Fireflyby YofigfulChaptersAll Grown UpWelcome to Ponyville!The PartyTime To Get A JobCompetitionThe RaceMeet Sunny DazeSpin the BottleAll Grown Up"Oh, Dashie." Her mother, Sunny Daze hugged Rainbow Dash. "I can't believe you're eighteen. Right, Blaze?" "Sunny, you worry too much. Our Dashie will be just fine. We've gone through this before," Blaze, Rainbow Dash's father said, "Although, you'll always be my little girl, Dashie. No coltfriends allowed." Blaze chuckled. "Dad!" exclaimed Dash, embarrassed, even though her mom was the only other pony around. "But it's different, Blaze. Dashie's our daughter. She's not a stinky colt like her two brothers." Sunny joked. "I hope you don't love me anymore than Flaming Arrow or Wingburn, mom." Rainbow Dash said half jokingly, half serious. "Well, I think it's time you have to go Dashie. Do you have everything?" Sunny asked. "Yup. I'll see you two in a month, okay?" Rainbow replied. "Be safe, Dash." Blaze said. "I will, I will. Now I have to go or else I'll miss the flight carriage. Bye!" Rainbow Dash quickly hugged them both and left, ready to start her new life. Welcome to Ponyville!"We're here, Ms.Dash." said the driver. "Thanks," Rainbow Dash gave the driver her bits and left the flight carriage with her bags. She noticed Ponyville was a very quiet place. And very peaceful. The smell of spring flowers surrounded her. She looked up towards the sky, and quickly saw her home. Carrying all of her bags at once, which was a challenge enough, she went inside. It smelled fresh. Rainbow always lived in the same house until now, so she guessed this was the "new house" smell. Rainbow didn't want to put her things up just yet, and soon the moving carriage would come with her bed, a couch, fridge, and other large supplies that the house didn't come with. So she decided to wait until it arrived. Rainbow stepped outside. Maybe she could meet some ponies. She flew out of her house, and over the village. Suddenly she heard a scream. "HEEEY, YOU!!!!" startled, Rainbow Dash flew faster. "WAAAAIT!!!" the voice screamed. Rainbow Dash looked behind her and saw a pink earth pony chasing her. What could she possibly want? Hesitantly, Rainbow Dash landed and let the earth pony catch up. The pony gasped for air, but once she caught her breath, she said, "HeyyouIsawyouatyourhouseandIwaslikeOHMYGOSHanewponysoiwantedtomeeetyouandwelcometoPonyvilletheBESTPLACEEVERcauseyoullhavealotoffriendsandfeelsooooowelcomehereandIcan'twaittomeetyousowhat'syourame?" Rainbow Dash only caught the name part. "I'm...Rainbow Dash. You?" "The one and only crazy party pony out there - PINKIE PIE!" Pinkie Pie jumped up and down happily. Rainbow Dash stared at her oddly. "How much sugar have you had today?" "None! WellIworkeatacakeshopandIbakegoodiesallthetimeitscalledSugarCubeCorneranditsreallygoodyou'llloveitbutanywaysIalsolivethereandtheownerssaidIcouldn'thavesugarforaweekandtoday'sthelastdaysoWOObutanywaysIhaven'thadsugarforaweek." "Wow..." Rainbow Dash said. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash heard a voice call out. "Cloudchaser and Flitterheart, go get the cloud on the left and move it so Daisy's yard can get some light!" Rainbow Dash looked up at the sky and saw a team of pegasi working on weather management. Rainbow Dash finally found the owner of the voice - a pink pegasus pony with a blue mane and tail. "Who's that?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Oh her? That's Firefly, the Ponyville Weather Manager. She's super-duper awesome at flying!" Pinkie Pie said. "Super-duper awesome, huh?" Rainbow asked. I bet she isn't as awesome as this crazy pink pony says, Rainbow Dash thought, I bet I can make it look like she's as good as a filly compared to me! Rainbow Dash shook her head, I should stop. I don't even know her yet! Who knows? She might be awesome. Her thoughts were interrupted by Pinkie Pie, "Yup! She's like, the best! She wins every single fall race we have! Even without her wings! Well, one time she was almost beat by Applejack, but she still ended up winning." Slight jealousy took over Dash. It's just one pony who thinks Firefly is so awesome, Rainbow reminded herself. "Well, I have to go. Bye Rainbow Dash!" and Pinkie Pie hopped off. Rainbow only stared at Firefly. The PartyRainbow flew back home, just when she was about to open the door, Pinkie Pie's head popped through the floor. "RAINBOW DASH-" her head disappeared, but came back a few seconds later. "YOU HAVE TO-" "COME TO SUGARCUBE-" "CORNER SO WE CAN-" "HANG OUT." Rainbow Dash shook her head and kept watching as Pinkie's head came through the cloud and back under again. It was obvious she was using a trampoline. "Sorry Pinkie, not now." "BUT YOU HAVE-" "TO. PLEASE" "RAINBOW DASH." "Fine," Rainbow said, and flew to the ground. Pinkie stopped using her trampoline and said, "Follow me!" And bounced along, happily leading Dash to Sugarcube Corner. *** "Surprise!" Ponies came out from behind tables and counters. "Whoa, how'd you know it's my birthday?" Rainbow Dash asked. Pinkie Pie gasped, "IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY?!" Rainbow nodded, "Yeah, it is." Pinkie Pie gasped again and then yelled, "FIREFLY!!!" The pink pony came out of nowhere and to Pinkie Pie, "Yes, Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash noticed more features on the pink pegasus. Purple eyes, spiky mane, and two blue lightning bolts as a cutie mark. "I NEED BALLOONS. WHITE, YELLOW, BLUE, RED, STAT!" Pinkie yelled. Firefly disappeared in a flash. "Uh..." Rainbow Dash began to say, but was cut off by Pinkie shoving a cupcake in her mouth. Rainbow Dash ate it and swallowed it. It was really good. Then Firefly returned. And quickly moving her hooves, Pinkie Pie made one large balloon that looked like Rainbow Dash's cutie mark. She took a string and tied it to Dash's hoof. "Wow, that's pretty awesome Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Then Pinkie Pie yelled, "We're gonna play pin the tail on the pony!" Quickly she blindfolded Dash and spun her. Rainbow Dash wobbled on her hooves but quickly recovered. She walked forward. "Wait, Rainbow Dash. Wrong way!" Pinkie yelled. "What?" Rainbow Dash said, but it was too late. Rainbow hit something, or some pony. Rainbow Dash took off her blindfold and noticed she hit the last pony she wanted to- Firefly. And the tail was on her muzzle, as if it were a mustache. Rainbow Dash got up, shook herself, but then fell down laughing. Firefly got up, wiped the tail off her muzzle, and looked at Dash, bemused. "No, Firefly! It was an accident! Although I do admit- that tail looked pretty funny on your muzzle!" Pinkie said. Firefly didn't move and instead said, "You're Rainbow Dash, huh?" Firefly held out her hoof. Rainbow Dash used it to help her up. "Uh..yeah I am. You're Firefly?" "Yeah. Now I know it was an accident. But..." Firefly pointed to a crying yellow pegasus, "You scared the crap out of Fluttershy." "Fluttershy?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "R-Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy looked up at her. Fluttershy's eyes widened and she got up and hugged Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, it's been so long!" "I know. I didn't know you moved here!" Rainbow replied, happy to be reunited with one of her best friends from foalhood. "Aww, reunion. But we should still party!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Fluttershy let go of Rainbow Dash. Rainbow noticed everypony was staring. They've probably been staring since she bumped into Firefly. "Yeah, let's party!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Music started to play, and everything went back to normal. *** The party lasted a long time, Rainbow Dash realized that when it was midnight, and no longer her birthday. What have they done during the party? She remembers a super huge cake, lots of games, and some pony peeing on the floor. But now she was tired and went home. She remembered she didn't get her bed yet, so she just fell asleep on the floor. Time To Get A JobRainbow Dash awoke to a knock on her door. She opened it up to find the delivery pony. She sighed. She knew she was going to spend the entire day getting everything in her house. *** With the help and company of Fluttershy, Dash got everything set up. Everything was good, except for the fact that Dash was tired. She said goodbye to Fluttershy and fell asleep. *** The next morning, Rainbow Dash felt refreshed. Third day in Ponyville. It was time to get a job. Rainbow flew outside to find the weather ponies on duty, with Firefly commanding them. Rainbow Dash knew she should wait until they were done, so she flew down and decided to explore. Rainbow walked on the streets of Ponyville, seeing ponies buying food at tiny stands. She then saw a colorful building, and decided to go towards it. In front of the building was an earth pony and a unicorn. "Fer the last time Rarity, I can't climb trees! I have hooves!" the earth pony shouted. The unicorn, Rainbow assumed was Rarity said, "Well don't expect me to just sit here while my poor Opal is stuck up there!" The earth pony grumbled, "This is a job for a pegasus. And I ain't got any wings." "Well you kick trees all the time, Applejack!" Rarity hissed. The earth pony, who Rainbow also assumed was Applejack replied, "So you want me to buck Opal out of the tree?" Rarity looked concerned, "If that's what I have to do, then yes." Rarity looked up at the cat, "Don't worry Opal. I'll catch you...I hope." "Fine Rarity, but if that cat gets hurt because of this it ain't my fault." Applejack grumbled, and she got in the bucking position. Rarity seemed to work on her aim. "Whoa, whoa, whoa." Rainbow Dash flew in. The two ponies jumped back in surprise. Rainbow Dash flew up and grabbed Opal, and set her next to Rarity. Rainbow Dash landed and folded her wings. Rarity stared at her oddly, "Who are you?" "I'm...Rainbow Dash. Y'know, that new pony." "Oh yeah. Rarity and I couldn't make it to that party that Pinkie was planning because some pony needed help getting her cat groomed." Applejack grumbled. "It's not my fault Fluttershy wanted to go to that party. Besides, her coat needed to be groomed immediately!" Rarity defended herself. "Wait...Fluttershy grooms your cat?" Rainbow asked. "Yes, she's a very kind pony who's great with animals." Rarity replied. "She was my best friend when she lived in Cloudsdale." Rainbow remarked. "Oh..but Rainbow Dash I must ask, how did you get your rainbow mane?" Rarity asked. "Well, it was actually an accident. So my great grandma is about to give birth to my grandma, and a few days before birth she ate zap apples. For some reason it turned my grandma's mane into a rainbow. And when she had my dad, his mane ended up being rainbow, too. And now mine is." Rainbow said. "Zap apples? At Sweet Apple Acres we have zap apples yearly!" Applejack said happily. "Really? Awesome! I've heard of zap apples but I've never got to eat them." Rainbow replied. Changing the subject, Rarity spoke, "Rainbow Dash- the way you just flew in and grabbed Opal so quickly surprises me! Are you on the weather team?" "I was actually planning on applying for a job there. They were busy, so I decided to wait." Rainbow Dash said. "Oh my!" Rarity gasped, "I haven't introduced myself! I'm Rarity, the town's most fabulous pony! I design and sew clothes for a living." "And I'm Applejack," Applejack said right after, "I farm and sell goods for a livin'." "What was your old job, Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked. "Actually I just finished high school about a month ago. Didn't get a job, but my parents supplied me with the things I need." said Rainbow Dash. "I actually had to drop out in tenth grade," Applejack said sadly, "That's when my family really needed me so we can survive and not be in debt." "Oh. I graduated a year ago." Rarity said. "Alright, team! Cloud clearing is done for the day!" Rainbow Dash heard Firefly shout. Applejack smiled and said, "Time to get a job, Rainbow Dash." Rainbow smiled at the two of them, and then flew up towards Firefly, shouting her name on the way up. Firefly turned around. "Oh, you." "I'm interested in joining the weather team. Where can I apply?" "Right here, right now. C'mon, let's get on solid ground." The two ponies flew back down to the ground. Firefly began circling Rainbow Dash and then gently grabbed her wing and tugged on it. "What are you doing?" Rainbow asked, slightly nervous. "Inspecting. Gotta make sure you're good enough to be on the team, y'know." After a thorough inspection on her wings, hooves, vision and hearing, Firefly said, "Now show me how fast you can fly.You see that lone cloud up there. That really high one? Go fly up to it. I'll record your time. Go when I say go." Firefly approached a barrel and took her saddlebags off it, pulling out a stopwatch. Rainbow prepared herself for her flight. "Now remember Rainbow, if you don't make it up there within twelve seconds, you aren't getting on the team." Rainbow laughed, "Easy." "GO!" Firefly shouted. Rainbow burst from the ground, giving her full 100% effort into getting to that cloud. She flapped and flapped her wings as fast as they could. Rainbow Dash soon reached the cloud and suddenly stopped herself. Rainbow Dash looked down and saw Firefly's mouth agape. Rainbow laughed, let herself fall from the sky and opened her wings as she came towards Firefly. "So what's my time?" "Three point two seconds!" Firefly gasped. A pony just as good-no a pony even BETTER than you, Rainbow Dash thought. "Alright, you got the job. We'll talk with the mayor later. For now you're a Cloud Bouncer." Firefly said. "Cloud Bouncer?" Dash asked. "The pony who bounces on dark clouds and gets all of the rain out them." Firefly said, not making eye contact, but instead putting her stop watch away. "Are you kidding me?! I'm good enough to be busting thunderclouds!" Rainbow said defensively. Firefly gave her a glare. "Listen, do you want to have the job or not? I've been out of high school for three years now - I worked my way up to being the manager. And I can easily say no to your request. What job do you want? None at all? This is your chance, kid. Don't ruin it." Firefly began to fly away. Then she stopped in her tracks, "Meet me here tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. We'll go to the mayor's office to confirm your role." Firefly took off in a flash. Rainbow Dash growled. "I hate her. I knew it. She's a terrible pony! I'll prove to her...I'll prove that I'm better than her." Competition"Welcome to the team, Cloud Bouncer." teased Firefly as the two walked out of the mayor's office, "Now's the time all fo the team should be gathering up." Rainbow Dash grumbled in annoyance. Soon enough every pony arrived. Firefly began speaking. "This is Rainbow Dash. Our newest Cloud Bouncer." Rude chuckles emerged from the crowd. Rainbow couldn't stand to be humiliated like this, "Hey. I'm sorry I'm better than you guys!" A sarcastic "OOOOH..." came from the crowd. Rainbow Dash growled. "Think I'm so bad? Race me! Let me show you how much more awesome I am than you!" "I'll race you! Want me to trot so you can keep up?" a voice came from the crowd, and laughter broke out. "Yeah, race me! Trot's all you got, isn't it?" Rainbow dared. A grey stallion came from the crowd. Rainbow turned around to see Firefly, amused by the challenge. Rainbow could tell by the look on Firefly's face that the stallion was going to lose. "No, no." Firefly interrupted, "No races. We've got a job to do." Firefly looked at Rainbow Dash. "A storm coming from Canterlot is rolling in two days early. Make those clouds less thundery, would you?" Firefly asked. "Can do!" Rainbow Dash said, and took off to bounce the thunderclouds back to normal. The rest of the team did what they normally would. *** The day was over. Rainbow Dash saw everypony go back to their normal lives. Gosh, they were so rude! Rainbow lay in her bed and thought about what she could do to earn some respect. Suddenly an idea popped in her head. That's it! All I have to do is that and they'll all see how awesome I really am! *** Second day of work, Rainbow Dash spent it busting the second wave of Canterlot clouds while all of the other ponies, who were way worse at flying than her doing all of the cool stuff. Soon she'd be promoted though. She knew it. After work, the team had a meeting. "I'm surprised you showed up, retard replacement!" a green pony called from the team. Rainbow Dash flew up to them, "What did you just call me?" The green mare was not threatened at all, "We had a retard on our team once when were desperate for members. Firefly and the mayor fired her because she was, y'know, a retard. Terrible at her job. Just like you." Rainbow Dash was just going to punch the green mare, then one voice called out, "Hey, there's retard right now!" The pony owning the voice pointed at a grey pegasus with yellow eyes and yellow mane and tail. The eyes were crossed. The grey mare looked over and quickly started to run away, while the crowd called out, "Retard! Retard! Retard!" The poor mare ran away crying. Maybe now's the right time to start punching them. Rainbow Dash thought. "Listen!" Rainbow Dash yelled and flew up into the air so every pony could see her. "If I'm such a retard, then everyone of you will be able to knock me out in a snap. Who thinks they're good enough to beat me?" The same grey stallion walked up, "I will. I'm Thunderlane! The strongest pony on the team." "Well, Thunderlane. Your title just got stolen!" And with that, Rainbow Dash gave him a powerful punch under the chin. Thunderlane went soaring after her, but Rainbow Dash was faster. She caught Thunderlane from behind, and bucked his back. Thunderlane howled, but managed to flip over and kick Rainbow Dash in the belly. Rainbow Dash yelped, but continued on, and gave a powerful, two-hoof hit in the chest. While she was doing that, Thunderlane managed to grab her legs and swing her around, and let go, letting her fly through the air. Rainbow recovered and charged toward him grabbed his back legs, but Thunderlane bucked her in the chest. Rainbow Dash used advantage of this and let go, quickly kicking his belly. Her goal was to make him unconscious. She guessed that was his goal, too. He went charging after her but she evaded, turned sharply and landed on his shoulders, as if she were riding him. She wrapped her hooves around his neck and pulled back, avoiding any air from getting into his lungs. Thunderlane used his front hooves to kick Rainbow Dash's back legs but Rainbow Dash would not let go. Then Thunderlane stopped flapping and Rainbow Dash was holding him by his neck, while the rest of his body dangled. Quickly, she set him on the ground, and let him lay on his side, so he could get some air in. Rainbow Dash breathed heavily, "Well?" she asked, looking at the shocked crowd. Firefly came up slowly, a bemused look on her face. Rainbow prepared for the worst, but instead... "You've proved yourself Cloud Bouncer," Firefly said, "Promotion." Then there was coughing and Thunderlane got up. "Ugh...did I just get beat up by a mare?" he asked, rubbing his head. "Pretty much." Rainbow Dash said, approaching him. Thunderlane gasped, and backed away, "Please no!" "Listen, everypony." she said, looking at the crowd that now feared her. "I'm not a monster. I don't fight a lot. My last fight was in tenth grade. But I proved myself." The green mare walked up. "No you haven't." Rainbow Dash went in her face, "What do you mean I haven't?!" For once, the green mare showed a sign of fear but said, "You can fight. But you haven't proved your speed." Rainbow Dash growled. "Alright then." She turned and faced Firefly. "I, Rainbow Dash, challenge Firefly to a race." The RaceOne day ago, Rainbow Dash challenged Firefly to a race, to see who was the best flyer. Firefly accepted. Rainbow Dash has never trained herself so hard. She trained and trained and didn't let anything slow her down, not even her own exhaustion. The time had finally arrived. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy set up a racing track for them the previous day, and Rainbow Dash had to make time to study it. When Rainbow Dash arrived, she heard everypony cheering for Firefly as she made a grand entrance. "Firefly! Firefly! Firefly! Firefly!" they cheered. The ones who weren't cheering for Firefly had their mouths closed. Soon it will be me they're cheering for, thought Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie was in a hot air balloon with Rarity. "Hello, everypony! Today we'll be having a super spectacular race between Firefly-" the crowd went screaming and cheering, "and Rainbow Dash!" a few ponies clapped, but no cheers. Rarity spoke, "We will have some volunteers follow to make sure neither of them cheat." she pointed at three pegasi. The crowd cheered as the pegasi waved. Rainbow Dash recognized none of them. "Ponies, get to the start line!" Pinkie Pie shouted. Rainbow Dash and Firefly walked up to the start line. "Ready..." Pinkie started, "Set..." "GO!" The second Firefly and Rainbow Dash heard that word was the same second they took off like rockets, each making themselves go faster no matter what. I have to win, Firefly thought as she made her wings beat faster, I'm the best, always have been, always will be. she looked at Rainbow Dash, who was exactly by her side, I will win. Firefly flapped her wings and went ahead Rainbow Dash. *** Rainbow Dash had similar thoughts, but her main focus was not on Firefly, but rather the flapping of her wings. Can I do it? she thought, Can I do a sonic rainboom? Wait, of course I can! I'll beat Firefly in a snap! She's no competition. Rainbow Dash then realized Firefly was ahead her. And flapped even faster. *** After the Forest Flight part of the map, came the Sky Rocket. Rainbow Dash was next to Firefly now, and the three pegasi were nowhere to be seen. Rainbow Dash assumed they fell behind and were trying to catch up. Then the two soared up into the air. Rainbow Dash was determined to get in front of her. And so she flew. Realizing Rainbow Dash was in front of her, Firefly caught up. The pain on her told her to stop but every time she thought of stopping, she made herself go faster. Firefly knew Rainbow Dash was experiencing the same pain. There's no way anypony could fly like this painless. Wait, I'm thinking about pain. Time to go faster. After being in the Skyrocket came the next part, which both the ponies dreaded the most; The Everfree Obsticale. Rainbow Dash was the first to get into the forest, and watched as she passed the unnatural trees and plants. *** Firefly stayed behind. She defentily did not want to get hurt in that forest. Besides, she could easily catch up. Firefly swooped into tthe entrance at a fast speed, but not too fast. *** Rainbow Dash watched as Firefly slowed down. Ha! What was going on in that head of her's? I'm so going to win this! Maybe she's just running low on energy. I knew I was the be- Rainbow Dash's thoughts were interrupted as she realized she was heading straight for a large thorn tree. She tried to stop herself but she was already too close. She hit the tree. She fell, holes had been poked in her and she was bleeding in various parts of the body. I can't believe I didn't see that coming! Stupid, stupid stupid! Rainbow Dash hit her hoof on her head to find out it was bleeding. She checked her wings, only to find out they were stained red. She then felt a sudden gust of wind as Firefly soared past her. "Wait!" she yelled, but Firefly was already gone. *** Firefly flew out of the forest and the finish line came into view. Where's Rainbow Dash? she thought, I probably just flew past her without her seeing. She's probably right behind me! Flap, Firely, flap! Firefly crossed the finish line, let herself slow down and turned around but nopony was behind her. *** Rainbow Dash tried to fly, but the pain was too great. She was going to have to wait until one of the three pegasi found her. Suddenly, cheers came from the west. She won, Rainbow Dash thought, She won because of your stupid mistake. Suddenly, a pegasus came by and spotted Rainbow Dash. He made no comment, but immediately picked her up and soared out of the forest, and to the nearest place that could help her. *** Rainbow Dash awoke and grumbled, "Where am I?" She looked around and saw her. Her. Firefly. And she didn't look to happy- in fact, not happy at all. Rainbow Dash's eyes opened wide and she backed up against the bed, "What are you doing here?" Firefly still had the mad look on your face, "You hurt yourself in the forest. I finished the race, I won." she said. Rainbow Dash got angry then, "Why didn't you help me?!" "Because I didn't see you," Firefly said, "I thought you were out by the time I got out." Suddenly the door opened and Fluttershy walked in. "Oh, um, am I interrupting anything?" she asked, worried. "Not at all. Come talk to Rainbow Dash." Firefly said. Fluttershy walked up to Rainbow Dash, "Oh Rainbow Dash! I was so worried! Are you okay?" "I'm fine." Rainbow Dash said, still annoyed with Firefly. "Oh thank goodness! I brought you this- it's from Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy brought out a card and handed it to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow opened the card, and confetti sprayed out of it. Rainbow Dash jumped in surprise. Then she jumped again when she heard Pinkie's voice from the card- "GET BETTER RAINBOW DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!" She closed the card, "I guess she really wants me to get better." Fluttershy chuckled, "Well I have to go. I have to take care of some animals." And she made her way for the exit. "I'll go, to." Firefly said, and she followed Fluttershy. Firefly stopped before she left, "Hope you get better." And she closed the door behind her. Meet Sunny Daze"Alright, you're good Rainbow Dash. I'd recommend resting for about three days before you attempt flying again." the doctor said as Rainbow Dash left the room to check out. "Thanks Doc." she said. Rainbow Dash walked back to her house, to only realize she'd have to fly to get up there. Who could she ask for help? Fluttershy wouldn't be that much help... Then suddenly a carriage pulled up, and Rainbow Dash's mother and father came out. "Dashie!" her mother came up in concern, looking at Rainbow's wrapped-in-bandages body. "Mom?! Dad?! Why are you here?!" Rainbow Dash asked, not wanting to explain why she got the bandages. "Fluttershy sent us a letter. How long were you in the hospital for?!" her mother exclaimed. "Four days. I'm fine, mom." Dash said. Her father came up, "Why would you do something so stupid?" "What did Fluttershy say?" Rainbow Dash asked. Her father came up with the letter. Dear Sunny Daze and Blaze, Your daughter, Rainbow Dash, has been hurt in a recent race with another pony. She hit a tree in the Everfree forest and poked many deep holes in her body and lost blood, luckly, she got to the hospital in time. This is her first day here. The doctor said she'd leave in three days. I just want to let you guys know. Sincerely, Her Old Friend Fluttershy "Ugh, Fluttershy..." Rainbow Dash grumbled. "Thank Celestia you're okay." Blaze said, "Let's help you in." They helped Dash into her house and rest her on her bed. "Nice place you've got here, Dash." Blaze said. "Thanks." Rainbow replied. "Blaze, I'm going to stay here for the night. I want to make sure Dashie gets everything she needs." "Please no, mom. I'll be fine." Dash replied nervously. If there was one thing Dashie hated, it was her mom's over protection. The day Dash turned thirteen, she saw got a surprise kiss from a colt next door- who had been her crush. Sunny was terrified at the thought of her Dashie growing up, and didn't let her leave until three days later. Blaze was even worse- he almost beat up the poor colt- in fact, her older brothers chased him down. Finally the colt was put out of his misery by his parents deciding to move. The two were sad to be seperated, but Rainbow knew it was for the better. She wouldn't want her coltfriend end up being killed by her over protective family. What if Fluttershy came by? Surely Sunny would be okay with it, because Fluttershy is her best friend, but- Her thoughts were interrupted by Blaze. "Okay, stay here with Dash. I'll go back." Blaze began trotting out the door. "Bye, dad." Rainbow said. "Bye." and he closed the door. A few minutes of silence, and then there was a knock on the door. Before Rainbow Dash had the chance to get her sore body up and off her bed, her mother was already at the door and she opened it up. "Who's this, Dash?" Sunny asked. Rainbow Dash walked out of her bed and into the foyer. It was Firefly. Rainbow Dash began breathing heavily- she never had an anxiety attack like this since she was fifteen. She finally managed to calm herself and said, "Umm, this is my friend, Firefly." "Nice to meet you...uh..." Firefly said. "Sunny Daze." replied Sunny Daze. "Yeah, nice to meet you Sunny Daze. I was just here to check on Rainbow Dash and see how she's doing." Firefly said, slightly confused. "Well, Firefly, if you ever find the terrible pony that hurt my Dashie, then make sure she gets a meeting with the law!" Sunny Daze hugged her daughter and she let out a yelp in pain. "Sorry Dashie." Sunny whispered. "Mom," Rainbow Dash said, "no one hurt me. It was my fault. And what we did wasn't illegal." "Well, Firefly- I want you to find the pony that is the reason she got hurt- and make sure she goes to jail for it!" Sunny yelled. Firefly had a bemused look on her face. Rainbow gave her the, Don't tell her! look. Firefly sighed, "Well, I know Dash is okay now. Yeah... I'll try to find that pony." And she left. "Now go lay back down on your bed," Sunny said, "I don't want you to get anymore hurt." "Mom!" "Don't 'mom' me! You're hurt!" Sunny exclaimed, and Rainbow knew that she had to go back in her bed. Just then there was another knock on the door, and Sunny Daze opened it to see Fluttershy. "Fluttershy!" She exclaimed with happiness, "Wow, you've grown!" "Hi, Mrs.Daze. I'm here to see Rainbow Dash." she whispered shyly. "She's in her room. Do you want anything to drink?" Sunny asked. "No thank you." Fluttershy said, and she disapeared into Dash's room. *** "Where's the so called 'best flyer in all of Equestria'?!" a pegasus on the team asked. "Like I said before, Sonicblast, she's at home getting better." Firefly said annoyed. "Healing?! More like crying!" another pegasus shouted, and the entire team laughed. Firefly growled, "Listen! I didn't want a bunch of fourth graders on my team! Now get to work!" Immediately, the team took off. Firefly sighed. Why did her team hate Rainbow Dash so much? She was better than all of them- that's for sure. Sure, she had an ego but all of their egos were bigger than her's. Maybe they were just scared? They never bullied a new member like that before. Even Thunderlane is dating the new member before Rainbow Dash- and she was a Cloudbouncer at first, like every other new member. Everypony loved her. So why did they bully Rainbow in the first place? Firefly looked at her team and sighed. Rainbow Dash wasn't even a Cloud Bouncer anymore. She should have some respect- not be bullied. Firefly shook her head. She'd think about it once Rainbow Dash got back. Spin the BottleRainbow Dash was back at her job, now a CloudKicker. Nopony seemed to make fun of her now, even after she lost the race. Finally it was over. She began gathering up her things as she began to leave, when somepony tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, Rainbow Dash. We think you're super cool. Wanna come to a party we're having tonight?" a brown team member asked. Rainbow Dash didn't recognize her. The brown pony was surrounded by a group of other ponies, about fifteen altogether. "Uh," Rainbow Dash said. "It'll be at 60395 on MareWell street. Seven through whenever." The pony said. "Maybe." Rainbow Dash said. "Alright. But I know you won't want to miss it." and the mare and her group left like a flock of birds. Rainbow Dash stared at the grounded pegasi. These were the pegasi that made fun of her. Perhaps she could make friends with the ones currently sky bound. She gave a flap of her wings and flew home. Why not? Only a few of those pegasi seemed old enough to drink, so drinks probably weren't going to be there. She sat on her couch and thought again- Why not? *** The time came, Rainbow Dash arrived at the address only a few minutes after. "Ah, I knew you'd come." the brown pegasus put a hoof around Dash. Dash shifted uncomfortably and looked at the atmosphere. There was surprisingly a lot of ponies here. No pony was any other race- she guessed it was a party for the weather team only. "What do you want to drink?" The pony asked. "I'm not thirsty, but thanks." Dash replied. The brown pony left her and allowed Rainbow Dash to mingle with the others. After talking to a mare called DustyFeather for a few minutes, Rainbow Dash heard the brown pony yell, "Guys! She's here!" In the foyer, was Firefly. Rainbow Dash chuckled, remembering the last party. Firefly was handed a glass of wine. So there is alcohol here, Rainbow Dash started to panic, what if they make me drink? she didn't want to get in anymore trouble with her parents. By the time Rainbow looked back, Firefly finished the wine. As Rainbow Dash looked around more, she saw that about half of the ponies were holding beer or wine in their hooves- some were even her age. Rainbow calmed down. Surely nopony would get too crazy, right? Firefly walked into the room Dash was in. "So what made you come?" Rainbow Dash didn't realize Firefly was talking to her. "Oh, just to meet everypony." Firefly gave a smile, and wrapped a wing around her. "I know you came here to drink." "What?! No!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Let me show you a legal and fun way to use a beer bottle." Firefly said, "Hey Flitterheart! Can I take that beer of yours?" "Oh, uh sure." Flitterheart gave her the empty bottle. "Now everypony. We're going to play spin the bottle. Only wimps won't join." Firefly blinked at Dash. Is she testing me? Rainbow wondered. Everypony formed a circle- including Rainbow. The bottle was in the middle. "Now, here's the rules. There will be no 'same gender' exception. This goes out to everypony. If a mare has to kiss a mare, so be it. Got it, team?" Firefly asked. The team nodded. "Alright. Let's start." Firefly spun the bottle, and Rainbow Dash watched nervously in fear she'd have to kiss a mare. The bottle landed on DustyFeather. "DustyFeather has to kiss..." Firefly said, and then the bottle landed on a dark blue mare, "Midnight Steak!" The team burst into laughter. "You have to do it." said Firefly, chuckling. Nervously, Dusty got up and gave Midnight a quick peck- nothing more. The team cheered. Firefly span the bottle again, and it landed on a white pegasus. "Snowangel has to kiss..." the bottle spun, "Bolting Wings!" Snow Angel sighed in relief that she didn't get a mare- but still hesitantly kissed Bolting Wings. Rainbow Dash was getting really nervous now. What if it landed on- "Rainbow Dash has to kiss..." Firefly said. "Oh god..." Rainbow whispered to herself. "SpikyTail!" Rainbow Dash looked at the stallion she was about to kiss. At least it was a stallion. She quickly kissed him and sat back down. Firefly spun the bottle, and it landed on her. "I have to kiss..." she said nervously, "Rainbow Dash." Rainbow Dash suddenly froze. "Dammit!" she heard Firefly say. "DO IT!" the team urged. Firefly got up and kissed Rainbow Dash. She sat back down. "Thank god that is over." she muttered. She spun the bottle again, and the game continued. *** After the game of spin the bottle, another pony got an idea. "How about we place rainclouds over the bitch's property?" "You mean the purple one?" Midnight Streak asked. "Yeah, her. She was so rude to us while we were working. Let's get revenge." the idea pony said. "Wait," Firefly said, "We might get in trouble. Besides, the night is still young. It's only eight. We should only do it late." "She's right." Midnight said, "What else is there to do for now?" *** For the next few hours, the ponies drank- luckly, they didn't pressure Rainbow Dash. They partied, had blasting music and flashing lights- the neighbors even threatened to gallop to the police station. But now it was late, Rainbow Dash had guessed it was about two in the morning, although she was not tired. "We should place the clouds now." Midnight said. "Alright," Firefly replied, "Let's do it." And everypony quickly and quietly flew out the door. *** Each pony held their own cloud. "Over her garden?" one whispered. "Yeah! Let's place them over her garden!" Another whispered back. Whispers of agreement went through the clouds. Rainbow Dash didn't feel guilty- she felt excited, not excited to get revenge, because she didn't even know the pony, but excited to do something daring with her team. "Okay guys, let's go!" she heard Firefly whisper-yell. The ponies moved at the fastest and quietest pace possible towards 'the bitch's' garden. One by one, each pony set their own cloud above the garden, each cloud not allowing a ray of sun onto it. By morning, the garden would have no sun and if the clouds stayed for a while, they would die. As all of the clouds were placed, the ponies snickered and hoofbumped as they headed back to the house to finish their party.
All Grown Up"Oh, Dashie." Her mother, Sunny Daze hugged Rainbow Dash. "I can't believe you're eighteen. Right, Blaze?" "Sunny, you worry too much. Our Dashie will be just fine. We've gone through this before," Blaze, Rainbow Dash's father said, "Although, you'll always be my little girl, Dashie. No coltfriends allowed." Blaze chuckled. "Dad!" exclaimed Dash, embarrassed, even though her mom was the only other pony around. "But it's different, Blaze. Dashie's our daughter. She's not a stinky colt like her two brothers." Sunny joked. "I hope you don't love me anymore than Flaming Arrow or Wingburn, mom." Rainbow Dash said half jokingly, half serious. "Well, I think it's time you have to go Dashie. Do you have everything?" Sunny asked. "Yup. I'll see you two in a month, okay?" Rainbow replied. "Be safe, Dash." Blaze said. "I will, I will. Now I have to go or else I'll miss the flight carriage. Bye!" Rainbow Dash quickly hugged them both and left, ready to start her new life.
Welcome to Ponyville!"We're here, Ms.Dash." said the driver. "Thanks," Rainbow Dash gave the driver her bits and left the flight carriage with her bags. She noticed Ponyville was a very quiet place. And very peaceful. The smell of spring flowers surrounded her. She looked up towards the sky, and quickly saw her home. Carrying all of her bags at once, which was a challenge enough, she went inside. It smelled fresh. Rainbow always lived in the same house until now, so she guessed this was the "new house" smell. Rainbow didn't want to put her things up just yet, and soon the moving carriage would come with her bed, a couch, fridge, and other large supplies that the house didn't come with. So she decided to wait until it arrived. Rainbow stepped outside. Maybe she could meet some ponies. She flew out of her house, and over the village. Suddenly she heard a scream. "HEEEY, YOU!!!!" startled, Rainbow Dash flew faster. "WAAAAIT!!!" the voice screamed. Rainbow Dash looked behind her and saw a pink earth pony chasing her. What could she possibly want? Hesitantly, Rainbow Dash landed and let the earth pony catch up. The pony gasped for air, but once she caught her breath, she said, "HeyyouIsawyouatyourhouseandIwaslikeOHMYGOSHanewponysoiwantedtomeeetyouandwelcometoPonyvilletheBESTPLACEEVERcauseyoullhavealotoffriendsandfeelsooooowelcomehereandIcan'twaittomeetyousowhat'syourame?" Rainbow Dash only caught the name part. "I'm...Rainbow Dash. You?" "The one and only crazy party pony out there - PINKIE PIE!" Pinkie Pie jumped up and down happily. Rainbow Dash stared at her oddly. "How much sugar have you had today?" "None! WellIworkeatacakeshopandIbakegoodiesallthetimeitscalledSugarCubeCorneranditsreallygoodyou'llloveitbutanywaysIalsolivethereandtheownerssaidIcouldn'thavesugarforaweekandtoday'sthelastdaysoWOObutanywaysIhaven'thadsugarforaweek." "Wow..." Rainbow Dash said. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash heard a voice call out. "Cloudchaser and Flitterheart, go get the cloud on the left and move it so Daisy's yard can get some light!" Rainbow Dash looked up at the sky and saw a team of pegasi working on weather management. Rainbow Dash finally found the owner of the voice - a pink pegasus pony with a blue mane and tail. "Who's that?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Oh her? That's Firefly, the Ponyville Weather Manager. She's super-duper awesome at flying!" Pinkie Pie said. "Super-duper awesome, huh?" Rainbow asked. I bet she isn't as awesome as this crazy pink pony says, Rainbow Dash thought, I bet I can make it look like she's as good as a filly compared to me! Rainbow Dash shook her head, I should stop. I don't even know her yet! Who knows? She might be awesome. Her thoughts were interrupted by Pinkie Pie, "Yup! She's like, the best! She wins every single fall race we have! Even without her wings! Well, one time she was almost beat by Applejack, but she still ended up winning." Slight jealousy took over Dash. It's just one pony who thinks Firefly is so awesome, Rainbow reminded herself. "Well, I have to go. Bye Rainbow Dash!" and Pinkie Pie hopped off. Rainbow only stared at Firefly.
The PartyRainbow flew back home, just when she was about to open the door, Pinkie Pie's head popped through the floor. "RAINBOW DASH-" her head disappeared, but came back a few seconds later. "YOU HAVE TO-" "COME TO SUGARCUBE-" "CORNER SO WE CAN-" "HANG OUT." Rainbow Dash shook her head and kept watching as Pinkie's head came through the cloud and back under again. It was obvious she was using a trampoline. "Sorry Pinkie, not now." "BUT YOU HAVE-" "TO. PLEASE" "RAINBOW DASH." "Fine," Rainbow said, and flew to the ground. Pinkie stopped using her trampoline and said, "Follow me!" And bounced along, happily leading Dash to Sugarcube Corner. *** "Surprise!" Ponies came out from behind tables and counters. "Whoa, how'd you know it's my birthday?" Rainbow Dash asked. Pinkie Pie gasped, "IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY?!" Rainbow nodded, "Yeah, it is." Pinkie Pie gasped again and then yelled, "FIREFLY!!!" The pink pony came out of nowhere and to Pinkie Pie, "Yes, Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash noticed more features on the pink pegasus. Purple eyes, spiky mane, and two blue lightning bolts as a cutie mark. "I NEED BALLOONS. WHITE, YELLOW, BLUE, RED, STAT!" Pinkie yelled. Firefly disappeared in a flash. "Uh..." Rainbow Dash began to say, but was cut off by Pinkie shoving a cupcake in her mouth. Rainbow Dash ate it and swallowed it. It was really good. Then Firefly returned. And quickly moving her hooves, Pinkie Pie made one large balloon that looked like Rainbow Dash's cutie mark. She took a string and tied it to Dash's hoof. "Wow, that's pretty awesome Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Then Pinkie Pie yelled, "We're gonna play pin the tail on the pony!" Quickly she blindfolded Dash and spun her. Rainbow Dash wobbled on her hooves but quickly recovered. She walked forward. "Wait, Rainbow Dash. Wrong way!" Pinkie yelled. "What?" Rainbow Dash said, but it was too late. Rainbow hit something, or some pony. Rainbow Dash took off her blindfold and noticed she hit the last pony she wanted to- Firefly. And the tail was on her muzzle, as if it were a mustache. Rainbow Dash got up, shook herself, but then fell down laughing. Firefly got up, wiped the tail off her muzzle, and looked at Dash, bemused. "No, Firefly! It was an accident! Although I do admit- that tail looked pretty funny on your muzzle!" Pinkie said. Firefly didn't move and instead said, "You're Rainbow Dash, huh?" Firefly held out her hoof. Rainbow Dash used it to help her up. "Uh..yeah I am. You're Firefly?" "Yeah. Now I know it was an accident. But..." Firefly pointed to a crying yellow pegasus, "You scared the crap out of Fluttershy." "Fluttershy?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "R-Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy looked up at her. Fluttershy's eyes widened and she got up and hugged Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, it's been so long!" "I know. I didn't know you moved here!" Rainbow replied, happy to be reunited with one of her best friends from foalhood. "Aww, reunion. But we should still party!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Fluttershy let go of Rainbow Dash. Rainbow noticed everypony was staring. They've probably been staring since she bumped into Firefly. "Yeah, let's party!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Music started to play, and everything went back to normal. *** The party lasted a long time, Rainbow Dash realized that when it was midnight, and no longer her birthday. What have they done during the party? She remembers a super huge cake, lots of games, and some pony peeing on the floor. But now she was tired and went home. She remembered she didn't get her bed yet, so she just fell asleep on the floor.
Time To Get A JobRainbow Dash awoke to a knock on her door. She opened it up to find the delivery pony. She sighed. She knew she was going to spend the entire day getting everything in her house. *** With the help and company of Fluttershy, Dash got everything set up. Everything was good, except for the fact that Dash was tired. She said goodbye to Fluttershy and fell asleep. *** The next morning, Rainbow Dash felt refreshed. Third day in Ponyville. It was time to get a job. Rainbow flew outside to find the weather ponies on duty, with Firefly commanding them. Rainbow Dash knew she should wait until they were done, so she flew down and decided to explore. Rainbow walked on the streets of Ponyville, seeing ponies buying food at tiny stands. She then saw a colorful building, and decided to go towards it. In front of the building was an earth pony and a unicorn. "Fer the last time Rarity, I can't climb trees! I have hooves!" the earth pony shouted. The unicorn, Rainbow assumed was Rarity said, "Well don't expect me to just sit here while my poor Opal is stuck up there!" The earth pony grumbled, "This is a job for a pegasus. And I ain't got any wings." "Well you kick trees all the time, Applejack!" Rarity hissed. The earth pony, who Rainbow also assumed was Applejack replied, "So you want me to buck Opal out of the tree?" Rarity looked concerned, "If that's what I have to do, then yes." Rarity looked up at the cat, "Don't worry Opal. I'll catch you...I hope." "Fine Rarity, but if that cat gets hurt because of this it ain't my fault." Applejack grumbled, and she got in the bucking position. Rarity seemed to work on her aim. "Whoa, whoa, whoa." Rainbow Dash flew in. The two ponies jumped back in surprise. Rainbow Dash flew up and grabbed Opal, and set her next to Rarity. Rainbow Dash landed and folded her wings. Rarity stared at her oddly, "Who are you?" "I'm...Rainbow Dash. Y'know, that new pony." "Oh yeah. Rarity and I couldn't make it to that party that Pinkie was planning because some pony needed help getting her cat groomed." Applejack grumbled. "It's not my fault Fluttershy wanted to go to that party. Besides, her coat needed to be groomed immediately!" Rarity defended herself. "Wait...Fluttershy grooms your cat?" Rainbow asked. "Yes, she's a very kind pony who's great with animals." Rarity replied. "She was my best friend when she lived in Cloudsdale." Rainbow remarked. "Oh..but Rainbow Dash I must ask, how did you get your rainbow mane?" Rarity asked. "Well, it was actually an accident. So my great grandma is about to give birth to my grandma, and a few days before birth she ate zap apples. For some reason it turned my grandma's mane into a rainbow. And when she had my dad, his mane ended up being rainbow, too. And now mine is." Rainbow said. "Zap apples? At Sweet Apple Acres we have zap apples yearly!" Applejack said happily. "Really? Awesome! I've heard of zap apples but I've never got to eat them." Rainbow replied. Changing the subject, Rarity spoke, "Rainbow Dash- the way you just flew in and grabbed Opal so quickly surprises me! Are you on the weather team?" "I was actually planning on applying for a job there. They were busy, so I decided to wait." Rainbow Dash said. "Oh my!" Rarity gasped, "I haven't introduced myself! I'm Rarity, the town's most fabulous pony! I design and sew clothes for a living." "And I'm Applejack," Applejack said right after, "I farm and sell goods for a livin'." "What was your old job, Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked. "Actually I just finished high school about a month ago. Didn't get a job, but my parents supplied me with the things I need." said Rainbow Dash. "I actually had to drop out in tenth grade," Applejack said sadly, "That's when my family really needed me so we can survive and not be in debt." "Oh. I graduated a year ago." Rarity said. "Alright, team! Cloud clearing is done for the day!" Rainbow Dash heard Firefly shout. Applejack smiled and said, "Time to get a job, Rainbow Dash." Rainbow smiled at the two of them, and then flew up towards Firefly, shouting her name on the way up. Firefly turned around. "Oh, you." "I'm interested in joining the weather team. Where can I apply?" "Right here, right now. C'mon, let's get on solid ground." The two ponies flew back down to the ground. Firefly began circling Rainbow Dash and then gently grabbed her wing and tugged on it. "What are you doing?" Rainbow asked, slightly nervous. "Inspecting. Gotta make sure you're good enough to be on the team, y'know." After a thorough inspection on her wings, hooves, vision and hearing, Firefly said, "Now show me how fast you can fly.You see that lone cloud up there. That really high one? Go fly up to it. I'll record your time. Go when I say go." Firefly approached a barrel and took her saddlebags off it, pulling out a stopwatch. Rainbow prepared herself for her flight. "Now remember Rainbow, if you don't make it up there within twelve seconds, you aren't getting on the team." Rainbow laughed, "Easy." "GO!" Firefly shouted. Rainbow burst from the ground, giving her full 100% effort into getting to that cloud. She flapped and flapped her wings as fast as they could. Rainbow Dash soon reached the cloud and suddenly stopped herself. Rainbow Dash looked down and saw Firefly's mouth agape. Rainbow laughed, let herself fall from the sky and opened her wings as she came towards Firefly. "So what's my time?" "Three point two seconds!" Firefly gasped. A pony just as good-no a pony even BETTER than you, Rainbow Dash thought. "Alright, you got the job. We'll talk with the mayor later. For now you're a Cloud Bouncer." Firefly said. "Cloud Bouncer?" Dash asked. "The pony who bounces on dark clouds and gets all of the rain out them." Firefly said, not making eye contact, but instead putting her stop watch away. "Are you kidding me?! I'm good enough to be busting thunderclouds!" Rainbow said defensively. Firefly gave her a glare. "Listen, do you want to have the job or not? I've been out of high school for three years now - I worked my way up to being the manager. And I can easily say no to your request. What job do you want? None at all? This is your chance, kid. Don't ruin it." Firefly began to fly away. Then she stopped in her tracks, "Meet me here tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. We'll go to the mayor's office to confirm your role." Firefly took off in a flash. Rainbow Dash growled. "I hate her. I knew it. She's a terrible pony! I'll prove to her...I'll prove that I'm better than her."
Competition"Welcome to the team, Cloud Bouncer." teased Firefly as the two walked out of the mayor's office, "Now's the time all fo the team should be gathering up." Rainbow Dash grumbled in annoyance. Soon enough every pony arrived. Firefly began speaking. "This is Rainbow Dash. Our newest Cloud Bouncer." Rude chuckles emerged from the crowd. Rainbow couldn't stand to be humiliated like this, "Hey. I'm sorry I'm better than you guys!" A sarcastic "OOOOH..." came from the crowd. Rainbow Dash growled. "Think I'm so bad? Race me! Let me show you how much more awesome I am than you!" "I'll race you! Want me to trot so you can keep up?" a voice came from the crowd, and laughter broke out. "Yeah, race me! Trot's all you got, isn't it?" Rainbow dared. A grey stallion came from the crowd. Rainbow turned around to see Firefly, amused by the challenge. Rainbow could tell by the look on Firefly's face that the stallion was going to lose. "No, no." Firefly interrupted, "No races. We've got a job to do." Firefly looked at Rainbow Dash. "A storm coming from Canterlot is rolling in two days early. Make those clouds less thundery, would you?" Firefly asked. "Can do!" Rainbow Dash said, and took off to bounce the thunderclouds back to normal. The rest of the team did what they normally would. *** The day was over. Rainbow Dash saw everypony go back to their normal lives. Gosh, they were so rude! Rainbow lay in her bed and thought about what she could do to earn some respect. Suddenly an idea popped in her head. That's it! All I have to do is that and they'll all see how awesome I really am! *** Second day of work, Rainbow Dash spent it busting the second wave of Canterlot clouds while all of the other ponies, who were way worse at flying than her doing all of the cool stuff. Soon she'd be promoted though. She knew it. After work, the team had a meeting. "I'm surprised you showed up, retard replacement!" a green pony called from the team. Rainbow Dash flew up to them, "What did you just call me?" The green mare was not threatened at all, "We had a retard on our team once when were desperate for members. Firefly and the mayor fired her because she was, y'know, a retard. Terrible at her job. Just like you." Rainbow Dash was just going to punch the green mare, then one voice called out, "Hey, there's retard right now!" The pony owning the voice pointed at a grey pegasus with yellow eyes and yellow mane and tail. The eyes were crossed. The grey mare looked over and quickly started to run away, while the crowd called out, "Retard! Retard! Retard!" The poor mare ran away crying. Maybe now's the right time to start punching them. Rainbow Dash thought. "Listen!" Rainbow Dash yelled and flew up into the air so every pony could see her. "If I'm such a retard, then everyone of you will be able to knock me out in a snap. Who thinks they're good enough to beat me?" The same grey stallion walked up, "I will. I'm Thunderlane! The strongest pony on the team." "Well, Thunderlane. Your title just got stolen!" And with that, Rainbow Dash gave him a powerful punch under the chin. Thunderlane went soaring after her, but Rainbow Dash was faster. She caught Thunderlane from behind, and bucked his back. Thunderlane howled, but managed to flip over and kick Rainbow Dash in the belly. Rainbow Dash yelped, but continued on, and gave a powerful, two-hoof hit in the chest. While she was doing that, Thunderlane managed to grab her legs and swing her around, and let go, letting her fly through the air. Rainbow recovered and charged toward him grabbed his back legs, but Thunderlane bucked her in the chest. Rainbow Dash used advantage of this and let go, quickly kicking his belly. Her goal was to make him unconscious. She guessed that was his goal, too. He went charging after her but she evaded, turned sharply and landed on his shoulders, as if she were riding him. She wrapped her hooves around his neck and pulled back, avoiding any air from getting into his lungs. Thunderlane used his front hooves to kick Rainbow Dash's back legs but Rainbow Dash would not let go. Then Thunderlane stopped flapping and Rainbow Dash was holding him by his neck, while the rest of his body dangled. Quickly, she set him on the ground, and let him lay on his side, so he could get some air in. Rainbow Dash breathed heavily, "Well?" she asked, looking at the shocked crowd. Firefly came up slowly, a bemused look on her face. Rainbow prepared for the worst, but instead... "You've proved yourself Cloud Bouncer," Firefly said, "Promotion." Then there was coughing and Thunderlane got up. "Ugh...did I just get beat up by a mare?" he asked, rubbing his head. "Pretty much." Rainbow Dash said, approaching him. Thunderlane gasped, and backed away, "Please no!" "Listen, everypony." she said, looking at the crowd that now feared her. "I'm not a monster. I don't fight a lot. My last fight was in tenth grade. But I proved myself." The green mare walked up. "No you haven't." Rainbow Dash went in her face, "What do you mean I haven't?!" For once, the green mare showed a sign of fear but said, "You can fight. But you haven't proved your speed." Rainbow Dash growled. "Alright then." She turned and faced Firefly. "I, Rainbow Dash, challenge Firefly to a race."
The RaceOne day ago, Rainbow Dash challenged Firefly to a race, to see who was the best flyer. Firefly accepted. Rainbow Dash has never trained herself so hard. She trained and trained and didn't let anything slow her down, not even her own exhaustion. The time had finally arrived. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy set up a racing track for them the previous day, and Rainbow Dash had to make time to study it. When Rainbow Dash arrived, she heard everypony cheering for Firefly as she made a grand entrance. "Firefly! Firefly! Firefly! Firefly!" they cheered. The ones who weren't cheering for Firefly had their mouths closed. Soon it will be me they're cheering for, thought Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie was in a hot air balloon with Rarity. "Hello, everypony! Today we'll be having a super spectacular race between Firefly-" the crowd went screaming and cheering, "and Rainbow Dash!" a few ponies clapped, but no cheers. Rarity spoke, "We will have some volunteers follow to make sure neither of them cheat." she pointed at three pegasi. The crowd cheered as the pegasi waved. Rainbow Dash recognized none of them. "Ponies, get to the start line!" Pinkie Pie shouted. Rainbow Dash and Firefly walked up to the start line. "Ready..." Pinkie started, "Set..." "GO!" The second Firefly and Rainbow Dash heard that word was the same second they took off like rockets, each making themselves go faster no matter what. I have to win, Firefly thought as she made her wings beat faster, I'm the best, always have been, always will be. she looked at Rainbow Dash, who was exactly by her side, I will win. Firefly flapped her wings and went ahead Rainbow Dash. *** Rainbow Dash had similar thoughts, but her main focus was not on Firefly, but rather the flapping of her wings. Can I do it? she thought, Can I do a sonic rainboom? Wait, of course I can! I'll beat Firefly in a snap! She's no competition. Rainbow Dash then realized Firefly was ahead her. And flapped even faster. *** After the Forest Flight part of the map, came the Sky Rocket. Rainbow Dash was next to Firefly now, and the three pegasi were nowhere to be seen. Rainbow Dash assumed they fell behind and were trying to catch up. Then the two soared up into the air. Rainbow Dash was determined to get in front of her. And so she flew. Realizing Rainbow Dash was in front of her, Firefly caught up. The pain on her told her to stop but every time she thought of stopping, she made herself go faster. Firefly knew Rainbow Dash was experiencing the same pain. There's no way anypony could fly like this painless. Wait, I'm thinking about pain. Time to go faster. After being in the Skyrocket came the next part, which both the ponies dreaded the most; The Everfree Obsticale. Rainbow Dash was the first to get into the forest, and watched as she passed the unnatural trees and plants. *** Firefly stayed behind. She defentily did not want to get hurt in that forest. Besides, she could easily catch up. Firefly swooped into tthe entrance at a fast speed, but not too fast. *** Rainbow Dash watched as Firefly slowed down. Ha! What was going on in that head of her's? I'm so going to win this! Maybe she's just running low on energy. I knew I was the be- Rainbow Dash's thoughts were interrupted as she realized she was heading straight for a large thorn tree. She tried to stop herself but she was already too close. She hit the tree. She fell, holes had been poked in her and she was bleeding in various parts of the body. I can't believe I didn't see that coming! Stupid, stupid stupid! Rainbow Dash hit her hoof on her head to find out it was bleeding. She checked her wings, only to find out they were stained red. She then felt a sudden gust of wind as Firefly soared past her. "Wait!" she yelled, but Firefly was already gone. *** Firefly flew out of the forest and the finish line came into view. Where's Rainbow Dash? she thought, I probably just flew past her without her seeing. She's probably right behind me! Flap, Firely, flap! Firefly crossed the finish line, let herself slow down and turned around but nopony was behind her. *** Rainbow Dash tried to fly, but the pain was too great. She was going to have to wait until one of the three pegasi found her. Suddenly, cheers came from the west. She won, Rainbow Dash thought, She won because of your stupid mistake. Suddenly, a pegasus came by and spotted Rainbow Dash. He made no comment, but immediately picked her up and soared out of the forest, and to the nearest place that could help her. *** Rainbow Dash awoke and grumbled, "Where am I?" She looked around and saw her. Her. Firefly. And she didn't look to happy- in fact, not happy at all. Rainbow Dash's eyes opened wide and she backed up against the bed, "What are you doing here?" Firefly still had the mad look on your face, "You hurt yourself in the forest. I finished the race, I won." she said. Rainbow Dash got angry then, "Why didn't you help me?!" "Because I didn't see you," Firefly said, "I thought you were out by the time I got out." Suddenly the door opened and Fluttershy walked in. "Oh, um, am I interrupting anything?" she asked, worried. "Not at all. Come talk to Rainbow Dash." Firefly said. Fluttershy walked up to Rainbow Dash, "Oh Rainbow Dash! I was so worried! Are you okay?" "I'm fine." Rainbow Dash said, still annoyed with Firefly. "Oh thank goodness! I brought you this- it's from Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy brought out a card and handed it to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow opened the card, and confetti sprayed out of it. Rainbow Dash jumped in surprise. Then she jumped again when she heard Pinkie's voice from the card- "GET BETTER RAINBOW DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!" She closed the card, "I guess she really wants me to get better." Fluttershy chuckled, "Well I have to go. I have to take care of some animals." And she made her way for the exit. "I'll go, to." Firefly said, and she followed Fluttershy. Firefly stopped before she left, "Hope you get better." And she closed the door behind her.
Meet Sunny Daze"Alright, you're good Rainbow Dash. I'd recommend resting for about three days before you attempt flying again." the doctor said as Rainbow Dash left the room to check out. "Thanks Doc." she said. Rainbow Dash walked back to her house, to only realize she'd have to fly to get up there. Who could she ask for help? Fluttershy wouldn't be that much help... Then suddenly a carriage pulled up, and Rainbow Dash's mother and father came out. "Dashie!" her mother came up in concern, looking at Rainbow's wrapped-in-bandages body. "Mom?! Dad?! Why are you here?!" Rainbow Dash asked, not wanting to explain why she got the bandages. "Fluttershy sent us a letter. How long were you in the hospital for?!" her mother exclaimed. "Four days. I'm fine, mom." Dash said. Her father came up, "Why would you do something so stupid?" "What did Fluttershy say?" Rainbow Dash asked. Her father came up with the letter. Dear Sunny Daze and Blaze, Your daughter, Rainbow Dash, has been hurt in a recent race with another pony. She hit a tree in the Everfree forest and poked many deep holes in her body and lost blood, luckly, she got to the hospital in time. This is her first day here. The doctor said she'd leave in three days. I just want to let you guys know. Sincerely, Her Old Friend Fluttershy "Ugh, Fluttershy..." Rainbow Dash grumbled. "Thank Celestia you're okay." Blaze said, "Let's help you in." They helped Dash into her house and rest her on her bed. "Nice place you've got here, Dash." Blaze said. "Thanks." Rainbow replied. "Blaze, I'm going to stay here for the night. I want to make sure Dashie gets everything she needs." "Please no, mom. I'll be fine." Dash replied nervously. If there was one thing Dashie hated, it was her mom's over protection. The day Dash turned thirteen, she saw got a surprise kiss from a colt next door- who had been her crush. Sunny was terrified at the thought of her Dashie growing up, and didn't let her leave until three days later. Blaze was even worse- he almost beat up the poor colt- in fact, her older brothers chased him down. Finally the colt was put out of his misery by his parents deciding to move. The two were sad to be seperated, but Rainbow knew it was for the better. She wouldn't want her coltfriend end up being killed by her over protective family. What if Fluttershy came by? Surely Sunny would be okay with it, because Fluttershy is her best friend, but- Her thoughts were interrupted by Blaze. "Okay, stay here with Dash. I'll go back." Blaze began trotting out the door. "Bye, dad." Rainbow said. "Bye." and he closed the door. A few minutes of silence, and then there was a knock on the door. Before Rainbow Dash had the chance to get her sore body up and off her bed, her mother was already at the door and she opened it up. "Who's this, Dash?" Sunny asked. Rainbow Dash walked out of her bed and into the foyer. It was Firefly. Rainbow Dash began breathing heavily- she never had an anxiety attack like this since she was fifteen. She finally managed to calm herself and said, "Umm, this is my friend, Firefly." "Nice to meet you...uh..." Firefly said. "Sunny Daze." replied Sunny Daze. "Yeah, nice to meet you Sunny Daze. I was just here to check on Rainbow Dash and see how she's doing." Firefly said, slightly confused. "Well, Firefly, if you ever find the terrible pony that hurt my Dashie, then make sure she gets a meeting with the law!" Sunny Daze hugged her daughter and she let out a yelp in pain. "Sorry Dashie." Sunny whispered. "Mom," Rainbow Dash said, "no one hurt me. It was my fault. And what we did wasn't illegal." "Well, Firefly- I want you to find the pony that is the reason she got hurt- and make sure she goes to jail for it!" Sunny yelled. Firefly had a bemused look on her face. Rainbow gave her the, Don't tell her! look. Firefly sighed, "Well, I know Dash is okay now. Yeah... I'll try to find that pony." And she left. "Now go lay back down on your bed," Sunny said, "I don't want you to get anymore hurt." "Mom!" "Don't 'mom' me! You're hurt!" Sunny exclaimed, and Rainbow knew that she had to go back in her bed. Just then there was another knock on the door, and Sunny Daze opened it to see Fluttershy. "Fluttershy!" She exclaimed with happiness, "Wow, you've grown!" "Hi, Mrs.Daze. I'm here to see Rainbow Dash." she whispered shyly. "She's in her room. Do you want anything to drink?" Sunny asked. "No thank you." Fluttershy said, and she disapeared into Dash's room. *** "Where's the so called 'best flyer in all of Equestria'?!" a pegasus on the team asked. "Like I said before, Sonicblast, she's at home getting better." Firefly said annoyed. "Healing?! More like crying!" another pegasus shouted, and the entire team laughed. Firefly growled, "Listen! I didn't want a bunch of fourth graders on my team! Now get to work!" Immediately, the team took off. Firefly sighed. Why did her team hate Rainbow Dash so much? She was better than all of them- that's for sure. Sure, she had an ego but all of their egos were bigger than her's. Maybe they were just scared? They never bullied a new member like that before. Even Thunderlane is dating the new member before Rainbow Dash- and she was a Cloudbouncer at first, like every other new member. Everypony loved her. So why did they bully Rainbow in the first place? Firefly looked at her team and sighed. Rainbow Dash wasn't even a Cloud Bouncer anymore. She should have some respect- not be bullied. Firefly shook her head. She'd think about it once Rainbow Dash got back.
Spin the BottleRainbow Dash was back at her job, now a CloudKicker. Nopony seemed to make fun of her now, even after she lost the race. Finally it was over. She began gathering up her things as she began to leave, when somepony tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, Rainbow Dash. We think you're super cool. Wanna come to a party we're having tonight?" a brown team member asked. Rainbow Dash didn't recognize her. The brown pony was surrounded by a group of other ponies, about fifteen altogether. "Uh," Rainbow Dash said. "It'll be at 60395 on MareWell street. Seven through whenever." The pony said. "Maybe." Rainbow Dash said. "Alright. But I know you won't want to miss it." and the mare and her group left like a flock of birds. Rainbow Dash stared at the grounded pegasi. These were the pegasi that made fun of her. Perhaps she could make friends with the ones currently sky bound. She gave a flap of her wings and flew home. Why not? Only a few of those pegasi seemed old enough to drink, so drinks probably weren't going to be there. She sat on her couch and thought again- Why not? *** The time came, Rainbow Dash arrived at the address only a few minutes after. "Ah, I knew you'd come." the brown pegasus put a hoof around Dash. Dash shifted uncomfortably and looked at the atmosphere. There was surprisingly a lot of ponies here. No pony was any other race- she guessed it was a party for the weather team only. "What do you want to drink?" The pony asked. "I'm not thirsty, but thanks." Dash replied. The brown pony left her and allowed Rainbow Dash to mingle with the others. After talking to a mare called DustyFeather for a few minutes, Rainbow Dash heard the brown pony yell, "Guys! She's here!" In the foyer, was Firefly. Rainbow Dash chuckled, remembering the last party. Firefly was handed a glass of wine. So there is alcohol here, Rainbow Dash started to panic, what if they make me drink? she didn't want to get in anymore trouble with her parents. By the time Rainbow looked back, Firefly finished the wine. As Rainbow Dash looked around more, she saw that about half of the ponies were holding beer or wine in their hooves- some were even her age. Rainbow calmed down. Surely nopony would get too crazy, right? Firefly walked into the room Dash was in. "So what made you come?" Rainbow Dash didn't realize Firefly was talking to her. "Oh, just to meet everypony." Firefly gave a smile, and wrapped a wing around her. "I know you came here to drink." "What?! No!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Let me show you a legal and fun way to use a beer bottle." Firefly said, "Hey Flitterheart! Can I take that beer of yours?" "Oh, uh sure." Flitterheart gave her the empty bottle. "Now everypony. We're going to play spin the bottle. Only wimps won't join." Firefly blinked at Dash. Is she testing me? Rainbow wondered. Everypony formed a circle- including Rainbow. The bottle was in the middle. "Now, here's the rules. There will be no 'same gender' exception. This goes out to everypony. If a mare has to kiss a mare, so be it. Got it, team?" Firefly asked. The team nodded. "Alright. Let's start." Firefly spun the bottle, and Rainbow Dash watched nervously in fear she'd have to kiss a mare. The bottle landed on DustyFeather. "DustyFeather has to kiss..." Firefly said, and then the bottle landed on a dark blue mare, "Midnight Steak!" The team burst into laughter. "You have to do it." said Firefly, chuckling. Nervously, Dusty got up and gave Midnight a quick peck- nothing more. The team cheered. Firefly span the bottle again, and it landed on a white pegasus. "Snowangel has to kiss..." the bottle spun, "Bolting Wings!" Snow Angel sighed in relief that she didn't get a mare- but still hesitantly kissed Bolting Wings. Rainbow Dash was getting really nervous now. What if it landed on- "Rainbow Dash has to kiss..." Firefly said. "Oh god..." Rainbow whispered to herself. "SpikyTail!" Rainbow Dash looked at the stallion she was about to kiss. At least it was a stallion. She quickly kissed him and sat back down. Firefly spun the bottle, and it landed on her. "I have to kiss..." she said nervously, "Rainbow Dash." Rainbow Dash suddenly froze. "Dammit!" she heard Firefly say. "DO IT!" the team urged. Firefly got up and kissed Rainbow Dash. She sat back down. "Thank god that is over." she muttered. She spun the bottle again, and the game continued. *** After the game of spin the bottle, another pony got an idea. "How about we place rainclouds over the bitch's property?" "You mean the purple one?" Midnight Streak asked. "Yeah, her. She was so rude to us while we were working. Let's get revenge." the idea pony said. "Wait," Firefly said, "We might get in trouble. Besides, the night is still young. It's only eight. We should only do it late." "She's right." Midnight said, "What else is there to do for now?" *** For the next few hours, the ponies drank- luckly, they didn't pressure Rainbow Dash. They partied, had blasting music and flashing lights- the neighbors even threatened to gallop to the police station. But now it was late, Rainbow Dash had guessed it was about two in the morning, although she was not tired. "We should place the clouds now." Midnight said. "Alright," Firefly replied, "Let's do it." And everypony quickly and quietly flew out the door. *** Each pony held their own cloud. "Over her garden?" one whispered. "Yeah! Let's place them over her garden!" Another whispered back. Whispers of agreement went through the clouds. Rainbow Dash didn't feel guilty- she felt excited, not excited to get revenge, because she didn't even know the pony, but excited to do something daring with her team. "Okay guys, let's go!" she heard Firefly whisper-yell. The ponies moved at the fastest and quietest pace possible towards 'the bitch's' garden. One by one, each pony set their own cloud above the garden, each cloud not allowing a ray of sun onto it. By morning, the garden would have no sun and if the clouds stayed for a while, they would die. As all of the clouds were placed, the ponies snickered and hoofbumped as they headed back to the house to finish their party.
