Dashie: A Hero's Tale

On new year's day, Pinkamena Diane Pie paid Rainbow a visit. She told her friend she had a super secret surprise for her. At the behest of the pink earth pony, Rainbow was swiftly blindfolded with a red cloth. Pinkie led Rainbow to the city terminal. Rainbow figured out where she was based on their movements and the noise around her.

"Are we getting on the train?"

"That's right!"

"Where are we going?"

"I thought you would've figured it out by now, Dashie!"

"Come on! Tell me!"

"No can do! You'll just have to see for yourself!"

After the pair settled into their seats, they remained quiet for the duration of the ride. Whatever Pinkie had planned must have been huge if she could stay silent for three hours. Once they got off, Rainbow smelled a familiar scent in the air.

"Are we in Canterlot?"

"Just a little further now."

The closer Pinkie led Rainbow to Canterlot castle, the louder the sounds of ponies cheering pervaded their ears. Pinkie removed her companion's blindfold. The spectators continued to proclaim their love and admiration for the Pegasus while she looked over the now visible red carpet leading to the top of the castle stairway.

"Pinkie...What's going on?"

"Why don't you ask them?"

Pinkie pointed to the rest of Rainbow's friends standing in front of the castle doors. Rainbow stepped forward, growing closer to everyone inch by inch.

"Celestia, Luna, what's this all about," She asked the royal sisters.

"A most joyous occasion," Celestia responded.

"Indeed," Luna agreed, "For you see, Rainbow Dash, we have come to a unanimous decision to crown you our queen."

"QUEEN!?"

"I expected such a reaction," Celestia spoke honestly, "Allow me to explain. Within my sister and myself live the evil beings known as Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker, as you are well aware. Keeping them under control is an arduous and taxing responsibility. We have watched you grow into the strong, kindhearted pony each and every one of us wishes we could be. As you are now, your power far surpasses that of any other magical creature. More importantly, you have proven yourself a fair and just leader of the equine race. Only you can ensure the future this world needs."

"But...What about you guys?"

"We will continue our duties as is custom. Your role is to maintain the harmony among the citizens where we cannot. Should Nightmare Moon or Daybreaker ever break free, it will be up to you to stop them."

"I don't know if I can."

"The hero will always find the strength to fight again, no matter how defeated they feel. Neither Nightmare Moon nor Daybreaker can stand up to one who is willing to sacrifice everything to protect what they care about. You may not know it, but the truth is buried deep inside. You know what you are capable of, and you will accomplish what you set out to do as you tread the path of righteousness."

"..."

"Please, lead us to our prosperity."

"...Aw, what the heck. Gimme that crown."

The thunderous applause became deafening as Rainbow removed the crown from Rarity's possession and placed it upon her head. Luna roared in triumph as she announced Rainbow's ascent.

"ATTENTION, SUBJECTS! BY DECREE OF OUR DEAR SISTER AND OURSELVES, WE HEREBY DUB RAINBOW DASH QUEEN OF THE PONIES!"

Rainbow's friends expressed their pride in their protector and comrade. For the remainder of the day, the residents of and guests in Canterlot wined, dined, and celebrated the birth of the new era; an era where none would know fear or suffering. Pushed onward by their trust and belief, Rainbow would spearhead the golden age of Equestrian history, all the while wearing the same goofy grin her lifelong pals remembered.