Don't Wait For Your Diamond To Wash Ashore, Swim Out To It.

by Roxy Shot

Rating: everyone
Tags: Comedy, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance
Length: 5362

Rarity teaches Dash to swim so she can compete with Applejack in a race.

The Elements of Harmony get a well deserved and much needed vacation to one of Equestria's newest summer resorts. When Applejack challenges Rainbow Dash to a swimming race, Dash declines. The problem? Dash doesn't know how to swim. Rarity then takes it upon herself to teach Dash the art of swimming, but can Dash learn to swim fast enough to beat Applejack? (Hinted Rarity X Dash)

Published 2012-03-06 18:23:25 UTC
Last updated 2012-02-20 21:12:48 UTC

Chapter 1

The salty scent of the ocean permeated the air and Celestia’s golden sun filled the sky with its radiant rays. A tan beach stretched as far as the eye could see. Gently caressing the sand in tiny hypnotizing waves was an ocean as clear as the purest sapphire bits could buy. The pristine location was far from the hustle and bustle of city life, miles from the nearest distraction, and well removed from the stress of everyday life.

Occupying said beach were a group of normal ponies at first glance. If one were to ask about their lives or inquire about their accomplishments, a completely different impression would be left. Six ponies with an unyielding bond of friendship were enjoying each other’s company, oblivious to their everyday worries.

Four of the six individuals were enjoying the brisk ocean water; one in particular was stretched out on a bright orange towel, wonderbolt themed in fact. The pony was a mare just on the brink of adulthood, still empowered by the invincible image teenage fillies strived to project, but old enough to throw back a glass of whiskey at the end of a long day. Her coat was a rich cyan color and her hair adored each vibrant color of the rainbow. Her body was built like the athlete she was and was always ready for the next race.

The mare’s breath rose and fell in rhythmic motions from her lips as her body basked in the warm and comforting sunlight. The noises of her friends were lost to her ears as her mind slept in its unconscious state. Life was good.

“Cannonball!”

The cyan mare’s ear twitched to the sound of the southern drawl. Unbeknown to the sleeping mare, a wave of crisp water was soaring through the air. The water hit the mare with a comical splash and she let out a surprised gasp. Her coat was now thoroughly soaked and her once flowing mane now gripped close to her figure. She quickly scurried to her hooves and cast an annoyed look at her friends.

“Applejack…,” The cyan mare growled playfully and took to the air with one powerful flap of her wings. She sped over to the pale yellow pony, but before she could exact her revenge, the pony dove under the crystal blue waves. The cyan mare hovered over the water, waiting for the distorted yellow blur to resurface. It was not until it was too late when the cyan mare realized she was waiting too close to the water. Applejack burst from the surface, bring a wave of cool crystal water with her. The cyan mare gasped as she was once again drenched from head to tail.

“C’mon in a get me, Dash!” Applejack laughed and disappeared under the waves again. Dash was wise to keep her distance when Applejack came to the surface again, avoiding another coat of salty ocean water.

“Well?” Applejack asked.

“Umm, maybe later,” Dash answered and flew back to shore, her playful anger forgotten.

“C’mon Dashie, the water’s great!”

“I agree with Pinkie, it feels wonderful.”

“It is…nice.”

Rainbow turned back to her coaxing friends, but for some peculiar reason she remained ashore.

“Just not feelin’ it right now girls,” Rainbow retorted and slumped back down in her bright orange towel. She then let out an audible sigh and let the sun get to work on drying her saturated fur. She looked longingly at the sea, watching her friends enjoy the water. Applejack dove deep under the water, seeing just how long she could hold her breath. Twilight floated on her back, letting her body sway with the ocean’s pulse. Even Fluttershy, with several flotation devices wrapped tightly around her figure, found the ocean’s embrace comforting. Pinkie Pie was a natural fish in water, swimming circles around everypony else.

“Rainbow Dash, is everything alright?” A voice sounded to Dash’s left. Rarity had decided to remain on the shore, soaking in the sun’s radiant light. Rarity had always been the most insightful of the group, noticing hidden details was her specialty, so it was no surprise that she had spotted Dash’s lack of enthusiasm in the face of a challenge.

“Nope. Just soaking wet is all,” Dash replied. Rarity could completely see through Dash’s lie. The tone of her voice, the way her ear twitched, the look of anxiety in her eyes. It was obvious.

“If you say so,” Rarity sighed, not entirely content to let the situation go.

“Hey Dash!” Applejack shouted from the shore, as she emerged from the ocean.

“Yeah?” Dash groaned back.

“How ‘bout you and I have ourselves a little race?” Applejack mused with a sly grin. Dash’s weakness was no secret. If the slightest hint of a competition reached the pegasis’ ears, she would be first in line to sign up.

“What cha got in mind?” Dash took the bait and rose from her towel. The two stared into each other’s eyes, both burning with passion.

“From here, to the sandbar, and back. No flyin’ either,” Applejack motioned. Dash flinched. Rarity studied the situation from her spot on the sand while the other mares went on completely oblivious.

“Dash stepping down from a challenge? Surely not. But why does she look so frightened? Did Applejack and Rainbow Dash get into an argument and not inform us?” Rarity mused in her head.

“Nah, I think I’m wet enough at the moment,” Dash rolled her eyes, playing it off in her normal fashion.

“S’wrong? Ya goin’ chicken on me, Dash?”

“N-no way!”

“Then c’mon, what’s one race? ‘Fraid I’ll beat ya?”

“No…”

“Bawk bawk!”

“Stop it!”

“’S wrong? Can’t swim?”

Dash froze. The two athletes stood their ground for a few silent moments. Rarity glanced between the two ponies, neither giving a reaction. With a whispered curse, Dash finally cut the suspense by taking to the sky in one powerful burst of speed. Applejack watched the rainbow trail disappear into the distance with a frown forming on her face.

“Uhhh… Did I push ‘er a mite too far Rare?” Applejack spoke.

“I… I’m not sure what just happened to be honest. Did you two have a fight or something?” Rarity answered with a question of her own.

“Not that I remember…” Applejack sighed

“How about I head back to see what is wrong while you and the girls finish up here,” Rarity suggested.

“Ya sure sugercube? Didn’t want you to have ta leave early…” Applejack hesitated.

“It’s no problem. I was quite done lying in the sun anyhow,” Rarity explained and collected both Dash’s and her own things with a touch of magical assistance.

* * *

In a few minutes travel Rarity has returned to the El Cid Coltmen resort. In a token of gratitude for the heroism of assisting and protecting Equestria from outside threats, the girls received an all-expenses paid, one week vacation to one of Equestria’s new resorts in the Mareibbean. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash practically sang for joy over the news of a tropical get a way. Applejack and Fluttershy were more reluctant to go, but were quickly convinced when a few guards were spared to help out on Sweet Apple Acres and take care of the animals in Fluttershy’s cottage.

Rarity entered the resort’s grounds and immediately spotted Rainbow Dash sticking out like a sore thumb with her vibrant colored mane. Dash was standing at the edge of the resort’s private pool and staring into its shallow waters. The afternoon sun reflected an orangey glow on the water’s surface, making Rainbow Dash almost glow in golden light. Rarity carefully approached the lone mare and set her things on an empty beach chair.

“What.” Dash stated more than asked.

“Did something happen between Applejack and you?” Rarity cut to the chase.

“No.”

“Then what’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me. I’m your friend.”

“Forget about it Rarity. Just leave me alone.”

Rarity was about to retort in anger, but gently bit her tongue and let out a deep breath of humid afternoon air. Dash had been upset before; this certainly was not the first time and every time one of her friends would come to her aid, but Rarity could count the times she had a private chat with Dash on two hooves. Surely good friends such as the Elements of Harmony were meant to be closer than the two were.

“Come now Rarity. Think. Applejack was not the only thing bothering her. She was interrupted from her nap, that always causes her a stir, but not to this extent. Getting challenged to a competition of any sorts never seemed to be a problem in the past,” Rarity quietly thought to herself. Then it hit her clear as day. “Swimming.”

“Rainbow Dash… Do… Do you know how to swim?” Rarity ventured. There it was again, that same frozen stance, that same broken look in her eyes.

“I…,” Dash choked out.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of Rainbo-,” Rarity started to speak.

“But it is! Everypony knows how to swim; even little fillies know how to swim!” Dash interrupted in anger. Rarity recoiled from Dash’s outburst as if being attacked by a school yard bully. Dash’s expression softened as she took notice of Rarity’s reaction and she turned away.

“I’m sorry for yelling. It’s not your problem,” Dash sighed and plopped down to the hard cement surrounding the pool.

“Rainbow please, I would like to help. I know I have a reputation of being a gossiper… and it’s true… But I’ll Pinkie Pie promise not to share a single detail,” Rarity spoke softly. Dash lowered a single hoof into the pool and traced a circle in the cool water. After a few moments she let out a deep sigh and lifted her head to speak.

“I fly all the time. I figured I would never need to know how to swim. When the water surrounds my body I feel heavy. It’s hard to spread my wings. I feel… Restrained, choked, strangled. Like some invisible hooves are clenching my body,” Dash explained.

“I’ll never be able to understand the feeling of having your wings bound, but I do know how it feels to be constricted. To be claustrophobic. I’m here for you Rainbow Dash,” Rarity spoke and lay down next to Dash. Dash then went to speak, but bit her tongue as she glanced into Rarity’s eyes. The fashionable mare did not have a look of pity, like Dash expected, but rather of understanding and acceptance. Dash let out an audible sigh of relief and took her turn to speak.

"Thanks Rare,” Dash simply stated.

“Of course darling,” Rarity replied. The two laid at the edge of the pool, both with a single hoof in the water, testing its lucid motions. The setting sun gave the body of water a golden glow that the water was proud to absorb and let it dance on its surface. Sudden inspiration struck Rarity and she softly spoke again. “Rainbow Dash… I could teach you to swim, if you would like.”

“You can’t be serious,” Dash chuckled.

“And why not? I happen to be a very graceful swimmer, I’ll have you know,” Rarity retorted with a playful nudge.

“What do ya mean? You’re graceful in everything you do Rarity,” Dash blurted, realizing it sounded a lot better in her head than out loud. “Uhh… I mean like… In a way like…”

“But of course, I do try my best,” Rarity took a moment to gloat, letting Dash off the hook. Dash just smiled awkwardly and nodded her head rapidly.

“You really think you can teach me to swim? I don’t want you to waste this vacation…,” Dash spoke.

“It will no problem at all. I would be happy to spend time with you, we shall start your training tomorrow,” Rarity smiled.

* * *

Monday

“You sure you girls don’t want to join us?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“I’m feeling awfully worn out from yesterday, Twilight. But do have your fun,” Rarity answered.

“Uhh… yeah! Me too, soooo tired,” Dash grinned awkwardly and whipped her brow with a hoof.

“Well, alright. We’ll be back later tonight,” Twilight responded, not completely convinced. She then levitated two saddle bags to her back and trotted out to join the other girls. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were going to hit the town and see what entertainment it could offer. Rainbow Dash and Rarity on the other hoof had other plans for the day.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity watched Twilight through the suite’s window until she met with the other girls. After a few moments of conversation, the four left the hotel’s grounds and disappeared into town. The two watched for a few more minutes, just to make sure the four were gone. Luckily they didn’t come back.

“Go ahead to the pool, I need to gather a few things and I’ll meet you there,” Rarity smiled and nudged Dash out of the room.

“Uhh… sure,” Dash replied face to face with an empty hallway. She then trotted to an elevator, hit the down button, and waited. She huffed impatiently and waited some more. After a few more moments she hit the button again, and again, and again. Dash grunted in frustration and headed for the stairs. As she reached the top of the stairs she heard a loud ‘Ding!’

“Hilarious,” Dash spoke aloud and flew down the steps. Once outside, Dash quickly approached the pool and cautiously dipped a hoof in its water. It felt cool on her hoof, refreshing in the summer heat, but not refreshing enough to get Dash to jump in. Dash took her hoof out and trotted around the circumference of the pool. It was divided into three sections, a three foot, six foot, and twelve foot areas.

“You look eager to begin,” Rarity spoke from Dash’s left. Dash turned to speak back but her expression dropped when she noticed the ‘things’ Rarity had to gather.

“There is no way I’m wearing those,” Dash stated. Rarity flashed her sly grin and took a step forward. Dash took a step back.

“But Rainbow Dash, how else will you learn to swim?” Rarity cooed.

“Y-you can’t be serious,” Dash stammered.

“I am absolutely serious. Put them on and we can get started,” Rarity smiled.

A few moments later and Dash was ready for water based action. Rarity had brought Dash a bright rainbow two piece swimsuit to wear, but that was not the problem. Rarity also “borrowed” Fluttershy’s floats. Bright yellow floatation devices were attached to each hoof and an obnoxious yellow ducky float was wrapped around her torso. She looked like a filly on Hearth’s Warming day that got the bunny pajamas as a gift and was forced to try them on and wear it for the day. Rarity had picked out a deep purple one piece for herself and wore it with her natural grace.

“I-It looks… w-wonderful Rainbow Dash,” Rarity fought to keep her laughter down.

“Oh I’m sure,” Dash deadpanned.

“Anyhow, let’s get you in the water, shall we?” Rarity suggested and trotted to the pool’s steps. She first tested the water before taking the first step in. Little by little she eased her way in the pool, letting her body adjust to the cool water.

“The water’s great, come join me,” Rarity spoke. Dash stood at the edge of the steps and mimicked Rarity as best she could. Dash stuck a hoof on the first step and felt the water’s temperature before sticking her other fore hoof in. She slowly managed to get all four hooves in the water, but froze on the steps.

“One more step darling,” Rarity encouraged.

“I’m going to go under,” Dash thought aloud.

“Look at me, all of my hooves can touch the bottom and my head is still well above water. Even if you do slip, the floats will catch you,” Rarity reassured her. Dash took a deep breath stretched out a hoof. After a few moments she retracted her limp and just stared at the water. Rarity recognized the fear gripping Dash’s figure and trotted to her side.

“How about we try it together, I’ll be right by your side. I want you to close your eyes and let me guide you,” Rarity spoke. Dash meekly nodded in response, closed her eyes tight, and leaned against Rarity.

Rarity eased her way into the water again, but Dash remained behind. Rarity then took Dash’s fore hooves in her own and started to move backwards. Dash’s only choice now was to take the last step into the pool or fall into the pool. Dash chose the former and balanced on her hind legs with Rarity.

“Alright, we’re in. Now we need to get back on all fours,” Rarity explained and returned to her hooves. Dash on the other hoof tried to remain on her hind legs and wobbled back and forth. She quickly lost her balance however, and stumbled forward, returning her on all four hooves. With the transition, Dash’s wings became submerged in the water. Dash’s eyes instantly shot open and she tried to flair her wings. Instead of shooting open, her wings unfolded in slow motion, the water weighing her wings down. She tried to flap her wings but to no avail.

“Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash! Calm Down, you are alright,” Rarity tried to snap Dash out of her panicked state.

“I-I can’t move my wings,” Dash whimpered.

“I know, but it’s alright. Look, you’re in the pool,” Rarity pointed out. Dash looked around, realizing that she was indeed in the pool and still above the surface. Her wings slowly folded back against her sides and she let out a held breath. Slowly but surely, Dash regained her composure.

“Ya’ know…This isn’t so bad,” Dash spoke.

“Good,” Rarity smiled. “Now I want you to just trot around, get used to the feeling of the water. You need to get a feeling of how it affects your movement before you can start swimming.”

“Okay. I can do that,” Dash replied and started to trot. She started out slowly, moving back and forth between the two sides of the pool, making sure to stay well away from the six foot area. After she built up her confidence, Dash’s completive nature took over and she started to see how fast she could move. She began to run back and forth, making circles and figure eights instead of a straight line.

“I see you’re ready for the next lesson,” Rarity addressed.

“Oh yeah, this water’s nothing compared to my sheer awesomeness,” Dash gloated.

“Good, I want you to take your hooves off the ground now and just float,” Rarity stated.

“Wha-what?” Dash blurted.

“The floats will hold you above water. You need to get used to the feeling of having your hooves off the ground. You fly about all the time, I’m sure this won’t be too different,” Rarity explained.

“But how will I keep my head above water?” Dash asked.

“You hold your head up. Here, I’ll help you until you get used to the feeling,” Rarity answered and trotted beside Dash again. “Just lift up your legs.”

“Alright…” Dash complied and very gently lifted her legs away from solid ground. Rarity held true to her word and held Dash above water by gripping Dash’s floats.

“Still breathing?” Rarity asked.

“I’m managing,” Dash replied.

“I’m going to let go and I want you to stay afloat. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, just stretch out your hooves and stand back up,” Rarity said.

“A-alright, I’m ready,” Dash returned. Rarity slowly let go and Dash made it to a full second of floating before shooting out with her legs and touching solid ground. Rarity was about to speak, but she held her tongue as Dash removed her hind legs from the ground. Dash’s fore legs were soon to follow and she was floating on the waves of the pool. She then looked up a Rarity and smiled.

“Now how do I move?” Dash asked.

“Before we start strokes I want you to learn how to doggie paddle,” Rarity answered.

“Doggie paddle? That sounds funny,” Dash giggled.

“I suppose it does, but we have to take small steps first. Watch me and try to do as I do,” Rarity explained. Rarity then gave herself a boost with her hind legs and started to paddle around the pool. Dash watched intensively, taking mental notes of Rarity’s every motion. It reminded Dash of Junior Flight School where the students had to watch the instructors. Dash was a quick learner and always got the gist of things before the other students could. This should be no different.

Dash began to paddle herself and after realizing how easy it was, started to chase after Rarity. Rarity noticed the competitive look in Dash’s eyes and started to swim faster. Dash however, wasn’t going to back down, even though she knew Rarity was the better swimmer. Dash just kept pumping her arms and kept up the chase. Dash began to get closer and closer when finally she reached out a hoof and poked Rarity in the side.

“You’re it!” Dash exclaimed and paddled off in the opposite direction. Then it was Rarity’s turn to give chase. The two continued their game giggling and laughing until the sun started to set, the lessons completely forgotten.

“Dash, Dash. We need to get out or we’ll prune all week,” Rarity giggled.

“Only if you say that I won first,” Dash gloated.

“Alright, alright. You win. Let’s get out,” Rarity rolled her eyes and exited the pool. Dash followed close behind and happily slipped out of Fluttershy’s floats. Rarity tossed Dash a towel and the two quickly dried off.

“That wasn’t so bad Rarity. I had fun. Swimming isn’t as tough as I thought,” Dash spoke.

“Glad you think so,” Rarity said, “Tomorrow we do the same thing, but without the floats.”

“…What?”

* * *

Tuesday

“So… We’re doing this without the floats?”

“Mhmm.”

“You sure that’s a good idea?”

“Mhmm.”

“I can’t use just a few?”

“Mmm… no.”

Dash stood at the top of the pool steps yet again, but this time she was in swim suit only. No floats to depend on this time. Rarity was already in the water, waiting for Dash to join her. The girls were out on the town again, this time picking up food to last the rest of the week. Dash timidly stared into the water’s sapphire hue, then to Rarity’s similar eyes, but Rarity’s eyes were more vibrant than the water. “The water may be beautiful, but Rarity is gorgeous,” Dash thought to herself. She then shook the thought out of her head with mild confusion.

“Just as before, remember your hooves will still touch the ground so there’s nothing to fear,” Rarity encouraged.

“Right,” Dash spoke and took a deep breath. She then slowly and gently eased her body into the cool water until it hit her wings. This time she didn’t panic. Her wings remained tucked against her body as she made her way out to the middle of the three foot area of the pool and smiled.

“Good,” Rarity smiled back, “Now try to doggie paddle around, just like last time.”

“Okay,” Rainbow Dash replied with a deep breath. Dash gently pushed of the ground like Rarity had demonstrated yesterday and kept her afloat… For about three seconds. Luckily Dash was only in the three foot area and was able to stand back up before panic took over. When Dash emerged from the water, she found Rarity already right by her side and helping her stand back up.

“I’m sorry Rainbow, I should have held you up like yesterday before having you try it for yourself. Let’s try it again and this time I’ll hold you up,” Rarity said.

“Alright,” Dash complied and relaxed as Rarity moved her body. Dash was not lying horizontally in the water with Rarity holding her above the surface. A light redness started to flush across Dash’s face. “Her holding the floats was one thing, but this…” Dash thought before trying to force her mind to focus on something else. If Dash would have looked up, she would see Rarity in a similar sense or mind.

“G-go ahead,” Rarity stuttered.

“Right,” Dash replied and began to paddle around the pool with Rarity holding her up. Little by little Rarity released the pressure of her grip until Dash was practically swimming by herself. The two made a few more circles around the three foot area before Rarity spoke up.

“I think you’ve got the idea. I’m going to let go now, just continue to do as you are doing now and you will be fine,” Rarity said. Dash nodded in response and Rarity timidly let go. To her own surprise, Dash continued to stay above the surface.

“Rarity look! I’m doing it!” Dash exclaimed.

“I see, keep at it,” Rarity answered as Dash continued to paddle around in circles. Once again as Dash’s competitive nature got the best of her and she began to try to find the fastest way to doggie paddle around the pool.

“Rarity, I need to get out for a minute. This is a lot more tiring then I thought it would be,” Dash said aloud.

“Of course, we can take a break anytime,” Rarity answered. The two then exited the pool, but what they didn’t expect was there to be another pony waiting for them.

“Uhh… Dash. Can we talk?” Applejack said bashfully.

“Sure Applejack, what’s up?” Dash asked.

“Look… Ah’m sorry for makin’ fun of ya the other day. Can ya forgive me?” Applejack sighed.

“Forgive you? As if,” Dash answered.

“B-but ah…” Applejack replied looking completely crushed. Little did she know, she was playing right into Dash’s hooves.

“We’re having that race and I’m going to win!” Dash exclaimed and crossed her hooves.

“Oh, so that’s how ya want it? Alright, yer on sugercube,” Applejack replied and spat into her hoof.

“Friday?” Dash asked and spat into her own hoof.

“Friday,” Applejack confirmed and pressed her hoof against Dash’s. Rarity cringed in the background.

* * *

Wednesday and Thursday passed relatively quickly for Rarity and Rainbow Dash. On Wednesday Rarity taught Dash how to swim by using long strokes with her fore legs while she kicked her back legs. Dash’s speed increased three fold with this new technique and she spent all of Thursday perfecting this new method. Word got around to the other girls and soon enough the air was filled with the familiar competitive vibe of Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

* * *

Friday

“Remember, keep your neck and back relaxed, extend your hoof to its full length with each stroke, pivot your body accordingly, don’t kick your hind legs on the way there, you’ll use up too much energy, only kick on the way back.”

“I remember, I’ve got this in the bag.”

“I know you do, now go beat the apples off that ruffian’s flank.”

“You got it.”

As discussed, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were both ready to race. The two lined up behind a line drawn in the sand and shook hooves. Twilight stood in front of the two while Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy sat in the sidelines, ready to start cheering at a moment’s notice. Pinkie pulled a bucket of popcorn from behind her back and started noisily munching down, breaking the looming silence.

“The rules are simple. The two of you will race from this line, to the sand bar, and back. There is to be no physical contact between the two of you and no flying, Dash,” Twilight explained.

“Yeah, yeah, okay. We’re ready,” Dash rolled her eyes.

“Very well then,” Twilight sighed while Applejack snickered to herself. “I’m going to send a magical flair into the air after one, that’s when the race begins. Get ready.”

The two competitors took their positions and crotched down.

“Three!”

Dash glanced out to the ocean; about twenty meters away the clear blue of the ocean’s water gave way to a sandy tan. That’s where the sand bar was. Twenty meters was not too far of a distance, but to Dash who had just learned how to swim not one week ago, things might prove to be difficult.

“Two!”

Applejack brushed a hoof against the sand. Sweat started to accumulate on her brow, but she didn’t dare let herself get distracted now.

“One!”

Twilight’s horn started to glow with arcane lavender light. A few seconds later a shot rang out through the air and a bright violet light soared into the sky. Applejack and Rainbow Dash took off, leaving nothing but a cloud of sand in their wake. On land Rainbow Dash gained a slight lead, hitting the water first. The ocean instantly cut off Dash’s momentum as she waded through the water, trying to reach a point where she could swim. Applejack on the other hoof jumped into the air and dove past Dash, into deeper water.

Dash cursed to herself by not doing the same thing, but pressed on to deeper water. Applejack doggie paddled ahead with Dash following close behind with her long strokes. Little by little Dash was gaining on Applejack. Applejack noticed and picked up her speed, strengthening her lead. Dash however minded Rarity’s advice and kept to a steady pace.

“Made it!” Applejack exclaimed as her hooves touched the sand bar. She then leapt back into the water and swam past Dash. “See ya at tha finish line.”

“We’ll see about that,” Dash muttered to herself and touched the sand bar. She followed Applejack’s technique and dove into the crystal clear ocean. Dash reemerged from the water a few feet ahead and restarted the chase.

Dash then closed her eyes and let Rarity’s teachings pass through her mind. She extended her hoof to its full length at each stroke and started kicking. Slowly but surely Dash started to gain on Applejack, but so did the shore. At this distance Dash could hear her friend’s cheers, but one stood out amongst the crowd.

“Go Dash Go! Whoooo!” A formally fashionable voice rang through the air. Rarity yelled from the top of her lungs, even Pinkie Pie looked on with a proud gleam in her eyes. Instead of a determined fire igniting in Dash’s eyes, a calming and tranquil feeling took over her heart. Dash’s strokes became smooth and controlled. Even though her wings were wet and tucked at her sides, she felt as if flying on the gentlest of winds.

Dash felt her hooves touch solid ground, she had reached the shore. As her mind regained its grasp on reality, so did her hooves. She sprinted to the finish line, half expecting Applejack to have already beaten her while distracted in her own moment of tranquility, but the mare was nowhere in sight. Dash turned to her side and found Applejack right next to her, fire burning in her eyes. The two leapt through the air in a last ditch effort to grasp first place. When the sand cloud cleared, all attention focused on the two hooves stretched out on the sand. Four pairs of eyes traced up the light yellow and cyan hooves.

“And the winner is, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight exclaimed followed by the cheers of Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.

“Rainbow Dash, you preformed marvelously,” Rarity praised and hooked her neck around Dash’s. Dash returned the gesture warmly. Soon enough the whole group followed suit and gathered around for a group hug.

“Congrats on tha win. Ah didn’t know ya could swim so good Dash,” Applejack said after the hug had dispersed.

“Well, you could say I had a pretty awesome coach,” Dash blushed.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that sometimes a secret isn’t as embarrassing as we sometimes think. Good friends should be able to share embarrassing secrets and great friends help one another overcome those embarrassing secrets. I learned that I can always trust my friends with any secret I may have.

The totally awesome,

Rainbow Dash