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Description
On a fine autumn day, Summer Rush happily trotted through Ponyville’s park, humming a soft tune to herself. While she could easily fly overhead to her destination, the pegasus mare couldn’t resist the chance to enjoy the soft crunching of red and orange leaves under her hooves. In just another week, winter would be coming to this lovely town. She was rather glad that her dear mobile city of Cloudesdale had decided to drop by Ponyville a week earlier before Winter preparations - it gave her one last chance to enjoy the mild weather and beauty of her favorite season.

She was grateful, too, that having her home-city floating just outside Ponyville made things so much more convenient, with the Wonderbolts Winter Tour approaching. Ponyville was the first on the list for their show, and Summer couldn’t be any more excited. In fact, she was so excited that she had made plans to meet with her mother at Ponyville’s local “Cafe Hay”.

A smile made its way to her muzzle. She could already imagine her mother’s eyes lighting up at the sight of the two tickets Summer currently had in tow for her parents. Habitually, Summer opened the flap of her saddlebag with her wing, just to make sure they were still safely tucked within a pocket. They were, thankfully.

As Summer closed the bag’s flap, the mare nearly jumped when a nearby yell suddenly broke through the peaceful air.

“YO MONOCHROME, YOU HERE?!”

Silence. Summer glanced around for the source, as well as anyone who could answer this young voice’s call. She found neither in the empty area. Instead, her ears simply caught the beating of wings and a string of grumbled curses from this unseen pony.

...which was quickly replaced by a yelp and a loud rustling of leaves and cracking twigs, followed by a long, frustrated groan.

“OH COME ON!”

With a tinge of confusion, Summer found herself deviating from the concrete path to investigate the nearby trees. She cautiously stepped around, following the rustling and quiet mutters, until another rough rustle of leaves pulled her gaze up to one particular tree.

And there she found a grumpy, upside-down teenager, wings and limbs caught between tree branches.

She watched as the colt grunted and tried to untangle himself, only for his green and yellow plumage to catch on more twigs. With a resigned sigh, the colt slapped his hooves over his face and dragged them down. “This day couldn’t possibly get any wor-”

It was then that the colt spotted Summer. His golden eyes widened into a blank stare.

“Oh, um...hi!” Summer let out an awkward laugh, realizing that she had just been standing there. She attempted to offer a friendly smile. “Do you need some help?”

Summer watched as the colt’s face became beat red. With an agonized, embarrassed groan, the colt threw his forelegs up.

“THAT WASN’T A CHALLENGE!” he shouted into the air, presumably at the universe. Softly chuckling, Summer flapped her wings and flew towards the colt.

“Hey, don’t be embarrassed! Crashes happen!”

“W-well, this doesn’t happen often,” he weakly defended, avoiding her gaze before mumbling. “Got distracted, that’s all…”

As the colt let out a few more self-conscious mumbles, Summer inspected his wings. “It doesn’t look like you've hurt yourself at least! Just hang on, let me…”

Carefully, Summer pushed at branches and broke off twigs, gradually freeing the colt’s feathers from their hold. While the boy seemed a bit fidgety as she worked, he remained silent. Once his wings didn’t appear as tangled, Summer grabbed his hooves. “Ready? One, two-”

On three, Summer tugged at the younger pegasus, who wriggled and flapped his wings until he finally dislodged himself. As he tried to right himself, the mare was quick to steady him before guiding him down to the ground. There he shook his coat and mane free of leaves, much like a pup who had gotten something caught in his fur. Summer couldn’t help but giggle in amusement. Apparently that only fed his embarrassment as the colt then rubbed the back of his head, his gaze downcast. It was almost like he was trying to hide his flustered face with his bangs

“T-thanks lady, but…please pretend you didn’t see any of that-”

The colt blinked, as if noticing something before looking around with furrowed brows. To Summer’s worry, he looked more than ready to succumb to frustration again. “UGH, don’t tell me I lost my bandana too!”

Summer simply shifted her gaze before a bright red fabric caught her attention, entangled in the tree he had been in.

”Oh, it’s there! I’ll get it!”

Wasting no time, Summer zipped back up to the tree and grabbed the bandana before speeding back to the ground just as quickly. She landed with ease and happily held the item back to its rightful owner, her flight trail just fading out behind her. “Here you go-!”

But as she remet the boy’s gaze, she was rather surprised to find him staring at her with impossibly wide, saucer-like eyes. After a moment of silence, Summer glanced around, as if the answer to his strange reaction could be found somewhere around her.

“No way…” he whispered suddenly, something like realization dawning on him. His eyebrows drew back as he pressed his hooves to his cheeks, his wings behind him flapping wildly in excitement. “Oh my gosh...ohmygoshoHMYGOSH-”

He took in a gasping breath and Summer could only blink. For a moment the mare wanted to ask if he was okay. But before she could, the colt pointed a shaky hoof at her, his expression full of wonder and disbelief.

“Y-y-you’re Summer Rush! Right?! The WONDERBOLTS' Summer Rush! I know that trail, HOLY-”

Suddenly he cut himself off, as if remembering where he was again. With an embarrassed cough, the younger pegasus quickly smoothed his disheveled hair down with both hooves. He then offered a grin, though it did not mask his reddened cheeks. “I-I mean...it’s totally cool to meet you! Yeah!”

Summer was caught off guard, to say the least. It had only been a year and a half since she had become an official wonderbolt. Of all the Wonderbolts, she never imagined anyone reacting like this over her. Even as she smiled sheepishly and held out her wing to shake his (which he swiftly and gratefully took), she couldn’t help but voice these thoughts.

“I’m honestly surprised anyone would recognize me! But it’s nice to meet you too, um…?”

“Venture Gale!” The colt answered quickly, his eyes glittering. “Of course I’d recognize you! You’re, like, the youngest Wonderbolt TO DATE! Do you know how many pegasi at my school are inspired by you?” Without waiting for her to answer, the colt spread his wings out. “A HECK ton!”

It was Summer’s turn to feel her face grow hot. No...she didn’t know that. But hearing that was sending her over the moon and higher.
Never before had all of those hurdles she struggled through, and all of her hard work, felt so worth it.

“Gosh that’s so sweet of you to say…thank you!” Summer giggled, her eyes crinkling joyfully. “Are you thinking of joining the Wonderbolts one day, Venture Gale?”

Venture let out a laugh, waving the idea away with a hoof. “Nah, not me! I mean, flying maneuvers are SUPER awesome, but I already have a heckin’ cool job~” The colt proudly puffed his chest out, his eyes closed in content. “It’s a secret though~”

“Oh, of course!” Summer laughed, playing along. But as much as she could stay on topic, the mare’s curiosity got the better of her and soon she was tilting her head at Venture Gale. “Say, is everything alright? I heard you shouting before that crash happened.”

Venture’s good mood all at once fell flat. At least, that’s what Summer gathered as a displeased look crossed his features. For a moment the mare worried that the look was being aimed at her, but the tired tone of his voice spoke otherwise.

“Yeah, I was looking for my big sib...-ling. Sibling.”

“Oh? Brother or sister?”

“Nope.”

A few seconds passed as the two stared at each other. Confusion begun to bubble up within Summer before Venture seemed to recognize his error and jumped. “I MEAN- neither! They, like...don’t see themself as a mare or a stallion. So I just call them my big sib.”

“Oh...okay!” Summer smiled and nodded. “I passed a few ponies on my way here! What do they look like?”

“Hmm...” Venture sat down and lifted his hooves, moving them in gestures as he spoke. “They’re a tall, muscley pegasus, right? Black mane with white and grey streaks, wears a ponytail, and if you saw them, they probably had this face that said ‘my life is devoid of humor’.”

Summer coughed out a laugh as Venture held a hoof under his face, presenting a blank, bored-looking expression in demonstration. Shaking her head, a hint of amusement slipped into her voice.

“Sounds like they’d be pretty hard to miss! So unfortunately, I don’t think I saw them today.”

Summer’s smile fell as disappointment flashed across the colt’s face. With a heavy sigh, Ven backed up into the nearest tree and plopped back down at its roots, ears and wings drooping.

“Course you didn’t…it’s fine.”

With a frown, Summer found herself moving to sit next to him, shooting the boy a curious glance.

“Is...there a reason you’re looking for them?”

Venture huffed, his eyes narrowing as he stared at his hooves. “My moms just want a family day and, yet again, they’re nowhere to be found. Like always.”

Venture didn’t even try to hide his irritation, glaring at the ground and kicking some leaves with his hoof. Summer wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. But what she did see was a kid with a lot on his mind, judging from his tense expression alone.

Summer lightly tapped her hoof on the ground, causing Venture to peer up at her through his bangs. And upon eye contact, Summer offered a gentle smile.

“If you want to talk about it more, I like to think I’m a good listener. Right now you look like somepony who needs a listening ear.”

She watched as Ven hesitated. His gaze flicked back to the ground, boring into the grass, and Summer could only guess he was weighing his thoughts. When he showed no sign of moving or responding, the mare was ready to accept his silence; until a sigh broke the air.

“Okay, so like...my sib doesn’t like being around our mom- well, one of them, ‘cause we have two...so they always, ALWAYS have to have an excuse to avoid her.
Usually they use their art deadlines. Then they started using their dumb doofy boyfriend as a reason to not spend time with us, whenever me and my mom are home after being away for weeks.”
Venture’s nose wrinkled with distaste. “Always insisting that they already made plans, that it would be rude to cancel, yadda yadda. As if they couldn’t invite him to join us or something. I dunno.”

“I see your point…” Summer murmured. As precious as time with a partner could be, she imagined better compromises could be made.

“Yeah. So me and my mom are back again after being away, aaaand here we are. Just me running around like an idiot, trying to figure out where the HECK they are so I can try, and probably fail, to drag their stupid rear back to us. You know, when they’re NOT going in and out of our house without saying hi or letting us know they're even there. 'Cause Celestia freaking forbid mom starts a conversation with them.”

Ven’s face scrunched up. Reaching up he aggressively scratched at his head, giving way to frustration once more. “UGH, I don’t UNDERSTAND them! They don’t make sense!” He crossed his forelegs tightly against his chest. “Sometimes they act like they care and nag me about "safety" and being careful and crap, but then most days they're all distant! With my mom…and me.”

Summer noticed the change. The more Venture talked, the more his frustration was making way for something somber.
“So sometimes I feel like...like they…”

Hurt. That was the only word that could really describe the expression Ven now wore as he trailed off. His mouth tightened into a thin line as he stared at the grass below him. And looking at him, Summer saw something familiar.

It was like she was looking at a reflection of herself at his age. Just as confused. Just as hurt.

‘More and more distant...until he felt unreachable.’

It was painfully familiar, and she felt an ache in her chest as similar memories she had pushed down resurfaced.

Summer went silent.

She knew she promised herself - promised her mother - that she’d never speak of him. Or let herself think about him. But the more she gazed at Ven’s dejected expression, and took in the resigned slump to his shoulders, she could feel her heart wanting to connect with him. To offer that sense of understanding. And assurance.

“...I’ll tell you a story if you promise to keep it between us.”

The words were out before she could reconsider them. It certainly gained Venture’s attention. After a beat, he quietly nodded, staring expectantly.

No going back now. Leaning back against the tree, she took in a deep breath, willing herself to share a small piece of what she had kept locked away within her.

“I think I understand how you feel…my brother was like that too. Always far off, and avoidant. Never giving an explanation for why. I knew he hated our parents, with how harsh they could be with him. But with how he acted, I constantly felt like he hated me too, and wanted nothing to do with me. But there were some things that just didn’t make sense.”

A weak smile pulled at her muzzle as a memory came back to life within her mind. Right now, it didn’t matter that there was a heaviness in her chest as the words formed, bringing back buried thoughts. If it meant offering any ounce of insight to this colt, going through the same pains that she once did, Summer pushed onwards.

“When I was twelve, I signed up for my very first race. I didn’t grow up racing like some pegasi in the ‘bolts had. So I was nervous, but also excited! It was going to be my first chance to show off everything I’d learned and trained for. Naturally I wanted everyone to be there. I told my friends and had tickets bought for...my whole family.”

Summer exhaled slowly.

“My brother was distant at that point...always out doing his own thing. But the event was important to me and I really wanted him to be there for me. So I handed him his ticket. I asked him to support me, and even though he looked unsure, I had faith that he’d come.
...I think you might be able to imagine how I felt when he didn’t show up.”

Glancing over at Venture, the colt frowned deeply at her. And yet Summer couldn’t let go of her sad smile. “I was so dissapointed, I almost couldn’t focus. Somehow I just barely managed to get second place that day. But I couldn’t even be happy about it.
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t feel...angry. I felt so let down. I honestly considered giving up and just leaving him be altogether. But that feeling didn’t last long.”

Summer could sense Ven’s curious gaze, boring a silent question into her. Summer shifted, letting the rest of that day flow through her mind.

“The moment we opened our front door, it was like he was waiting for us. Which was already odd, with how he couldn’t stand being in the same room as our parents. And then...he tried to talk to me.” Summer’s smile finally fell. She remembered his face. How, for the first time in a year, it was like he was himself again. Instead of being apathetic, he was...frazzled. Borderline upset. “I think he was trying to apologize. That’s what it sounded like at least, before my parents cut him off. They were furious with him...and like every conversation between him and my parents, it turned into a full-blown argument. I remember how frustrated he looked when he explained that he couldn’t find his ticket anywhere.”

Summer sighed, suddenly feeling tired. “It just spiraled from there. My mom saying he was making excuses, my brother snapping back, my dad defending her. Arguments like that weren’t new. But he seemed genuine, and the guilty way he looked at me before he stormed off stuck with me ever since.”

Summer blew out air, relieving some of the heavier feelings in her chest with it. She then turned to Ven, offering a soft, comforting smile. “You can take this however you want, Venture. But for me, it was that moment that made me really think about how there had to be a lot more to his feelings than what I was assuming, and what he was willing to show. So I think it could be the same case for your sibling.
If they’re nagging you to be careful, then I don’t think your sibling dislikes you, if that’s what you’re thinking! I think they really do care. It’s completely possible that they’re just showing it in their own way."

Venture raised a puzzled eyebrow at that. “Their own way…?”

Summer chuckled, self-consciously rubbing her foreleg. “I’ve uh...done some research on love languages. Which applies to friends and family! And if there’s anything I learned, it’s that how one pony expresses and receives love can be completely different from how another does. Some ponies show honest affection by sharing gifts, others feel loved when ponies use meaningful words or actions. Once you figure out how somepony expresses and receives love, it really helps strengthen relationships!” Summer nodded confidently. “So even if your sibling sounds like they’re just nagging you, to them it could just be their way of caring and worrying about you. Not that that explains the avoidance, but...it at least shows that it’s not all black and white.”

Ven became silent at that, absentmindedly nodding. She gave him the time to let everything she said sink in. Heck, she wasn’t completely sure if she had expressed her thoughts the way she had wanted to. But she hoped it could provide a different perspective for the colt.

“I guess that makes sense…”

Venture sighed, finally standing up and shaking the dirt and grass off of his legs. With that, he gave Summer a bashful, lop-sided smile. “Uh, thanks for listening... and for the story, Ms. Rush-”

“Summer!” she laughed softly, standing up as well. “Just call me Summer! I know I’m an adult, but I’m not that old!”

Venture perked back up, taking advantage of the new light-hearted air by grinning back. “You can call me Ven then! Uh…” Summer resisted the urge to giggle as the colt went back to his sheepish state, ducking his head a bit. “S-seriously...I got no clue what the heck I’m gonna do with Mo, but I feel a lot better after talking. I guess the frustration just caught up with me, y’know?” He huffed. “My moms don’t really do anything about it, so it’s...kinda nice to have someone get where I’m comin’ from.”

“Aw geez Ven…” Summer waved at him with her hoof, chuckling. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just glad you’re feeling better-”

That’s when Summer remembered. And it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

“Oh hey! The Wonderbolts are having a winter show in Ponyville at the end of the month! Are you going?”

Ven jumped up at the mention. “Oh yeah! If nothing comes up before then, it’d be cool if I could see it!” He tapped a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “If she’s not busy, my mom might be able to go with me...”

“Why not ask your sibling?”

Before Ven could respond, Summer smiled mysteriously and lifted her wing. Between her feathers the mare presented two tickets, holding them out towards him.
“Ta-da~”

Ven stared at the tickets blankly for a few seconds longer, really taking them in before gawking

“W-w-w-wh-”

Summer grinned. She could always get two more tickets for her parents. “Here! Why not try asking your sibling if they’d like to see the show with you? Whether they enjoy races or not, it could be some good quality time between you two! And even if they can’t go, you could give the second ticket to someone else!”

Ven seemed dazed as he raised his own wing and Summer firmly placed the tickets within his feathers, even using her wing to curl his feathers over them. While Summer felt satisfied with the decision, she was surprised (and felt a light pang) as the young stallion suddenly lowered his head and briskly rubbed at his eyes. Despite this, he let out a hearty laugh, making light of the situation.

“W-well geez...I already thought you were cooler in person. Now you gotta be really nice too?? What the heck...”

Sniffing, Ven pulled his wing back, tucking the tickets safely into his feathers. When he glanced back up at Summer, the only evidence of the moment prior being a slight glisten to his eyes, he had a much more determined look on his face. “Alright! I’ll give it a try. It might take some convincing, but I don’t think even Mo can pass up a free ticket!”

Relief washed over Summer. “That’s the spirit~! OH-” With a squeak of realization, the mare quickly flapped her wings and lifted off the ground. Somewhere in town, a certain teal mare was probably tapping her hoof. “I just remembered that I have to get going! I have somewhere I need to be!” Summer zipped closer and held out her hoof, grinning cheerily. “I’ll just have to see you at the show, okay~? Don’t be afraid to say hi afterwards!”

“PSH, I’m never afraid!” Venture smirked and hoofbumped her, that energy he had earlier returning. She watched as he gave her one last, sincere smile. One she returned. “Thanks again! I’ll see ya!”

“See you, Ven!”

With that, Summer sped away. It didn’t take her long to reach the end of the park. She just hoped her mother could hold onto her patience for a while longer.
But most of all, she hoped dearly that however the exchange ended, Venture’s feelings would eventually reach his sibling.

‘Maybe it’s not too late for them…’

The weight in her chest was back. Unlike him, she was left with so many unanswered questions. Remnants of what her brother had left behind, left untouched. Even now, a part of her heart wanted to believe that there had been more-

‘Stop...
You promised. It’s time to stop thinking about it.’

It was like her mother had said. There was no use letting these things, these questions and regrets, tether her to the past.

So once again pushing these things down - locking them away in a safe place - Summer focused on zipping to her destination.

__________________________________________________________________________
Related:

We got a moment between the older siblings . Why not a moment between the younger ones?
Don’t I love irony...
And people may have pieced it together, but allow me to confirm that...yes. Lightning Dust was very much the string-puller on that day from Summer's memory.

Lightning really didn't like seeing her daughter try so hard to reach out to her brother. Skychaser deserved his isolation, and the last thing she wanted was for him to decide that sharing his "toxic thoughts" with Sunny would be worth it. So in an effort to strain their relationship so Summer could put her energy into more "important things", Lightning had long planned to snatch up Sky's ticket when he wasn't looking. Sky had left the house earlier that day, planning on returning by the time the others left so he could go to the event separately. But upon getting to his room - you guessed it - the ticket was nowhere to be seen. He spent nearly an hour tearing up his room and searching the house. He was helpless, genuinely believing he had carelessly misplaced it. Even now, Sky doesn't know what really happened that day.
Too bad for Lightning, though. Her plan was the catalyst that kept Summer from giving up on her brother until the day he left.

FUN FACTS:
-Some time later, Ven probably went of to create the official Summer Rush Fanclub. Present-day Summer is both incredibly flattered and embarrassed.

-Adorably enough, though they don’t see each other often, Summer and Ven come to form a fond little friendship over a few run-ins with each other, mainly at Wonderbolt events. Heck, Ven manages to discover that Summer is not only a fan of the Daring Do series, but she’s even an avid reader of Yearling’s sequel series. And a big Valor Wind fan at that, adoring his character to the point of cooing over how adorably nerdy and helpful he is (insert Ven’s red face, side-squinting the mare).

Background from here: Equestrian Fall

Destinyverse Archives

Feat.
Summer Rush Venture Gale

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Description
On a fine autumn day, Summer Rush happily trotted through Ponyville’s park, humming a soft tune to herself. While she could easily fly overhead to her destination, the pegasus mare couldn’t resist the chance to enjoy the soft crunching of red and orange leaves under her hooves. In just another week, winter would be coming to this lovely town. She was rather glad that her dear mobile city of Cloudesdale had decided to drop by Ponyville a week earlier before Winter preparations - it gave her one last chance to enjoy the mild weather and beauty of her favorite season.

She was grateful, too, that having her home-city floating just outside Ponyville made things so much more convenient, with the Wonderbolts Winter Tour approaching. Ponyville was the first on the list for their show, and Summer couldn’t be any more excited. In fact, she was so excited that she had made plans to meet with her mother at Ponyville’s local “Cafe Hay”.

A smile made its way to her muzzle. She could already imagine her mother’s eyes lighting up at the sight of the two tickets Summer currently had in tow for her parents. Habitually, Summer opened the flap of her saddlebag with her wing, just to make sure they were still safely tucked within a pocket. They were, thankfully.

As Summer closed the bag’s flap, the mare nearly jumped when a nearby yell suddenly broke through the peaceful air.

“YO MONOCHROME, YOU HERE?!”

Silence. Summer glanced around for the source, as well as anyone who could answer this young voice’s call. She found neither in the empty area. Instead, her ears simply caught the beating of wings and a string of grumbled curses from this unseen pony.

...which was quickly replaced by a yelp and a loud rustling of leaves and cracking twigs, followed by a long, frustrated groan.

“OH COME ON!”

With a tinge of confusion, Summer found herself deviating from the concrete path to investigate the nearby trees. She cautiously stepped around, following the rustling and quiet mutters, until another rough rustle of leaves pulled her gaze up to one particular tree.

And there she found a grumpy, upside-down teenager, wings and limbs caught between tree branches.

She watched as the colt grunted and tried to untangle himself, only for his green and yellow plumage to catch on more twigs. With a resigned sigh, the colt slapped his hooves over his face and dragged them down. “This day couldn’t possibly get any wor-”

It was then that the colt spotted Summer. His golden eyes widened into a blank stare.

“Oh, um...hi!” Summer let out an awkward laugh, realizing that she had just been standing there. She attempted to offer a friendly smile. “Do you need some help?”

Summer watched as the colt’s face became beat red. With an agonized, embarrassed groan, the colt threw his forelegs up.

“THAT WASN’T A CHALLENGE!” he shouted into the air, presumably at the universe. Softly chuckling, Summer flapped her wings and flew towards the colt.

“Hey, don’t be embarrassed! Crashes happen!”

“W-well, this doesn’t happen often,” he weakly defended, avoiding her gaze before mumbling. “Got distracted, that’s all…”

As the colt let out a few more self-conscious mumbles, Summer inspected his wings. “It doesn’t look like you've hurt yourself at least! Just hang on, let me…”

Carefully, Summer pushed at branches and broke off twigs, gradually freeing the colt’s feathers from their hold. While the boy seemed a bit fidgety as she worked, he remained silent. Once his wings didn’t appear as tangled, Summer grabbed his hooves. “Ready? One, two-”

On three, Summer tugged at the younger pegasus, who wriggled and flapped his wings until he finally dislodged himself. As he tried to right himself, the mare was quick to steady him before guiding him down to the ground. There he shook his coat and mane free of leaves, much like a pup who had gotten something caught in his fur. Summer couldn’t help but giggle in amusement. Apparently that only fed his embarrassment as the colt then rubbed the back of his head, his gaze downcast. It was almost like he was trying to hide his flustered face with his bangs

“T-thanks lady, but…please pretend you didn’t see any of that-”

The colt blinked, as if noticing something before looking around with furrowed brows. To Summer’s worry, he looked more than ready to succumb to frustration again. “UGH, don’t tell me I lost my bandana too!”

Summer simply shifted her gaze before a bright red fabric caught her attention, entangled in the tree he had been in.

”Oh, it’s there! I’ll get it!”

Wasting no time, Summer zipped back up to the tree and grabbed the bandana before speeding back to the ground just as quickly. She landed with ease and happily held the item back to its rightful owner, her flight trail just fading out behind her. “Here you go-!”

But as she remet the boy’s gaze, she was rather surprised to find him staring at her with impossibly wide, saucer-like eyes. After a moment of silence, Summer glanced around, as if the answer to his strange reaction could be found somewhere around her.

“No way…” he whispered suddenly, something like realization dawning on him. His eyebrows drew back as he pressed his hooves to his cheeks, his wings behind him flapping wildly in excitement. “Oh my gosh...ohmygoshoHMYGOSH-”

He took in a gasping breath and Summer could only blink. For a moment the mare wanted to ask if he was okay. But before she could, the colt pointed a shaky hoof at her, his expression full of wonder and disbelief.

“Y-y-you’re Summer Rush! Right?! The WONDERBOLTS' Summer Rush! I know that trail, HOLY-”

Suddenly he cut himself off, as if remembering where he was again. With an embarrassed cough, the younger pegasus quickly smoothed his disheveled hair down with both hooves. He then offered a grin, though it did not mask his reddened cheeks. “I-I mean...it’s totally cool to meet you! Yeah!”

Summer was caught off guard, to say the least. It had only been a year and a half since she had become an official wonderbolt. Of all the Wonderbolts, she never imagined anyone reacting like this over her. Even as she smiled sheepishly and held out her wing to shake his (which he swiftly and gratefully took), she couldn’t help but voice these thoughts.

“I’m honestly surprised anyone would recognize me! But it’s nice to meet you too, um…?”

“Venture Gale!” The colt answered quickly, his eyes glittering. “Of course I’d recognize you! You’re, like, the youngest Wonderbolt TO DATE! Do you know how many pegasi at my school are inspired by you?” Without waiting for her to answer, the colt spread his wings out. “A HECK ton!”

It was Summer’s turn to feel her face grow hot. No...she didn’t know that. But hearing that was sending her over the moon and higher.
Never before had all of those hurdles she struggled through, and all of her hard work, felt so worth it.

“Gosh that’s so sweet of you to say…thank you!” Summer giggled, her eyes crinkling joyfully. “Are you thinking of joining the Wonderbolts one day, Venture Gale?”

Venture let out a laugh, waving the idea away with a hoof. “Nah, not me! I mean, flying maneuvers are SUPER awesome, but I already have a heckin’ cool job~” The colt proudly puffed his chest out, his eyes closed in content. “It’s a secret though~”

“Oh, of course!” Summer laughed, playing along. But as much as she could stay on topic, the mare’s curiosity got the better of her and soon she was tilting her head at Venture Gale. “Say, is everything alright? I heard you shouting before that crash happened.”

Venture’s good mood all at once fell flat. At least, that’s what Summer gathered as a displeased look crossed his features. For a moment the mare worried that the look was being aimed at her, but the tired tone of his voice spoke otherwise.

“Yeah, I was looking for my big sib...-ling. Sibling.”

“Oh? Brother or sister?”

“Nope.”

A few seconds passed as the two stared at each other. Confusion begun to bubble up within Summer before Venture seemed to recognize his error and jumped. “I MEAN- neither! They, like...don’t see themself as a mare or a stallion. So I just call them my big sib.”

“Oh...okay!” Summer smiled and nodded. “I passed a few ponies on my way here! What do they look like?”

“Hmm...” Venture sat down and lifted his hooves, moving them in gestures as he spoke. “They’re a tall, muscley pegasus, right? Black mane with white and grey streaks, wears a ponytail, and if you saw them, they probably had this face that said ‘my life is devoid of humor’.”

Summer coughed out a laugh as Venture held a hoof under his face, presenting a blank, bored-looking expression in demonstration. Shaking her head, a hint of amusement slipped into her voice.

“Sounds like they’d be pretty hard to miss! So unfortunately, I don’t think I saw them today.”

Summer’s smile fell as disappointment flashed across the colt’s face. With a heavy sigh, Ven backed up into the nearest tree and plopped back down at its roots, ears and wings drooping.

“Course you didn’t…it’s fine.”

With a frown, Summer found herself moving to sit next to him, shooting the boy a curious glance.

“Is...there a reason you’re looking for them?”

Venture huffed, his eyes narrowing as he stared at his hooves. “My moms just want a family day and, yet again, they’re nowhere to be found. Like always.”

Venture didn’t even try to hide his irritation, glaring at the ground and kicking some leaves with his hoof. Summer wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. But what she did see was a kid with a lot on his mind, judging from his tense expression alone.

Summer lightly tapped her hoof on the ground, causing Venture to peer up at her through his bangs. And upon eye contact, Summer offered a gentle smile.

“If you want to talk about it more, I like to think I’m a good listener. Right now you look like somepony who needs a listening ear.”

She watched as Ven hesitated. His gaze flicked back to the ground, boring into the grass, and Summer could only guess he was weighing his thoughts. When he showed no sign of moving or responding, the mare was ready to accept his silence; until a sigh broke the air.

“Okay, so like...my sib doesn’t like being around our mom- well, one of them, ‘cause we have two...so they always, ALWAYS have to have an excuse to avoid her.
Usually they use their art deadlines. Then they started using their dumb doofy boyfriend as a reason to not spend time with us, whenever me and my mom are home after being away for weeks.”
Venture’s nose wrinkled with distaste. “Always insisting that they already made plans, that it would be rude to cancel, yadda yadda. As if they couldn’t invite him to join us or something. I dunno.”

“I see your point…” Summer murmured. As precious as time with a partner could be, she imagined better compromises could be made.

“Yeah. So me and my mom are back again after being away, aaaand here we are. Just me running around like an idiot, trying to figure out where the HECK they are so I can try, and probably fail, to drag their stupid rear back to us. You know, when they’re NOT going in and out of our house without saying hi or letting us know they're even there. 'Cause Celestia freaking forbid mom starts a conversation with them.”

Ven’s face scrunched up. Reaching up he aggressively scratched at his head, giving way to frustration once more. “UGH, I don’t UNDERSTAND them! They don’t make sense!” He crossed his forelegs tightly against his chest. “Sometimes they act like they care and nag me about "safety" and being careful and crap, but then most days they're all distant! With my mom…and me.”

Summer noticed the change. The more Venture talked, the more his frustration was making way for something somber.
“So sometimes I feel like...like they…”

Hurt. That was the only word that could really describe the expression Ven now wore as he trailed off. His mouth tightened into a thin line as he stared at the grass below him. And looking at him, Summer saw something familiar.

It was like she was looking at a reflection of herself at his age. Just as confused. Just as hurt.

‘More and more distant...until he felt unreachable.’

It was painfully familiar, and she felt an ache in her chest as similar memories she had pushed down resurfaced.

Summer went silent.

She knew she promised herself - promised her mother - that she’d never speak of him. Or let herself think about him. But the more she gazed at Ven’s dejected expression, and took in the resigned slump to his shoulders, she could feel her heart wanting to connect with him. To offer that sense of understanding. And assurance.

“...I’ll tell you a story if you promise to keep it between us.”

The words were out before she could reconsider them. It certainly gained Venture’s attention. After a beat, he quietly nodded, staring expectantly.

No going back now. Leaning back against the tree, she took in a deep breath, willing herself to share a small piece of what she had kept locked away within her.

“I think I understand how you feel…my brother was like that too. Always far off, and avoidant. Never giving an explanation for why. I knew he hated our parents, with how harsh they could be with him. But with how he acted, I constantly felt like he hated me too, and wanted nothing to do with me. But there were some things that just didn’t make sense.”

A weak smile pulled at her muzzle as a memory came back to life within her mind. Right now, it didn’t matter that there was a heaviness in her chest as the words formed, bringing back buried thoughts. If it meant offering any ounce of insight to this colt, going through the same pains that she once did, Summer pushed onwards.

“When I was twelve, I signed up for my very first race. I didn’t grow up racing like some pegasi in the ‘bolts had. So I was nervous, but also excited! It was going to be my first chance to show off everything I’d learned and trained for. Naturally I wanted everyone to be there. I told my friends and had tickets bought for...my whole family.”

Summer exhaled slowly.

“My brother was distant at that point...always out doing his own thing. But the event was important to me and I really wanted him to be there for me. So I handed him his ticket. I asked him to support me, and even though he looked unsure, I had faith that he’d come.
...I think you might be able to imagine how I felt when he didn’t show up.”

Glancing over at Venture, the colt frowned deeply at her. And yet Summer couldn’t let go of her sad smile. “I was so dissapointed, I almost couldn’t focus. Somehow I just barely managed to get second place that day. But I couldn’t even be happy about it.
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t feel...angry. I felt so let down. I honestly considered giving up and just leaving him be altogether. But that feeling didn’t last long.”

Summer could sense Ven’s curious gaze, boring a silent question into her. Summer shifted, letting the rest of that day flow through her mind.

“The moment we opened our front door, it was like he was waiting for us. Which was already odd, with how he couldn’t stand being in the same room as our parents. And then...he tried to talk to me.” Summer’s smile finally fell. She remembered his face. How, for the first time in a year, it was like he was himself again. Instead of being apathetic, he was...frazzled. Borderline upset. “I think he was trying to apologize. That’s what it sounded like at least, before my parents cut him off. They were furious with him...and like every conversation between him and my parents, it turned into a full-blown argument. I remember how frustrated he looked when he explained that he couldn’t find his ticket anywhere.”

Summer sighed, suddenly feeling tired. “It just spiraled from there. My mom saying he was making excuses, my brother snapping back, my dad defending her. Arguments like that weren’t new. But he seemed genuine, and the guilty way he looked at me before he stormed off stuck with me ever since.”

Summer blew out air, relieving some of the heavier feelings in her chest with it. She then turned to Ven, offering a soft, comforting smile. “You can take this however you want, Venture. But for me, it was that moment that made me really think about how there had to be a lot more to his feelings than what I was assuming, and what he was willing to show. So I think it could be the same case for your sibling.
If they’re nagging you to be careful, then I don’t think your sibling dislikes you, if that’s what you’re thinking! I think they really do care. It’s completely possible that they’re just showing it in their own way."

Venture raised a puzzled eyebrow at that. “Their own way…?”

Summer chuckled, self-consciously rubbing her foreleg. “I’ve uh...done some research on love languages. Which applies to friends and family! And if there’s anything I learned, it’s that how one pony expresses and receives love can be completely different from how another does. Some ponies show honest affection by sharing gifts, others feel loved when ponies use meaningful words or actions. Once you figure out how somepony expresses and receives love, it really helps strengthen relationships!” Summer nodded confidently. “So even if your sibling sounds like they’re just nagging you, to them it could just be their way of caring and worrying about you. Not that that explains the avoidance, but...it at least shows that it’s not all black and white.”

Ven became silent at that, absentmindedly nodding. She gave him the time to let everything she said sink in. Heck, she wasn’t completely sure if she had expressed her thoughts the way she had wanted to. But she hoped it could provide a different perspective for the colt.

“I guess that makes sense…”

Venture sighed, finally standing up and shaking the dirt and grass off of his legs. With that, he gave Summer a bashful, lop-sided smile. “Uh, thanks for listening... and for the story, Ms. Rush-”

“Summer!” she laughed softly, standing up as well. “Just call me Summer! I know I’m an adult, but I’m not that old!”

Venture perked back up, taking advantage of the new light-hearted air by grinning back. “You can call me Ven then! Uh…” Summer resisted the urge to giggle as the colt went back to his sheepish state, ducking his head a bit. “S-seriously...I got no clue what the heck I’m gonna do with Mo, but I feel a lot better after talking. I guess the frustration just caught up with me, y’know?” He huffed. “My moms don’t really do anything about it, so it’s...kinda nice to have someone get where I’m comin’ from.”

“Aw geez Ven…” Summer waved at him with her hoof, chuckling. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just glad you’re feeling better-”

That’s when Summer remembered. And it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

“Oh hey! The Wonderbolts are having a winter show in Ponyville at the end of the month! Are you going?”

Ven jumped up at the mention. “Oh yeah! If nothing comes up before then, it’d be cool if I could see it!” He tapped a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “If she’s not busy, my mom might be able to go with me...”

“Why not ask your sibling?”

Before Ven could respond, Summer smiled mysteriously and lifted her wing. Between her feathers the mare presented two tickets, holding them out towards him.
“Ta-da~”

Ven stared at the tickets blankly for a few seconds longer, really taking them in before gawking

“W-w-w-wh-”

Summer grinned. She could always get two more tickets for her parents. “Here! Why not try asking your sibling if they’d like to see the show with you? Whether they enjoy races or not, it could be some good quality time between you two! And even if they can’t go, you could give the second ticket to someone else!”

Ven seemed dazed as he raised his own wing and Summer firmly placed the tickets within his feathers, even using her wing to curl his feathers over them. While Summer felt satisfied with the decision, she was surprised (and felt a light pang) as the young stallion suddenly lowered his head and briskly rubbed at his eyes. Despite this, he let out a hearty laugh, making light of the situation.

“W-well geez...I already thought you were cooler in person. Now you gotta be really nice too?? What the heck...”

Sniffing, Ven pulled his wing back, tucking the tickets safely into his feathers. When he glanced back up at Summer, the only evidence of the moment prior being a slight glisten to his eyes, he had a much more determined look on his face. “Alright! I’ll give it a try. It might take some convincing, but I don’t think even Mo can pass up a free ticket!”

Relief washed over Summer. “That’s the spirit~! OH-” With a squeak of realization, the mare quickly flapped her wings and lifted off the ground. Somewhere in town, a certain teal mare was probably tapping her hoof. “I just remembered that I have to get going! I have somewhere I need to be!” Summer zipped closer and held out her hoof, grinning cheerily. “I’ll just have to see you at the show, okay~? Don’t be afraid to say hi afterwards!”

“PSH, I’m never afraid!” Venture smirked and hoofbumped her, that energy he had earlier returning. She watched as he gave her one last, sincere smile. One she returned. “Thanks again! I’ll see ya!”

“See you, Ven!”

With that, Summer sped away. It didn’t take her long to reach the end of the park. She just hoped her mother could hold onto her patience for a while longer.
But most of all, she hoped dearly that however the exchange ended, Venture’s feelings would eventually reach his sibling.

‘Maybe it’s not too late for them…’

The weight in her chest was back. Unlike him, she was left with so many unanswered questions. Remnants of what her brother had left behind, left untouched. Even now, a part of her heart wanted to believe that there had been more-

‘Stop...
You promised. It’s time to stop thinking about it.’

It was like her mother had said. There was no use letting these things, these questions and regrets, tether her to the past.

So once again pushing these things down - locking them away in a safe place - Summer focused on zipping to her destination.

__________________________________________________________________________
Related:

We got a moment between the older siblings . Why not a moment between the younger ones?
Don’t I love irony...
And people may have pieced it together, but allow me to confirm that...yes. Lightning Dust was very much the string-puller on that day from Summer's memory.

Lightning really didn't like seeing her daughter try so hard to reach out to her brother. Skychaser deserved his isolation, and the last thing she wanted was for him to decide that sharing his "toxic thoughts" with Sunny would be worth it. So in an effort to strain their relationship so Summer could put her energy into more "important things", Lightning had long planned to snatch up Sky's ticket when he wasn't looking. Sky had left the house earlier that day, planning on returning by the time the others left so he could go to the event separately. But upon getting to his room - you guessed it - the ticket was nowhere to be seen. He spent nearly an hour tearing up his room and searching the house. He was helpless, genuinely believing he had carelessly misplaced it. Even now, Sky doesn't know what really happened that day.
Too bad for Lightning, though. Her plan was the catalyst that kept Summer from giving up on her brother until the day he left.

FUN FACTS:
-Some time later, Ven probably went of to create the official Summer Rush Fanclub. Present-day Summer is both incredibly flattered and embarrassed.

-Adorably enough, though they don’t see each other often, Summer and Ven come to form a fond little friendship over a few run-ins with each other, mainly at Wonderbolt events. Heck, Ven manages to discover that Summer is not only a fan of the Daring Do series, but she’s even an avid reader of Yearling’s sequel series. And a big Valor Wind fan at that, adoring his character to the point of cooing over how adorably nerdy and helpful he is (insert Ven’s red face, side-squinting the mare).

Background from here: Equestrian Fall

Destinyverse Archives

Feat.
Summer Rush Venture Gale

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