AN; Many thanks to my lovely beta! Everyone go read and review her stories! (The Truth's Lie) She has some absolutely amazing stories!

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes. A light yellow mare stood a few feet to the side. She squeaked and dipped her head. "Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized. "Are you okay?"

The runaway princess rubbed her head. "Yeah, I think so."

The other mare smiled weakly and looked up. "That was quite a nasty fall." Rainbow Dash glanced up as well. There was a large hole in the thicket of trees.

"Hehe, yeah." She said, embarrassed. "I'm pretty good at that."

"Falling?"

"Yup."

"Well, let's get you up." She trotted over, a white rabbit perched on the top of her head. It scowled at her and she scowled back. "I'm Fluttershy. What's your name?" She flinched suddenly. "I'm sorry, was that too forward?'

"No, no, you're fine I'm-" She paused. People may not recognize her (she wasn't allowed to leave the palace) but her name was well known. "I'm Bright."

"Oh, well, it's very nice to meet you, Bright. Would you like to come back to my cottage? I can fix up that leg." Rainbow Dash glanced at the long cut that decorated her foreleg.

"Yeah, that would be...would probably be best."

Fluttershy half dragged half carried her to a neat little cottage hidden behind a clutch of trees. "Excuse me, Mr. Bear." She said politely.

"Mr. Bear? What-Oh!" Rainbow Dash started. A grizzly bear yawned at them, showing off his large, sharp teeth before growling.

"Yes, I know you're tired but my friend here is hurt and you're blocking the door." She said patiently.

"Uh, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash hissed. "I don't think it's wise to argue with a bear."

"Nonsense. He's just cranky from his nap. He'll be happy to move, I'm sure." Fluttershy reassured, emphasizing the last sentence. Mr. Bear grumbled and rolled onto his back, clearing the doorway. "Thank you."

"Hrrgh." He mumbled, closing his eyes.

The rabbit hopped down, shook its fluffy butt at the princess and bounded away as they entered the living room. "Goodbye, Angel!" Fluttershy called. "I'll be right back, Bright. Please wait here while I get the medicinal kit. If you don't mind."

"I don't." She made herself comfortable in a large, overstuffed armchair, taking a moment to look around. Animals of all shapes and sized were gathered in the large space. Birds, cats, dogs, insects and even the occasional fish slept and played around her. It reminded her a bit of the palace stables except all the animals looked happy.

"Here we are! Well, I'm no Nurse Redheart but I do have some experience, don't worry. You're in good hooves."

"Alright."

Fluttershy was fast and efficient as she worked, making light conversation. It was refreshing to talk to someone that didn't look down at her or considered her a failure. "Are you going to be in town long?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. I don't really know this town."

"Well, Ponyville is wonderful. Maybe if you don't feel too bad we can go into town soon and have a look around."

"That'd be nice." She hopped up.

"Oh, be careful!"

Rainbow Dash kicked out. "Nah, it's good! Nice and tight! You wanna go now?"

"Um..." She glanced around. "Well, alright!"

---

"Hey! A new face! A new friend! Howdy, friend!"

"Hello, Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy murmured. "This is Bright."

"Heya, hiya, hola, Bright! Pinkie Pie at your service!" Rainbow Dash gasped as she was pulled into a tight hug. "It's soooooo great to meet you, Bright!"

"Uh, you too." Rainbow Dash replied, stunned. She wasn't used to hugs. Her mother had always preferred a quick nuzzle and Shining and Twilight really weren't touchy-feely people. This bright pink stranger was blowing her mind.

Pinkie Pie pulled away and grinned wider. "You know what this means?" She shouted. "Par-taaaay!"

"Uh, Pinkie Pie, I really think Bright would like some time to get settled before the party." Fluttershy said, noting her new friend's deer in headlights expression. "I think."

"Oh." Pinkie deflated. "Okay, I guess we can have a party later."

Rainbow shot Fluttershy a grateful look. "I'm not saying we can never have a party." She swallowed. "It's just I think It'd be a pretty small party. I only know you two."

"Oh, well, why didn't you say so?" She giggled, hair poofing back to life. "I know everypony in Ponyville by sight, smell and taste! Ha! Ha!"

"Taste?" The rainbow maned mare asked.

"Yuppers!"

"Oh look at the time we really must be going! Goodbye, Pinkie!" Fluttershy said.

"Wait! One second." She leaned over and inhaled deeply. "Alrighty-roo! Bye!"

"I'm so sorry about Pinkie." Fluttershy apologized as the door closed. "I forget not everyone is used to her."

"Are you kidding?" She laughed. "That was awesome! I'm not used to people being so open! I like it." Rainbow Dash grinned. Fluttershy smiled back softly.

"Well you're going to be seeing a lot of that in Ponyville. Everyone's really nice here."

"I can tell. I mean I sort of crashed into your backyard and you just bandaged me up. I mean, who does that?" She laughed.

"Well, I couldn't very well just leave you injured, now could I?" FLuttershy responded.

"Yeah you could've." She moved closer and bumped her new friend with her shoulder. "But I'm glad you didn't."

AN; I know Rainbow seems a bit OOC but let's look at this from the AU angle. She hasn't been like she was before. She never won the race that made her so confident or grew up free like she originally did. Since the moment she was born she was scrutinized and criticized with only two people in the whole world to confide in (I don't think Celestia would've been much help growing up) the only real triumph she ever had was her rainboom and she was probably scolded for that later.