After so long...

by Orfearus

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Wonderbolts, Spitfire, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash
Length: 12764

After years of dreaming, Rainbow Dash is finally accepted into the Wonderbolts

Rainbow Dash has been dreaming of this day for years. The day she would receive her admittance to the Wonderbolts. When her greatest dreams come true, will she be able to handle this new life of fame and fortune? And how will those around her be affected?

Cover picture by Art-Surgery

Published 2012-05-18 12:54:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-06-30 21:53:24 UTC

The Twists of Fate

The fierce mid-morning sun shone down on Cloudsdale, warming the skies with its powerful rays. A swift wind blew, creating cross breezes where warm and cold air met. It was the type of day that made any pegasus feel alive, and made the blood boil in their veins from its beauty and power. But the weather was not the only reason why she felt alive.

Rainbow Dash banked along the warm updrafts, carving the wind with her powerful wings to create more thrust. This is what life’s all about she thought to herself, reveling in the freedom of the skies. She glanced over her shoulder to see Spitfire mere inches from her wingtip. It could have been inches, it could have been miles – they wouldn’t crash. She let a smile of pure exhalation flash across her face, only to have a similar smile returned to her. There was a slight twinkle in her eyes, in anticipation for what was coming.

“Are you ready?” Spitfire asked.

“No. But were going for it anyway” she replied, having a bit of fun with her flying partner. Giddy with excitement, she lead Spitfire headfirst into a dive.

The Cloudsdale Arena was visible far below them, only a minute speck on the horizon of the ground below them. They dove together, as a single flying entity. Her left wing was overlapping Spitfires right, as they gained un-matchable speed at a frightening rate. A single cone of air began to form around the two of them.

Rainbow Dash looked at the arena, fast approaching below them, before glancing up into Spitfire’s eyes; she knew their thoughts were the same. In unison, they gave a single, powerful flap of their wings. In unison, they broke the crucial barrier, the 20 wing power mark. They broke the color barrier.

The reason it's called the color barrier is self-explanatory. Immediately the sky exploded into a rainbow of flames, the combined effects of the Sonic Rainboom and Sonic Flameboom in unison. Using the immense strength of her wings, she fought against gravity and the massive air pressure around her to break the freefalling embrace of death they were locked in. Banking her turns, she arced around the stadium. Her rainbow trail was alight with flames, igniting the air; She crossed right over Spitfire's trail of flames, every color imaginable, that burned across the sky. She could hear the cheers of the crowd, distorted from the immense speed she circled the arena at. She knew what they were saying.

“RAIN-BOW-DASH! RAIN-BOW-DASH!”

One voice cut through the cacophony of sound. A voice she recognized.

“RAIN-BOW-DASH!”

Was that…

“Rainbow Dash!”

Twilight?

………

“Rainbow Dash!”

She opened her eyes to see the purple unicorn standing in front of her, and quickly closed them again. It was only a dream. But a beautiful one at that! Any dream where she could fly with the Wonderbolts, especially Spitfire, was a beautiful dream. She remained silent, wishing to recapture the exhilaration of her dream for just a few more seconds.

“Rainbow Dash?”

At long last, she opened her eyes to acknowledge her patient friend.

“Oh, thank Celestia. I thought you were going to sleep all day.”

She glanced around the room, startled to see an unfamiliar pristine atmosphere. She lay on a white bed, covered by white sheets, surrounded by white curtains, and with a metal railing around her bed. She pulled herself into a sitting position.

"Twilight. Why am I in the hospital?"

"The doctor wanted to make sure you didn't strain your wings after the hurricane that lifted the water to Cloudsdale. And since you wouldn't agree to go I..." Twilight's gaze dropped to the ground, and she started idly pawing it. "I kinda, lulled you to sleep with magic."

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash rolled over onto her legs, giving a menacing look to the unicorn.

"Calm down Dash. Everything's fine, your wings are good, I was just coming to tell you it's time to go home."

Relief was evident in Dash's body as she relaxed from her poised stance.

"As long as everything's find, than no harm done. How long was I asleep."

Twilight blushed and returned her gaze to the ground.

"A week."

The resulting cry could have been hear across Ponyville.

"A WEEK?"

"Don't worry Dash, it's nothing to do with your health. I just... I couldn't find the counter spell to wake you any sooner. Sorry."

Rainbow Dash got up out of the bed and stormed out of the room. A week! I've lost a week of my life because she couldn't find the counter spell. She slammed the door of the hospital behind her, stretching her wings and taking to the sky. The strain of physical activity always helped to calm her anger, and though her wings protested from lack of use, she forced them to co-operate. Now I'm going to have to train extra hard to make up for the missed time, the cloud patrol is going to give me double shifts, and Fluttershy's going to think I'm a jerk for standing her up at the annual bunny census. Her rapid flight did little to let her flaming soul simmer down. Not wanting to face the world for a few more minutes, she landed at her home and went inside.

The first thing noticed was how pristine the place was. During the time she was asleep, somepony had come and looked after it. Tank had plenty of food and water, and was still happily sleeping into the day; her books were (inadvertently) found and organized, except for the current edition of Daring Do, still opened under her cloud-pillow; the weeks editions of "Equestria Daily" were laid out on her bed-side cloud-table, and organized based upon date; her mail was sorted, neatly piled beside the papers, and waiting for her to read. On the top of the pile was a note, laid out with care to be the first thing read.

I'm sorry Rainbow Dash. Everything's been looked after, I helped Fluttershy with the census, got you time off work, renewed your library books (you can't hide them from me!) and kept everything in order for you. I can't reverse time to prevent that spell, but if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?

Your dedicated friend
Twilight Sparkle

It would take more than just a letter to make her forget her friends betrayal of trust, but she was genuinely regretful, so Dash felt the burning sensation that accompanied anger die down. Setting aside the newspapers, she sifted through her mail. Fan mail, coupons, party invite (to celebrate her waking up). She flipped to a pure white envelope with flames embroidering the edge. It was sealed in a formal fashion by the Wonderbolts wax seal. And old fashion style but it definitely made it's mark. Everything else left her mind but that letter.

Perhaps Spitfire was also disappointed about the hurricane she thought, as she unsealed the letter, careful to keep the seal intact.

Dear Miss Rainbow Dash, Cloudhouse, Ponyville

For some time now, the Wonderbolts have been considering you as a candidate to join our prestigious ranks. Your actions have not gone unnoticed, and we have constantly been impressed by your results. The hurricane that just passed was intended as a final test, to determine if you are capable of joining our ranks.

The total wing power reached by the hurricane was 800, the bare minimum required to lift water to the sky. A special anemometer attached to you revealed that your personal wing power reached the 19.2 mark. That power is an impressive feat, however becoming a Wonderbolt requires more than just individual capability.

The most important thing to note from your efforts is that, even in adverse circumstances, you did not give up. You were able to lead your team to prevail. Never before has such a feat been accomplished by such a small group of ponies. It was from your coaching and guidance that almost every single one of them was able to surpass the 10 wing power mark.

And so the Wonderbolts would like to extend a formal invitation for you to join our ranks. Your leadership is unmatched for results across Equestria, your skill and dedication is admirable, and you have the talent required for such a position.

If you wish to accept this invitation, please meet us at the Cloudsdale Training Arena on the 12th day of spring, a week after the hurricane, at the peak of the suns flight through the sky.

Sincerely
The Royal Wonderbolts.

A small note was hastily scrawled on the corner of the page:

Congratulations Rainbow Dash! I've been looking forward to this day for years. You'll make the greatest flier in all of Equestria, I'm sure of that. I look forward to flying with you.
-Spitfire.

Words escaped her mind.
The only thing left was emotions.

Joy.
Overwhelming joy.
A dream long chased;
A dream come true.

Finally,
After years of hard work,
Years of dedication,
She had made it.

Relief.
No longer having to wonder,
To doubt her own abilities,
To think herself not strong enough.

At long last she had made it.
She was invited to the Wonderbolts!
Still unable to comprehend it all
Another bout of euphoria struck her to the bone

That white letter embroidered with flames
Proclaimed her dream had come true.

The shock from the letter slowly wore off Rainbow Dash, as her thoughts began to organize themselves in a more coherent form. "I'VE DONE IT" she shouted, unable to contain her excitement. She flew out the door and towards the sky, reveling in her joy and the heat of the mid-day sun. Thank-you Celestia she thought, glancing towards the sky. It was a beautiful day, as the sun...

No.
Not now.
Not after so long.
It just couldn't happen.

The sun was almost at it's peak in the sky.

WHAT DAY IS IT?

She rushed inside, looking around for any indication. Her eyes landed on the newspapers
9th
10th
11th
12th. And it appeared to have arrived this morning.

Stuffing the letter under her wings, and wedging it securely in her feathers, she rushed out the door and towards Cloudsdale. She had to make it. This was the most important day of her entire life. The ecstatic feeling from earlier was replaced with dread at missing the deadline. She couldn't let the Wonderbolts down. She couldn't let herself down. Even though fighting against gravity, a sonic cone started to form around her body. Just on the horizon. Almost there. The barriers between wind and color began to blur. Just a few flaps further.

"RAINBOW DASH!"

The cry pierced through the wall of air around her, but she didn't slow.

"Dash, it's alright." The words were coming from... beside her? She looked, and could barely make out the shape of another pegasi flying beside her. It was Spitfire.

"Slow down Dash, you've made it."

Extending her wings as air brakes, she slowed from her near-sonic state and was able to make out the clouds beneath her. Rising out of them was the largest stadium in existence, miles away from Cloudsdale, and so huge that the far side wasn't even visible. Everything from race tracks to housing was within the stadium, a city of itself designed solely for a few pegasi to ever use. They were at the Cloudsdale Training Arena.

"So, what do you think?"

All the pictures and tales of the arena could not fully capture its majesty. "It's everything I ever dreamed it would be."

"And now you're here."

A blue streak came racing around the track that encircled the arena, banking at the end of the lap and aiming straight for them. Seconds before a crippling collision, it came to a dead halt.

"Rainbow Dash! Glad you've finally made it."

"Soarin?"

"You're gonna fit right in here. Wish I could talk, but I got another few laps before I can take a break." In another streak of blue, the pegasus was gone, already disappearing towards the horizon.

"He's right, this is the place for you" said Spitfire, gliding down to the cloud level. Rainbow Dash idly followed, her mind still trying to take in everything that happened. "It's been a big day, so I'll show you to your new room. Training starts tomorrow, but we'll make time to move all of your stuff up here on the weekend."

As they flew through the complex, there was only one thought that kept crossing Rainbow Dash's mind.

I've done it. I'm a Wonderbolt!

A New Life

You never forget the first morning after your life changes. Years can come and pass, but those few hours will remain imprisoned in your memory. The few hours when you see the rest of your life laid before your eyes.

Rainbow Dash woke from a dream-less sleep. Then again, what did she have to dream about anymore? She was living it! Rolling out of bed, she glanced around the bare room. It was larger than her old home, and already more furnished. There was a cloud-bed, cloud-coaches, and even a wooden table, enchanted to stand on the clouds. Her uniform was neatly laid out, and she excitedly put it on. She walked over to the window, moving the dense thunderhead that had kept the light out. From her vantage point, she could look out over the training field. Pegasi had already started for the day, while a small congregation of Wonderbolts was waiting around Spitfire. It was time to get going.

Flying out the front door, she soared close along the base of the clouds, enjoying the feeling of damp air rushing over her feathers. I can't believe this is actually real! she thought. After having dreamt of this day for so long, it somehow felt distant.

"Hey, Dash is up!" shouted Soarin, upon seeing her arrival.

"And late." criticized Spitfire.

"It's my first day, can't you give me a break?" she said, jokingly. She felt at ease around them, already welcomed to the family.

"We could've, if we weren't waiting around since day-break to meet you." The reply came from Fleetfoot, having rushed up to her side in a blur as white as the clouds.

"The sun's barely above the horizon!"

"So, everypony. What do you think of our newest member?" Spitfire gave her a light pat on the back.

"It was only a matter of time before you made it." said Soarin. "I look forward to performing together." With that, he was gone.

"The Wonderbolts are going to go miles with you at our wing." Fleetfoot also sped off and around the track, leaving Spitfire and Dash alone.

"Why don't we get you some breakfast, and I'll show you around?"

"Gladly. I'm not used to getting up so early."

"Well, you better start."

Of all the buildings scattered around the complex, it turns out that the restaurant was not one of them. In fact, every single building in the arena was built for a single purpose. Training. Helping a pegasus become the best flyer in existence. They had to soar down to a nearby cloud to grab breakfast, returning with haste to avoid media. When Dash asked why, all Spitfire would reply was "Your not ready. Not yet at least." They slowly circled the arena devouring a quick meal.

"As you can see, we have the largest tracks, the longest racecourses, the most intricate obstacle courses, and the highest free-fall zone in all of Equestria. Nothing but the best." Spitfire look over at Dash, satisfied she had shown the entire complex. "Ready to train?" she asked, speeding off without waiting for an answer.

"I've been ready my whole life." Dash raced off, trying to catch up.

.........

"I was gliding through the clouds, Fleetfoot off my left wing, Rapidfire off my right. The wind picked up so we banked into a turn and I remembered something. It's best if you flap when going into a turn. Don't just guide yourself, but force yourself around that turn. It's harder, but opens up a world of possibilities. Spitfire told me that. Spitfire! And so I did. It was extremely hard, but nothings too hard for Rainbow Dash! And I turned, sharper than I've ever done before! Fleetfoot and Rapidfire joined in too, but I wasn't expecting the turbulence a turn like that created. But don't worry, I'm fine. Clouds are nice and soft to land on. Or crash on."

"Ah still can't believe tha' you're in the Wonderbolts" said Applejack, patting her friend on the back.

"You didn't think I could do it?" Dash challenged.

"No, no, i's not that. Jus' with everythin tha's happened, ah'm surprised it took so long." she joked.

The six mares were lying in a field of daffodils just outside of Ponyville, their light color covering the ground and gentle scent drifting through the skies. Rainbow Dash had both of her wings extended, letting the warm sunlight shine down upon them. It was her first real relaxation since she got the letter.

"But life's hard now" she said, enjoying the chance to idly talk to her friends. "No more care-free mornings with the cloud patrol, no more days of simply relaxing in the sun. Even though I'm up for 16 hours a day, they go fast. Spitfires pushing me hard, and when she's busy I'm pushing myself even harder. But it's all worth it. I get to fly, every day, as one of the greatest fliers in Equestria! The pure joy and exhilaration of every flap, of every breeze under my wings. I've got to be the luckiest pegasus in the entire world!"

"Wait, wait. You get SPITFIRE as your own personal trainer?" Rarity said, unable to believe such a thing.

"I know, can you believe it! But it's just for now. She says pretty soon I'll be the only pegasus that can push myself hard enough."

"Oh my, Rainbow Dash. You must introduce me to her some day. I have this idea for a dress that would fit perfectly with the colors of her mane."

"Rarity."

"Oh, yes. It is your choice, of course. It would just be such a shame to let such an idea go to waste."

Feeling the conversation start to deteriorate, Rainbow Dash decided now would be an ideal time to excuse herself.

"Well, I've got a lot of work to do today. If you don't mind, I'm gonna head off."

"Dash, wait!" It was Twilight that held her back. "Again, I'm really sorry for almost making you miss the most important day of your life."

"Give it a rest, Twilight. I forgive you already. No harm done, right?"

"Right."

"Bye Dashie!" shouted Pinkie. "Oh, Oh, Don't forget about the party tomorrow!"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world!" she said, taking to the skies in a blur of colors. It's nice I can still sit and talk to my friends she thought to herself. At first I was worried about the change, but it's not so bad. She landed inside her old house. Everything was just as she had left it. Almost everything. Tank was gone, a note from Fluttershy replacing him.

Rainbow Dash,

I heard about the Wonderbolts. Congratulations! Since you'll be too busy training to look after Tank, I've made a special home for him at my place. Don't worry, you can visit every day if you want to.

Best of luck training!

Fluttershy.

It was sweet of her to go to such lengths for a friend. Making a mental note to thank her before leaving, and say goodbye to Tank, she glanced around to decide upon the few items she would need. She could pack her Young Fliers awards and Flight School graduate certificate, but they were only mementos of events that lead up to this day. She could bring her books, but knew she wouldn’t have time to touch while training. She sighed, placing her empty saddlebag on her back and leaving everything else behind. I'm going to miss this place during the week she thought. But I'll visit every weekend. My books, my house, and especially my friends. Nothing will tear us apart!

.........

A Wonderbolt could only avoid the media for so long. On her way back from Ponyville, Rainbow Dash got ambushed. Out of nowhere appeared a swarm of pegasi

"Rainbow Dash, you're the new Wonderbolt."

FLASH

A bright camera almost blinded her

"How do you feel?"

FLASH

Questions came from the other side, surrounding her in noise

"How long have you trained?"

FLASH

Attention was one thing
FLASH
"What have you..."

But this
"Where did you..."

This was something else entirely
FLASH
"What will happen..."
FLASH

She couldn't take it.

For the first time in her entire life, Rainbow Dash fled.

.........

"14.6 seconds. You're really speeding up around the track!" said Spitfire, during one of their infrequent breaks. "You've cut a lot of time going around the corners, much better than the beginning of the week. Great job!"

"Ya, thanks." replied Rainbow Dash, disinterested. Her mind just wasn't set on flying.

"What's troubling you Dash?"

"I'm just angry at myself. I ran into a group of reporters on my way back from Ponyville, and I just couldn't handle them. I normally love the attention, but I was overwhelmed. I caved, I fled. And now I can't even look myself in the eye and call myself brave."

"Ah, the first run in with the media. Don't beat yourself up over it, the exact same thing happened my first time to. Except instead of fleeing, I stuttered and said some really stupid things. I wished I had fled, had the sense to just turn my tail on them. You'll get use to it soon enough."

"Spitfire, come quick!" A call came across the field, as Soarin shouted over to them. "There's a letter, from the princess."

"What could Celestia need? Dash, it would be best if you came as well. Learn that we do a lot more than just putting on shows."

The two pegasi flew, at near sonic speeds, to where Soarin was waiting for them. He handed the letter to the captain, who quickly scanned it over.

Dear Wonderbolts,

I am sorry to inconvenience you at a time like this, but Equestria requires your flying abilities once more. A fire has broken out near Fillydelphia, and none of the pegasi are capable of handling it. We require a few of your strongest fliers to help contain the situation.

As always, Equestria thanks you.

Princess Celestia.

"What are we going to do Spitfire? Controlling a blaze like that takes talented pegasi, and we can't cancel the show in Manehatten tomorrow."

"I think it's time for the initiation."

"So soon?"

"She's ready."

Spitfire turned to where Rainbow Dash was standing, intent on their conversation.

"It's time for your true initiation into the Wonderbolts. Every member must pass to prove themselves capable. Do you feel ready?"

Rainbow Dash hesitated for only a split second, before stepping up to the challenge.

"I'm ready."

"Alright. A fire has broken out of control near Fillydelphia. It is your job to lead an expedition of Wonderbolts to contain the blaze. Soarin here will be your right-wing man. Me, Fleetfoot, and Skystorm have a show tomorrow, but anypony else can help you."

"I would suggest Rapidfire" Soarin broke in. "He's got strong wings to fight the updrafts."

"Me, you, and Rapidfire? Who else?"

"Nopony else, it's easier to control that way. But you're in charge so it's up to you."

Rainbow Dash surveyed the situation. She wasn't experienced as a leader. If anything, she was the kind of pony a leader hated, because she slacked off. Just another one of the first-time experiences she would have as a Wonderbolt.

"It's easier to lead a smaller group, we'll stick to three" she said.

"I know you can do it, Dash." It was Spitfire's turn to give her encouragement. "You've shown a lot of promise over the past few weeks, now it's your turn to shine. Even though you should have the fire out by tonight, the clean up and after-math will probably take all weekend. Sorry if that messes with your plans."

A jolt of pain shot through her heart, at the thought of another week away from her beloved friends. But this was a one-of-a-kind opportunity. They would understand.

"Don't worry. Equestria needs me, right? I can't be worried about missing a single weekend. There will be more."

"That's the spirit! Now you best be going. A fire isn't going to put itself out, and the fillydelphians sure need your help."

.........

Flames
Roaring high into the sky.
Burning, lighting the night, heating the air.

"We need more rain" came a shout, piercing the night.
The few drops that fell evaporated before they could do much to the fire.

"Soarin, get us another thunderhead."

"Alright Captain."

Captain. She liked the idea.

"Watch it, the flames are jumping crowns again."

"Not on my watch."

A rainbow blur streaked across the burning sky, enough wind trailing behind it to force the flames back upon themselves.

Heat.
Fire.
Smoke.
Strain.

That's all she knew.

Her wingtips mere inches from the flames, feathers mere seconds from igniting themselves. A quick plunge into a cloud coated her with raindrops for another pass.

CRACK.

Tree's fell as she whipped by, falling inwards, crushing themselves. She passed close to the other pegasus, stopping to rest.

"A bit bigger fire than first anticipated?" he asked.

"That's an understatement. When Spitfire said 3 would be enough, I figured it was only a small patch of fields, not an acre of forest."

"Well, don't fret. We can do this."

"CLOUD INCOMING" came the shout, piercing the sky. The smoke hung thick in the air, blocking their vision, but they knew what they would see. A blue blur racing back to the raging inferno, a thunderhead as dark as the nights sky trailing behind him.

"Get that over the edge of the fire. We need to contain this before it spreads any further." She dashed off, riding the thermals for a bit of height, to help position the cloud.

This was going to be a long night.

.........

The sun rose over the charred remains of the forest. Rainbow Dash still led the containment efforts, putting out small flames that sprung up from the embers. To be honest, all she wanted was sleep. There were plenty of pegasi to take care of the clean up efforts. Perhaps she could rest, just for a minute?

NO.

She had to be strong. She flew over the forest, surveying the remaining work when.

FLASH

The spark came from a distance, but was headed her way.

No, not now.

FLASH

The pegasus with the camera was coming straight for her. She closed her eyes

"Rainbow..."

"I'm sorry, there is far to much to be done right now to entertain questions." The voice was Soarin's. She peaked through her eyelids to see Soarin pushing the pegasus away.

"Thanks Soarin" she said.

"Don't worry. I've got your back. Now head home and rest, you've done everything you can."

"I want to help."

"Then head back to Cloudsdale. Spitfire needs a report."

Knowing that there was no way Soarin would let her stay, she gladly took her reprise from the hard life of a Wonderbolt.

.........

My Dear Friends,

I am sorry that this is the only thing you'll hear from me this week. I regret not being able to make it down to Ponyville, but an emergency arose. There was a massive wild fire near Fillydelphia, and the Wonderbolts chose ME to lead the expedition to bring it under control. I got to lead the Wonderbolts! If it was anything less, I would not have put it above our friendship.

Other than that, training continues. Flying with my idols every day, having the time of my life, and performing dangerous moves I could only have dreamt of months ago. But I am really looking forward to this weekend, where I can once again return to Ponyville, and just be Rainbow Dash, where I can just lie in the field of daffodils once more and relax. I'll see you all there this weekend.

Sincerely
-Rainbow Dash

Wonderbolt.

She stared down at the page, a sorrow tugging at hear heart. This was all she could give to her friends that week, a small letter. A tear almost welled up in her eyes, as she thought of how inseparable they were. Almost. The knowledge that they would meet again in just a short week gave her the courage to move forwards. Courage she would need, because of what today held in store. She sealed the white envelope with the special Wonderbolts Seal, and flew it to her mailbox, lingering for only a second before soaring upwards. Spitfire was waiting for her.

The sun was just rising as Rainbow Dash ascended. Beads of water formed on her wings, glistening orange in the first rays of the new day, making her rainbow mane glow in the soft light. The warmth those rays brought was the only heat to keep her flying at such altitudes. She saw Spitfire and headed straight for the pegasus. The morning light shining up at her gave her a surreal atmosphere, like she could challenge the whole world and succeed. If there was one pony in the entire world that Rainbow Dash admired, it was that pony.

"Are you ready Dash?"

"Ready to challenge the world? Always!"

Spitfire chuckled at the enthusiasm of her flying partner. "We're just trying out a new move. No world challenging today."

Both pegasi looked down, as if anticipating what was to come next.

"It's a simple spiral downwards." Spitfire said, explaining the trick one last time. "Except on the descent, I've got to slowly open my wings, extend the radius of our spin, control it so that you can join in, and manipulate the sonic cone. Piece of cake, right?"

"Uh right. Simple." Another round of nervous chuckles.

"No point waiting around. I'll see you mid flight." Spitfire dove headfirst towards the ground, Dash ghosting a few feet behind in her wake. It was the most turbulent air, but the only place that the trick could be executed from. As they dove, Spitfire brought her wings in close to her body, barrel rolling at an incredible speed. Dash followed, and the world transformed into a blur of colors. The only thing she could make out was the pegasus in front of her, adjusting her spin velocity to match her flying partner's.

Slowly but surely, Spitfire extended her wings mere millimeters from her body, transforming the barrel roll into a controlled spiral. The faster they flew, the longer the colored trails behind them grew. Dash spun, rainbow trail spiraling behind her, while remaining inside the flaming trail behind Spitfire. Sonic cones were already forming around them.

"Are you sure you're ready?" came the shout through the air.

"No. But let's go for it anyway."

Spitfire snapped the back of her wings open, catching the air and slowing her descent, while throwing the sonic cone around her wide open. Dash simultaneously snapped the front of her wings open, and extended them to beside her body, breaking her own sonic cone and synchronizing her spiral with Spitfire's. In a split second, the two free-falling pegasi combined into a single, spiraling entity under the same sonic cone. Something that before now had only been dreamed of.

The world was spiraling around them, but Spitfire remained fixed in her vision. Their color trails seemed to combined, a mixture of flames and rainbows following behing them. And at that moment, they were all that mattered in the world.

"Now bring your wings further out. We need to expand the spiral together."

In unison, they extended their wings from their body. The spiral grew another few feet in diameter, the sonic cone expanding with it. In unison, they brought their wings in and shrunk the spiral. She knew that every second they spent was another second closer to the ground, but she simply wanted that moment to last forever. Much too soon for her liking, Spitfire decided to end the trick, and they started to break the spiral. Just like they practiced, first Dash slowed her speed, separating from the main spiral. Once clear, she extended her wings to pull up and out of the way. The now larger-than-normal sonic cone forced Spitfire wings to her side. In a single swift move, she launched them outwards. However, the cone did not shatter as expected.

Instead of simply breaking up, the sonic cone folded in on itself, blasting a wall of air directly into Spitfire's wings. There was a cry of pain as Spitfire's wings were blasted up, and pinned to her back by the force of the wind. Immobilized, she plummeted towards the ground.

"SPITFIRE!"

Rainbow Dash plummeted towards the falling pony, knowing full well that the most likely outcome of such an attempted would be death for both of them. But as long as there was a chance for success, she would throw her entire soul at it.

"I can slow myself down enough, I'll be fine. Don't risk yourself for me" shouted Spitfire.

"What kind of friend would I be if I didn't risk it all?"

"You've got a bright future. I would hate to see you break your wings for my sake. I could never forgive myself."

Rainbow Dash closed the last few meters between them and wrapped her hooves around Spitfire.

"I won't let you fall."

"No, but you'll bring yourself down with me."

A sonic cone enveloped the two pegasi, pressing them closer together as the ground rushed up to meet them.

"There's not enough time for a slow descent, the cones already formed." yelled Spitfire, now terrified for their lives.

"I can do it."

"You can't break the cone apart, you'll just end up like me."

"Sometimes the only solution, is to keep pressing forwards."

With a single flap of her wings, the sonic cone exploded outwards in a Rainboom. The sky and ground were alight with every color imaginable, as she banked herself into the sharpest turn she had ever flown. The ground rushed past them, an immense field of green bathed under the sky. The grass whipped like blades against her hooves. Turning skywards, she flew through the rainbow she had created, the sonic cone re-forming around her as gravity slowed them to sub-sonic speeds, and then disappearing entirely. She glided over to the nearest cloud and placed Spitfire on the soft cushion.

"Are you hurt?" Spitfire asked, as Rainbow Dash landed beside her.

"Am I hurt? Your the one who's hurt, the only question is how badly."

She looked Spitfires injuries over. Her wings were still awkwardly laid against her back, and from the look on Spitfire's face, she couldn't move them.

"Wings are dislocated" she said, matter-of-factly. "I can't feel them, can't move them, and won't be able to fly for a week. I've dealt with it all before, so I knew what happened the moment it did."

"If you couldn't move them, then you wouldn't have been able to do anything to save yourself."

"Nope. Would've fallen like a rock if not for you. I just didn't think that it was possible to do what you just did. You pushed yourself really hard today. Bringing me back to my first question; are you hurt?"

For the first time, Rainbow Dash inspected the extent of her own injuries. She stretched her wings and was astonished to see they were bruised, and rather badly too. Along with that, millions of tiny cuts made her hooves hurt whenever the wind blew, and even the clouds did nothing to sooth them. However, there were no major injuries.

"I'm fine. Really. Nothing a bit of rest can't heal."

"Do you think you'll be able to fly well by the weekend?"

"I think I'll be back to flying tomorrow."

Spitfire chuckled. "I like your attitude. That's good, because Cloudsdale is expecting to see a new trick this weekend, and I want you to lead it."

"M...M...ME!" Dash shouted, in disbelief.

"Yes, you" Spitfire said, calmly. "You've been training for it with me, you're the only other pony knows how to lead the spiral, and you are capable of breaking the color barrier."

"I...I" She almost fainted from excitement.

"Easy there Dash. If you don't think you're ready, you don't have to."

"I've been dreaming of this day for my entire life. I'm ready for it."

"That's just what I was hoping to hear."

The sun had barely risen in the sky, but both ponies knew they weren't going to be training that day. Lying back on the soft cloud they rested on, Spitfire and Dash rested their injured bodies and even found themselves able to relax. They could get medical attention later, but for now they wanted rest. Rest, and each others company.

.........

Spitfire watched the rainbow maned pegasus lead her first air-show from her vantage point on the ground. They had re-developed the trick to make better use of the Sonic Rainboom that it required. The entire trick was now centered around Rainbow Dash, an effective way for her to make her Wonderbolt's debut. She watched as Fleetfoot's white trail and Soarin's blue one joined into the spiral, accentuating the colors of the rainbow rather than covering them. As more and more Wonderbolts joined in, the colors became more vivid, overlapping in their spiral, augmenting the rainbow trail that still lead the pack.

Spitfire leaned back against the stands and watched as they descended towards the stadium at a breakneck speed. She thought it was fitting that they returned to the stadium where she won the 'Young Fliers' contest for her first performance. The Wonderbolts spiraling around Rainbow Dash all pulled up at the same time, aiming to come low over the stadium. The sonic cone around Dash was massive, due to having recently housed six other pegasi. Spitfire knew what came next.

3.

2.

1.

As she passed through the stadium, Rainbow Dash broke the color barrier again, covering the sky in a Sonic Rainboom. The crowd went wild, as the brilliant colors flew across the sky. They had spent hours crafting it and deciding the final paths of each of the pegasi involved. And it was more spectacular than she had hoped.

The Wonderbolts returned to circle the stadium, lead by Rainbow Dash. That pony is going to be famous some day she thought. After a pass, Dash landed beside Spitfire.

"Did I time it right?" she asked, excited to hear the results.

"Even better than in practice." A grin a mile wide appeared on her face.

FLASH

The grin disappeared.

FLASH
FLASH

Spitfire turned around to face the cameras, already lined up to take photo's of the newest member. Spitfire put her wing around Rainbow Dash. We'll face this together. The message was conveyed through that simple gesture.

"Everyone give a cheer for the newest member of the Wonderbolts, Rainbow Dash!" She shouted out loud. Best to break her fear all at once.

FLASH
FLASH
FLASH

The crowd erupted in applause.

FLASH

Spitfire looked over to Dash. While still tentative, she was facing the cameras, and doing it well.

FLASH

But there were a lot more things like that to face as a Wonderbolt.

FLASH

Perhaps she would be able to handle them.

FLASH

Perhaps. Just perhaps.

FLASH

Perhaps she had found the next captain of the Wonderbolts.

FLASH
FLASH

.........

"Cummon Spits, do I need to go?" pleaded Rainbow Dash, as her captain led her to another formal party in Canterlot Gardens.

"Being a Wonderbolt is about a lot more than just flying."

"But three weekends in a row? I hardly get any time off."

"It's only by attending formal events like this that we get as many shows as we do. You need to make an appearance, to get the type of commissions we get. Every performance in the sky started as a performance on the ground."

"But Canterlot again?" she groaned.

"The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up, and this year the princesses are thinking of moving the whole thing indoors. Indoors means no Wonderbolts performance, so I've been dropping hints about it for the past few weeks. Tonight's the night I go straight out and talk to them, and I have a good feeling about it. Now put on that refined face, watch the master at work, and learn."

The two of them landed near the center of the Canterlot Gardens, and Spitfire made an immediate beeline for where the princesses were standing. "Hey, Luna! Beautiful night!" could be heard as she approached. What was she even watching for? To learn how to charm ponies into giving the Wonderbolts important performances?

She looked around the party. High class, refined. Every pony just wanting to hear what the famous Wonderbolts would say, what she would say. All hanging to her words and looks. Something that other ponies would like, but not her. She longed for a simple, down to earth, small town party. Where she could just be 'Rainbow Dash' rather than 'Rainbow Dash the Wonderbolt'.

As she looked around the area, she felt a hole in her soul. Something that just wasn't there. But what didn't she have? Every pony dreamt of being her, she was the fastest flier in Equestria, and she got to spend most days with her idol, Spitfire. They had become good companions from their time together. What was missing?

She idly looked around the party, not wanting to be a part of it, but with no explanation as to why. It just felt like it was missing ... something. Something she couldn't describe or put her hoof on. Relief swept through her as Spitfire returned.

"We fly at the Gala in 2 week." Two week, two days, two hours. It all felt the same to her. "And that my friend" said Spitfire, leading them out of the party "is how you get a commission." She prepared to take of, but turned her head back to Dash. "Have you ever flown with lights before?"

.........
Two weeks, Two days, Two hours. It all felt the same to her.
.........

"Are you ready?"

It was the night of the Gala, and Soarin fitted her with her special night harness. Every Wonderbolt wore a special suit, carrying orbs of light that streaked across the sky. She looked out over the castle, the floodgates of memories opening before her.

"Last year when I was here, the only thing I cared about was trying to talk to you. Finding a way into the Wonderbolts VIP lounge. Just trying to talk to my idols, to you. But I didn't get anywhere with it, and the gala was going to be a bore. Until I was back with..." the words choked in her throat "until I was with my friends."

What happened between them? Where did they go?

It was then that she realized her friends never left, they never went anywhere. They were all still back in Ponyville; it was her that had left.

Why had she left? It wasn't a conscious decision, they just sort of, drifted apart.

"My friends" she said aloud. "After all we've been through, I've neglected them, for the performances, for leading the expeditions, for dedicating myself to my dream. They've left a hole in my heart, a hole where their love used to be."

"It's alright Dash" said Soarin, obviously concerned. "I'm sure they understand just how hard you work, and try to understand what you're doing. Being a Wonderbolt is the hardest job in Equestria. My entire life is dedicated to it, and even that isn't always enough. But we'll always be there for each other. No matter what happens, you can count on your fellow Wonderbolts."

"Thanks Soarin" she said, though her heart wasn't in it. She looked around at the other pegasi suiting up for their flight, and only saw companions. Ponies she could trust, help, and count on, but not ponies she could love and share her soul with. A pang of guilt went through her heart for her forgotten friends.

"We're on in 30 seconds." The shout traveled through the assembled pegasi.

"Dash, are you alright for flying?" Spitfire asked, making the last rounds as she took her place at the front.

"I'm fine. Just some long forgotten memories."

"We've all had to give our past up for this job. I know how you feel."

But have you had to give up your frends? she thought.

"On in 10."

"Ready?" Spitfire asked, on last time.

"No. But let's do this anyway."

The Wonderbolts launched themselves into the air, a blur of color and light, as the sky around them lit up with their suits. They first split to two groups of six, lead by Dash and Spitfire, and than dispersed into a flying formation. Streams of light filed the sky, a beautiful sight, except she could not appreciate the beauty. It was no longer the joyful exhilaration of flying with the Wonderbolts, but the emptyness of doing her job. And doing it well.

She passed Spitfire mid-flight, and didn't even give her a sideways glance. She had always looked over at Spitfire, but tonight greater things were on her mind.

No.

She had to focus.

Focus on what? Her friends?
She pulled into a sharply banked turn.

Focus on what her life was, now that she had reached her dream?
She carved the wind, providing slip-streams for the pegasi to join formation behind her.

Focus on everything she no longer had?
She was flying straight towards Spitfire, and the identical formation behind her.

She couldn't hold it anymore.

But she had to.

They wouldn't want to see her fail.

With a tremendous force, she wrapped her wings close in on herself and dove into a synchronous spiral with Spitfire. The other pegasi followed close behind. Breaking the wind with her wings, she and Spitfire slowed down while the others pealed away, banking around for a final hundred and eighty degree turn. She and Spitfire launched themselves upwards, the final goal in sight. Every single Wonderbolt crossed mere inches away from each other at the exact same time. The sky exploded in light as the orbs on their suits shattered, releasing their power.

"Great job Dash." Spitfire was always the first to complement her.

"You to, Spits."

"Head to the princesses?"

"Alright."

What was waiting for her down in the crowd? Empty faces and lost friends?

They swooped low to the crowed, taking in the applause. She had heard it all before.

"RAIN-BOW-DASH!"

"GO RAINBOW DASH!"

"YAY DASHIE!"

The last shout froze her still. She hadn't heard the name in a long time. She turned around to see where it had come from.

"Dashie, over here!"

"P--P--P--Pinkie? T-Twi-Twilight?" she said, disbelief at seeing her long-ago friends.

"Wow Dashie, you've gotten fast since the last time I've seen you" said the pink pony, as hyperactive as ever.

"You certainly have grown. How long has it been?" asked Twilight, taking a step forward.

She couldn't believe her eyes. The ponies she had been missing for so long were there, still waiting for her. For the weekend visit that never came.

"Too long" she said, pulling her friends into an embrace.

"DASH!"

Three more pairs of hooves joined into the group, and for the first time in... too long a time, she felt complete. As if the world was right, and there was nothing to worry about anymore. She had her friends with her; that was all that mattered.

"I'm so sorry I never came" she said, struggling to hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes.

"It OK Dash. We understand." Fluttershy who had always been there to comfort her in the past, and it was Fluttershy that was there to comfort her now.

"You don't know how much I've missed you. My life just wasn't the same."

"We've missed ya to, sugarcube" said Applejack. They welcomed her back as if it was only yesterday she had left. If only it was yesterday, perhaps she wouldn't have felt so guilty about leaving them all.

"Dash, we've got to get to the princesses. Their waiting for us." Spitfire was urging them onwards.

"Oh dear heavens, is that Spitfire there? By Celestia, Rainbow Dash, it would be ever so lovely if you could introduce us sometime!" Rarity, acting as if nothing had changed. And perhaps that would be best. If nothing had changed between them, if they were still the unbreakable friends that traveled the world and fought back dragons.

"I'll make sure to introduce you this weekend. Nothing can stand between me and returning to Ponyville. But she's right, I do need to go to the princesses."

"Rainbow Dash! Spitfire! That was a magnificent show!" Celestia had take the opportunity to walk over to where they had stopped, standing right beside Twilight.

"Celestia, I am pleased you enjoyed it." Spitfire responded.

"How could I not when it was led by such talented pegasi? And Rainbow Dash, how you've grown! Congratulations on making it this far in the Wonderbolts."

"You know me. Once my mind is set on something, I'll give anything to make it there. Unfortunately, that became a little too literal."

"And while I'm here, I haven't heard any reports on Friendship from you lately. Surely you've learnt much from you flights and travels."

"I certainly have. I learnt that there is no way I can live without them. And now I need to pursue those friendships with all my heart."

"A hard lesson to learn, but one that every pony must one day. Once again, congratulations."

The princess left, leaving Spitfire and Rainbow Dash alone with her friends.

"Dash, we better head back. There's still a lot of work to do before we can take the night off." Spitfire was trying to bring Dash back to focus.

"It's alright Dash. We're not going anywhere. See you this weekend?" Twilight said.

"This weekend. Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Spitfire disappeared into the night sky, followed by Rainbow Dash, having finally rediscovered the magic of Friendship.

Reminiscence

She lay in the field of daffodils once more, her five true friends surrounding her. It was a warm spring day, the kind that makes the world feel perfect and alive. The perfect day for flying, but that was the last thing on Rainbow Dash's mind.

"Tell us more Dash. What were the Wonderbolts like?" Twilight asked.

There was so much to tell, so many months to fill them in on. But that was something she wished to discuss later. Right now, she just wanted to talk about all of them, together, as friends. Continue where they were, that weekend she never arrived.

"Eh, they were fine. What I'm really interested in is what happened around here?"

"We've missed you while you were gone." Fluttershy took a few steps closer. Resting on her back was the green turtle.

"TANK!"

"He missed you most of all. Just moping around all day, even Angel Bunny couldn't cheer him up."

"Wow, thanks so much for taking care of him."

"You're my friend, it was no trouble."

Friend. So much power rested in that one word, yet so much was left unsaid by it. They lay in the silence of the day, under the welcoming warmth of the sun. For once, the world was right. At last, she was back with her friends. If only time could stand still. If only she could remain with them, if only...

“Goodbye Rainbow Dash. It’s time to go” Twilight said, getting off the ground. The others followed suit.

“No, girls. Can’t you stay a little longer?”

They turned around without an answer, and started to walk away

“Wait, don’t go!” She cried, running after them. But they kept on going, growing further away

“Rainbow Dash.”

The words echoed in her mind.

“Please, don’t leave me.” She spread her wings wide to chase after her friends.

The wind whipped up, threatening to pin her against the ground.

Fighting the very air around her, she took to the skies.

“I’m not letting you go. Not again”

“Rainbow Dash.”

Every time the words repeated, it was more powerful.

She flapped her wings harder.

Every time she flapped, she flew faster

But the faster she flew, the further away her friends got

Disappearing on the horizon

Of the field of daffodils

Stretching onwards

Forever

Forever

…......

“Rainbow Dash!”

Her eyes shot open. Fleetfoot was standing in front of her bed, impatiently tapping her hoof against the ground. She had been standing there a while.

“Rainbow Dash, it’s time to go. Spitfire’s waiting.”

“Sorry Fleetfoot. I was having my first good dream in... a long time. Well, it started good. Then it changed.”

Fleetfoot was already at the door. “Spitfire. Waiting. Now.” She spread her wings and took to the sky. Rainbow Dash reluctantly followed, her mind still lost in the realm of dreams.

Spitfire didn't criticize her too hard for sleeping in. Nor for her lack of focus. It seemed like she was mentally going easy on her. She made up for it by physically pushing her limits. The hard flying was to force her mind clear of distractions, to focus solely on flying. But no matter how hard they trained, there was one thought always on her mind. Her friends. And she pushed herself harder than ever before for them.

The day went fast. Or perhaps it just seemed fast, because of what she was anticipating that evening. As soon as training was over, in the setting sun, she flew her tired self down to Ponyville. I'm finally coming back she thought. Back home. After so long... I'm returning. To my friends.

Every flap of the wings was filled with exhilaration again. Every breath of air was fresh, taking her closer to that tiny town on the horizon, and to her friends.

They didn't know she was coming that night. But there was nothing that could have delayed her. One stop at Sugarcube Corner was all it took to gather the whole town. She smiled to herself as she descended from the sky.

.........

"Where were you last night? I was going to bring you to Cloudsdale but you were gone!" Spitfire shouted at Rainbow Dash. The fire-maned pegasus had never been so infuriated with Dash as she was right now. Never before had they argued but she was determined to make that pegasus apologize for her actions, because of how deeply it hurt her. She had given so much to that pegasus; all the extra time and effort that she had put in to make her succeed, all the fancy parties she had taken her to that other ponies could only dream of. Surely Dash knew how much their time together meant.

"I went to Ponyville. Besides, you never told me anything, how was I supposed to know?"

"I just presumed you would be more interested in learning about what it takes to be a Wonderbolt than flying around Ponyville." Didn’t they know each other better than that? They met after training every day, and spent most of their free time together. They were closer together than she had ever been with another pony, so close that she had even allowed Dash to give her a nickname – something that Nopony else had ever dared to do. No, her oversight was inexcusable.

"I'm sorry Spits. I made a promise to my friends that I would be there."

"And I made a promise that I would have you in Cloudsdale." She glared at Rainbow Dash, clearly disappointed. They stared at each other, unblinking. Spitfire knew that she was too proud to apologize for her actions; however she would not bend for her own. She would simply force Dash to make up for them.

For the rest of the day, she pushed Dash hard. She desperately wanted to take out her anger on that pegasus, if simply for that fact that she knew it would not last long. As soon as they met up at their regular bar after training her anger would dissipate. They had been going to that bar afterwards for weeks now and the time they had there was just theirs. It didn't matter what they talked about there, and if there were no big events going on they would spend the entire evening enjoying the night together. Everything would be back to normal when they met again, back to the joy they had for every day of the past weeks. Every day except yesterday. A new rage built up insider her.

“Dash, it’s your turn for the vertical drop” she shouted as the rainbow pegasus passed by for another lap around the track. “Let’s see how sharply you can pull out of a dive.”

She knew that the drop was most straining part of training, but felt a need to push it upon Rainbow Dash. The pegasus cast a knowing glance her way as she went to the drop without a word, accepting the punishment that was placed upon her. In turn she flew faster and harder than ever before, as if trying to make up for her mistake without having to apologize. By the time the day was coming to a close she could see the strain on Dash's face, but knew the pegasus would keep going until Spitfire called it a day. She actually felt a twinge of guilt for pushing her as hard as she did.

"Let’s call it for the week" Spitfire shouted, not wanting to harm the rainbow pegasus. Without saying another word, Spitfire flew off to prepare for the upcoming weekend. She had already made plans; a trip to Cloudsdale with Dash, some R&R after the gala, and perhaps a chance to talk about their future. The only thing left to do was surprise the pegasus when they met up at the bar that night.

As she was flying towards the bar, she glimpsed a rainbow blur out of the corner of her eye. Except it was not headed towards their normal meeting place; it was headed off towards Ponyville again.

Anger built up in Spitfire, feeling betrayed by the one pegasus she had ever cared for. She knew that something needed to be done, and fast, before Dash completely lost her focus. She would need to hammer down upon that pegasus in order for any sense to make it to her brain. With the workings of a rash plan forming in her mind, she took off after the rainbow blur in the sky.

.........

"Dash! Ya ready for an exitin' weekend?" asked Applejack, as the rainbow maned pegasus landed beside her friends on the outskirts of the town.

"I've been dreaming about it for such a long time!" she replied, as they started to walk to town.

“Trainin’s not too hard?”

Dash looked up and down her bruised wings. “It’s pretty hard. Spits is really mad with me for coming to Ponyville yesterday. She pushed me hard today, but the thought of coming here tonight drove me to fly harder than ever.”

“Dash, how are things going with Spitfire?” inquired Rarity. “You two seem close.”

A slight blush came across Dash’s face.

“THAT close?” Rarity asked

“We’ve just been going to the bar after training each night. Some casual time as friends.” She didn’t mention they were the only ones at the bar

“Well, then why didn’t you bring her with you?”

Dash’s glance turned towards Cloudsdale. “Because this is our time to spend together.”

She glimpsed an orange blur at the edge of her vision, heading towards the ground. Spits? I guess it’s time to face her now she thought, visibly stiffening her body. But as the orange blur got closer, she let her pose relax. I need to apologize to her she decided, as much as that thought pained her. She had developed a soft spot for the pegasus, and didn’t want to lose her.

"Rainbow Dash. Hold up." The shout came from the sky, as Spitfire landed beside them.

"Hey Spits. I need –"

"We need to talk. About this." she interrupted, gesturing to the scenery around them. "You have a promising future as a Wonderbolt, but you lack focus. I didn't invite you to join, dedicate my every day to you, and take you personally under my wing so you could blow off your responsibilities every week. So come back to Cloudsdale and we'll go get another performance."

"Spits, I feel really bad for not coming last night, but these are my friends. They are as much the reasons I'm successful as I am. I’m not going to leave them."

"Dash, you need to be dedicated to succeed. Enough fooling around, show some personal restraint and leap for your future."

"I'm not fooling around." said Dash, taking a defensive stance in front of her friends.

"They're holding you back from success. Think of what you could be, if you just let go of your past and moved forward."

"We don't want to hold you back" said Twilight.

"They're not holding me back. They're the ones holding me up, the only reason I'm still flying."

"Dash, look at the paths in front of you." said Spitfire. "There are the Wonderbolts, and there are your friends. You can't have both."

It was at this point that Dash realized this was less about putting the Wonderbolts over her friends, but putting them over Spitfire. "You don't want to force me to choose" she said, her resolve almost breaking at such an idea.

"Being a Wonderbolt demands everything. EVERYTHING. We’ve known each other so long, yet have you ever wondered why I never talked about my past? Because every memory brings back a pain sharper than yours, every regret as fresh as the day I left my life. But the world needs the Wonderbolts. They need ponies they can look up to, and dream about, ponies they know have dedicated their entire life to helping Equestria. So yes, I'm forcing you to choose. If you want to be a Wonderbolt, than it requires you to give up your past, and move on. For good."

Two images flashed before Dash’s eyes. The first was of Ponyville during a mid-summer day. Her friends were all gathered in the center of town looking upwards with joy and admiration in their eyes, as she flew over them showing off her latest trick. The exhilaration of flying pulsed through her veins, mixed the joy of seeing her friends.

Moments later the Cloudsdale arena flashed before her eyes. The stadium was full, thousands more ponies than the six she had just thought about, all staring skyward as she and Spits dove towards the ground. Her and Spits. The future possibilities stretched outwards forever. Everything she dreamed of in life seemed to be there. Everything except her friends. It was the first time she did not see them in her future

Why did she need to choose between her friends and the Wonderbolts? Between them and Spits? Why could the world not give her both? She glanced between her friends and Spitfire, not able to give either of them up. She looked at her friends, and knew what her life would be without them. She looked at the pegasus she had idolized for so long, and wondered.

“Did you really give up your friends to be a Wonderbolt?” she asked. Spitfire lowered her head to the ground, accepting that painful fact. She had been living that life for so long she had forgotten the value of friendship.

“Then I feel sorry for you Spits, because nothing is worth giving up these friends for.”

She pulled the flight goggles of her head, and dropped them on the ground. She then turned her back on the one pony she had always looked up to, out of fear that the tear in her eye would destroy her fragile emotional state.

“You were going to be the next captain!” Spitfire shouted towards Rainbow Dash. Those words stopped in her tracks.

“Without these friends, I wouldn’t have made a very good captain.” She continued on her way, but halted one last time “Spits. If ever you need a friend to talk to, you know where to find me.”

She walked off, followed by the friends she had just defended.

"Dear Celestia, Rainbow Dash. I can't believe you just did that!" shouted Rarity, astounded. "You just turned down fame and fortune for friends."

"You can't put a price on friendship. You five should know that the best." She stared up at the sun, the full situation settling in her mind.

"But Dash, you just gave up your dream for us!" said Fluttershy.

"I dreamed I could be in the Wonderbolts, to fly among their ranks. I dreamed of the fame, of the popularity, of all the ponies that looked up to me. But in every one of those dreams, you were all there. If my friends are the cost of being a Wonderbolt, than I would rather stay here in Ponyville. I can still become the fastest flier in all of Equestria, just in between the time I spend with my friends." A faint smile appeared on her face, wiping away all signs of sorrow.

"Ah'm astonished, Dash. Overwhelmed. But ah'm sure glad to 'ave you back!" Applejack gave her friend a quick pat on the back.

"So what are we gonna do now?" Asked Pinkie, already hoping the answer involved a party.

"I've been dreaming of a weekend back here for a while, and I know just how to spend it."

.........

Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm writing this letter while lying in a field of daffodils, surrounded by my friends. And there is no place in the world I would rather be.

It takes years of work to accomplish your dreams; it takes much less time to lose them. After working so hard to become a Wonderbolt, I let my true dream, my life with my friends, slip away. Our friendship itself was still alive, for there's a type of magic in that friendship. It fills your soul up in ways that nothing else can and without it you just feel … incomplete. It wasn’t until the moment I set eyes on my friends again, that I knew they were what was missing from my life.

I was Rainbow Dash, the Wonderbolt. But I prefer Rainbow Dash, the loyal friend, the one you can always trust to be there for you. I will still become the greatest flier in all of Equestria, but not at the cost of my friendships. Because you can’t put a price on friendship.

Yours Truly
- Rainbow Dash

Loyal Friend.

Epilogue: Remembering

"Spits. If ever you need a friend to talk to, you know where to find me."

...

...

...

She was shocked.

She didn't believe what had just happened.

She couldn't do anything to stop it.

The rainbow Peagasus walked away
Into the distant town of Ponyville
Accompanied by her friends.

Spitfire was left alone.
Truly alone.
For the first time since she had taken that pegasus under her wing,
She had no-one.

How could Ponyville be more important than the Wonderbolts? Than her?

After all they had been through together, did she really mean that little? Or did her friends mean that much?

Confusion clouded her mind; she needed to clear it. Flapping her wings, Spitfire launched herself into the burning air. But even under the raging sun, the cold feeling of betrayal still filled her soul.

She had given that pegasus everything, and yet in those few minutes she had destroyed every dream she had been cultivating for the past year. Every hope, every desire, smashed by the only pony she had truly cared for in… in such a long time. She had finally been able to see a future, for both the Wonderbolts and herself, but now it was gone as swiftly as the pegasus who destroyed it.

Gone...

Her mind was overwhelmed by a piercing pain, causing Spitfire to let out a slight wimper as her wings folded in upon herself. The pain of crashing on the open Equestrian plains was nothing compared to the pain that tormented her soul: the pain of loss. Pain so sharp it was like nothing she had felt … in a long time. Memories rose unbidden to her mind.

“If this is your dream, then chase after it. Don’t worry about me; true friends put each other’s dreams before themselves.”

The pain brought forth by the long forgotten voice faded in her mind. She had chased her dream, and given everything for it. She never looked back, not even for a second, because to look back was to stop moving forwards. And she had achieved that dream; the little pegasus from Fillydelphia had become the greatest flier in Equestria! She had given so much up for this life, and had never doubted her choice before. But the loyalty and dedication of a single rainbow pegasus threw her entire life into question. Had she made the right choice?

She tried to look back, to see for herself that she had been right, but doubted the memories of the past still existed. It had been so long ago when she last thought of them, it seemed like a different life. With the greatest determination she had ever exerted, she tried to call back the memories of her childhood friend.

The memories that came back to here were plentiful, but clouded; the whispers of emotions were a pure joy she had long forgotten could exist within this world. Tears streamed down her mane as the image of a cloud-white pegasus drifted through her mind.

“Meriweather…” She whispered the word through the tears and memories. The long forgotten name brought forth a different memory, crystal clear, to her mind.

………

“Cummon Meriweather, let’s race!” she shouted back at the white pegasus, as she launched herself into the sky.

“Wait for me!” came the reply. She looked back to see her friend struggling to keep up. Slowing her pace to be just ahead of her friend, she threw a smile over her wing.

“You don’t need to slow down for me” Meriweather said.

“I’m not leaving you behind.”

“I don’t want to be holding you back. Go on and see how fast you can fly!”

After a hesitant glance over her shoulder, she took off as fast as she could flying low over the open plains. She flew faster than she had ever allowed herself to before, so fast that she could feel the heat building up around her. But still she pressed onwards.

Suddenly, the grass beneath her wings burst into flames, leaping up into the air. Tumbling into the ground in surprise, she looked back in fear as the fire started to spread across the field.

“MERIWEATHER!” she screamed, as the flames advanced upon her. Her wings were sprained from the fall, and would be unable to lift her up.

“HOLD ON” came the shout, as the pegasus landed beside her. Grasping onto her back, Meriweather tried to fly away with the two of them, but was unable to life their combined weight.

“You can do it!” She encouraged.

“I’m trying!” the shout came back. But try as she might, they could not leave the ground.

Meriweather looked back, a small light in her eyes. “I’ll be back” she said, taking to the skies before Spitfire could protest.

As the fire approached, her eyes were transfixed upon the white pegasus flying circles in the air above her. The more she flew, the whiter the sky grew, until the sun was blocked out by a single cloud. As she continued to fly, the cloud grew darker and darker until it was on the verge of raining. However the pegasus was running out of energy, and could not bring the rain to the ground.

The fire was closing in on Spitfire, and there was only one thing she could do.

“Meriweather. You’re doing great, just a little bit farther.”

Her speed picked up slightly, but the fire was moving faster. The heat was growing.

“Almost there, you need to push yourself a little harder.”

There was no response, as the pegasus started to falter.

“Please. For me. I need you.”

With another flap of her wings, and a kick of her legs, Meriweather unleashed a downpour of water upon the burning fields. The fire that was spreading immedeatly simmered out to steam, as the two pegasi became drenched in water. The exhausted friends lay down beside each other, not noticing the flaming lightning bolt and raincloud that had appeared upon their flanks.

………

Tears streaked across Spitfires face as she realized just how much she had given up to be a Wonderbolt. She had given up the best friend she had ever made, and the happiest days of her life. A more recent voice floated through her mind.

“They’re the only ones holding me up, the only reason I’m still flying”

It was only now that she started to see the truth in Dash’s words. That she wouldn’t be here without her friends, and they wouldn’t be themselves without her. That together they were stronger. That she had only become the greatest because of Meriweather. And that made the next thoughts more painful.

After getting their cutie marks, she and Meriweather had parted ways. She went off to pursue her dream as a Wonderbolt, while Meriweather stayed behind in Fillydelpia. Plains fires were common, and destructive to farmer’s crops, so she was needed within the community. She was probably still there, just like the day she left all those years ago. With a new thought in her mind, and a hope in her heart, she took off into the sky.

Even in the turmoil of her emotions, her wings found the strength to carry her onwards. She flew hard towards Fillydelphia, and tried to organize the thoughts that ran rampant in her brain. She would need to thank Dash for all this, and they had so much to talk about! Friendship, the Wonderbolts – but those were thoughts for another time. Right now she had one thing to focus on.

As a town approached on the horizion, a sharp fear cleared her mind of all thoughts, and allowed doubt to enter her mind. Was this showing weakness? To fall back on your friends when you faltered yourself? Her wings started to feel weak, as she started to lose altitude. No! she screamed in her mind. She couldn’t doubt herself now, let herself fall after coming so far. She had been pushing back her past for so long; embracing it took the most strength she had ever used. Pushing herself to her limit, she used her determination to keep herself moving forwards.

The city was right below her, and it came into clear focus as she slowed herself down. Circling the skies, she searched for anything that resembled the hazy image of a cloud house she remembered. But after so much time had passed, would it still be there? Would she still be there? As she expanded her circles around the town, her attention was captured by what looked like a pure white cloud resting in the shadow of a tree. There was only one pegasus that had such a cloud-white color. Pushing aside the slight hesitation in her mind, she landed by the tree.

The pegasus looked up. A face she had not set her eyes upon in… in too long a time. A pegasus she had never though she would see again. But there was no doubting who that pegasus was.

“Hey Meriweather. It’s been a while” she said.

Realization dawned upon the white pegasus’s face, leaving her too stunned for words.

“How have you been?”

The pegasus was still silent, taking everything in. Spitfire decided it was time for action.

“Cummon, lets race!” She said, taking to the sky.

Glancing behind her shoulder, she was filled with the utmost joy, as her first true friend was following behind her once more.