Dashie: A Hero's Tale

Twilight continued to monitor Rainbow Dash as her transformation grew more apparent. The purple Alicorn began to notice that with each good deed Rainbow performed, Rainbow's frontal cortex became increasingly stable. It was as though the changes within the Pegasus were beginning to cement themselves.

After work one breezy afternoon, Rainbow decided to relax by flying around the outskirts of Ponyville. After gliding around for a while, she came across Sweetie Belle. The young unicorn was prancing along merrily, humming a happy tune. Rainbow wondered if she was meeting up with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo to do more crusading. The Pegasus watched from afar as Rarity's baby sister approached the edge of a nearby cliff. A smile formed on Rainbow's face. The flying mare guessed the filly's emotion must have been contagious.

Things took a frightening turn after Sweetie Belle got close to the edge. Neither she nor Rainbow noticed it had started to crumble. Right when Sweetie reached the part of the cliff separating the top from the base, the ground gave way. Sweetie let out a startled scream. Rainbow instinctively reacted by kicking it into high gear.

"HANG ON, KIDDO! I'M COMING!"

With her conscience screaming to save her friend's sister, something took over the rainbow-maned mare. Without realizing it, she started moving faster and faster. Had anyone else been around, they would've noticed Rainbow Dash was no longer visible to the naked eye. Her speed far exceeded anything she'd ever achieved before. She caught Sweetie near the bottom.

"Are you okay?"

Sweetie looked into the face of her rescuer.

"Y-yeah. Thanks."

Rainbow Dash placed the filly on her hooves.

"Sorry. I would've stopped you if I'd seen what was going on."

"I should've been more careful. Rarity says that all the time."

"Heh. I see a little more of her in you than you think."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You'll probably be pretty close when you're grown up."

"Maybe..."

"Take it from me - she'd be heartbroken if something happened to you."

"I know."

"Go ahead and find Apple Bloom and Scoots. Let 'em know to stay away from here for now."

"Okay."

Sweetie walked away. Rainbow kept an eye on her until she was out of view.

"Stay safe, kid..."

Rainbow flew back to the top of the cliff and headed home.

Later in the night, Rainbow was awakened by a knock at her door. She got up and answered it.

"Hey, Rarity. What's going on?"

Rarity suddenly embraced the Pegasus in a hug. She started crying.

"Thank you."

Rainbow smiled with a compassionate expression and returned the fashionista's act of affection.

"Hey, what are friends for?"

Rainbow invited Rarity inside. They talked and enjoyed each other's company until dawn. Rarity was about to return home when she witnessed a strange event occur. While she was trotting away, a bright flash emanated from behind her. She turned around to find the source.

"Rainbow...!?"

"Yeah?"

"You just changed!"

"Again!?"

"What do you mean 'Again'!?"

"It's a long story. Do you have a mirror on you?"

"Yes."

Rarity levitated her portable makeup mirror over to her friend. Rainbow took note of her new features. Her fur was now a second shade of sky blue, and her mane and eye colors were even more toned and refined. This time around, there was a new development. Her appearance began to reflect her health. She felt even stronger and more energized than before.

"Not gonna' lie - I think I look pretty good."

"Well, yes, I suppose," Rarity agreed, "Would you care to explain?"

"I'll show you. Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"Twilight's. She's been helping me figure this out."