Chapters Right after their moment, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked in front of them to see a mysterious gate opening.
"That wasn't here before, let's go!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Wait, what if it's a trap?" asked Fluttershy.
"It's not a trap! Don't be ridiculous, my little butterfly!" Rainbow Dash said, "Where else are we gonna find the exit back to Modern Equestria?"
"I think we find a way out like we originally planned. It seems shady, it scares me," Fluttershy said.
"Well, there's only one way to find out! C'mon, Flutters!" Rainbow Dash said, dragging her along.
"When you put it that way, I'm coming whether I want to or not,"Fluttershy said, "Isn't that right, Rainbow Dash?"
"Yeah," Rainbow Dash said . She looked around. "Holy smokes! What is this place?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
All of a sudden, all light disappeared. Fluttershy held Rainbow Dash close.
Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously. "I guess we wait."
Then the light centred on a familiar face playing the piano.
Alastor. No, this was not Equestria.
They entered another gate after another after another.
Finally, they were home.
"I'm sorry about the mistake in the locator spell. It even astounds me what happened with my magic!" Twilight cried, "I'm just glad you're all back!"
"What did happen exactly? Professor Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy just disappeared!" Sandbar, Yona, Smolder, Gallus, and Ocellus cried.
"My magic went haywire, I'm not sure what happened. But all that matters is that you're all back in one piece," Twilight Sparkle replied, hugging everycreature.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy smiled at each other. It was quite the adventure and they discovered something they thought they never had----- love.
"Rainbow Dash, to award you, you get to lead a field trip for the Friendship Students,"Twilight said, "I don't know how you got it open, but this is a big achievement!"
"The thing is, Twilight: I haven't the faintest idea how it happened either," Rainbow Dash replied, "It was all so sudden----this happened." She handed the glowing key to Twilight. "It just appeared in my hoof like it was drawn to me. I know it seems crazy, but I think I have some destined quest that is not coming from The Cutie Map back at your castle."
Twilight Sparkle examined the key. "No. Just a magical coincidence," she replied, "I could've sworn that the school itself has a magical aura emitting from it."
"Overslept again, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked, "Man, that's why you're also going crazy."
"Shut it, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight snapped, "It's the magic of friendship that drew it to you. Now come on! Let's start the day!"
"Coming from a pony who's never late who all of a sudden lost all sense of punctuality," Rainbow Dash remarked.
"RAINBOW DASH!" Twilight Sparkle yelled, losing it.
"Ha! Found what made ya tick, didn't I, Twi?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Yeah...," Twilight said, annoyed. She took several deep breaths and then faced her friend. "Sorry. Get yourself ready for the field trip." She trotted off to her office, where she was greeted by Spike.
Rainbow Dash turned beet red with embarrassment. She trotted up to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, um... would you like to help me... set up for the-- y'know ---- field trip?"
"What's wrong, Rainbow Dash? You're blushing like crazy!" Fluttershy said.
"N-nothing. I just need your help," Rainbow Dash stammered, "Heh... heh..."
"I'd be glad to help, Rainbow Dash!" said Fluttershy.
Rainbow Dash smiled. "Thank you, Fluttershy. I was thinking of taking the Friendship Students to Griffonstone to show them how not to treat your friends," she said, "It'll really hit home for Gallus too."
"Why, though? It's good to give them some negative examples every once and a while, but you know that nopony can handle how hostile they are towards each other," Fluttershy said.
"You're right, Fluttershy. You always are," Rainbow Dash replied, "Where do you suggest they go for their field trip? It must include a friendship lesson. And how do you learn from positive mistakes?"
"I guess we could stick with Griffonstone, then," said Fluttershy, "How 'bout we leave for Griffonstone in a few minutes? We're now prepared."
Rainbow Dash smiled. "Yeah," she said, "Let's go let everypony know."
So, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash trotted towards their respective classrooms to tell the Friendship Students the field trip both had magnificently arranged.
Rainbow Dash gulped as she watched Fluttershy walk into her classroom, where the students were learning how to display kindness to their friends.
She couldn't help but notice how she blushed. Why did she blush whenever she saw Fluttershy? It was a mystery to her why she felt a certain way about one of her best friends.
Rainbow Dash composed herself by shaking it off. Whatever it was, it wasn't love. No, friendship is magic. They were friends----just friends.
Rainbow Dash smiled and trotted into announce the news.
"Alright everycreature. You ready?" Rainbow Dash asked Yona and Sandbar.
"I'm not so sure about this field trip," said Sandbar, "But it'll be a great opportunity to learn tons of friendship lessons!"
"Yona like idea! Yona think that field trip should be in Yakyakistan next time. Yak don't know friendship that well," Yona exclaimed.
"Griffons suck at it too," Gallus said from Twilight's office, "But at least yaks have a concept of friendship."
"Yona agree with griffon friend!" Yona said.
"Well, what're we waiting for?" Silverstream and Ocellus exclaimed, "Let's get going!"
Rainbow Dash pulled out a map. "It'll take us approximately three hours to get to Griffonstone from here," she said, "Darn, that sure is a lotta time."
She thought for a minute, eventually grinning like she had just schemed up a mastermind plan. "We're gonna have to find a way to get there faster and I know a way. You can count on me to kick it up a notch!"
Fluttershy looked at Rainbow Dash in concern, which made Rainbow Dash lower her head and blush.
Rainbow Dash quickly recovered, though. She lifted her head with her normal confidence and over cockiness, and smiled. "I'm sure as hay gonna kick this up a notch!"
To the Friendship Students, Rainbow Dash said, "Alright guys! Hold on tight 'cause we're gonna go fast!"
Fluttershy facehoofed.
To Griffonstone they went. Little did the seven of them know that the locator spell would malfunction, sending both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to relive the past they have dreaded and loved at the same time.
As soon as they arrived in Griffonstone, everycreature looked around at how terrible the griffons treated each other.
Recognising Rainbow Dash, Gilda approached them, but Rainbow Dash wasn't at all interested.
"Bugger off, Gilda," she said, "We're here for a field trip to learn friendship lessons and we would liek ti if you would ever so kindly let us be."
Gilda shrugged and flew away.
"Thank Celestia! I hated that jerk from the start!" Rainbow Dash said to herself.
"Look at how these griffons treat each other," said Fluttershy, "What do you see that's wrong and how do you pose they should fix the problem?"
Gallus raised a claw. "I know what they should do. My kind should treat themselves and others with respect and kindness," he said.
Yona, Sandbar, Silverstream, Smolder, and Ocellus looked back and saw Gallus, surprised.
"I thought you weren't coming," Smolder said.
"You know what they say. I changed my mind," Gallus said, "I couldn't be without my friends for even a second, so I begged Principal Twilight to go. Of course, she was surprised at first, but then smiled warmly. Now here I am because she said I could join you if it really meant all that much to me. And it does. 'Cause you're my best friends."
He hugged all of them, making the other griffons scowl at him------ even his parents----- who approached him.
"What are you doing here with your dishonourable friendship stupidity? We knew you'd bring dishonour to the family once you set claw in Ponyville and started going to that friendship school!" his father, Geoffrey shouted, "Move along, Gallus! Get out of my sight!"
"Dad------," Gallus said.
"Not a word! You are no longer in relation to us from this day forward!" his mother, Gillian shouted.
Both of Gallus's parents stormed off.
"Talk about birdbrains," Gallus said, "But maybe there's a way to help them!" His mind lit up at that moment.
"You're a bright student, Gallus," Rainbow Dash commented, "I advise you've identified a friendship problem?"
Gallus flashed Rainbow Dash a nervous smile. "At least I think I can help my parents... Isn't that what we're here for?"
"Yeah. As soon as you find a friendship problem, you're free to go solve it," Rainbow Dash said in reply.
Gallus ran after his parents. "You don't have to be angry for stupid things! I thought you loved me and supported me for whatever I do!"
"Love is a stretch because griffons are cold hearted creatures. We married by pure force and manipulation," said Gillian.
"But don't you know that what you did--- what you're doing is wrong? I'm your son until the end. At least you could show me some respect," Gallus said, "Please look back and reflect on your actions! There's still time!"
"I don't know what you're doing, but you're naive to think that," Geoffrey said.
"Mom, Dad. All I need is a sincere apology. Then I promise things between us will continue to be unsteady," Gallus said, "Just an understanding! Please!"
They pushed Gallus to the ground. "We're sorry, but we aren't listening to a maniac born from us. Good riddance!"
* * *
"So, that bad, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Shocked to hear her voice, Gallus immediately turned around. "Professor Rainbow Dash!" he cried, "How long were you there?"
"The whole time. I'm sorry," Rainbow Dash replied, "You tried your best, but a lot of griffons will stay stubborn."
"Talk about it," he said.
Just when he said that, Twilight Sparkle fired up the locator spell on Rainbow Dash and Gallus as well as Fluttershy and the other Friendship Students. But something went terribly wrong----- Twilight's magic went haywire and accidentally sent Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy back in time to their pasts.
The Student Six searched all of Griffonstone for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, but had no luck. Sandbar, Yona, Gallus, Smolder, and Ocellus grew into a panic.
Griffonstone Lyrics
Student Six: Where did they go? I don't know
They just disappeared Maybe something Has gone wrong Everything we've feared
Silverstream: But we can't let it bring us down We won't wear a frown!
We will prevail Some place and time We'll find a way To set sail
Student Six (minus Silverstream): I hope you're right Giving me such a fright
Where did you go? Who in Equestria knows?
We're alone In Griffonstone
Gallus: I want out of here
Student Six (minus Gallus): Without them, we need a way To vanquish the fear
Ocellus: How could they leave us? Did they deceive us?
But now we're alone In Griffonstone
Student Six: I don't know But we're alone
I don't know But we're alone
I don't know But we're alone In Griffon
We're alone We're alone In Griffon
We're alone In Griffonstone
(Song ends)
* * *
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy examined their surroundings. To the both of them, the things they saw, heard, and felt were and seemed so real. It was like a pleasurable hallucination or déja vu.
"Are we where I think we are?" Fluttershy asked.
"If the answer's 'the past', then hay yeah, I know exactly where we are," Rainbow Dash replied.
"It seems so familiar----- I could almost reach out and touch us," Fluttershy said.
"Uh, you could?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Fluttershy glared at her.
"Sorry, sorry. Yeah, it's like you could just put a hoof through and talk to us," she said.
"That gives me an idea," said Fluttershy, "Take my hoof in song and dance!"
Rainbow Dash blushed. "Don't mind if I do," she said, grabbing Fluttershy's silky yellow hooves.
Both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy could feel the wind in their manes as they shared this moment. Even for two pegasi, it felt magical.
It Feels Strange Lyrics
Fluttershy: Look around us How it astounds us
Take my hooves We'll whisk away On a strange adventure In which we'll stay
It feels strange But I think That I'm starting to Feel for you
Rainbow Dash: It's magical Me and you It feels strange Like déjà vu There's so much That we could do
We could fly Around in the sky
Be free Just you and me
The past is now The past is not the past
Both: Anymore!
Fluttershy: How magical that past feels Thinking that you could just Reach out your hoof And touch yourself
How magical that the past Makes everything Come alive
I'm here with you You're here with me Dancing freely
Can't you see? This is how it should be
Both: In the past Flying fast Just you and me
Rainbow Dash: How strange it feels When two hearts connect And dance about the stars
You and me, here we are Dancing with love Without a care In the world
Both: How strange How magical it feels When our hooves And hearts Become one
Just you and I High up in the sky The memories My, how they fly
Carefree
Magically
Inclined
(song ends)
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy chuckled nervously and turned away from each other to conceal their embarrassed blushes.
"Uh, Fluttershy... do you wanna do something once we get out of here?" Rainbow Dash asked, breaking the everlong silence.
"Depends on what you mean by something," Fluttershy said, "Gosh, I worry about the Friendship Students. They must be scared with the sudden disappearance. Though I don't know how we got here."
"Me neither," Rainbow Dash said, "But hey, haven't they handled themselves before and succeeded?"
Fluttershy was a little sceptical, but after giving it some thought, she took a deep breath and nodded, signaling to Rainbow Dash that they must find a way out--- and quickly.
A day has passed and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were adapting to the ways of the past. But on the other hoof, Gallus and the others couldn't wait to break free from the revolting jerkwads that called themselves griffons.
"Can you believe that it's been a day?" Rainbow Dash said, stretching her hooves as she awoke, "You know, it's kinda nice to share a bed with you... I mean, not like that... but you get what I mean."
"Uh, yeah. It did feel nice," Fluttershy said, "But where exactly are we?"
Rainbow Dash put a hoof to her head. "Geez, my head hurts all of a sudden! I hear so many ponies screaming, taunting the words 'Rainbow Crash'. It feels so familiar, so real. Please make me feel like I'm not going crazy."
Fluttershy put her hoof on Rainbow Dash. "I understand. I hear the bullies too in my head. You're not going crazy, trust me," she reassured Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash was relieved. "Oh, thank goodness it's not only me! Are you OK?"
Fluttershy had no idea how to respond. She was in her own thoughts, desperate to find a way to escape these taunting voices.
"Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked, concerned.
She could hear the voices as clear as day.
Those jeering ponies chanting:
"Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Fluttershy can hardly fly! Fluttershy, Fluttershy! Fluttershy can hardly fly!"
Fluttershy flew around, full of anxiety. She held her hooves to her head. Was she losing her mind? No, it couldn't be.
"Fluttershy, Fluttershy! Fluttershy can hardly fly!" she heard the ponies echo.
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash cried, running over to Fluttershy. She held Fluttershy in her hooves to the best of her ability. "Flutters, do you hear me? If you can, please snap out of it!"
Fluttershy grabbed tightly onto Rainbow Dash. She was crying. "I'm scared," Fluttershy said.
"Uh, if you need somepony to cry on, I'm here," Rainbow Dash said.
"N-no, I'll be fine," Fluttershy said, wiping her tears.
"Are you sure? I-I'm here if you need me," Rainbow Dash said.
"I said I'm fine," Fluttershy replied firmly, "Don't worry about me."
"You're my friend. If you're hiding something, you can tell me. You trust me, right?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Yeah," Fluttershy said.
"Then, you don't need to act all tough for me. Let all your emotions out. You can talk to me," Rainbow Dash reassured her, putting a reassuring hoof on Fluttershy.
Fluttershy hesitated. She was scared, there was no hiding it. It was stupid of her to try to pretend she was OK when she wasn't. She had somepony she trusted, who wouldn't judge her for being herself. Crying, Fluttershy laid her head on Rainbow Dash.
"Heard who?" Rainbow Dash calmly asked.
"The same ponies who called you Rainbow Crash as a filly," Fluttershy replied, "I heard them when they went after me, teasing me because I wasn't as good at flying as the other pegasi."
"Is that it?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I heard their voices echoing inside my mind like it was real! I was so scared! I thought I was going insane!" Fluttershy sobbed.
"There, there," Rainbow Dash said, "Do you mind if I stroke your mane?"
"Whatever you do, it's never gonna work. But yeah, you can try," Fluttershy said in reply.
Rainbow Dash stroked Fluttershy's silky pink mane in an attempt to calm her down and reboost her confidence.
Fluttershy cried herself to sleep on Rainbow Dash, who smiled warmly and continued to stroke her mane.
Then, Rainbow Dash kissed her head. "I love you," she whispered, "I'm sorry this is happening to us, but it'll all be over soon. Trust me, Flutters. My sweet, sweet Flutters."
So, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew around in the past, searching for some positive memories.
"Rainbow Dash, look! Remember when you believed in me that time?" Fluttershy cried with an excited gasp.
"Yeah, I knew you could do it," Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
"Our first duet! How sweet!" Fluttershy said.
Trying to get the image out of her mind, Rainbow Dash focused on what exactly they were singing about. Yes , she thought, When I felt left out about not having a pet. That was when Tank and I met.
Now, Rainbow, my dear I cannot express my delight
She had called her "my dear" and how she couldn't "express her delight". Back then, were the signs as clear as day? No , Rainbow Dash thought. But it was a thought. She continued to listen closely.
I can't wait to get started But first let me set a few rules It's of utmost importance the pet that I get Is something that's Awesome and cool!
Was she that ignorant to think that an animal that flies was cool enough for somepony like her at the time? Rainbow Dash watched herself in disgust as she saw herself kicking Tank to the side.
Then it came to her realisation. I chose him because he was following my Element. He was loyal to me and I couldn't turn him down. So, I fell in love with him and made him my pet, naming him Tank , she thought.
What to do? What to do? A prize! That's it! There's really just one way To find out Which animal's best
Hold a contest of speed Agility and guts That will put Each pet to the test!
Rainbow Dash was almost through with listening to herself at this point. Now, she was listening to the duet parts, which made her soul tingle in a way it never had before. It was almost unreal for her. Was it true? Was the love there even then?
She shook off the thoughts and faced Fluttershy, determined. "Great memory," she remarked, "But I need to ask you something---- actually tell you and ask you something before I find a way to bust us outta here."
"Bust us out? What do you mean? The past is beautiful!" Fluttershy said, overjoyed.
"Our friends back in Modern Equestria and the Student Six are terrified back in Modern Griffonstone," Rainbow Dash said while mindlessly packing, "That's why we're leaving,but in a totally awesome way."
"Uh, Rainbow Dash, you're not packing anything," Fluttershy said.
Rainbow Dash got up and blushed along with a nervous grin and chuckle. "My bad," she said.
"Just one more magical dance and then we can go. I promise," Fluttershy said.
So, they danced in the past one last time, invoking richer feelings each time.
"Twilight! Twilight! Wake up!" somepony said, shaking her.
She slightly opened her eyes. "Spike, is that you?"
"No, it's me, Starlight," Starlight said, "You overslept and now the Student Six is waiting outside the door of The School of Friendship."
"Oh, cheese and crackers!" Twilight cried, racing around the Castle of Friendship. She used her magic to make her bed and get ready for the day. "Starlight, we've gotta fly!" Twilight said.
"But you don't know the Sonic Rainboom," Starlight said.
"So? Both of us can use our wings to fly as fast as we can and apologise," Twilight said.
"And open the doors," Starlight added.
"Don't get ahead of ourselves, Starlight. Let's go!" Twilight Sparkle cried.
At The School of Friendship...
"Where's Principal Twilight?" asked the Student Six, "Better question: Where's Counselor Starlight?"
Just at that moment, a glowing key appeared in Rainbow Dash's hoof. "What the hay?" she cried. She clutched it in her hoof, determined to try it in The School of Friendship doors.
'What's going on, Professor Rainbow Dash?" they asked.
No answer. Rainbow Dash looked at the glowing key and put it in the lock. She was surprised by how well it worked.
After she had opened it, Twilight and Starlight arrived.
"Well, you guys probably heard Principal Twilight award me with the task of setting up a field trip for you guys! Isn't that awesome?" said Rainbow Dash.
Yona, Sandbar, and Gallus exchanged looks. The three had some idea what she was talking about ,but listened in because they were as excited as their Professor Rainbow Dash.
"Fluttershy and I were thinking that we should take you guys to Griffonstone to learn some friendship lessons. Extra credit: If you can manage to successfully resolve a friendship problem, I'm giving each and every one of you 10 extra points," Rainbow Dash declared, "But use Loyalty and I'll give you 15 extra points."
Gallus raised a claw.
Rainbow Dash smiled. "Yes, Gallus?"
"Why Griffonstone, Professor Rainbow Dash?" he asked, "I really don't wanna deal with everygriffon back home. I know it's not friendship to say this, but I don't really like them and don't feel safe going on this field trip. Please understand,"
"I understand. I'll make sure to notify Principal Twilight of this as soon as I can, so you can stay behind with her,"Rainbow Dash said. he turned to the class. "Any more questions or concerns before we go?"
Everycreature shook their heads.
Rainbow Dash smiled once again. "Alright then. I just need to go clear things up with Principal Twilight. It should only take a few minutes."
She trotted to Twilight's office----no, it was more of a canter--- and knocked at the door with her hoof. Twilight smiled, letting Rainbow Dash inside.
"What is it you need to ask me about, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked,"Is everything going OK?"
"That's the thing. Gallus doesn't feel safe about going on the field trip to Griffonstone, so I was wondering if he can stay with you in your office while we're there," Rainbow Dash confessed.
"Understandable," Twilight said.
On the announcement speaker, Twilight asked Spike to run it, and he said, "Gallus, you may come to Principal Twilight's office."
"Thank Celestia," he said quietly to himself, and made his way to Twilight's office.
"As for you and Fluttershy, I will keep an eye on you two to see if you're doing well with a locator spell,"Twilight told Rainbow Dash.
"Sounds a little intrusive, but whatever you the hay you gotta do, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said.
Twilight shot a look a Rainbow Dash.
"Alright, alright! I'm sorry!" Rainbow Dash said, "Great idea!"
"That's what I wanted to hear. You have fun," said Twilight.
"Yeah, yeah. Bye, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Bye!"Twilight called from her office.
Depressed, Fluttershy looked up at the sky.
It Feels Strange (Reprise) Lyrics
Fluttershy: Can it be so? This path That I know
Looking up into the sky Their voices My, how they Make me fly Somewhere I don't belong
My head Think about Something else instead
Just you and I High up in the sky Where everything Was once just fine
Lift me out of this darkness Total blackness
It feels strange The feeling That I'm deranged
Fluttershy, Fluttershy Can hardly fly!
Would you all just get Out of my head?
Just you and I Can hardly fly!
Shut Shut Shut
Shut up!
(song ends)
"Fluttershy... oh gosh... If I said or did anything to cause this, please forgive me!" Rainbow Dash cried desperately.
Fluttershy smiled warmly. "You didn't do anything. It happened on its own. Stop blaming yourself for things that weren't your fault," she said.
"Oh, Fluttershy! Oh my gosh, you scared me! I'm so glad you're alright!" Rainbow Dash said, squeezing her.
Fluttershy hugged back. "You were right. Getting things off your chest really does work. Let's see if we can go search for a positive memory."
"Right behind you, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash said.
"Fluttershy, mind if I say something?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Sure, anything," Fluttershy replied.
Rainbow Dash tensed up. She loved being the centre of attention--- not exactly--- but she was used to the spotlight. But now faced with confessions, she was tongue-tied.
C'mon, Rainbow Dash. You've been wanting to tell her this all this time , she thought, Plus, you shouldn't be afraid. She's one of your best friends!
Rainbow Dash sighed. "I love you, Fluttershy. I know this sounds messed up and weird, but I feel something for you. I really do!"
"Then why didn't you say so?" Fluttershy said.
"I was embarrassed---- scared you'd turn me down," Rainbow Dash said, "But to me, all this had to mean something."
Fluttershy replied with a kiss. "It means everything," she said, "I love you too, Rainbow Dash."
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash shared a passionate kiss.
