Born For Loyalty

Chapters

Hopeful Dawn
Rainbow Danger Dash
Life in Clousdale Part 1
Life in Cloudsdale Part 3: Camp (Unedited)
Bearer of Loyalty (Unedited)
Old and New Friends (Unedited)
Visit of Dawn (Unedited)
Special: Final Flight
Dual headaches. (unedited)
Races and Parties (unedited)
Iron Pony (uneditted)
Boom Time
Winter Time
DiScorD We won't take it anymore
Aftermath of Discord Part 1
Aftermath of Discord part 2
Aftermath of Discord Part 3
Crazy Ponies and Doctors
Nightmare Night
Wedding Dasher
Lightning Bolt
Life in Cloudsdale part 2: Fly Like Rainbows
Ponyville (Unedited)
Stripes and Jokes (unedited)

Hopeful Dawn

Rainbow Blitz looked at Twilight Ray's Orphanage with hope. It had been a hard few years for him and his wife Firefly. It shouldn't have been, by Celestia. They met each other in school and a close friendship turned into something more by the time they graduated. He took a job at the weather factory while Fires pursued her dream as a racer. They were happy and it only grew when they found out she was pregnant. They started getting everything ready for their foal.

Then the foal was still born.

They were both devastated with Fires spending the night with the lifeless foal in her hooves. She had to be sedated when they finally took the foal away. They named her Star Sky but life was never the same again. Fires has resisted any attempt to have another child. Blitz hoped that with an adopted kid Fires will have her confidence back. She loved him, he knew that and could still race but she was so afraid of losing another child. Perhaps a foal from here could heal her. The foal will get a home and they will have a child and hopefully the start of the healing.

Blitz walked into the he guessed the main hall and saw a desk in front of him with a mare behind it. She saw him and smiled.

“Welcome to Twilight Ray's Orphanage, how may I help you?”

“Yes, I'm Rainbow Blitz and I was interested in adopting, so I came to see what you had.” Some of the mare's smile weakened.

“Sir we do appreciate any interested in adopting but this is not a market. These are foals not property.” He scowled at her.

“I know that, I know it quite well. This is very important to me and my wife. I know quite well what a treasure a foal can be and I want to experience that.” The mare grimaced at the correction.

“Apologies, the care of these poor foals means a lot to us and we just want to make sure ponies adopt for the right reasons.” She grabbed a small stack of papers with a quill and ink bottle. “Please fill this out so we can see if you meet the requirements.” Glad he took the day off, Blitz took the items and began filling out the papers. The questions were general; like his name, name of spouse, job and average income rate, and such. He filled it out quickly and hoofed it over to the mare. She looked over the papers. “Okay so far looks good. We will check it thoroughly over the next few days. I'll fill this and get Tender Wings, I'll just be a few minutes.” He nodded and she flew away as he returned to his seat for a few minutes before the mare returned with another.

“Mr. Blitz, I am Tender Wings, administrator of this orphanage.”

“A pleasure to meet you Miss Wings.”

“Well the kids are out in recess so let's go and see if one meets your fancy and you meet theirs'.” She led him to the back of the building and opened the door to reveal a small play area, where he saw many pegasi of all ages and colors, either playing on the cloud or flying in the air playing various games. He felt a twinge of sadness that so many fillies and colts are without parents. He spent a few minutes just looking at them play and have fun but soon came to notice a particular foal. What drew him to the foal was the colors. The foal had a rainbow mane like him with a sky blue coat, very much like his still born daughter. This foal was attempting to fly but was going about it all wrong, buzzing her wings like that she only get a hoof off the ground at most. But that wasn't stopping the foal from trying.

“I see one has already taken your fancy.” Tender commented. “She's our latest addition.”

'She? I was going to guess a colt with that mane style. Well a tomcolt would not be bad.' Blitz thought privately.

“She was involved in that lighting bolt incident a few weeks ago. She was fine for the most part but has no memory of who she was or her family. No pony claimed her, so when she healed she was sent here. We call her Rainbow and despite her age, she is very intelligent and breezes through most lessons, and for awhile she visited the library but lately she stopped. Despite her trying to fly she keeps mainly to herself. She does help the others when she sees the need but never tries to socialize with the others. To be honest, I think she's still mourning her lost.”

'So she's hurting to. Perhaps we can heal each other.' He gave a questioning look to Tender Wings who nodded to answer the unspoken question. He then flew over to Rainbow, just as she flopped onto the cloud after another failed attempt.

“You're flapping too fast, your wings aren't getting the lift they need.” Rainbow gave him a curious look. He landed and looked over her wings. “You've got good wings kid.” He looked closely at them. “Need better preening but that's an easy fix. I can show you if you let me?” Rainbow eyed him suspiciously. “Perhaps introductions are in order first. My Name is Rainbow Blitz.” That 'seriously?' look was priceless. “Yup we are both named after our manes and I did get some teasing for it. Now with wings, preening is a lot easier than flying. We'll be in Tender Wings' view the entire time.” Rainbow looked towards the building and did see Tender Wings. The filly seemed to think for a minute or two before saying.

“Okay, but don't try any funny business.” Blitz thought that was odd but he began preening and teaching her how to do it herself. She was very attentive and observant. In a few minutes he was done hoof preening her wings. Muzzle preening would be more effective but likely to intimate thing for the filly right now.

“Alright with that done let's get you flying. Now speed is not needed for lift Rainbow. It's the stroke that is; you need to flow through it.” Blitz demonstrated with his own wings and Rainbow paid close attention to it. After demonstrating it for a couple of minutes he had Rainbow try. She was rough and crashed a couple of times but her determination made him smile. Finally having several unsuccessful attempts she manage to float in the air with only the occasional wobble. “Way to go Rainbow. That's a great start. Now let's see if you can move from that spot, and not just float.” He saw Rainbow try and just dive bomb onto the cloud. 'Good thing these are reinforced clouds or she would have gone through.' He gave a hoof out for her but she swiped it away and got up on her own. She then got back into the air and tried again.

He helped her here and there to straighten some things out and took her on a leisurely flight around the orphanage. Her look was priceless. She had the look of amazement and joy as they few together. Then he heard a bell ring.

“Recess is over and I have to get back to class, but thanks for the flying lesson Blitz.”

“No problem Rainbow. It was a pleasure. I'll try to come by again in a few days and maybe you can meet my wife.” Rainbow just shrugged and few back down with him following behind. He saw her disappear into the building as Tender Wings moved in next to him.

“You know, I think that's the first time I ever saw Rainbow really smile since she got here.” That brought a smile to his lips and he said his goodbyes to Tender Wings.

* * * * * *

Due to taking the day off he was home before Firefly. He spent the bulk of the time reading the papers before being a nice stallion and cooking dinner. He was halfway through making dinner when he heard the door open.

“Honey? Your home early. Did something happen at work?”

“Didn't go to work today.” He checked over the food and all that was needed was time to cook, so he set the timer and went into the dinning room and saw his wife. She was a pink mare with a blue mane and tail with a pair of blue lightning bolts for her cutie marks and her magenta eyes. When she saw him a smile appeared which he returned without conscious thought. He saw her sniff the air and the smile got bigger.

“You made dinner.”

“It will be ready in a few minutes so why don't you sit and I'll tell you why I didn't go to work today.” She gave him and odd look but sat down at the table. “I didn't go to work today because I went and visited an orphanage.” She gave him a 'why' look. “Honey I know you were hurt when we lost Star Sky.” Her face went pain stricken and tears formed in her eyes. He immediately went and hugged her. “I know, I know it hurts Fires. I want a child sweet heart, but I know you don't want to carry one again so I thought adopting a foal would be good. Please Fires, wouldn't Star want us to be happy? No child, whether our blood or adopted, will ever replace her. Nothing is set yet honey. I would never leave you without a choice but please give this a chance?” Fires broke off the hug and look him seriously in the eye.

“This is important to you isn't it Blitzy?”

“My family is always important to me Fires, and ours has been hurting for five years. I want it healed, I want us healed so I'm trying anything I know to try.” A buzzing sounded. “Oh that's the haysteaks.” He left for the kitchen and gathered the haysteaks, the prench fires, and some juice. When he came back out and saw Fires staring at the table. He placed the plate in front of her and her smile returned a bit.

“For you Blitzy, I'll try. So did any of the foals catch your eye?” She asked as she took a bite of haysteak.

“One did actually. A cute little filly named Rainbow. She was involved in the weird lightning strike that happened and went unclaimed. She's got no memory of her past beside some vague things and boy is she a determined filly. No matter how many times she crashed she just got up again, and according to the staff she's very smart. Once I got her flying she loved it. The staff said that she had the first real smile since she arrived.” He finally took a bite of his meal and a smile formed on his lips. 'SSSSOOOOOO yummy!'

“Well I'll have to see when I can take a day off and we can go together.” He nods and the two continue their meal in silence.

* * * * * *

Rainbow saw one of the small kids trying to get a bowl on the shelf but clearly couldn't fly yet. She flew up and grabbed the bowl and drifted down and handed the bowl over to the kid. His face went from sad to happy as he figured out what Rainbow was doing.

“Thanks Rainbow.” Every kid here knew of her because of the mane colors.

“No problem squirt.” He left to get what ever food he was going to put it. She grabbed an apple and took a bite before nearly plowing into Tender Wings. “Oops sorry Tender.”

“It's okay; we avoided a crash. I saw what you did for Bolt Strike. It's nice seeing you more helpful and especially more cheerful.”

“Well for cheerful, being able to fly can lift your spirit. I've lost my home and the family I had. I will always miss them and will never forget them but they are beyond my reach. This is who I am now for good or ill. As for the kid, well, I know what they feel and while I can't really hang out with them due to my preferences I can at least be kind and helpful for them.” Tender looked amazed at what Rainbow said, probably never expected that out of a five year old filly. She liked blowing their minds every now and then. “Goodnight Miss Wings.”

“Goodnight Rainbow but please call me Tender.” Rainbow didn't answer as she flew away to her room. She laid down on the bed absently eating the apple as she thought about the day. It started like the usual day in this Equestria. Get up, breakfast, morning lessons, lunch, recess, afternoon lessons, then free time. But Recess was different today. That Rainbow Blitz, poor guy. Born with that mane, at least it made sense on a girl's body but on a guy's? That was totally uncool. But he was awesome. He taught her how to fly and the sense of freedom was amazing. For a time she could forget what happened to her and enjoy the moment. With him nearby it felt like....family. Get a grip Rainbow. He was probably just a guy in for repairs or something being kind to one of the orphans. He wouldn't really be a guy looking for a kid. She had seen some of those and they were never interested in her. A guy like that probably already has some kids and a happy family. He has no need to look for someone like her right?

RIGHT?

Author's Note

I know some are going to complain about Blitz's name. Cannonly he may have another name but this is an AU story so i decided to have somke fun and use the gender swap name for RD.

Note the Ryan RD will be slightly different in cannon RD but will keep to the overall spirit of RD.

Rainbow Danger Dash

It was a few days before Blitz and Firefly were able to get a day off, but they finally got some time and went to the orphanage. They walked in and the mare greeted them in an unexpected way. Pointing a hoof at Blitz she declared.

“You! This is your fault!” Blitz lifted his hooves up in surrender.

“What did I do?” He asked.

“You taught that mobile danger zone to fly. Ever since she's been dashing all over the place. It's hard to keep our small library clean since she keeps crashing into it.”

“WOOHOO!” A filly voiced cried out in joy.

“Oh sweet Celestia no!” The mare hid behind the desk and Blitz saw a familiar cyan filly flying fairly fast in the halls.

“Hey Rainbow!” Blitz called out. The filly stopped and looked in there direction. The smile on her face grew wider.

“Blitz!” The filly flew towards them but her attempt to land needs work as she skidded on her belly. “Ow.”

“You okay?” Firefly asked. Rainbow got up and dusted herself off.

“Yeah, I'm getting use to that and I'm pretty resilient.” Rainbow responded and looked over to Blitz. “Thank you by the way. Flying has made this place more bearable, but who's this?” Rainbow pointed a hoof at Firefly.

“This is my wife Firefly. She wanted to meet you.” At this Firefly took a step forward and offered her hoof.

“Nice to meet you Rainbow.” Firefly greeted the filly. Rainbow took both her forehooves and shook it.

“Likewise.”

“Say, do you think it would be alright if we took you out for a day?” Blitz asked.

“PLEASE TAKE HER! I'll fill out the sign out sheet just please take her.” All three pegasi looked around to see the mare peeking out from the desk. Rainbow snorted and gestured with a hoof to the mare.

“No back bone. Come on let's blow this joint.” The two adults just shrugged and turned to leave with Rainbow behind them. As they left Rainbow swore she heard a hallelujah chorus going on in the orphanage.

* * * * * *

“So where are we going?” Rainbow asked the two adults. The two looked back at her and smiled a bit.

“Why to the Cloudsdale park, both of us want to see want you can do.” With that both of them took to the air with Rainbow taking off to catch up to them. They passed by several shops and homes before they ended up in a series of clouds that orbit Cloudsdale and serve as a park area. The three of them landed on one of the clouds and Firefly addressed her.

“Okay Rainbow. Stretch out and let's see what you can do.” Rainbow frowned and admitted.

“I don't know how.” Firefly looked over to Blitz. He just shrugged.

“I just taught her to fly.” Firefly facehoofed.

“Okay, that's okay Rainbow. I'll teach ya how to stretch those wings.”

* * * * * *

Firefly watched Rainbow fly through the air doing various twist and turns. Complete amateurish but done with passion and surprising speed. Heck Firefly had to preen her wings before this. While the filly did know how to preen she didn't know how often to. So her flying in the orphanage was with ruffled wings. This kid has got talent and very attentive when she was teaching Rainbow the stretches. Firefly winced as Rainbow crashed into a cloud earning laughs from some colts nearby. Spreading her wings Firefly went over to Rainbow.

“You okay squirt?” She asked as she helped Rainbow out of the cloud.

“Yeah, the clouds are pretty soft and I've had worse.”

'One tough filly.' Firefly mentally commented. Outwardly she said.

“Hey, wanna race?” The smirk on the fillies face was answer enough. “Alright.” Firefly got into her racing pose and glanced to her right to see Rainbow trying to copy it. “First one to that cloud; two hundred hooves away wins. Ready. 123GO!” With that Firefly speeds off and reveling in the feel of the wind. She looks behind her to see Rainbow fairly distant but closer than Firefly thought she would be. With a smirk she looked forward again and easily touched the cloud with Rainbow landing a few seconds later. Firefly smiled at Rainbow and messed with her mane. “Not bad squirt, you're fast for your age.”

“Not fast enough.” Rainbow huffed.

“Well you were going up against a pro racer. Only the Wonderbolts can decisively beat me repeatedly. Let's get some lunch.” Firefly noticed her hubby closing in. “And since Blitz here is dead last, he gets to pay.” He groaned and little Rainbow was laughing her flank off earning a chuckle from Firefly. After lunch they spent more time together but as the sun sets they bring Rainbow back into the orphanage.

* * * * * *

Firefly was in practice and doing laps with her team mates. It has been a month since she visited Rainbow for the first time. Since then she had visited the filly several times either with Blitz or on her own. She had to admit, she liked the filly. Reminded her a lot of herself. Eager to test boundaries and push herself to the limit. But unlike her younger self: Rainbow seemed to have wisdom that she shouldn't have at that age.

“Great practice run team.” Firefly's thoughts were broken as their team captain Warhawk floated over towards them.

“I expect you all to do that well or better the next racing day.” Everypony answered yes or you betcha. “Okay hit the showers ponies, expect Firefly. I want to talk to you for a bit.” Her whole team was confused by that. They were all thinking the same thing Firefly was.

'What did I do now?' They all left leaving the two mares alone.

"What is it coach?” Firefly asked fearfully.

“I just wanted to tell you that I'm glad to see the old you back.”

“The old me?” She asked in complete confusion. Warhawk's face went sad.

“Look, ever since you lost that foal you haven't been the same.” Firefly felt that old wound open and closed her eyes. Her foal never even had the chance to live. How could she have failed so badly? She then felt a hoof around her neck. “Hey, don't you start falling back now. I know that pain. I know it well when I lost little Nighthawk. But you can't keep yourself there, it's not healthy. I've let you have your slump since you still raced well, and I could respect your mourning, but something relit that fire in you. Seeing my niece Spitfire race around helped me. You know that kid is now in the Wonderbolts, I'm so proud of her. But see helped me heal. I'll never forget Nighthawk but dwelling on his loss doesn't help him nor does your foal. If your foal could stand here today and ask for one thing, I bet it would be for you to be happy. You have a right to be happy Firefly. Don't let a situation that you have absolutely no control over, drag your life down.” Firefly had a little smirk form and replied.

“Thanks coach, you gave me a lot to think about.”

“Hey it's half my job. The other half is for me to yell at you for going to slow.” They both chuckle and go their separate ways.

* * * * * *

On the way home Firefly was deep in thought about what Warhawk said. She hadn't felt as sad as she has the past few years. The pain of her lost child always constant till now. The only thing she had done differently were the visits to Rainbow. Could that filly really be making the difference? She noticed that Rainbow always seemed to perk up when they arrived, like they gave her real happiness. From what Blitz had learned, she has no memory of her family and all attempts to find them had failed. So she literally has nopony to look out for her, just the orphanage. She absently greeted her husband who for once beat her home. He even made dinner. She never questioned their marriage. He was kind, caring, humorous, and loyal. He'd be a great dad. She jerked her head up as a thought entered her mind. He would be a great dad just as she would a great mom, but that was taken from her AND from Blitz. He was harmed as much as she was. He deserved to be a dad and while Firefly still wasn't ready to try again there was another option.

* * * * * *

Rainbow was floating around outside. She had gotten the school work done quickly and the teacher said she could hang out here. Rainbow guessed, so she wouldn't zip around causing damage again. She couldn't help it. These ponies could never understand; they were born with their wings, so at most they would only have a few years without flight. They never had twenty some years without flight. She was flying backwards in a lazyboy pose. Blitz taught her that one and it's surprisingly relaxing. Those two pegasi have certainly helped her adjust better to being in this world. She had accepted her gender to an extent. Yeah. She'll be a tomboy or in this world a tomcolt and she can live with that. She reconciled her past gender and her current one. She just wished her name wasn't Rainbow.

“Rainbow!” A staffer called out and Rainbow resisted the urge to wince at the name. She looked over her shoulder. “You have visitors.” She glided over and through the door before landing. The staffer just shook her head and Rainbow followed her. When they got to the foyer, Rainbow's mood brightened. It has been a week since she last saw these two pegasi. She loved hanging out with Rainbow Blitz and Firefly.

“Guys!” She dashed over till she was hovering in front of them.

“Hey Rainbow, we've got a gift for you.” Blitz said.

“OOOHH! What is it?” It took all her will power not to zip around them to find it. Firefly used a wing to get into her saddle bag.

“It's this.” Firefly said and show a paper to Rainbow. She looked at it and the words that popped out at her. Certification of Adoption. Rainbow was speechless. She didn't feel her jaw hang open and her hooves grab the paper.

'They wanted to adopt her?' She looked over the paper at them.

“This...this is real right? This isn't some kind of prank?” She asked with a hint of fear.

“Rainbow, we have thought long and hard about this and we want you in our life. We've enjoyed our time together so we offer our home and our life if you want it.” Rainbow couldn't believe it. Some of these ponies actually wanted her. She thought she be stuck in this place till she was 18 again. with visits by ponies like them to break it up. But they wanted more; they wanted her.

'Man card, it was nice known ya!' Rainbow hugged both of them with tears running down her face.

“You two are totally cool!” They broke off the hug and Rainbow saw tears in their eyes as well. Blitz handed her a quill and said.

“You just need to sign your consent at the bottom and we'll take you home.” Rainbow read the rest of the certificate but paused at the name near the bottom.

Rainbow Danger Dash

Rainbow looked up at them in confusion and pointed to the name. They look at it and the light bulb went off in their heads. Firefly answered the unsaid question.

“Well you needed a full legal name since Rainbow isn't enough in our books, and we do have a Rainbow Blitz in the family, and since you liked dashing around the place, I thought Rainbow Dash sounded good and strong.”

“And I came up with Danger.” Blitz interjected. “The way you fly or jump into things reminded me of a old saying. 'Danger is my middle name.' So I figure why not make it literal.”

“If you don't like it we can always change it to something else sweetie.” Firefly offered. Ranbow answered by dipping the quill into a nearby ink pot and signed in Rainbow Danger Dash before handing it to the staffer.

“Rainbow, go get your things, and the kids that want to see you off will be in the lobby.

“Call me Dash.” Dash replied and zipped into her room. She only grab a few things since she didn't have much she thought worth keeping. When she got back to the lobby her jaw dropped. Nearly every kid in the orphanage was there to see her off. She wasn't too friendly with them but she did help when she saw need for it. Seeing so many wanting to see her off was surprising. She hugged a couple that she was close to before addressing them as a whole. “Thank you all for being here. I honestly didn't think there would be. I'm glad I did something to make you want to. If I got this luck, so can all of you. Never give up hope. All of you have a good life.”

* * * * * *

Dash entered her new home for the first time. From the outside it looked like a modest but comfortable home. Inside was very homely for a cloud house. A small living room, kitchen, dinning room and a bathroom were on the first floor. Dash's new parents lead her to the second floor which had another bathroom and two bedrooms.

“We just finished this up the night before. I hope you like it.” Blitz said and the door opened to her new room. While white with everything else, it still had a few Wonderbolts posters. Firefly took her to a show and she LOVED IT! It had a cloud bed, and dresser and a desk.

“How's your room Dashie?” Blitz asked.

“You two are twenty percent cooler. I love this room.”

“Well we have one last gift. Something a unicorn friend of mine made for me.” Firefly handed her a book. “This is a journal if you are interested. It has an enchanted lock so only the pony that knows the combination can open it. It's currently Fire but you can change it. Now unpack your stuff and dinner will be soon.” They left her alone and she got to unpacking and then fiddled with the journal. She found out how to set the key code and set it to Ryan. No pony will ever guess it. Soon dinner was ready and after a good meal with her new parents, she was in her room. There was a knock on her door.

“Dashie, you need to go to bed soon.” Firefly said through the door.

“Okay mom!” Dash said with a smirk. She faintly heard Firefly say.

“She called me mom...” Dash heard her mom walk away. She went to her desk and opened the journal book and began writing.

I write this to straighten my thoughts. I was born a human male and lived a comfortable life on a planet called Earth. After a lightning bolt hit me during a tornado storm, I end up in a land of colorful talking ponies called Equestria. And to add to it, I was turned into a female pegasus kid. With no family or even a way to get home I had little hope. The ponies were kind I have to say but still. I was alone. Boy was I wrong. Two great pegasi name Rainbow Blitz and Firefly offered me a place in their home and lives. I never thought that would happen but both have been kind and fun. I may be stuck here but I'm not alone. I think my human side can rest in peace. Signing off for now.

Rainbow Danger Dash

(Formerly Ryan Danver)

Life in Clousdale Part 1

Logging in again. It's been a few days since I moved in to my parents house. And yes, they are my parents. While certainly not my human parents, thus they have different personalities to them, even though everything they do reminds me of them. I take no shame in calling them my mom and dad. The place is comfy and warming, although I have to deal with school. Ugh, that was annoying. My knowledge from my old world has made it painful. I blaze through the math and writing areas easily. The only thing slowing me down was Equestrian history which is pretty awesome. These ponies are freaking lucky to live in such a peaceful world and with weather magic. This has been interesting. Her previous study of weather again knocks them out of the park but I'm clueless on messing with it the way pegasi do with their magic. If only Earth had that talent. Well mom's calling, she's taking me to her work so cya later.

Dash put her quill down, shut and locked her log before heading downstairs to the front door.

Dash's new mom was waiting there for her.

“Sorry mom, I was just finishing up a log.” Dash saw the look on her mom's face and did everything in her power not to smirk. She had that 'she called me mom' look. Dash saw that with his sister who adopted a ten year old girl called her mom. Dash was going to miss her sister. The two of them flew off to her mom's work. Mom wanted to show Dash to her racing team. This would certainly be better than school. Dash looked around still in awe about the city. It was so awesome that it was made out of clouds and worked. Screw physics, this was too cool for physics.

Her mom lead her to an area with several obstacles in the middle. Dash followed her mom into the arena's connected building. She was lead into a room that looked like a break room, where she saw several ponies but didn't get any detail before a sound.

'Was that a squee?' The next thing Dash knew, she was being squeezed.

“Oh Firefly, she is so cute!” The mare squeezing Dash said. Dash frowned. She hated that word. She was not cute, she was awesome.

“Rapid Dash you're strangling her.” Her mom said.

“Oh, sorry honey.” Dash could now breathe again. She saw her mom shake her head before addressing everyone.

“Everypony, this is my daughter Rainbow Dash. Dash this is my racing team. You met Rapid Dash already. We also have Sonic Boom, Soundwave, Thruster, and the Team Captain Warhawk.” Dash greeted all of them and like the typical ponies here, very friendly.

“Okay everypony now that we got meeting the cute filly out of the way.”

“I'M NOT CUTE! I'M AWESOME!” Dash interrupted with a frown. This got some chuckles from the team.

“Anyway let's get back to the matter at hoof. We've got a relay race next week so I want to improve our relay skills. I wanna place in the top three this time not the top ten. Rapid Dash, Soundwave, and Firefly will be the primaries they rest of you backup but everypony train hard. Now get out to the field and do your stretches.” The whole group headed out.

Dash went to her mom and asked. “Hey mom what's a primary in racing?” Firefly smiled at her and explained.

“Dash, a primary means that someone is chosen to be the primary racers for the team. If all goes well me Rapid, and Sound will be in the race. But the others have to be ready in case one of us primaries gets injured, sick, or have some other reason that we couldn't race.”

“Makes sense.” Dash was told to sit with Warhawk in a team area while the team themselves did various wing stretches. Dash took note of the stretches and tried to mimic them. Unbeknownst to her Warhawk watched her try this with a critical eye.

Eventually the stretches were over and two teams formed. Dash watched her mother fly up to a certain position with a member of the opposite team. Thruster, if she remembered right, next to her and they floated there. When everyone was in position she saw Warhawk go over to a cloud just floating there and hit with a hoof. It gave a lighting bolt in reply and the ponies took off. Turning back to the racers and saw the first pair racing through the course.

'Oh so that was the gunshot to start the race. Nice.' Dash watched the teams go through the course. It was just as entertaining as the Wonderbolts. When the hand off, or hoof off in this case, happened Dash noticed something else. Instead of a baton, they passed off a horseshoe shaped item. That made sense too, considering hooves were different than hands. When her mom got the 'baton' she shot away and Dash knew there was no way she would beat her mom in a race. She was fast. 'Can't beat ya now mom but one day... One day.' She watched her mom barely squeak out a win. She cheered her mother's victory and her mother floated nearby and ruffled her hair.

The teams were given a short rest before Warhawk wanted them to do one hundred laps.

“Can I try that captain?” Dash asked. Warhawk eyed her wearily.

“You're a little young for that kid.”

“Please I just want to try.” Was Dash going to do it? Oh yes she was, her man card was lost when she came here so out came the puppy dog eyes. Warhawk winced at it but seemingly refusing to budge. It was her mom that stepped in.
“Captain she's pretty good for a filly her age. I think she can try.” Her mom looked seriously at her. “As long as she promises to drop out when she gets tired.” Dash vigorously nodded and she heard a sigh from Warhawk.

“Alright she can try.” To even Dash's surprise that got a cheer from the whole team. Her mom directed her up and she followed till they got between a pair of clouds with a banner connecting them above her.

“Alright Dash, when Warhawk says so we fly around the outer layer of the arena. Go as long as you can then head back down okay?”

“Got it mom.” Dash eyes ahead with a smirk and waited.

She didn't have to wait long.

“BEGIN!” And with that they were all off. Dash flew as hard as she could but the racers still whipped past her with a breeze. That didn't deter her. She was going to show them she wasn't a weak filly.

In the end she only lasted 27 laps before having to call it quits. She glided down to the bench and caught her breath. She didn't hear anyone until she saw a drink in front of her.

“Here you go kid.” It was Warhawk giving her a drink, and she had a smirk on her face. “You did pretty good for a filly. I thought you would only last 15 laps at best. Well done.” The elderly mare said. Dash took the drink and guzzled it.

'Man did that tastes good!' She then sipped at it as the team finished the laps. After another break for lunch the team practised the relay again but Dash only caught half of it when she collapsed into dream world.

Firefly left the showers and looked over to the bench where her daughter laid on a blanket asleep. Warhawk moved her there when she noticed that she fell asleep. Despite her saying otherwise she really was cute. Petting Dash's mane, Firefly smiled before carefully putting the filly on her back. She looked forward again and saw Warhawk with a smirk on her face.

“She's good for you Fires, I can already tell.” Firefly looked back over her shoulder at the sleeping filly. Dash had a slight smile on her face as she travelled dreamland. She had seen nothing but smiles from the filly since they met.

“I think we're good for each other Cap. Needed each other for reasons only we know. See ya tomorrow.” With that Firefly left the arena, going slowly to not disturb her daughter's sleep.

* * * * *

UGH! I can't believe I fell asleep at the end of mom's practice. She was cool with it though. Said that her team was impressed by how long I lasted in those laps. So she wanted me to visit again. A couple days later Dad took me to the Weather Factory. I'm amazed by how these ponies do weather. They make EVERYTHING, even snowflakes! Talk about job security. They even make rainbows. I had to taste the rainbow.

NEVER TASTE THE RAINBOW.

Holy crap that thing is spicy! Dad was laughing his butt off and I'm SSSSSOOOO gonna get even later. Till then a new family has moved into the house next door. I'm gonna check them out. Nowhere is perfect so I better check them out to make sure they are okay.

Dash hovered in the sky above her house watching the movers put things in the house. It was typical stuff. Couches, lamps, tables, the works. And it seemed like a small family. Two adults and a filly. Dash noticed the filly sitting alone on the clouds serving as a backyard here in Cloudsdale. Dash decided to introduce herself. Diving down and landing in their yard.

“Hello, welcome to the neighborhood. I'm Rainbow Dash but those that know me just call me Dash. May I ask your name?” Dash asked as she lifted a hoof in greeting. The filly hid behind her long hair.

“I'm Fluttershy.” Dash could barely here the yellow filly's answer so she leaned in closer.

“Sorry couldn't hear you. Could you say it again?” To Dash's surprise the filly curled up even more.

“I'm Flutteryshy.” She heard her squeak something. Obviously this filly was not comfortable with this. Dash knew when to pull out.

“Well nice meeting you. I'm right next door so I'll see you around.” With that Dash slowly took off.

* * * * * *

The next day Dash was in school switching out books she had for the classes when she heard something going on. Looking to where she heard the commotion , she saw the filly that moved in next door curled into a ball as a pair of bullies picked on her. Dash frowned and slammed her locker shut and headed for them. When she got close she decided to intervene.

“Hey cut it out!”The two bullies looked at her and scowled.

“This ain't your problem shrimp.” one of them said.

“You made it my problem when you bothered her. She's my neighbor and even the one time I met her I knew she was weak. Great target buds. To prove you are big strong colts you go after the meekest filly I've seen. If anything that proves YOU are the weaklings.” Both colts were ticked off and one of them threw a punch at her. Dash leaned away from the hoof. It's been years since she was in karate and was in her original body, but she had no choice now but to do her best.

She noticed the other colt coming in and a simple buck to the face ended that threat. Another swing from the first colt barely missed her and she returned with one of her own. The colt was hit in the nose and fell on his butt. It looked like they were done so Dash faced the filly.

“Hey you okay?” The filly responded by hugging her. Dash stood there and held the filly with a hoof and whispered comforting words as the filly cried into her fur.

The teachers FINALLY showed up a minute later and took them all to the principle's office. They took the two bullies first and Dash and the filly sat outside.

“T-thank y-you for standing up for me.” The filly said in a quiet voice but at least Dash could understand it.

“Hey, it's wrong for them to pick on you. I was just doing what is right. I never did get your name.”

“It's Fluttershy, and your Rainbow Dash right.”

“Yup, but I prefer Dash. Fluttershy huh? Well it fits. Nice to meet you.”

“The same Dash. I never seem to make friends well.”

“Well you got one right here if you want.”

“Y-you, you want to be my friend?”

“Why not? We're neighbors and you seem like a nice filly.”

“I... I would like that Dash.”

* * * * *

Today was awesome. I made my first friend this body's age. Yeah she's a meek little pony named Fluttershy. The name so fits her. She's part of that family that moved in earlier. Had to defend her against some stupid bullies, more proof this world is not perfect. Anyway had to see the principle and explained what I knew. Didn't get in trouble and mom and dad were proud of me for standing up to them. Who ever thought my new life could turn out so well?

Author's Note

Their will be some time jumps for now on. And now brace your hearts.

Life in Cloudsdale Part 3: Camp (Unedited)

Dash started making funny faces and noises which got a happy cheer from Dawn as Dash held her little sister in her fore hooves. Little Dawn was two years old now and enjoyed her older sister's company. Granted not long after she was born Dash wanted to kill her. Waking up in the middle of the night from her wailing I dare anypony to not have murder in their mind. She invested in some heavy earmuffs and thankfully Dawn grew out of it. Since then she's been an awesome little sister and brought back happy memories from her past life.

“It's nice to see you playing with her Dash.” Her mom said as she walked into the living room. “I was afraid after the wailing you would want nothing to do with her.”

“Nah, that wouldn't drive me away. She is just too awesome to stay mad at.” Dash looked at her mom with a knowing look. “Bet your glad you did have to go through that with me?” Her mom gave an admitted nod and Dash grinned at that before she went back to playing with her little sister.

An hour later the mailpony showed up and mom took the mail from the mare and started going through it. Dash figure she was seeing bills, and advertisements when she suddenly spoke out.

“Dash you been accepted into the Junior Speedsters.”

“YES!” She would have hoof pumped but her sister was in her grasp. The Junior Speedsters was a camp for pegasi interested in racing or other speed related activities. Her mom put in the application since she had long seen the passion her daughter had in speed and stunts. Her mom continued to read.

“You are to report to Cumulbia for the next three weeks starting next Monday.” So she had three days to pack and get there. No problem. This gave her time to play with her sister a bit more.

* * * * * *

Dash and her mom were enjoying the flight to Cumulbia. Saddle bags packed with personal and needed items. Dawn was sad to see her go and Dash will miss her but this was her dream now. To be the best flier possible and this camp will help. Looking around she saw the beauty of Equestria and revealed in the ability to fly. It was the best part of her new life. To fly without an airplane is a freedom unmatched in her old world and wouldn't trade it for anything. Soon they saw Cumulbia in front of them. It was a cloud town half the size of Cloudsdale and gear for race training and military training so it had a lot of obstacle courses surrounding it of seemingly various difficulties.

She couldn't wait to try them all.

Her mom led her to an area that didn't have the most awesome layout, bummer. They landed in front of a large building and she followed her mom inside. They headed over to a desk and her mom placed a hoof over her.

“I have Rainbow Dash reporting in for camp.” The mare looked up. She was an elderly mare with the gray in her mane. She had a bored look but when she saw Dash’s mom her eyes lit up.

“Firefly, it’s been too long since I last saw you. Still racing?”

“Yup, and today I bring my eldest daughter to camp.” Firefly looked down and Dash with pride.

“So you finally got hitched. So who is the lucky stallion?”

“Rainbow Blitz.” Firefly stated.

“Rainbow Blitz? I thought he drove you nuts?” With a smirk Dash’s mom replied.

“He grew on me.” The mare snickered. Then she wrote something down.

“Okay I got her in.” She faces behind her. “MAINLY CLOUDY!” A younger mare raced out of a room behind the desk.

“Yes Sunny Days?”

“Take young Rainbow Dash here to the east wing barracks.”

“Okay squirt follow me.” Before the mare could take her away mother and daughter shared a hug.

“You’ll do great my Dashie.”

“Of course I will. I’m awesome, but I will miss the family.”

“We’ll always be there. Have fun Dashie.”

“Will do mom.” With that they separated and Dash followed the mare.

She followed the mare through hallways till they entered a large room with bunk beds and the mare led her mid way till they reach the first completely empty bunk bed.

“Here you go Rainbow. Take which ever bed you want. Breakfast is at 8 o’clock and first lessons at nine.”

“Got it and call me Dash.” The mare nodded and heads back. Dash meanwhile put her things including her log book in a chest attached to the wall. Very awesome.

* * * * * *

Dash was chilling out on the bed as other ponies came in in pairs so the bed below her remained empty. Then she heard some commotion and she decided to peak over the bed to see. She saw Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb. How did they get into camp. As usual though they were picking on somepony. She looked to see who was the target this time and what she saw awed her. There was a freaking gryphon here. She read about them in school but never saw one in pony till now. And it figures that those two would pick on her.

“Hey! I thought you two learned your lesson?” The three below her looked up to see her scowling at the colts.

“Well if it isn't Rainbow Crash.”

“You guys still going on about that. Well last I remember was you two crashing and me doing a Sonic Rainboom.”

“Your dreaming, you must have crashed too to believe you pulled that off. The Sonic Rainboom is an old mare's tale.”

“Then explain the headlines the next day?” To that they had no rebuttal. “Yeah that's what I thought. Leave her alone and I won't beat the crap out of you.” The two scowled and left so Dash turned to the gryphon. “Sorry about those guys. They're idiots. The name's Rainbow Dash but I prefer just Dash, you?” Dash flew down and offered her hoof. The gryphon eyed it warily before taking it.

“Name's Gilda. You seem alright.”

“Alright? I'm awesome! Hey the bed under me isn't taken yet so you should.” Dash looked around her with a frown. “I don't think the others will be as friendly as me.”

“Sure!” Gilda beamed and moved over to place her stuff in a chest next to the bed.

* * * * * * *

The next day the two head for breakfast and chowed down on some energy rich food before they were scuttled off to the training area. There a some what muscled stallion came out of no where and yell.

“GET IN A LINE!” Before Dash knew it she was in line with the other fliers. The stallion eyed them before marching in front of them. “I am Trainer Snowflake and like my son Bulk Biceps you all have shown potential. His in weight lifting, you in speed. My job is to see if you can go anywhere with yours.” Dash leaned to Gilda.

“Fastest but certainly not the smartest.” She jerked her head towards Dee and Dumb getting a chuckle out out off the gryphon. The next thing Dash knew was the stallion's face right in front of her.

“Got something to say filly?” Dash stood straight and looked past him, or at least tried. He was in front of her after all.

“Just eager to take to the course sir.” He snorted and replied.

“Right.” Then he stood up and said aloud. “OKAY FILLIES! I WANT TWENTY LAPS AROUND THE COURSE. THE FASTER YOUR DONE THE HIGHER YOU SCORE.” He took out a watch and made several adjustments to it. “And go.” That was all Dash needed. With a burst she was in the air a rainbow trail behind her. Personally wish wish it wasn't a rainbow but that's how it is. The air whipped all around her and she was in the moment. Soon she saw Gilda flying next to her and pulled away a bit.

“See, I'm the fastest flier.” Dash just smirked at that.

“Fastest gryphon definitely, but not the fastest in Equestria.” With that Dash pulled away and was a pony length ahead for the rest of the laps.

When they landed she saw Snowflake hit the button and their time appeared on a board nearby. “Two minutes and thirty four secs? YEAH!” And there goes Dash's ears. She saw Snowflake gather himself and say calmly. “No bad for a filly and good work gryphon.” The next closest was a minuted behind both of them and Dash and Gilda bro hoofed at their success.

“You're definitely not lame Dash, friends?”

“You say that like it's a question. Of course we're friends.” The two grinned at each other and waited for their class to finish. Dee and Dumb ended up last at eight minutes. They were clearly not endurance guys. Pussies.

After the times were noted Snowflake addressed them again. “Now that we know how fast you are in a straight off race situation it's now time to see how well you do on a simple obstacle course.” Snowflake directed to them an areas with several cloud rings. “You will go one at a time and the faster the better. This is a speed camp and that is what we aim for. Hitting or missing a ring adds time to your final score. And since little miss rainbow mane was so eager for this she gets to go first.” He finished with a sneer.

“For the record it's Dash, get it right sir.” She replied and she took the start position.

“Go!” And with that Dash was off again relying on her mom's training to get through it. Bank, swerve, dive, and loop de loop. She went through all of these as went through the course. It was times like these she felt so alive. It drove the feelings she had when she first came here. Lost and alone. She didn't ever want to feel that way ever again. She landed and Snowflake took the time again. “Not bad filly. You didn't hit or miss a single ring.”

“Thank my mom Firefly for that.” She saw him lower the sunglasses he has been wearing since he showed up.

“Your mom is Firefly?” Dash nodded with a smirk. Snowflake forced a cough out. “Well I won't make it easy on you because your her daughter.”

“Good. It would be an insult to her if you did.” Snowflake closed his eyes and chuckled.

“Yup, your her daughter alright. Gilda, your up next.” Gilda took the start position and then went through her rounds all while Dash cheered her on.

* * * * * *

A week later Dash and Gilda were paired up for the relay race. Added to them was Cloud Kicker. Cloud Kicker was the filly from Ponyville and a decent speedster. A few minutes before the race start Dash addressed her team.

“Okay here's how I think we should go. Cloud, you have the best acceleration out of the three of us so you should be at the start. I'll take the middle and G, you finish us up.”

“Surprised you didn't want to finish Dash.” G said to her.

“I trust you to win it for us.” G beamed at that.

“I'm gonna blow them away!”

“That's the spirit! Let's do this team.” With a three way bro hoof they went to there positions. Dash hovered at her spot and waited. She heard the bolt go off and saw the starts go. As she predicted Cloud quickly got to the head of the pack but others past her by midway through her section. She saw hoof offs all around her before Cloud and she did it and then she was off making up time. She breezed by all the second leg racers when she reach her halfway point. She saw Gilda ahead and gave a burst of speed and hoofed off the shoe to the gryphon. It was a tad difficult to hoof the shoe since Gilda doesn't have hooves so Dash was forced to toss it and Gilda manage to catch it and take off. Some of the third leg racers manage to catch up to Gilda but she maintained her lead and crossed the finish line first. Dash and Cloud landed next to Gilda and Dash cheered out.

“Here's to the most awesome team!” She thrust a hoof up in the air. It was closely followed by another hoof and a talon. They were on top of the world and nothing could bring them down.

* * * * * *

Eventually the three weeks were up and Dash had learned more on moving as fast speeds and broke several records. She had packed up and looked over to Gilda who was still packing.

“G, it's been tons of fun.” Gilda looked at her with a sad smile.

“That is has Dash. You're totally cool for a pony and I'm gonna miss you.” Dash put away the tomcolt card and hugged her friend.

“We got to write at times. You stay cool G.”

“Always, just as you stay the SECOND best flier in Equestria.” Glida teased.

“HA!” Dash left the barracks and headed to the front. There she saw her mom chatting with the receptionist.

“Hey Dashie. You had fun?”

“I did. Broke several records and made a Gryphon friend.”

“That's My Little Dashie! Come on let's head for home.”

The flight home was nothing special. She and her mom occasionally did s stunt here and there but mainly just enjoyed the flight for the sake of flying. The landed home and her mom op[ened the door.

“We're home!” She shouted out.

“MAMA!” A wild pink blur appeared and dawn hugged her mom's leg.

“Yes and look who I have with me.” Mom pointed towards Dash and Dawn looked and her eyes brighten more.

“Dathie!” The foal then hugged Dash.

“She just said my name. She's so awesome! And I missed you so squirt.”

* * * * * *

It was night and near bedtime for Dash. She helped mom get Dawn ready for bed. She was going to right her next entry.

I had fun at camp but I wish they did have us memorize that dumb chant. I may never get it out of my head. The best part though was Gilda. I know what it's like to be an outsider and it's quite surprising that ponies would be so closed minded considering they had the whole racist thing hit them over the Heart's Warming Eve. And Dawn said my name for the first time when I got home. I wouldn't trade that little filly for anything. She reminds me so much of my little sister back on Earth. My pony family makes up for the loss I felt when I lost my human family. Flying takes away the pain the best but my family easily comes close when I can't fly. Well time for lights out, don't know when I'll write next. I'll be busy perfecting my stunts and weather know;edge. Gonna need something to pay the bills when I eventually move out till the Wonderbolts realize I'm one of them. Cya.

Author's Note

There it is folks, you can stop begging. But you're gonna be tortured if you figure ouit what happens next. That one will likely be longer in length.

Bearer of Loyalty (Unedited)

Dash yawned as she woke up with the sun hitting her. She stretched and heard the cricks throughout her body. Today was the day before the Summer Sun Celebration and the Wonderbolts arrival. She had to practice her routine. She gauge the position of the sun and figured it was around ten o'clock. A glance at her clock showed it was 10:17 am. Not bad. She went and had a a bowl of Applejack's. She so laughed seeing it in Barnyard Bargains. She showed it yo AJ one day waiting for her reaction. She just brushed if off saying it was some great aunt that shared her name that started the cereal. Dash pouted at the failure but hay the stuff was good.

After breakfast she did some stretches to get ready. She passed by the flag she had Rarity make for her. It was the good old Stars and Stripes. She had to say Rarity can do good work and Dash thinks the unicorn mare loved the challenge of making it. Dash worked hard to have Rarity get paid for at least the materials used. After that she leaves her house and check out the town.

“Huh, only a hoof full of small clouds. Easy to clear so I will have plenty of time to practice.” She began her stunt routine. Time flew by as she went through all the stunts she had worked on and she was going into her Buccaneer Blaze when Derpy got in her way. She just managed to dodge her but now she was too low and saw purple before impact. The next thing she knew she was laying on top of something in a mud puddle. The groan below her said it was likely a pony. She got up and confirmed it.

“Oh jeeze, sorry, had to dodge Derpy. She’s a sweet mare and love’s her kid but her eyes give trouble on occasion. Here, let me help you up.” She helped the pony up and guess was a mare due to figure but the poor thing was covered in mud. “Hold on give me a sec.” Dash says and she races over to the nearby cloud and races back. She puts the cloud over the mare and hops on it once to get some rain to clear the mare off of mud. She looks down from her perch and saw the mare. She was a lavender color (trust me, in a world of Technicolor ponies you pay attention to the hue of a color) unicorn with a navy blue mane and tail. They had parallel pink and purple stripes in them. Dash cocked her head. “Wet mane looks good on you.”

“I don’t know I think poofy would be better.” A male voice said and Dash noticed a small creature next to the mare.

‘Sweet a dragon, that’s awesome.’ The mare sighed then addressed Dash.

“You must be Rainbow Dash.”

“I prefer just Dash. Why, you heard of me?” Dash asked excitedly.

“I heard that you are supposed to clearing the sky.” The mare took a deep breath. “Look I’m Twilight Sparkle and I’m in charge of overseeing the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration and we need the sky clear for it.” Dash brush her off.

“Relax, that will be done well before the celebration so I was working on my moves. Got to impress after all.”

“Impress who?” Twilight asked.

“The Wonderbolts! They are going to be here tomorrow for the Celebration and I want to show them what I can do!”

“Wait THE Wonderbolts, like the most elite team of fliers in Equestria?”

“Is there any other group that has that name?”

“Please, they wouldn't be interested in a mare who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day.” Okay that was fighting words. Standing up on the cloud Dash declared.

“HEY! These clouds are so puny and small in number I can easily clear them in ten seconds FLAT!” Twilight smirked and replied.

“Prove it.”

-'Challenge accepted'- Aloud she said. “You better have a stop watch ready then because here I go!” She launches off the clouds and makes her rear hooves destroy it. She then flew through the air plowing through cloud after cloud and with a loop-DE-loop she destroys the last cloud and lands on the rail of a nearby bridge.
“See? Ten seconds flat.” She looked over to see both Twilight and her dragon friend jaw dropping. That amused Dash to no end as she took to the sky and lazyboyed around them. “You should see the look on your faces. Your funny Twilight Sparkle.” She landed and wrapped a fore hoof around Twilight and did a semi hug. “I can wait to hang out more with you, but since they've got you in charge in overseeing the whole thing I'll leave you to it. Cya around.” With that she took flight and zipped away. However before she could really gain speed Pinkie popped out in front of her.

“HEY DASHIE!” Pinkie is the only non family member besides Fluttrershy that can call her that.

-'At least it only took once to get he to stop calling me Rainbow.'-

“Hey Pinkie, what's Up?”

“You of course!” Pinkie giggled and Dash rolled her eyes. “I'm throwing a welcome to Ponyville party at five PM.”

“Five o'clock huh, no prob Pinkie. I'll be there.” Pinkie nodded then just disappears. “That girl is SO random.” Dash decided to head home and nap in preparation for a whole night and day of partying to come.

* * * * *

A ringing woke Dash up and she stretch as she notice the sun starting to set. She headed out for the Golden Oaks Library. She had to admit making a tree into a library was pretty cool, especially since the tree was still alive. Magic was freaking awesome at times. She walked into the library and greeted Pinkie and noticed a good portion of the town inside with them. She chatted a bit before Pinkie turned off the lights as a signal to be quiet. She heard the door open and heard the dragon and Twilight talk. Twilight talked about crazy ponies or something when Pinkie turned on the light.

“SURPRISE!” They all yelled and she saw a shocked Twilight before Pinkie showed up and motor mouthed the poor unicorn. Sensing a cue she slides next to Pinkie and saw Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity join her and Pinkie. Twilight then jerked up and turned to us with a weird face and her mane and tail actually turned into flames and raced up some stairs into a room. Turned out she accidentally drank hot sauce, poor girl. Dash went over to a punch bowl. Grabbed a cup and poured a drink before heading up the stairs and opened the door she saw Twilight on a bed.

“Hey Twilight, brought some punch to wash down that hot sauce you drank.”

“Thank you.” Twilight said quietly and took the cup and guzzled it down. “Oh that feels better.”

“I bet, so you wanna head back downstairs. The party's for you after all.” Twilight shook her head viciously.

“No! No way this town is full of crazy ponies!” Dash frowned at that.

“Twilight, you will find crazy ponies everywhere. Hay some would consider you crazy in some things. Life is not worth living alone. I know that truth very well. So you are going down to this party and make some friends.” With that she shoved the unicorn to the door. Twilight tried to resist but while she was fit mare she wasn't an athlete like Dash was. And when she tried to use her magic Dash tapped her horn stopping it. Twilight grumbled in defeat and the two rejoined the party.

* * * * *

Twilight lighten up a bit and got into enjoying the party after an hour of sulking. Note the mare needs dance lessons BADLY. During it Dash learned the name of Twilight's companion, Spike. Sounds like she manage to hatch his egg during an exam. That's pretty cool.

Eventually it was time to head for the town hall for the sun raising. Dash was next to Applejack by the food table and she heard Pinkie ranting on about how excited she was, poor Twilight being next to her. The mayor started the ceremony but at the time that the Princess was supposed to appear she didn't. Rarity looked to where Princess Celestia was supposed to be waiting and came back.

“SHE'S GONE!” Rarity declared earning gasps from the crowd. Then Dash saw a cloud or mist of purple with with sparkles till it formed into a large pony.

PONY! Hell she was a horse, with black fur with the wings and horn making her an alicorn. Her mane and tail were like a purple starfield and waved around her. Her eyes though were like a cats eyes.

“Oh my beloved subjects! It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun loving faces!” She notice no real reaction she frowned and continued. “Do you not know who I am? Do you not recall the legends? Did you not see the signs?”

“I did!” Everypony looked over to see none other then Twilight Sparkle standing tall. Dash had to give her credits for guts on that one. “And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon.” That name seemed familiar to Dash, where had she heard it before? Oh yeah in the mythology class during her school days. Oh and of course Nightmare Night. Honestly she should have known better to dismiss it as what the locals call an old mare's tale.

“Well,well,well. Somepony who remembers me.” Moonie sounded impressed. “Then you know why we are here?”

“You're....you're here to...” Nightmare Moon chuckled then addressed the crowd again.

“Savor the day for it was your last. From this moment forward the night will last FOREVER!” Moonie started cackling and Dash had enough.

“THAT HAS GOT TO BE THE STUPIDEST I EVER HEARD OF!” Dash said and that got Moonie to stopped and looked shocked before an angry scowl appeared.

“WHAT FOAL DARES DECLARE THAT!” Dash flew up and responded.

“That only foal I see here is you. Granted you have an awesome look, love the night motif. However what you are planning is just dumb. Let's grant the fact you win and Equestria is yours, without sunlight at all not only will we freeze to death but would also starve to death. Just depends on what kills first. SO you then rule of a frozen wasteland congratulations.” Dash finishes with a slow clap of her hooves. Moonie looked confused. Like she was trying to figure everything. She was just complemented and insulted a few sentences. Moonie shook her head then glared at Dash. Before Dash could act she was struck by lightning and send flying till she hit the wall and slide to the floor with a groan.

“SEIZE HER! Only she knows where the Princess is!” Dash heard the mare order as she got up a little sore from her flight.

“STAND BACK YOU FOALS!” Dash saw Nightmare Moon use the same trick on the Royal Guards then she turned into a purple mist and flew out of the building. Dash tried to follow but the mist was quickly gone. Dash saw Twilight race out of the hall seemingly on a mission. The mare seemed to know what was going on. Dash raced after her and saw Twilight tossing books. “Elements, elements, elements. How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?”

“And just what are those Twilight?” Dash asked as she came in.

“Come on Sugar cube. Ya know what's going on.” Dash heard Applejack and looked behind her to also see Pinkie, Rarity, and even Flutters. She heard Twilight sigh.

“I read about Nightmare Moon in a book and that the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can beat her. But I don't know what they are or even look like!”

“The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.” Dash her Pinkie say then saw Twilight plow into her and took the book.

“How did you find it?” Twilight asked. Pinkie hopped by and said in a sing song voice.

“It was under Eeeeeee!”

“Oh.” Dash could tell she was mentally facehoofing herself. On the outside she opened the book and began reading aloud. “The Elements of Harmony. There are six Elements but only five are known: Honestly, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, and Laughter.”

'So these Elements are virtue based. That's kinda cool.' Dash said mentally.

“The sixth is completely unknown. The last known location of the Elements is in the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters which is located in the Everfree Forest.”

“THE EVERFREE FOREST!” The others exclaim.

“Figures they be in the old castle ruins in that forest.” Dash said aloud while mentally she added. 'Might as well get the theme for Castlevania warmed up.' The group heads out till they reach the border of the forest.

“OH WEEE! LET'S GO!” Pinkie cheered and started to walk in before Twilight stopped her with her words.

“Not so fast.” Twilight sighed and took a deep breath before continuing. “Look I appreciate you all wanting to come, but I think I should do this on my own.”

“Uh Twilight.” Dash began. “This mare is threatening Eternal Night. That's affects everypony so this is a fate of the world thing. I'm not sitting by on this one.”

“Dash is right Twilight and we're stickin closer to ya then caramel on a candy apple.” Applejack walked into the forest with Dash right behind her. Dash also heard Pinkie say.

“Especially if there's candy apples! What those things are good.”

“Pinkie you are SO random.” Dash said as the entire group enters the forest.

* * * * * *

They were minutes into the forest when Twilight asked.

“So have any of you girls been in here before?”

“I've flown over it during my weather duties but never in it.” Dash replied.

“Heavens no, just look at it. It's dreadful.” Rarity commented fearfully.

“It just ain't natural, folks say it don't work the same as Equestria.” That got Dash to roll her eyes.

“Applejack what Equestria does isn't natural. We use magic to manipulate everything.” Dash said.

“What in the hay is that suppose to mean?” Applejack asked defensively.

“Applejack we use pegasi to control the weather. Look at any country that doesn't have pegasi and they have no idea went storms are coming or what weather they will have on a day to day basis. Equestria is lucky in that regard.” Before Dash could elaborate further the cliff face they were on collapsed. “Flutters quick!” Dash said and she raced and grabbed Pinkie. She saw Flutters got Rarity and Applejack grabbed a branch with her teeth while Twilight was still sliding over the edge. She quickly dropped Pinkie off and the bottom and waited below Twilight who was now holding on to Applejack's hoof. Flutters joined her and they positioned themselves to catch the mare. Twilight fell screaming all the way till Dash and Flutters caught her. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as she was lowered to the ground with Flutters slipping once.

After making sure everypony was okay they continued their journey till of all things a manitcore showed up. It took a swing at Rarity and to Dash's surprise the mare actually buck him in the face.

“Take that you ruffian!”

'Wow! Way to go Rarity!' Then the manticore roared in her face and made her hair look like she was ina wind tunnel. Rarity looked up and said.

“My Mane!” then fled. Had to at least give her kudos for trying. The beast tried to follow Rarity but found Applejack on top of it and started riding it like a bull at a rodeo. Sadly after a few seconds it bucked her off and as she flew past Dash she said.

“All yours partner.” Dash knew what to do to get past this guy. She dove down flew underneath the manticore then bucked him in THE LAST place any male wants to get hit. Dash could barely hear the scream of pain it was so high and the beast collapse on the ground. Dash looked back to the shocked faces of her friends. Applejack was the first to speak.

“That was a dirty move Rainbow Dash.”

“Hey, he is still alive and would be fine in time. Or would you have rather me kill him?” She saw Applejack pale at that. “Didn't think so, so let's get moving and leave him be.” The others did move around him except for Flutters. “Fluttershy what are you doing?” Flutters face got close to the manticores and gave one of her level seven expressions, yes Dash has been around her long enough to gauge the level of adorableness. The manticore opened a fore paw to reveal a wicked thorn imbedded in it. Even Dash wince at that. After some calming words Fluttershy pulled it out and the manticore roared at her (with a slightly higher pitch) and then proceeded to lick her a few times before letting her down. Flutters hair was all swepted back by it.

“Fluttershy, how did you know about the thorn?” Twilight asked.

“I didn't. Sometimes we just need to be shown just a little kindness.” Flutters looked at Dash who responded with a raised eyebrow.

They continued further Rarity eventually said. “Eww, my eyes need a rest from all this muck.” in response to her invoking karma it did get darker. “Well I didn't mean it literally.”

“That's what you get for invoking karma Rarity.” What followed was a series of collisions and apologies. The group pauses when Applejack said she stepped in something. Dash looked up and and saw a scary face IN the tree. The others did as well. They were surrounded by such trees and most of the girls started screaming. Dash then noticed one voice not screaming but laughing. Look for the source she saw it. Pinkie giggling and make faces at the tree which didn't nothing in return.

“Pinkie what are you doing?” Twilight asked.

“Oh Twilight don't you see.” Dash started hearing music and Pinkie started singing. Twilight voiced Dash's thoughts to a T.

“Please tell me she isn't.”

“She is.” Responded Rarity.

'Seriously what is with these ponies and their music!? They just starting singing and music comes COMPLETELY out of nowhere! All the years i've been here living as a pony I could never understand it.' While Dash had her mental rant Pinkie got the girls to sing and laugh at the trees which apparently turned them back to normal. Even Dash couldn't help but get involved. After a short break getting the laughing out of our systems we continued are trek.

Of course we met another obstacle along the way. This time a raging river caused by a water serpent of some type. After some questions it turns out he was upset because some blue/purple mist sliced part of his mustache off and he now thought he was hideous.

'He's concerned about looking pretty and I'm the one who gets the rainbow mane, GO FIGURE!' At first it seems Rarity was calming him down by complementing him till she got to the mustache that got him going again.

“I must not let this crime against fabuliousity go unchallenged!”

'Is that even a word!?' Rarity then took a scale from the guy and lifted it up. Before it could go further Dash grabbed it and said.

“What the hay are you doing with this Rarity?”

“I was going to cut off my tail to fix his mustache.” Dash sighed at that.

“Rarity, you're a fashion expert. His mustache will grow back in time. He just needs a temporary style till it grows back. There must be something you can do with a small mustache that's still stylish?” Rarity looked over the serpent before Dash saw the proverbial lightbulb go off.

“IIIIIDDDDEEEEAAA!”

* * * * *

Took Rarity only a couple minutes to come up with something the serpent liked and then he help the girls cross the river. A couple miles after that the fog revealed the ruined castle. Twilight ran off like a shot and nearly fell to her death AGAIN as the fog reveal that a gorge separated the girls from the castle and the bridge was out.

“What is it with you and falling off edges?” Dash asked in amusement. Dash looked over the edge and saw that the bridge was intact just no longer tied to the other end. And easy fix.

“So how do we get over now?” Pinkie asked.

“Duh.” Dash said as she flicked her wings.

“Oh yeah.” Pinkie replied and Dash took off and went to grab the loose end of the bridge. She landed at the other end and tied one end up and was about to do the other when she heard a female voice calling her.

“Who's there?” Dash asked as she took a combat stance. She saw three figures come out of the fog around them and it was three pegasi wearing a variation of the Wonderbolt uniform.

“We're the Shadowbolts, the greatest fliers in the Everfree forest. We could become the greatest in Equestria but we need a captain for that. Somepony strong, daring, and intelligent. Somepony like you.”

“Certainly and interesting proposal but you have two things against you.”

“Oh?” The lead Shadowbolt asked.

“First off I never heard of your team and being the daughter of Firefly I know all the stunt and racing teams there are and none of them are you. Two: You just happen to show up when Equestria is in crisis and offer me that position. Sorry but my home and my friends need me so maybe another time.” With that Dash turned away and tied the last rope. She glance back and saw that the Shadowbolts were gone and she didn't here them take flight or gallop away.

'Nice try Moonie but it takes more than that to get me.' With the bridge back up she flew to her friends to show it was clear.

“You did it Rainbow!” Twilight exclaimed.

“For the record, it's Dash. And of course I did it. I never leave my friends hanging.” With that they headed into the ruins. They found a platform with stone orbs with imprints of gems on them. Twilight had Dash and Fluttershy grab them and bring them down. As I guessed there was only five so we were missing one. Pinkie noted this and Twilight replied.

“The book said a spark would ignite them and reveal the sixth.” She laid down in front of the orbs. “Let me try something.”

“Come on girls. Let's give her some space.” Applejack said and Dash started to follow but paused at the doorway. It seemed stupid to leave her alone. Dash watched from the door way and watched Twilight work. Then a mist appeared and headed towards Twilight.

“TWILIGHT LOOK OUT!” Dash yelled out and Twilight just reacted before seeing the orbs picked up by the mist that turned into a tornado. Without thinking Dash raced towards the tornado and saw Twilight jump into it just before she did. There was a flash of light and Dash felt really dizzy. She heard a groan and saw Twilight next to her. The mare holding her head. Both heard cackling and saw nightamre moon with the orbs. Dash saw Twilight get up and stomp her hoof for a charge. Dash joined her in that stance.

“You're kidding, you're kidding right?” Moonie asked. Twilight responded by charging with her horn glowing all the way. Dash herself was using a trick from Rapid Dash. She buzzed her wings making wind but she used her pegasus magic to keep it in then release with a bang on her command for a massive speed boost. When she felt Twilight was far enough away she let loose flying at fast speed with her hoof ready to hit Nightmare Moon. Before she could connect however she saw Twilight disappear in light. Both she and Nightmare moon looked around for Twilight till they found her at the Elements trying to get them to work.

'Clever girl. The charge was ruse to get Nightmare Moon away from the Elements.' Dash decided to by time by air bucking Moonie in the head. That sent the mare flying. She hit the wall and slid down. Nightmare Moon then shot a beam out of her horn. Dash dodge it easily but then she felt a force hit her dead on and she hit the wall dazed. Seconds later she heard a yelp and found Twilight on the ground next to her. She tried to get up but her ribs were screaming. She got hit good with that one. She just manage to get to a sitting position when she heard.

“No! NO!” Looking over it look like the trick worked. The Elements were powering up.

Then they stopped.

Nightmare Moon laughs manically and stomps her fore hooves and smashes the the orbs.

'That's not good.' Dash thought as she made it to Twilight's side.

“You little foals, thinking you can defeat us. You will never see your princess or the sun again. The night will last FOREVER!” Moonie did the evil laughing again and Dash noticed Twilight's defeated look.

“Come on Twilight this isn't over yet.” Dash heard the voices of their friends coming. “You see the cavalry is arriving.” Twilight looked back and her eyes dilated and Dash swore she saw a spark of white in her pupils. Then Twilight got this knowing smile and turned to Nightmare Moon.

“You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that? Well you didn't because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!” Dash saw the element shard light up and Moonie said.

“What?”

“Applejack; Who reassured me when I was in doubt represents the Spirit of, Honesty. Fluttershy; Who comforted a manticore with her comapssion represents the Spirit of, Kindness. Pinkie Pie; Who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger represents the Spirit of, Laughter. Rarity; Who was willing to cut her own tail to calm a sorrowful serpent represents the Spirit of, Generosity. And Rainbow Dash; Who refused to follow her life's dream for the sake of her friends represents the Spirit of, Loyalty.” As Twilight said those words the shards started surrounding Dash and the others. Dash felt an odd feeling. She couldn't describe it, just odd. “The spirit of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us.” Moonie looked quite unnerved.

“But you still don't have the sixth element. The spark didn't work.” Moonie stated.

“But it did, a different kind of spark.” Twilight turned to face Dash and the others. “I Felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The Spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all.” Twilight turned again to face Nightmare Moon. “Were my friends!” A flash of light happened and another orb showed up and floated above Twilight. “You see Nightmare Moon, when those elements are ignited by..the spark that resides in the heart of us all it creates the sixth element. The Element of....Magic!” Dash felt a huge surge of power and fought of the urge to yell out. I HAVE THE POWER! With that power she also felt contentment, like she was in perfection. She barely heard Nightmare moon's screams as rainbow colors went over her eyes then blackness.

When Dash opened her eyes again she found herself lying on the ground. The pain in ribs were gone and she felt a tad winded. Looking around she saw the others getting up. Dash rubbed her head.

“Ugh, my head.”

“Is everypony okay?” Applejack asked.

“Rarity, what a beautiful necklace. It's just like your cutie mark.” Flutters said and Rarity looked down apparently seeing it for the first time they compared it to her own mark. Flutters was correct, it did look like Rarity's mark but purple in color. Rarity looked over to Flutters and said.

“So does yours.” That's when Dash noticed Flutters had one to. A pink butterfly rather then Rarity's purple diamond. While Pinkie cheered look at mine Dash looked down to see a gold necklace with a red lightning bolt.

“Oh yeah! That's some awesome swag.” Heck the thing didn't even weigh anything, she barely felt it. In fact she felt a slight warmth from it. Dash then look over to seeing Twilight with a crown on her head with a six point star matching hers to a T. 'Hey, how come she gets a crown not a necklace? This was a team effort after all. Oh well it does look nice so I'll let it slide.'

“Gee Twilight, I thought you were spouting a whole lot of hooey. But I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship.”

“Indeed you do.” A voice said and Dash looked around.

'Okay who said that?' The sun finally rose and Princess Celestia appeared in a brilliant white light. 'Okay I have to give the Princess kudos. That was an awesome entrance.' Most of the girls bowed except for Dash and Twilight. Twilight after saying the princesses name was almost running up to the Princess of a neck hug and the Princess almost seemed motherly towards Twilight. 'Okay there is a story there.' Dash didn't bow because there is still a lot of American in her. She respects the princess but not going to bow.

“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it.” Twilight looked confused.

“But you told me it was all an old pony tale?”

“I told you to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon' return and I knew you had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship in your heart.” Twilight looked to Dash and the others and smiled. “Now if only another will as well.” Celestia said with a hint of sadness. Dash followed to where Celestia was looking and saw what had to be nightmare Moon. She was now much smaller, standard pony size with a blue coat of fur and a very light blue mane and tail. Dash looked between the two and something clicked in her head.

'Oh I bet they are related.'

“Princess Luna!” Celestia said with force and the other mare jerked awake and looked at Celestia with fear, “It's been a long time since I've seen you like this.” Celestia knelt down and Luna winced in fear. “Can we put our past behind us and rule together as we were meant to. Will you accept my friendship little sister.”

“Sister!?” The others gasp while Dash was mentally saying.

'To bad they don't have phones yet because I bucking CALLED IT!' They all waited for Luna's answer. Pinkie even hilariously tipped over. Luna accepted Celestia's offer and the two sisters hugged. Okay even Dash got teary eyed at the family reunion. Pinkie turned into a water fountain with her tears.

'Is it scary I've gotten use to her antics at this point?' Dash wondered. Pinkie went from bailing her eyes out to stopping and said.

“You know what this calls for? A PARTY!” With that they headed back to town with the princesses in tow. Luna was given a wreath of flowers and that seemed to cheer her up. Twilight though looked down. Celestia noticed and asked.

“Are you not happy Twilight? You've complete your task and can return to your studies in Canterlot.”

“That's just it Princess. Now that I value friendship and made new friends here I now have to leave them.”

“Spike, take a note.” Celestia commanded. “I Princess Celestia hereby charge the Unicorn Twilight Sparkle to study the Magic of Friendship and report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville.” Dash couldn't help herself and she joined the others in a group hug.

“Thank you Princess I promise to study harder then ever before.” With the that the party really got going.

* * * * *

It was an exhausted Dash that returned home as the sun sets. She lit a lighting powered bulb and opened her log book.

Dash again, a bit tired so I'll be brief. A lot happened the past twenty four hours. Made some new friends which includes a personal student of Princess Celestia. I also helped save the world from eternal night and a princess from her own darkness. Turns out I'm also a bearer for a magical artifact called the Element of Loyalty. If that lighting bolt hadn't hit me and brought me here who knows what would have happened. It's a bit sobering. Well let's see what this new chapter in my life takes me.

Author's Note

whew this was a big one but you can understand why. Hope you enjoy it.

Old and New Friends (Unedited)

Back again, sorry for the long wait. It has been a crazy past couple of weeks. First was heading to my folks house and reassuring them that I was fine and told them of my new title. I would have shown them the Element of Loyalty but Celestia took them back to Canterlot. That so sucks, the Element claimed me, it's MINE! So she just took them and pray to God that if something dangerous to need them will take it's sweet time for them to be brought to us or we to them. Such a bad idea.

Anywhoo I am still perplexed that me of all ponies was chosen to bear Loyalty. Out of all the ponies in this world it chooses me, a human turned pony that is here solely because of the freak event. What would have happened if I wasn't here. To quote Marty McFly “this is heavy”. Still out of this I've become part of the strangest group of friends anypony can imagine. You already know of Flutters of course, still shy as ever. I quickly became friends with an earth pony mare named Applejack. We have friendly competitions on various things with each other. It's quite fun. Then there's Pinkie if there's one phrase to describe Pinkie it's this from Mythbusters. “I reject your reality and substitute my own.” I long ago stop trying to question how she does what she does for the sake of my sanity. She's a bit annoying but does know how to throw a party. Next up is Rarity, just as me and Applejack are very similar me and Rarity are so different. She's one of those high class kinds of ponies. Everything has to be proper and refined and is a genius in dress making from what I have seen and heard. But underneath that is a generous heart. Heck if I hadn't stopped her she would have cut off her one tail to ease that serpent's issues. Thankfully I stopped her and had her use her other talents. Seriously, hair grows back, just alter your style till it does. Saw it with my sisters all the time. Twilight, now Twilight was interesting. She ended up being Celestia's personal student and gives me a real professor vibe. She's book smart but little real world experience. Turns out me and the others are the first real friends she has ever made. She took over the library which hasn't been manned since old Dusty Tome retired five years ago and has quickly come to like our little town.

Though not everything has been sunshine and rainbows, not even in this place. One day I was just doing my job then I saw a crowd of ponies chasing after Twilight and Spike. I saw them like that over two hours. I would have offered my place for them to hide in but they aren't pegasi and I don't think Twilight knows the spell that allowed unicorns to cloud walk. By sun down Twilight manage to lose the crowd and I went in to see if she was okay. It was dark at first then the light went on that she screamed. I couldn't blame her, our four friends had really creepy smiles on their faces. Turns out the whole thing was about a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala. An event I only knew of because the Wonderbotls showed up during it. Didn't think that be the best way to get their attention so was never a concern for me. In an amazing moment Twilight actually gave up both tickets. Now I may not have an interest in this gala but I know it's a big thing for most ponies so that's a big sacrifice for her to make for us.

Then they got a reply that included 6 tickets for the gala. SERIOUSLY!? Celestia had six tickets all along. That's just trolling the poor mare, jeeze. Give her a stressed day she didn't need to go through. Totally not cool.

A few days after that we had a stampede of cows that were scared by a snake of all things. Well Applejack save the town and they wanted to reward her for it. However nopony had seen her since and when she did arrive she looked exhausted. After a series of mishaps including my meeting with Twilight's balcony she finally relented and allowed us all to help her out while her brother Big Mac was wounded. We had a nice drink after wards but Spike had to ruin it with those awful muffins. Seriously what's wrong with that guy?

Well that's all for now,

Rainbow Dash

Dash still couldn't believe she was doing this. Then again it was hard to believe that Pinkie Pie could keep up with her speed. That pink pony always manage to be waiting for her where ever she went. Heck she looked back once and saw Pinkie hopping along like Pepe Le Pew.

That was a low blow.

She eventually gave up and was now moving a cloud around at Pinkie's commands. After a couple of minutes she had had it.

“PINKIE!”

“There that's perfect!” Responded Pinkie and Dash just sighed. Pinkie then went next to the window by the Town Hall door and watched inside. Dash saw the door open and then Pinkie gave the signal. Dash then bucked the cloud to get a lighting bolt out. Dash heard a yelp and she saw Spike on the ground hiccuping. Dash saw Pinkie laughing her flank off and Dash had to chuckle and even Spike took in stride.

“Hey (hiccup) Pinkie (hiccup) nice (hiccup) one (hiccup) totally (hiccup) didn't (hiccup) that (hiccup) one (hiccup) coming.” Spike tried to pick up the pile of scrolls but every time he hiccuped his flame came out and the scroll was sent to Celestia. Especially that big pile.

'Hey Celestia, YOU GOT MAIL!' That image of Celestia buried in scroll really caused her to laugh.

“Have you ever seen anything more hilarious?” Pinkie asked still laughing and Dash got an evil smirk.

“I can think of one.” Dash replied then bucked the cloud again to get another bolt of lightning. Pinkie screamed and then started hiccuping herself. It was funny seeing Pinkie laugh while hiccuping. “I didn't take you as a pranksters Pinkie.”

“Are you (hiccup) kidding? (hiccup). I love (hiccup) to pull (hiccup) pranks (hiccup). It's all (hiccup) good fun and (hiccup) Pinkie is all about fun (hiccup).”

With that started an epic partnership of the two mares. They spent days pranking Ponyville. From giving Rarity some flowers with sneezing powder on them, to replacing Twilight's ink with invisible ink. Heck they spent all night painting Applejack's apples all with water paint. Their friends responded in various degrees. Rarity was just confused, Twilight had that annoyed look, and Applejack chased them throwing apples though Dash did hear some chuckling from the earth mare. She must have realized that the apples weren't ruined. It was a lot of fun.

* * * * *

Dash was on her way home with the sun setting behind her. She spent the day divided between work, stunts and pranks with Pinkie. She just wanted some time at home and crash. She landed in front of her door when she heard a voice say.

“Hey Dash!” Dash went into a defense stance till she saw who it was that was on her porch.

“Gilda!” Dash cheered and brohoofed her old friend. Dash then unlocked her door and said. “Come in, come in to my place.” Dash quickly moved to the side and allowed her griffon friend to enter her home. Gilda looked around the place and commented.

“Nice digs Dash!”

“Thank my mom, having been a top racer for years she has a lot of bits in her accounts. She and dad gave me this place as a birthday present.”

“That's cool, hey what's with this flag?” Dash looked over and saw Gilda looking at the flag.

“That's something I had my firend Rarity make not to long after I moved here. It's from my original home.”

“Original home?” Gilda asked.

“Remember I'm adopted. It's called the Stars and Stripes and it's important to me, anywho I was going to order pizza for supper, want anything special on yours? Note not sure if the local pizzeria has meat on the menu.”

“I'll just have some cheese.” Gilda said with a shrug. Dash wrote down the order before rolling it up and put the appropriate seal on it and burnt it with a magical candle that sent it to the pizzeria.

“So G, what brings you to Ponyville?”

“Things in Griffonstone have been pretty lameo, so a decided to hang out with the coolest pegasus around. Not to mention the only being able to keep up with my speed.”

“I think that's the other way around G.” Dash said with a smirk. “Well if you need a place to hang out, you are more then welcome to stay here. Tomorrow we can do some flying and at some point you can meet my other friends. They are a bit weird but I think they will like you.”

"Sounds good. So what have you been up to since camp?"

“Well became the Weather Pony for Ponyville and a couple weeks ago saved the world with my friends.” Gilda laughed hard.

“Yeah right, tell me another story!”

“It's true, remember that time where the sun didn't rise on time? Well that's because a big bad showed up and threatened eternal night. I was part of a group of six mares that beat her. I wish Celestia allowed us to keep the Elements. It was an awesome red lightning bolt for me. How about you?”

“Eh, nothing worth note.” Gilda said with a shrug. Dash was going to press on more when the door bell rang. Pizza had arrived and the two friends ate in silence.

“BURP!” Well near silence.

* * * * *

The next morning Pinkie had showed up with the wackiest getup and she and Gilda met but Dash had promised some flying time so they left Pinkie on the ground with a promise to hang out later.

She flew through the air weaving and ducking through the clouds as an improvised obstacle course with Gilda close on her heels. She loved this feeling, of wind whipping through her mane and with a friend right behind her. None of the other pegasi in Ponyville could even keep close to her and forget Flutters. Flying was just not her thing. They spent a couple hours enjoying the freedom of flight, laughing often at the joy of it before they both landed on a low flying cloud laughing their flanks off.

“Hey guys!” Dash heard a familiar voice say. “It's later.”

'Did I just see a Pinkie head?' Dash thought to herself.

“And you said................... We'll hang...........out later!” Pinkie's head kept on disappearing and reappearing in the cloud. Dash looked over the side and saw how Pinkie was getting up to the cloud. She some how manage to get a trampoline under the cloud and was jumping on it to reach them.

“Pinkie, you defy reality.” Dash said with a bit of awe and a chuckle. She then looked to Gilda and said. “I know she's a bit on the weird side but she's cool G.” Gilda just shrugged and looked up before a predatory glint got in her eyes.

“Hey Dash, race ya to that cloud.” Dash grinned at her and they were off and soon they hit the cloud and Gilda was already bragging about winning.

“Oh come on G, I totally won that race.”

“No way, I totally beat ya there.”

“Actually Dashie beat ya by a nose, literally.” Pinkie interjected floating up to them with a group of balloons.

'How did she inflate those so fast?' Dash thought to herself before pointing to Gilda with a smirk. “See, Pinkie keeps you honest and I will abide by her decisions on who wins.” Gilda didn't looked amused but shrugged.

“Hey Dash, any new tricks or just the old ones.” Gilda asked and that got a smirk out of Dash.

“Oh I got some new ones. You two are going to be blown away.” Dash took off and began a series of loops, banks, and rolls in unique combinations. This was her element and she enjoyed it.

* * * * *

After a few minutes she ended her impromptu show to only see her friend Gilda.

“Hey, where's Pinkie?”

“Oh she had things to do so she buzzed off.”

“Really?” She just shrugged. “She could have at least said goodbye. So have you learned any new tricks too?”

“HA! Just watch as I dazzle you with my tricks.” With that her friends took to the sky. Her tricks were much like Gilda's race; fierce, aggressive, and cutting. She enjoyed the show her friend put on and both went cruising over the town when she check the sun.

“Hey G, I have some work I need to do so why don't you hang out around town and I'll meet you at Sugarcube Corner. No doubt Pinkie has a party planned for you.”

“Alright cya later Dash.” With that Gilda broke away and headed for the town. She meanwhile headed for Sweet Apple Acres. It didn't take her long to get there and she surveyed the farm. Several clouds were over it thanks to Everfree and natural conditions. But Aj needed a sunny day today. Normally this would be a simple bucking job but the Carrots need some cover for their carrots and a cabbage guy needed some water on his cabbages. This will take a bit to get all done. With the cracking of her neck Dash got to the work. She first corralled the clouds into two piles. One for the carrots and the other for the cabbage guy. She had this done in a cinch. In minutes she had the clouds gathered she headed for the Carrots place.

Once she had arrived she started spreading the first set of clouds to cover the key areas the Carrots wanted. She was detailed in the placement, wanting to get it just right for the farmers. After an hour she was done placing the clouds and looked over to where Danver Carrot was standing. The stallion look across the sky and gave a nod.

“HEY DASHIE!” The yell surprised her and she looked around and quickly saw Pinkie waving at her.

“Hey Pinkie, what's up?”

“Throwing a party for your friend Gilda at Sugar Cube Corner in two and a half hours.”

“SWEET! I'll be there no problem.” And with that Pinkie disappears, not run away or even hop away. Nope she literally disappears. Shaking her head at her friends antics she took the rest of the clouds to the cabbage guy.

* * * * * *

Dash got to Sugar Cube Corner about twenty minutes before the official start. She was still shaking her head from the cabbage guy. They way he was nuzzling that cabbage was very disturbing. She had to brush that away, it was time for pranks. She quickly set up all she had; pepper in the vanilla lemon drops, dribble cup by the punch bowl, can of snakes in with the gifts, and of course the trick candles on the cake. This was going to be a blast.

Finally the guest of honor arrives and she race over to Gilda.

“Hey everypony, this is my old friend Gilda from Junior Speedsters camp. Please give her that Ponyville welcome.” There was cheering from the ponies attending. “Hey G, enjoy the party.”

“Oh I plan to Dash.” Pinkie offered her hoof and for some reason Gilda eyed it before grabbing it. She never thought she actually see a skeleton like that as it seems that Pinkie have the old hand buzzer. More proof that this world has cartoon logic. Gilda looked a little peeved from that and Dash felt concern so asked.

“Hey Gilda, don't tell me a harmless prank has got the better of you?” Gilda smoothed herself before replying.

“Told ya Dash. I'm always in for a good prank and that was a good one.” Gilda walked up to the lemon drops and Dash fought hard to hold back her smile. It was funny seeing her friend belch fire and even more so that Pinkie was ready with marshmellow on a stick. Gilda raced to the punch bowl and happen to take the dribble cup and pour in the punch leading to the famous outcome of none of the punch getting in. Smirking Dash grabbed a bottle of pop and approached Gilda.

“Here G, some root beer for you.” Gilda grabbed the bottle and chugged it down. Gilda then noticed the table of gifts.

“Are those for me?” She asked in a surprised tone. Dash rolled her eyes at that.

“Of course they are for you. They whole party is to welcome YOU to Ponyville.” Dash almost saw a tear in Gilda's eyes. Gilda then grabbed one of the boxes that Dash had gotten for real for her friend. If she had known Gilda would be coming she could have had something special made, so the best she could do was a talon sharpener. She did manage to meet Rarity beforehand and she magically engraved it with Gilda's name.

“Thanks Dash.” She just shrugged.

“Hey, what are friends for?” Gilda grab the next present and it was the can of snakes. She looks funny with her feathers puffed out from the surprise. Pinkie brought out the cake before Gilda to react much besides a grit in her teeth.

“Cake time every pony!”

“OOH!, OOH! Can I blow out the candles?” Spike asked eagerly.

“No Gilda should since she's the guest of honor.” Replied Twilight. Then Gilda slid in and elbowed Spike out of the way. That caused Dash to frown a bit. That was uncalled for. Then Gilda blew on the candles and in a second they relight. Watching her friend try to repeatedly blow them out got her laughing again before Dash stopped Spike from getting into the cake.

“No Spike. Gilda gets the first piece.” Using her wing she made a slice and hoofed it to Gilda who smiled back and Dash got her own slice and like every Sugar Cube Corner cake she has had it was among the best.

After some of the cake was eaten it was time for some games and of course the first on the list was Pinkie's favorite. Pin the tail on the Pony. Dash was rather surprised it was Rarity's favorite as well but Gilda rudely grab the tail and went first. Dash was seriously going to have a talk with Gilda on her attitude later. Pinkie blind folded her and spun her around and lead her to the poster of the pony.

“Yeah right, like the poster is here. This is just another prank you guys are pulling on me.” Gilda then tunrs away from the poster only to slip on a piece of cake on the ground and she slides away before crashing into something in the kitchen. When she came out not only was she covered in frosting but the tail was on her beak.

“Um Gilda, you put it on the wrong end.” Pinkie commented and that caused the dam to break and everypony was laughing. Their laughter was broken when a roar came from Gilda

“THIS IS YOUR IDEA OF A GOOD TIME!? I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A LAME GROUP OF DWEEBS IN ALL MY LIFE! AND PINKIE PIE. YOU! YOU ARE QUEEN LAMEO WITH YOUR WEAK LITTLE PARTY PRANKS. DID YOU REALLY THINK I'D LOSE MY COOL?” Dash was frowning at this but Gilda didn't notice it when she put her talon around Dash's neck. ”Well me and Dash are TEN TIMES cooler then the rest of you. We don't need you lameo ponies.” Gilda started to walk towards the door but stopped when she noticed that Dash wasn't with her. Looking back at her pegasus friend she said. “Come on Rainbow Dash.”

“You know something Gilda. I am the one who put those pranks in, so I guess that I'm Queen Lameo.” Gilda looked shocked while she held her disappointment in her old friend in check.

“Dash, you're jossing me right?” Gilda asked confused.

“Of course that dribble cup had Dash written all over it.” Pinkie commented but Dash just ignored her for the time being and continued.

“Nope, I placed them all. I only figured you get the snakes and cake. It's just random luck you hit them all. I'm very disappointed in you Gilda. You were bullied in camp and I defended you. Yet here you are doing the same thing. I had hope to have my old friends meet my new friends and we have an awesome time together. Instead you are acting like a jerk and not the fast, funny, and awesome griffon I know.”

“Well when you are done being a lameo Rainbow Dash let me know. I'm out of here.” With that Gilda left the store with a screech and she was feeling really down. One of her close friends had changed so much and not in a good way.

“I'm sorry everypony. She was not like that when I met her.” Pinkie came over and hugged her.

“It's okay Dashie. We can have a party celebrating our friendship.” Pinkie held out her other hoof and said. “What do you say?” She glanced at the hoof and it wasn't the one with the buzzer. That was the one around her neck. She took Pinkie's hoof in her own and both got quite the shock to the enjoyment of the other ponies. When it wore off they both showed buzzers on their shaking hoof before joining in the laughter.

* * * * * *

The sun had set by the time she got home.

“Gilda?” She called out just on the change the griffon was still around, but all she got was silence. Gilda really left. What a way for a friendship to end. She walked over to a wall that had several pictures on it. One was of her and Gilda back at camp. They were smiling at the camera without a care in the world. She missed that Gilda and while somepony else might have tossed away the picture she carefully placed it back in hope that maybe some day she will see that Gilda again.

Author's Note

sorry for the wait. been on reading binges.

Visit of Dawn (Unedited)

Dash was on her way back to her parents home in Cloudsdale. She was going to spend the weekend with her sister and was going to pick her up. She needed the perk up her sister would bring after the fiasco with the dragon. Yeah she is a very fit mare and has some combat training but having her and her untrained friends kick out a dragon with no support. Just thinking that made her facehoof. She thought the Princess was smarter then that. Thank God that Fluttershy found the strength to face the dragon and actually got the guy to cry and leave. She didn't expect that of her friend. She had known Fluttershy for years and loved her as her oldest friend and the poor mare had no backbone most of the time. She relayed that to Twilight before their quest and Fluttershy helped on the point then she fled from her own shadow. She had tried many times to grow Fluttershy's confidence but it never seemed to stick. She was proud of her friend's deed and hopes that maybe for once it will stick. She did manage to get some of the loot the dragon left behind. That will come in handy after what she spent recently for her sister.

She finally entered Cloudsdale and man she still loved the look of the place, she thanked her parents daily for getting her the cloud house she now lives in. A little slice of heaven in Ponyville. She quickly got to her old home and knocked on the door. It opened to reveal her mom. Despite a wrinkle here and there mom looked the same as she did when they first met all those years ago. Her mom smiled and said.

“Dashie!” And mom hugged her which Dash returned. Mom turned her head away and called out. “Dawn! Your sister is here!” Both mares her the thundering of hooves. Soon a pink blur appeared and she found her right front leg now had a pink filly bracelet.

“You're here sis! You're here!” Dawn cheered and Dash rubbed her little sisters blond with blue highlighted mane.

“Hey squirt, of course I'd show up. You're my sister and I would never pass up a chance to see you. You all packed to go?” Dawn vigorously nodded her head. “Well before we head to Ponyville I have something for you.” She used a wing to open a flap of the saddlebags and then grab something with her wing before presenting it to Dawn. Her little sister's eyes lit up as she saw what her wing held.

A pair of tickets to a Wonderbolts show.

“WONDERBOLTS TICKETS! FOR TODAY'S SHOW AS WELL!” Dawn then hugged her and continued. “Thanks Sis, you're awesome!”

“Of course I'm awesome. I have you as a sister. Now come on. We don't want to be late for the show.” Dawn nodded and took to the air and she joined Dawn the the air.

“Have fun you two and Dashie keep Dawn out of too much trouble.” Her mom said and she waves goodbye to them.

“I know I strive for the impossible mom but jeeze that's pushing it.” She joked and waved back and heard her mother chuckle as they headed for the Stadium.

* * * * *

Dash and Dawn made it to the Stadium in plenty of time. Dash was still amazed by the lax security she saw. Her and her sister's saddlebags weren't checked at all. Much different from her original home and she desperately hoped Equestria would have the need for that level of security ever. Eyeing the concession stands she asked.

“Hey squirt, wanna rustle up some grub?”

“Sounds great.” Dawn replied and Dash directed them to the nearest stand and she looked over the menu.

“Hey Potato Wedges! Sweet I going to have a bag, what about you?”

“Nah, A hay dog and hay fries for me.” Dawn replied.

“How about some Prench Fires instead of hay?” She asked her sister. Dawn tilted her head in confusion.

“Prench fries?”

“They are made of potatoes and very delicious. Give them a try and if you don't like I get ya some hay fries.”

“Deal.” She went over and both the food and some pop and she observed Dawn tasted the the prench fry. Dawn munched on it with her face in deep thought on the taste. Dawn's eyes lit up and really began digging in.

“Figured you'd like it. Now let's get our seats.” The two head for the arena and after glancing around she found their seats. They were okay seats being halfway up and they sat down and ate their snacks. “So how is school going?” She asked Dawn. Dawn shrugged and answered.

“Doing okay.” She got in close to Dawn.

“Hey, school is a big deal. I'm not asking you to be a genius, but to try your best. I hate for you to be stuck in a dead end job because you didn't learn. Instincts only get you so far.” She tapped her head a couple times. “Hey the reason I'm so good at my tricks is because I apply both my instincts AND my smarts and I bet the Wonderbolts do as well.” Dawn looked a little sad and she wing hugged her. “Hey will worry about that later. This weekend is just us having fun okay squirt?” Dawn nodded and music began to play. Both of them sat back and watch the Wonderbolts fly into the stadium and begin their performance.

Throughout the performance the sisters cheered, oooohhhhh, and aaahhhhed and the stunts performed and in the back of her mind Dash thought.

'One day, that will be me.' Spitfire finished the show by merging with a phoenix and lighting the sky itself on fire then created a massive fire ball. After cheering the crowd started to disperse and she nudge Dawn to the exits. Dawn was hopping around like Pinkie Pie. Kinda scary considering they haven't met yet. While Dawn's bags were filled with stuff she needed for her stay Dash had brought her own bags to which she was carrying a Spitfire doll she brought for Dawn while Dawn wore Wonderbolt style goggles. She was glad to see her sister so happy and they both took off for Ponyville. Normally they would perform stunts and tricks as they flew but they had cargo this time around so it stayed a leisurely flight as Dawn went on about the show.

* * * * *

It was late afternoon by the time they got to Dash's home. She turned on the lights and directed Dawn to one of the guest rooms so Dawn could put her stuff away. This was the first time Dawn was here by herself instead of with their parents. After all the stuff was put away Dash grabbed a paper, quill, and her message candle.

“Say Squirt, how about pizza for dinner?” She asked.

“AWESOME!” Was the reply and brought a chuckle out of her.

“I'll take that as a yes.” She wrote up the order and put the appropriate ribbon and burnt it on the candle. With the order sent she spotted Dawn playing with the Spitfire doll and she watched on with a smile. Dawn reminded her so much her sister Rachel. It was a bittersweet thing for her and she tried to fight down the old memories. Rachel was out of her reach now and she could only hope she has a happy life. A growling interrupted her thoughts and she saw Dawn holding her belly with a hoof and smiling sheepishly. She just shook her head.

“Come on Squirt, let's have a snack before the pizza arrives.” She lead them into her kitchen and she grabbed a couple of bowls and opened a large tub and she scooped both bowls in and handled one to Dawn. Her sister looked at it skeptically and sniffed.

“What is it sis?” She finally asked.

“It's my recipe for roasted Chex. One of the perks of living in a farming town is a lot more options in food. Go on and try it.” Dawn just shrugged. She never had a reason to not trust her sister and took a bite. She munched for a bit before burying her muzzle in the bowl causing Dash to laugh at the sight. The bowl was soon empty and Dawn had a pleased smile on her face.

“I wish I could take some home.” Dawn remarked absently.

“Well I do have all the ingredients to make more. Why don't you and I make a batch for you to take home.”

“Cool!”

“Okay here's what we need; garlic salt, onion salt, worcestershire sauce, butter, lemon juice...” She started to recite as she grab the stuff needed.

Dash had a smile on her lips as she opened the oven.

“Okay Dawn give it a slow stir.”

“You got it sis.” Dawn slowly did the stir but her buzzing wings in her eagerness.

“That's is Dawn. You're doing awesome. Now let's let it finish cooking.” Dawn backed off and She closed the oven door. That was when the doorbell rang. It was pizza time.

* * * * *

The sisters enjoyed their pizza, joking around and finishing up the Roasted Chex.

After that they played various games throughout the night with both of them winning and losing. Dawn was the only being she didn't mind losing to. Eventually Dawn started to tire out and she lead Dawn to the guest bedroom Dawn had chosen as her own. She tucked her little sister in the bed and smiled as Dawn yawned again.

“Goodnight Dash, love ya.” Dawn closed her eyes and she got in close.

“Love ya to Dawn.” She then kissed her sisters forehead and left the room. She worked on some paperwork before heading to bed herself.

* * * * *

The next day Dash showed Dawn how she ran Ponyville's weather and even had Dawn help out a bit. When everything was good the two lounge on a cloud Dash left behind for them.

“This is awesome.” Dawn commented as they lay on their backs.

“It is but what specifically Squirt?” She asked. Dawn raised her hoof.

“The sky, it's so peaceful. No pegasi or cloud buildings cluttering it up.”

“One of the perks of Ponyville Squirt. Nature at it's finest. Some ponies think I nap up here all the time. While I do some of the time the rest is just laying and enjoying the scenery.” The two stayed silent after that just enjoying the view and each others company. She then noticed where the sun was and she nudged her sister. “Come on. I have lunch planned with my friends and I want you to meet them.” Dawn looked a bit unsure and she put a wing around her. “Don't worry, you already know Fluttershy and the rest will see how awesome you are.” She got a weak smile and both took to the air.

* * * *

The gang had planned to meet at Sunny Glade, a cafe that all sorts of eats and a french style waiter. She easily saw her friends at one of the outside tables for the cafe.

“Hey guys!” She said as she and Dawn came in for the landing.

“Hey Dash!” The all replied but Rarity was first to notice the company Dash brought.

“Rainbow Dash, who is this cute filly you brought with you?”

“I'M NOT CUTE I'M AWESOME!” Dawn replied and pouted. It brought a smile to her lips.

“Guys this is my sister Dawn Seeker. Squirt, the purple unicorn is Twilight Sparkle, the white unicorn is Rarity, the orange earth pony is Applejack, the pink Earth mare ready to explode is Pinkie Pie, and you already know of Fluttershy.”

“Uh Hi?” Dawn said nervously. That's when Pinkie exploded, not joking she went boom and was suddenly by Dawn and picked her up and hopped around.

“THIS IS SO GREAT! NOT ONLY AM I MEETING A NEW PONY, BUT THAT PONY IS DASHIE'S SISTER! THIS WILL SUCH A GREAT WELCOME TO PONYVILLE PARTY!”

“But I've been to Dash's house before and seen a bit of Ponyville.” Pinkie froze completely as I guess she tried to figure out everything. Then she got sad and her mane went limp. And did she go darker? Pinkie then looked at her.

“Why, why didn't I know?” Pinkie sounded so sad in that question.

“It was before you arrived Pinkie.” She got a shocked look and replied.

“Oh.” And like that she was back to normal. That was creepy. “Well You are still getting a party and I'll make it extra special since I missed your first arrival.” With that she was gone. She just dived under the table and was gone. Poor Dawn looked under the table to find Pinkie but found nothing.

“Give it up squirt before you hurt your head. Pinkie' seems to exist just to say 'screw you' to logic. However she does throw awesome parties.”

“Well with you here and on the ground you might like to meet my animals, if you don't mind.” Fluttershy offered.

“As long as it isn't Angel, the most misnamed animal ever.” She interjected and her curiosity got the better of her. “Where did you even find him anyway?”

“Well one day I was walking through the Everfree Forest.”

“Gosh darnit Fluttershy. Tha Everfree is dangerous. What in tarnation did you go in there for!?” Applejack spoke for everypony there at that one. Flutters cringe a little at the outburst.

“Well many of my animal friends live in the Everfree and I just wanted to check how they were doing during fall one year. As I was walking through one section of the woods I felt a tingle all over my body. The next thing I know I'm not in a forest but in a bid dark cave.” Flutters whimpered a little at that memory and I put a wing around her. She smiled at me and continued. “I well towards the only source of light I could find. When I emerged from the cave I found the most horrible sight. Bodies and bones lying everywhere. There was so much blood. But a mist it all I found a little white bunny that had blood soaked fur. He was still breathing so I just took the little angel and ran back the way I came and before I knew it I was back in the Everfree and I nursed him back to health.”

Dash felt some unease at that story. It reminded her of a certain movie. “Flutters I hate to ask but what did the bodies look like?”

“Well I didn't want to look at them but they weren't ponies. They were like skinny minotaurs but their lower half was very different from a minotaur.”

“Okay, that's okay Flutters.” She said outwardly, inwardly she said. 'Oh my god she has that thing as a pet.'

“So Dawn what do you want to be when you grow up?” Rarity asked.

“I wanna be a racer like my mom or a stunt pony like my sis will be.” She couldn't help but smile at that. Her sister was awesome. A waiter came up and everypony made their orders.

“Well her spirit is like yours Dash but Ah don't see much resemblance with ya.”

“Well she takes after mom while I look like dad. You don't look like your family much AJ.”

“You aven't met my cousin Braeburn. But ya do have a point.” Their meal arrived and everypony dug in.

* * * * *

Dash leaned against a table corner with a cup of pop in her hooves and a smirk on her lips. She was at the party Pinkie made for her sister Dawn. It was a typical Pinkie party, balloons, streamers, cake, games, and of course FUN. She spotted Dawn talking with AJ's sister Applebloom, Rarity's sister Sweetie Belle, and some pegasus that went everywhere with a scooter. They seemed to be getting along well. She saw purple just out of her field of vision and she looked to her right to see Twilight getting a cup of punch.

“Seems like your sister is making friends.” She commented.

“Yeah, I hoped she would make some friends here. I wanna have her visit more.”

“Oh really, she won't mess with your 'awesome' image.”

“Of course not. She's my sis, she as awesome as me.” Dash then eyed Twilight and elbowed her, “Meanwhile it's nice to see you enjoy a party without being pushed into it.” Twilight had the decency to blush.

“Well I have changed since I moved here and have you and the others as my friends. I was pretty much a book worm before coming here.”

“Sounds like Celestia had more then one reason to send you here?”

“Maybe, but why to you never refer to her as Princess?”

“Just the way I was raised. I respect her as a leader but not as a royal.”

“You are a weird pony Rainbow Dash.” Dash just shrugged.

“Not weird, just awesome. And call me Dash. Not to mention not everything can be learned from a book Twilight. Some ponies would consider you weird but you are just awesome in your own way.”

“Thanks Dash.” Twilight then eyed her and commented further. “You know, you are smarter then the pegasus jock I took you for.” Dash lost her joyful look and became dead serious.

“Just because I want to be a stunt pony and a Wonderbolt doesn't mean I'm brainless Twilight. I may not be professor smart like you but I know a thing or two.” Twilight winced at what was said and she rubbed her foreleg.

“Sorry Dash, I shouldn't have judged like that.”

“Yeah you shouldn't.” She then put a wing around the unicorn. “Just remember that lesson Twi. Right now we have a party to enjoy.” Twilight started to smile again.

* * * * *

Dash here again. Well I dropped off my sister after she spent a weekend with me in Ponyville. She had a lot of fun and I had a great time with her. She got along with my best friends very well and even made friends with a couple of fillies her age like AJ's and Rare's little sister. Hopefully this will be a common thing to have her visit. I like having her around. It reminds me of the home I lost all those years ago. I also think Twi understands me better as a pony and not the typical stunt jock. There's more to me then my stupid rainbow mane and awesomely toned body. Anyway that's all for now so catch ya later.

Author's Note

Can anyone figure out the reference?

While do I have to start burying those who died from feels overload. :ajbemused:

Special: Final Flight

It was a bright and sunny day. And she HATED it, but it was what he wanted this way and she will respect it. She had her wing over her sister. Dawn was already crying and leaning on Dash which she was more then willing to do. They entered their grandpa’s mansion, turns out her family was more well off then she first knew. But she had fun in this place during her second childhood. Gramps always had this place over the same lake. Story goes he fell in love with grandma at this lake and they spent a few decades in this place before she died. Looking in the upper right corner remembered helping gramps with his model of old Cloudsdale down to even miniature prepaid in colored armor. She was partial to the red armored ones. She remembered times in the kitchen when gramps spoiled her and Dawn with shakes ,cake , and other treats. Or the balcony where they watch sunsets or the beautiful landscape. The times they flew all over the area. The sound of laughter from their mouths as they flew with gramps. Watching gramps repair stuff to keep himself busy. Sadly those days have long passed. They move into the ballroom. There rows of chairs were setup facing the wall length glass which was removed for today. They had used this room for many parties but she wished for something else but this. Near the now missing windows was gramps lying on state. The pain that has been on his face the past year gone. His body literally fell apart on him the last year. He couldn’t even live this place for most of it. Half the times she left Ponyville was to visit him.

Now he was gone and today is his funeral. She and Dawn took seats on the front row and soon the service began. A priest from a group that worshiped Celestia spouting words that were supposed to comfort us. It didn’t for me. Her mom Firefly got up started to say something but started crying instead. Her dad pulled her away. Dash got up to the podium. “Gramps was a good pony. Greeted everypony with a smile, spoiled me and my sister. His spirit always strong and youthful. His spirit never failed his body did. Even at the even he made ponies smile. I’ll miss him, I’ll miss him very much.” She looked at his body. “Goodbye gramps.” She stepped away and back to her seat.

After a few more words she, her dad, her mom took the body outside and together they summoned storm clouds over them. When it was black as night she and her parents, with tears in their eyes moved in sync from a week of practice they bucked the cloud and three bolts of lightning struck her grandpa’s body turning it to ash. Then her mom went to the ash and used her wings to blow it into the wing. His final flight.

After a few minutes the three ponies joined Dawn and cried at the loss of a loved one.

In memory of my Grandpa who recently passed away.

I will miss him.

Author's Note

Had to make this and be a small short since this universe it would fit in best. My tribute to my grandpa. May he rest in peace.

Dual headaches. (unedited)

I wonder how I got here. Just a month ago my gramps passed away and the girls all gave their condolences and I appreciated that. But now I am flying in a corner of Rarity's shop glaring at her and she glaring back.

“Darling come down here. I have a dress to put on you, didn't you want to look nice for Princess Celestia?”

“I meant you styling my mane, I know you can do it not ...that THING!” I pointed to the dress Rarity had nearby. The thing looked like it was from the 18th century back on earth.

“But you would look fabulous in this Darling.”

“You maybe, me HHHEEEELLL NO! NO DRESSES!” Before the argument could go further Twilight entered the building.

“Hey Rari...ty. Rainbow, what are you doing up there.”

“Twi it's Dash and keeping that dress off me!”

“Really dear.” Rarity exasperated.

“Yes really. That dress would never look good on me and I WILL DESTROY it if it ended up on me.” Before more could happen a chirp sounded from Twilight. “Twi, what was that?” I asked and floated over to her.

“Oh that's my pet.” Twi replied and a ball of fur came out of her mane. It sprouted wings legs and eyes... and two more followed it. “Odd I only had one a moment ago.” I was getting a bad feeling about this.

“Oh could I have one? It looks so adorable.” Rarity asked.

“Sure since I only planned on one. Dash do you want one?" I shook my head.

“No way. They are giving me a bad vibe. They might look cute now but they are going to get mean, going to get ugly somehow and their will be a million more of them.”
I glance to see Rarity going gaga over the thing and made my escape. Safely back in my place I decided to relax. It was going to be a big day tomorrow.

* * * * *

The next day She got up, had eggs and hay bacon for breakfast and heading into town. And what I saw was chaos ponies trying to shoo away more the the flying tribbles.....tribbles........OH CRAP! I raced to Twi's place and opened the door to see tons of the things.

“Oh Dash! Thank Celestia you came. These things keep multiplying especially after they ransacked the kitchen!”

“I bucking called it.”

“Well I need your help and the girls to get this taken care of before Princess Celestia arrives.” I nodded and soon we had all the girls but Pinkie. I last saw her with some instruments. What was they crazy mare up to? AJ had us rounded up the tribbles and I floated above the ball the tribbles were in making sure none flew off. Some tried but I reigned them in. Soon the ball AJ made went into the woods and the problem was over. We walked back to Flutters' place glad to be rid of those things then Flutters opened her doors and tons of those things showed up. We all looked at Flutters and she looked meekly.

“I couldn't help but keep one.” She said.

“Darn it FLUTTERSHY!” I yell out my frustration. We didn't have time to round them up again so I was going to try something. “Girls stand back.” I ordered and took out my goggles. “It's garbage day!” I said in a half crazy way quoting an old movie. And put them on. And I started spinning around and soon a tornado formed and I was sucking up the tribbles easy. Soon I could take them into the forest and problem solved. Then she saw a ..symbol headed for her and she had dodge then dodge another one and her tornado soon became unstable. The next thing she knew she was upsides down on the ground with her back against a tree. And saw the tribbles escape her tornado and land in Ponyville. She saw Pinkie nearby. “Pinkie! What the hell!? You ruined it all.”

“I'm not the ruiner, I am the ruinee...or is it ruinette?” Pinkie started saying. The other girls dismissed her and went to try to fix the issue. I went over to grab. “Okay what the hell is with all these instruments? WHY ARE YOU DOING ALL OF THIS!?”

“To get rid of the Parasprites of course.” Pinkie said nonchalantly.

“Wait you know what these things are?” I asked.

“Yuperoonie! Don't you?” Pinkie replied.

“No, never seen or heard them. Most of us haven't. How do you know of them?” I asked her.

“They invaded the farm when I was little.”

“And how do we get rid of them?”

“Play the parasprite polka but I need more instruments.”

“Okay what do you need?” She gave a list and I took off.

As I flew I saw the Apple family slacked jawed looking at where their barn once stood. ‘How did the parasprite pull that off?’ I thought as I passed them.

It took a bit but she had everything Pinkie asked for. And things had gotten worse as the parasprite were eating buildings now. I hoofed her the instruments and soon she was a one pony band. She was playing polka, an actual good piece of polka. Very catchy. I followed her and soon started moving with the music and follow the pink mare. The parasprites the heard soon followed Pinkie.

I could see a chariot in the distance coming in. On it was Celestia of course. The day was really screwing with us. She landed and saw the parasprite parade. The look on her face had that ‘WTF’ look as the parade past.

“Oh Twilight, I didn’t expect a parade for me.” Celestia said.

‘Take Twi, take the excuse. Take it take it take it take it.’ I mentally chanted.

“O…of course Princess. It was a last minute thing and Pinkie pulled through.”

“Well it’s a thoughtful gesture Twilight. Sadly I have have to cancel my trip. An issued has shown up in Fillydelphia that I need to attend to.”

“That’s okay Princess, matters of state should have priority.”

“And I was looking forward to know your friends better.” I got an odd feeling when she looked at me when she said that. Could she know the truth? But how? I haven't told a soul of her origins. She and Twilight went over her friendship lessons. And soon Celeste was off. And after we all apologized to Pinkie we headed back town….to wrecked town. Turned out Twi tried a spell to stop them from earing the food. It worked but then they started eating everything else and I do mean everything. So after the bulk of us made our displeasure at their mistakes we got to work rebuilding the town. That in the end took a week.
* * * * * *

A month had passed since the parasprite invasion and I was out practicing. Had to keep up my game if I was to get into A Wonderbolts. However in the middle on a trick when I lost control. I tried to recover but ended crashing into a building a building and ended up in a pile of something. I groaned before sticking my head out and seeing Rarity, Flutters, and Twilight looking at me.

“Sorry Rarity, I’ll pay for the repairs.” I said as I got myself out of the pile.

“Very well darling.” If It wasn’t for the fact she calls EVERYPONY that I’d likely would have punched her by now. “You will probably need a dress as well.” She stated.

“For what?” I asked.

“For the gala of course, you weren’t planning on going like that are you?” I didn’t answer and She went into a shocked look. “Darlng this is the Grand Galloping Gala. You have to where some thing!”

“Fine,” I said with a sigh. “But nothing Frou-frou got it?” I stated.

“Understood Rainbow Dash.” I nodded to jet and left to get the repairs taken care of.

Thankfully repairing a pony sized hole wasn’t expensive and a couple of weeks later Rarity had called them all together and unveiled, the dresses she made for them for the gala. Hers was interesting. It had a gold thing that was like those old roman branch things you saw in movies. There was a grape thing by her neck. Gold shoes for her fore hooves. The actual dress started just before her wings in a rainbow of colors with a white border looking like clouds. The rear portion really looked like a rainbow in the clouds. I got close to it taking it all in. I barely heard the others girls were not impressed.

“And your issues with the dress Rainbow?” I looked at her.

“Two things.” I responded. “One. What’s with the grapes? Not my thing. Now make that a replica of my element we are good there.”

“Oh that will be easy darling. And the second thing?” Dash pointed to the back of the dress that laid on the floor.

“Why is this on the floor? I would think it would ruined the edges.”

“Normally you would be correct Rainbow, but this is a special fabric that is durable and enchanted to reuse dust. It will keor it’s luster.”

“Oh, cool, well changed the grapes thing to my element and we’re good. And Rarity, it’s Dash. Thanks for the dress.” I told as I flew out the window.

* * * * * *

A week later I got word that Rarity was throwing a fashion show with their gala dresses. So the night of the show they were at the spa getting ready. The twins had made her mane in a pony tail. Wasn’t bad but not staying. Spike wanted in and Rarity tried to stop him by saying we weren’t dressed. AI pointed out they normally naked. That was a point, why would that be a thing, most ponies went around naked.

We got back to Rarity’s shop and I saw the girls new dress. ‘OH. MY. GOD.’ They were horrible. I was shocked. “Girls,” I said. “I’m not Rarity but those dresses are awful. What were you girls thinking?”

“Dash what are ya talking about. This is a fine dress.” AJ said. I rolled my eyes and looked at her.

“AJ, what you are wearing isn’t a dress. It’s a make shift firefighters suit. I thought you had more sense then that.” I then looked at Twilight. “Twilight, it looks like you are wearing a blanket. Pinkie. I’m afraid that dress would melt. Flutters, I know you know better so what is that?” They all looked at each other. They snorted and left for the stage. I sighed and followed.

Spike got the show started with great music and an awesome intro. Then we came out. Did tale long for the comments to start. And they were bad. In fact the only dress that got good comments. The most vocal voice a flamboyant stallion that I think Spike said his name was Hoity Toity Uuuuugggghh these pony names at times. I had it and took to the air. “eveypony listen.” The ponies around looked up. “Okay you like my dress right?” They nodded. “Okay this is a dress Rarity designed and made. I only ask for one change. Those dresses they are wearing, Rarity made them but didn’t design them. Hat Rarity, you still have the ones you designed for them?” Rarity peeked out from the curtain.

“Y-yes?” she replied a bit fearful.

“Alright then we are getting them in the girls. Eveypony, I’ve is a few minutes and you will get the fashion show you were waiting for.” I forced the girls back into the dressing room And help the girls into the original dresses.

Minutes later they made there second attempt. This time the crows was ohhing and awing. That Hoity guy, well it sounded like he was on the verge of an orgasm jeeze. After a few minutes Rarity came out and took a now to the cheering and we all went back in to remove the dresses.

I had finished placing the dress on the ponyquin when I heard Rarity call me. I look behind me and saw Rarity there looking at me with a grateful look. “Hey Rarity, a thought you were working out a deal with that Hoity guy?” Sounded he wanted an insane amount from her.

“Oh we got that worked out Darling. I’n hear about something else. Rain…..sorry I mean Dash……thank you. I… I fear my career was ruined.” I put a good around.

“You and I have a lot that we don’t have in common and we’ll likely get on each other’s nerves.” She giggled at that. “ But one thing we do have in common is that our career are made or broken from our reputation. I would hate to see yours destroyed from a reputation that was wrong.” I smiled at Rarity and she smiled back. “So where to you want this dress?” I asked.

“It’s yours Dash. Take home. The ponyquin to and if you ever need anything let me know.”

“Well there is one thing Rarity.” Her ears perked up and I told her what I wanted.

Races and Parties (unedited)

Author's Note

After many real life issues, including two trips to the hospital here is the next loyalty chapter

Races and Parties (unedited)

I hung up what I wanted Rarity to make. Stood back and smiled. Rarity may focus on dresses but this clearly proved she wasn’t limited to dresses. Honest I think Rarity liked the challenge of doing it. The doorbell ran and I went over to answer it giddy with excitement. I opened the door and hugged my mom and ruffled squirt’s mane.

“Hey, mom! How was the flight?” I asked her. She broke off the hug and smiled at me.

“Not bad Dashie bit not looking forward to the trip back. Just don’t have the stamina I used to.”

“Awww come on mom. You’re almost as awesome as me.” I said with a smirk. She rolled her eyes and shook her head as she smiled. Both of us chuckled for a bit before I waved a hoof. “Come on in and get a bite before you head back mom.” She just smiled and walked as I headed to the kitchen to grill up some sandwiches. A few minutes later the three pegasi were at the table having a nice meal. Mom observed my house and she noticed the most recent addition.

“Well that new.” She comments and I looked over my shoulder and smiled. I thought I would never again see the thirteen stripes alternating between red and white. Or fifty starts with a blue background.

“Yeah, my friend Rarity owed me a favor so I asked to make that flag for me.”

“Well its pretty. I also wanted to thank you for looking after Dawn for the next few days. Your dad had some long shift at the factory this past week and the team is in a rest period so we are gonna take advantage of it.”

“No prob mom. It works out. Applejack’s hosting an event called the Sisterhoof Social and I wanted to participate this year since Dawn’s old enough.”

“A competition?” Mom asked.

“Yup.” I replied with a smirk. She smirked back before getting up and stretching.

“Well you two have fun.” Mom leans down a kisses Dawn on the forehead. “Be good for your sister.” Dawn nods and I lead her to the door and give her one final hug before she took off. I closed the door behind me and found sis lounging on the couch.

“Say squirt, wanna hit the arcade?” I ask and before I knew it there was an impact on my chest and I had a pink stain there. “I’ll take that as a yes.” I chuckled out and lead to the arcade. The place as decent enough. Not as big as the one in Cloudsdale but it did it’s job. Plus it was part of the bowling alley so it had a good crowd. The two of us played several games. Some teamed up, others against and Squirt manage to hold her own against me. We then played a game of bowling which I clearly won but Squirt did well. It was night when we headed back to the house. Both of us carrying Luna plushies from our arcade wins. I ordered some pizza for tonight's dinner. We relaxed and chatted and ate the pizza when it arrived. Eventually it was bedtime for Squirt. I tucked her in with new plushie. This room I always set aside for my sister when she stays a bit. I kissed her on the fore head. “Goodnight Dawn. “ I said softly.

“Goodnight sis, love you.”

“love you to Squirt.” I then left her room and read for a few hours more before heading to bed myself.

The next morning found me cooking up some eggs and hay bacon. She loved being to have eyes and they her light enough to use her wings on. She took a pair out, cracked them on the edge of the pan, dropped the yoke, and began stirring. She repeated this one more time before pouring some chocolate milk for the both of them. “ Dawn eggs are ready!” I yell over my shoulder. The get a groan as a response. I set the table with my usual speed and efficiency, but after a couple of minutes of no activity from my sister I went up to find her still sleeping. I smiled, no doubt an evil one as I left to grab something. Soon I snuck back in and to the side of her bed and raised the megaphone to my muzzle. “Rise and shine Dawn!” To Dawn’s credit, she got some good air and almost hit the ceiling before landing on the bed. The glare she gave me was just adorable.

“Uncool sis, very uncool.” Sis stated.

“Well didn’t want your eggs and hay bacon to get cold.” I said with a smirk. Then I found myself alone in her room. Chuckling at my sister's antics I headed down and found her at the table licking her muzzle. I dished her up and she was like a lion on meal. I was a bit more sedate in my eating. Sis slowed down half way through her second helping.

“So what’s the plan today sis?” she asked between bites.

“Well got weather duties this morning but after school we can fly about for a bit.”

“School?” Dawn asked with a hint of despair.

“Just because you are spending the week with doesn’t mean you are free of school. I spoke with your teacher and Cheerilee and worked out your school work.” Dawn faceplanted, thankfully not onto her food. I put a hoof on her shoulder and stop in a softer tone. “Hey, you’re a smart pony. You will be fine. Eventually age will rob you of your strength and have to retire from what ever you do you have enough bits to last ya. I mean look at mom. She races all those years and when she started slowing down a bit she became the coach. She’s saved some of that money for later or put it in something that can earn her money. Without education she wouldn’t have thought of that.” ‘And unlike on Earth you actually are getting educated.’ I quipped mentally.

“Fine, you win Dash.” Dawn said with a frown.

“Nope you did, just not right at this minute.” The rest of breakfast was silent on words and soon I was dropping Dawn off at school. And went to work. Today seemed kind for some reason. Assigned duties were light and nothing major from the Everfree . I had time to kill so found a nice cloud and took a nap. Need energy for my sister was out of school after all.

Then I woke the sun had moved position and was clearly afternoon. I got up, stretched and headed for the school. I got there just as they were being dismissed. I saw sis with the newly minted Cutie Mark Crusaders. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were AJ’s and Rare’s little sisters while Scootaloo was Cheerilee’s half sister. Scootaloo was a big fan of mine and a lot like my sister so no surprise they would hang out. “Hey sis.” I called out. Sis lit up and ran over and I rubbed her mane. “You good to Cheerilee?” Sis just shrugged and I rolled my eyes.

“You’re Rainbow Dash’s sister!” Scootaloo asked shocked. I hugged sis with my hoof with a proud smile.

“Yeah, she is. Glad you two met each other. But any plans you have will have to wait. We have got some training to do.”

“Training?” Sis asked me.

“Yeah, for the Sisterhooves Social AJ’s family is hosting.”

“Oh yeah. We’re totally going to win.” She said with the family smirk.

“You know it.” I hoofbumped her. “See ya around Scoots.” I turned away from Scoots and lead sis to my work out area. It was a nice plain next to a small lake and Whitetail Woods. “Alright let’s start stretching.” Sis nodded and the sisters began their warm ups. Being daughters of a famous racer stretching was second nature to them. In minutes their muscles were lose and ready. I started us off with laps around the edge of the clearing. While I could keep a faster pace easily I chose to keep sis at my side. We did that for an hour before I gave us a ten minute break. Did was panting a fair bit more then me but she was younger and despite the pant she smiled at me. I couldn't help but return it. After the break I had us race within the woods, weaving through the trees to there was a small opening in the forest. Both of us her panting and hot from the run. “ You ready for our next exercise squirt?” I asked her. She gave me a look that said 'Really!?'. I smirked at her and before she could act grabbed her and tossed her over the edge.

And into the lake below.

Sis sputtered before she got a hold of herself just as I cannonball in dunking her with water. I broke the surface and grinned at her. “Swim time!” Sis looked at me deadpan before a smirk creeped on her lips and suddenly I was hit by water. The fight was on. Water was flying everywhere for the next ten minutes before both of us laid on our backs and floated in the now calm pond seeing the sky. A blue sky with a cloud here and there made by yours truly. It was nice and peaceful as they floated neither keeping track of time.

Finally I got us out of the pond and did some flying to set us off on the way back to my place as the sun was heading for the horizon. Once home I worked on dinner while Dawn did homework. I did have to stop to help her out with a problem or two. After a nice meal and a fun conversation we played bored games for a couple of hours before sending her to bed. I tucked sis in and gave her a kiss on the forehead she sighed and smiled and soon drifted off to sleep. I took care of paperwork before hitting the hay myself.

That was most of the week for us. School/job, exercise, homework, and fun time before sleep. Finally it was the day of the social and school was out since a good portion of the student body was participating. After a good breakfast the two sisters headed for Applejack's farm. When they got their an obstacle course as up and it was big and elaborate. Interesting since big and elaborate was more Rarity's thing. The only things I see that match those words and Applejack is her farm and family. Speaking of the mare, I saw her greeting some of the guests around. I waited till she ended her conversation with a mare as I strode up. “Ready to lose Applejack?” I asked. She swung around and her frown turned into a smirk.

“Oh really? I think not. Me and Applebloom won last year and you weren't there.”

“This time I have the best sister ever with me.” I rubbed Dawn's mane. Applejack chuckled.

“Well we'll see. No matter what, glad ya came.” She then put a goof around my neck. And leaded in close. “Ya ready for da P- A- R- T- Y?” She whispered in my ear. I smirked at her.
“You know it. Surprised we have kept it a secret this long.”

“Yeah just a few more days to go. Rarity will pass the package to you and you need to get it to the barn.”

“Got it, this will be fun. Especially after I beat you today.” Applejack just laughed and have me the ‘Yeah right' look. Soon all the team’s were by the starting line as Granny explained the course. It started with a small sprint to a series of tires. Where they got the tires I had no clue. From there it was pie eating contest, just great. I hate pies. From that was a larger bucket filled grapes which we had to stomp into juice. Then enter a chicken coop and with both are nuzzles balance an egg and bring it to the designated area without breaking it, and finally some hurdles before a Sprint to the finish. Certainly challenging and me and Dawn did some last minute stretches when we got to the start line. Granny started the race and we were off.

We had an easy lead with Applejack and Applebloom second. IWe go through the tires with ease keeping our lead but the pie area slowed us down, especially me since pies aren't my thing. Applejack, she and her sis just knock the pie into the air and swallowed whole. What the hell, are they related to Pinkie or something!? We eventually finished our pies and raced to the chicken coop. Using only our muzzles we picked up an egg and slowly and in sync we brought it over to where we were supposed to place it. That done we raced through hurdles setup up and gunned it for the finish line.

Two seconds after Applejack and Applebloom did.

I was breathing heavily while sis was panting as the crowd cheered for Applejack and Applebloom. Sis looked down and I went over to comfort her. “Hey, we're not going to win every time but we got close and we'll win next time sis. You got byme?” Dawn gave me a smirk and hugged me and I returned it.

I“Hooowwwee, I thought that chicken egg would so you down.” I gave her a smirk.

“Please Applejack, both racing and stunt flying require fine feather manipulation and body dexterity and both of us are daughters of a high end racer. That was never going to slow us down. You won this year but we plan to win the next one.” Applejack chuckled at that.
“I look forward….to proving you wrong.” I just laughed at that and with nudge to my sis we took to air and waved goodbye as we headed back to my place where we shared a bath and clown around a bit before ordering pizza for dinner. It was a nice relaxing dinner for them after an exhausting day.

I was tucking Dawn into bed when she complained. “I'm not sleepy sis.” I have heard this complaint before and knew just what to do. And as with Equestria’s typical buck you to logic the right music kistarted playing.
“When the night has come, and the land is dark. And the moon is the only light we'll see.
No I won't be afraid, oooohhhh I won't be afraid. Just as long as you fly, fly by me.
Oh Dawn! My Dawn! Fly, by me! Ooohhh fly by me! Oh fly, fly by me. Fly by me.” I sang my version of Stand by me and when I looked back Dawn was out like a light with small smile on her muzzle. And went over agave her a peck on the forehead. “Goodnight sis.” As I left her room I commented. “Works every time.”
g

It was morning of the second to last day that sis was going to be with me and it was going to be fun. Yesterday They were at Gummy's birthday party and had a blast and today was Pinkie's birthday and the gang had plan long and hard for today and give Pinkie a surprise birthday party. Not and easy feat to do since it's PINKIE we are talking about but so far the hyper pink pony didn't know…..or pretended to not know for our sake. I just got Flutter's presents when Pinkie popped out of nowhere inviting us to Gummy's after birthday party this afternoon.
“As in this afternoon, afternoon?” I felt like I just became part of a gag asking that for some reason.

“Yes, why do ponies keep asking that?”
That explains that.
“Because it's sudden Pinkie and I have something special planned with my sister before she heads home.”
“Oh, well I can get that. What about you Fluttershy?” Pinkie asked with an edge of hope. Did she forget what today is? Flutters rubbed her forehoof and looked away from Pinkie.

“Um…...well…seee………i….Have to house sit.” Pinkie looked confuse.
“Whose?” She asked.
“Harry's.”
“He has a house?”
“Well, it's more like a cave.”
“That makes sense.” I commented. “Well cya girls have things to do.” With that I dash out of there.

Hours later I was walking the town getting some last things for the party and I saw Pinkie in a hay pile and said hello……
Then realize what I just did.

I just barely hear her call my name as I took to the air going full bore to AJ's barn.
“AJ! PINK PROBLEM!” I tell when I get into view. I zip in and AJ closed the door. Not even a second later there was pounding on the door. AJ opened it and I heard Pinkie's voice. The two talked a bit before AN said loudly. “Lots of construction.” I rolled my eyes and I knock my hoof against a nearby pillar as others made sounds. It seemed to work as Pinkie left and got to our real work, putting up banners and streamers, setting out snacks, and of course setting out the presents. I was then sent out to get Pinkie.

When I got to her place I was creeped out. Pinkie's mane was just flat
…..and was her coat darker?
“Hey Pinkie, I need to take you to AJ's.”
“Well I don't want to go. I am just fine with my friends right here.” She gestured to….a bag a flour, a dust bunny, a pale of onions, and….a pile of rocks!? She even talked as them and...what was with her eyes? She was starting to creep me out.
“Look Pinkie, you really need to come with me.”
“NO!” I started pushing her but she fought back and we stalemate till I slipped and flew into stuff. I picked myself up a bit angry.

“Okay, gloves are off!” I grabbed her tail in my mouth and pulled her to AJ's. Figures she would weigh a ton when she doesn't want to move. Stupid physics breaking pony.

Took me a while but I finally dragged her flank to the barn and knocked and the door opened. “About time ye got here.” AJ complained.
“Well she's heavy when she wants to be.” I replied.

“Well why would I want to go to a defriending party!?” Pinkie exclaimed while staying mid air and waving her legs.
“Defriending? Pinkie, read the banner.” I replied. Pinkie looked at the banner which said 'Happy Birthday Pinkie’s. She looked around more and saw the cake, the snack table, and the presents.

“But, that thing with your sister Dashie?” Pinkie asked.

“She's right over by the snacks and that thing was celebrating your birthday. We wanted to make this a surprise and you make that hard to do. So Happy birthday Pinkie.” Pinkie looked around and with a sudden burst she was her bright puffy self again and wrapped up everyone and I to mean everyone into a none crushing hug.

“Thanks girls for throwing this awesome party!”

The next day after I dropped of my sister back to mom and dad I exhaustedly returned home and made another entry.

Dash back again. The party went well after the misconception that Pinkie thought we were dumping her as a friend. That mare sometimes . Anyway everyone including Zecora loved my chex mix but all failed to get the recipe out of be and Pinkie adored the presents she got and it was well into night when it started breaking up. Did enjoyed it till she passed out with the crusaders so all in all the party was a success. Now to get some rest.

Iron Pony (uneditted)

Author's Note

Some time fudging here because I got most of this chapter done when I realized I missed an event.

Iron Pony (uneditted)

Me and AJ were at her farm playing of all things, horseshoes. I tossed my first shoe. It landed just short of the pole. “ Hoooowwwee, not bad for a pony that spends most of her time with her head in the clouds.” AJ comment.

“Better then being in the dirt.” AJ put her shoe on her snout and tossed her. It landed farther away then mine. “AJ, the point of the game is to get as close to the pole as possible. Looks like this pegasus and throw better then the workhorse.” I said with a smirk and knocked her hat to cover her eyes. She corrected it and rolled her eyes.

“Alright, alright, you got another throw there pony girl.” I picked up my last shoe and tossed it. The edge hit the pole and bounced away. “Well, ya hit the broadside of my barn.” I frowned at her.

“Yeah, I still have the closest shoe Applesmack. Just try and beat it.” AJ tossed again and the shoe got caught by the pole and spun around before landing in the sand.

“Yeha! A ringer, that's how we do it on the farm.”

“Crap, I hate losing. Well congrats AJ. You win, this time.”

“Of course I did. I'm the better athlete after all.” AJ started to trot away. Oh that's fighting words.

“Hold on there AJ. You only one a game today and I just barely lost to you at the Social.”

“That just proves I'm the best athlete.”

“In what, Ponyville?”

“Well I was going to say Equestria but that might be a bit much.” She brushed my face with her tail. Alright that was it.

“Alright lets prove who is the top pony in town.”

“How?”

“An iron pony competition. We'll do a series of athletic events and the pony with the most wins is the top athlete.” AJ thought on it.

“Alright, I'm in.”

“Okay, we start two days from now.” We hoof bump and go our separate ways.

*******************

Two days later I was back on the farm and me and AJ stretch out and Twilight sat near by looking at a scroll. She was to act as referee for us. Soon we were both ready. First up was a tug of war. I took the rope in my mouth, grateful that pony jaws are strong. Twilight told them to begin. I began pulling and gain some ground but I soon lost it as AJ got going. I started to get dragged to the mud pit. I pulled harder and got us to stop. We stayed that way for a minute before I was pulled more. I used my wings to add force and we stopped again. But even with my wings I ended up in the mud. I got to the nearby shower to clean off. Then AJ was in my face with an angry expression. “You cheated, you used your wings!” I glared back.

“Never said I couldn't when we agreed to this. Note I didn't take air and force you into the mud. Also why can't I use my wings? You use your earth pony strength. I bit unfair if you ask me that you can use that while I can't use my wings.”

“But worked for ma strength!”

“Yeah you added to it but take an average pegasus and average earth pony and the earth pony by default will be stronger. That is a part of your tribes magic traits.”

“Magic?” AJ was confused and I rolled my eyes. 'What did they teach in the Ponyville school? I better find out for Dawn's sake.'

“Yeah AJ, each tribe has magic traits. Mine is flight, weather manipulation, and cloud walking. Unicorns have raw magic manipulation making them the most versatile with magic of the three tribes. You earth ponies have added strength and accelerated food growth. Or do you think it's nature for your trees to be harvest several times a year.” I look to Twilight. “Right Twilight?”

“Correct Rainbow and since you didn't ban wings when you two set this up they are allowed. But within reason, you go to far and I will disqualify you Rainbow.” I shrugged.

“Fair enough, I planned on limited use.”

Next was the barrel run. AJ went first. She flew over the course with impressive speed bit I notice her tap a barrel before she crossed the finish line. Spike clicked the stopwatch. “Seventeen seconds.” Spike reported.

“Mighty fine run. I think I beat my record.” AJ commented.

“However you touched a barrel so we add on five seconds making it twenty two seconds.” AJ frowned at that.

“Dangnabbit.” It was now my turn. When Spike said go a raced through the course and quickly I was passed the finish line.

“Sixteen seconds!” I smirked and elbowed AJ.

“Perk of having a racer for a mom.”

Next was I strength test. We bucked a target that sends a weight up to hit a bell. I was first this time and using both hooves I bucked the target and heard the ding of the bell. I smirked at my success. AJ was laying under a tree with her hat covering her eyes and straw in her mouth. She moved her hat up and spit out the straw. “Mighty respectable, but I'll show ya how it's done.” She used one hoof and shattered the target and the weight sent the bell flying. Yeah she was going to win this round. Stupid earth pony strength.

Next was the chick carry. We had to travel through mud while trying to protect the chicks from being colored in mud. We got started and I extended my wings for added protection. Half way through the mud lane I felt more weight on my wings and I glanced at AJ to see that her chicks had abandoned her. Win for me.

Next we had to keep a ball in the air. Thanks to my training I did this with ease bouncing my ball with my snout. I even used my rear hoof to bounce AJ's when she dropped hers.

Next was bucking a football. AJ wiped me with that. Almost hitting a trio of pegasus mares laying on a cloud. By the second event a crowd had gathered to see us compete.

Next we had to jump and land in a sand pit. AJ went first and got two thirds of the way. I opened my wings and kept them straight and I ran and jumped and landed just ahead of AJ.

Next was arm wrestling and we pushed hard against each other. I was sweating hard as the fight entered the five minute mark. Then my strength weaken and that was all AJ needed and my hoof met the table.

The next event was familiar. Two rows of tires were in front of us. A hold over from the Sisterhoof Social. When we were told to start I raced off and with ease I moved from tire to tire. I crossed the finish line seconds before AJ.

Next was bucking Spike off our back. How they got spike to do that I don't know. AJ was first and she gave strong bucks. Spike had to use her tail to stay on. In the end he lasted a minute before he was sent flying. Then it was my turn. Once Spike was on I started bucking fast. While not as strong as AJ's they were way faster. In seconds Spike was flying again.

Finally was a hog tie contest with Spike as the target. He looked so thrilled to fill the role. I started spinning my lasso but this wasn't my thing and in seconds I fell to the ground tangled in my rope while Spike was hog tied by AJ.

The score was tallied and it was seven to four in my favor. It took to the air and pulled a strong man pose.

“Oh yeah! I am the iron pony!” Ponies cheered at my victory.

“I challenge ya to a race!” AJ yelled out. I looked down at her and raised an eyebrow.

“You sure?” I asked.

“Yeah, tomorrow is the running of the leaves. You and I will race and this will settle the mist athletic pony in town.” I shrugged.

“Okay, deal.” We hoof bumped to seal it.

**********************

The next day I was stretching by the starting line. AJ was next to me doing the same. “Ready to take second place again AJ?”

“Remember, this it a ground race Dash. Which means no wings.” She replied.

“Duh, wasn't planning on using them.”

“Well let me make sure.” I was about to asked what she meant when I felt tightness on my barrel. I look to see a rope pinning my wings to my body. I looked at AJ.

“Really AJ?”

“Just keeping ya honest.” Then I notice another pony next to us that was familiar.

“Hey Twi, what are you doing here?”

“I'm participating in this event.” AJ snorted.

“Twi, this isn't a book reading contest. This is a race.”

“I know that!” Twilight said irritated. “I researched this event extensively. I am looking forward to this.”

“I think that's great Twi!” I commented. “Just don't push yourself too hard. And next year let me train you.”

“We'll see Rainbow.”

“Twi, call me Dash please.” Before she could respond Pinkie announced that the runners should get ready. I got into my running position. With a thunderbolt we were off. AJ raced ahead easily, looking like she was going full bore. I smirked. And slightly sped up before maintaining a pace. I heard the ponies behind me.

The run was nice and felt good. In the final third of the course I went full bore and the others faded and soon I saw AJ in front of me. In a few minutes I passed a clearly tiring AJ. She saw me pass her and she galloped harder and closed the distance. But she was still behind me. The finish line is in view. I sprinted across the line with AJ ten seconds behind me. The next pony was five minutes after me. I saw Twilight finish sixth. Not back for a book worm.

“How…..are…..ya…..not….tuckered………out?” AJ asked before she guzzled a bottle of water. I took one hoofed to me.

“AJ, I have told you many times. My mom was a racer. She taught me ALL the tricks of the trade. Like pacing myself.”

“Correct Dash, thus why I finished sixth when I was in last place most of the race.” I went over and hugged her.

“I'm proud of you Twilight.”

“As am I.” We all looked to see Celestia approach. Every pony but me bowed. “Rise my little ponies.”

“Princess, what are you doing here?” Twilight asked.

“I always come for the Running of the Leaves. I enjoy the sight of the leaves falling and was hoping to spend time with you and your friends.”

“Of….of course.” Twilight summoned a scroll and quill. “But I don't have anything prepared.”

“It's okay Twilight I have had everything arrange. I would like your friend Rainbow Dash to sit by me as well.” I was confused by that. But shrugged it off.

********************

A half and hour later I was sitting at a long table filled with sweets in Sugarcube Corner. Celestia beside me with her horse size frame. I was eating a cake when Celestia asked me a question.

“You are from Cloudsdale correct?” I nodded.

“Yup, raised their since I was five.”

“So you were there then the strange bolt hit the city?”

“Yes, it struck me. Was in the hospital for a few days.” Where was she going with this?

“Tell me about your parents.”

“Well my dad Rainbow Blitz works at the weather factory and is now a shift manager. My mom Firefly was a racer for years and now captains her old team.”

“Firefly, I remember seeing her on the races. She was quite the flyer. Graceful even in something like a race.”

“That's mom for you.”

“Also heard you have preformed the Sonic Rainboom?”

“Yeah. Did it when I was young. It was thrilling. And to think it effected all my close friends.”

“Indeed, a fortuitous event.”

“Hey, how is your sister Luna?” Celestia sighed.

“She is still recovering from the Elements. They stripped her of a lot of her mana and it is slowly rebuilding. Then there is getting caught up with the last thousand years my niece Cadance is helping her.”

“How can you have a niece? Luna hasn't been around and nothing in the history books don't mention her.”

“She is adopted.”

“Ah!”

“Yes, much like you. You have wonderful adopted parents.” I was jaw dropping. How did she know? Granted I didn't hide the fact but most ponies thought I was their biological daughter. I had mom's shape and dad's colors so it was an easy assumption. Before I could reply a guard came over and whispered something in her ear. She frowned and sighed. “I'm sorry my little ponies but an urgent matter has come up. Please enjoy the food.” She left leaving her sickly looking pet bird behind. She introduced her as Philomena and Flutters looked concerned. I barely notice as I was still shocked at what Celestia knew. I lost my appetite and left.

Here again, an odd day today. Won the race against AJ but Celestia showed up and she knows I am adopted. Why would she know that? None of my friends know so how does she? Then finally Flutters took Celestia's pet bird to try to heal it. Let to a chase from what I heard and the bird turned to ash. Only to be reborn. Turns out pheonixs are a thing and go through a rebirth phase that makes them look like crap. Philomena pranked Flutters. I like that bird, but her owner worries me.

Boom Time

Luna was looking over scrolls. A surprising amount on the mare in question. So much yet so little on her. So intriguing. “So this is were you are Lulu.” I helped and jumped a bit before seeing my sister walked into my room. “You didn't come to dinner and was worried. You need to rebuild your strength.” She was right, a brushed a light blue piece of mane. She forgot what a normal mane was like till the elements were used on her.

It was annoying at times.

“Sorry sister, was preoccupied on some research.” Tia used her magic to take a scroll. I tried to grab it but failed. Tia looked at it.

“Oh, why does Rainbow Dash interest you?” Tia asked. I looked away and answered.

“Out of all the ponies in that town, she was the only one that didn't fear me. She even had the insolence to state why my Eternal Night was foalish idea.” ‘ And complemented my looks as Nightmare Moon.' I added mentally. “She even fought me to distract me from your student's plan. If course such a pony would interest me.” I glance at the scrolls. “And it seems you as well.”

“Well Rainbow Dash is an interesting pony. Perform the Sonic Rainboom when only ten.” I gave my sister a smirk.

“A move that took you a hundred years to do. Then haven't done since Cake Flanks.” Tia snorted and had the nobility arrogance look.

“Just never saw the need not did I have the time since we started ruling.”

“Or since you took that form.”

“I like this form, makes me look motherly.” I snorted.

“You have yet to be a mother. When I saw Cadance I thought you finally did it. Finally had a romp and had a daughter. Only for you to smite the idea with that dreaded word, ADOPTED. I believe she was amused by the whole thing.”

“Yes.” Tia sighed. “She had too much fun with it. I fear I am part of her match making plans now.”

“Well back on point, you take that form to equalize your weight.” I poke her flank with a hoof. She batted it away.

“We all have our preferences. Anyway I will be seeing Rainbow Dash soon. The Young Flyers Competition is coming up and she has enter it.”

“You know, she does have a rainbow mane and that is not a common thing.” I commented. My sister gave such a look and I laughed. It took her a second and joined in and hugged me.

“I missed you sister.” She said. I nuzzled her.

“And I you sister. Now get some rest.” She nodded and left as I went back to the scrolls on Rainbow Dash.

And bat my annoying mane away…again.

**********************

I was going through my routine. A hop off a cloud, fly close to the ground, fly through a row of trees, fly around some clouds causing them to spin, and now the finale. The Sonic Rainboom. I got air and began the dive. A cone soon appeared and I pushed harder. I was so close and…..

I am paused in the air long enough to whine out a no before I was sent flying. Out of control flying is not fun. I hit something and crashed into something larger. The next thing I knew I was covered in books. With a groan I got out of the pile of books and saw Golden Oaks Library's inside and gave a bigger groan. “Sorry Twi.”

“Is everypony okay?” The various voices giving their okays said that all but Fluttershy were here. The place was a mess but I barely saw it. I was extremely annoyed. Why couldn't I pull of the Sonic Rainboom? I did it as a filly but not now? She always got so close and then, Bam! Rejected. Why? Whywhywhywhy? Fluttershy Just arrived and asked if I was okay.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Just got to go for now.” I took off not wanting to cause more damage to Twilight's home and took out my frustration on some clouds. They were enough so headed home and into my little gym and went at my punching bag. On my hind legs I kept jabbing at it with everything I had. I was fast and had power with each hit . I lost all track of time venting on the bag. Finally I have one last punch on that bag. I feel to all fours, panting and sweating. I stayed there by the still swinging bag for a few minutes catching my breath. I finally left my gym and drew a bath and rested my sore muscles. “Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!” I said as I laid in the tub. When I was aware again the run water was cool and the sun was setting. With a sigh I got out and dried off. I then ordered pizza for supper and tried to get some sleep. Tomorrow was the competition and her finishing move wouldn't work. And she didn't know why.

*************************

The next day I tried to keep my cool. Flutters was with me and I was grateful for that even if she sucks at cheering. I paced and then I heard Twi's voice. Looking I saw all my close friends with her in the balloon Ponyville has. I smiled at them then Pinkie gave me a heart attack by jumping out of the balloon.

Then stood there like a pegasus would.

“Pinkie how did you do that?” I asked confused.

“I helped her Dash.” Twilight said as she stepped out of the balloon followed by the rest of the girls minus one. Before I could asked Twilight continued. “I found a cloud walking spell so we could be here to cheer you on.” That, that was touching. They came all this way for me.

“Thanks, guys but where is Rares?”

“Well I tried something on her before I found the cloud walking spell.”

“Hello Dash darling.” I look up and to the left to see Rares.

With butterfly wings that were like stain glass.

It fits her.

“Well since you're here might as well see my family. Follow me.”

Soon I was knocking on the door to my parents place. The door opened and my mom was there who beamed at seeing me.

“Dash!” She went and hugged me which I joined. She broke it off and smiled at me. “Here for the competition I bet.”

“Got it in one mom.” I moved to the side. “These are my friends mom, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and you know Flutters.” She hugged them all.

“Thanks for coming. I know my Dash is a bit worried about the competition.”

“Mooommmm!” I whined. And of course she chuckles.

“Now Dash, I know you too well. This is a big event and performance anxiety is a thing. Trust me I know so you got your friends and me supporting you.”

“Thanks mom.”

“What are mothers for. Now let’s get you all some snacks.” She headed for the kitchen. The girls got comfortable with Rarity hovering since she didn't have the cloud walking spell. Mom came out with snacks and drinks. One rainbow colored. I smirked.

“Hey Pinkie, I got a special drink for you.”

“Oooohhh!?” Pinkie was excited. I hoofed her the liquid rainbow and she gulped. She turned several colors before a shock look on her face and she raced to the kitchen and I heard the water turn on.

“What did you give her Dash?” Applejack asked. I smiled at her.

“Liquid rainbow, the most spicy stuff I ever encounter.” There was some chuckles from that. Pinkie returned with wide eyes.

“Hoooootttt!” She said with a weaken voice. I chuckled more.

“I know, you will be done in a few minutes, have a snack.” I brought the tray over to her and she took some crackers.

“So where's Dawn and Dash's father?” Rarity asked.

“Dawn is at school and my husband is at work. I have the day off. So I can be with you all to cheer my little Dashie on.”

“Moooooooommmmmmm!” She had to call me that in front of my friends. Friends who were chuckling from it. I pouted….they chuckled more.

After some small talk we left for the Clousdisem. The girls were bummed not seeing the weather factory and I promised another day. I was pumped for the competition. Till Rares got the attention of some ponies. When she got in the tight spot her wings shined and the surface below her was colored like her wings. One stupid pony suggested she compete in the competition. And she was all for it.

I was not happy about that. Not. One. Bit.

We are in the stadium and separate. Me and now Rarity head for the competitor's room. We were given numbers and I was given the dead last spot while Rarity was number seven. Rarity went to one 9f the dressing rooms to touch up. Meanwhile I waited and watched the others performed. With Princess Celestia in the audience. No prrssure! Rarity missed her spot so was skipped. When it got to my turn Rarity was finally done. Honestly, she looked better without the make up. The staffer told us we had to share since time was running out. I got into my starting position…..and I heard classical music play instead of my chosen music. God Damn it RARITY! I tried to go with my routine but the music messed up my rhythm and I was making mistakes. One almost cause a piece of cloud to hit Celestia.

“Well, time to go for broke.” I climbed to prepare for Rainboom. Rarity was below me to a skylight move. But a notice some smoke before her wings burned away. She started her dive as three Wonderbolts also dived after Rarity. They got to her first but her panic Rarity managed to knock them out. I put on more speed. The ground getting closer. I kept pushing and felt a huge boost of speed and heard a boom behind me. With that speed I grabbed all four pony and skimmed the ground and I pulled up. Thanks to the speed I actually passed over the stadium before I could slow down enough to turn back and land. The first aid ponies rushed over to tend to them. Some pony was bringing down the ball on for Rarity. To my surprise Flutters was hopping and cheering in a loud voice….never thought I would see that. I go over to Rarity.

“You okay Rarity?” I asked.

“Oh yes, thanks to you Rainbow.” I nodded. Before our friends tackled hugged me. I closed my eyes and smiled at the affection. We broke up and guards appeared as well as a tall princess. She was smiling at us all.

“A tremendous rescue Rainbow Dash. And I hereby name you the winner of this year's Young Flyers Competition.”

“YES!” I cheered. My friends congratulate me on the win. And Rarity gave a friendship report. Something Twi did. The Wonderbolts showed up and I gave my goodbyes to my friends and spent the night with the. We got along well so better chances of one day joining them. All in all a good day.

Two days later Rarity asked me to her house. She was made a lunch and had one of my favorite drinks instead of her usual tea. I was curious to what this was about. She and I are polar opposites so don't hang out much outside the group.

“I called you here Dash to again apologize from my actions at the competition. I should have never entered it. I let my vanity take control.”

“I forgive you Rares.” I gave her a pointed look. “But never do that again.”

“I swear I won't darling.”

“All I need to hear, now let’s finish this wonderful meal you made.” She nodded happily and we are a wonderful lunch with a better friendship as the results.

Winter Time

Author's Note

Okay you can lower the torches and pitchforks...for the moment. you might grab them again later. but here it's the first of the next few updates on this story.

Winter Time

The air was cold but that was as it should be for this time of year. It was Heart’s Warming. A holiday so similar to Christmas it hurt the first few years here. But I got over it. This holiday is all about unity and family and I had a family. Speaking of family I landed In front of my old house and knocked. Mom answered the door and smiled at the sight of me.

“DASH!” She hugged me before letting me in. “How was the trip?”

“Not bad unlike last year.” Mom snorted and rolled her eyes.

“Yeah a blizzard just before Hearth's Warming. Real smart planning there.”

“Don't blame me not my department!” Dad said from his chair. “The moron was demoted for that move. So how are you kiddo?”

“I'm good, you old timer?” I said with a smirk.

“OLD TIMER! I am in the prime of my life.” He said proudly.

“And it’s all downhill from here!” I said smiling.

“Oh, hit your dad with that kind of blow.” He did a dramatic wounded pose for a second before we both started laughing and mom just shook her head. I unloaded my presents under the tree.

“So how is work dad?” I asked as worked.

“No real complaints this year. Had fun knocking a 'Supervisor' down a peg.”

“Don't you mean Stupidvisior?” I asked and he laughed.

“That's a good one! I have to remember that! Still these ponies just graduated from college and immediately put in charge with no experience. It’s just stupid. Experience trumps knowledge.”

“Yeah I hear that dad. They come out knowing it all and life goes out to show them with a big NOPE and everypony suffers. Though poor Twi might be conflicted with this.” Dad gave me an eyebrow.

“She is a book worm and most of what she knows is from them. Though she is trying and I have been encouraging her to exercise since we often have to take care of something.”

“Glad you are doing something important kiddo. I'm proud of you.” I rolled my eyes.

“like you are ever not.”

“Well you do make it easy.” I could help but smirk at that.

“Well I am awesome. Well heading to my room to unpack.”

“We have it ready for you.” That was not comforting.

“You better have not install that choir thing!”

“But Dashie..?”

“NO CHOIR THING!” He sighed.

“Don't worry we didn't.” I relaxed and headed for my room.

*************

I was just finish unpacking when a felt an impact followed by a gust of wind. I looked down and saw my sister attachment.

“Hey squirt, missed me?” She looked up beaming.

“OF COURSE! You're my sister after all.” I smiled and ruffled her mane. Dawn was so adorable.

“Dawn! If your finished tackling your sister supper is ready.” Mom yelled from the kitchen.

“Come on squirt. Dinner time.” She let me go and we headed for the dinner table. We sat down as dad passed out the food. I took what I wanted and passed it on. Soon we were all eating. Mom's food was always good.

“So did you do anything with your friends before Hearth's Warming?”

“Yeah, since we were all leaving Ponyville we exchanged presents early. Twi gave me a book.” I rolled my eyes. In the months I knew her the unicorn had a religious reverence to books. You think Celestia would be that but nope she was a close second. “Rarity got me some stylish goggles. Fluttershy some ointment for aching wings. Applejack some of their delicious cider and Pinkie made me my favorite cake.”

“That's good. So what are they doing now?”

“Twilight is in Canterlot with her family and the Princesses. Fluttershy beat me here and is likely next door. Pinkie is on her families rock farm and Applejack is the only one still in town with her family.”

“At least nopony is alone this holiday season then.” I nodded.

“Any luck with your plans getting into the Wonderbolts?” Dad asked. I finish a bite.

“Nothing since the competition. I am at least on their radar now. And they are going to be at the gala this spring.”

“Sounds like a plan kiddo.”

“And you guys?” I ask.

“Well I still plan to coach for the foreseeable future.” Mom answered.

“I still have a couple decades left before I can retire so I plan to keep in working till I can't.” I nodded, that was a bit of my mindset as well.

“And Dawn joins me at the races when not at school or with friends.” I smiled at my sister do beamed at me. That's my sister for you.

***********

After dinner me and Dawn went flying. It was fun, a tad nippy but we pegasi have a high tolerance for the cold. Makes sense since we live in the air. Did certainly had speed but not the grace quite yet but it was still so much fun. But soon I was carrying Dawn to bed. Despite her protests Dawn was out as soon as her head hit the pillow. I kissed her forehead and snuck out. Mom was waiting for me outside the room. “She asleep?” She whispered.

“Out like a light.” I whispered back and we headed down stairs. At the kitchen table I sat down as mom got us drinks. We drank in silence enjoying each other's company. Mom broke the silence first.

“I wish you could visit more.” I gave her a sad smile.

“You know I can't. I am Ponyville's weather pony and with this thing with the Elements of Harmony?” I paused and looking down. “I don't think were done with those things.” Mom nodded with a frown. She didn't like it but had no argument against. I was unsure about it. Why me after all? Was it because of my origin or just plain luck? I didn't know. But I won't let what ever it is down. My friends rely on me after all. “Well, better head to bed. Dawn will be up early tomorrow.” Mom rolled her eyes at that and hugged me.

*************

I awoke with an impact on my belly making me give out an oof.

“WAKE UP! WAKE UP! IT'S MORNING!” My sister said beaming with delight. I glared at her then pushed her off and slowly got up. She zipped around like a humming bird as I went and took care of business. At Dawn's insistence we were in the living room and she booted out presents. And the opening began. I got alcoholic cider for dad, mom got a dress, and Dawn an autograph of her favorite racer other then mom. I got goggles from mom so I had a spare. Dad gave me some wing blades. I raised an eyebrow at him. “Figured you might need them since Princess Celestia has taken an interest in you and what your letters have mentioned. You kinda out grew your last pair.” Okay he had points there. I haven't touched my last pair since I was in my early teens.

“Better brush up then.” I replied. Dawn got me a figurine of Spitfire. I smiled and ruffled her mane in thanks. After presents was a much needed breakfast. It was a pancake breakfast and I certainly indulged. I will exercise it off later.

The rest of the day was family fun and smiled were abound.

**************

Dash here again. A couple of interesting happened after I got back from my parents place. One was the last Winter Wrap Up. I was prepared for another headache with that tradition. It is so disorganized that I am surprised anything gets done but Twi stepped up to the plate and actually got things running smoothly. Glad she found something she could do since Applejack is a stickler for the no magic thing on this day. Completely ignoring us pegasi clearing up the weather for spring is using magic. Frankly I think that will be a never ending debate between us. A week after that was the gala and oohh boy was that a disaster. So many of the girls conception of the event so wrong. I think I was the only one that got anything achieved that wanted to. Had a short conversation with the Wonderbolts, talking about stunts and what they have planned going forward. Then all hell went lose. Pinkies antics caused a cake flying and poor Rares used as a shield by the unicorn stallion she was with. Real classy there dude. Well then the doors nurse open and a whole bunch of animals ran through, then the most disturbing thing I have seen to date. Flutters..unhindged. Her mane and dress were a mess and eyes bloodshot and then the mare where you have to strain your ears to here yelled out. “YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE ME!” That caused panic and the gold alicorn statue started ripping at it was hit. I raced over to save and DUDE that thing is heavy. I held it for about ten seconds it hit a pillar and that caused a domino effect. But Twi and Celestia saw the aftermath. Two was full has drop and Celestia,I think she trying to hide a giggle? Well that was the end of the gala. Twi took us to her favorite place. A donut shop and we all had donuts and milk. And Celestia of all ponies joined us and admitted she invited us for exactly what happened. The gala as is has become so boring to her she brought us to we could livened it up. She went down a notch for me in respect. Though she did have us rooms for the night and that was when something interesting happened.

That night….

I hanged up my dress. As comfy as it was I was glad to be out of it. Then I heard a knock on the door. I went over and opened a crack peaked out to see a dark blue mare before me. “Can I help you?” I asked. She looked confused before she had that 'Ah ha' moment.

“Tis I Princess Luna. May I come in Rainbow Dash?”

“That is quite the change princess, come on in but please just call me Dash.” I step back and opened the door further to let her in. As she came in I observed her new form. Not even close to her sister's height or even that Nightmare Moon form. But certainly taller then the average pony. A darker blue with a much calmer night sky mane compared to her nightmare form.

“Very well…Dash, as long as you call me Luna.”

“Deal, So what's with the new look?” I ask.

“Actually, tis a really old look. This is the form I used before the Nightmare. That is the newest look.”

“And that form you had after we orbital friendship cannoned you?”

“My real form. The forms I and my sister use are our preferred forms. Our real forms are a bit different.”

“So what is Celestia's real form?” Luna smirked at me.

“on the taller end you are unicorns at Canterlot go with a pink mane and tail.” Interesting but confusing.

“Okay then why is her mane and tail that like rainbow thing instead of orange? She is the alicorn of the day.”

“Honestly neither of us know. It could be after the aurora boerialis.”

“Which can only be seen at night.” I quipped. She just shrugged. “Well good to see you recovered but why visit me?”

“Because you intreque me. Out of ever pony I know you didn't even fear my nightmare form and even had the gall to school me in my flawed thinking. I like to know such a mare more.”

“Well other then being the fasted pony alive, the first pony in ages to do a Sonic Rainboom and nearer of the Element of Loyalty I am just an awesome pegasus.”

“So modest.” Luna replied. I shrug.

“So tell me about your family.”

“Dad's a factory worker in Cloudsdale, mom is captain of the Sonic Boomers racing team, and my little sis plans to be a racer.”

“So speed is in your blood.”

“You can..*yawn* say that.” She gave me a sad smile.

“I have kept you up. My apologies.”

“Hey busy day and night. I do wish I had more time to star gaze. But I do need some rest. But would like to talk more again at some time.”

“Like wise Dash. Good night.”

“Good night Luna.”

Present

It was a good night and we were all in high spirits on the train back the next day. Well I better sign off and get to work but maybe was my face for I swear I just saw a pink cloud.

DiScorD We won't take it anymore

I did see a pink cloud, bucking magic. Who ever messed with her clouds was going to get an earful. But first have to wrangle this cloud. I caught up to it over Applejack's place. But it didn't feel right when I smashed into it. It felt…..gooey. I have it a tentative lick.

“Cotton candy? Yuck, I hate cotton candy.” I saw more pink zip by and soon a was surrounded by pink clouds. Including one above me. It had an ominous look. I glared and said. “Don't you dare.”

It dared.

So I was being drenched in…not rain but milk chocolate milk. I have a dead pan look as it pours on me. And that was when I heard Applejack.

“Rainbow Dash, what's with all of this rain, chocolate milk, um chocolate rain?”.

Must. Not. Sing. That. Song.

“Beats me, I'm thinking a unicorn spell gone wrong. I bet Twilight can stop it.” Though I was questioning that when the nearby corn started popping like popcorn.

“Why would you want to stop this?” Of course Pinkie would love this as she swam through the popcorn. “THIS IS GREAT!” I rolled my eyes at her antic and we saw Apple’s on trees pop to beach ball size causing the trees to tip over. Flutters went over to scolded them for eating the apples..when did she show up? Anyway during the scolding the bunny she was facing suddenly gained giraffe legs in a flash of light. There was something familiar about that. Well soon all the nearby critters had those legs and a stampede occurred. Twilight showed up saying she had a spell to handle this. I wasn't to sure. This seemed like more then a unicorn being a dick. Twilight cast her spell and there was a bright light….. and nothing changed. Poor Twi was in shock the her 'failsafe' spell failed. Rares who had come by at some point complaining about the rain, even though she had an umbrella walked over to Twi and comforted her. Even giving up her umbrella. Rates may be vain at times but she does have a good heart. After a minute Two asked me to wrangle the clouds together which I did quickly. No time to show off. Once together AJ roped them down to the ground and they were eaten by the critters. Though Pinkie was bummed by no more chocolate rain. We could take a breath but this had to only be the start. Two then got a letter from the princesses. They wanted us which only meant one thing. They needed the elements.

**************

On the way to Canterlot I saw things get worse for Equestria. The looked like we had taken an acid trip or we enter a Dr. Seuss world. Thank God our train was left alone for the most part. I can't unsee the gorilla on a skateboard. And if course things were chaotic in Canterlot…even worse then back home. We raced to the castle and Celestia met us in a hallway with various stain glass windows depicting various events. Celestia was in front of one depicting her and Luna fighting..a…A Frankenstein creature.

“Princess! We came as soon as we could. Do you know why these insane things are happening?”

“Yes Twilight.” She gestured to the creature on the window. “This is Discord, Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony and the one time ruler of Equestria before me and my sister defeated him using the Elements of Harmony. Some how he had gotten lose and we need you did to wield them again.” I saluted ready to go. But Pinkie grabbed Twi and looked her in the eye.

“But he brought chocolate rain Twilight. Think of it, CHOCOLATE RAIN!” I beat Pinkie up the back of the head.

“Priorities Pinkie!” She rubbed her head and Celestia lead us to the end of the hall. There a fancy door lay and Celestia inserted her horn into a hole and various part lit up and the door opened as she grabbed a fancy looking chest. Rares gushed over the chest.

“With these you will defeat his reign of terror.” She opened the chest to reveal…an empty chest. We all stared in shock as Celestia dropped the empty chest. Pinkie shrugged.

“Well, off to get more chocolate rain.” AJ pinned her to her spot as Celestia spoke.

“They were the most heavily awarded vault we have. This makes no sense!” An ominous chuckle was heard.

“Make sense, oh what fun is there in making sense.” That voice was familiar. “Did you miss me Celestia? I missed you.” A image of Discord began moving after a flash. “Being in stone is really lonely, but you wouldn't know that. BECAUSE I DON'T TURN PONIES TO STONE!” He tapped the image of a pony.

“What did you with the Elements of Harmony!?” Celestia demanded.

“Oh I decided to borrow them for a little bit.” He snapped his fingers and the image of the Elements disappeared. Waaaaiiit. That voice, the snapping of finger, and the white flash after. 'THIS GUY'S A Q! No wonder the Princesses had trouble with him.'

“You won't get away with this Discord.” She stomped her hoof like horses did back home before a run.

“Oh, I forgotten how grim you can be. It's so boring.” He said as he observed his claw.

“Oh, a chaos being complaining about something being boring. How original.” I rolled my eyes at that.

“Oh, Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty.”

“Yeah, that's me you patchwork plush reject.”

“We shall see about that……RYAN.” And there's the lead in my stomach. My eyes narrow.

“How do you know that name?”

“You be surprised by what I know.” The image disappeared in a flash.

“I can't believe we are talking with a tacky window.” Discord flashes near Rares.

“Ah the beautiful Rarity representing the Elements of Generosity of I am not mistaken.”

“So you know who we are. Big deal!” Interjected AJ.

“Oh I know more then that Honest Applejack.”

“Like our strengths.” Twi commented.

“And there's Twilight Sparkle bearing the most elusive element, Magic. Then there is Fluttershy bearing Kindness and Pinkie has my favorite, Laughter.” Pinkie was laughing at Discord moonwalking on the image of Twilight's head in the window he was currently occupying.

“ENOUGH! TELL US WHERE ARE THE ELEMENTS?” Celestia demanded. She was ticked.

“Ugh, fine. But only in my way.” He then did a riddle before leaving. The room restored to normal…for now. Twi paced as she mulled over the riddle. Really focusing on the twist and turns part. Then then looked out a clear window. “Twist and turns! He meant and the maze!” She said excitedly point to a hedge made outside.

“Um, Twi. You are forgetting the second half of that riddle. We have never been to that maze.” Twi glared at me.

“Know I am sure of it, come on girls!” she and the others raced off as Celestia gave out encouraging words. I sighed and followed. Better to be together then apart.

*******************

I caught up to them at the entrance of the maze. “Okay I am going to fly up and prove you wrong in this Twi so we can go after the elements.” I gained altitude then saw a flash and lost all feeling in my wings and landed hard. I look back and my wings were gone. I squealed in surprise. Soon all the horns and wings were gone leaving us like Pinkie and AJ. Then Discord appeared in the flesh. Not much improvement over the stain glass version. He gave out the rules of the game. Get to the center and no wings or magic. And with how close he got to some of us, especially Twi we could charge sexual harassment with that before disappeared again. With a pep talk from Twi we stepped into the maze. And then new hedge walls came up out of the ground separating us. You know, I should have seen that coming. After acknowledging Twi's plan to meet in the middle I raced off. I may not have my wings but I still had my stamina.

After a few minutes I was scanning the maze figuring out which route to take. I had to beat this guy. I work too hard making this life my own for some Q wannabe to ruin it by revealing my secret. My pony family, my friends, they mean so much to me but if they knew I wasn't originally a pony that be the end of it. The end of everything important to me. I saw a small cloud floating through the maze shooting rainbow lightning bolts out of it. This had to be Discord. I cautiously followed it. In a clearing Discord showed up. In a cloud hammock between two apple trees

“Hello, Ryan Danver. I get why you like clouds so much, so plush.” He patted the cloud.

“What do you want Q wannabe?” I retorted.

“Oh you wound me Ryan. I am better then those boring guys.”

“Yet they didn't end up stone like you.” I saw flames in his eyes at that quip.

“Look I have a message for you fake pony. A weighty choice is your make. A right selection or a big mistake. If the wrong choice you choose to pursue the foundations of home will crumble without you.” He snap his claws and that cloud turned into an image of Cloudsdale falling apart. Then a gift box appeared. “Your wings are in this box so up to you if Cloudsdale falls.” I look at him with an eyebrow raised.

“Really? That's your plan. No wonder you lost. Even if I chose the box Cloudsdale is under threat. The only way it’s safe is after you are defeated. Discord, more like Discard.” Discord lost his cool.

“First Fluttershy, now YOU.” I couldn't help but smirk. ‘Way to go Flutters.' Then a claw tapped my head and I felt weird for a bit. Then, why should I care about these ponies. If they knew about real past they would drop me in a heart beat. I am not one of them. I took the box and got my wings back and flew out of the maze. I flew on enjoying my flight till a found a nice cloud to chill out on.

I was not sure how long I was chilling out there when I heard Twi call out to me. “Hey guys.” I wave a hoof at them.

“We've been looking all over for you.”

“Why?”

“Because we need to stop Discord with you using your element, Loyalty.”

“And why should I? You wouldn't be loyal to me if you knew my secret. You ponies are racist. How you treated Zecora is proof of that. So no you solve this problem. I am out.” They left after that. Good riddance.

***************

The next thing I knew Flutters woke me up and asked me to let her tie me up.

“Yeah, no.” I flew off at speed. To my surprise Flutters kept up, even while dragging a hot air balloon. I felt a rope around my barrel then had the added weight of two ponies. I looked down at Pinkie and Rares hanging from the rope. “Are you two crazy!?” I couldn't believe it.

“Pinkie! You were supposed to secure the rope!” Rares screams out.

“Oops.” I shook my head and flew on. The others talked and I ignored it till another rope it my barrel causing me to stop. Then they started dragging me down. I fought against it but they succeed in grounding me and tied more ropes. I kept bucking keeping them away.

“DON'T TOUCH ME YOU PONIES! I DON'T NEED YOU!” I snorted at Twi but she ignored it and touched her horn to my head. My time with them flash before my eyes and the spell Discord cast on me. I shook my head and narrowed my eyes. “Oh he is so going down!” He messed with my mind and he is going to pay for that.

**************

We found him in Ponyville, though you couldn't recognized it. Discord was on a throne with a glass of chocolate milk. “Chaos is a wonderful, wonderful thing.” He commented.

“Not as wonderful as friendship.” Twi countered. He drank the cup, the literal cup and tossed the milk. Which exploded behind him.

“MY CABBAGES!” Geese that poor guy.

“Ya ruining of our friendship didn't last long. AJ claimed ignoring the cabbage guy.

“Oh Applejack, don't lie to me. I am the that made you a liar.” Using his magic he pulled us to him. “Especially with Ryan in your mist.” I snorted and the girls looked at me in confusion but steeled themselves. Twilight cast a bubble breaking his hold on us and we focused on the Elements. I felt their power channeling through me and Discord soon lost his cocky attitude and tried to run away. Why not teleport? But no matter it was too late and the rainbow cannon fired and I saw him slowing turn to stone with a look of fear on his face. Even though I was tired from the Elements I took to the air. Climbing high and I got to the right height I began my dive. I did everything I could to pour speed into the five and as I was nearing the ground I sonic rainboomed. With the added speed I am straight for Discord. Both fire hooves in front and I felt impacted before circling around with fire hooves throbbing in pain, but it was worth it. There on the restored grass was Discord…

In pieces.

Author's Note

Yup I did it. I killed Discord. Two reasons. To cause a real shock to the world with Ryan replacing Dash.

And two, getting rid of a plot issue. how many times did we she the MLP staff just ignore Discord being around of come up with some lame way for him not to help.

Some may not be happy with this choice but this was planned from the beginning so not changing it.

Though Discord is dead, he is going to leave scars.

Aftermath of Discord Part 1

I panted as I stared at Discord laying in pieces in the grass. It was over, I was safe.

“Dash! What did you do!?” Twi exclaimed.

“I ended a threat.”

“But…but…you killed him!”

“Like he wouldn’t kill us. His arrogance lead to our win.”

“But he was defeated already Rainbow Dash.” AJ said sternly. “And what was that about Ryan?”

“Just forget about that! Not important.” I said hurriedly. Not liking the direction this conversation was going.

“Seems important to you Rainbow. It seems like Discord was saying that was your name?” Rares interjected.

“My name is Rainbow Dash.” I said firmly.

“Perhaps but you seemed to be hiding something.” AJ responded.

“LOOK JUST DROP IT! We got Discord we can tell the Princesses mission accomplish.”

“We are telling the Princesses.” Twi replied. “ We are telling them everything. A find out what you are hiding Rainbow Dash.” That was it then. It was all over and I lost. Tears streaming down my face.

“Goodbye girls, it was fun. Tell my family I love them.” With that I blasted off and headed away from them, away from home, away from my life.

* * * *

Twilight's POV

I saw Rainbow Dash fly away and was left bewildered by the whole thing. Why did she do that? Why did she kill Discord? Maybe the Princess had the answer. “Let's notify the princesses.” I said.

“What about Dashie?” Pinkie asked.

“None of us can catch her.” There were friend but no pony had a good counter argument for that.

In hours we were back in Canterlot and before the royal sisters.

“I see you have succeeded Twilight, but I notice Rainbow Dash is not among you. Has something happened to her?” Celestia said.

“Yes princess, we succeeded in returning Discord to stone but then Rainbow took to the air. Did a sonic rainboom and shattered him.”

“WHAT!?” The princess asked.

“She shattered his statue.”

“Why?”

“Something Discord kept saying spooked her.” Applejack responded.

“Yes. She sounded like she wasn't a pony while under Discord's influence.”

“How interesting.” The princess said. She looked down thoughtful.

“Princess?” I asked.

“Your friend Rainbow Dash is quite unique. I have been following her since her first Sonic Rainboom and her history is interesting. She appeared in Cloudsdale after a strange lightning bolt that we still don't know the origin of and then adopted by a loving couple.”

“Wait! She is adopted? But she looks so much like them.” I asked.

“Yes, she is adopted Twilight. We have no clue who her birth parents are or even where she was born. She just appeared in Cloudsdale sixteen years ago. I do not know more but maybe her adopted parents do. Seek them out. I need to see Rainbow Dash after what you reported.”

“You have things well in hoof sister so I will join them in their search.”

“As you wish sister.”

“Come Element Bearers.” Luna said and moved from her throne. We followed her and she lead us to the chariot bay and I saw the familiar chariot Princess Celestia uses to travel. But we weren't taking it as Princess Luna passed it and walked towards a black colored chariot with a sleek and fast look. A pair of bat ponies rushed to get harnessed. It was rare to see them outside of their tribe holdings. Likely do to racism they experienced that lead to Princess Luna's turning to Nightmare Moon.

“Climb aboard.” Princess Luna said as she stepped onto the chariot. We all did and with a whoosh we were flying at speed. Manes whipping in the wind.

“Could we please slow down!” Rarity pleaded. And we did slow down a bit and I look behind us as Canterlot was already a speck on the horizon. Applejack whistled.

“And ah thought Dash was the fast one.” She commented.

“Oh she is Applejack. Both the chariot and the armor my guards wear enhance their top speeds. Dash does that all on her own.”

“Oh, well why make this thing go so darn fast?” Princess Luna smirked at her.

“I happen to like speed.” That caused Applejack to roll her eyes.

****

It took another twenty minutes to reach Cathedrals and we landed in front of Rainbow's childhood home. The Princess casted a cloud walking spell on us and we headed for the door. If it wasn't for the seriousness of the issue I would find a total princess ringing a doorbell a bit amusing. The door opened and I saw Firefly.

“Your highness!” She bowed. “You honor me. Please come in.” She opened the door more and she was happy to see us but it was short lived when she noticed a pony missing. “Where is my daughter?”

“Then she is not here. Unfortunate.” Luna responded. “ She faced Discord and it affected her badly. Something about her past being known spooked her. Do you have any clue what it might be?” Firefly thought.

“No, we didn't pry into her passed after adopting her. Didn't want to open the wounds. She was unusually smart for a filly her age. Breezed through math, writing, and did well in science. History was where she struggled. Other then that she was a good filly. Maybe her diary might hold clues.”

“Diary?” Luna asked.

“I gave her a magically locked diary for her use. If there is any info it would be there.”

“How will we open it if it's magically protected?”

“It used a combination lock to make a word. It was fire when I gave it to her but she likely changed it.” We nodded in reply. “And please find her. I may not have given birth to her but she is my daughter. Without her I wouldn't of had Dawn.”

“What do you mean?” Luna asked.

“Five years before we adopted her I had a still born foal.” I winced and heard gasps from some of the others. “I refused to have another fearing the same fate. We got her and thanks to her my confidence return and we were gifted with Dawn. So please, PLEASE find her and fix your mistake.” I blinked at that.

“What?” She looked at us coldly.

“I know my daughter. Discord wouldn't have scared her but something you said to her drive her away. So you better get MY daughter back.” We all nodded and left. Looking around I saw the sun would soon set. Luna frowned. Apparently she lost track of time like the rest of us. Well with Discord's antics that is understandable.

“Seems we must delay our search till tomorrow. Follow me, I have a place for us to sleep.” We followed her till we were before a palace. It like all of Cloudsdale it was made of clouds shaped into a Pegaspolis style with columns and rainbow fountains and statues of armored pegasi shattered around it.

“Is this the old Commander's residence?” I asked. Luna nodded.

“Yes it is. Technically I am the Commander of Pegaspolis so it is my residence.” I blinked at that.

“But…how? The government’s of the three tribes were dissolved when Equestria was formed.”

“Not entirely true. The governments still existed but acted as regional governments rather then national government and stayed that way till Discord. There was basically no government left. We tried resorting them but ultimately they basically faded away to what we currently have but our previous titles still stand this this is technically my place.” Princess Luna lead us in and soon we were served dinner and assigned rooms. There wasn't much talk, we were all thinking of Rainbow and her actions and mystery. I soon entered a troubled sleep.

****

Luna's pov

After seeing to the element bearers needs and some paperwork. I enter my domain. The dream realm, before was several stars representing the dreams of her subjects. This were not the best with some nightmares here and there due to Discord. I quickly took care of them then searched for the one dream I wanted. In minutes I found her and she was having a nightmare. I approached and unlike the others where I merely cast a spell to give them a pleasant dream her I am going in personally. I look around to get my bearings. It was black everywhere but for a cone of light shining on Rainbow Dash. Images of her friends, family and even her and her sister glaring at her.

“Fake!”

“Not one of us!”

“Not my daughter!”

“Not my sister!”

“You don't belong here!”

“Fake pony!”

“They will never accept you Ryan.” Discord taunted. I had heard enough. With a stomp of a good I vanished the images away. Dash was still curled in a fetal position whimpering. It hurt to see the normally proud and courageous pegsus. I moved in and touched her on the shoulder. Dash batted it away.

“Please, go away.” She said with such a broken voice. I would not. I grabbed her and hugged her. She tried to fight it but I was stronger and she started crying as I made cooing noises and stroke her mane with a wing. I just held her to comfort her and tried to find where was in the real world but she was resisting my attempts. I kept trying but her will was strong. If I kept it up the dream will collapse. So I stopped and just comforted her the best I could till she woke.

*****

The next morning I met the Bearers in the dinning room for breakfast. I made my own order. As we waited I told of my attempts to find Dash in the dream realm. “Wait, you can enter dreams?” I nodded.

“Yes, I am the Alicorn of the Night. Dreams are a part of the night. Thus mine to look over. I will generally keep things private but Dash is a special case.”

“Well what did ya find?” Applejack asked.

“Sadly I could not determine her location in the physical world. But did glimpse her mindset.” I looked down, no doubt with a sad face. “She is hurting. She fears we would reject her if we knew her secret. The phrase fake pony kept coming up.” They all thought on that as did I. It made no sense. Dash had been in the hospital many times. The one she taken to when she first appeared did a full physical and everything said a normal pegasus filly. Why would she think she was fake? Twilight Sparkle spoke first.

“Sounds like we need to go to her home to get more answers.”

“We shall after breakfast.” With a plan in place they had their meal.

****

Dash pov

I woke up groggily on the cloud I slept on last night. Certainly a downgrade in sleeping arrangements but she had no choice. She l looked around and saw a river and flew down to take a bath, a really cold bath. I shivered as I left the river and drank the water. I looked around for food. She didn't see any nearby so she took flight staying below the tree tops. After a few minutes I found some berry bushes. I check and they were edible. Pegasi schools taught field survival, a hold over of their Pegaspolis days. I ate them as I considered my plans. Couldn't go home, I was a fake pony and they likely knew by now and plan on imprisoning me or something. So stating in Equestira was out. There was Maretania or Saddle Arabia for options. I'll try Maretania first since it was pony populated. Wishing Equestria luck I began forging for food to the trip and hope for the best. I had nothing else now.

Aftermath of Discord part 2

Twilight's Pov

It was afternoon with the sun shining on a floating cloud house, well more like a mansion. It was the sole cloud building in the area and the target of their search for it’s owner. Luna's chariot hovered to let us all off before landing below. Fluttershy took out a key Rainbow gave her and unlocked the door. We all walk in and for the first time ever, I entered Rainbow's house. It was well furnish and clean enough but me and Luna were drawn to the item hanging on the wall. It was clearly a flag but of a design I have never seen before. It was dominated by alternating red and white stripes numbering thirteen in total. On the left upper corner was a blue square filled with white stars. Checking they number fifty in total. “I have been studying to catch up to the past thousand years but I do not recognize this flag. Do you Twilight Sparkle?” I shook my head.

“I do not princess. There is nothing even close to this in all known nations. Where did she get it?”

“She got it from me.” Rarity stayed. We all look at her. “I owed her a favor and she requested this flag. The darling was good on the details so I made it for her and she loved it. Never told me where she got the design though.” I looked back and frowned. More signs of her past. They split up to look for clues. I found myself in her study. It had a desk and a couple of bookshelves. One was filled with weather regulations, the other had fiction including ….Daring Do? Why didn't she tell me that, I love Daring Do? I looked on and spotted a book on the desk. I looked at it and it had no cover title but was engraved in a beautiful style. I saw a word combination lock. This must be the diary Firefly mentioned. I took it in my magic and spelled out Dash. It didn't open. I tried fire, still nothing. I sat thinking a bit. What would Dash use as a password? I tapped my chin in thought. Wait, we kept hearing the name Ryan. I type it in, still nothing. How? I spelled correct, right? R. I. A. N. I thought again. Wait! Some times a y is used instead of an I. I tried again and it unlocked. I opened it and read the first entry. I was in shocked at what I read. This confirmed our theory. Rainbow Dash was not born a pony and that her original name was Ryan Danver. She called herself a human…and male? That had to be odd for Rainbow. I skipped some early entries and got to where she met me. I skimmed them till I got to one entry. It was after the incident with Zecora. They can NEVER know my past life. Those words were so haunting. That event hurt Rainbow deeply. And I couldn't blame her. Zecora, though a zebra she was still an equine and she was treated that way. What ever a human is it must be way different then us.

“GIRLS!” I yell out. They rushed over asking what was up. “It's right here. The reasons for Rainbow's actions. And we are to blame. She is originally from a race called humans and was a male of that species. And what happen with Zecora made her determined that we not know this. It drove her and thanks to Discord that feeling of being safe vanished.” We all looked down. Then Pinkie perked up.

“Maybe this book would tell us the perfect cake to make for Dashie!” she came over to look in the book. Only for Fluttershy to race over and slam the book and take it from me and glare at Pinkie who wilted.

“No! We learned what we needed. We have no right to read any further. This was for her eyes only.” She then left the room with the book under her wing. We followed curious to what Fluttershy was doing. She grabbed a saddle bag and placed the book in it. Then then grabbed a map and looked over it.

“What are you up to Sugarcube?” Applejack asked.

“I know what Dash is doing. She…” Fluttershy choked up. “She believes she won't be accepted here. So she is leaving Equestria to start all over again.”

“Well then we'll go and convinced her that's silly idea. She is one of us.”

“No, I have to do this alone.” Fluttershy stated.

"Why alone darling?” Rarity asked.

“Because she is my first friend and I have known her the longest of any of us. So it has to be me that does it. Princess Luna, could your chariot get me to here?” She points on the map near the Maretonia border. “Easy dear Fluttershy. Let's make haste.”

******

Dash's POV

I had been flying for hours at my cruising speed making my way to Maretonia. It was the closest nation and had a pony population so easy to restart there. But it was lunch time so I scanned and saw a clearing with a river. Perfect. I dive down and took a drink before opening my make shift saddle bag and took out some food I had gathered on my trip. I miss being able to cook but it’s better then starving. As I ate I suddenly heard a familiar voice that was surprisingly loud. “DASHIE!” I look up and saw yellow and pink before being tackled. After being pinned to the ground I look and recognized Flutters hugging me.

“Flutters? What are you doing here?”

“Stopping a friend from making a horrible mistake. We know what you used to be.”

“Then why stop me? I am not one of you and you hate that which is not a pony.”

“Oh Dashie,” She sighed and hugged me again. “We could never hate you. I am sorry that our treatment of Zecora affected you so. We were stupid and foolish. We don't want you to go.” “Why? Why would you want me to stay. You know what I am.”

“Yes I know what you are. You are my first friend, a pony who could have hanged out with the cool foals and the fast fliers like you. But no, you instead hanged out with me, a pegasus that could barely fly. While I am curious about your previous life, to me you have and always will be Dash, my best friend.”

“But what if the others still reject me?”

“Then I will go where ever you go Dash.” she hugged and nuzzled me. I admit a cried and returned it.

“Okay, I will come back.” She smiled at me. I gave a weak smile back.
“And how did you even catch up to me. You have improved on your flying but there is no way you could get here so fast.” Flutters had that shy look again hiding behind her mane.

“Well I had help.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, Luna loaned me her chariot. It's pretty fast. Oh and I have this.” She pulled out my journal. “Sorry but Twilight went through some of it.”

“Thanks Flutters. I am not happy about that but can't be angry. Let's ...let's just go home.” She lead me to the chariot. Once on it, it took off and I leaned against Flutters for support. She gave it eagerly and it was nice and calming as I needed it to face them all again. I prayed that Flutters was right but feared if she was wrong. Soon we were back in Ponyville. And parked next to my house. With a gulp and a reassuring wing stroke from Flutters I opened the door. And I saw my friends there. We looked at each other for a minute then they rushed over and I was tackled hugged again. And I cried, I mean really cried. So much stress released, and we said nothing for minutes, just hugging each other. Finally they broke up the hug.

“Dash, we are so sorry you felt that you would be rejected by us due to your origins.” Rarity started. “You are our friend beyond anything else and we will never reject you for not being a pony from birth. You are one of us and that will never change.” The girls all nodded. And my stress left me and I have a slight smile.

“Thanks girls.” Looking at all of them. Even Luna who was smiling at us.

“You know that this calls for?” Pinkie asked. “A PARTY!” And out came her party canon and soon my place was set up and Pinkie pulled treats out of her mane. It's legit. After a bit with a snack and drink in hoof and flew over to Twilight.

“Hey Twi, surprise Rarity was the one to voice the apology and not you, our group’s leader.”

“Um because I agreed with you on Zecora's treatment so didn't feel that fear you had.” She retorted and I opened my mouth to refute but looked back and yeah she was on my side of that issue.

“AH right, my mistake.”

“But why did you kill Discord?” I looked at her seriously.

“Because we have no guarantee that the prison will hold this time. We barely won Twilight, you know that. If he wasn't so sure that he had us beat he could have stopped us. If he escaped a third time our replacements may fail. You wanna take that risk?” Twilight was silent for a minute in thought.

“Still not thrilled with your action but I do see your point.”

“Twi, your world is very lucky with how innocent it is. My birth world, we have had bad things happen. People dying because we didn't properly deal with threats. Many people suffer and asked why it wasn't taken care of before hand. I wish I didn't have to but considering what Discord could do I had to be extreme. I admit personal reasons were a factor.”

“So what's your plan?” Twi was clearly changing the subject.

“Well I am going to visit my folks soon but Luna told me Celestia wants to see me so we’ll head their tomorrow.”

“Ah, I just noticed, you never call the Princesses, Princesses. Why?”

“My birth home went to war to free ourselves from a tyrant king so it's ingrained in me. I respect both of them but hard for me to use those titles.”

“So how was your country lead?”

“It is a democratic republic. We elected our representatives and our leader which we called The President.'

“Oh! Like the old Chancellor In the Earth pony Government of old.”

“Yup, some times we elected an idiot but it overall worked.”

“So Dash, exactly how old are you overall?”
“What do you mean overall?” “Well your life now and the one you have before?” I gave her a smirk.

“All together, forty five.” Twi had her mouth slightly opened.

“You are as old as my mom!” That got me laughing.

****

They rest of that party was good helped me relaxed. That ALL went away as I looked at the doors in front of me. It wasn't the throne room but a smaller meeting room. The guards stood outside of the door. With a gulp I entered the room and a round table had wait, THREE princesses? There was a PINK princess, did Disney misplace one of theirs?
“Hello Rainbow Dash. Please take a seat.” I walked over an took the seat before them eyeing the pink alicorn.

“This is my niece, Princess Cadance.”

“So Luna who was the dad?” I asked. Said princess blushed.

“I'm adopted Miss Dash.” Said Cadance. She had a nice voice.

“On to the issue of you killing Discord.” Celestia stated.

“You mean me having to do what you should have done.”

“Excuse me!?”

“Come on a guy as dangerous as Discord, where did you even have him?”

“Apparently after we stoned him Celestia put him put him in the garden in the maze. Out in the open.”

“SERIOUSLY!?”I exclaim. “You have easily a basic god imprisoned and you leave him out in the open. That is just asking for this to happen and you are getting mad at me for killing him?”

“He could have been reformed in time.” I eyed her.

“Really, you have over a thousand years to make an attempt. Discord is not your sister Celestia. Not everybody can be reformed. At MINIMUM Discord's statue should have been locked away in a deep dungeon but no you put him OUT IN THE BUCKING OPEN! And leave it for others to fix. How many other threats did you leave around that me and the others have to fix? And how ill trained are we going to be for it? Remember the dragon? I certainly do. You took us, a group of six mares close to their twenties and only two of them can fight in any real degree. Another that can only fly averagely because of my training of her and the one that leads us only started having friends so has little experience directing ponies and Pinkie? Well at times she is oblivious to danger but she seems to follow Cartoon Law. Still not a combat pony in any real way and could cause more problems then solutions. I ask you. What if we died? What if we ended up down his throat? There goes the elements over an issue that can be solved by others.”

“She does have a point sister. Why send them when they don't have the training for it?” Luna interjected.

“For the experience.” Celestia said.

“AGAISNT AN ADULT DRAGON!?” the pink Alicorn asked. “How dare you aunty! Twilight has no training for something like that. She is a librarian for Equestria's sake. What other dangers do you have plan for her and her friends to face ill trained.” The alicorn was glaring at Celestia. I am kinda liking this gal. What was her name? Candy?

“Let's get back to the issue at hoof with Rainbow Dash and her actions against Discord. Why even mention those other incidents?” She looked at me and I glared back.

“I an defending myself from a clear tribunal. I am going to do everything I can to keep what I have left.”

“Tribunal?” Celestia asked.

“The three princesses of Equestria sitting opposite of me in a private room. Yeah full tribunal. I may be young in your eyes but I am far older then I look so don't you dare treat me like an idiot.” I glared back at them.

“Um how old are you?” Pink asked.

“Overall forty five.”

“Overall?”

“Wait did they not tell you about me?'

“Just that you killed Discord, bear the Element of Loyalty, and Twily's friend.” I looked at her in shock then looked at Celestia and glared.

“Okay I am out!” I got up from the table. “If you are going to let somepony ill informed about me judge me then you are not as good of a leader as I thought. I am wasting my time here.” I was already planning what to pack if she took this further.

“YOU WILL STAY PUT RAINBOW DASH!” Celestia yelled out. I looked back.

“Why? I see no reason to stay and clearly be railroaded!”

“Sister Calm!” Luna stated. We all stared at her. “I believe we need a recess and you and I sister need to talk.” Celestia took a breath. “Very well. You Rainbow Dash should stay in the castle.”

“Fine.” And I left. As I looked around. The door opened again and Pink came out.

“May I join you?”

“Why?”

“To know you more. You are friends with my little sister.”

“Huh?”

“Twilight.” “She's royalty!?” “No, she is of noble blood but not royalty. But I foalsat her when she was young so she is like a sister to me.”

“Okay I get that. So do you know a spot we can eat, I am kinda hungry.”

“Yeah we can go to my rooms, I can make us a meal.” I shrugged and followed her. After a few minutes she lead me to a room and. OH GOD THE PINK! IT'S EVERYWHERE! I sat at a small table as she went to a small kitchen.

“So I missed your name.” I said as an ice breaker.

“It's Cadance.”

“Well I was close, I was calling you Candy.” She actually laughed at that.

“I DO look like one of those Heart and Hooves day candy.” She admitted and I chuckled. “Well tell me about yourself since I am lacking in that.” So I told her about my history. All of it with her interrupting with a question here and there. When I was done. She simply asked. “Why kill Discord?” She asked, with a curious tone instead of an accusational one.

“He was too dangerous, barring my desperation to keep my origin a secret a guy like that is way too dangerous. His powers reminded me of a fictional character who could literally do anything with a snap of his fingers. As I said earlier we got lucky he was arrogant. IF he was smart, as soon as we showed back up with the elements he should have killed us there and then. If he ever escaped again he won't make the same mistake again. The next group will have a harder time and we just barely squeezed out the Win. Why take that risk, especially since our way of securing him was keeping him out in the open on display.” “And your desperation added?” I look down at the now empty plate of food. Must have ate it while I told her of my old life.

“I never got to say goodbye to my birth family. One moment I am saving a family from a tornado. The next I am in Cloudsdale as a young pegasus filly with no way to get home. With luck I was adopted by a great couple. I love them as much as my birth parents and I was going to lose them. Then when Twilight pushed I felt I did lose them. Do you know how much that hurts? To lose a family.”

“Yeah, I do. Lost my parents when I was very little. Then my first adopted family by those hoping to use me to gain power when I got this.” She lightly tapped her horn. “So I went through what you feared. It's the reason I go by Cadance not Mi Amore Cadenza.”

“Seriously? That's your name?” I asked.

“Legally yes. And the nobles use it ALL the time. Thank Celestia my current family doesn't. Well aunty Luna calls me Cadenza but that's okay it's not the full headache.”

“Yeah, I prefer Dash over Rainbow myself.” She gave me a smirk before it faded. “So what were you going to do if we didn't take a pause?”

“I would have left. Meet up with Fluttershy and leave the country.”

“Why drag her along?”

“Not dragging she wants to if that has to happen. She's my best friend. And I was her first real friend. She offered to go with me.”

“Just friends?” She eyed me. I glared back.

“Yes just friends jeeze. Honestly not sure where I am at in sexual preference.” “Well had to ask, I am the alicorn of love after all.”

“That's an actual thing!? I got Celestia and Luna doing the sun and moon thing. Weird, but I can see it. But Love?”

“Hey love is a powerful thing!” “But worthy of an avatar?”

“Yes it is.” I just shrugged. Before this could go further a servant interrupted us saying the other Princesses were ready to resume. We got up and headed back. Back at the room and again facing all the princesses. Celestia looked at Cadance.

“Cadance, you spent time with Miss Dash. Your opinion on her in regards to her actions?” “Well...I feel she was pretty justified in her actions.” Celestia had a shocked looked. “Dash felt she was about to lose her family again. Note thanks to her unique origins she had lost one family unable to do anything about it. Manage to find a loving family to adopt her and fear losing that as well because. Aunty, we need to address some racism going on in our ponies. Dash witnessed this first hoof and it shaped her thinking here. She feared her origin being revealed she will lose everything. Anypony would try to end that threat to those they love. You both know how powerful love and fear can be. Aunty Luna, did you find out more about how he got loose?”

“Well going by timing a school tour from Ponyville was in the maze around the time of his release.”

“So likely they did something that trigger his release.” Cadance commented.

“Indeed, any amount of discord and disharmony could have done it.”

“So we fail in securing a dangerous entity. He gets loose and we are forced to rely on young mares to defeat him. And we get mad that she kills him. An entity we know killed our fellow alicorns sister. The ONLY reason we are still alive is because we couldn't beat him. He is more powerful then any two alicorns. If he wasn't so focused on the Element Bearers he would have KILLED our niece.” Luna paused on that note and Celestia's eyes went wide as she missed that little tidbit.

“So considering all of that and the fact the populace would likely be upset by punishing a pony that ended the threat Discord brought to Equestria. I say punishment is NOT an option and I will not support it.” Cadance stated.

“Neither will I sister.” Luna stated.

“However I do believe Dash needs some help.” I looked at Cadance wondering where she is going with that. “She was hurting when she arrived on our world and her adopted family helped a lot as did Twilight and her friends. Discord made the wound worse. She doesn't need to be punished for her act, but needs some help.”

“You are suggesting counseling?” Celestia asked. And Cadance nodded. I was not happy.

“I am NOT going to a shrink! I am fine, it was just a fear. A rational one considering how your ponies react to the strange.” I stated. Cadance looked back at me with a serious expression. “You are not fine Dash. You need help and I want you to have it.”

“And I will pay for it Miss Dash.” Celestia said.

“FUCK ALL OF YOU!” I stomped on the table. Furious I spread my wings to just fly out. “Dash PLEASE!” Luna shouted out. “Please give it a try. If it doesn't work I will end it.” “Sister?” Luna looked at Celestia. “Forcing a pony to do something, even if it would be good for them can nullify that good. Thus I am giving Dash an exit if it doesn't work out.” “I see your point sister.”

“Fine.” I growled out and left. Not wanting to be in their presence anymore. I headed for the one place I need to be. Not among those three.

I headed for my parent's place.

Author's Note

Edited by Foxylove

Aftermath of Discord Part 3

It took halfway to lose my anger at the princesses. How dare they!? This is MY LIFE! Uuuuuggghh, fucking royals. I did some stunts to cool. Once cooled off enough I saw off in the distance Cloudsdale. Such a beautiful place. I was glad to see it again. Soon I was flying over familiar sights but got nervous as I got close to my parents’ place. I landed at the front door and took a deep breath. ‘Here we go.’ I thought and knocked on the door. The door opened to reveal my mom who beamed at the sight of me. “DASHIE!” I was then grabbed and hugged tight. ‘Did my mom become Pinkie?’ “Don't you ever scare me like that again. I lost one daughter. I will not lose any more.” I hugged her as well.

“I'm sorry mom. I was just so afraid of seeing looks of hate on your faces.” Mom back off the hug a bit and gave me a stern look.

“No matter what Rainbow Dash, you are my daughter. I love you so much Dash. Nothing will ever change that. Now why don't you tell us about your life before us?”

“I bet that is a story.” My dad walked into the living room. That confused me.

“Dad? Shouldn’t you be at work?” I asked.

“Because of Discord, hours are temporary shorten so we can be with family.” I had no comment for that so sat down on a chair as the rest of the family sat in the couches and chairs.

“Well, the jist is that I am from another world. I don't know how I got here or why was changed to this. Maybe that lightning bolt that was mentioned before my arrival has something to do with it. Anyway, in my birth world I was a twenty five year old male.” My parents raised their eyebrows at that and dad was the first to spoke next.

“Male, not stallion?” I shook my head.

“Not a stallion. Equines are not sentient there. My birth race doesn't exist here. I imagine a fusion of a minotaur and a hairless monkey and you would have a good idea of my birth species.” There was a silence as her parents mulled over that.

“So that had to be a hard adjustment.” Dad commented.

“Yeah.” I said with a sigh.

“So what did you do in your past life?” Mom asked.

“I was a storm chaser.”

“Why would you need to chase storms?”

“One big difference between here and there is weather is not controlled. Remember how the Everfree is?” At their nod I continued. “Well imagine that planet wide.” Their eyes went large as they registered that. “I was chasing a massive tornado, getting pictures to help the scientists get data on them so we can better predict them. We can't control it but are really good at predicting it. Save lives hopefully.”

“That's a thing?” Dad asked. I nodded.

“Yes, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and earthquakes kill people. We try to save as many as we can. doesn’t help when people don't heed the warnings to get out of the area.” I said remember that old story. Hurricane coming and people told to evacuate but say ‘oh no, I’ll be fine.’ Then either die or are begging for rescue. Then afterward blame the government for taking so long to help. How about leave when told you idiot! “So yeah, weather there is wild and powerful and I loved witnessing it.”

“Maybe that is why you were made a pegasus?” Mom suggested. I shrugged.

“Maybe, I do prefer being this tribe over the others because of flying and the weather manipulation.” They both smiled.

“So tell us of your other family.” Mom suggested. I took a breath.

“My other parents were middle class. Dad worked at a major technology company and mom was a small business owner. My little sister worked with mom. Their names are Jack Danver, Jessica Danver, and Rachel Danver. We had fun teasing each other but would stand behind anyone of us that was in trouble. We were a happy family.” I had a small smile thinking of them.

“So what is going to happen?” Mom asked.

“Things go back to normal. But I have to see psychologist.” I frowned.

“What for?” mom asked.

“Because how I dealt with Discord. I killed him.”

“Good.” I looked at her with a raise eyebrow.

“Anypony that messes with my daughter deserves no mercy.” Mom responded coldly. “And I don’t care who or what they are. I lost one daughter, I will not lose another.”

“Glad we understand each other mom.”

* * * * *

After dinner I went to Dawn's room. I opened the door and poke my head in. “Hey Squirt, you were pretty quiet today.” She was on her bed looking out the window.

“I was thinking.” She said.

“Oh, on what?” I asked.

“On us. I find out that not only are you adopted but originally another race. Are we even sisters?” Dawn looked sad. I sighed and moved to the bed and sat beside her, my wing over her back.

“Dawn, no matter my past there is one thing that is always true. I. Love. You.” I hugged her closer. “You are my sister in every way that counts. While blood is important, claiming is more and I claimed you the day you were born. The thing that scared me the most was seeing looks of hatred on your faces when you found out about my origins. You, mom and dad mean so much to me. Never doubt that.” Dawn then hugged me.

“I love you to sister.”

I played with her for a bit before helping her to bed. Then I headed to the kitchen. Mom was there and saw me come in.

“How's Dawn doing with all of this?”

“She and I are good.” I went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. Taking a drink and sat at the kitchen counter.

“That stressful huh?” Mom asked and I roll my eyes and took another drink before replying.

“The past couple of days has been stressful. Discord knowing my past. Fear of you all rejecting me if you knew. Facing you all knowing it. And finally the princesses.” I gave out a sigh. “I wouldn't mind things being calm for awhile.” Mom raised an eyebrow.

“Sounds like more then just Discord is going on.”

“Ponyville is a strange place. For you a monster attacking, magical accident or a trio of fillies trying insane things to get their cutie marks is a special event. In Ponyville, that’s a Tuesday.” I took another drink.

“Is it worth it Dash?” I look at her with a smirk.

“My friends are.” She nodded in understanding and I finished my beer and headed to bed.

* * * *

The next thing I know I am in a star field. I looked around confused. “What the hell?”

“Good evening Rainbow Dash.” Luna greeted and from the stars she formed.

“Okay, that’s and impressive entrance.” She nodded to me.

“Thank you Dash. How did it go with your family?” She said with curiosity.

“Good, actually. I can put my big fears to rest.”

“I sense a but in there.” I rubbed my neck nervously.

“I told them about my birth family and.” I sighed. “I never got to say goodbye to my birth family. That morning I was joking with my little sister over the phone then news was talking about the storm so I headed out and ended up here.” I looked down and sniff. “I told her I see her later, well that never happened. No closure for me with them.” Then a felt a hug and looked up to see a sad eyed Luna.

“I know how you feel. The ponies I knew a thousand years ago I didn't get the closure I should. But I did get something. That same something can help you.”

“What?”

“We are in the dream realm. You can make them here a d give yourself some closure. With my help you just need to think on the location and who you want.” I looked at her questionly.

“Really?” She nodded.

“The Dream Realm is my domain. I can control it how I wish it to be. Or allow others to control it. Do make what you need to bring closure.” I nodded and closed my eyes and imagined the perfect place for closure. After a bit I opened my eyes to see my creation. It was a baseball field with corn fields on two sides, a driveway and a farm house on the other side. Luna looked confused.

“Is this what you wanted?” She asked.

“Oh yes, it’s perfect. She could even hear the theme of the field.

Soon they were hearing rustling from the corn and soon her dad, mom, sister, and my niece and nephew. I approached them.

“Hey guys, its me…..Ryan. I know I look very different. Hell I look ridiculous. But this is you I am now. Been living like this for twenty years. I have a family, one that you would her along easy I think. They love me and I them. I can't return to you but you are all on my heart. I love you.” They nodded, smiled and walked into the corn and faded away. I rubbed the tears in my eyes away as I close that part of my life forever. I felt a wing on my shoulder and I look over to see Luna. I gave her a small smile. “Thank you Luna.”

“You are most welcome. Now what is this place?”

“You will love the name of this place. It’s called the Field of Dreams and was made to allow a father and son to reconcile.”

“Why would this place be needed for that?”

“Because the father was years dead at the time.” Luna's eyes went wide.

“That sounds like quite a story.” I smirked and put a hoof around her.

“Luna, let me tell you a story about a farmer named ray that heard a voice say. ‘If you build it, he will come.’”

Crazy Ponies and Doctors

Author's Note

Merry Christmas you filthy animals. And a Happy New Year.

Points tommy gun at mob of torches and pitchforks

Crazy Ponies and Doctors

I looked over Ponyville surveying what I needed to do today. Saw a few clouds. Should get in done in minutes. Good, my first psychiatry session was today. The pony finally arrived. So want to get that over with. As I was hovering I hear Applejack call out my name. I went down. “Hey AJ, what’s up?”

“I plan to raise a new barn but there is a old one on its spot and I was hoping ya help me take it down.” I thought for a bit. I had a couple hours before my appointment. Then I nodded.

“Sure. Just give me a few minutes.” She nodded and gave me directions. I soon got to work taking care of the clouds. Then headed for the location AJ mentioned. I came in for landing and saw the barn. It definitely seen better days. Clearly better to replace then repair. After doing some stretches then got to work.

I have to say, it was fun. Tearing the place a part felt real good. I am so imagine myself as Godzilla as I tear into the barn. Then I started flying for rams on the critical supports. As I was swinging around for another strike I felt a tight on my tail causing a yelp from me and my movement just stopped and ended up hanging by my tail. I saw from my upside down view Twilight holding my tail in her magic.

“Twilight! What the hell!? Don't do that.” She seemingly ignores what I just said and says.

“Now Dash I am sure you and Applejack have your differences, but taking out her barn is no way to resolve them.” I stare at her……and stare…..wut?

“Twilight, what the hell are you talking about? She asked me to do it.”

“Huh?” Twilight was quite confused. And then AJ popped up behind a bush. Where did she get the hard hat?

“Yup, this old barn needs to go so I can build its replacement. Go ahead and finish her off.” I saluted her and took to the air. Far above the barn I mentally said. ‘TACTICAL NUKE INCOMING.’ And dove on the barn. I plowed in and felt the explosion. Banking away a saw a rainbow colored mushroom cloud. I hoof pumped and said.

“Awesome!” looking around it seemed Twilight took off. Odd she didn’t say goodbye.

“Thanks a lot Dash. Care for a drink?” I checked the sky and frowned.

“Sorry AJ, I have an appointment to go to. Catch ya at the picnic.” She nodded and I took off. I went through a couple of clouds in the Everfree to clean off the sweat. Then headed to Ponyville General. When I landed I was nice and dry and headed in. The receptionist greeted me and directed me to the offices the psychiatrist took over. There I met the secretary. She greeted me Then pressed the intercom saying I had arrived. A male voice told her to let me in. So I was dealing with a stallion, likely unicorn since he is from Canterlot. I opened the door and walked in and gaped at what I saw. They guy then greeted me.

“Hello Miss Dash, I am Dr. Wolf.” I was staring at a bipedal white furred wolf.

“Okay, was not expecting a wolf.”

“Better reaction then I usually get. But then you aren’t usual Miss Dash.” I shrugged and closed the door.

“So, what do you know about me?”

“Princess Celestia briefed me on everything.” I snorted.

“So not much.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, when she tried her tribunal on me she didn’t tell Cadance a lick about me. So I frankly don’t trust her informing anyone.”

“Understandable and disappointing in her for that. Well I know you were original another species..hooman and a male. Got transported here and changed by unknown magic and have been living as Rainbow Danger Dash for the past twenty years.”

“It’s human.” I sighed and walked over to the window. “How can you help me? I have been taken from my home, my loving family by some force and unable to go back. How can anyone help me with that?”

“Not easily. Tell me about your pony family?” I smirked as I looked out the window.

“I love them. They may not have given birth to me but they claimed me. My birth family taught while blood is important the claiming is more important. I love them as much as my birth family. That is why I was so determined for my origin not to be found out. I didn’t want to lose them.” I look over at him. “Tell me, are you looked down because you are not a pony?”

“In Canterlot, anyone not a unicorn is looked down on.”

“Then you get it. Fear of being an outcast. I feared my friends and family rejecting me. And that is the most painful thing in my mind. I love them all dearly and that is why I fought so hard to keep it that way.”

“Celestia mentioned a pension for violence.” I started pacing around the room.

“Where I come from is not as peaceful as Equestria. We have to fight to keep peace. So I fight to preserve the peace this country has.” I heard him write down stuff on a note pad.

“How violent?”

“We made a bomb that blow up a city.” I look over to see his eyes wide. “Yeah, that’s the world I come from. Sad thing was it saved lives. A standard invasion would have cost more lives. That is why I fight. So this world does need to go that far.” I pass the window. “This world is so peaceful its hard for you to react when I threat shows up.”

“So you see yourself as a guardian?” I thought for a bit and nodded.

“Yes, yes I do. This world is worth defending. Worlds needs beings like me so every body else can live a normal life.”

“But no normal life for you?” I looked at him with are you kidding look.

“Are you kidding. My chance of a normal life was slim to begin with and that went out the door when I became the Bearer for the Element of Loyalty. This is my life now and I have to deal with it.” I heard Dr. Wolf write down some stuff. “Who would have thought me of all beings be chosen for that. Could have been anyone but I was chosen. A transformed human. What are the odds?” I sighed and scratch my mane thinking about.

“That bothers you doesn’t it?” I look at him.

“A bit yeah. What of I hadn’t been brought here? Would Twilight succeed against Nightmare Moon or Discord.”

“I can see the concern on that thinking.” I nodded in reply.

“That so much has relied on sheer luck is concerning.” I look at the time and frowned. I need to get going soon for the picnic.

“You expecting something?”

“Me in the girls have a picnic today.”

“Well go have fun we will meet again next week.” I nodded and headed for the door and soon was outside. Took to the air and soon found the girls and dived down.

“Hey girls.” They return my greeting and I notice Twilight was missing. “Twilight not here yet?”

“Nope.” That was concerning, unless in the mists of a scientific break through she is very punctual.

“Not yet.” Flutters said. I nodded, okay that made sense. I saw Rarity rifling threw her basket, Applejack was resting under a tree, Flutters is right next to me and Pinkie just arrived and reveal her basket that had just balloons which made it float away. Why did she even bother with that? Then Rarity started panicking. She had forgotten the plates. She suddenly declared.

“This is the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING.” Then out of nowhere she drags out a couch and faints on it. I deadpan look at her and I guess I wasn’t the only one. “What?”

“You forgot the plates but brought that couch?”

“You don’t expect me to lay on the grass?”

“No I expect you to pack a fancy yet comfortable blanket.” That seemed to make her pause and think.

“Oh.” I shook my head, shook my head and took put my shades and sunned myself as we waited for Twilight. Then I heard a plop of a box and looked above to see Twilight. Her mane was a mess and the look on her face reminding me of Pinkie on her birthday so I was concerned.

“Uh, Twi. You okay?”

“No, I am not.” I got up and moved my shades up.

“Okay, what’s the problem?”

“It’s just awful .”

“Yes?” We all asked.

“Just terrible.”

“Yes?” I was getting a tad impatient with her.

“It’s just horrible.” Okay at limit.

“JUST SPIT IT OUT ALREADY!” I yelled.

“I have a friendship report due today but I have not encountered one friendship problem.” Really, Celestia made due dates on these?

“Oh, is that all?” The other girls said which devastated Twilight. I got right next to her and put my right foreleg over her shoulder.

“I have a solution for you Twi. You got a paper and quill ready?” Her horn lit and soon she had said items.

“Okay, here is what you right. Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learn about friendship is that when you have good friends there isn’t always a friendship problem. So enjoy the great times with your friends and know when a problem does arrive my friends will have my back and get me through it. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle. P.S. Dash suggest getting rid of the deadline.” I look to her and she looked at me in shock but it had all written down. I smirked and grabbed the letter and raced to air to prevent her from not sending it. In minutes she saw Spike and dived at him. “Hey Spike!”

“Hey Dash, aren’t you having picnic?”

“Yeah we are but need you to send this to Celestia.” I hoofed over the letter and he did his flame message thing. “Thanks Spike, Twi will appreciate this in time.” I took off again and intercepted Twi as she was racing to try to stop me. I dove again and floated in front of her.

“I'm too late!” She looked so panicked.

“Easy Twilight, this was for your own good. Now come on. Relax at the picnic. You need it.” And I drag her back to the picnic.

* * * *

Celestia walks into her office after dinner with her sister and letting her sister take over ruling their country for the night. She sat at the desk and cast a spell on a crystal ball nearby. Soon an image of a wolf head appeared above the ball. She smiled and greeted him. “Good evening Doctor. How is Ponyville treating you?”

“Nothing too crazy yet.”

“Give it time. So how did your first meeting With Rainbow Dash go?”

“Well some things I can’t say and normally wouldn’t Even reveal what I am going to since you are the patron. First, disappointed in how you deal with her. A tribunal on her with one judge not properly informed.” Celestia held up a hoof that silenced him.

“My sister chastised me enough on that doctor.”

“Did she? You seem slow to learn that lesson. As Sunset and Twilight show.” Celestia frowned there and Wolf caught it.

“Twilight did something didn’t she?” Celestia sighed.

“I got a friendship report from her today. Seems she thought I had set deadlines for reports. I let her know that I had never set that. Friendships can’t be treated like regular assignments. Though I do suspect it was Rainbow Dash who gave me that report. Didn’t have Twilight’s usual reverence.”

“I have warned you about Twilight’s issues and begged you to let me see her. I know you wanted to teach her differently then Sunset but I think you went too far. She didn’t make friends while in Canterlot and became very antisocial. Thankfully she now has friends but her desire to please you overrides her common sense. Something that Dash seems to help in. You need to stop seeing everyone like chess piece. Beings have heir own free will and you have to accept that. Dash isn’t and will never be normal. Her upbringing prevent that from ever happening . But she has reason to stay and help how she can. You may not approve of what she chooses to do bit know she does it for the best interest of Equestria in her mind.”

“I will try doctor. You have a good night.”

“Good might your highness.”

Nightmare Night

I checked out my costume, everything looked good. As to be expected from Rarity's work. Then I checked myself out in a mirror. It at a glance some might think it was an alternate Wonderbolts uniform. I can see that but its that Shadowbolt thing Nightmare Moon created. It was tight against my form, I saw muscle lines. Yet it was still comfy. So awesome Rares. Putting the goggles over my eyes I left my house and flew to Ponyville after a short detour.

With my tool in hooves and observed the ponies below me. Found one and slowly approached from above. Was almost right above them. And then bucked the thunder cloud causing a lightning bolt to shoot out and my target below literally neighed like a horse on earth. That got me laughing hard.

“Damn you Rainbow Dash!” My work was done and I pushed my cloud to the next target.

An hour later I got Twilight who just glared at me. I gave her an impish smile. And she rolled her eyes making me chuckle as I moved on. Soon I spotted Pinkie and the kids near the statue of Nightmare Moon and that ticked something in my head. ‘Wait, if this halloween like holiday is based off of Luna’s alter ego then…oh shit.’ As zecora, who looked nice in her outfit finished the tale and the kids raced to dump their candy when the clouds went ominous and swirling in the sky revealing a full moon. Wind picked up and with a flash a flying chariot appeared. It was long, slim, angular, and dark. Seriously I would not be surprised if there was a bat signal on it somewhere. Heck it was being pulled by two bat ponies with a hooded figure riding. As it got close to the ground the hooded figure leaped from the chariot and landed gracefully on the ground. Then flick of their neck the hood fell back to reveal Luna with a smirk on her face. Then her hood and cape t7rned into a group of bats. Okay that is cool. Then she spoke blasting us all with its volume and force.

“CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! WE HAVE GRACED YOUR TINY VILLAGE WITH OUR PRESENCE! TO SHOW YOU THE REAL PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT! A BEING OF NIGHTMARES NO MORE!” I had a feeling this was not going to end well. Luna was making a major blunder. Well time to save the night.

“Hey Luna!” I yelled and Luna turned and smiled at me.

“FRIEND RAINBOW DASH!” Honestly surprised I wasn’t blown away from that as I landed and put a forehoof around her. She was a bit surprised by it but before she can say anything. I said.

“Some advice Luna. No megaphone.”

“Megaphone?” she asked.

“That thing you just did.”

“The Royal Canterlot Voice?”

“That’s its name? Yeah, likely giving out the wrong vibes with it. You want ponies to like you right?”

“Yes.” Luna sounded confused.

“Then don’t use it unless an emergency. Makes it much more useful and gets ponies attention better.”

“I understand my friend.”

“Good, another thing you be aware of is the nature of this holiday. Did your sister tell you anything about Nightmare Night?”

“No she did not. I found out there was a holiday based on night and since Ponyville is where you are located and here is where I returned from where better to celebrate and show my ponies who I really am.”

“Ah, well here’s the thing. The holiday is based on Nightmare Moon not you as Luna.”

“What!?”

“Yeah, why? You have to ask your sister. But it is similar to a holiday back home called Halloween. Based off of a Pagan holiday called All Hallows Eve. Its all about scary things and fun.” I pointed to some of the costumes. “See what the ponies are wearing. Not all are scary. For this night a pony can be a wonderbolt, a wizard, a knight, a princess, or a shadowbolt.” I puff out my chest to show my outfit. Luna glances over it and I see a glint of approval.

“That is a well done outfit.”

“Rarity made it for me. Now this holiday ponies liked to be scared on purpose.”

“What for?”

“Ponies can have fun being scared. Not all the time of course but a night like tonight where they feel safe they can get scared but have fun.” I directed to her to a warehouse that was made up like an old haunted house. I pointed in its direction. “Watch the ponies going in and out.” Luna did so and saw ponies in weird outfits chatting happily. Then they enter the Haunted House. She soon her screams of fright but after a few minutes the same group of ponies left the Haunted House and were laughing and dissing each other. I watch Luna observe it all. As more entered I watched Luna watch in awe. The mare was speechless. “there is also the game area.”

“Games?” she asked looking away from the ponies and at me. I gave her a grin and directed her away from the house to the fair area. There was various halloween themed games set up and yes I said halloween, its how I mentally call it so shut it. I helped out Luna to a few games. It was a tad rough but she got into it and more importantly the ponies started to warm up to Luna.

After a few rough we grabbed some snacks and sat at a table to eat. There I found Rarity with an Morticia style dress. We greeted each other as we ate. She has been at the more refined parties for the holiday.

“So Dash, I thought you were planning to prank ponies tonight?” Rarity asked.

“I was,” I answered. “But Luna here needed my help so I am doing this instead.” I could see the wheels turning in Rarity’s head. Despite our interests being polar opposites I admired her ability to figure things out.

“I see, so your plans for the rest of the night?” I tapped my chin in thought. Then possible idea. Looking at Luna I ask.

“Luna, is that Nightmare Moon form something you can do at will?”

“Yes I can, in fact my sister uses an altered form all the time.” I swear the light bulb above my head.

“You mean those paints of her with a pink mane are correct!?” Luna nodded.

“Indeed, you are correct Dash. That was her original mane color. In fact that form you saw me in when you used the Elements on me is my true form.”

“Then you and Princess Celestia take these lovely forms for what reason? Minus beauty of course.” Rarity asked.

“Safety. My sister and I are -for all intents and purposes- avatars of the sun and moon. They have much magical energy in them. Too much for a pony to handle. As such we have to channel the magic to different places in our body depending on how much we want to draw. Size increase is the usual, but in our time my sister and I found that channeling it in our manes and tails worked too. Hence the reason my mane is like this.” She pointed to her starry mane.

“Interesting, but getting back on point. Since you can to that I have an idea.” Both mares look at me as I explain my plan.

An hour later me and Luna were by the Nightmare Moon statue.

“Are you sure about this Dash?” Luna asked again.

“Yes this will be awesome. Now get into that sexy Nightmare form.” Luna blinked at my comment.

“You think that form is sexy?” Luna asked.

“Yeah, sure your sister has that big curvy thing going but you had that sleek predatory look.” I adjusted a cloud. “Maybe because I used to be a human male and not sure how I feel about my sexually but I liked that form.” There was silence for a minute I looked over to Luna and she was covered in her mane. Was there a blush on her muzzle? I couldn’t say it was covered so fast. After a minute of a starry cloud below me Nightmare Moon was now below me. She looked up at me and I saw those slitted eyes again but not with anger and hate bit with curiosity and some fear. I smiled at her. “Looking good now get into position. If I know Zecora the foals should be here soon.” She nodded and with a spell she made the Nightmare statue disappear and took its place. Soon Zecora arrived with the kids and Pinkie. After Zecora told a scary Nightmare Moon tale me and Luna acted and I bucked the cloud to provide some lightning and thunder. I heard the screaming and then running. I flew down as all I saw a pile of candy and a fleeing dustcloud. Luna resumed her prefered form.

“That was actually fun!” Luna said. “Though what do we do with these?” she pointed to the pile of candy.

“Some we return to the foals, some we keep for ourselves but the bulk go to the foals too sick to celebrate the night.” I look over to Zecora. “Great story telling Ze, told ya you be great at it.” She nodded.

“Thank you for the suggestion my friend.” I gave her a smile and after delivering the candy to the sick foals I called it a night.

Wedding Dasher

Its been an calm semi odd couple months since Luna’s first Nightmare Night. Celebrated Heath's Warming at Canterlot Castle with my friends, family, and the princesses. We perform the tale that started Equestria. It was fun.

After spring came I saw the young filly named Scootaloo who was good with a scooter. That darn Equestrian naming conventions! I complimented her skills with said scooter. Somehow she ended up with me AJ, Rarity, and their little sisters on a camping trip. They started without me because of my weather duties. But I met them at the first campsite. The night went well, I told spooky stories. A couple nights later the young filly ask me to be her honorary older sister. I was touched by that and since Dawn can’t always visit so why not. Thus why I am on the ground near my house as I looked at Scootaloo. “Okay Scoots, show me what you can do flying wise.” She nodded and started buzzing her wings. At best she was getting an inch of the ground. After a minute she stopped and was panting. I was confused. She was as bad as me when I first arrived and that was because I was a human she has pegsi relatives. Hell she lives with her aunts and one of them is a pegsus for God’s sake so how is Scootaloo this bad!? “Okay, here's your issues Scootaloo. You are not using your pegasus magic and your wing beats are all wrong.”

“Magic? But I am not a unicorn.” I had to face hoof at that.

“You are a pony. You HAVE magic.”

“But Miss Cheerilee says only unicorns have magic.”

“She is very wrong. Magic 101 Scoots, every pony has magic. Unicorns are obvious with their horns. But we pegasi have it focused in our wings and hooves. And earth ponies their whole body is covered in magic. Its how they are able to have several harvests in one year rather then just one.” I put one of my wings before Scootaloo. “Nice right?” Scoots nodded. “Well without magic these can never lift me.” Her eyes went wide. “Now it seems your magic hasn’t been used right so we will start there.” Scoots nodded and paid close attention.

* * * * * *

That was the first of several lesson I gave the filly. Was going to have a meeting with Cheerilee but had to cancel it since Luna wanted me to do the sonic rainboom for Cadance’s wedding. She was marrying Twi’s older brother, Shinning Armor. I really had to suppress the eye roll on that one. Pony names, jeeze. I look out the window on the train to see Canterlot. Something was wrong, there was a shield over it. What was going on? As we passed through the shield I shivered. That was not a pleasant feeling. Soon the train arrived and we all got off. And while Twi went to confront her brother since he didn’t tell her he was getting hitched. Kinda a dick move on his part. We were being escorted to our assigned areas. I was given the local Wonderbolt training area. It was nice and I began to work out. Prepping myself for my act. Lunch time I met with the girls and Twi was ranting about how Cadance was a terrible bride. Odd for the Princess of Love in my mind. Twilight then asked me how Cadance was. I shrugged my shoulders.

“Sorry Twi, I haven’t seen her all day. Been busy practicing.” She was not thrilled to hear that. She soon left the meal and I quickly finished mine. After saying goodbye to the others I went through the castle to find Cadance. Took a bit but soon found her finishing up talking to some pony. “Hey Candy! How are you doing?” To my surprise she looks at me with a glare.

“That is Mi Amore Cadenza and should have the title Princess before it peasant.”

“Hold it right there! CADANCE!” I put a hoof to her chest. “First off you KNOW how I respond to that kind of thing so what ever has you on edge stop it. This is your wedding. The best day of your life and as I far as I have seen every in regard to this is running great so no reason to be a bridezilla.” I glared at her. She looked at me like she wanted to kill me then huffed and stomped away. I snorted in respond. What crawled up her ass? I did some stunts to blow off speed. After a little clean up was rehearsal and it seemed we were now the bridesmaids. I showed up and notice Twilight was missing. They started the rehearsal before I could ask where she was and that got me annoyed but we barely started when Twilight barged in.

“My brother cannot marry her! SHE IS EVIL!” Twilight stated pointing a hoof at Cadance. “She has been rude to my friends, did something with her original bridesmaid, and been casting spells on my brother making his eyes go crazy.” She tried to mimic the look. Then seemingly glared at Cadance, couldn’t tell from my angle. Cadance looked around quickly before she started crying.

“Why are you being so mean to me!?” she ran out as Twilight claimed she was evil. Looking proud she was turning to head back into the room when she ran into her brother who was standing their scowling.

“The reason my eyes went all crazy looking is because I am trying to maintain my protection spell. She isn’t casting a spell on me, she is using her magic to heal me. And the reason she replaced her bridesmaids is because they only took the role to be close to royalty. And if she is being rude to your friends then its because with me doing my spell she has had to take over all the planning for the wedding.” He started pacing and as Twilight tried to interject but he continued. “She is stressed out because she is trying to make the day perfect. Something YOU don’t care about.” He rubbed his head as I was starting to get ticked. “Now I have to go and comfort my wife. And you can forget being my best mare.” My eyes went wide at that

“In fact, might best of you don’t show up at all.” I saw red and charged as he tried to leave and uppercut him. When he was on the ground I flew over and stood above him.

“You BASTARD! You are so fucking wrong about your sister. The reason she is making such a fuss is because she cares about you. Lord knows why after you treated her like that. And let’s consider this situation.” I started to pace to vent energy I had building. “We have a threat to Canterlot. You are maintaining a shield around this city and you are complaining about stress of doing that and the wedding. You know, there is a solution to that. POSTPONE THE FUCKING WEDDING! Your fiancé is a princess so you can have it anytime. So we can wait till after we deal with the threat. Now as for Cadance being evil, Twilight has been onto something.” I look in her direction. She had a confused look. “Have you known Cadance long?” I asked her.

“Yes she was my foalsitter for years.” I smirk.

“Foalsitter for years. Huh, how interesting. And how long ago did you see Cadance cast her spell?”

“Half an hours tops.”

“So of it was a healing spell it should have kicked in by now yet we see Stupid Armor here repeatedly holding his head.” I saw several of them blink there eyes as they processed that. “I think it’s time to end this. GUARDS!” in seconds two bat pony guards came in. “Go to Princess Luna and have her come here and have her guard bring Princess Cadance here UNDERSTOOD?” They saluted and left.

“Why Princess Luna when Princess Celestia is right here?” Twilight asked.

“Because its night time and that is Luna’s time to rule and I trust her more then Celestia.” I glanced at said mare. “Unless that is a lie oh mighty queen?” She frowned at my dig but then stated.

“Rainbow Dash is correct. Protocol dictates that my sister be notified.” Soon Luna arrived as I kept myself between Shining Armor and Twi. She was brought up to speed then Cadance entered with an escort of lunar guards. She did not look happy.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“Well Candy, when was the first time we met?” She glared at me.

“It’s Mi Amore Cadenza. I told you that already and we met earlier today.” I smiled a sinister smile. And with a dash I pin her to the wall.

“Where is the REAL Cadance?”

“I am Cadenza you peasant!”

“No you are not.” Celestia said sternly. “First, my niece would never call one of our ponies a peasant. Two, she met Rainbow Dash just after Discord’s escape. So. WHO. ARE. YOU?” Damn, I felt the heat from that mare. The imposter huffed.

“Fine, the show starts early.” I see a flash of green and I get involuntary air time and felt extreme pain on my back and I blacked out.

* * * * * * *

The next thing I know I was on something comfy and my back ached bad. I groaned as I shifted in the bed. I heard some movement. “Easy there, your back is still healing.” I opened my eyes to see a unicorn nurse.

“What happened?” I asked her.

“You were blasted into a wall back first. It was bad but our healing magic is working bit you will be bed bound for a few days.”

“Damn.”

“I will let the princesses know you are awake.” She left and I tried to get comfortable. And in minutes all three princesses walked in.

“Hey Candy.” Cadance smiled.

“You know, I am starting to like that nickname you gave me.” She got close and nuzzled me. “Thanks for standing up for my sister.”

“Anytime, but sorry if I can’t preform for the wedding.”

“Nonsense, I have postponed the wedding.” Seeing my confused look she explained.

“The imposter was the queen of the changelings and launched an invasion and she threw you into the wall. We ultimately drive them off but the city has been damaged. So I have postponed the wedding. Besides Shining needs a time out after I heard what he said and did. Mind control or not you do NOT to that to your sister. So rest up. You ARE going to do your sonic rainboom and be my maid of honor.”

“You win.” She gave me and impish smirk before stepping back. Celestia stepped up.

“Thank you for your efforts Rainbow Dash.”

“I think this proves my point.” Celestia frowned.

“Perhaps, or perhaps it was just luck.”

“Whatever.” She huffed and left as Luna gave her thanks before leaving. I soon fell asleep bit the next day Shining showed up.

“Sorry for all that happened Rainbow Dash.”

“I’m not the one you need to apologize to.” I said coldly.

“I already have. She has forgoven me and Cadance is being cold.”

“She has a point to, she wants you to think. And the wedding is postponed, not canceled.”

“Thank Celestia for that.”

“Nah, thank Candy.” He snorted and rolled his eyes.

“That nickname.”

“What!? She looks like candy. And soon you are to taste that candy.” He blushed and I laughed as he headed out.

Weeks later we did have the wedding and I was happy to be Candy’s best mare but thank god I did not get the bouquet. I would not be ready for that.

Lightning Bolt

Born for Loyalty

By Admiral Q

Ryan Danver was in his element. The wind plaster rain on his windshield and the thunder booming nearby. AH, this was the life. He was a stormchaser. He made a good portion of his money recording the seasonal tornadoes that appeared in the middle of the country for various science labs. That was the money reason anyway. Ryan LOVED seeing the wildness of nature, the sheer force of it. And today nature was giving him one heck of a tornado, easily going to be a F5 level. This one also was littered with lighting strikes to.

“Gonna get some wicked pictures from this one.” He said to himself as he closed in on the tornado.

Minutes later he was guessing at where the tornado would go and he wasn't liking it. It looked like it was going to swing to the road and he'll have to back off. Other people fleeing the area seemed to have also guessed this and were already turning. Sadly people were paying too much attention to the tornado then each other as he saw a crash in front of him. One car was okay, he saw it separate and flee, but the other was clearly totaled. He saw a mother and a couple of kids inside the wrecked vehicle. With a glance at the tornado he knew it was going to hit the car, so he raced over, got out and managed to get to the wrecked car and opened the door.

“Lady, the tornado is heading right here. Get you and your children inside my car.” he manage to yell over the thunder. She grabbed one of her kids and took the other by the hand and raced to his car. He did a check to see if there was another kid, but didn't see anything. He started for his car when there was a flash of multicolored light. He felt a burning sensation, before feeling nothing more.

* * * * * *

Ryan didn't feel so good, he was all tingly and his body felt wrong. The concrete, at least he thought it was concrete, felt so soft and fluffy. With a groan, which did not sound right, he manage to open his eyes. What he saw caused him to pass out (not faint, there is a difference. Don't ask me what it is, just that there is a difference). The last thought through his head was.

'Did I just see a crayon colored horse?'

* * * * * *

When Ryan woke again he found himself in a strange room. It was a bright white and was painted to look like it was made of clouds.

'Odd for a hospital.' He thought. He observed his room. He did spot some medical equipment but he mainly saw more of the cloud motif. That and it was so brightly colored, sure it was white but never seen white this bright before, except on clouds or old kids cartoon shows. But what got his attention was the feeling of hair moving on his neck when he looked around. His hair was not THAT long. He reached behind him to grab it but he couldn't feel his finger for some reason. Besides that he managed to get the hair in view and that was when he was shocked. Instead of the brown hair he expected, instead he saw......a rainbow? He also saw a cyan colored hoof where his hand should be. He tried to wave his hand around but the hoof mimicked it exactly. Ryan started to hyperventilate. He started looking himself over. His entire body was lying on what looked like a bed made of clouds. But that wasn't his biggest worry right now. His body was covered in cyan fur, his TAIL was rainbow colored like his hair. He had to check one critical area. So he did.

His scream was reported to have been heard through half the city.

'He was a horse. A FREAKING cyan colored FEMALE horse with rainbow hair... that would be mane now wouldn't it? Screw that he was a female horse! The door burst open and another crayon colored horse came in.

“Well you're awake. Please calm down, you are safe.” Ryan heard it but wasn't paying attention. He just looked at his hooves where his hands should be. “Now honey what's wrong with your hooves?” Ryan felt something touch his shoulder. He looked up to see the horse right in front of him trying to do a smile to comfort him but all he saw was a horse head only a foot away. He scrambled away till he hit the wall.

“Now dear it's okay, nopony is going to hurt you.” Ryan was having none of that. For all he knew THEY did this to him. He batted her away. She frowned and tried other means to calm him down. Eventually she sedated him and he fell back into blackness.

* * * * * *

When Ryan awoke again he could tell it was later with the sunlight going orange, and now he would like to think he was calmer. He was likely struck by lighting during the storm. He should have been either in a hospital back home or dead. Instead he was here as a cyan colored horse with a rainbow mane...and female. How did he get here? How will he get home? Why was he a weird colored horse? He needed answers. Judging from size it seems fate pulled another one on him. If the horse that came in earlier was an adult here it meant he was in a kids body. Great, he was a little girl. He got up and started walking around on the bed trying to get use to this body. He was going to have it till he found a way home. He couldn't even tell these creatures the truth either. Would you believe a kid that claimed to be a horse from another world? I think not. He'd have to figure this out on his own. He tripped and fell a couple of times but he soon got a rhythm going. He noticed a clipboard with a paper next to the bed. Walking up to it he began to read aloud, might as well get use to the voice.

“Patient 11-20, Tribe: Pegasus.” Ryan looked behind him and noticed the wings on his sides. He tried moving them around a bit but all he got was some twitching. 'Have to figure those out later.' He looked back at the board. “Gender: female, Age: unknown, estimate five years old. Just great, I lost 20 years. Condition: good. Hhhhmmmm, not much there.” He started walking back to the middle when the door opened again. He saw a cart with a tray and a drink of water followed by the horse from before.

“You're awake again I see, calmer now sweetie?” She asked. Ryan frowned and replied.

“Don't call me sweetie.”

“Okay, I won't. I brought some diner since you haven't eaten since you got here.” Ryan's stomach growled and he looked at her sheepishly. “I thought as much.” She used her hoof, wait..... her hoof!? Yup, that was a hoof she used to lift the cover off.

'How did she do that?' She then put the tray on her wing and used the wing to bring it to Ryan. He eyed the food. It was a simple sandwich and carrots. He put a fore hoof on top of the sandwich and tried grabbing it. Didn't work, he tried a couple more times before he manage to grab it. He was about to bite before it fell off the hoof. He couldn't help it, it was all too much. Tears started forming.

“It's okay dear, you probably still recovering from the shock of that lightning bolt.” That got his attention.

“Can you tell me what happened?”

“Well there was a strange rainbow colored lightning bolt that struck main street, but it should have be too far away from the weather factory to have formed there. Anyway you were found where it struck and were raced here. You had the typical response to a lighting strike and are otherwise fine. However you had no ID on you so we don't know your name or who your parents are. Could you tell us who your parents are?” Ryan couldn't answer that, it would give more away that he was not one of them. But the lightning bolt story disturbed him. If it was odd for them then maybe they would have no clue to get him home either.

“I can't.” he said.

“I'm sorry dear. Well can you tell us what you do remember?”

“I remember a storm. A family was in trouble. Then there was a flash of light and then I woke up here.” He kept as truthful as he could for it.

“Thank you dear.”

'Okay that's getting annoying.'

After she left with the tray Ryan decided to look out the window just to see where he was. It was quite a sight. He saw the sun setting, at least that's what it looked like. It's dipping below the horizon but that horizon wasn't ground as he expected. No it was clouds. This is exactly what he saw on planes when he traveled. It's one of the things that got him into the storm chasing, was the views such as these, but this was from no plane. This was from a city. These horses have built a city in the clouds, literally. The building he was in was not stylized after a cloud, it WAS one. They also seemed very Greek based to. He had to admit it, this city was FREAKING awesome!

* * * * * *

The next few days Ryan saw several of what he now knew as ponies. Many to his surprise were unicorns. What kind of world is this!? Anyway these unicorns did a bunch of magic voodoo, but the frowns they had wasn't good in Ryan's eyes. Since these unicorns seemed to be magic wielders and they couldn't figure out just how the lightning bolt had appeared here. If they can't figure that out then how can he get home? Could he be stuck like this for the rest of his life?

Then there was nothing to do in the hospital, he could only stare out the window for so long.

“UUGGHH! I'm so bored!” He said and he pushed his body with just his rear legs. That's when the regular nurse showed up with a new pegasus female.

“Good morning Rainbow.” Yes he forgot, since he couldn't tell them her name they gave her one. And of course they called him Rainbow after his freaking mane. He also what they called themselves. Heck his usual nurse was called Healing Wings. Seriously they name themselves that? I wonder if a pony was ever named wrong, like naming a pony Melody Harp who couldn't sing or play the harp?

“Morning.” Late morning thankfully, Ryan was never much of an early bird.

“Well I have some good news and bad news Rainbow. The good news is that you can leave the hospital now. The bad news is we haven't found your parents so you have to go into an orphanage now. My sister Tender Wings runs a nearby orphanage and will be taking care of you.” The other pegasus, green fur and pink mane, seriously? Tender Wings walked up to Ryan.

“Hello Rainbow, nice to meet you. You certainly are a cute little filly.” Ryan made a gag face to that. Tender just chuckled at that.

“Let's just go Tender Wings.” Ryan said and hopped off the bed. His wings instinctively opened and he glided to the floor.

'That was kind of cool.' Ryan followed them out of the room and Healing Wings escorted them to the door. She waved goodbye to them and Ryan got his first real look at the city.

Cloudsdale was set up in layers. He saw a store front 50 feet in the air from his position. He saw pegasi flying in every direction. Some were going to various stores, shops, and likely houses. Ryan had to admit, it was beautiful. And of course all in the Greek style with columns EVERYWHERE. He also saw a stadium in the distance and a massive structure that had rainbows and thunder clouds around it. Was that an amusement park of some kind?

After a few minutes, they arrived at a three story building with the sign 'Twilight Ray's Orphanage' above the door. They entered the building and Tender Wings lead them up a grand staircase that covered all three floors, it was a prominent feature of the main room as well as a large desk in front of it. They got up to the third floor and walked down the hallway to a room at the very end.

“This is your room Rainbow.” Tender said as she opened the door. Ryan looked in and saw a cloud bed, a dresser, and a desk with a small cloud for a chair. There was also a closet for, he guessed cloths but considering he saw nearly every one of these ponies naked, he didn't think they would have much need for it. Heck it took him a couple of days to get use to the idea. “The bathroom on this floor is in the center as it is for the other floors.” Ryan thanked God that he had a private bathroom at the hospital. It would be embarassing to have an accident here. “The kitchen is on the main floor should you wish something to eat. Breakfast is at eight in the morning, lunch is at noon and dinner at five. School classes are from ten to two.” She then showed him the kitchen and the main dinning hall. The main floor also had a sizable indoor play area while the second floor had the class room. Behind the building was a small play area. Ryan assumed that space was at a premium in a cloud city. That reminded him, if this city's mayor was Lando Clarrissian he was going to laugh so hard. After the tour, which he met a few of the orphans who greeted him warmly, he was led back to his room. “Now Rainbow dinner will be in an hour. If you want you can have it with the others or I can bring something up if you still need time to adjust.”

“Nah, I'll go down and get something then and bring it back up.”

“Okay, I know this can be hard, but you can talk to any of the carers here, and Guiding Ray's job is to help you deal with loss.” Ryan said nothing as he hopped on the bed. Tender closed the door behind her as Ryan stared out the window.

* * * * * *

It had been a couple weeks since Ryan had been moved to the orphanage. He was polite to the kids here. They had a rough lot like he did but he didn't get close to them. School was a breeze for the most part. History was the area he really paid attention to. It was fascinating. These ponies practically had to deal with racism much earlier then humans did. Sure there was likely some racists still around but they have no real power. Equestria, as this country was called, seemed like a nice place. Since he breezed through the other classes so well, and rather not sit there and be board, he was free to do what he wanted. He used this free time to head to the library that he was shown days after he arrived at the orphanage. There he looked for any book that could have the means of getting him home. However any that could have a chance needed a unicorn's magic. That was it then. His life as a human was over. He couldn't trust these ponies with the truth, they wouldn't believe him if he tried. Not with a body of a kid. He was very tempted to throw the book he had in his hoof, but denied the temptation.

Back in his room he pounded the bed and couldn't help the sobs that followed. He will never see his family or his world again. He was stuck here in a world where he had no friends or family, in a body of a female pegasus with a rainbow colored hair. No one will ever call him Ryan again. He will live and die as Rainbow.

Author's Note

Was in my head. had to at least get a chapter out.

Life in Cloudsdale part 2: Fly Like Rainbows

Dash was excited. It was technically the end of the school year since they didn't have to go to the school building but school was taking us elsewhere. FLIGHT CAMP. She guessed that it made sense actually, a race of flying ponies would dedicate a couple weeks. Dash was looking forward to it. She leaned to the right a bit and elbowed the pegasus next to her.

“Hey Flutters, I bet you're excited about flight camp?” Flutters hunched up a bit and replied in her quiet voice.

“Um, not really.” Dash was a bit shocked to hear that.

“What! Why not? Flying is among the greatest things you can do.” Very true coming from somepony that was originally from a race that can't fly on it's own.

“Well, I'm not a good flier. I'll probably just be teased.” Dash extended a wing to cover Flutters back.

“Flutters, think of this as the chance to prove them wrong. The only pony who's really holding you back is yourself. If you do get teased that's what I'm for. You are my friend, my BEST friend and I always look out for them.”

“Thanks Dashie, you're a good friend.”

'Yes she gets away with calling me that. It's certainly better than Rainbow.'

“I don't you ever doubt it.” They reach the camp which was a series of cloud platforms and cloud obstacles and cloud buildings and yes I could already hear somepony say. 'We get it, there made out of clouds.' They got to the registration booth when Dash heard a familiar voice.

“Well, well,well. If it isn't Rainbow Crash and Flutterdud.” I sighed and looked at the two colts. They used that nickname for me since they discovered they were at the park where me and mom flew together for the first time.

“What do you want Tweedledee and Tweedledum?” She loved using Earth terms on them, drove them crazy when they had no idea what it meant.

“Why are you two even here. You'll never get anywhere and just a waste of time for the coaches.” Flutters curled in at that and Dash leaned in.

“Ignore them. They aren't important.” Dash made sure they passed the morons and got registered.

* * * * * *

Dash loves the camp, while some of the things they went over she knew by heart already thanks to her mom but the situational awareness training. That was awesome. She had some in her old life, you needed it to be a storm chaser but this was a serious improvement then what she had before.. She could catch EVERYTHING now. Heck when not in class she was flying around seeing what she could pick up. One thing did catch her eye very easily. She saw Tweedledee and Tweedledum next to Fluttershy. Didn't those two ever learn. Admittedly she hasn't seen too much of her friend. Her flying skills put her in the advance area but when she did see Flutters she was always there to cheer her on and encourage her. Hey, she's my friend. I have to stick up for her. And now it looks like I have to again. She dived down and landed.

“How many times do I have to say this. LEAVE HER ALONE!”

“OOOOHHHH what are you gonna do, Rainbow CRASH?” Tweedledee said.

“Why don't you keep making fun of her and find out.” Dash replied.

“You think you're so special. Why do you prove it.”

“Anytime, anywhere.”

* * * * * *

Minutes later they were at one of the race courses. Fluttershy on a cloud holding the flag. The three young pegasi were at the starting line.

“You're going down Rainbow Crash.” Tweedledee teased. Dash just smirked back as replied.

“Yeah, but only in history!!” Flutters waved the flag and they were off. She loved flying and now she was doing it to defend a friend's honor. The best conditions of all. Through the first hope she gained the lead and continued through more and they lost Tweedledum somewhere. She however was focusing on her. She had never gone that fast before. The speed, the wind, the adrenaline, she liked it. She liked it A LOT. She let out a yelp as Tweedledee hit her.

“Cya later Rainbow Crash!” He taunted and dived.

“HEY!” She dived after him going even faster. She blew him away and continued diving. She wanted to see how fast she can go. The wind was ripping her lips from her teeth and she thought she saw a cone form in front of her, but she just focused on going faster. Then just as she reached the final loop near the ground she heard this massive boom. Looking behind her she saw a shockwave colored like a rainbow with her contrail brighter and longer than she's ever saw it. She read of this. The legendary Sonic Rainboom. It sounded awesome but she wondered how an organic being could break the sound barrier. But there it was behind her and SHE MADE IT! She made the impossible happen. She was defiantly going down in history for this.

SO.

FREAKING.

AWESOME!

She barely noticed going through the finish line and then she felt a tingle on her flanks and check on her right side. There on her flank was the mark of a rainbow colored lightning bolt under a white cloud. She got her cutie mark.
'Seriously though I really wish they had a more manly term for it.' But still getting that was awesome. I just completed a rite of passage that these ponies have. And I did it for a friend!

She finally slowed down after nearly over shooting the city itself and she landed back at the starting line and the ponies around her cheered at her win and her cutie mark. She thanked them but she was looking for one pony in particular.

“Hey has anybody seen Fluttershy?” She asked.

“Yeah she fell of the cloud when you passed her.” a filly replied.

“OH SNAP!” She said as she dived off the cloud and started looking for her friend. She did find her in any of the clouds below Cloudsdale so she went further down to the ground. She checked the plains hoping to not see a splatter body. She couldn't lose her first friend. Thankfully she didn't see that or anything on the grassy plains below. Time to check the nearby woods. She spent minutes checking with worry increasing till she saw yellow and pink below. She dived down and landed and saw Fluttershy surrounded by animals.

“Fluttershy! You okay! I just heard that you fell.” She looked over the filly's body to look for any bruises or scratches.

“I'm fine Dash. Admittedly it was scary falling but a flock of butterflies cushioned me.”

“That's good I was so worried when you fell. HEY! You got her cutie mark!” She said as she noticed a trio of pink butterfly wings on her friends flank.

“Yes I did. I can talk with animals.”

'Flutters can talk to animals.' She thought in awe. Aloud she said.

“Flutters, that's AWESOME! A great talent and perfect for you. I can easily see it.” A light bulb went off in her head.

“Hey you got your cutie mark I just got mine.” She moved to the side to show her flank to her friend.

“Oh wow Dash. That's great, how did you get yours?”

“I just did a Sonic Rainboom!” Flutters looked thoughtfully.

“So that's what that explosion was.”

“Well say goodbye to your animal friends, our families will be worried.”

“Oh, okay. Goodbye for now my little friends.” Flutters waved at them and both pegasi took off.

* * * * * * *

Dash dropped off Fluttershy first and her parents were so excited at seeing her cutie mark and congratulated Dash on hers. Waving goodbye she headed for her home. She opened the door and called out.

“Mom, dad, I'm home.”

“Head to the dining room honey diner is almost ready.”

“Great! I'm starving!” She walked into the dining room and saw her dad reading a paper at his place at the table. He moved the paper out of the way and asked.

“So how was camp?”

“Pretty good. Me and Fluttershy got these.” Dash angled her flank to her dad. So he could get a good look. His eyes went wide then looked over to the kitchen.

“Fires! DASH got her cutie mark!” They both heard something drop and Firefly raced out of the kitchen and looked at her daughter. A smile got on her lips and she finally said.

“It's beautiful Dashie, how you get it?”

“I did a Sonic Rainboom.” She said calmly and grinned as her parents jaw dropped for a full minute. Her mom was the first to break the silence. She leaped into the air and cheered.

“THAT'S MY LITTLE DASHIE!”

“So that's what that explosion was while I was at work. Well I guess a cucinera is needed to be planned.
'Seriously, cucienra. Why can't they have any manly titles for things!?'

“Just make sure it isn't on the same day as Flutters. She got hers today as well.” Dash said aloud.

“Well we'll talk with Fluttershy's parents and maybe make it a combined cucinera for you both. Well I better get back to the dinner.” Firefly said as she went back into the kitchen and Blitz went over and hugged Dash.

“I'm very proud of you Dash.”

“Thanks dad.”

They were nearly done with dinner when her mom decided to speak.
“Well you aren't the only one with good news Dashie. How would you like a little brother or sister?” Dash was speechless for a couple seconds.

“You're pregnant?”

“Yes I am. In about nine months you will be having a little sibling.”

“That. is. AWESOME! I'm so happy for you two. This is the best day EVER!” After saying that Dash yawned and felt very tired.

“I'm glad you feel that way Dashie, but maybe you should head for bed. You did do a Sonic Rainboom after all. You just pulled off something not seen in centuries and as a filly.” Dash tried to come up with a retort but another yawn happened.

'Oh screw it.' She followed her parents advice and passed out on her bed. Firefly and Blitz watch her go and a few minutes later Firefly finally commented.

“I'm so glad she isn't upset that we're having a foal.” Blitz put a wing on her.

“She wants family Fires, she lost one family and I think she doesn't want to lose the other. I think she's gonna be a good big sister.'

* * * * * * *

Dash's Log February 4 3798 AD

Summer was fun and the joined party (I refuse to call it the name they gave it) was freaking awesome. Sadly it will be the last summer with Flutters. After discovering her talent her parents look into who could train her. They found an earth pony who wanted to retire as a town vet and Flutters was perfect for it. So when summer ended she moved to the small town called Ponyville to pursue her dream. I miss her. She's my best friend and thankfully we both write to each other but I do miss having her around. I've killed time training by flying skills and studying weather of this world. Use my strengths so to speak. It appears my talent is racing with a side of weather. No problems with that at all.
Oh got to end this, my little sibling is coming!

* * * * * * *

As much as she was looking forward to her new sibling the one thing she hated was hospitals. It's where her old life ended and that's a wound she NEVER wanted to open. She was bouncing a ball of the floor and wall of the waiting room while her dad paced as they both waited for news. Her experience battle with the youth of her body. She just wanted the waiting to be over. She looked over to her dad. As much as she hated hospitals he had to hate them more. He lost their first kid in one. Her parents told her about the still born foal her mom had a couple months ago. She couldn't blame them. She could easily see someone think she was just a replacement for their lost child. Dash didn't think that. They both had wounds that needed healing and she was the bandage to theirs and they were hers. She even visited the grave of her stepsister and put a flower there.

After what seemed like hours the door opened and the doctor came out. Her dad looked up with an unsaid question.

“They are both okay. Your wife is a bit tired but they are both healthy and congratulations, it's a filly.” Dad sighed in relief and I couldn't blame him.

“Can we see them?” Her dad asked.

“Yes but be brief.” They both nodded and went in. She saw her mom with a tired but happy look.

“Come on and see your daughter and sister.” She said. Dash flew above her dad to get a look. Her mom shifted a blanket and Dash got the first look at her sister. She had pink fur like her mom and her hair's highlights match her dad's but the rest of her hair was blond. Where did she get that? Besides that Dash was not ashamed to admit this. Her little sister was freaking cute.

“She's beautiful Fires. She even has your dad's mane color.”

'Oh, that solves that.' Her mom look back at the foal.

“She does doesn't she.”

“So what are you going to name her?” Dash asked.

“Dawn, Dawn Seeker.” Her mom replied. Dash floated close to her sleeping sister.

“Hello Dawn, I'm your sister Dash. And we're gonna have a lot fun together.” Dash said with what was becoming her signature smile.

Author's Note

Thanks to Kaidan for use of the name Dawn Seeker and that character female form to be Dashie's sister.

Ponyville (Unedited)

Dash was racing through the air practicing her moves. She graduated from school a few weeks ago and was now waiting for a reply from she hoped to be a potential job till the Wonderbolts. Hopefully she will also see an old friend again. Dash went into a dive and gained speed. She could feel the wind whipping at her skin and she saw the cone form.

'COME ON! JUST A LITTEL MORE!' She though as she tried to pull off another Sonic Rainboom. She felt as she is just about to do it when she hit the cone and she was paused in the air for that few seconds of cartoon logic. Long enough for her to say sadly.

“No.” Then she was flying the opposite way and before she could recover she hit a cloud and her head poped out the other end but it did stop her tumble.

“You okay Dashie?” Dash shook her head to get rid of the dizziness and smiled at the pony coming towards her.

“Had worse sis, hey give me a hoof.” Her sister helped pull her out of the cloud and they both rested for a second.

“Thought you almost had it there Dashie.”

“So did I. Can't figure out why I can't pull it off again. I must be missing something but don't know what.” Dash frowned as she tried to think of what she could be doing wrong.

“Well everything else is awesome and you will do it in time sis.” That brought a smile back to her lips and she look over to her sister. Dawn was a filly that was about ten. Still blank flanked but that was okay. She had just started flying so she will get in time. She ruffled the blond mane with sky blue highlights of her sister before bring her in for a hug.

“That's because I have an awesome sister to cheer me on.” They stayed like that for a bit. Then Dash notice the position of the sun. She nudged her sister. “Come on, let's head home.” Dawn nodded and Dash let her go first so she could respond if she had trouble. She wasn't letting anything happen to her sister. The sisters flew casually enjoy the air and the company of each other.

They got home and Dash opened the door as her sister came in.

“We're home!” She saw her mom pop out of the kitchen.

“There's my girls.” She came out. “Oh Dashie you have mail.” Dashie was sure she went bug eyed and zipped over to grab the envelope in her mother's wing. She ripped it open and read the letter.

“I got accepted into the Ponyville Weather Team!” Her parents offered their congratulations and hugged her. Her sister on the other hand left crying. Her mom was going to go after her when Dash stopped her. “Let me mom.” Her mom gave a nod and Rainbow went after her sister.

She found Dawn on a cloud that had turned dark from Dawn's emotions. Dash gently landed on the cloud next to Dawn. They sat there for a minute before Dawn looked at Dash. Dash lifted a wing and said calmly.

“Let it out sis, let it all out.” Needing nothing else Dawn went over and hugged Dash as she cried.

“I DON'T WANT YOU TO GO! I WANT YOU HERE! WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GO!?” She wailed into her sister and Dash just aloud it to come out holding her sister with a wing. After a couple more minutes Dash spoke again.

“Because I have to follow my dream. I'll be in a good position in Ponyville and be able to practice. Then when I'm a Wonderbolt I'll be around more. You will have your own dreams Dawn, and you have to follow them. I'll support you in any way I can when you do.” Dash leaned in closer. “No matter where I go or what I do one thing will never change. You are my sister and I love you. When I get setup I'll have you and mom dad over. (So how about this. After dinner we'll spend the rest of the day together. Just you and me, sister and sister bonding. Sound good to you?” Dawn sat up and rubbed her eyes before nodding. “Okay then. Let's go have dinner then we will go out.”

They returned and the parents had relief in their eyes that Dash pulled off a miracle again. The sister's have been so close and they knew Dawn you take it hard. With some reluctance they let the girls go after dinner and Dash took Dawn anywhere the filly fancied and for hours they had fun. It was a tired Dash with a sleeping Dawn on her back that returned home. Their parents noticed that Dawn had a smile so the whole thing was worth it. Dash herself decided to sleep with her sister since it will be the last time for a while.

* * * * * *

Dash left the next morning hugging her family with her saddle bags firmly on her. She was bring only what she needed till she had a house set up. Though she had days before she had to report for work she needed time to either build or find a house to live in but thankfully Flutters was letting her stay at her place. It will be fun to see her best friend again. She loved the feel of wind in her mane. This was the best part of her new life. The freedom of flying on her own power. It was worth the species and gender change. Heck She was Dash now. Not Ryan.

After an hour she caught site of Ponyville. It looked like a quaint little town. Thatched roofs for the most part but she saw a couple of oddities. A fro-fro place that sort of looked like a carousel. Then there was a large treehouse. That looked sorta cool. Then a place that looked like a ginger bread house. She finally saw Flutters house. If matched her perfectly being a quiet secluded tree cave thing that almost looked like it could have been from Lord of the Rings Shire. But to her surprise it was next to the creepy looking forest. She landed beside the door and notice a few critters around and knocked on the door. The door opened a bit and Dash sees a butter colored pony with teal eyes. Those eyes light up.

“DASHIE!” She actually yelled that and hugged Dash. Dash returned it.

“I missed you to Flutters. Thanks for taking me in till I find a place.” They broke the hug and Flutters had such a look of happiness on her face.

“It's no problem for my oldest friend. Please come in and make yourself home.” Dash came inside and noticed the various bird houses and mouse holes. This didn't surprise Dash. Ever since she got her cutie mark Flutters been so into animals. She was almost hippieish at times but Dash loved her anyway. “You can put your stuff under the couch. Sorry I don't have a spare bed so I hope the couch is okay?”

“It's fine Flutters.” She saw Flutters head into what looked like a kitchen before she put her stuff under the couch. She looked around and found the bathroom, upstairs was Flutters bedroom and on the way down she heard Flutters say.

“Dashie can you come into the kitchen please?”

“Sure Flutters. She walked in and stopped with a jaw drop. Their on a small table was a cake with two candles that made the number 18 on top.

“Happy Birthday Dashie.” Dash was not ashame to admit she got teary eyed. Flutter got past the man card shield long ago.

“Thanks a bunch Flutters.” She blew out the candles and both dug into the cake. MMMMMMMM. Great cake Flutters.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Cake made it. They run Sugarcube Corner.”

“That place that looks like a Ginger Bread House?” Flutters nodded. “Gotta remember to thank them.”

Afterwords the two mares spent time catching up from their years apart and Flutters was eager to meet Dawn in pony. Dash then decided to turn in early after a long flight and will be a long day tomorrow either making or finding a place to live.

* * * * * * *

A knocking woke Dash up the next day. She rubbed her eyes and went to the door and opened it to see a mail mare standing there.

“Rainbow Dash?” The mare asked.

“That's me.” The mare pulled out a clip board and an envelope.

“Need you to sign here for the cloudhouse shipment.”

“Cloudhouse?”

“Yup, a class A cloudhouse sent from a,” The mare checks the clipboard. “A Rainbow Blitz and Firefly. Just sign here.” Dash signed it and the mare nodded and left. Rainbow opened the envelope and started reading.

Dear Dashie,

We know you had to leave before we could celebrate your birthday. We saved up a lot of bits and got you this house. Please enjoy and Happy Birthday Dashie!

With love,

Your Parents

Dash held the letter to her chest. Screw you man card her parents just spend A LOT of bits on a class A house. Only cloudmansions are better. She loved her parents so much. She went it and told Flutters and after breakfast and began building her new house.

* * * * * *

After a couple hours she took a break and head over to Sugarcube Corner for lunch. She went in and met the Cakes. They were nice and had great stuff to eat. She enjoyed lunch and she was leaving when she heard a gasp and before she knew it she was grabbed in an aura and flew without her input. The next thing she knew she was standing on a platform then clothes appeared out of nowhere.She looked over and she was in, A FROU-FROU DRESS!

“Yes, yes. You look fabulous. Very stylish.” A white furred unicorn mare said. Her purple mane was very styled. She looked around and saw the inside of a fashion store. She frowned at the mare.

“I don't appreciate being dragged through the street and into this place and having this frou-frou dress put on me. It's not my style.”

“But dear, your sleek athletic frame just screams for sleek dress.”

“It's too frou-frou for me. NO DRESSES.”

“Very well darling but it's such a waste. Well if you changed your mind your always welcome to my store Carousel Boutique. I am Rarity. I sell and design various clothes for any pony.”

“I doubt that I will. The names Rainbow Dash but call me Dash. Well cya around.” She dashed out before Rarity could drag her back in.

* * * * * *

Rainbow was heading for Town Hall for her first day of work. She had nearly completed her house and was now living in it but held off inviting the family till it was fully finished. She got inside and was directed to the weather office. She knocked on the door and heard a come in from a mare's voice. Dash opened the door and she saw an elderly mare behind the desk. She was a pegasus with purple blue fur and a mane that was mainly gray but some purple still left over.

“Rainbow Dash reporting in ma'am.”

“Have a seat miss Dash.” The mare gestured to the seat nearby. “I'm Twilight Skies, Head Weather Pony for Ponyville. Well Miss Dash you come highly recommended to me. I'm retiring soon but I won't till I'm sure Ponyville is in good hooves. Ponyville isn't like any other town in Equestria. Being so close to the Everfree Forrest we have to deal with it's chaotic weather. Sometimes we use it, sometimes we block or destroy it. You think it have what it takes?” Twilight Skies had the challenging look on her face. But Dash easily returned it.

'So there's a place like home here.' She thought before replying.

“I can totally handle that.”

“Well we will see today. Everfree has a storm coming this way and I decided to use it instead of having one in a couple of days. Now Everfree storms are harder to control then ones from Cloudsdale so let's see what you can do.”

Dash wiped sweat off her brow before diving back in to the storm front. Twilight Skies wasn't kidding about the storm being tough. The thing was wild. She had to use all her skill and talent to keep on top of it. Her experience dealing with nature back home gave her the edge she needed as she directed the volunteers to certain spots before they got really bad. Technically She and Twilight Skies were the only weather ponies but towns of this size had a volunteer crew during such stuff as this or bringing in winter. One of the poor volunteers kept getting zapped by lightning but the gray mare with blond mane just rolled with it. I think her name was Derpy. Still the next couple hours they fought with the storm till it finally wore out and faded away for a fabulous sunset for the day.

“Good work kid.” Dash looked in the direction and saw Twilight Skies flying over. “You did real good, better then I did my first time in Ponyville.”

“I just have the knack boss.”

“Don't over boost your ego kid. Now cya tomorrow.” With that Twilight Skies took off and Rainbow headed for home.

* * * * *

Dash finally got her house finished and had her family over. They brought the rest of her stuff to put up later and Dawn and Flutters met in pony for the first time and that went well. Dash's life was good. After breakfast she checked her mail now that she had a permanent location for it just outside of Ponyville itself. She looked through the mail.

“Bill. Bill. Advertisement. Advertisement. Hey what's this?” There was a pink card that said to resident. She opened it and the card inside done up in childish pink said.

You're invited to Pinkie Pie's welcome to Ponyville party at Sugarcube Corner at 5 o'clock in the evening. Treats and games galore!

'Five pm, yeah I can make that after work. Sounds fun.' She tossed the junk and saved the bills for later and headed for work.

After work she landed in front of the bakery and headed in. That place was decked out in streamers, balloons, and everything else one would think for a party. She felt something on her head and a pink pony appeared.

“HI, I'm Pinkie Pie and this is my welcome to Ponyville party, thanks for coming!”

'Wow somepony had too much coffee today. Hay how did she come from above me? She's an earth pony not a pegasus.' Aloud she said.

“I'm Rainbow Dash but you better call me Dash and it sounded like fun so of course I come to check it out.”

“GREAT! Have fun. I have something for everypony!” Then she disappeared. Not walked or ran away, no she just up and disappeared. Bucking magical world.

A couple hours later Dash was taking a break from the games and grabbed a cider bottle. Snapping off the cap she took a swig and boy was that good cider. It tasted of heaven and couldn't help having more.

“Howdy pardner! I see you like mah cider.” Dash looked over to see an orange colored earth pony mare who looked buff. She had straw blond mane and tail. Both with ties on them and green eyes. Her accent matched the brown stetson on her head.

“It's great cider, the best I've had.”

“Well that's goo ta know. You da new weather pony in town ain't ya?”

“Yup, the name's Rainbow Dash but please call me Dash.” Dash held out her free hoof and the orange mare shook it hard.

“Well Dash I'm Applejack. I run Sweet Apple Acres with mah family.”

“Pleasure to meet ya in pony then. I have to say I really enjoy your apples.”

“I don't remember Big Mac ever mention you at the stall.”

“I haven't bought the apples at the stall.” A light went on in Applejack's eyes.

“You're da reason we keep finding bits at the trunk of our trees.”

“I don't steal.” Dash stated firmly.

“Well sugarcube you don't need to leave bits. An apple or two isn't a big deal to us so go ahead and take them without leaving bits.”

“Thanks Applejack.”

The two hanged out for the rest of the party till Applejack had to take her little sister home. Everypony was at the party as well. Even that fancy Rarity was there. In a frou-frou dress of course. Dash eventually left herself and admitted to the enjoyable party.

* * * * *

Dash opened up her logbook again and began writing the next entry.

Dash coming back in. Been in Ponyville for about a year. It's a great place even with the oddity that is Pinkie Pie. My family likes the place but are too set in there ways to move here but that's okay. Mom is now a coach for the racing team though many of her teammates have retired and a couple have even came to visit. Twilight Skies passed the reigns of Ponyville's weather to me a few months ago and it's been an alright job. Everfree keeps me from being completely bored and I have time to practice my moves and nap when stuff has gotten done.

The best thing however is coming up. The Summer Sun Celebration is coming up and Ponyville is hosting the main celebration with the the Princess herself coming. Not to mention the Wonderbolts themselves are coming. This could be my chance to show them that I belong with them.

It's going to be a very busy time the next couple of days. I can't wait.

Stripes and Jokes (unedited)

With that last cloud busted Dash wipes her forehead. She needed that work out after the bad news she got the day before. Chores done for today she decided to check on the town. It was surprisingly empy for this time of day and then she noticed Twilight and Spike walking along so she dived down next to them.

“Hey Twi.”

“Dash, I thought you said be in Cloudsdale for your monthly meet up with your family?”

“I was going to but got a letter from my mom saying Dawn had the feather flu so couldn't go.” She looked around and then leaned next to Twilight.

“Why is it so empty Twi?”

“I don't know either.” Both heard a ppssst and they look around and then saw Pinkie peaking out of Sugarcube Corner.

“Twilight, Dash, hurry.” The pink mare said win a loud whipser, how that works she has no idea. The two of them walk over and just as they reach the door Pinkie pulled them in the darken main room of the cafe. Spike asked about Zombies for some reason and Twilight asked why she was hidding alone in the dark? Turned out their otehr friends were in the cafe to. Twilight expanded ehr question to why all of them were hiding in the dark.

“We were hiding from her.” AJ said pointing her hoof out the window. There Dash saw a cloaked pony digging in the dirt with a hoof before sudden looking at them. It was werid, her eyes seemed to glow yellow. Applebloom asked if they saw somepony named Zecora.

“Applebloom, I told ya never to say her name.” AJ quickly chastized her little sister. Both she and Twilight said the mare glanced their way and Pinkie jumped in.

“Glanced evily this way.”

“Then the bunch of you freaked out for no good reason.” Twilight said and Dash nodded her agreement. Ponyville had it's odd moments but this was a new one.

“No good reason, you call protectiing your kin no good reason.” AJ responded, “Why as soon as I saw her i grabbed Applebloom and brought her here for safetly.” She had a hard time believing AJ's story with Applebloom countering her. Element of Honesty not working today it seems.

“She's mysterious.” Fluttershy commented.

“And spooky.” Pinkie interjected. The group then looks back at the window to observe the cloaked pony when said point pulled back the hood of the cloak to reveal.

'Hey cool she's a zebra.' She thought as most of the others gasp in fright. She rolled her eyes at them.

“Will you cut that out.” Twilight asked. Nice to see somepony else with some sense.

“Just look at those stripes, just garish.” Rarity said.

'Have they NOT heard of a zdbra before?' She thought and Twilight explained what Zecora was. Rarity practically fainted when she heard the stripes were natural. Twilight aksed where she lived and she was curious too.

“That's it, she jsut lives in the Everfree Forrest.” AJ replied followed by a thundering noise which was just Spike being clumsy.

“Really Spike?” She asked and he just sheepily shrugged.

“The Everfree Forrest just ain't natural. The plants grow.” AJ continued.

“The animals care for themselves.” Fluttershy continued.

“All on their own.” They said in unison.

“ALL FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!” She had finally had it. “ AJ, what you and Fluttershy just said. THAT IS NATURAL. What Equestria does is not. Think of it AJ I know you are smart. Not every nation in this world has ponies to grow crops or manage weather so how do they survive? Simple NATURE ALLOWS IT. Equestria uses magic for EVERYTHING, which even includes you AJ. Earth Ponies have the most stuble magic of us all. Your magic allows you to harvest mutliple times a year. Other farmers can only do it once a year unless they planted different crops.” AJ looked confused for a second then scowled a bit.

“It ain't no magic, it's just good hard work with ma strength.” She facehoofed at that.

“AJ, your strength is part of it. I have to work real hard to match you in strength. Earht ponies always have the edge in raw muscle and your ability to make stuff grow. We pegasi have our wings and weather abilities. Note i need magic to fly because these wings are too small to carry me otherwise. Unicorns have their raw magic abilites. Am I right Twilight?”

“Dash is right Applejack, all ponies have enate magical abilites.” AJ looked shocked at this news and Dash decided to take control again.

“I was taught that in Cloudsdale school, Ponyville serious needs a revamp in schools if they don't teach something so basic. Also AJ the Princess use to live in that foresst so are they evil? Now back to the issue at hoof have any of you seen anything that Zecora has said or done to say she's a danger?” The other ponies minus Twilight look at each other and tried to find something. What they said caused her to facehoof and she slightly entertained by Twilight's sarcasm. In the end they had nothing.

“So you just don't like her because she is not a pony.' She shook her head. “I thought ponies were beyond this well I guess I am wrong. I am so dissapointed in all of you and I'm going to give Zecora a proper Ponyville welcome.” AJ and some of the others tried to stop her but she was already out the door.

She walked up to Zecora and introduced herself.

“Hi, my name is Rainbow Dash but I prefer being called Dash.” Zecora looked at her with a curious bu warm smile.

“Thank you pegasus of blue. I am Zecora of Zebrica.”

“Nice name, I like to apologize for the actions of my fellow town ponies. They are being idiots so what are you doing in town today?”

“I came to get ingredients for my brew which cannot be grew.”

'Does she always have to ryhme?' She thought but aloud she said. “You have a list?”

“Indeed it has everything I need.” Zecora hoofed over a piece of paper and she looked over it.

“Seems simple enough.” The nearest item on the list was in a shop down the block. “Have your bits ready.” She walked over to the shop which was closed up of course. She rolled her eyes and knocked on the door. “Hey open up you have a customer!” The door open a bit and the mare in charge of the shop looked shocked to see Dash and Zecora.

“Rainbow Dash why are you with her?” The mare asks.

“Because of how you repsond to her. She has some thigns she like to buy.” She show the items on the list Zecora made and the mare look at it.

“Yeah I have those but..”

“But nothing, get them and Zecora here will pay you.” Dash turned to the street and yelled out loud enough. “This is supposed to be the friendliess town in Equestria and you are horribly failing. I have never been so dissapointed in my life!”

* * * * *

She got Zecora all the stuff she needed and the zebra seemed like a nice mare if a bit annoying with the ryhming. She was more annoyed at Ponyville. She thought they had gotten past this sort of thing centuries ago. Well she guess wrong. Good thing they don't know her true origins. She left Zecora at the enterance to the Everfree Forrest and took to the air to fly to the clouds she left behind. She didn't want to be in Ponyville right now. However she saw her friends rushing towards the forrest. She flew low and asked.

“What are you guys doing now?”

“Applebloom has gone an dissappeared! We think she went after Zecora!” She wasn't happy with her friends right now but Applebloom shouldn't be in Everfree.

“Alright let's go find her.” The group heads in and after a few minutes find Applebloom in front of a bunch of blue flowers with Zecora on the other side. Applejack raced to her sister hugged her with one forehoof.

“Beware, beware ponyfolk. Those leaves of blue are not a joke?” She was trying to understand that one when Applejack yelled out.

“Ya just stay away from us you hear. Ya keep thoses curses and hexes to yerself.” Dash hit Applejack in the back of the head as she landed in the blue flowers that Applejack was standing in. “What was that for?”

“Applejack, shut up. I 'm sick and tired of this already. You guys fear just because she's different. She hasn't done anything to warrant this hatered from you or the town. If anything that sounded like a warning.” She then looked down at the flowers she was in. “And I probably shouldn't have landed here.”

“That was a curse if I've ever heard of one.” Applejack retorted.

“THIS ISN'T A CURSE OR A HEX! THOSE DON'T EXIST!” Rolling her eyes She flew over to Twilight.

“Twilight, considering that Nightmare Moon was supposed to be a myth that is true you shouldn't be so dismissive of hexes or curses.” She then flink Twilight horn.

“Ack!” Twilight yelped and then scowled. The group soon dispersed and she was glad to head home after today.

She could never tell her friends what she once was if they respond this way to a zebra.

* * * * *

Dash yawned as she got up the next morning and strecthed her wings. They felt a little odd, maybe moring stiffness. She goes and has breakfast of eyes and haybacon. Who would have thought they make a non meat version of bacon taste so much like the real thing. After breafast she was ready for anotehr day of Ponyville.

Or so she thought.

When she tried to take to the airs she completely lost control and crashed onto the ground below her house.

“What the hay was that?” She asked aloud and went to her wigns. She wasn't really hurt but that was odd. She preened her wings just yesterday so they should be good for most of the week. What she saw shocked her.

Her wings were on her upside down.

“How did my wing....AAAWWW the darn flowers I landed in. Zecora knew about those thigns somehow. Got to get to Twilight's, she's got to have a cure in the library somewhere.” She galloped to Golden Oaks and knocked on the door. Spike opened the door.

“Hey Dash.” he greeted her.

“Hey Spike, need to see Twilight.” She saw Spike force down a laugh.

“Come on in.” Spike let's her in and then call aloud. “Twilight, Dash is here!” She went in and then saw Twilight and she couldn't help herself.

“BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” She fell onto her back at the sight of Twilight's limp horn, it look so much like a dick that way and she couldn't help it. It took her a few minutes to clam down. “Sorry Twi, but that was just too funny.”

“I warned you it was a curse!” She look towards the voice and saw a tiny Applejack standing on her sister's back. She got close to them andchuckled.

“Hey, Applejack, you're like a toy.” 'Like a my little pony toy....toy' She froze up and she made connections. 'I'm living in a world where those girly toys are REAL!?' She remembered her human sister watching the show in the 80's. This ephinay made her miss the otehr girls coming in only noted that Pinkie's tongue was polka dotted and Rarity was a mess and looking like Cousin It from the Adams family. Flutters looked normal.

“Sugarcube, ya okay?” Dash shook her head.

“Yeah, just a horrible thought. Anyway Flutters you seem normal. Were you affected?” Flutters nodded her head. “So care to tell us?” Flutters shook her head.

“So you're no going to tell us?” Twi asked. Flutters nodded. “So yes you are going to tell us or no you're not?” Before Flutters could answer Aj ran up to her.

“Good gravy girl! What's wrong with you?” Flutters looked away before answering.

“I don't want to talk about it.” Dash stared at her friend for ten seconds as her shy near whipser voice had been replaced by a deep man's voice. She put a hoof to her mouth, went over to the table island and wrote a quick message saying. 'Flutters I'm Sorry.' She hoofs it to Flutters and raced out the library. As so as she was out the door she let it loose.

“BWWWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !” She laugh so hard at that.

It took her about five minutes to calm down enough to reenter the library. She put a hoof around Flutters neck.

“I'm sorry Flutters but that was just too funny.”

“I forgive you Dash.” Flutters replied with the man voice. It took all of her will power not to break out laughing again.

“Well with that taken care of darlings we can move on now, where is Applejack and Applebloom.”

“We didn't sit on her did we?” Flutters asked. The look Twilight had on her face was priceless. But she checked her rear just in case and no smooshed AJ. Pinkie checked Rarity's crazy hair then shook her head no. She rubbed her muzzle in thought.

“Twi, let me guess you don't have a cure for this?” She asked.

“Nope, search all the relvent books and nothing.”

“Then I guess they went to find Zecora, she did warn us of that flower so maybe she knows one. Let's go.” They head out with Rarity tripping along the way on her wacky hair.

* * * * *

They were in the Everfree Forrest when Dash her cursing in a high pich voice. Following she found Applejack on a branch unable to get down.

“How did you end up here AJ?”

“Trying ta stop ma sister from going to Zecora's! But she put me on this here branch and walked away.”

“Well since Twi has no cure Zecora is a good bet but she did not put this on us. I'll let you ride me but i want your lips zipped when we get to Zecora's.....GOT IT?” Aj fumed before agreeing. She extended a hoof and AJ hopped on and settled ontop of her head. The group found a hut carved into a tree. While the girls were heading to a window to peak inside she decided to be more direct. She knocked on the door. The door opens to receal a curious and surprised Zecora.

“Hey Zecora, nice place you got her. I was wondering if you knew a cure for that plant I landed in yesterday?” She shows Zecora her upside down wing.

“Indeed I do my friend in blue, let's see what my brew can do for you.”

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MA SISTER!?” Applejack popped out of her mane and glared at Zecora.

“APPLEJACK APPLE. SHUT UP!” She stated while trying to look at the little pony before looking back at Zecora. “Have you seen her sister by chance? She's a yellow filly with a red mane and a pink bow.”

“Ah yes that is dear Applebloom, who has come to remove your gloom. She is about and working to help you out.” Just then Applebloom did come in with the rest of the girls.

“See Applejack, she's fine so calm yourself.” She said to her miniture friend.

“So you have the cure for what ails us? I couldn't find it in my library.”

“I do have a cure for you and in my brew for you. Here is the book of cures, shame it is not among your tomes.”

“Supernaturals: Natural cures that are simply super. I actually have that in my library but dismissed it when I saw the title.”

“Maybe next time you you will take a second look before judging the cover of a book.”

“Hey Zecora, do you have any ice? I think Twi needs some afte that BURN. Also how do we take the cure?”

“The book says a bath, but we need one big enough for all of us.” Twilight responded.

“We could try the spa I go to?” Rarity suggested. We all looked at each other.

* * * * *

Dash here, just got back from the spa and it's nice having my wings back in their proper alignment again. Zecora is a cool zebra though the rhyme can be annoying, just wish she was treated better then she has in the past. Hopefully that will change now. But one thing I did learn through all of of this.

They can NEVER known about my past life.

Author's Note

was going to merge this and Swarm of the Century but this got so big i moving Swarm to a journal entry for the next chapter.