Secrets of the Rainbow

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

Bzzt bzzt bzzt.

Rainbow Dash groaned as her alarm clock buzzed incessantly on her nightstand. Not bothering to open her eyes, she reached over and smacked the top of the clock with one hoof. The buzzing now gone, Rainbow Dash pulled the covers back over her body and fell back asleep. That didn’t last long however, as she was again interrupted by the soft whump whump of her pet turtle’s ‘back-copter’, as she had named it.

Softly, Tank alighted on Dash’s side and slowly nudged her in the ribs.

“Nngh? Oh, mornin’ Tank. I guess you’re hungry huh?” Tank gave a slow nod in reply before taking off and floating his way towards the kitchen. Sitting up, the cyan Pegasus gave a large stretch, enjoying the feeling of the bones popping in her wings. Making her way into the kitchen, she retrieved Tank’s food bowl and poured some food from the box, trying to ignore the advertisement on the front of the box ‘Made with real insects! Nothing better for a turtle!’

“Blech, bugs? You guys eat the weirdest things.”

Setting the box down, Rainbow Dash walked over to the window and opened it, letting the spring air flow inside. Resting her elbows on the sill, Dash stared out at the small speck in the sky that was Cloudsdale. Somewhere up there, the Wonderbolts were practicing.

Dash shook her head, ‘No sense dwelling on that.’ Leaving the window, Dash walked down the hallway and into the bathroom, intent on a hot shower to fully wake her up. After that, and a light breakfast, Rainbow Dash was outside her front door, stopwatch in hoof, ready to see if she could beat her previous time from her home to the weather office.

Tensing every muscle of her body, she clicked the “start” button on the stopwatch, and took off like a rocket. Dash felt a grin spread across her features as her speed picked up and the world began to blur around her. Risking a glance at her stopwatch, she saw that she was a half a second behind from yesterday. She pushed her wings harder, trying to eke out as much speed as she could. Unbidden, a memory surfaced in her mind, from her first day of flight school.

“I’m gonna be the best flier in Equestria! The Wonderbolts HAVE to let me join!”

“Haha, you have to prove yourself first, kid. They won’t let just anypony in.”

Dash shook her head in an attempt clear her mind, which turned out to be a mistake, as the jerking motion sent her spiraling off to the right, straight for a copse of trees.

“Woah woah woah woah!” Dash righted herself and pulled up, trying to clear to cluster of impending doom and pain that sat on the ground. Unfortunately, she clipped the top of the nearest tree, which sent her tumbling straight down into the center of the small wood. Dash tucked her wings in, hoping to avoid a repeat of the day she broke it and had to spend days cooped up in a hospital. Admittedly, she did discover Daring Doo that way, but she’d rather eat the book than lose the ability to fly. Being hauled up and down to her home in the clouds by Fluttershy was a bit humiliating for the Young Flier champion. But, she didn’t have long to think on that as a very large, thick branch suddenly appeared in front of her. Despite her forelegs and hooves covering her head, they did little to stop her from losing consciousness.

“Hey! Rainbow Crash! Come here, I’ve got somethin’ to show ya!”

I grumbled, trying to resist the urge to buck whoever called me that off the nearest cloud. I turned to see who it was when-

SPLAT!

A cloud-ball, mixed with a little bit of rainbow to make sure it was nice and sticky hit me dead on in the face. Wiping the goop off, I looked down the street and saw that it was Cloud Chaser, with a malevolent grin on his face, and another cloud-ball in his hoof.

“Colt Chaser! I’m going to murder you!” I yelled, using my favorite nickname for him. Taking off, I powered my wings as hard as I could and shot at him like a bullet. Cloud barely had any time to react before I smacked into him and began picking up as much cloud as I could carry in my hooves and stuffing it in his face.

“Hey, missy, you alright?”

Dash blinked and opened her eyes. Then immediately shut them. Somehow, the world had been turned upside down during her period of unconsciousness.

“Hey now, don’t pass out on me again.”

Slowly this time, Dash opened her eyes and realized that the world hadn’t turned upside down, she had somehow managed to get one hoof trapped in a web of branches in her fall, so she was dangling upside down.

“Want me to get you down from there?”

Dash looked around before finally settling on the source of the voice. An older earth pony stood there, a short ladder and a small pair of shears at his hooves. Dash wriggled around, trying to free her trapped leg, but to no avail.

“Yeah, sure.”

With that, the earth pony set up the ladder and got to work, and within a matter of moments, Dash’s leg slipped free and she completed her fall by dropping the last few feet onto her head.

“Ow,” she groaned, rolling over and gingerly putting her hooves underneath her.

“Sorry about that missy, didn’t mean ta drop ya on your head.”

Dash shakily stood up, desperately hoping that she hadn’t become so disoriented in her crash she couldn’t even walk anymore. Happily, she noted that her legs seemed to be working fine as well as the rest of her body.

“Oh it’s alright mister, I’m fine really.” To prove her point, Dash took a step forward, and promptly fell flat on her face. “Okay,” she admitted, “maybe not.”

“Here,” the earth pony said, walking up next to her, “Let me help you get to town.”

Dash inwardly cringed, she hated accepting help. But she knew that if she didn’t, she’d be stuck there for hours as her body recovered, and she couldn’t afford to be late for work again. So, gritting her teeth against her pride, she nodded an agreement.

With that, the earth pony gently pulled her up and wrapped one of her forelegs around his neck. They walked on in silence for a bit, clearing the woods and returning to the main road within a couple of minutes.

“So ah, I don’t mean to pry missy but.. If you don’t mind me asking, who’s Colt Chaser?”

Rainbow Dash started, “What? How did you…?”

“You muttered it a couple of times while you were unconscious. Was she a filly friend of yours?”

“Uh.. Yeah.”

“Haha, I bet with a name like Colt Chaser you two fought over coltfriends all the time, right?”

“Uh, yeah.. Hey mister, thanks for the help, but I think I can take it from here.”

“Hm? Oh, alright then. Just be careful from now on.”

Dash nodded, and gingerly took off, taking a moment to relish in the fact that her wings worked without any trouble. Within moments, she was nearly back to her old self, flying at a speed that was just a hair under what would be considered reckless. In no time at all, she was at the front door to the weather office, mentally checking herself to make sure she worked well enough to do her job.

The bell over the door tinkled as Dash pushed it open, and she interrupted the silence with her usual yell, “Hey! Thunder! Get off your lazy butt and come give me some work to do!”

A stallion at the end of a row of offices poked his head out of his door, “What? Oh crap.”

Dash frowned, that definitely wasn’t the greeting she had expected. “Oh crap? I know I was late, but I’m not that late!”

Thunder sighed and rubbed his face with his hoof, “It’s not that. There was a mistake on the schedule Dash. You… didn’t have to work today.”

Rainbow Dash blinked, “So… I have the whole day off?”

Thunder nodded, “Yeah, I’ve already got a team outside working on the midafternoon shower we’re scheduled for. You’re free to go.”

Dash’s face was quickly consumed by a giant grin, “Awesome! See ya later Thunder!” With that, she took off out the door, leaving a trail of fluttering papers in her wake.

Back outside, Dash cruised around Ponyville, searching for a spot to relax on that would keep her away from the shower Thunder had mentioned. After a few minutes, she spotted one near the library.

‘Perfect!’ She thought, ‘If anyplace in Ponyville would be quiet, it’s here.’

Landing on the cloud, she pushed some of it towards one end so she could recline against it and watch the rest of the town go about its business. However, she found her gaze drifting upwards, towards Cloudsdale. Forcefully, she averted her gaze back down to Ponyville, but after a few moments, her eyes were tracking upwards to the sky.

“Prove myself?” I laughed, “I told you. I’m Rainbow Dash, the greatest flier in Equestria!”

“Oh yeah?” The light green colt said with a smirk, “Let me see what you can do then.”

Powering up my wings, I pointed myself in a direction that was mostly clear of obstacles and took off, only fumbling for a moment as I struggled to maintain stability. I grinned as I looked down and saw the shocked faces of the other fillies and colts as I rocketed past them, and looked up just in time to see the tower of the Dean’s office rushing up to meet me.

Crack!

Groaning, I opened my eyes to find myself flat on my back at the base of the tower I had just crashed into. Around me, a small crowd of pegasi were gathered, a number of smirks on their faces.

“So much for the greatest flier, huh Rainbow Dash? Sounds to me like you should’ve been named Rainbow Crash!” Laughing, he trotted away with a handful of ponies.

Sighing, Rainbow Dash rolled over, hoping that changing her view would change her thoughts, but all there was on the other side of the cloud was a young couple sitting outside the library, reading a book together.

“Urgh,” Dash groaned, almost wishing Thunder had given her some work to do, so she could take her mind off of… this.

“Dammit Colt Chaser,” she cursed, using her favorite nickname for him, “why do you always do this to me? Just get out of my head.”

Just then, a shriek emanated from below her. Adrenaline shot into her veins, and Rainbow Dash jumped up, wings at the ready to rocket to the rescue of whoever was the source of the noise. However, she looked down to find it was only the couple she had spied moments before, now engaged in some sort of tickling match.

“I can’t take any more of this,” she muttered, turning around and flapping back towards her house.

“Hey! Rainbow Dash!”

Dash glanced around and saw Pinkie Pie bouncing along the road below her. Dash wasn’t in the mood, but she knew better than to try and outrun her. Slowly lowering herself, she hovered just a few feet above Pinkie.

“What is it?”

“I had a great idea earlier for a prank we could pull on Twilight! Wanna try?”

Dash shook her head, “Sorry Pinkie, but I’m not really in the mood.”

Pinkie blinked, “What? But, you always want to do pranks!”

“I know, but… not today. Okay?”

Pinkie’s expression drooped, “Alright. Oh! Maybe Spike will help me!” With that, she was gone in a blur of pink.

Arriving at her home, Dash walked inside and was greeted with the soft whump whump of Tank’s back-copter.

“Hey Tank,” she said, “Work was cancelled, some scheduling error or something.” Tank cocked his head to one side, to which Dash shrugged in response. “I don’t know, I just didn’t feel much like practicing today. Though I still feel pretty tired, I think I’m just gonna take a nap or something.” With that, she walked into her room and shut the door with a resounding click.

Dash groaned as the incessant buzzing of her alarm clock rudely pulled her from her sleep. She agitatedly reached over and smacked her clock with a hoof, causing a crack to appear in the display. “Oh come on,” she moaned, before angrily throwing her sheets off her body. She picked up the clock and inspected it, sighing as several odd characters appeared on the display, before it gave a sharp pop and the whole thing shut down. Clearly, more than just the display had been damaged.

“Maybe Twilight or Rarity can fix this,” She muttered, before setting the ruined clock down on her nightstand. Just then, a slow, rhythmic tapping came from her door. “I’m up Tank, I’m up,” she called, rolling out of bed. She staggered down the hallway, trying to walk and stretch the sleep out of her limbs at the same time. Upon reaching the kitchen, she pulled down Tank’s bowl and filled it with food. “Eat up little guy, I need to get ready for work.”

Dash paused at the mention of ‘work’. She looked at her calendar, then growled in frustration as she realized what day it was.

“Today was my day off! Augh!” Dash slammed her hoof against the table, causing Tank to jump. Well, jump as much as a startled turtle can.

“Sorry Tank,” she grumbled, making her way down the hallway to the bathroom. She turned the shower on and sat down, waiting for the water to heat up.

“Oi! Gilda! Wake up! We’re gonna be late!” I urgently pounded my hoof on the door to Gilda’s dorm. The door suddenly opened mid-knock, and I accidentally whacked her on the head.

“Celestia’s horn Dash!” She cursed, gingerly touching the spot where I had hit her.

“Sorry!” I said, lowering my hoof, “but come on! Practice starts in 10 minutes!”

Gilda frowned, her eyes narrowing on my face. “What are you talking about?”

I blinked. “uh... Practice? You know, that thing we do five days a week? Where we fly around, Coach yells at us, and...” I paused for a moment as an idea popped in my head. I grinned mischeviously at Gilda, “and you miss nearly every throw sent your way?”

Gilda’s expression flattened, “I do not miss every throw! Take it back squirt!”

I continued to grin, “or what?”

“Take it back, or I stuff you in one of the balls and we’ll see how well it flies with the crashiest pegasus ever known in it.”

My eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed to slits as I glared at Gilda. With a yell, I dove forward and tackled her back into her room, where I dove on the bed and picked up her pillow and began ruthlessly hitting her with it.

“Take this!” I yelled through the pillow, trying to aim for any unprotected spot. Up until she dove on top of me and ripped the pillow out of my teeth.

“Take it back,” she said.

“Never!” I replied, sticking my tongue out.

“Take it back, or I beat you to a pulp,” she lifted the pillow threateningly, ignoring the fact that a handful of feather were falling out of a small tear.

“Your pillow,” I responded with a smirk.

She paused, then decided she could do without a pillow if it meant landing a few choice hits on me. But before she could swing, a loud knock came at the door.

I blinked, “Who the hay could that be?” Gilda shrugged and, with the pillow still in her hand, she opened the door. Immediately, my smile vanished and an angry knot formed in my stomach as I saw who it was.

Cloud Chaser.

“Hey, I hate to bo- Woah,” he said, noticing me sitting on the bed, he glanced between Gilda and I a few times before giving a smirk, “Sorry, I didn’t realize I was interrupting.”

My mouth dropped open, “it’s not-!” Cloud interrupted me with a raised hoof.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. Everypony has their preference. You might want to keep it down, if you aren’t careful, the whole school could find out.” His smirk grew with his final words, before snickering and walking away.

I groaned and buried my face in my hooves, “I’m dead!” I wailed, “It’s not even the second week of training camp and I’m dead!”

“You worry too much Dash,” Gilda said, sitting next to me on the bed, “Nothing’s gonna come of it, who would believe him anyway? Now, why did you come banging on my door at 6 am?”

My eyes shot open, ‘Practice!’

My mouth began running at a million miles a minute “Oh no, we’re late, we’re gonna be in so much trouble! What if w- Wait, why was Cloud Chaser still here? He should have been at practice... Oh.” I groaned, “it’s Saturday, isn’t it?”

Gilda nodded and I let out another groan. “I am the dumbest pegasus to ever walk these halls.”

Dash sighed and stepped out of the shower, toweling herself off before heading back into the kitchen. There she stood in front of the pantry, forcing herself to think about food, and not the view from her window. Before should could decide, a soft knock came at her front door.

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Coming!” She called out, walking towards the door. “Yea- Oh hey Fluttershy.”

“I’m not interrupting, am I?”

Dash shook her head, “Nah, I was just thinking about breakfast. What’s up?”

“Well, you wanted me to watch your new routine, remember?”

Dash blinked, “Oh yeah! Sorry, I’ve had a lot on my mind and I completely forgot.”

“Oh that’s okay. Is there anything I can help with?”

“Not unless you build a time machine,” Dash muttered, risking a glance at Cloudsdale.

“What?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing. Um, look I’m really sorry, I’m just not feeling up to it today. Another time?”

Fluttershy frowned, “Are you sure? I’ve never seen you miss a practice before.”

Dash nodded, “Yeah I’m just not feeling well. I’ll make up for it tomorrow.”

Still frowning, Fluttershy nodded and left, leaving Dash to trudge back into the kitchen to eat. Upon arrival she found Tank perched on the counter, staring at her.

“Don’t give me that look,” she said, “I just don’t feel up to it today.”

Tanks head lowered in response.

“Oh come on,” she said, slightly exasperated, “I got woken up early on my day off! I’m allowed to be a little upset about it!”

In response, Tank activated his back-copter and flew down the hallway to do whatever it was he did when she wasn’t around.

Dash sighed in annoyance and stalked down the hallway, thoughts of breakfast now replaced with a focus on getting out of the house.

“Should probably go see Twilight about that clock.”

Author's Note

Holy cow! An update! Granted it's to an already existing chapter but still!

Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

“Um… guys?” Dash hesitantly knocked on the door. “If we’re heading to Canterlot... why am I in a train car with no windows?”

With a creak, the door popped open a crack and Twilight’s head poked in. “Sorry about this Dash. But um…” She looked about nervously before giving Dash a forced smile, “There are uh… rodents on the train! Yeah! Spiders and rats and such. So we’re taking care of them.”

“Well… rats and spiders don’t bother me Twilight. I could help.”

“Nah, that’s okay! We’ve got it!” Before Dash could say anything else, Twilight withdrew her head and shut the door, gently sliding the lock into place.

Groaning with frustration, Dash flopped on a vacant bench seat and stared at the ceiling.

“Yes!” I cried out as the ball landed securely between my outstretched hooves. All around me, pegasi were dashing off from the starting line to catch airballs thrown by our coach. Floating my way back, I triumphantly tossed the airball into the basket and made my way to the back of the line.

“Hey, Rainbow Crash,” I glanced up and saw Cloud Chaser, flanked by his cohorts, Dum-Bell and Hoops.

“Aw great,” I muttered, my irritation already on the rise.

“Where’s your marefri- Oh sorry, griffon-friend?”

I glared up at Cloud, “She’s sick, and I. Am. Not. A fillyfooler!”

Cloud and his gang laughed, “Really? I coulda sworn I saw you two in her room just the other day.”
I fumed. I wanted desperately to buck him in the face as hard as I could, but I knew I would get kicked off of the team. “Look, Colt Chaser,” I said, “I’m not the one who spends all of their time flanked by a couple of idiot colts. If anyone’s gay, it might be you.” I smiled triumphantly at the lack of response from him and turned back to the front of the line.

“Alright Rainbow Dash,” Coach said, “We’re going for three catches in quick succession. Short, medium, and long range. You don’t have to hold on to them, just catch, drop them and move on. Got it?”

I nodded and dropped into a take-off position.

“Ready.”

I flared my wings out, flapping them slowly to gain some push.

“Set.”

I tensed all of the muscles in my legs, ready to launch myself forward.

“Go!”

I pushed forward with all my might, flapping my wings as hard as I could as the ball took off from Coach’s hooves. I yelped in surprise however, as I felt an uncomfortable tugging on my tail, and shot backwards into the ground. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Cloud Chaser removing his hoof from my tail with a wicked grin on his face. Ahead, the short pass ball was just touching the ground, while the long and medium range balls were already beginning their descent. Even with my speed, there was no way I could catch them.

“You!” I yelled, getting up and shoving a hoof into Cloud Chaser’s face, “You ruined my run!”

Cloud helped up his hooves defensively, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just waiting my turn like everypony else.”

“I saw you! You were deliberately standing on my tail!”

“Hey, what’s all this?” Coach asked, coming between the two of us.

“That…” I bit my tongue, knowing that cursing in front of the Coach wasn’t a good way to make the team, “Colt,” I managed, “sabotaged my run by standing on my tail!”

Cloud feigned horror, “Did I do that? I’m really sorry Rainbow Dash, it was an accident.”

I glowered at him.

“There, he apologized. Let’s keep going then. Dash go pick up the dropped balls, Chaser, you’re up.”

Dash sighed and stared at the clock. She’d been on the train for two hours, and she knew Cloudsdale was still another half a day’s train ride away.

“I can’t take this!” She yelled, getting up and banging on the door again. “Twilight! Let me out!”

“Sorry Dash!” Twilight yelled through the door, “We’re still fighting with the rodents! Here, read one of the Daring Doo books!” A purple glow enveloped the door as Twilight opened it just far enough to slip the book in, before rapidly slamming it shut.

“Something’s up,” Dash muttered, glaring at the door, “and I don’t like it.”

“He’s completely humiliated me!” I yelled, resisting the urge to buck the wall.

“Dash, relax.”

“I can’t! Thanks to Cloud Chaser, I can’t go 10 feet without somepony calling me a fillyfooler, or Rainbow Crash.”

Gilda sighed and laid the comic book she was reading on her stomach. “Dash, you, are so, impulsive.”

I frowned, my frustration temporarily replaced by confusion, “What?”

“You’re impulsive. You fly off the handle at a moment’s notice. Did you ever stop to think about why he gives you so much flak?”

I paused, “Uh..”

“He’s jealous of you Dash.”

“What?”

“Dash, you’re an amazing flier. Probably the best this school has ever seen. You make everyone feel inadequate without
even trying.”

I shrugged helplessly, “So what do I do? Start sucking so they’ll like me more?”

Gilda chuckled and picked up her comic book, “No. Just stop putting so much stock into what some stupid colt says.”

“Are we doin’ the right thing guys? Ah really don’t like lyin’ to RD.”

Dash’s friends were sitting in the adjoining train car, Fluttershy and Pinkie's heads pressed up against the windows, enjoying the sights while Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity played cards.

Rarity shrugged, “I don’t see how else we can help the poor dear. Rainbow Dash is far too prideful to ever come to us for help.”

“Got any Celestia’s?” Twilight asked.

“Go fish.”

Twilight sighed and magically drew a card from the pile in the center of the table. “I really don’t see any other option Applejack. I don’t like being dishonest either, but I think, given the circumstances, Rainbow will forgive us.”

Applejack looked down, “Ah just can’t take this. Ahm the Element of Honesty! Ah can’t lie to mah friend. ‘Specially when she’s the Element of Loyalty.”

“Appleja-“

“No Twilight. This ain’t right. Ahm tellin’ her.” Setting down her cards, Applejack stood up and, after adjusting her Stetson, marched smartly towards the door.

“RD? Ah need ta tell you somethin’.”

Dash looked up from the Daring Doo book and frowned, “What’s up?”

“We uh, haven’t been entirely honest with ya.”

Dash snorted and closed the book, “That’s pretty obvious Applejack.”

AJ blushed and scratched the back of her neck. “Ahm sorry Dash. We jus-“ she was interrupted as the door behind her shot open with a ‘bang’.

What-?” Dash was cut off as Pinkie appeared in the doorway, grabbed AJ, and slammed the door behind her.

“What the hay is going on!?” Dash shouted, running to the door and repeatedly whacking her hoof against it. She paused for a moment, replaying the events in her mind.

‘Why was the car so dark? It’s only mid-afternoon. The sunlight should’ve been coming in the windows… unless..’
Suddenly, Dash resumed her banging with renewed vigor. “Tell me why we’re going to Cloudsdale! You can’t fool a Pegasus who uses the sun as navigation! I know where we’re going!”

Everypony glared at Applejack, who stood her ground. “Ah didn’t tell her! She figgered it out on her own!”

“So… do we let her out?”

Bang! The gunshot echoed around the cloudiseum as the stable doors shot open. Pumping my wings as fast as I could, I rocketed ahead of the other Pegasus ponies as the race began. I banked left as the first corner rushed up to me, skimming as close to the railing on the inside of the track as I dared. As I finished the curve, I flapped as hard and as fast as I could, seeing the anemometer at the end of the straightaway. In a blink of an eye, I was past it, and realized with a small amount of horror that the second corner was coming up way too fast.

“No no no no!” For a brief moment, I wished that I was an earth pony, and could pass through clouds harmlessly. But, I wasn’t. I closed my eyes and tensed my body for the bone-shattering impact that was about to come, but it never did. I slowly opened one eye to find myself inches away from the wall, completely still. I looked over my shoulder to see Cloud Chaser, my tail firmly gripped between his teeth. I stared in shock.

‘He… saved me?’

I opened my mouth to say something, but he released my tail and sped off, turning to complete his lap. The shock wearing off, I remembered where I was and sped off after him, my wings flapping furiously to make up the lost ground.
Ten minutes later, Cloud and I were both neck and neck as we rounded the last corner and sped towards the finish line.

“Stupid… crashy… Pegasus,” Cloud said, barely audible over the roar of the win.

“Speak for yourself,” I grunted, “colt chasing… plot hole…”

Suddenly, Cloud sped up, taking the lead just as we crossed the finish line. I tasted ash in my mouth as I realized I had come in second place. Heart in my throat, I slowly flapped my way to the exit, unable to watch the other pegasi celebrate Cloud’s victory.

“Dash?”

I turned around, behind me stood Gilda, looking uncertain. “Yeah?”

“You alright?”

I nodded, slipping on my mask of bravado. “’Course I am G. Gonna take more than one lousy loss to keep me down.”
Gilda smiled, “So you wouldn’t mind if I went out with everyone else and celebrated?”

That stung. I knew I couldn’t be upset at her for it, we were a team, and I had just gotten done telling her I was fine. “Yeah, go party to your heart’s content. I’m pretty tired, so I think I’m gonna go home and just shower and sleep.”

Gilda nodded, “sounds good. I’ll try not to wake you when I come in.”

Dash hit her forehead with her hoof. Not. Good. Memories.

“Rainbow?” came Twilight’s voice through the door, “we’re here.”

Dash stared at the door, dread coursing through her veins because she knew as soon as that door opened, every awful memory of her time around Cloud Chaser would be displayed to her at some point or another. With a creak, the door opened, and Twilight slowly stepped in.

“I don’t want to go,” Dash said, crossing her forelegs in front of her, “I put it all behind me when I left.”

“No, you didn’t,” Twilight said, “not if this is how you get whenever you think about it.”

“So?” Dash shot back, “It’s my business.”

Twilight sighed, “Yes, it is. But Dash, we only did this because we’re really concerned about you. We just think you should get some closure.”

Dash stared at Twilight. ‘I know she’s right. I just don’t want to deal with it. But… it’s been five years. Maybe it’s time I dealt with it. I dunno.’ Eventually, logic won out and Rainbow gave a slow nod.

“Alright fine, you win. I’ll go.”

Twilight immediately burst into a huge smile and opened the door.

“Just… Twi? Let me… let me do this on my own,” the door quickly swung shut, and Dash backpedaled. “I’m not going to skip out on it! I’m going to do it. I just don’t want an audience.”

Twilight sighed. “That’s fair. We managed to book a hotel near the ‘Tipsy Coinpurse’. So, I’ll leave you to it.”
Dash nodded and stepped through the door. On the other side, the rest of her friends were waiting. When they saw her, each of them gave a large smile.

“We’re all here for you if you need us Dash.”

Dash smiled and nodded, “thanks guys, for… for pushing me to do this, and letting me do it on my own.”

“Of course silly willy! What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t look out for you?”

“Not very good ones, I guess. Anyway, I’ll see you guys tonight.” With that, Dash took off and flew out of the train and into the open air. Despite the dread that was still seated in the pit of her stomach, a small part of Dash still relished being back in the gigantic cloud city. So much so that she decided to let herself enjoy it a little before getting to the horrible part. As she sped around the perimeter of the city, she noticed the Flight School campus, and saw that the airball team was still mid-practice. Landing on the patch of cloud in front of the stadium, she walked in through the main entrance, down a couple of hallways, until she stopped in front of the exit that led to the field.

“Augh! I can’t take this waiting!” I yelled, getting up and pacing back and forth. “Just post the stupid results already!”

“Chill out Dash,” Gilda said, idly inspecting a claw, “I’m sure you’re on your coltfriends team.”

“He’s not my coltfriend! I hate that jerk!”

Gilda gave me a grin, “Hate to break it to you, but there’s a fine line between love and hate.”
I spluttered, trying to come up with a decent retort, I was never given the chance however, as a pony with one of the judge’s badges on came out with a handful of papers.

“Ahem, alright! I’m going to start listing names and positions for the Varsity team! First, for starting quarterback, we have
Gizelda Greybeak!”

“Yes!” Gilda cried out, punching the air with a fist. I smiled at her and bumped my hoof against her fist.

“Way to go Gilda, that’s awesome!”

“Wide receiver, Cloud Chaser!”

I inwardly groaned, I knew he was practically destined for that spot, but I still had hoped I might have avoided playing with him. On and on the judge went, calling out names and position. After each pony called, the knot that had formed in my stomach grew tighter and tighter, and as he reached the last page of the list, I feared I hadn’t made the team at all.

“And lastly, for our last linebacker, Snowflake!”

I stared at the judge in shock, even despite Snowflake screaming “YEAH!” into my ear, I couldn’t believe it.

“For those of you whose names weren’t called, better luck next year.”

“Wait!” I said, running up to the judge, “Are you sure you didn’t forget somepony? Like… Rainbow Dash?”

The judge gave me a stern look before turning back to his clipboard, “Oh yes, Rainbow Dash. You’re on the JV team, wide receiver.”

I stared at the judge as he turned and walked away. Junior Varsity? Me?

Vaguely, I was aware of Gilda walking up next to me. “Dash..” She gingerly laid a talon on my shoulder. I shrugged it off, standing up and looking back at her.

“I’m gonna go for a bit.”

With that, I quickly walked out of the classroom and into the hall, where I broke into a full on sprint so Nopony would see me. Shooting out the front doors I took off, flying as far and as fast as I could, completely ignorant of the direction I went. Eventually I landed in a random street on the other side of Cloudsdale, one that was thankfully empty. I felt heartbroken. Varsity was my ticket to my dream. Most of the ponies in the Wonderbolts played for Varsity, they perform at all of their games. And now..

Dash shut her eyes, willing the memory away. Once she was certain, she opened her eyes and walked up to the exit to peer through the window. Outside on the field, younger pegasi were flying around, practicing for an upcoming game. Dash’s attention shifted as a shrill whistle blast pierced the air, and she focused on a large red Pegasus standing on the sideline.

“Bring it in!” She heard him yell. Dash felt a pang of longing and regret wash over her. She desperately missed being a part of the school’s airball team, despite all of her reasons for leaving. Tearing her eyes from the window, she turned and started walking back to the main entrance, her feelings of regret growing with each step.

“I never should have left,” she muttered.

‘I thought you had some very specific reasons for leaving,’ her logical side reminded her.

“Yeah, but I enjoyed the work, and it was my best chance at becoming a Wonderbolt.”

‘I remember something else entirely.’

“So I was a bit lazy. I knew almost everything that they taught in class, and I was easily one of the best fl-“

‘That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it.’

Dash furiously shook her head, banishing the annoying voice from her thoughts as she walked through the door. Around her, the clouds had gone from fluffy white, to a dark pink and purple hue as Celestia’s sun set in the distance.

‘How could I not make the team? I was great, I outclassed every pegasi there. This isn’t fair. I worked my flank off to get on that team, and they just…’

I shook my head as tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. When that didn’t work, I opted to land, as nothing was worse than flying blind. I sniffled as I landed and looked around. The street I had landed on was mostly empty, but I still didn’t want to announce my tears to all of Cloudsdale. Fortunately, my salvation appeared as a small alley nestled between a convenience store and some other, random unnamed building. Quickly walking into it, I sat down on my haunches and let the tears flow.

I must have fallen asleep at some point, because when I opened my eyes it was dark, and the street lamps had come on. Standing up, I decided I should head home, before I really caused Gilda to worry. My joints popped as I stood, reminding me through a dull ache that cramped alleys are not the best place for a nap.

“Hey, what’s a pretty mare like you doing here?”

My head snapped up and I saw a dark blue Pegasus standing at the mouth of the alley.

“Uh, nothing,” I said lamely, scratching the back of my neck. I don’t know what it was about this stallion but it made the coat on the back of my neck stand on end.

“Well how ‘bout I walk you home? It’s awful dark out here for a young mare like you.”

I took an involuntary step back, my nervousness growing with each passing moment. “Uh, thanks mister, but that’s alright. I can find my way home just fine.”

“Aw, don’t be like that,” he took a few steps into the alley, “I won’t hurt ya.”

“Again, thanks but no thanks.” I stepped forward to move past him and into the night, but he held up a hoof and barred my way.

“I said, I wasn’t gonna hurt you,” his demeanor had changed entirely, from being creepily helpful, to dangerously angry. I backed away, intending to just fly straight up and away from him, but as I flared my wings I found the alley was too narrow for me to flap.

“You ain’t flyin’ away pretty mare,” the stallion said, his voice sounding angrier and crueler with each word. “I told you,” he said, taking another couple of steps forward, “I wasn’t gonna hurt you. But you didn’t believe me, so now I gotta.” Suddenly, he lunged forward, tackling me to the ground. Panicking, I did the only thing I could think of and swung with one of my forehooves at his face. I felt a small amount of joy as my hoof connected with the side of his head, snapping it to the side.
Stars exploded in my vision a moment later, as he roughly backhooved me in retaliation. “Buckin’ bitch,” he muttered, backhoofing me again. My eyes widened in panic as the stallion pinned my hooves to the ground, and I realized just what his intention was.

“No!” I yelled, struggling to free myself, tears streaming down my face as panic and dread coursed through me like ice. “No. Please. I-I’ll do anything! Just let me go!”

“Shut up!” He yelled, cocking one hoof back and punching me in the snout. I spluttered as blood filled my nose and dribbled into my mouth. I glared at him and renewed my struggles, putting every ounce of strength I had into breaking free. I cried out as the stallion gave me a wicked grin.

"Can't escape me now little mare."

"Help! Somepony! Please! Help me!" My panic increased as the stallion clamped a hoof over my mouth, cutting off any vocal protests. I realized with an awful feeling of dread, that I was doomed. I clenched my eyes shut, hoping that maybe I could just block it all out, and pretend it never happened.

“Hey. What the buck is this?” Vaguely, I was aware of another presence nearing us. A small burst of hope sparked in me, and I renewed my struggles, trying to free my mouth so I could scream for help.

“What the… You son of a bitch!” The blue stallion was roughly pulled off of me, and through the blur of tears I was able to see a dark form slam the stallion against the wall and punch him squarely in the mouth.

“Are yo- Rainbow Cra-err, Dash? Is that you?”

I blinked furiously and looked up to see a light green colt standing over me, concern etched into his features. I gave a pathetic whimper in response, which, even considering my current situation, stung my pride as the sound reached my ears.

“Shh, it’s okay,” he said, gingerly reaching a hoof out to comfort me. I shrank back, the fear and adrenaline that was coursing through my veins making me wary of everything. I fought back a sob as a fresh wave of emotion washed over me. Sensing my distress, Cloud carefully stepped forward and scooped me up in his hooves.

“I’m going to take you to the hospital alright?” I nodded, abandoning any pride I had left and clinging to him as sobs wracked my body.

Dash hovered in the air, staring at the spot where it had all taken place. Nothing had changed, yet, it seemed so different
looking from that night. In her memory, it had seemed as if the place teemed with evil. Now, it looked like a cramped alley next to a run-down pair of buildings. She felt proud however, that she could think about that awful event, and even visit where it had occurred, without so much as a pang of emotion. It meant she had gotten past it, and that the stallion who had done it held no power over her.

“Now, if only I could get over Cloud Chaser,” she muttered, turning and flying towards the hotel Twilight had booked.

Aaaaaand done!

Chapter 3

Chapter 3:

“Did she talk to anypony?”

Fluttershy shook her head, one hoof nervously pawing at the cloudy floor.

“Did she do anything?”

Again, Fluttershy shook her head.

“Augh! What are we supposed to do if we can’t figure out what’s bothering her!? Fluttershy, you don’t know anything about this?”

“No,” Fluttershy squeaked, Twilight’s sudden outburst making her cringe.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy whispered, trying to hide behind her mane.

“100%!?”

Fluttershy nodded.

“Woah there sugarcube. This aint an interrogation,” Applejack placed a hoof carefully on Twilight’s shoulder. “You followed her all day Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy nodded, “All she did was visit the Flight School, then go around Cloudsdale.”

“I’m gonna go talk to her,” Twilight said, making for the staircase.

“No darling you mustn’t!” Rarity exclaimed, stepping towards Twilight, “We need to be patient. Give Rainbow Dash more than a half a day to work through this.”

Before Twilight could respond, Rainbow Dash appeared at the bottom of the staircase leading to the rooms of the inn.

“Mornin’ guys,” she said, rubbing one eye with a hoof. “Anything for breakfast?”

Pinkie Pie nodded, pushing a plate piled high with oats and muffins towards her. Dash hungrily dug in, not noticing the glances shared between her friends.

“So… Dash…” Twilight began, scratching the back of her neck nervously.

“Yesh?” Dash replied, her mouth full of muffin.

“Any uh… plans for the day?”

Dash paused, her mouth partway covering the bran muffin she was eating. Slowly, she withdrew, taking time to carefully swallow all of the food in her mouth. “I’m uh.. not sure Twilight.”

Twilight glanced at Rarity, who gave her a meaningful stare. “Alright, take as much time as you need.”

Dash nodded, then stepped back from the table, “I think in fact, I’m going to go now. I’ll probably be back later again. Oh, if I remember right, there’s a really great restaurant a few streets over. Best grilled oat sandwich I ever had.” With that, Dash stepped out of the door and into the street. Letting out a pent up sigh, she started walking towards the main avenue, unsure of what to do.

‘You know what to do.’

Dash felt a pang of guilt, but forced it down. “I’m not ready for that yet.”

‘Liar. You’ve been wanting this ever since you left, and now you aren’t ready?’

“It’s not that easy! It’s one thing to think about it…” Dash trailed off as she realized several ponies were staring at her.

Grumbling, she turned down a side street and walked off, ignoring their stares. Dash wandered through Cloudsdale, allowing her mind to wander.

I awoke with a start, my heart beating rapidly in my chest and adrenaline pouring into my veins. I tried to sit up, only to realize something was covering me and holding me down. Panicking, I began to flail, crying out for help as I tried to free myself. To my left, I heard the sound of a door opening, and through blurry eyes I could see a dark form approaching me. Fear shot through my mind like a lance, and I doubled my efforts.

“Dash! Dash it’s okay! You’re in a hospital!”

Still I struggled, the words being lost amidst the sea of fear in my mind. Managing to free one hoof, I lashed out, trying to ward off the other pony.

“Dash!” He yelled, reaching forward and grabbing my hoof, “It’s me! Cloud Chaser!”

Finally, words broke through as I recognized the name. I blinked furiously, trying to clear my vision. Slowly, the world came into focus and I realized where I was. Stark white walls covered with various images of pony anatomy and medical tools surrounded me. I realized that the thing covering me and holding me down was simply the tightly tucked in bed sheets.

“Are you okay?”

I looked over at Cloud Chaser, concern etched into his gold colored eyes. Fear shot through me again, and I pulled my hoof away, sliding over to the other side of the bed.

“Rainbow Dash, I’m not going to hurt you.”

I looked at him, part of me wanting to trust him and another part of me feeling an intense amount of fear. In the end, the fear won over and I stayed where I was. Giving a small sigh, Cloud Chaser took a few steps back and sat down on the small couch. Given his disheveled state, and the pillow and blanket on the couch, it appeared as though he stayed the night here.

“What happened?” I croaked, my voice hoarse from all of the yelling I’d done.

Cloud Chaser looked down, “After the announcements, you sorta just took off. A couple of friends and I went out to celebrate, and as I was walking home, I heard someone shouting for help. I went down the alley and well… I saw you there.”

I curled up as the memories from the night before flashed through my mind. A small whimper escaped my lips, and I fought to keep tears back.

“Can I just be alone for a while?” I asked, hating how pathetic I sounded.

“Sure, I’ll let the doctor know you’re awake.”

As if drawn by some imaginary force, Dash found herself at the entrance to the Flight Academy. Again, Dash hesitated.

‘Just go inside. I doubt he’s in there.’

Still Dash remained rooted to the spot.

‘What happened to the fearless flier? All you’re doing is looking for where he went.’

Dash gave a small wince. “Way to kick a girl in the pride while she’s down,” she muttered, slowly stepping forward.

“How can I help you?”

Dash glanced up and saw a pony sitting behind a window. Her mane was pulled back into a tight bun and a pair of sharp rimmed glasses sat atop her snout.

“Uh… yeah. I uh..” Dash faltered. The mare raised an eyebrow.

“Are you new here?”

Dash shook her head, “No no, I used to go here, a few years ago. I was actually trying to find an old friend of mine. I don’t suppose you’d have any information?”

The mare shook her head, “No, I’m sorry. We can’t give out students’ information except to relatives.”

Dash nodded, “Thank you.”

Stepping back outside, Dash stretched her wings and flapped them a few times, then gently took off. Hovering above the school, Dash started looking for a comfortable cloud to relax on.

‘Yes, because that’s the best way to keep your word to Twilight.’

“It’s not my fault I don’t know where he is. Heck he might not even be in Cloudsdale!”

Surprisingly enough, she got no response from that. With a small harrumph she floated to a nearby cloud and settled down, intending to enjoy the newfound freedom.

Dash had just started to doze off when a loud horn sounded just below her, and the sound of ponies cheering reached her ears. Peeking over the edge of the cloud, she saw the Wonderbolts practicing in the coliseum a few blocks away. Seeing this as an opportunity, Dash slowly flew over, alighting on the top row near one of the columns. The coliseum had changed since she was there for the Young Fliers competition. Gone was the open floor, which had been filled in with a thick layer of cloud. At one end of the field, a group of Wonderbolts stood, poised to take-off as another group shot up, flying an intricate series of loops and twirls around one another. Dash was able to make out Soarin and Spitfire, and noticed that a few new ponies had joined the group. A pang of guilt shot through Dash.

“I should be on that field.”

Dash’s internal turmoil was interrupted however, as two ponies collided in mid-air with a sickening crunch. The two began to fall towards the ground, picking up speed as they went. Dash crouched, preparing to take off, but just before she did, a stallion from the group on the ground took off, shooting forward and catching the pair of unconscious ponies before lowering himself to the ground.

Immediately a pair of ponies dragging gurneys behind them ran out and carefully lifted the two onto them before rushing them out of the stadium.

“And that, everyone, is why you never, ever, break formation.” Spitfire landed near the group of ponies that had gathered, “Cloud Chaser, nice catch.”

Dash felt her blood run cold. ‘Cloud Chaser!? He’s a Wonderbolt?!’

Dash stared as the stallion pulled his hood off, revealing his light green coat and light blue mane. Dash stared, unbelieving.

‘Well… at least you found him… right?’

Dash sat back on her haunches as an ache settled in her chest. “No… no way.”

“Hey slowpoke. What took so long?”

I grumbled as I stepped out of the classroom. Cloud Chaser stood next to the door, leaning casually against the frame.

“We had a test. Stupid Mechanics of Flight class! Who cares about why I can fly!? All I need to know is how to do it!”

“If that’s all you need, you might want to take that class again.”

I glared at up at Cloud. “I am so not buying your lunch today.”

Cloud’s eyes widened in mock horror. “Oh no! How ever shall I survive!?”

I rolled my eyes and walked towards the cafeteria.

“So hey, I won’t be able to meet you after class tomorrow.”

I felt a pang, but didn’t show it. I would never admit to him how comforting it was to have him around. “Why’s that?” I asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“Coach wants me to go over some new plays tomorrow. Are you gonna be okay?”

“Psh. Do I look like the kind of pony that needs an escort everywhere?”

Cloud grinned at me, “You certainly haven’t been complaining.”

“Only because you’re an easy target.”

We sat down at a table, our trays loaded with food.

‘Tell him.’

I ignored the voice in my head and started eating, stealing a glance at Cloud every now and then.

‘Tell him!’

‘No!’ I shot back, taking a determined bite of food, as if to end the conversation there.

‘You know you want to.’

‘I do not!’

“Dash, you okay?”

I looked up to see Cloud staring at me peculiarly. “They screw up your sandwich again? You look really mad.”

I shook my head, “No, sorry. I was just thinking about something.”

“Okay, well I gotta take off. Practice and all. I’ll catch ya later.” With that, Cloud excused himself and walked out of the cafeteria.

‘Tell him now or I will forever punish you!’

“H-hey Cloud!” I called after him, he stopped, turning to look at me.

“Er…”

“Yeah Dash?” He asked, walking back over to me, “What’s up?”

“um..” I could feel my face growing hot, “Er.. have fun at practice!” I finished lamely.

Cloud frowned, then gave a small grin. “Thanks Dash.”

‘I have no words.’

I focused on my food, repeatedly telling myself that I didn’t have any feelings for Cloud Chaser. Yet in spite of myself, I did steal a peek at his retreating form just before he left.

‘Oh, I think you do.’

Groaning, I let my head drop to the tabletop.

Dash felt a familiar pang of longing hit her as she watched Cloud Chaser receive a round of pats on the back from his team.

“Alright everyone, I think that’s enough for today. We’ll meet again tomorrow,” Spitfire said, heading back to the entrance.

Slowly, each pony followed suit, leaving Cloud on the field.

‘Now’s your chance! Go!’

Dash stood up, preparing to walk down as calmly as she could. As she started her descent however, a young mare walked onto the field and enveloped Cloud Chaser in a tight hug. A lump formed in Dash’s throat and she stopped dead.

“That was wonderful Cloud! Now c’mon, you promised me dinner and I’m starving!”

Dash felt tears prick at her eyes as a numb feeling settled over her body. Hanging her head, she turned and walked back up the steps before taking off and flying back to the Tipsy Coinpurse. Behind her, she thought she heard her name.

“Just my imagination,” she muttered.

“Who’s Rainbow Dash?” Cloud Kicker asked.

Cloud Chaser frowned, “She… I knew her from Flight Academy. I could’ve sworn I saw her…”

Cloud Kicker sighed, “C’mon! I’m hungry!”

Cloud Chaser rolled his eyes, “Alright fine, relax. God forbid my little sister go hungry.”

“RD? That you?” Applejack called. Poking her head out of her room she looked down the hall to see a glum looking Rainbow Dash walk down the hallway.

“What happened?”

Dash didn’t answer as she walked past, just went into her room and shut the door behind her.

Muahahahahahaha! I’m back!
Seriously though, I’m really sorry for my stupid absence. My life got kind of hectic last year, and this story unfortunately fell on the wayside. However, I’ve got everything straightened out, so I’m back and ready as ever!

Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

Rainbow Dash groaned as she laid upon her bed. Frustration and anguish coursed through her, and she alternated between blaming herself for her fate, and blaming nearly everything else she could imagine.

Rainbow curled up tightly, hugging her forelegs around her as a sob escaped her lips, a small cry following as pain lanced through her heart.

“Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?” Twilight called through the door, giving a small knock.

Dash wanted to say no. She wanted to open the door and tell her friends everything. She knew, deep down that it would probably be for the best. But she couldn’t. Her pride, and her unwillingness to burden her friends with problems she created stopped her.

“I-I’m fine,” she called out, trying to sound as normal as possible.

“Well, we’re all here for you. We were about to go out to dinner, did you want to come?”

“Uh… no thanks, I’m not really hungry,” Dash called back, grateful for once that she had a slightly scratchy voice to begin with, all of her crying was definitely not helping.

“All right, well we’ll pick something up for you for later,” with that, Dash heard Twilight turn and walk down the hallway to the staircase.

Furiously, Dash rubbed at her eyes, trying to stop the stream of tears. To no avail, they kept coming. Dash glanced at herself in the vanity by the restroom, a disheveled, puffy-eyed Rainbow Dash looked back, looking miserable.

“Is this my fault?” She asked.

“Hey Crashy,” Cloud said, walking up next to me. I shot him my customary glare at the stupid nickname, to which he responded with a smirk.

“What do you want Cloud,” I deadpanned, hating that stupid smirk more than the nickname. Still, despite myself, I felt a small warmth grow in my chest at his presence.

“Just wanted to see how you were. How did your test go?”

I glanced away, a small amount of shame rising in my throat, “Not as well as I had hoped.”

A hoof was placed on my shoulder, “Dash…” he started, I gave a small groan, knowing what was coming, “did you study?”

“Yes?” I said, hoping he’d buy it. A look from him forced the truth out, “Not as much as I should’ve,” I muttered, looking down to the floor.

Cloud sighed, rubbing his snout with a hoof. “Dash, if you want to become a Wonderbol-“

“I know Cloud,” I snapped, “I get enough lectures from my dad. I don’t need them from you.”

Cloud frowned, “I’m just trying to help.”

“Well find some other pony to help. I don’t need it.”

Cloud snorted loudly, I looked back up and glared at him. “What was that?” I asked.

“Dash,” he started, but seemed to change his mind. “Nevermind.”

“No. What were you going to say?” I demanded.

“Nothing,” he said, glaring at me.

“Tell me,” I said, glaring back.

“I said it was nothing, drop it!” He snapped.

“No!” I yelled, “If you think you’re so much better than me, why don’t you just say it!”

‘You know, getting in a fight with the colt you like, who was only trying to help, is really not the best way to go about things.’

I paused as the words slipped past the cloud of anger invading my mind. I relaxed and let out a small sigh.

“Just… ugh. I’m sorry Cloud.”

Cloud took a step back, not expecting me to just deflate. I huffed, feeling the rest of my anger melt away. I glanced around, noticing that most of the ponies in the hall had stopped to stare at us.

“What?” I snapped, glaring at them. As one, they all seemed to come out of a trance and went back on their way. I looked back to Cloud, who I could tell was still upset.

“Look… our classes are done for the day. Can we talk about this somewhere else?”

Cloud nodded, then turned and started walking towards the exit. I gave a small sigh, not looking forward to what could be another big fight, and follow after.

---

“So,” I said, breaking the silence between us. We’d sat atop this cloud for nearly five minutes, neither of us saying anything. Far below us, Cloudsdale bustled with activity as ponies went about their daily business.

“So what?” Cloud said, a slight edge to his voice.

“I’m sorry,” I said, trying to look as apologetic as possible. Cloud’s face only hardened further.

“You do that a lot,” he said calmly.

“Do what?”

“Apologize like it’ll fix everything.”

I frowned, “What do you mean?”

Cloud shot me an irritated look, “You fly off the handle, say all sorts of stupid things, then apologize and expect it to just go away like it never happened.”

I instinctively opened my mouth to apologize, but caught myself, knowing full well it would just make the situation worse. Instead, I just hung my head, my multicolored mane falling in front of my eyes.

“You’re so… impulsive Dash.”

I glanced up at him, the memory of my horrid morning with Gilda resurfacing.

“You react so quickly without thinking. You’re a great pony, and an even better flier, but when you get excited… you stop thinking about how your actions are going to affect everypony around you.” I looked down again, guilt welling up in my chest.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“I know you are Dash, by Celestia I know you are. Everypony knows you don’t mean it, but that doesn’t mean it hurts any
less.”

More guilt piled up, and I buried my face in my hooves.

“Hey now,” he said, “It’s not all that bad. You just gotta stop and think more.”

I let out a sigh and moved my hooves to my cheeks, staring glumly at the cloud we were sitting on. Suddenly, a light
green hoof appeared in front of me.

“C’mon,” Cloud said, shaking his hoof slightly, “let’s go get dinner. I’m starving.” I nodded, the pangs of hunger in my stomach overriding the pangs of guilt. I took his hoof, and together we glided down until our hooves touched the street.

“Cloud…. Can I ask something?”

“Sure Dash,” he replied.

“Why… back when we were in training, during the last competition, you saved me from crashing. Why?”

Cloud laughed, “It’s taken you nearly two years to ask that question? Oh my Dash. Why wouldn’t I help you?”

I fixed him with an odd look, “You hated me remember? You took every opportunity to torture me.”

Cloud blushed and scratched the back of his head nervously, “Yeah… about that. I never really hated you. I was just way too intimidated to approach you, so I came up with that stupid nickname as a joke. I didn’t think you’d take it so harshly. After that… well it kind of escalated.”

I stopped dead, “Wait, you were the one who came up with Rainbow Crash!?”

Cloud looked away and nodded, “I’m really sorry Dash. I didn’t think it would stick.”

I glared at him, then relaxed, “It’s fine Cloud, don’t worry about it.” He stared at me as I shot him a smile, then shrugged and continued walking. I hung back a little, making sure I was out of his line of sight before I scooped up a hoof-full of cloud and dove at him, aiming for his face.

“I’ll give you Rainbow Crash you mint-green slowpoke Pegasus!”

Dash let out a chuckle, relishing in the memory of her antics with Cloud. However, the warm feeling that had grown in her chest didn’t last long as the knowledge that she would never get to enjoy a moment like that again resurfaced. A wave of sadness crashed over the cyan mare, threatening to pull her down and drown her. Dash wrapped her hooves around herself, trying to find some comfort amid the misery and pain that racked her heart.

“This isn’t fair,” she said as tears stung her violet eyes, “I expected it to be like this, so why does it hurt so much?”

Sobbing now, Dash found her way under the sheets, pulling them tightly around her. “I’m sorry Cloud,” she whispered, “I’d
do anything to change it.”

“Y’know, RD was right. This here is the best grilled oat sandwich Ah’ve ever had.”

“Mmhmm!” Pinkie agreed, her mouth full of food.

“Very. I almost wish they would open a restaurant in Ponyville. Ooh that would be delightful!” Rarity smiled, taking a dainty nibble of her sandwich.

“True, but that probably won’t happen Rarity,” Twilight said, putting her sandwich down, “The cost of buying a building and renting out a lot in Ponyville, then hiring staff, then teaching them how to make food just like they do here, when in fact the instruments are probably different, given that practically everything here is made of clouds, as well as paying different taxes since it’s in a different town an-“

“Twi!” Applejack barked, causing the purple unicorn to jump slightly.

“Sorry,” Twilight said, blushing. The group gave a small laugh before turning back to their food, eating in relative peace. Around them, many other ponies sat, chatting amongst themselves. One conversation a few tables over stood out to the group as a few choice words made themselves heard above the din.

“Cloud! Who was this Rainbow Dash mare? Tell me about her.”

As one, the group turned to stare at the table. There sat a lavender blue Pegasus mare with a yellow mane sitting across from a light green stallion with a sky blue mane.

“I knew her from Flight Academy,” the stallion said, looking uncomfortable, “we were friends.”

Twilight’s eyes widened as realization sparked in her brain. Behind her, she heard the rest of her friends scrambling as she slid off her stool and dashed across the restaurant, coming to a skidding half in front of the other table.

“Uh… can I help you?” The mare asked, staring quizzically at Twilight.

“You…” Twilight faltered, realizing she had no idea what to say.

“I?” The mare responded.

“You guys know Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie yelled, coming to another skidding halt by Twilight. Both the stallion and the mares’ eyebrows rose, being nearly hidden by their manes. Glancing at the stallion, the mare scooted back a little, “He’s the one you want. I don’t know any Rainbow Dash.”

“Thank sis,” he muttered, shooting her a glare. Looking warily back at the small crowd that had formed around his table, he swallowed before speaking, “Uh… I knew Rainbow Dash… back in Flight Academy. Why?”

“She’s a friend of ours. Um,” Twilight glanced around, “D’you think we could discuss this somewhere else?”

“Here, you guys can share this table. Cloud, I expect some kind of explanation about this later.” The mare slid from her seat and offered it to Twilight, who apologized rapidly before accepting.

“So, you have no idea?”

Cloud Chaser shook his head. Several other chairs had been pulled up for the large group of ponies, who sat staring intently at Cloud.

“It’s like I said, one day, everything was fine. Next day, she’s gone. Her dorm was empty; she’d withdrawn from the school, even her friend Gilda didn’t know what was going on.”

Twilight let out a small sigh as she slumped in her chair. “Applejack, you said she was upset when she arrived at the inn?”

Applejack nodded, “Eeyup, wouldn’t even look at me when ah spoke to her.”

“I wonder what happen- Oh by Celestia’s mane I’m an idiot,” Cloud said, hitting his forehead with a hoof.

The six mares stared at him, “What?”

“Earlier today, after practice at the coliseum I could’ve sworn I saw Rainbow Dash.”

“So?”

“Well… right before that Cloud Kicker was practically hanging on me and… well Dash never knew I had a sister.”

Pinkie frowned, “So? Just because sh-“ Pinkie’s eyes widened to an astronomical size, “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! No way!”

Four pairs of eyes turned and stared at Pinkie Pie.

“Uh… No way what, Pinkie?”

“Guys!” Pinkie shouted, “Rainbow Dash likes Cloud!”

Four pairs of eyes turned to Cloud for confirmation, who gave a small shrug in response. “I always thought she did… I mean… I never confirmed it but…”

The group sat in stunned silence for a few moments, before Rarity cleared her throat and gave Cloud a pointed look.
“Well?”

Cloud looked at her, “Well… what?”

“Do you have feelings for her too?”

“Oh! Uh… I don’t know?”

The group deadpanned, and Rarity placed a gentle, but firm hoof on Cloud’s shoulder. “Cloud darling, now is not the time to be uncertain. Do you like her, or do you not?”

“W-well I don’t know. It’s been such a long time and…” Cloud trailed off as Rarity increased the pressure from her hoof. “H-hey! It’s not that easy! You have someone walk out of your life and abruptly reappear after five years and tell me how you feel!”

Rarity’s face remained stoic as she pressed harder, “Of course. You see, it’s just that Rainbow Dash is a very dear friend of ours, and we don’t want her to be hurt.”

Cloud let out a small sigh, “Look… I can’t guarantee I’m going to have feelings for her. Back in the Flight Academy I was still unsure. What I can guarantee is I won’t do anything to hurt her further.”

“Good,” Rarity said, then burst out into a huge grin, “Oh this is going to be lovely! To lovers, torn apart and reunited again after five years! Oh we must get a move on! Poor Rainbow Dash is probably miserable right now!”

Dash stirred as a tentative knock came at her door. “Rainbow Dash? Are you in there?” Dash groaned and sat up, cracking open one eye to find her room cast in darkness. Her eyes itched uncomfortably from the dried tears caked around the lids.

“Just a sec,” she groaned, climbing out of bed. She walked over to the door and pulled it open, coming face to face with a familiar set of golden irises, partially covered by a light blue mane. Dash’s eyes widened as recognition set it, and she immediately slammed the door.

“Uh…” Cloud said, glancing at Twilight, who only mouthed ‘Talk to her’.

“Dash? Um… hi?” Behind him, Cloud heard the sound of a hoof smacking into a face. On the other side of the door, Dash sat numbly, staring at the dark space of wall in front of her.

“Uh…” she managed.

“Excuse me,” she heard before, “Rainbow Dash? Darling its Rarity, do you think that I could come in?”

Dash stared at the door, but before she could voice any form of protest, the door was open and Rarity was slipping inside, gently shutting the door behind her.

“What say we get some light in here?” With a faint glow, a spark emitted from Rarity’s horn and drifted over to a burnt-out candle on the nightstand. With a soft flare, the candle lit and bathed the room in a yellow glow.

“There,” Rarity said, smiling at her handiwork, “that’s not so bad is it?” Apart from the unmade bed and a handful of items on the counter near the vanity, the room was rather clean, though the bundle of cyan and rainbow at her hooves was a different matter entirely.

“Oh my,” she said, putting a hoof to her lips. “Uh, Twilight?” She called through the door.

“Yeah?”

“Why don’t you and the other head downstairs? Rainbow Dash and I are going to be a few minutes.”

“Ugh, alright.” Rarity smiled despite her friends’ words. Twilight meant well, but when it came to matters of the heart, she was wholly unequipped to deal with them in a proper manner.

“Alright my dear, let’s get you cleaned up.”

Five minutes later, Rarity had Rainbow Dash looking almost her normal self. Unfortunately nothing could be done about her bloodshot eyes, and some of the puffiness had refused to go down.

“Well, that’s the best I can do,” she said, studying Dash critically.

“Whoo,” Dash deadpanned.

“Oh come now Rainbow Dash,” Rarity admonished, a grin on her face, “This can’t be all that bad.”

Dash glared up at her grinning friend, “What’s got you so happy?”

Rarity’s grin quickly disappeared, “Oh nothing dear. Now, I promise you, nothing is as ever bad at seems,” stealthily, Rarity started backing towards the door.

“Oh yeah? And what do you know about this?”

Rarity giggled in spite of herself, “Oh, I know a few things. Now dear, I’m very sorry for this.”

Dash frowned, “Sorry for what?”

Rarity’s horn flashed and shot a bolt of magic at the lone window of the room before she dashed out and fired a similar bolt at the door.

“Rarity? What the heck is that?”

From the other side of the door, Dash heard Rarity’s nervous chuckle. “It’s uh… well it’s a spell I know that I use to lock up my boutique after hours. Right now those windows will only open for me and the door… well it’s much of the same.”

“Why did you lock me in here!?”

Another nervous chuckle, “I swear it’s not as bad as you think dear! I’m so sorry!” Dash dove towards the door, banging on it with her hooves.

“Rarity! Let me out!”

Dash let out a groan as she slumped against the door.

“Well, I guess there’s no way out of it now.”

And thus, Chapter four is finished :D

Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

Dash gave a sigh and laid back on the bed.

What’s taking them so long? I jus- Her thoughts were cut off by a soft knock at the door.

“I’d open it, but Rarity locked it,” she called.

“I know dear, I’m right here.” With a faint pop, the door unlatched and opened, revealing a smiling Rarity and an uncomfortable looking Cloud Chaser. Dash felt her heart flutter in her chest, hope growing with it. She quickly crushed it, her memory of the coliseum reminding her that this wasn’t going to end well.

“Hi,” Cloud said, stepping in.

“H-hi,” Dash replied, a touch of dread in her voice.

“I’ll uh, leave you two alone,” Rarity said before gently closing the door. Dash noted that she didn’t replace the locking spell, and considered making a run for it.

No, she told herself, you need to end this. No matter how much it hurts.

“So,” Cloud said, taking a tentative step into the room.

“So what?” Dash replied, wincing. She hadn’t meant to sound so harsh.

“I er, saw you. At the coliseum, I mean.”

“Oh.” What was she supposed to say to that?

“What did you see?”

Dash looked up at him, annoyance crossing her features for a split second. Why ask that? Why delay what they both knew was coming? Was this some kind of punishment? “What I saw.. It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters to me,” he said, this time it was his turn to put an edge in his voice.

“Well, it doesn’t to me,” she shot back defiantly, a spark of anger igniting inside her.

“Dash, calm down.”

“Who are you to order me around?” she snapped. Woah, how was this getting so out of hoof already? “You don’t hold that position anymore.”

Cloud grimaced, as the memory of their last conversation surfaced in his mind.

I let out a whinny of annoyance as I checked the clock at the top of the dean’s tower. 30, cloud-bucking minutes. I glanced at the field below, double checking to make sure that I hadn’t missed the cyan pegasus amongst the sprinting and dodging ponies. Disappointment settled in my stomach as I verified she wasn’t there.

“Rainbow Dash, where are you?”

As if summoned by my words, I noticed the Pegasus slowly making her way out of the far entrance onto the field. Angrily, I dove down, landing roughly a few feet in front of her. She stopped, wariness in her eyes.

“Where in Celestia’s mane have you been!?” I asked roughly, taking a step towards her.

Dash scratched the back of her neck and looked down, “I’m sorry Cloud,” she said quietly.

“Sorry isn’t good enough!” I snapped, trying to keep my voice low for her benefit, “we went over this! You apologize all the time and nothing ever changes! This is the fifth time in the last two months you’ve been late!”

Dash shrank back, her eyes downcast. “Cloud… I-“

“I don’t want to hear it,” I said coldly, my eyes narrowing as anger coursed through me. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm slightly, as I knew there were a few other pressing matters. “How did your test go?”

If possible, Dash looked even more downcast. “I… I failed.”

“What!?” I exploded, causing nearly everypony to stop and stare. “How could you have failed!? Dash do you know what that means!?” Suddenly, all of the anger I had just fought away came rushing back twofold, filling me to the point that I no longer cared that every pony on the field had stopped practicing to watch the spectacle between me and my friend.

“Yes..” Dash responded quietly, “I.. I don’t know what happened.”

“Back to practice!” I yelled over my shoulder, signaling that this conversation was none of our teammates’ business. I ran a hoof down my snout, trying to calm myself.

“Cloud, I-I’m sorry! I’m trying really! I-“

“I don’t want to hear it,” I said again, fighting to keep control of my temper. I failed. I glared at Dash through narrowed eyes, “Go back to your dorm and study. You aren’t practicing with the team today.”

“What!?” she exclaimed, her mouth hanging open. “Y-you can’t do that!”

“Yes I can,” I responded coldly.

“B-but what about coach?”

I glared, “I’m the team Captain Dash. You wanna be a Wonderbolt? Learn to take orders. Now go.”

Dash opened her mouth as if to continue arguing, but instead closed it and nodded. Without another word she turned and walked away.

Cloud let out a small sigh. That was the last time he’d ever spoken to her. A small part of him cringed as he realized his opportunity to explain that Dash had seen him with his sister had momentarily disappeared. Now, a more pressing issue had come up.

“Dash… a-about that practice-“

“Don’t.”

Cloud blinked, “What?”

“Don’t apologize. You were right, I deserved it.”

Cloud frowned, confusion settling in, “Th-then why did you leave?”

“I had to.”

“What?”

Dash let out a small sigh, this was what she had been dreading. She closed her eyes, summoning up her courage. “I… I-I failed... Again.”

“What?”

Dash felt her heart wrench a little, “I failed more than just that test Cloud. Th-they… they told me I had to leave.”

Cloud sat down, confusion evident in his expression. “Why…” he trailed off, “why didn’t you say anything to me?”

Dash looked at him, then looked back down, “I couldn’t,” she murmured, “I.. I was too ashamed.”

Cloud stared at her wide-eyed. A whirlwind of emotion shot through him, confusing him and leaving him feeling lost. Just as quickly as it came, it was gone, leaving him feeling empty and numb. Too ashamed? He thought, as a spark of anger ignited in him, she was too ashamed?!

“Ashamed!?” He asked, his voice raised. Dash winced, but nodded once. “You were too ashamed to tell me what in Celestia’s mane happened to you?! Five years Rainbow Dash! Five!” He was shouting now, back on his hooves and taking an angry step towards her. Part of him tried to reel him back, knowing what had happened last time he lost his temper with her. “I spent five years feeling miserable because I thought I drove you away! I blamed myself for it!”

“Oh yeah,” Dash shot back, the anger she had felt before flaring up, “I can tell you’re sooo miserable, being a Wonderbolt and all.”

“That’s just a job! Do you know what I went through Dash? Thinking I’d been the one who drove you away?”

Dash looked down, her guilt replacing her anger in a flash. Cloud was right, she’d failed him again. Not only had she let down her team, but she’d hurt the stallion in ways she couldn’t imagine. An ache settled in her heart as she realized there was no way she could fix what she had done. An even deeper ache settled when she realized she didn’t deserve a chance anyway.

“I want to hate you.”

Dash nodded, not knowing what to say.

“I want to hate you so much Dash. But… I can’t.”

“What?” Dash’s head shot up, surprise in her eyes.

“It’s been five years,” he said, looking at her with pain in his eyes, “and I’ve spent those five years trying to hate you. But I can’t. Even after everything that happened I-“ Cloud seemed to choke on his words. He shook his head and gave Dash a soft look. “Despite everything, I…” he trailed off, his face screwed up in a frown.

“Despite everything you….?”

Cloud let out a long sigh, then, with his eyes still shut tightly, “I still love you.”

“W-what?” Dash repeated, her mind reeling.

“I know... I know I should’ve told you a long time ago… before you left. I-I’m so sorry Dash, I-I wasn’t sure then... but I know now. I love you, Rainbow Dash.”

No…

‘What do you mean, “no”?’

After… after everything I did. Abandoning… No. I-I don’t deserve it.

Cloud took a step forward, a hint of hope in his eyes. “Dash I’d… like to be with you… if you’ll have me.”

NO!

Dash’s mind reeled, the force of her mental shout drowning out any other thoughts. You can’t Cloud… I can’t… I can’t ask that of you. T-to give up everything like that… Tears began welling up in her eyes as she realized that things would never work. She couldn’t ask him to leave his marefriend, to change his life like that. Not after what she did.

‘What are you doing?’

Cloud took a step forward, his hoof reaching out to touch Dash’s shoulder. Warmth radiated from the contact. Dash relished in it, Maybe… just for a few moments… I can... Tentatively, Dash slid into Cloud, her hooves reaching up to wrap around him in a soft embrace. A smile grew on Cloud’s face as he wrapped his hooves around the cyan Pegasus, warmth and happiness exploding in his chest as a wound five years old closed up. Gently, he nuzzled her mane, giving her a light squeeze as he felt her body jerk with a sob.

“It’s okay,” he said softly, wanting nothing more than to stay in this position forever. He gently stroked her back with a hoof, “I’m here now, everything’s alright.”

Much to Cloud's chagrin, he felt her pull away until she stood in front of him, her face pointed at the floor.

“Dash?” he asked, trying to look under the curtain of rainbow mane. She looked up at him, another sob wracking her body as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“I-I’m sorry Cloud,” she said, her voice cracking, “I… I can’t.”

‘What.’

“What?” Cloud echoed.

“I can’t.. I don’t… I’m so sorry Cloud. I just… can’t.”

Cloud felt his hind legs give out, his rump hitting the floor with an impact he didn’t feel as his whole body went numb.

Cloud stared at her, the wound in his heart reopening, twice as large as it was before.

“I’m sorry,” Dash whispered, stumbling back, looking down into his eyes. Eyes that were bleak, full of hurt and confusion.
Dash took another step back, her tail brushing the door. Her hoof reached out behind her, finding the latch, she slid it open silently and stepped into the hallway without another word.

Cloud continued to sit there, his eyes locked on the door, the pain of his broken heart mingling with the numbness his body felt to leave him in some sort of limbo.

“Ah hope that shoutin’ weren’t those two,” AJ muttered, gently holding her coffee cup between her hooves. Around a table sat the other four mares, all with cups of varying shades of brown and black, all waiting for the same thing.

“I’m sure it wasn’t,” Rarity said, “Cloud Chaser seems like quite a gentlestallion.”

“Hmph,” Applejack replied, shooting a glare at the stairwell, “Ah dunno. Those Flim Flam brothers seemed ‘gentle’ enough and look what they did to mah farm!”

“I’m sure things are going fine,” Twilight said, telekinetically lifting her coffee and taking a sip, “I do wish they’d hurry up though, I’m starting to get-“ she paused as she let out a particularly loud yawn “-tired.”

“You don’t think they’re…” Applejack trailed off, giving her eyebrows a suggestive wiggle.

“Applejack!” Rarity admonished.

AJ shrugged, “What? You know it’s a possibility.”

“No,” Rarity replied, blushing slightly, “I.. discussed that with Rainbow Dash earlier. Still, you’ve got a point Twilight, it’s
getting rather late. Perhaps we should check on them?”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Twilight said, standing up from her seat, “though I think we should be quiet, just in case they’re um…” Twilight trailed off, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks.

“Doin’ it?” Applejack supplied.

“Applejack!” Rarity admonished again.

Rolling her eyes, Applejack stood from the table and began creeping her way up the stairs, her friends in tow.

“Ah don’t hear nuthin,” Applejack whispered, her ear against the door.

“Are they asleep?”

Applejack stared at Twilight, “Could be doin' it quietly?”

Twilight deadpanned, "You are obsessed AJ. Just knock.”

AJ reached up and gave a solid rap on the door. “RD? Cloud Chaser? Y’all in there?”

Silence.

Frowning, AJ pushed on the latch and opened the door, revealing a dark room with a green stallion huddled on the ground.

“Oh my,” Rarity said, another spark floating out of her horn towards the burnt out candle, “Where did Rainbow Dash go?”

Applejack stepped in and shook Cloud gently, who woke with a start, his eyes wild for a few moments before recognition set in.

“Oh, it’s you guys,” he said, pulling himself into a sitting position.

“Where’s Rainbow Dash?”

Cloud winced, “She… left.”

“What!? Why would she leave? Was she just going to get fresh air leave or was she like leaving for good leave? Or maybe she wanted to get us all a surprise for helping her! Oooh, I bet it’s cupcakes. I love cupcakes!”

“Pinkie Pie!” the four mares shouted.

Pinkie jumped, “Sorry,” she said, looking bashful.

“Alright, we need to split up. Applejack, you and I will stay here with Cloud Chaser. Rarity, you, Pinkie, and Fluttershy need to go find Rainbow Dash.”

Pinkie mock saluted, “Aye aye ma’am!” before dashing out the door, Fluttershy and Rarity in tow.

Turning to Cloud, Twilight’s expression softened at the miserable look on his face, “Alright, would you mind telling us what happened?”

‘What is wrong with you?!’

Dash flinched, the harshness of her own thoughts taking her by surprise.

‘You had what you wanted, everything you had hoped for, for five years and you threw it away!’

It’s not that easy, she reasoned, even if we were together… what would happen? I’d either have to give up my job with the weather team, or I would be asking him to give up his life here. I… there’s no way I could do that.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Dash let out a small groan, her internal argument interrupted by Pinkie Pie’s high pitched voice. Hastily wiping away any remaining tears, Dash cautiously peeked over the edge of the rainbow factory roof. Below her, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy stood at the base of the factory.

“See! I told you! My Pinkie Sense always points to Rainbow Dash!”

“Good job Pinkie,” she heard Rarity say, “Now, Rainbow darling, why don’t you come down from there and talk to us?”

Dash opted instead to ignore her friend and turn away from the roof, silently hoping they would leave her in peace.

“And she just left you like that?”

Cloud nodded. He’d barely moved since Applejack had opened the door, changing from his position on the floor to sitting in one of the cushioned chairs in the room.

“What in tarnation is goin’ through that ponies’ head? Ah swear she makes some of the dumbest decisions…”

“Oh come now Rainbow Dash, let’s not be difficult about this.

Silence.

“Are you really going to sit up there and ignore me?”

More silence.

Rarity nickered in annoyance, “Alright then, have it your way. Girls, if you could hold on to me for a moment? Thank you.”

After a few seconds a brilliant flash of blue light erupted in front of Dash, dissolving into the shape of her friends.

“Phew,” Rarity said, wiping a few beads of sweat from her brow, “I don’t know how Twilight can cast that spell so easily.” She turned towards Rainbow Dash, “Now, are you going to talk to us or are you going to sit here until the guards discover you and take you away?”

Dash let out a sigh, “Just leave me alone,” she muttered.

“We can’t help you if we leave you alone,” Rarity countered.

“I don’t want your help.”

“Dash,” Rarity said, her lady-like mask temporarily disappearing, “don’t be stupid about this.”

“She said she was sorry.”

“Fer what though? Fer leavin’? The first time or tha second?

‘Are you really willing to give him up?’

Shut up.

‘I’m serious.’

I said shut up.

‘Oh no, not anymore. I told you before, if you didn't tell him how you felt, I was going to make you regret it.

...

‘Ahem. I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts, there they are all standing in a row…’

I said shut up!

‘Fine. You have two options. Go back and make this right, or live the rest of your life cold and alone.’

Dash winced, fantasies of her spending every night by herself, getting old, watching as her friends moved on, found their own lives.

“Dash?”

Dash sighed, “I… I don’t deserve him.”

“Why?” Fluttershy asked, stepping forward to sit next to her friend.

“I’ve done too much… I… I abandoned him when I left the flight academy. I hurt him. I hurt him worse than I can imagine. And now, to ask him to make sacrifices for me? I.. I can’t.”

“Don’t you think that’s his choice to make dear?”

“But what if it’s wrong? What if we don’t work out? T-then I’ll have asked him to give up his marefriend, someone he could be happy with, for me?”

“Marefriend?” Rarity asked confusing flitting across her face.

“There was a mare he was with… I saw them at the Wonderbolt’s practice today.”

“Oh, you must mean Cloud Kicker!”

Dash looked up at Pinkie, confusion evident on her face.

“H-how…?”

“We met them at the diner you told us about silly filly! How do you think we met Cloud?”

Dash let out a small groan as what she had suspected was confirmed, the mare she had seen him with was indeed his marefriend.

“Alright Rainbow Dash, it’s time to get up. We need to go back and get a few things straightened out.”

Dash frowned, looking up at Rarity. “What things?”

“Like who Cloud Kicker really is,” she responded with a light chuckle.

Dun, dun, dun, and another one bites the dust.