilac called from the hallway. “Yeah”, Dash said, annoyed and rather to stay focus her studying. “What’s up”? “I’m doing my homework”. Rainbow answered secretly wanting to rip off her sister’s face at the moment. “You’re doing what”? Lilac said, sounding completely amazed and slightly confused. She never ever thought she would hear those words from her little sister. “Are you feeling alright”? ‘Ha, very funny, can you go now”? Dash said, with a hint of enraged. “Do you want any help”? Lilac offered. “If you like to, I’m not going to stop you”. Rainbow said. Lilac opened the door and sat in her bed with Wonder Bolts covers. On the table next to there was a Wonder Bolts alarm clock followed by too many to Wonder Bolts dolls. It almost a tiny bit creepy, the dolls are watching your every move and looking in your soul. Dolls are pure evil! “So Bow, what are you working on anyway”? Lilac asked, slowly backing away from the devil dolls. Dolls for whatever reason gives her a panic attack and she would rather not have anything with them. The nightmares will come now. But she’s doing this for sister, she pretend they not here. “I’m redoing a test in few weeks and I need a “C-” or higher to pass”. Rainbow said, nose deep in the book. Lilac couldn’t believe what she is witnessing; it’s like a weird dream. “Is the test on anything specific”? Lilac said. “It’s on Equestrian history”. Oh, right I remember, Dad saying something you getting held back a grade if you don’t pass”. Lilac said, as she got a closer look at the textbook. “You want me to read to you”? “Yes and don’t me fall asleep”. Dash said, joining her sister on the bed with the book. Lilac put her blonde fading into a light pink ombre mane over her muilt- pierced ears. She has three earrings in each ear and a nose sliver stud in the left nostril. “Deal, I’ll poke you hard with a stick”. Lilac said, as she messes with Rainbow’s mane. “Stop it”. Dash whined. “I’m telling dad if you keep doing that”. “Bow, don’t be a brat”. Lilac told off her sibling. You’re lucky I’m helping, history isn’t my forte you know and it’s not like your mane is brushed anyway”. “Whatever”. Rainbow flatly replied. “You know I’m right”. Lilac said, giving her sister a gentle noogie. “Let’s get reading”. “Fine”. Dash said, rubbing her head. “Good”. Lilac said. “Lilac, can I ask you a question”? Rainbow said. “Shot”. Lilac said. “Why aren’t you at boarding school right now”. Dash asked. “Dad wanted us both to tell you but I knew you were going to find out sooner or later. I’m leaving Ecole De Pilotage and I’m moving back here in three weeks but I wanted to leave some stuff here. To make the move easier on me and also visit you and Dad”. Lilac answered. “Really”? Rainbow’s eyes brighten up with a cheesy smile. “You mean it”? “Yep, but when dad tells you act surprise and don’t say I told you. Got it, Bow, he wouldn’t be too happy with me”. Lilac said. “Fair trade, I won’t tell anyone”. Rainbow said, hugging her sister “Perfect, now let’s get working”. Lilac replied, returning the hug, *** Monday At recess Rainbow and Fluttershy were sitting at the swing set and eating their lunches. It’s a beautiful warm sunny day, nearly no clouds in the sky. It virtually felt like forever since Dash and Fluttershy hung out. All of a sudden Fluttershy lightly nudged Rainbow a bit; as a result Rainbow barely felt it. “Umm, Dashie”. Fluttershy quietly said, trying her friend’s attention. “What- you said something”? Rainbow said, at last becoming aware of her friend. “Um Ditzy, sitting is all by herself at the table”. Fluttershy pointed to where Ditzy to close by lunch table where the gray filly sat. “Want to ask her to join us”? “You can it, the worst she can do is say no”. Rainbow pointed out. “Yeah, but your better at this then me”. Fluttershy softly said, looking at the ground. “Oh, alight”. Rainbow said, giving a huge eye-roll as she got up and went Ditzy’s table. She has never really been able to tell Fluttershy no and stick with it. “Could you at least save my swing while I’m gone”? “Yes”. Fluttershy whispered. Rainbow flow over to the table where Ditzy is sitting, she was just sitting with her eyes crossed and not anything else, how unusual. Since Ditzy moved Clouds Dale, Rainbow noted that the filly hasn’t said anything or made an effort to talk to anyone. Also she likes to be by herself most of the time. Mr. Trotter doesn’t even call on her to answer a question in class and he always on calls on does that to everyone. Perhaps she’s even shyer then Fluttershy, wow that’s achievement. “Hey Ditzy”. Dash greeted her; the filly looked up but gave no response. Rainbow continued. “My friend and I were wondering if you wanted to join us at the swings”. Ditzy smiled and nodded, before Rainbow knew it she was part way to the swing set. “Ditzy, wait up”. Rainbow shouted, flying towards her but Ditzy didn’t listen kept going in the direction of the swing set. “Well that was rude”. Rainbow thought. Ditzy was already on a swing and moving back and forth next to Fluttershy. When Dash at last got there, she was ready to teach certain someone lessen or two. She saw Fluttershy and Ditzy having a blast without her, how impolite. How dare them and to top that off, Ditzy was in Rainbow’s favorite swing, the one near the end. Now she’s bragging for it. “Ditzy, why didn’t wait up”? Dash complained. She’s getting tired of this bull crap. Ditzy stopped the swing with her hoof, to look at the ground. She gave apologetic grin however still reminded silence. Rainbow’s anger begun to boil over, she was ready to shove that freak off the darn swing. Why doesn’t this loser answer her? “Well, are you going to tell me or what”? Rainbow nearly shouted. “Err Rainbow, could please keep it down”. Fluttershy calmly said. “Can’t you see your upsetting her”? “Stay out of this, Fluttershy” Rainbow snapped. Ditzy still not speaking, she get up and ran off in tears. > Chapter 6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Day Before The Exam Tuesday “Soarin, come on, do it”. Hoops said, slightly pushing him to where the colorful Pegasus who was on the playground at recess. “You said you do it”. “Yeah, you did”. Dumbbell said. It’s going to really funny”. “I know I said I would it do but don’t you think it’s a bit mean.” Soarin said, trying to get out of the trick, his friends dared him earlier today. “I don’t even like Rainbow that way,” “What are you, chicken? Hoops insulted.” It’s really easy, anyone can do it, even Dumbbell.” “What did you just call me?” Soarin said, feeling his defenses rising up. “Pineapples are gross,” Dumbbell said, out of complete stupidity. Soarin and Hoops both stopped and stared at Dumbbell in total silence. “Anyway Hoops”. Soarin ignoring Dumbbell. “ I don’t want to it after the whole Jade thing. I was grounded for a week then my dad dragged me to her house to say sorry.” “Nothing bad is going happen. Hoops said, getting in Soarin’s face, “ It’s all in good fun, now do it”. “Uhh, fine”. Soarin said flatly. There was no way out when Hoops made his mind up. *** Rainbow sat by herself at the lunch table, waiting for Fluttershy and other fillies to eat with. They were their sweet ye old time as usual. Rainbow took out her lunchbox of her blue saddle bag. “I’m so bored.” Rainbow thought to herself. “Why are they taking so freaking long? I’m at the right spot, right?” “Hey Dash, what’s up.” A male’s voice said behind her. Rainbow looked up see to her popular classmate, Soarin with his friends, Hoops and Dumbbell in the distance. “Hi Soarin.” Rainbow mumbled putting her head face down on the table before finishing the sentence then continued, still bored from waiting for her slowpoke friends. ”What’s up”? “Oh, nothing much” Soarin said, while blushing. This could get awkward very quickly. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Soarin quietly thought as he followed through with the dumbest dare that he ever had to do. He much do it or else Hoops and Dumbbell will keep bothering him about it. Soarin, took a deep breath, he has no choice now. “Rainbow, can I tell something you?’ Soarin said, looking at the ground. “Umm... okay what is it?” The cyan Pegasus asked, snapping out of her boredom, now looking at the colt. “Did you do something bad?” “No, it just that when you fly.” Soarin was blushing that he looked like a tomato from his red checks. “You kind of look...” Soarin whispered the last part that Rainbow hardly heard it. “What, could you repeat that?” “I said you looked cute when you fly.” Soarin finally blurted out. Rainbow stared at Soarin in pure silence. “Come again?” Rainbow joining in the blushing also, earning a confused expression from her. “Are you hitting on me?” “N-no, I have to go now.” Soarin said, thinking of a quick getaway. “Bye.” The colt then escape to his friends. Rainbow stayed silent for a moment for a prolong time. In total discomfit and the added randomness had her dumbfounded. “I don’t get it.” *** Soarin returned to his friends, which included massive laughing fit. Why didn’t this surprise him? He gave them an eye roll. He was just glad he it was all over now. He reminded himself to find new friends later. “That was classic.” Hoops said, attempting to calm down. “I like how she thought you were flirting with her.” “Yep, that was funny” Soarin said in a monotone, adding an eye roll to the mix. “Never make me do that again.” “Your no fun.” Dumbbell whined. “Agreed.” Hoops said. “Note to self, never have friends that are complete idiots.” Soarin thought *** Later that day, Rainbow just got home back from school. Her dad was still at work for his weather pony job. Lilac went back to the boarding school and wouldn’t be returning home after a few weeks. So Rainbow had the whole place to herself... as usual. After locking the door behind her, the filly entered the kitchen she needed to eat now. Rainbow skipped breakfast and lunch once more, continuing that horrible habit of hers. She headed straight to the fridge and grabbed some daisy soda and a bag of hay flavored chips. Then she went her bedroom to study for exam. She studied clueless to what was she reading. All the stress was starting to get to her. She knew she had to keep going or she’s fail and be held back. She do that to herself, so failure isn’t an option she had to pass. *** As some time went on Rainbow found herself getting more and more stress. There was various information that she fully didn’t understand. It just wasn’t sticking with her for long. Out of frustration, Rainbow face booked in the large textbook. “I can’t do this.” Rainbow thought. Tears fell in the pages, and staining them; the pressure was getting to her. She had less then twelve hours before she needed to do the exam. Rainbow needed a miracle to pass. *** Exam day After school, Mr. Trotter told Rainbow she would be doing the make up test at the end of the day. She had an hour to finished Rainbow was sweating buckets. She barely got anything done. Mr. Trotter handed her the test paper. All of a sudden the door opened to a gray filly. “Ditzy, you’re late. Take your seat or you won’t be doing the retake”. Mr. Trotter snapped at the quiet filly. Ditzy nodded and headed to the desk. Since Ditzy was a new student who came on a day when test happening. Mr. Trotter felt it was unfair to her for to do the test and told she had some extra time to get know the material but she still had to the test like everyone else. Rainbow gulped the nerves were getting worst. Last night she had a slight breakdown from the tension. She knew she’s going flunk, stared at the page. She might as while faced the fact. Rainbow looked at the first question. Rainbow put a “x” next the answers that she thought were right. 1. What mystical creature attacked Private Pansy, Clover the Clever and Smart Cookie in the Cave? A: Windigoes B: Dragons C: Manticores D: All of the Above x 2. What magic spell was used to unite the three tribes? A: Burning Love B: Evil B. Gone x C: Fire of Friendship D: The Elements of Harmony 3. Who ended Discord's reign of Chaos? A: Celestia B: Celestia and Luna x C: King Sombra D: Star Swirl the Bearded 4. Why Did Nightmare Moon turn evil? A: She was infected by a shard of evil B: She advocated democratic reforms and was angry when Celestia refused to agree to them x C: Nobody paid attention to her night. D: She secretly hated her sister 5. How long did Princess Luna get banishment last for? A: forty years B: Ten minutes C: One thousand years x D: She didn’t get banish at all 6. Which are of these following statements is not true? A: Discord baked the princesses a yummy cake B: King Sombra laid an egg C: Princess Luna release a album D: None of the above x 7. What was Chancellor Pudding-Head full name? A: Jimmy B: Billy-Bob x C: Leo D: David 8. What years did the Great War happen between in? A: 1124-1490 B 1393-1599 C: 1690-1805 x D: 1270-1340 9. How old was Princess Platinum when she married King Sombra? A: 29 B: 80 x C: 16 D: 22 10: What were the false charges that King Sombra pressed against Princess Platinum? A: Murder B: High treason C: Theft x D: No charges were ever pressed” Rainbow took a deep breath in to calm herself. She didn’t understand what “Treason”meant. But she decided to guess anyway on some. The nerves starting to come back to her in full-blown, she ignored it and continued. Rainbow looked around to see that Ditzy was finished and walking to Mr. Trotter’s desk to hand in her test paper. “Thank you Ditzy. Please take a seat while I'm marking your test”. Ditzy nodded and headed to her seat. “Rainbow, are you almost done?” Mr. Trotter asked. “Yeah, I have three more questions”. “That’s good and remember to stay for a bit. So I can mark your test”. “Alright”. Rainbow hopelessly stared at the paper. She went with her gut and guesstimated on the answers that made the most sense to her. That was all she could do. *** “Ditzy, you very well. You get an “A+” Mr. Trotter said. Ditzy smiled and took the paper in her mouth and walked out the classroom. “Rainbow, I have some bad news for you.” Mr. Trotter said. Rainbow gulped, she knew this would not be good for her. “Because of your low test score, you will be repeating. “What, why?“ Was the only thing that Rainbow could say in response while fight back tears? “You got a “D-“, which isn’t the requirement to pass. You needed a “C” at least”. "Are you serious?" “I’m sorry but it has to be this way but look at it this way. You did better on the make-up test then the first one”. Trotter struggling to calm down her with little to no effect. “B-but I really tried this time”. Rainbow said, getting more and more upset by the second, nearly to crying at this point. “You can try next year”. “I don’t want to try next year. I wanted pass and not be a loser”. Rainbow said, now completely weeping. “Rainbow, you made great improvement”. Mr. Trotter said. Getting down to her level. Putting his arm around her to comfort her. Rainbow suddenly stopped crying and turned quiet. “Okay, bye.” Walking out of the room still in tears. Not paying attention to Mr. Trotter’s pleads to stop. > Chapter 7 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow went straight to the exit; she needed to get of here. She knew messed up, huge and she be held back for it. Tears streamed down her face as made a beeline for the door. Rainbow thought what a disappointment she to her father and late mother. What’s the point of trying if it’s only to end in failure? “I’m worthless” Without watching or thinking she bumped into someone “Oh, sorry, you okay?” The male’s voice said. Offering his hoof to help her up. “I’m fine”. She said, looking at her hooves, she still upset about what happen. Her dad is to end her when he knows about the news. “You don’t look fine”. “I am”. Rainbow angrily said, disproving her argument as while and getting a little angry with him. Just now realizing she crashed into Soarin, taking his hoof and picking herself up “Your not helping case there” Soarin said, a bit concerned “Is something up?’ “Nothing- I mean, I rather not talk it”. Rainbow said, a little quickly too. “I just want to get home”. “Okay, can I fly you home?” Soarin asked. “Umm. Sure if you want”. Rainbow said. Noticing how green his eyes were. “Why is he being so nice to me? Does he like me or something?” “Okay lets go”. Soarin said. *** Some time passed as the duo flew through the beautiful blue sky. Dash had calmed down about the displeasing news, though she is still understandably upset. She rather not think about how much trouble is she going to be by her dad. Plus she’s going to lose video games and won’t be allow to be attending the Wonder Bolt performance. Rainbow has been looking forward to see for weeks Rainbow and Soarin were a few feet from her house. Full-blown anxiety came over her. She didn’t necessary need to yell by her dad or be reminded of what had happened with the exam. Rainbow just rather acts liked it didn’t occur to her. Well she better get the screaming match over with. “Bye Soarin, I’ll see you tomorrow”. Rainbow said, waved bye to him. Soarin waved back to before turning around to go back to his house. Rainbow blushed when she went in her home. “Soarin is kind of cute”. Rainbow thought to herself as she smiled. “I can see why Jade liked him so much. Is Dad home’ Rainbow mentally prepares herself for a possible fight. Hopefully her dad would be too tired from cloud pushing to deal with his daughter’s latest failure. “DAD? Are you home?” Rainbow called through out the house. There was no answer, Rainbow had a signed of relief she was safe. At least there's time until he gets home before she has to face his wrath. She can relax now. "BOW, is that you?" A female voice yelled. Footsteps ran down the stairs. Lilac is Rainbow Dash's older sister returning from flight Boarding School. "Lilac, what are you doing here?' Rainbow asked, completely confuse to what was going on. Though she's happy to see her sister. "I have to you something private that won't leave the house”. Lilac said, nearly crying for some reason. Rainbow thought this is really odd. What the buck is going on? “Okay, what is it?” "I got kicked out of the school”. Lilac said, crying. “For what?” Rainbow said, was the only thing that she could get out. “This filly at school was picking me. It got to the point where I finally lost it on her one day and I punched her in the face. I got in trouble for it and I got expelled.” Lilac finished explaining in the simplest way possible to her sister. She left the more complicated details because she knew Rainbow wouldn't fully understand due to her being younger. “Why did you hit her, couldn’t you just not react to her? Rainbow asked. " I had my reasons". *** *** “Earth to, Lilac, you still there? ” Rainbow said as she waved her hoof in front of her sister’s face to gain her attention. She been in this trance for a few minutes and it was started to weird her out a little bit. Rainbow looked at her sister as she returned to the real world. “What?” Lilac shook her back to reality. ”Sorry, you say something? I zoned out there”. Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I said why didn’t dad tell me were you coming home” “Oh, I rather not get into that right” Lilac said. “Who was that colt you were flying with”? Rainbow’s face reddens quickly. “N-no one, he just flew me home”. “You like him, Bow, don’t you”. Lilac teased. “Nn-no I don’t”. Rainbow denied. Blushing even redder now. “Liar, liar pant on fire hang-“ Lilac begun to song. “Shut up”. Rainbow snapped. “You getting mad at me only proves that I'm right, Bow”. Lilac joked. She missed this. “I’m getting some food”. Rainbow said, as entered the kitchen and to see if she could drop the subject. “Fine. We’ll talk later about your love life, Bow” Lilac shouted after her. “No, we wont”. Rainbow called. Opening the fridge door. She took oat chips and hay soda. “I'm being held back”. Rainbow thought as she ate. “My dad is going to send me to boot camp”. “Oh yes we will”. Lilac annoyed her sister some more. It’s a sibling’s duty to do that. “What’s his name?” “If I tell you everything later, will you stop?” Rainbow compromised. “That works for me”. Lilac smirked. “Hey girls”. Rainbow’s dad greeted as he came through the door. “Hi dad”. Lilac said. “Hi sweetheart”. Mr. Dash welcomed his daughter. “Where’s your sister?” “In the kitchen”. Lilac answered. “Why is she in trouble again?’ “To be honest, yes she is”. Mr. Dash confirmed. ”Rainbow, can come here”. “For what”? Rainbow asked while still in the kitchen. “Oh great, here it comes”. Rainbow thought to herself. “Because I told you to come”. Mr. Dash said. “Lilac, can leave for a bit?” “Sure”. Lilac said. as she went upstairs to her room. When Lilac the door closes behind her. Mr. Dash stared down at his daughter for a very long time. Rainbow sweated buckets, she hated when her dad did this and said nothing to her. “Rainbow, I’m very disappointed that you didn’t pass the exam. Mr. Dash scolded. “After what we all did for you, you couldn’t get “C” at the very least”. “I’m sorry, I really tried this time”. Rainbow sobbed. “But luckily for you, I talked to your teacher and he said you since you very close passing you can do four weeks of summer school and go to the 5th grade or you repeat the 4th grade which whatever you want”. Mr. Dash finished. Rainbow thought about it for a moment, she really didn’t like the idea of summer school but she didn’t have that of a choice. “I’ll do school summer”. Rainbow finally said. “That probably a good idea and by the way there will be no Wonder Bolt show for you”. Mr. Dash signed. “Your messing with me, right?’ Rainbow blinked. “No, I'm not, I said if passed the make-up exam then you could go”. Mr. Dash said. “You should have done better on the test”. Rainbow grunted and mumbled something under her breath. Most likely something around the lines of “I hate you” or “jerk”. Rainbow walked up the stairs to her room and slammed the door. “RAINBOW DASH, IF YOU SLAM THAT DOOR, ONE TIME YOUR LOSSING IT FOR A MONTH”. Mr. Dash screamed. “It’s like my ten year suddenly turned sixteen on me with that attitude of hers”. *** Rainbow sat in her room on the bed. She wasn’t pleased with the news. It wasn’t like she purposely tried to fail the exam. She spend hours of studying and reading. She really wanted to pass and put this behind her. It’s so unfair, she should be able to go the show like everyone else. Who knows she might get to sit by Soarin. She smiled at the thought; he’s pretty cute and so sweet. He flew her home today and has an amazing smile. Wait, why was feeling this towards him? Did she have a crush on him? If so, isn’t she a bit young to have one? Shouldn’t she be in high school for this? Like Lilac’s age who’s fourteen? “Hey Bow, are you okay? I heard you fighting with dad”. Lilac said, while she knocked on the door. “Do you want me to come in”? Ever since Rainbow could remember Lilac nicknamed her “Bow”. Because when Rainbow first born everyone in the family called her “Dashie”, however Lilac wanted to be a rebel and be different. Her only being four at the time, she trouble with “R” words so instead she took the last three letters out of her name. Giving her little sister a nickname that merely for her to use. “No thanks, I'm good”. Rainbow said. “You can come in.” “Okay”. Lilac said. She opened the door. “Sup, Bow?” Made her way to her sister’s bed and sat next to her. “My life is over”. Rainbow said, as she looked down at the cloud floor. Lilac tried her hardest not to burst out in laugher at the statement. “Don’t you think your being bit of a drama queen”? Lilac commented. “Dad won’t let me go the Wonder Bolt show and I have to go to summer school.” Rainbow whined. Lilac rolled her eyes. “Okay, that sucks but summer school is better then being held back a grade”. Lilac said. “But you still be with your friends at least in the class”. “Yeah that’s true but I really wanted to the show”. Rainbow complained. “There are other shows, you know”. Lilac moaned, at her sister’s overreaction. “Not ones with my whole class and…” Rainbow murmured something at the last part. “What was that, missy”? Lilac asked. She gave her sister a nudge on the shoulder. “N-nothing”. Rainbow said, embarrassed. “Bow, you can tell me anything”. Lilac said. “And Soarin”. Rainbow confessed with bright red checks. “D’aww aw, my little sis has a crush”. Lilac taunted playfully. ‘Is it that colt who flew you home?” “N-no”. Rainbow blushed, now looking like a tomato. ‘Are you sure? You seemed to like him a lot and you said we would talk later about your colt-friend”. Lilac badgered her sister some more. “He’s not my colt-friend, plus someone else likes him and I rather not make her hate me even more then she already does.” Rainbow said. “She stares at him all the time in class, it’s actually kind of creepy”. “Who hates you?” Lilac asked out of curiosity, “Jade Stone”. Rainbow said. Lilac gulped at that name. “You mean Jade Stone as in Scarlett Stone’s younger sister?” “Yeah, what’s the big deal”? Rainbow said, not connecting the dots to Lilac’s face of horror. “Do you know them?” “Yes, the older sister I know, she’s the one who I had the fight with at boarding school. Did you pick on her sister at all?” “What if I did?” Rainbow sighed. “Rainbow, this is serous, did you or not?” Lilac said, using her full name, which was very rare for her to do. “I may have written a fake love letter to her with a friend. Using the colt’s name that she likes and gave it to her as a prank”. Rainbow sheepish admitted. “With it telling her to talk to him when they were alone. She went home early after that”. Lilac faced palm. “Rainbow, why would to do that to someone?” “I thought it was funny and so did he”. Rainbow awkwardly laughed. Lilac gave herself another face palm. It made a little more sense now, when Rainbow bothered Jade at school. Jade would get upset and tell her sister, Scarlett what happened but since Scarlett was far away. There wasn’t that much she could do to stop it. Scarlett took it out on Lilac because Scarlett felt frustrated and helpless about her sister. It did clarify some things up a bit. Though Lilac wished that Scarlett had spoken to her about it instead of making her life a living nightmare. She could have told Rainbow to leave Jade alone and not fight with Scarlett as much. “Rainbow, that’s not cool. I hope you apologized to her”. Lilac said. “I have tried but she just walks away or tells me to leave”. Dash said. “Okay, is there anything else you did to her”? Lilac asked. “There was a time we had a fight in the library because I was falling asleep when we had a project together and I kind of made her do all the work.” “Rainbow, I can’t believe you, does dad know what how you treat her?” Lilac horrified to hear what her sister had told her. “No, he doesn’t know, are you going to tell on me?” Rainbow asked. “No I won’t for now but if I found out that you’ve been bugging her again I will” Lilac threated. “You know her sister has made my life very challenging”. “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked. “It’s a bit complicated to explain but let’s say every time your mean to her, word spreads fast”. Lilac said. “Can you be nicer to her for me please?” “Okay”. Rainbow nodded. “Girls, dinner is ready”. Their dad called from downstairs. “Thanks, Bow your awesome”. Lilac said, getting off the bed with Rainbow behind her. Headed out the door and to the kitchen. *** Monday At School On a sunny day, recess was started. Rainbow and Fluttershy were walking together. The two fillies sat on some swings. Rainbow told her BPFF (Best Pony Friend Forever) that she had to summer school but she doesn’t have to be held back a grade. “That’s great”. Fluttershy said softly. “We’re in the same class still”. “Tell me about it”. Rainbow relieved. Although, she's not ecstatic about missing summer vacation or not allowed to attend the Wonder Bolt show, which was this Friday. Then a scene caught her eye. *** “Hey nerd”. Hoops and Dumbbell said in unison to Jade reading a book at lunch table. Soarin didn’t want anything to do with this but was in the group. However he wasn’t joined in with the teasing. “Will you stop it”? Jade snapped at the two colts though she kept on reading. “I'm trying to read in peace”. Hoops grabbed her book out of her hooves. “What do we here?’ He held it to Dumbbell and he ripped out some pages from it. “That’s a library book and your paying for it”. Jade screamed at them, almost at the point where she was in tears. “Hoops, I think we should leave her alone”. Soarin suggested in passive way. His ignored the request and they carried on. “Why should we?” Dumbbell said and tore some more pages. Jade got up from where she sat and jumped up to get her belonging from Dumbbell. Dumbbell held it over his head. Jade was a weak flyer and it would have been hard for her to fly up to seize it. “Give it back”. Jade said, jumping up and down. Hoops and Dumbbell laughed at her. Soarin stayed of out it. “Guys, stop it”. Soarin said, taking Jade’s side. “Dumbbell, give her book back, it’s not funny anymore”. He felt embarrassed that his friends were acting very immature. “You want it then go get it”. Dumbbell said and threw the book in some mud. Hoops pushed Jade to the ground as well. “Hoops”. Soarin ashamed of his buddies. Tears fell down her face, Jade tried make a getaway, which quickly was ended by Dumbbell pushing her down again. “Get away”. Jade yelled. *** Rainbow watched them, unsure what to do. Her and Jade don’t get along that great then again Jade didn’t deserved this. She wanted to step in, but how? If they were doing this to Fluttershy it would be a different story. Fluttershy and her knew each other for years. They had the benefit of knowing their limits they had. “That’s awful”. Fluttershy said as she watched as while. “I feel bad for Jade. Do you think we should help?” She sure wasn’t what to do either. Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, we should, go get Trotter and I’ll help Jade”. “Okay”. Fluttershy agreed and went where their teacher was. Rainbow flew over to the action. *** “Is the friendless loser crying like a baby?” Hoops taunted Jade. Jade was frozen in fear backed in the corner by the two colts, too afraid to even move. In the way of Soarin’s interference, he was powerless now. Rainbow said nothing to Hoops or Dumbbell and walked to where the destroyed book was laying. She snatched it up and dusted off the dirt the best she could in a short time. Dash then shoved her way past through the colts to where Jade stood. Rainbow returns it to the green filly. “Oh come, let’s get out of here”. Dash smiled at her and put out her hoof for her. Jade hesitated for a single moment before she took grip on Rainbow’s hoof. Dash hauled her out of the crowd. “Hey, where are you losers going?” Hoops called after them. “Away from you, jerk”. Rainbow retorted with Jade beside her. Once far enough distance from Jade’s tormenters. “You okay?” Rainbow asked, when she observed Jade had a cut on the left side of her check, bleeding slightly. “Fluttershy is getting Trotter now”. “My book”. Jade said in defect. She looked at her tore up book covered in mud. “Is she serious? It’s just a book and she's bleeding too”. Rainbow thought. ‘Rainbow, Jade, is everything alright?” Mr. Trotter said along sided with Fluttershy. “Jade, you’re bleeding, what happen here?” “I was reading at the table over there”. Jade pointed the table behind her. “Then Hoops and Dumbbell for no reason grabbed my book tore out pages and pushed me in the mud”. Jade said, staying oddly calm about the incident. “Rainbow and Fluttershy, take Jade to the nurse, I’ll talk to Hoops and Dumbbell.” Mr. Trotter said. “Okay”. Rainbow said. *** Rainbow, Fluttershy and Jade after the visit to the nurse’s office, Jade left with a bandage on her check and an ice pack for her shoulder. When Jade tried her getaway, Dumbbell shoved her to her side in the table hard to stop her. The nurse called Jade’s parents to come her get due to her injury and she could barely walk. “Thanks Rainbow and Fluttershy, I own you one”. Jade thanked them. “It’s not no problem, I would do it for anyone”. Rainbow smiled. “I'm just glad your not in the hospital now”. “I should get to class”. Fluttershy said, as she heard the bell rang. “You coming, Dash?” “Yeah, see you there in a bit”. Rainbow said. Fluttershy waved to them and left. Jade and Dash stood uncomfortably for a instant. “Rainbow, I cant thank you enough for you did.” Jade said. “Jade, like I said before its no problem. Oh sorry, how I acted in the library and the fake note I wrote”. Rainbow apologized, must as throw in that in there too. She felt sort of guilty for it too. “I got back at you with the desk reorganization thing. I’ll forgive you if we hug”. Jade said, opening up her hooves. Rainbow went in and hugged her. “All is forgiven. Jade whispered. The End