Shadows of the Past

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

Under the full moon, the Pie family rock farm looked like a ghostly and barren landscape. The cold and biting wind howled through the drafty farmhouse that lay on the north-western side of the property. The structure was almost as barren as the landscape—painted in grays and blacks that the moon-light accentuated. The Pie family believed in a plain life—and it showed in their landscaping outside, and their décor inside. No fancy ornamentation graced the walls. No exotic patterns on the furniture or rugs. If it was not practical, it was not necessary. The furniture, the rugs, the linens, the décor, was plain and simple. That was good enough for the Pie family as it had been for generations.

The bright moon poured its light through every window on the western side of the abode—casting ethereal shadows throughout the homestead. In a small room on the top floor, a young pink filly lay in her bed, quietly sobbing.

"...why does this always happen...to me*sniff*...I try so hard...*sniff*"

Memories of the day flooded her mind as she tried to sleep. She struggled to regain her composure. She didn’t want her family to hear her—especially her sister. She was still bruised and sore from their confrontation earlier that day. She rubbed her shoulder in an attempt to massage away the pain. She wondered why her mother and her other sister never intervened—why they just stood by and let things happen to her. Why her father blamed her for what she did.

"...I just wish I could get out of this place...*sob*..."

She put her hooves up to her face and began to pray that something would change...that something would break and she could be free of this life of drudgery and hard, physical labor—broken up only by the fits of insanity that her sister caused. Her straight pink hair fell around her face as she tried hard to focus and control her emotions.

Then she heard it.

CLINK!

"What was that!?" she said in a half whisper. Her eyes darted around the room searching for the source.

Again...CLINK-CLANK.

Something was hitting the window.

Pinkamena got out of her bed, her curiosity staying her emotion for the time being. She carefully moved toward the window. She peered out into the moon bathed rock fields searching for whatever it was hitting her window. The light gave the dreary fields an almost mystical quality...

CLINK!

"AH!" she gasped. She looked out again and found the source. A handsome young earth colt with a dark blue coat and white mane gazed up at her window with a hoof-full of rocks—the source of all of the racket. Her only friend in the community—Blue Waters—had come to pay her another visit. As their eyes connected, a small smile began to form across Pinkamena's face. She opened the window.

"HEY PIN--" he began to shout

"SHHHHH!" Pinkamena chastised. "They'll hear you! I'm already in enough trouble as it is tonight!" she stated in a hushed tone.

"Oh...” said Blue, “…well, can I come up anyway?" He asked in a barely audible whisper.

"Only if you're quiet about it..."

"Okay."

He began to climb the trellis next to the porch roof that was just under her window--just as he had done so many times before. He came by about once or twice a week would stay up talking with Pinkamena, or showing her how to draw the most beautiful pictures. She kept these sketches under a loose floorboard by the window—a secret talisman to guard against the world outside her house—as well as the one within.

As he climbed, Pinkamena thought about how much his friendship meant to her. She found it fascinating that he always knew when to come by--whenever she was sad or lonely--it was like he knew that she needed a friend at that moment. Blue would always come by and cheer her up. Maybe he heard from his father—who was close friends with her father—that she was feeling sad, lonely, or afraid.

He was finally at the window

"Quiet enough for ya’?" he whispered as he climbed through the portal into her room.

"Perfect." She whispered as she began to give the smallest of smiles. "What are we doing tonight?"

She always asked this. Every time the answer was different. Sometimes they drew pictures or put puzzles together. Sometimes they would make a fort out of blankets and pillows and read books he would bring by. Sometimes they snuck out and played tag or hide and seek in the rock fields.

But tonight would be different.

“Well, Pink,” he said, “my dad and I were talking tonight about your…uh, troubles with your sister, Isabelle…and uh…” He wasn’t looking at her. It was almost as if he couldn’t bring himself to look at her.

“Blue, are you okay?” she asked. A look of concern began to grow over your face. “Did Isabelle say something...Or do something? Don’t worry about her; she’s just not right in the he—”

"Pink," Blue Waters cut her off, "I got something I gotta' tell ya', but it won't be easy." He was beginning to choke up. A tear began to form at the corner of his eye.

"Blue, it's okay. No matter what it is, you know you can tell me anything. What's going on?" A sliver of fear began to pierce her heart. Something was very wrong with her dearest friend.

"I don't know how to tell you this, Pink, but I...uh...that is..."

"Go on..."

"Pink, I can't come by here anymore. Your mom and dad had a long talk with my dad this afternoon, and told me I wasn't welcome here—‘specially after what happened this afternoon. What’s more is that my dad has also told me never to come here again…said something was very wrong with Isabelle and for my own safety, I was to stay away from here.”

Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach. "But...I don't... *sniff*...understand.....why..." she sputtered as fresh, hot tears began to fill her eyes.

"Pink, I'm not finished yet. There's something else."

"What?" She sniffled. She felt as if she had been punched in the gut. She couldn’t catch her breath.

"Pink, I want you to come with me and get out of this place."

"I...wait, what?" she questioned with a surprised tone.

"I'm getting out of here and I want you to come with me…we got to get away from here before she does anymore harm to us."

"I....but, I..."she stammered

"Pinkamena, this might be our last chance to get out of here before something really bad happens and..."

"Something bad already has happened!" she chanced at raising her voice a bit. "Don’t you get it?! I'm the one who has to live here in this nightmare!"

"Then come with me. You may be living in this nightmare, but you’re not the only one affected by it. Get some things you'll need and we can leave tonight.”

“Blue, I can’t just leave the rest of my family because of my little sister’s…episodes.”

“Those aren’t just ‘episodes’ as you call them. Someday, somepony is going to get hurt…and I can’t bear to think that it could be you. Please come with me.”

“And where would we go?” she badgered, “We don’t have any money and we don’t know anyone outside of the community…for Celestia’s sake, we’re just kids!”

“I know some folks in Ponyville—good people…run a bakery. There’s also my cousin in Canterlot, friends in Fillydelphia, and of course my brother in Seaddle.”

“...like we could make it to Seaddle!” She retorted. “This is crazy, Blue! It’s not practical—you don’t even have a real plan!”

“Well, Pink, sometimes you gotta’ be a little spontaneous,” he said with a grin and a wink. That same grin and wink had usually convinced her to go with his hair-brained schemes…

Usually, but this was asking too much.

“Blue,” she looked down at the moon-lit floorboards, “I…just…*sniff*…can’t…” Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

She wanted to go…desperately wanted to escape this life and begin anew. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t just leave her family behind to deal with her sister’s ‘condition.’

“Alright then,” he replied in a resigned tone, “but, I can’t stay around here and watch this continue.” He was trying to contain his own tears. “I’m leaving for Ponyville tonight to meet up with my friends there. I’ll be there for about two weeks working on a farm to raise money to catch the train to Appleoosa. If you change your mind, I will wait for you there.”

Blue made his way back to the window. He looked back at Pinkamena, and saw the stresses of the world weighing her down. He walked back to her and hugged her tightly. She could feel his tears mingling with hers.

And then, he was gone. Out the window and fading into the shadows of the moon-lit night.

One week later, Pinkamena saw the most spectacular rainbow exploding through the sky…

…

“Whaddaya mean, denied?!?!” Rainbow Dash’s voice erupted throughout the office. “Did you not see that sonic rainboom last week? Everypony has been talking about it—heck, you not only should let me in, you should make me Captain!!!”

“As I have explained, Ms. Dash,” the clerk—dressed in a drab outfit that matched the drab interior of the government office explained, “There are strict and strenuous requirements for becoming a member of the Wonderbolts. They are Equestria’s most elite Pegasus Ponies and only after years of grueling military training are a small few hand picked by Princess Celestia herself. Your application has been denied based upon the fact that you are too young for active service in the Equestrian Royal Air Force, and your flight record is…uh…‘questionable’ at best.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?!?!” Dash’s voice rang out through the countless rows of standardized government cubicles. Quite a few heads popped out from behind their drab-gray cubicle walls to see what the commotion was about.

“According to your instructors and other references you put down on your application, you are hot-tempered, lazy, self-centered, undisciplined, and very reckless—traits that are not becoming of a future member of the Equestrian military, much less the Wonderbolts.”

Dash was fuming. She could feel her blood-pressure rising and pulsating in her ears. She had done what so many said was impossible—A sonic rainboom! She was sure it was her ticket in with the Wonderbolts. What other pony in all of Equestria could fly faster than the speed of sound? Surely the Equestrian military had a use for that! And now, all her hopes of glory were being trampled by some government bureaucrat at the Cloudsdale Office of Career Development!!! There had to be some other way.

“There’s got to be some way in for such a gifted pony as myself!!! Isn’t there some kind of loophole or something for highly talented Pegasus Ponies?”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Dash, but we do have to abide within the confines of this policy. You need more flight time, and you need more positive references that will speak to your own personal integrity.”

“…how many more?”

“Five to be exact. But the more the better. You need to look at this as building a case as to why the Royal Air Force should let you in and put you into tryouts for the Wonderbolts.”

“So, what do I do now?” She asked.

“Well,” started the clerk, “We just had a new position open up in Ponyville for weather-ponies. I think it might be a great fit for you, and might just be your ticket to bigger things.” The clerk attempted a small smile as she slid a yellow sheet of paper with the title “Ponyville Meteorological Department of Weather Control”…

“Seriously?” an unenthusiastic Rainbow Dash stated.

“Yes…is there something wrong?” said the clerk, still trying to fake a grin.

“You want me to go to some back-woods, middle of nowhere town like Ponyville and be their sky janitor?”

“It is a good position that will build some discipline into you,” she said curtly. “Listen, I don’t have to help you, you know. I could give you an assignment cleaning sewers in Manehatten. But along with the disparaging marks on your record, there is also a great deal of comments such as, ‘has great potential,’ and ‘could be top of her class…if she applied herself.’ ” These ponies believe in you, they just seem to wish you would take yourself more seriously. And honestly, I like your spunk. You got spirit, kid, and I think that if you do this and give it time, it really will take you places.”

Rainbow Dash sighed. “Fine…but I need to know two things, when can I re-apply and what do you need from me when I do?”

“Give it a few years. At that time I will need all the information you provided me today, plus the five references detailing why you should be accepted. If you are selected into the Air Force and are found to be eligible to try out for the Wonderbolts, you will be put through the most demanding training regimen ever required of a Pegasus Pony. Even then, few make the cut. You have to be the best of the best.”

“Well, I’m 20% better than that!!! I’ll take this position in Ponyville, and I’ll show you all! When I come back in a few years, I’m going to be an aviation rock-star! You haven’t heard the last of Rainbow Dash!”

With that, Dash took the paper detailing the assignment and flew out the door, back home to pack her things.

…

The brakes of the train screeched in protest as the steam engine came to a slow stop at the Ponyville station early that spring morning. Steam filled the platform, giving an ominous glow to the travelers waiting for their turn to board the express to its next stop in Canterlot. Feeling extremely excited and nervous at the same time, Pinkamena stepped off the train. It was the first step into a new life for her.

“Excuse me,” she asked a porter, “I need to find a farm that is somewhere around this town—a friend of mine is waiting for me there.”

“…plenty of farms ‘round these parts, ma’am.” The porter was friendly, but answered in a sleepy voice that indicated he had just started his shift. “…there’s the Sunshine Honey Ranch, the Burst Blueberry Farm, Sweet Apple Acres, Cherry Berry’s Cherry Orchard…probably ten or twelve more…know which one your looking for?”

“Wow...heh…” she said with a nervous smile, “that’s a lot of farms.” She paused. She had never been outside of the community before. She hadn’t planned on finding Blue Waters to be so difficult. And then, she remembered…

“Hey! Is there a super-amazing bakery in town?” Super-amazing? She thought… Where did that come from?

“Well, there’s Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s place—Sugarcube Corner…”

“Can you tell me how to get there?”

As the porter pony began to describe how to get to the bakery, she noticed through the fog and haze a pony with a blue coat having a very animated conversation with the porter at the Visitor Information Kiosk.

Could it be? Blue?

She started walking toward the Kiosk—oblivious to the fact that she had left the porter spouting off directions to the air. She was walking faster now—so happy that she had found him so quickly. She couldn’t wait to tell him everything that had happened in the past few weeks. All the changes she needed to tell him about—her mane being the least of them.

She was within mere feet when all of the sudden, the blue pony’s wings shot out as the conversation became more intense. It was then she realized her mistake—a filly, not a colt—and a Pegasus Pony—was carrying on this excited exchange with the bored porter behind the counter.

“…and I could feel the air bending around me, like the sky was electrified, and then it happened…a SONIC RAINBOOM!” The filly’s multi-colored mane and tail were swishing around with her hoof gestures of her pulling out of a dive and a whooshing back into the atmosphere.

“Uh-huh,” said the clerk.

“So, surely you could point such an awesome aviation rock-star such as myself to the best lodgings in town and hook me up with a discount or something?” She grinned as she concluded her story to the less-than-impressed porter who was now flipping through the want ads in the Ponyville Daily Report.

“Don’t know about that. I do know Mr. and Mrs. Cake are renting some rooms in their bakery. Might be a good place to crash ‘til you get a place of your own.” He held up the paper to show her the ad.

“Hey, that’s perfect! Listen, when I’m famous and soaring with the Wonderbolts, I’ll hook you up with some free tickets whenever we’re in town!”

“Uh-huh…” the porter said as he went back to his paper.

“Hey! Did he say Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s?” Pinkamena excitedly asked the stranger, “‘cause, that’s where I’m headed too!”

“Yeah…need a place to stay until I get settled here and find something more permanent…just came in from Cloudsdale. Name’s Rainbow Dash—perhaps you’ve heard of me…”she said with an overconfident smile.

“Uh…no. But, I’m new here too and need a place to stay. It just so happens I’m looking for Sugarcube corner. Maybe we can room together!”

“Sounds like a plan. By the way, what’s your name?”

“Pinka….” Something stalled in her. Her name was a connection to the boring former life that was interrupted with moments of unspeakable terrors she had fought so hard to leave.

“Pinkie. Pinkie Pie.” She liked the sound of that. It sounded fun. Spontaneous.

Well Pink, sometimes you gotta be a little spontaneous…she could hear Blue say.

“Well Pinkie, let’s go find this bakery and get settled into this town.”

“You know what we should do?”

“What’s that?”

“Once we’re settled in, let’s throw a SUPERAMAZINGFANTASTIC PAAARTY!!!!”

“Hey that sounds great. Maybe in a few weeks, once we meet some other ponies we can have a small get together…”

That night, over one-hundred ponies packed Sugarcube Corner for Pinkie’s first party in Ponyville.

…

To be continued…

Chapter 2

“Twilight, I don’t understand, what’s the rush anyway?” Fluttershy was getting frustrated. The entire day it seemed like everypony was trying to keep her out of town. All of her friends were showing up at coincidental times to make sure she was kept out of the town square. Now, tonight, Twilight Sparkle was doing everything she could to get her into the town square.

“You’ll see…” Twilight said. They had just entered the town limits and were headed toward the square, when Fluttershy turned and looked back toward her house.

“But I have to feed the chickens and tuck Angel in for his bedtime. Then I have to make sure all my cutsie-wootsie nocturnal friends are up for their breakfast and exercises, and then—”

“Fluttershy!” Twilight shouted—beginning to get a little frustrated herself, “I got Sweetie Belle to take care of that for you. This is really important!”

“Okay, Twilight…but does Sweetie Belle know about the mouse family’s medicine. They were awful sick last week and—”

“It’s FINE, OKAY?!”

The two argued back and forth until they reached the square. All the storefront lights and street lights were turned off for the night.

“Twilight, it’s so dark…what’s going on? Twilight?”

But Twilight had disappeared. Fluttershy was all alone in the darkened street.

“Twilight?” She was beginning to get a little frightened.

“Twilight? Where are you? I think I want to go back home now!”

There was metallic CLANK—then a huge beam of light shone down on her—temporarily blinding her. As she raised her hoof to cover her eyes, an amplified voice began to echo through the square.

“Mares and stallions, fillies and gentlecolts, ponies of all ages, welcome to FLUTTERSHY’S BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!”

All the lights in the town square cut on and everypony in Ponyville surrounded Fluttershy, shouting “SURPRISE!!!” Fireworks exploded in the skies above and a laser light show began in the smoke they left. Banners and Balloons were hung all over the town square. Huge speakers began to pulsate with the sound of dance music. Multi-colored lights twirled and spun through the square as ponies filled a make-shift dance floor and began jamming to the beat.

“Welcome Ponyville!!! DJ Pon-3 is in tha’ HOUSE mixin’ up some funky-fresh beats for the dazzling denizens of PONYVILLE!!! As we get this party started, a special shout out goes to the one who put this celebration together—Ponyville’s one and only princess of the party, the one who puts the ‘fun’ in tha’ funk…the one and only PINKIE PIE!!!”

Cheers erupted from the crowd as DJ Pon-3 began leading the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday.” Pinkie ran out from behind the DJ booth and embraced Fluttershy. “Oh wow, I’m so excited, are you excited? Were you surprised?!?!”

Fluttershy was at a loss for words, “I…uh…I…”

Pinkie looked concerned, “You like it, don’t you?”

“Well, yes, I…that is…uh…thank you, Pinkie…it’s the best birthday surprise…ever…” she said shyly.

“That’s GREAT!!! I’m so super-excited, come with me and we’ll get some cake!!! WHOOO-HOOO!!!!” Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy and the two began to make their way toward a table with all kinds of baked goods from Sugarcube corner.

Twilight Sparkle looked on and smiled. Mission accomplished she thought. Now, she needed to find her faithful assistant, Spike. As she scanned the crowd pulsating with the rhythm of speakers, she thought to herself, I didn’t know this many ponies lived in Ponyville. She couldn’t see where Spike was, but she did see where he would be eventually.

Rarity.

Rarity was fairly easy to find. She was wearing the latest and most extravagant hat and scarf from her autumn lineup. The mannequins in the Carousel Boutique all had a different version of this outfit for a week now. Rarity’s orange scarf was peppered with topaz stones and her burnt sienna hat was graced with sapphires and diamonds—all of which glittered mesmerizingly in the lasers and colored lights. She was standing near the fountain talking with Rainbow Dash when Twilight caught her eye.

“Twilight, darling,” Rarity said as she and Rainbow Dash walked toward Twilight, “isn’t this about the most festive event Pinkie has ever put on? So much detail and trouble put into this occasion. One wonders how she will top herself for her next event!”

“Yeah, it’s really great! Another amazing Pinkie Pie production! By the way, Rarity, have you seen Spike around?”

“Yes,” Rarity replied, “As a matter of fact, I wanted to discuss with you Spike’s…how shall we say…interest in me. I must admit, I find his affections toward me sweet at times, but he is, after all a dragon—and a baby one at that…oh Twilight, could you please talk to him? It would be so much easier coming from you. I would hate to break his heart, but he has to learn to seek his own kind, don’t you agree? Even if it were, ahem, possible, we are from different worlds. So, please Twilight, do be a dear and explain it to him.”

“Rar,” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow, “I think you need to be the one to tell him. It’s not like I’m his mother. And besides, if you tell him, he may be crushed at first. But at least you were the one who would have been honest with him. He will respect you for that. If I tell him, then he’ll feel betrayed by you and will never respect you again.”

“Twilight’s right,” Dash chimed in, “Spike’s a good guy. He deserves the truth from the ponies’ mouth.”

As they were debating the issue, Applejack walked up with Big Macintosh. “Hey, what are y’all talking’ about?”

“Rarity’s gonna’ break Spike’s heart.” Dash chuckled.

“It’s not funny, Dash,” Twilight retorted, “Rarity, you don’t have to tell him tonight, but do tell him…”

“Fine,” Rarity replied, “but not tonight…tonight, I need to display this new chapeau I’ve created for the fall. It’s going to be all the rage in Canterlot! One wonderful thing about these festive events our dear Pinkie puts together—they are superb ways to network and market one’s business. Ta-ta girls.” She turned and began to walk back toward the crowd.

“Wait, Rarity! Where did you see Spike last? I’ve got to go over our pre-post-party checklist with him.”

“Oh, last I saw him he was talking with Applebloom outside of Sugarcube Corner.” With that she trotted away.

Twilight sighed. Part of her wanted to get her list done. Another part wanted to just relax and spend time with her friends.

“Hey A.J., Big Mac, enjoying the party?”

“Eeyup.” said Big Mac in his usual tone.

“Great party,” Applejack said, “Pinkie sure pulled off another winner, I reckon…ain’t that right, Big Mac?” Big Macintosh did not respond. Instead, he began to make his way through the dancers toward the food table.

“Big Mac!” Applejack shouted, “We ate before we left!”

Oblivious, Big Mac kept walking toward the table.

“I don’t think he’s interested in the food.” Rainbow Dash stated.

“Come again?” She turned to gave Dash a confused look.

“Oh c’mon, A.J. He’s been crushing on Fluttershy for a long time now. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed.”

“Hogwash. Big Mac ain’t crushin’ on nopony. He…” As she turned back toward her brother’s direction, she stopped and her jaw dropped. As the music changed to a slow ballad, she saw her big brother take Flutteshy’s hoof and led her to the dance floor. Fluttershy blushed and accompanied him in a slow dance.

“Well…I’ll be…” was all Applejack could manage. Dash broke out laughing at her reaction.

“C’mon guys,” Twilight interrupted, “come help me find Spike.”

As the three proceeded through the crowd, they noticed a small orange Pegasus filly trying to get their attention.

“Rainbow Dash! RAINBOW DASH!” shouted Scootaloo excitedly as she ran toward them holding an envelope.

“Hey squirt,” Dash replied, “What’s up?”

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo shouted excitedly, “Look! This came in the mail for you!”

“You’ve been going though my mail again?! I thought I told you…” but she stopped. The envelope had a seal on it. The seal of the Equestrian Royal Air Force.

“It couldn't be...” Dash’s eye’s widened. She took the envelope from Scootaloo. Beads of sweat formed on her brow. She carefully broke the seal on the envelope.

“You okay, R.D.?” Applejack asked

“No way...” She pulled the letter out of the envelope.

Spike, who was still talking to Applebloom, waved their way and started walking toward them. “Spike!” Twilight called, “There you are…hurry up and come over here!”

Spike saw Dash’s face and started running toward them. As he caught up with the group, he asked, “What’s going on?”

“Omigosh omigosh omigosh…” Dash continued.

“Go on, read it!” shouted Scootaloo.

She nervously opened the letter and began to read out loud:

"From: The Equestrian Royal Air Force Academy—Cloudsdale Campus

To: Rainbow Dash—Ponyville

Dear Miss Dash

Let me congratulate you on the behalf of Equestrian Royal Air Force Academy. You have been selected for admission into the Advanced Flight Techniques course of study. Your profile and references speak to your commitment to the field of aviation and in looking at your recent flight record, we are confident that you will be a great asset to the ERAF.

Also, Captain Spitfire of the ERAF Wonderbolts has personally requested that you attend the next tryouts for the Wonderbolts at the Cloudsdale Campus on November 26th. Tryouts are scheduled from November 26th to December 5th. At the end of the tryouts, Princess Celestia will personally choose the candidate who is most qualified to become the next team member of the Wonderbolts.

In order to prepare for the tryouts, please plan to arrive in Cloudsdale by the night of the 24th. You may bring one companion to assist you in any preparations you may need to make prior to and during the tryouts.

The Equestrian Royal Air Force welcomes you and wishes you all the best for your career. We appreciate your enthusiasm in the Academy and in serving your country and Princess.

Yours truly,

Cool Star

Office of Admissions”

“I…got in…” an amazed Rainbow Dash whispered, “I…I…”

“Dash…you okay?” Applejack repeated.

The moment she had dreamed of for so long had arrived—and with a shout of joy, Dash leaped into the air and began to zip and zoom and loop over the partying crowd shouting “I GOT IN!!!” She came in for a screaming landing right next to Twilight and Applejack who were now joined by Pinkie Pie. “I GOT IN!!! Pinkie did you hear? I MADE IT IN!!!”

“THAT’S AMAZING!!! I am so happy for you, Dashie!!! I know, as soon as this party is over, I’ll put together another one for tomorrow night, it’ll be great—we’ll get DJ Pon-3 to come back and I’ll bake an amazing cake and we’ll throw a parade and there’ll be streamers and banners, and balloons and…oh more fireworks—gotta’ love those fireworks—and dancing penguins and clowns and…” replied pinkie in one breath.

“Thanks Pinkie,” Dash interrupted, “but I gotta’ be there on the 26th. Today’s the 23rd. I really need to leave tomorrow morning so I can prepare and rest in Cloudsdale before the tryouts.”

“Oh…” said Pinkie, a bit dejectedly, “…I see.” Her excited smile was slowly replaced by a frown as she brushed a few flat strands of her mane away from her face.

Dash looked at her friend—the first friend she made in Ponyville. With a compassionate smile, she said, “Hey, don’t worry. The tryouts are only for a week. Then I will come back for a bit before the spring term starts. We’ll have plenty of time to have a party after I get back, okay?”

“But, what about…”

“Pinkie, it’s fine…you’ll be fine, okay?”

Twilight had an idea, “Hey, Pinkie, why don’t we have a small party tomorrow to see Rainbow off?”

“Yeah,” Applejack chimed in, “we could have it at the farm—a picnic to see our dear friend achieve her dream.”

“We could even have it in my hot air balloon to say goodbye in the air…” added Twilight.

“there’s a clearing big enough in the west orchard for the picnic and the balloon.”

Pinkie thought about it for a second and then gasped. “What a GREAT IDEA!!! I’ll make the food and drinks and bring balloons and streamers and clowns and…”

“Pinkie!” Dash said “Don’t go overboard…”

“No clowns?”

“No clowns.”

“Okie dokie lokey! Clowns creep me out anyway. Oh! I gotta’ go tell Rarity and Fluttershy—that is if I can get her away from your brother, A.J.” Pinkie said with a wink. The friends looked over towards the dance floor—Fluttershy and Big Mac were now swing dancing while the crowd looked on and cheered.

Applejack shook her head, “Where did he learn those dance moves?” she wondered out loud as she walked off with Pinkie to tell Rarity and Fluttershy the news.

“Congratulations, Rainbow Dash, you really earned this.” Twilight said as she hugged her friend excitedly.

“Yeah, Dash,” Spike said, “way to go!”

“Thanks guys.” Dash said. Then, she had an idea, “Hey Twilight, Spike, I got something to ask you.”

“Sure, what’s up?” Twilight responded.

“The letter says I can bring a companion to assist in preparations for the tryouts. I was wondering, Twilight, would it be alright if I took Spike with me?”

Twilight chuckled and asked, “Why are you asking me? That’s up to Spike.”

“Well he is your number one assistant. I know how much you depend on him.”

Spike’s eyes grew wide. “Me? Hang out with the Wonderbolts? Alright! Maybe they’ll make me an honorary member! But, Dash, why me?”

“Well for one thing, you can be my ghost writer again.” Dash said with a chuckle, “besides, having a baby dragon around to send messages back to you guys on how things are going would be really handy.”

“Please, Twilight, can I go?” Spike asked showing puppy dog eyes…

Twilight thought for a minute. “It’s fine,” Twilight laughed, “you don’t need me to tell you what to do. Just…be careful, okay?”

“Really?!” Spike shouted. “Thanks, Twi—I’m gonna’ get packing now!”

“I’ll go with you,” Dash said, “there are some things you need to know to help me prepare while we’re in Cloudsdale.”

As the two walked toward the library, Twilight looked on and thought, he really is growing up so fast…

...............…

The next morning a still groggy Rainbow Dash made her way to Sweet Apple Acres. As she flew over the vast expanse of apple orchards—now displaying enough fall colors to make Rarity jealous—the clearing on the west side of the property came into view. She could see Twilight’s balloon rising as it was being filled with air and readied for flight. She landed near a picnic blanket set up in the clearing.

“SHE’S HERE!!!” Pinkie’s voice rang across the field. Immediately a one-hundred member marching band emerged from behind the trees playing the fanfare of the Equestrian Royal Air-Force anthem. Hundreds of balloons were released into the air. Banners unraveled around the trees wishing Dash the best of luck. A large table of food and drink was set up in the middle of the field. Hundreds of ponies from Ponyville began making their way into the clearing—cheering for their hero, Rainbow Dash.

Dash found Pinkie, and shouted over the crowd “I thought I said don’t go overboard.”

“Well,” came Pinkie’s reply, “There’s no clowns are there? Besides, you were the first friend I made in Ponyville. I couldn’t just let you go without making a big deal about it!” she said with a smile.

They made their way through the swelling crowds to the now almost full balloon where Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy were waiting to say goodbye to their dear friend. As Pinkie and Dash were approaching, they caught part of a heated conversation between Applejack and Fluttershy.

“…It’s not like that at all,” said a blushing Fluttershy to Applejack, “He’s a really good friend…that’s it…”

“Uh, huh,” Applejack replied in a defensive tone, “Does he know that’s how you feel?”

“Well, I…uh…that is…” stammered the yellow mare.

“Hey guys,” Dash interrupted, “Guess I’m ready to set off...where’s Spike?”

“He’s loading Pinkie’s picnic basket into the balloon,” Twilight said, “Since Pinkie filled five acres with half of Ponyville, we thought we would have the picnic in the air with you.”

“Wow, thanks Twi—but I’ve got to leave soon if I want to get to Cloudsdale by a decent time tonight.”

“Oh…okay. I guess that makes sense.” She turned to the balloon, “Spike, are you ready? Dash needs to leave soon!” She yelled.

“Yeah!” he said as he made his way toward the six friends.

“Alright, everypony,” Twilight said “lets get aboard.”

As Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy made their way to the balloon, Rarity stayed behind and turned to Spike and Rainbow Dash.

“Ahem…” She started, “Oh, Spike, I made you something for your journey—really it’s for both you and Rainbow—it’s just a little token of my…friendship.”

“Really, something for…me?!” Spike’s eye’s widened. His heart leapt in his chest.

“Now, don’t get the wrong idea, Spike, dear. This is to keep you safe and Dash fashionable during your time in Cloudsdale.” She pulled a package out from behind a nearby rock and offered it to Spike.

“Well, go on, open it…” she stated.

Spike tore open the package open. Inside was a saddle covered in gemstones and a bag filled with more gemstones. Both Dash and Spike looked at Rarity with a confused expression.

“Well you weren’t planning on riding bareback were you?” Rarity directed her question at Spike, “Besides, this saddle has special straps that will keep you secure even at high speeds—in case someone decides to perform another sonic rainboom while you’re riding. It is also made to be very stylish so that while Dash will look dazzling while she is trying out.”

“What about the bag of stones?” Dash asked

“A snack for Spike...for the trip…” she looked back at him, “they’re your favorite.” She whispered to him as she gently kissed his cheek. Spike nearly swooned as Rainbow Dash caught him.

“Easy there, lover boy.” Dash said.

She helped Spike and rainbow get the saddle on correctly. Then she helped Spike get strapped in for their trip before heading off to the balloon. Once on board with everyone else, Twilight magically operated the controls to lift the balloon off the ground. Dash also began her ascent with Spike and met the balloon in the air high above the treetops of Sweet Apple Acres.

“Goodbye Dash, Spike,” said Twilight, “may all your dreams come true, Dash!”

“Goodbye…” Fluttershy said, “We’ll miss you oh so much.”

“I ain’t gonna' lie, R.D.,” Applejack stated, “I’m gonna’ miss you an awful lot. I hope it all works out for ya’.”

“Bye Dashie, bye Spike!” Pinkie said. “I’m planning a HUMONGOUS party for when you get back!!!”

“Do be careful, you two.” Rarity said. “Please remember that I am very proud of both of you, and you have my best wishes as you go.”

“Thanks guys,” Dash replied, “you are all the best friends a pony could every hope to have.” She looked at Spike who was still getting used to the saddle. “Ready, partner?”

“Sure am! Goodbye everypony!” he waved, “We’ll be back before you know it!”

“Hey Spike,” Dash said, “Lets put this saddle to the test!”

“Yeah!” Spike said.

And with that Rainbow Dash took off at high speed toward Cloudsdale. They watched as the vapor trail she left behind started to become different colors of the rainbow. Then, when she was just a dot on the horizon, the colors converged and exploded out in a circle from the point where she was at. Seconds later, the shockwave hit the area with a huge BOOM. The crowd below cheered and the marching band began playing again.

“That Rainbow Dash…always a show-off.” Twilight laughed.

“Yeah…Hey! Who’s hungry?” Pinkie asked

“I know I am, let’s eat!” Applejack said. She opened the picnic basket. “What the…” Inside the picnic basket was a strange black device with numbers counting down and a piece of paper.

“What is that thing?” Rarity asked.

“What does that paper say?” Twilight asked.

Applejack handed the paper to Twilight who proceeded to read it out loud:

“My Dearest Sister

It greatly disturbs me that you would leave us here alone in this Celestia-forsaken place. I have searched high and low, and now at last I have found you. You said I was an evil little pony—but I am not evil. I just have my own ways of extracting justice on those that would hurt me.

Speaking of which, let’s play a little game, shall we? The device you see before you is a detonator that is wirelessly connected to a highly explosive device I have placed into your friend’s balloon. From the time you open the picnic basket, you will have five minutes to escape or else you and your friends will die a horrible fiery death. I do hope you all don’t die too quickly, as I have some other fun games that I want to share with you.

All my love, my dearest Pinkamena,

Your dear sister, Isabelle.”

“It’s a BOMB!” screamed Twilight, dropping the note. “We’ve got to get out of this thing NOW!!!” She looked out of the balloon’s basket. They were too high to jump. She started pulling on levers to deflate the balloon.

“Fluttershy,” Applejack yelled, “Fly down to the farm and get some help.”

“Right!” Fluttershy said as she leapt out of the balloon and glided down to the clearing below.

The display read 4:07. Rarity screamed “Can’t you make this thing descend any faster!?”

“I’m doing the best I can!” shouted Twilight, who was trying not only to drop in altitude, but to maneuver the balloon away from the crowd in the clearing.

“…Ink…Inkie?…” Pinkie stammered. The usually jovial pink pony’s countenance had changed at the hearing of her sister’s name. She stared off into the distance—a glazed look in her eyes—almost oblivious to the panic that was setting in to her friends.

3:20 read the timer on the device. Terror began to get the better of Rarity who started crying and screaming, “I…I’VE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE…LET ME OUT!!!” She began to climb over the edge of the balloon basket, ready to jump. Applejack grabbed her tail and pulled her back in just in time.

“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR APPLE-PICKIN’ MIND!!! WE’RE TOO HIGH UP!!! WE GOT TO GET LOWER!!!” Applejack shouted.

“I said I was WORKING ON IT!” Twilight shouted.

Full panic set into Rarity’s mind, “NO! I AM FAR TOO…FABULOUS TO DIE…HERE…LIKE THIS! LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT, LET ME—,” Applejack cut her off by slapping her across the face.

“GET A GRIP RARITY! Panicking ain’t gonna’ help nopony!”

2:10 remained. “We’re still too high up to jump!” Twilight shouted

As Rarity was sobbing on the floor of the balloon basket and Pinkie kept whispering the name on the note, an idea occurred to Applejack. “Twilight... Can’t you teleport us all out of here?”

“I don’t know,” she said still maneuvering the levers to release the hot air from the balloon. “I’ve never teleported more than myself and one other person before in a moving vehicle! If I miscalculate, we could end up being teleported into a tree or underground!”

Applejack looked over the side at trees made beautiful colors of red, yellow, and orange by the fall season far below. Looking back at her friends she somberly stated, “You gotta’ try Twilight, ‘cause at this rate we ain’t gonna’ make it.”

1:50 on the clock. Twilight looked at her friends and knew that what Applejack said was the truth. “Alright…everypony put your hooves on me. I need contact with you to make sure we all teleport.”

Applejack complied quickly. Rarity nervously put her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. Pinkie did not move.

“PINKIE!” shouted Twilight.

At hearing her name she turned toward them. “Right, sorry,” she said quietly as she picked up the paper and put her hoof on Twilight’s other shoulder.

1:30

Twilight closed her eyes and began to concentrate. Her horn began to glow with a mystical purple light.

“Oh please, Twilight, please, oh please…” Rarity babbled with tears flowing down her face.

“Inkie…here?” Pinkie whispered.

“Everypony SHUT UP!” Twilight shouted and began to concentrate again.