Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy's relationship

[Princess Periwinkle 3,775]

As far as we know, out of the mane six, RD and Flutters go back the farthest. They at least go all the way back to flight camp. In "The Cutie Mark Chronicles" we see Rainbow Dash sticking up for Fluttershy (loyalty, yeah!). It is not clear whether or not the two were friends beforehand or not, but it seems likely that they were.

 

It is interesting to think about how the two met. Besides them both being the same pony type, I can't think of a single similarity between the two. My best guess is that Fluttershy somehow showed kindness towards Rainbow at a time when she needed it, which would complement Rainbow's loyalty helping Fluttershy get her cutie mark.

 

Later in the episode, we find out that Fluttershy doesn't actually know how the race ended up. This is strange to me, because the race had so much meaning to Fluttershy (a friend standing up for her when she needed it, getting her cutie mark) you'd think she would be the least bit interested in the outcome. Apparently though, she doesn't ever ask Rainbow about it, which brings me to my next question.

 

What was their relationship like after the events shown in "The Cutie Mark Chronicles"? I would imagine they stayed in contact, as they are apparently friends in "Friendship is Magic". In those first two episodes, it is not apparent that they are any closer to each other as they are to the rest of the mane 6, however.

 

In fact, we see a few times that their relationship is a little rough. Exhibit A:

 

(First minute)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NyLrtGOQAw

 

TL;DR: How do you think Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash met? And how do you think their relationship has evolved since then?

 

Also, a few pictures by Alasou that capture parts of what I hope their relationship was/is like:

 

 

 

 

 

[Jammo 986]

Close childhood friends. They don't have to be anything more. Take notice shippers.

Timeline was they'd probably be the first of the mane six.. Back when they were just the mane two.

[Winona the Dog 1,984]

I think they just met while they were taking classes in Cloudsdale Flight School. Perhaps there was a situation where Fluttershy was being bullied and Rainbow Dash nautrally helps out someone like that. Afterwards Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash became friends as the years went on until the event in the Cutie Mark Chronicles.

 

 

 

Later in the episode, we find out that Fluttershy doesn't actually know how the race ended up. This is strange to me, because the race had so much meaning to Fluttershy (a friend standing up for her when she needed it, getting her cutie mark) you'd think she would be the least bit interested in the outcome. Apparently though, she doesn't ever ask Rainbow about it, which brings me to my next question.

 

That is weird. I assume by their age she didn't see Rainbow as much since they must have been in different classes or something so they saw less of each other. Or maybe Fluttershy just forgot the outcome. It's not like Fluttershy just decided to live on the ground after getting her Cutie Mark.

 

As for what happened afterwards. The only thing I can think is that their relationship stayed the same. Fluttershy ended up living in Ponyville to do her job while Rainbow Dash dropped out and became weather manager of Ponyville.

[pinkiefan1287 610]

Well I always thought they met at the flight school. Most likely Fluttershy was getting bullied at school and Rainbow Dash helped her out. Then became friends like that. Then after the race when Fluttershy got her cutie mark, she dropped out of the summer school program and went to go live in Ponyville with the animals. While, Rainbow Dash stayed went on to go to flight school.

 

After that I don't think they stayed in contact with each other. They both just went on and did what they were meant to do. When Rainbow Dash dropped out of flight school and became weather manger of Ponyville, I think RD kept her distances from Fluttershy. RD most think it's her fault that FS dropped out in the first place. So thats why she never tried to become closer.

 

Then after becoming bearers of the elements, they became much closer to each other and now try and help each when they need it. Becoming closer friends. Still I think they might have become closer more in season 2. Seeing as they hang out with the others. Rainbow Dash with AJ and Pinkie Pie. While Fluttershy is with Rarity and Twilight more times. Rainbow Dash is also most likely trying to make her stronger like in Hurricane Fluttershy and Dragon Quest.

 

As for why Fluttershy did not find out the results of the race. It could be Fluttershy never went back to the school and never found out the results of who won. Also showing more of the idea that the 2 never kept in contact with each other.

[SoarinBlue 202]

I didn't get the feeling that they knew each other that well in flight school.  It seemed more like Dash was just sticking up for someone that was being bullied and also saw an opportunity to challenge someone.  Being the element of loyalty, it would have been the height of disloyalty to let Fluttershy presumably fall to her death and continue racing if they were close friends

[Flutter's lover <3 8,206]

Like in the beginning of Dragon Quest,I think they have the most connection to each other vs the other mane 6. They went to flight school together and both lived in Cloudsdale at some point. I'm sure we'll see more of Flutters and Dashie in Season 4 together. They got a special bond to one another is a way to put it. I guess their deep friendship for each other is why I think they're a good shipping.

 

Another good example is Hurricane FLuttershy. and Sonic Rainboom.

Edited June 23, 2013 by Flutter Dash

[Orablanco Account 3,707]

I always got the impression that besides standing up for her that one time in Flight School, they didn't interact that much. In fact, it seems like Dash kind of looked down on her. In "Dragonshy", she immediately assumes that Fluttershy would be a burden and wants to leave her behind. I like to imagine that it was only after she saved them from the dragon that she respected her, and they became true friends after Fluttershy helped her find a pet. Or at least good enough friends that Dash woke her up so she wouldn't miss out on cider and then let her get in line in front of her.

 

But it was Fluttershy's actions in Best Episode "Hurricane Fluttershy" that cemented their close friendship and had Dash believing that Fluttershy was the best pony to embark on the dangerous mission out of Trixieville. That wouldn't have happened at the beginning of the series.

 

I dunno, I just like the idea of their friendship unfolding completely in front of our eyes. Makes it feel special-er.