Wishing is Magic

Star Swirl led Rainbow Wishes through the hallways, which were lined with pictures of the stars and constellations, until they finally stopped at a room. A pink Earth Pony stood with her back to them. Her yellow and blue mane was tied in a loose ponytail.

"Hi, Star Dash," Star Swirl said softly.

"Oh!" Star Dash turned around. "Oh, um, hi, Star Swirl." Her purple eyes darted to Rainbow Wishes.

"I'm Rainbow Wishes," Rainbow Wishes explained, smiling. She extended her hoof. Star Dash smiled slightly and shook Rainbow Wishes's hoof.

"I'm Star Dash," she answered. Her voice was soft, and a the image of a cloud popped into Rainbow Wishes's head. "Um, did Star Swirl tell you a lot about me?"

"Nope!" Rainbow Wishes replied with a shake of her head. The two ponies turned to look at Star Swirl. She smiled sheepishly.

"I mentioned you like to spend time here!" She defended herself. "But I know you're shy around New ponies, so I didn't say much." Star Dash nodded.

"Thanks, Star Swirl," she said. Star Swirl shrugged, like it was no big deal.

"So, Star Dash, what are you looking at?" Rainbow Wishes asked, stepping closer to the telescope. Star Dash gestured at a notebook lying on the counter beside her.

"Look in there," she suggested. "I haven't seen much, just some starlight changing colors." Rainbow Wishes picked up the notebook and flipped through it.

"Are you the only one that writes in this?" She asked. She glanced up to see Star Dash shake her head.

"I wrote in it once," Star Swirl commented, reading over Rainbow Wishes's shoulder. "And their are more regular ponies that write."

"Comet Tail, for instance," Star Dash added, her voice sounding louder and bolder. "Several other ponies."

"This is cool," Rainbow Wishes commented. Star Dash nodded.

"I haven't seen as shooting star yet." Her voice was wistful as she bent down to peak in the telescope again. Rainbow Wishes cast a sideways glance at Star Swirl.

"I'm certain you'll see one soon," she assured Star Dash. Star Dash looked back up.

"Thanks, Rainbow Wishes," she answered. "I'm sure I will."

"Wanna go to a restaurant with us?" Star Swirl asked her. "You've probably been staring at that thing all day." Star Dash nodded.

"Sure," she agreed. "I could use a break. Rainbow Wishes, what's your favorite food?"

"Waffles with moon syrup," Rainbow Wishes answered promptly. She blushed as expressions of confusion spread over her companions' faces. "Or, uh, sunflower seeds on rye is fine."

"The Seed Is a good restaurant," Star Dash offered. "It has sunflower seeds."

"Then let's go!" Rainbow Wishes exclaimed. She followed and Star Swirl and Star Dash out.

And it happened again. It was subtle, so Swirl and Dash didn't mention it. But Rainbow Wishes noticed she was suddenly several inches farther away from the doorway.

"So, Star Dash," she said, trying to take her mind off the time warp thing. "What else do you do, besides the telescope?" Star Dash glanced back.

"I like reading," she replied.

"Are you going to drop by the library?" Rainbow Wishes asked. "I'm staying at Golden Oaks for the week."

"I didn't know Golden Oaks Library was still in business!" Star Dash exclaimed with wide eyes. "I'd love to stop by late this week!"

The three mares began to talk about their favorite books and stories as they walked down the road. They were so absorbed in their conversation that they didn't realize they had reached The Seed.

"Star Swirl!" The girls were interrupted by a green Pegasus mare who flew up to them. "By any chance, are you and your friends going to The Seed?"

"Yeah!" Star Swirl replied cheerfully. "How'd you guess?" The mare's gaze turned to the sky.

"You know, just had a feeling you were missing your stop," she responded. Star Swirl nodded. Star Dash giggled.

"Hi!" The mare said to Rainbow Wishes. "I'm Lucky Dreams! What's your name?"

"I'm Rainbow Wishes!" Rainbow Wishes responded. Lucky Dreams smiled. She landed on the ground and folded her wings.

"Nice to meet you, Rainbow Wishes," she answered. "I had a feeling I'd meet a new friend today."

"So you're psychic?" Rainbow Wishes guessed. Lucky Dreams laughed.

"Could I say that, Star Swirl?"

"Not sure!" Star Swirl answered. "I guess you could.

"Lucky Dreams is, well, lucky," she added to Rainbow Wishes. "She has a sixth sense about practically everything." Rainbow Wishes grinned.

"Lucky Dreams, are they going to run out of food today?" She asked in a fake accent. Lucky Dreams giggled.

"I cannot forsee such frivolous matters!" She teased, tossing her pink and blue mane. The group laughed at the hoity toity gesture.

"She's also one of the most honest ponies I know," Star Swirl added, whispering into Rainbow Wishes's ear.

"So, why are you in town?" Lucky Dreams asked Rainbow Wishes.

"I'm on vacation," Rainbow Wishes answered. She briefly wondered how much to tell before she sounded like a self-obssesed bragger. "Um, Princess Luna decided I needed a break."

"You work for Princess Luna?" Lucky Dreams asked excitedly, flaring her wings suddenly. Rainbow Wishes nodded in confirmation.

"Oh, tell me all about it!" Lucky Dreams exclaimed pleadingly. "She's my biggest idol!"

"Alright," Rainbow Wishes agreed.

"Um, want to talk about this over a sandwich?" Star Dash asked, pointing her hoof at The Seed.

"Good idea," the other three agreed.