Dashie: A Hero's Tale

by MellowSoul

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Comedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia
Length: 5166

Rainbow Dash discovers a secret never before revealed about the pony race.

Rainbow Dash was always known to be somewhat rebellious. However, as the element of loyalty, she strongly believes in doing right by her friends. After treating an injury Fluttershy receives from a thorn bush, something awakens inside her. The next morning, she notices a change in her physical appearance, and her mind begins to fill with thoughts of hope and justice. The next step of Equestrian evolution is about to be taken.

Published 2018-09-22 17:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2018-09-25 22:32:08 UTC

Prevailing Justice

Rainbow reached her ultimate pinnacle of strength and health after healing Scootaloo. Her ever-expanding list of heroic deeds earned her the respect and admiration of creatures across the globe. Those who encountered her on the streets and during social gatherings would often shout praises her way.

"HAVE MY BABIES," Soarin had yelled on one particular occasion in Cloudsdale.

"MAYBE LATER!"

As far as Rainbow was concerned, it was nothing but clear skies and sunshine from here on out. There would be one last incident to occur before the world could know true peace.

Late into October, Rainbow was awakened during an early chilly morning. Expecting it to be one of her friends or fans, she was surprised to see princess Celestia greeting her in person.

"Hey, sun flank. What's shakin'?"

"As much as I would adore visiting you for informal conversation, I'm afraid I am not here for social reasons."

"Is something wrong?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Just say the word and I'll do what I can to help."

"An earth mare came to me this morning seeking aid. Her husband was murdered while he slept next to her this prior evening."

"Woah..."

"Yes. It is as unsavory as you might imagine."

"Did you question her?"

"And granted the guard a search warrant. There was no motive for her to have committed this crime."

"Personal grudge?"

"Highly unlikely. The chances of her surviving would have been astronomically low."

"Then I'm placing my bets on burglary."

"She did mention some of their possessions had been stolen."

"The scumbag probably sold them off to make some bits."

"With your assistance, we can swiftly apprehend this menace. What do you say?"

"Count me in. This wacko's going down."

Celestia escorted Rainbow to the castle to meet with the widow. She was an orange mare with a medium-length, dark brown mane.

"Hey," Rainbow opened.

"Your mane...And your coat...Are you...Rainbow Dash?"

"Yeah."

A look of semi-relief washed over the widow, indicating she was one of Rainbow's many supporters.

"The princess asked me to come here to help. What's your name?"

"Sweet Citrus."

"Can you give me a description of your husband's attacker?"

"I can't. They were already gone by the time I woke up."

"Did your husband have any enemies?"

"No. Everyone we knew thought he was an upstanding gentleman."

"I'll be straight with you. Given the circumstances, we think this was a random burglary. It's not unheard of for ponies down on their luck to resort to desperate measures."

"Do you know why they left me alive?"

"Some killers perceive the man as the most threatening force. I think whoever it was did it discreetly to avoid a confrontation."

"I see..."

"Do you live here in Canterlot?"

"No. I ran here most of the night from Caramel Valley."

"That's two cities past the dragon lands. I've been there a few times."

"Do you think my husband's murderer is still there?"

"They can't be too far away yet. Leave it to us. We'll get 'em."

The earth pony gave Rainbow a heartfelt expression of gratitude.

"Thank you..."

"Come," Celestia counseled the mare, "We will make arrangements for you to stay at the inn. You will be safe there."

When Celestia returned, her and Rainbow spent the rest of the day compiling a list of all the possible suspects in Caramel Valley. Rainbow teleported there the next day using her newfound powers. She wasn't expecting to meet a pair of allies at the entrance.

"Scoots? What are you doing here?"

"Word got around town you were investigating something bad. I didn't want you to go alone."

"You wimpy ponies can't handle yourselves for nothin'," a familiar red dragon boldly proclaimed.

"Garble?"

"In the flesh. And don't you forget it."

"You guys shouldn't be here. It's dangerous."

"Hey - I may not like you pony types much, but I absolutely LOATHE murderers. There ain't no honor in slaughtering a defenseless animal."

"Well, as long as you guys are being a pain in the butt, we may as well start asking around."

The group headed into town to begin their official royal inquiries.

By lunch, the party didn't have any conclusive evidence. However, rumors had begun surfacing about a homeless stallion by the name of Stone Frost who'd recently left town. His physical description was that of a young man with a dark gray coat and a short black mane.

"Do you think it's him," Scootaloo wondered.

"No idea," Rainbow admitted.

"It is," a familiar voice spoke from the table next to them.

Rainbow turned around to see who was talking. Their face was hidden by a hood.

"How do you know?"

"Because I saw him on my way here."

The mysterious figure revealed herself.

"Seera!?"

"Long time, no see, Dashie."

"How've you been!? I didn't recognize you without all the chips and holes!"

"Turns out having a steady supply of nutrition is good for the skin."

"How long have you been here?"

"I got into town before you showed up."

"So you said you saw Stone on your way here?"

"He was trying to conceal his identity. He had a tightly sealed sack. Now, tell me, why would he go to such measures unless he was hiding something?"

"How far away is he right now?"

"I would say he's close to the town behind this one by now."

"We don't have any time to lose! Let's get him!"

Rainbow left a tip before her and the others galloped out the door.

The speed with which the party caught up to Stone was truly a sight to behold. They found him mere feet away from the previous town's entrance.

"Hold it," Rainbow commanded.

Stone tried to run, unaware of the nature of the force that was attempting to confront him. Summoning an assorted array of magical colored swords, Rainbow blocked off his path. He tried to turn around and flee, but Rainbow was already face to face with him. She clutched his face, slamming him to the ground. She then proceeded to pin him using a force field, effectively subduing the killer.

"Please, don't hurt me!"

"I'm not gonna' sink to your level. You're going away for a long time, bub."

Stone bit his lower lip. He had no other option but to concede to the mare. Concentrating the force field, Rainbow transformed it into a set of shackles. The party unified their efforts and kept Stone in custody until they could transfer him over to the royal court. His imprisonment would serve as a reminder to the criminal underworld that Rainbow and her friends were not to be trifled with.

The Friend, The Hero, The Legend

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.

A New Look

Rainbow woke up the next morning feeling completely refreshed and energized. She got out of bed and went to brush her teeth. She washed her face with a towel and got a good look at herself. That's when she noticed something odd.

"Did Fluttershy put something in my tea yesterday? I don't remember being this easy on the eyes."

Rainbow's fur had somehow transformed into a slightly darker shade of blue overnight. The colors in her mane and eyes were more well-defined and evenly toned. She didn't feel ill at all. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Her muscles felt fully healed, and her wings were relaxed. They even felt a little lighter than usual.

"I'll ask Twilight later."

Rainbow finished her morning routine and went to check in with the other weather ponies.

Rainbow arrived at Twilight's castle early in the afternoon. The change in her physical characteristics was still bugging her. She opened the door. Twilight was sitting in the grand hall.

"Hi, Rainbow! What's up?"

"Hey, Twi. I'm having kind of a weird day. I was wondering if you can check me over."

"Is something wrong?"

"No. That's why it's so strange. I've been breaking personal speed records all day, and my colors changed this morning."

"Now that you mention it, you do look a little more blue; literally."

"All I've done between yesterday and today is visit Fluttershy and do weather stuff. I don't know if the tea she gave me had magic in it or what."

"I don't think so. Potions that enhance physical capabilities don't change your outward appearance."

"What if it was mixed with a transformation spell?"

"No transformation spell in all of Equestria is this subtle."

"What about...You know...The dark arts?"

Twilight burst out laughing.

"Hey! This is serious!"

Twilight dried the humorous tears from her eyes.

"Sorry. That was just too much. The dark arts are designed for torture! Any evil spell would've backfired by now."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"Fine. Maybe I got a bit ahead of myself."

"Come on. I'll scan you and see if I can find anything."

Twilight continued to giggle. She led rainbow to the library. Once there, she strapped her friend into the same device she'd used to study Pinkie.

"You really need to redesign this thing. It feels like an execution machine."

"Good point. I'll work on that soon."

Twilight set the scanner and started the analysis.

"Anything?"

"Hold on a second...What's going on here?"

"What's wrong?"

"Your frontal cortex is off the charts!"

"What's that mean!?"

"You're experiencing some kind of personality change! I've never seen anything like this before!"

"Are you pulling my leg? I'm the same as I've always been."

Are you absolutely sure?"

"Of course I-"

Rainbow stopped. She thought about where her mind had gone throughout the day.

"Actually...I've been keeping a closer eye on the other weather ponies today."

Twilight saw the same look on Rainbow's face that Fluttershy had the day before.

"Why...?"

"Fluttershy got injured getting food for her animals yesterday. I dressed the wound."

"Was she in pain?"

"Not really. She didn't feel it."

Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"She always seems so happy..."

"Rainbow..."

"...What do you think's happening to me, Twi?"

"Something powerful."

"I'm scared."

"We'll look out for you. Don't worry."

Rainbow met Twilight's gaze. She managed to muster a single word.

"Thanks."

A Life Saved

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."

Redemption

Princess Celestia carefully went over the data Twilight had been sending her. She was just as captivated by the findings as her former pupil. Never in her life had she seen a change of this magnitude take place. With the most recent analyses, the sun princess began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. She may not have seen or heard of this phenomenon before, but she knew its explanation all too well. Celestia felt the time was right to intervene. She wrote two separate letters and sent them out to the respective recipients - Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle.

Rainbow read the letter sent by the princess when it arrived. It was a request to meet with the sisters and the other elements. Rainbow's curiosity was piqued. She placed the letter on her kitchen table and headed out.

"Hello, Rainbow," Celestia greeted the Pegasus.

"Hey."

"Princess, what's going on," Twilight requested to know.

"I'm sure you have many questions. I will answer them to the best of my ability."

"We believe we have found the source of your friends' transformation," Luna announced.

"That is correct," Celestia confirmed, "Based on my examinations of Twilight's analyses, we believe that Rainbow Dash has begun traversing the path of the hero."

"Path of the hero," Twilight wondered out loud.

"Precisely," Celestia said, "You were the first to make the connection, Twilight."

"I follow you so far. You mean the correlation between her actions and the changes, right?"

"Yes. However, it extends deeper than that. I believe this awakening has occurred because of the balance in her original personality."

"What balance," Rainbow questioned.

"Until recently, aside from the occasional assistance in fending off a villain, you were more of a neutral force. You were neither wholeheartedly good nor evil. In layman's terms, you could have gone either direction."

"Are you saying I could have gone dark side?"

"It was not out of the realm of possibility."

"So...Why did you want to see me, exactly?"

"I have a proposal for you."

"Proposal? You wanna' marry me or something?"

Celestia and Luna started laughing.

"Guess you guys have a sense of humor after all."

"Forgive us," Celestia spoke, "We haven't adjusted to your lighthearted mannerisms yet."

"No sweat. I wouldn't have said it if I didn't think it was funny, right?"

"Very true."

"What did you guys have in mind?"

"My sister and I wish to aid you on your journey."

"How?"

"There are rumors of a changeling roaming the streets of Canterlot. We cannot personally investigate at the moment."

"You want me to try to track them down."

"Will you help us?"

"Of course. I'm an element of harmony, after all."

"Thank you. We will prepare the necessary accommodations."

Twilight approached her sister in arms.

"Are you sure about this, Rainbow?"

"I'll be fine, Twilight. I learned from the master egghead."

Twilight chuckled.

"You jerk."

Rainbow's friends saw her off the next day. They gave her small gifts to take with her so they could be with her in spirit. When the goodbyes were said and done, she flew off with the princesses to Canterlot castle. She would be staying there until the changeling was found. After decorating her room with the gifts her friends had given her, she began her search.

Three days came and went without any luck. The guards did most of the ground searching while Rainbow took to the skies. During patrol on the third day, two guards saw a green flash in an alleyway. They instantly recognized it as the mark of the changelings. They cornered the creature. It had taken on the shape of an average mare. The guards were not fooled. They instantly restrained the creature.

Rainbow continued flying until she heard a series of grunts and yells. Following the sounds, she located the guards and their captive. The changeling's disguise had been negated by its captors.

"What are you guys doing," Rainbow protested.

"Our orders were to capture it," the guard restraining the changeling said.

"We must interrogate this monster," his partner finished.

"Wait! There might be another way," Rainbow offered.

The changeling stopped resisting to hear what the temporary recruit had to say.

"What's your name," Rainbow asked it.

"Seera," it replied with a feminine voice.

"You're hungry, right? Maybe I can help."

"Yeah, right. I doubt that."

"Ms. Rainbow," one of the guards objected, "We can't..."

Rainbow gave the guards a pleading stare.

"I got this..."

The guards released the changeling into Rainbow's care and left the alley.

"Now do you trust me," Rainbow asked.

"Fine. I'll hear you out."

"Follow me to the castle. I think we can work something out with the Princesses."

"And what makes you think that?"

"It's been done before. I don't see why a second time should be any different."

"This better not be a trick."

"Why would I lie to you?"

"So you could lock me in a cage."

"I don't have anything to gain from that. I may believe in the princesses, but they can take a challenge."

"Alright, already! I get the point. Just spare me the speech."

"You're the one who asked."

Seera made a huffy face, but flew to Canterlot castle with Rainbow nonetheless.

"And that's pretty much what happened," Rainbow informed Celestia.

"I see. What do you intend to do?"

"I can show her how to create her own food supply. If regular ponies can create love, maybe she can too."

"I've never entertained the idea before, but perhaps you're right."

The sun princess turned her attention to the black creature next to Rainbow Dash.

"Seera, I'm willing to give you an opportunity to prove yourself. Do you accept?"

"I mean, I could try, I guess..."

"Very well. I leave you in the capable hooves of Rainbow Dash. I hope you understand, failure is not an option. Should you revert to your evil ways, I will be forced to imprison you."

"Whatever you say, lady."

Rainbow and Seera exited the castle. Celestia put a hoof on her face and sighed.

"I don't think I'll ever understand today's youth."

True Hero

Author's Note

Little Dashie is about to grow up.

True Hero

Rainbow Dash returned home after a few days of helping rehabilitate Seera. The changeling's ravenous hunger had begun to subside, and the ponies in Canterlot who had heard of Rainbow's good deeds were more than willing to help reform Seera. However, the real test of Rainbow's resolve had yet to come. After arriving at Twilight's castle, she received the disheartening news.

"Hey guys!"

"Rainbow...," Twilight spoke sympathetically.

"Why's everybody look so glum?"

"It's Scootaloo."

"Scoots? What's the matter?"

"She's contracted pneumonia. She's in a coma..."

Rainbow was heartbroken to hear those words. Her world shattered in the blink of an eye.

"What did the doctors say...?"

"Because she's still a filly, the fluid is filling her lungs much faster than an adult. They don't think she's going to make it..."

"No..."

Rainbow just stood there for awhile. Guilt was beginning to eat away at her. She hated herself for every time she had brushed the child off when Scootaloo wanted to spend time with her. Needless to say, she wasn't feeling like much of a friend now.

"Go home, Rainbow. Let yourself grieve."

A determined look suddenly crossed Rainbow Dash's features.

"No. I won't leave her again. I'm going to see her."

"I don't know if-"

"I know you're looking out for me, Twi, and I'm more grateful for it than you'll ever know, but I have to make this right. You understand where I'm coming from, don't you?"

"...Yeah. I do. If it was Spike, I would do the same thing."

"I'll be there for the rest of the day. You guys go ahead and do what you gotta' do."

"Alright. Take care. We'll be here if you need us."

"I know you will."

Rainbow sat next to her friend's hospital bed. She could hardly bear to see Scootaloo suffering so much. The doctors told her if she wanted to speak, Scootaloo would be able to hear her. Rainbow wondered if the filly was alone and in pain - a thought process that further contributed to the guilt within her conscience.

"It's funny, Scoots; I always thought I knew what it meant to be tough. I built this wall around my thoughts and emotions so no one could ever see how vulnerable I really was. Now, here I am, hating every second I kept that wall up."

Rainbow Dash sniffled.

"To make it worse, I lied to you and told you it was the right thing to do. I guess all I was really doing was trying to convince myself. All of that work to maintain a lie..."

The emotional mare raised her head.

"The truth is, I always thought of you like the sister I never had. I know I didn't show it, but I loved you."

The Pegasus ran her hoof through her friend's mane.

"Honest to Celestia and Luna, I really loved you like my baby sister. I'm not ready to say goodbye - not like this."

Somewhere inside, a switch flipped. All the energy Rainbow had been building up began responding to her distress. While she stroked Scootaloo's mane, a light green glow began to emit from her hoof.

"What the...!?"

As quickly as the glow came, it subsided. While Rainbow was focused on what she had just seen, a certain orange filly began to open her eyes.

"Where...Am I...?"

The shock was so great that Rainbow could not react for some time. Somehow, some way, she had revived her fallen sibling, saving her from the arms of the reaper.

A Friend in Need

Author's Note

Heavily inspired by the True Hero story in Infamous: Second Son.

A Friend in Need

Rainbow Dash was walking along the path through town. Today was one of the rare times she didn't have anything pressing to attend to. There were no storms or other disasters expected in the immediate future. Eventually, she came across her best friend Fluttershy's cottage. Knowing Fluttershy was probably out back tending to her animals, Rainbow found her way around the construct.

"Hey, Fluttershy!"

"Oh! Hi, Rainbow!"

Rainbow Dash noticed a small trickle of blood running down Fluttershy's foreleg.

"Fluttershy...What happened...!?"

The yellow Pegasus looked at the area where her friend was staring.

"Goodness! I didn't even know that was there."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. I must have gotten cut in the fields when I was gathering food for the animals."

For the first time in her life, Rainbow Dash dropped her fearless facade. Her expression became soft and sympathetic.

"Rainbow...?"

"Hang on. I'll patch you up."

Rainbow went inside the cottage to retrieve a first aid kit. Fluttershy was left to ponder what she had just seen in her friend. For a brief moment, Rainbow's pride and ego had cracked.

"There you go. All better."

"I didn't know you knew first aid, Rainbow."

"Weather ponies are required to take a few medical classes. I've helped some of the vets with the occasional wing cramp or storm injury."

"Doctor Rainbow Dash has a nice ring to it."

"Oh yeah?"

Fluttershy nodded.

"Maybe I'll study up on it some more."

Rainbow Dash finished packing up the remaining supplies.

"Hey, would you mind not telling anybody about this? I kind of have a reputation to uphold."

"Of course."

"Thanks."

"By the way, did you need something? I wasn't expecting you to drop by today."

"Nah. I have the day off and got kind of bored."

"Do you want to stay and talk for a little while? I'll make us some tea."

"Sure. Sounds like a plan."

The First Step

For the next few days, nothing of major significance occurred. Twilight conducted more analyses and reported her findings to the princesses. For the time being, Rainbow decided to keep the development a secret. If anyone asked, she would attribute the changes to her diet and exercise routine.

One late morning, while she was disintegrating the clouds in the area, one of Rainbow's compatriots began to yell an alarming yell.

"PARASPRITES INCOMING! PARASPRITES INCOMING!"

"Oh, come on. Not those things again."

An army of parasprites began zooming towards the site.

"Think, Rainbow, think. What can we do...?"

Rainbow considered every possible course of action. She concocted a plan, but she would need a lot of help. She flew to the forefront and turned to face the other workers.

"Come on, guys! If we flap our wings as hard as we can, we can blow them in the opposite direction! Follow my lead!"

One after another, the Pegasi joined forces to create a giant wave of wind resistance. The pressure eventually grew strong enough to push the parasprites back. For the parasprites, it was like a fun little ride. When they were far enough away, the Pegasi stopped flapping. The parasprites changed their course and went back to where they came from.

"WE DID IT," one of the weather ponies cheered.

The rest of the weather Pegasi joined in on the celebration. Had this happened only a few days prior, Rainbow would've been slightly upset that she wasn't receiving the attention she desired. This time, she didn't really mind. Like with Fluttershy, the safety and joy of those around her mattered more than her own ego. She rejoined the others as they continued to work.