Behind the Flight Goggles

Chapters

The Start
Spitfire Flare and the Wonderbolt Crusaders
Soarin Skies and the Secret Problem
Fleetfoot's Flight
The Letters (Rainbow's Chapter, Part 1)
Sister Story (Rainbow's Chapter, Part 2)
Rapidfire (What More Can I Say?)
Misty Fly and the Fan's Fears

The Start

Rainbow sat down in a booth at a restaurant in Ponyville. She smiled at the mare on the other side of the table.

"I'm glad we were able to meet up A.K, it's good to see you again." Rainbow said

"Yeah, well I was in the area on business, so I decided I might as well, it's been a while." A.K said, and Rainbow smirked.

"Right, business." Rainbow replied, stretching the last word in disbelief.

"Despite what you might know about me, Rainbow, I really was just on business. I needed to speak to my editor in Canterlot." Daring insisted

"Yeah, okay."

The two paused as they ordered their food and then began talking together.

"So, how are things going for you Rainbow?" Daring asked

"Good. The Wonderbolts are the same, as always. Spit's new drills keep us all on our hooves."

"I read up on them a little while I was in Canterlot. It seems like your team is pretty much just another military branch. What do you do to train? Fly in perfect synchronization?"

"Much more than that. Recently Spitfire's been testing us on this machine called the Dizzitron. It's to help us recover from spinouts. I've got the fastest recovery time, it actually got better, from six seconds to five seconds."

"Oh, that's cool. But I guess you guys only talk with each other when necessary, you don't seem that close in public."

"Believe me, we're actually a lot closer than the newspapers make it out to be. I mean, we live together five months out of the year, maybe more. We all look out for each other."

"Even Spitfire?" A.K asked "From what the newspapers said about her I got the idea she was a no-nonsense kind of leader."

"Especially Spitfire. She may look like a tough mare in the newspapers but don't believe it, she's a real softy once you get to know her."

"I find that hard to believe." A.K responded as their food arrived.

"Well, it's true. Spit may act tough around the fans, and don't get me wrong, she is fairly strict when we're at HQ, but she's still a big 'ole softy. She's kind of like...the HQ's mother." Rainbow explained, taking a bite of her Hayburger.

"What kind of mother? Strict or nurturing?" A.K asked.

"Definitely strict, but she still cares about all of us, even if it takes certain ponies to get her to show it. High Winds and Sun Chaser are the ones who are the nurturing 'mothers' of HQ." Rainbow replied

"Who? You guys all look the same under those flight suits."

"Two mares on the team. Both of them are pretty sweet and soft, so they're usually the 'mothers'." Rainbow explained.

"You should be yourselves in public more often, I read articles on the Wonderbolts from recent newspapers, and they don't know those things."

"Yeah, I guess we should. But how?" Rainbow asked.

"Do what I do. Write about it. I've found it's a good way to show others what experiences you've had. Even though they may not know it's the truth." A.K suggested, winking.

"I'm not the best at writing. Besides, how would any book written by a Wonderbolt even be seen?"

"If you like, I could talk to my editor. I might be able to convince him to review your book. If you decide to write one, that is."

"Yeah, that could work. So, would you mind staying in touch with me? So you could give me some advice?"

"Not at all. But I may not respond right away, considering my...unique lifestyle."

"That won't be a problem."

"What would you write about, anyway?" Daring asked as she took another bite of her salad.

"Maybe just the daily lives of the Wonderbolts, when we're not performing or practicing."

"Wouldn't that be a little boring?"

"No way. When you're hanging with the Wonderbolts, things are never boring." Rainbow replied, laughing a little.

"Hey Rainbow." Spitfire said as Rainbow entered Wonderbolt Headquarters' rec room.

"Hey Spit." Rainbow tossed her the saddlebags she was carrying. "Got you the groceries, since I was near the Ponyville markets."

"Thanks. You know how much I hate shopping. Where'd you go, anyway?"

"Just to lunch with a friend."

"Who? Pinkie? Fluttershy? Applejack? Rarity? Princess Twilight? Starlight Glimmer?" Surprise began asking, and Spitfire covered the mare's mouth with a wing.

"None of them, you guys don't know her. She gave me a pretty good idea though."

"What kind of idea?" Spitfire asked her, as Soarin came up to them from where he was sitting. Spitfire passed him the saddlebags.

"Thanks Spit. I really felt like putting away groceries today." Soarin commented sarcastically.

"You're welcome." Spitfire retorted, not missing a beat. "Like I said, what kind of idea?"

"She was telling me about some of the stuff she heard about us in the newspapers-"

"Oh not that load of cr** again." Rapidfire commented, rolling his eyes.

"Rapid what did I tell you?" Spitfire snapped

"No, guys, I was telling her how wrong it is, and she suggested that we correct it."

"Small question: how?" High Winds asked

"That's a small question High?" Wave Chill asked, and High Winds shrugged.

"It's only three letters."

"Well, my friend suggested writing a book."

"You sure it wasn't the Princess you were eating lunch with?" Lightning Streak asked.

"Yes. Though she'd give Twi a run for her money."

"What would we write a book about?" Sun Chaser asked, shifting.

"Our lives as Wonderbolts, obviously." Rainbow answered.

"Why would anypony want to read about that-oh, you know what, I see your point." Fire Streak sighed, looking around at his friends.

"Yeah, since when do we not get into highjinks?" Thunderlane agreed.

"Well, I guess that is a good idea. As long as it dispells all the wrong ideas ponies are getting about our team. We are noble Pegasi, not a load of ponies who can't fly straight." Spitfire consented, turning to glare at Silver Zoom, who was playing cards with Misty Fly.

"It wasn't my fault! Rapid knocked into me!" Silver Zoom objected.

"I did not, Silver Doom!"

"Yes, you did! I didn't try to crash into the bleachers!"

"Could've fooled me." Rapidfire sneered.

"Oh, you want to play that game?! Well, you didn't look so great yourself last performance! Your stance was all over the place!"

The two stallions began going back and forth with the insults. Spitfire covered her ears with her wings.

"How soon can you start that book?" Spitfire asked, almost pleading.

Author's Note

So, I got this idea and decided to make it a reality. I've been wanting to find a way to make chapters starring each of the separate Wonderbolts telling a story. Now, that's basically all this story's about. So it works.

~Melody Song

Spitfire Flare and the Wonderbolt Crusaders

Rainbow stuck the end of the quill in her mouth and eyed the blank page. Soarin was sitting beside her. They were in the rec room. Silver Zoom and Rapidfire had moved their argument to the kitchen after Spitfire ordered them to put the groceries away and clean the mess hall.

"I need help here Soar." Rainbow said

"Maybe you should start with the bravest Wonderbolt of them all." Soarin said, puffing out his chest.

"Oh, yeah, definitely!" Rainbow agreed. "Soarin..."

Soarin looked over at her eagerly.

"Can you tell me what you know about Spitfire?"

Rainbow finished. Soarin huffed, crossing his forelegs in a pout.

"Really Rainbow?" He grumped. Rainbow giggled and leaned over to nuzzle him.

"Aww, is somepony jealous?" Rainbow teased, and Soarin blushed.

"I-uh-n-no, of course not. B-but I'm way braver than her." Soarin said, and Rainbow eyed him.

"Last week she dove straight into a brawl between the Streak Twins and came out without a scratch."

"True, but-but I'm brave too!"

"Yes, you are Soarin. But I might as well start with Spitfire." Rainbow suggested

"Okay..." Soarin sighed

"It's only because she's the Captain, Soar. I'll do you next."

"Okay!" Soarin said eagerly.

"What's going on in here?" Spitfire asked, coming in.

"I was going to start the book with you." Rainbow said

"Cool. Can I help then? Fleetfoot's taking a shower and I'm bored as heck." Spitfire flopped down onto a nearby couch.

"Sure, you can help Spit." Rainbow agreed

"Why couldn't you just get in the shower with Fleetfoot?" Rapid asked, passing by.

"Get back to work Rapid!" Spitfire yelled. Rainbow smirked and began jotting down an idea.

Unlike many newspapers will lead you to believe, there is nopony more loyal to the team than our Captain, Spitfire Flare. She is the greatest Captain in the world, and always does her best to make sure every single one of us lives up to our potential. I remember one time she showed where her true loyalties lie. It was after I'd managed to convince Soarin to come down from Mount Everhoof...

"I'm glad you're back Soarin, I missed you." Spitfire said as she, Soarin, and Rainbow landed outside Wonderbolt HQ

"You...did?"

"Well of course you big goofball. Did you think I wasn't worried about you?" Spitfire asked

"Kind of. You sent Rainbow instead, probably because you didn't want to leave your work for Spring Training."

"Soarin, I sent Rainbow because I knew you'd listen to her. Right Rainbow? I said that, didn't I?" Spitfire asked

"Yeah, she did Soar." Rainbow agreed

"Okay, but still...you haven't acted like that since we were kids." Soarin objected, looking away.

"Soarin..." Spitfire put a wingtip on his shoulder, and he looked up. "I've just been stressed out lately. If I was ever harsh on you it was never because of anything you did. I didn't mean to make you feel like I was mad at you or that you weren't a good enough flyer to be on the relay team. You are, Soarin. All the 'bolts know it. I just needed some time to figure out how to make it up to you. Fleetfoot helped, don't worry."

"Oh, she did, did she?" Rainbow asked, and Spitfire blushed.

"Watch it Crash, or I'll make you clean the mess hall for a week." Spitfire warned

"Sure..." Rainbow rolled her eyes in disbelief.

"Anyway, you, Fleet, and I? We're still best friends Soar. Still reaching for our dreams, just like when we were kids. Remember, how we worked to become Wonderbolts? Nothing's changed since then." Spitfire asked, extending her wing in front of Soarin.

"You're right." Soarin smiled, putting his wing on hers. "I get it Spit. Best friends, always."

This memory makes me remember something my friend Princess Twilight once said: "In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who is true will surely come to light." Well, she was right this time. Spit didn't have to talk to him. She could have let things stay the way they were. But in the end, she chose to fix her mistake, and that was the bravest thing I've probably ever seen her do.

Rainbow looked up, to where Spitfire was now teasing Soarin, and glanced back down.

Even though Spitfire enjoys teasing us all sometimes, she is truly a great leader. She makes sure we all feel like we deserve to be here, and that we're okay. Spitfire may be a bit easy to rile up, but she's always there for us. She's like the strict mother of our team. Except try calling her mom-seriously, Rapid tried that once-and she'll give you a black eye. Then she'll apologize. Probably.

"Hey guyth. What are you doing?" Fleetfoot entered the room, a towel hanging around her neck.

"Not much." Soarin replied

"Come on Fleet, I have something I want to show you. You too Soarin." Spitfire said, standing up.

"Give me a minute Spit." Soarin replied, and the two mares nodded, leaving. "Rainbow, you know how you said Spitfire was brave?"

"Yeah...?" Rainbow asked

Soarin glanced around, making sure they were alone. Then, he shifted and looked to her.

"She, Fleet, and I grew up together. And I know something about her even Fleetfoot doesn't know."

"Really?" Rainbow asked, setting the quill to the side.

"Really. Just...promise you won't put it in the book, then Spitfire will know I told you."

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Rainbow promised

"Okay..." Soarin leaned in so his muzzle was nearly touching her ear. "Spitfire's scared of dragons."

"She's what?" Rainbow said aloud, before Soarin covered her mouth with his wing.

"Shh, they might hear you."

"Okay. But seriously? I mean, it explains a lot, but really?" Rainbow asked

"Yep. I found out by accident." Soarin added

"How?"

"Well, it started back when we were-"

"Soarin! I need you over here!" Spitfire ordered, and Soarin grinned.

"Coming!" He stood up, then turned to face Rainbow. "I'll tell you later Dashie, 'kay?"

"Okay." Rainbow blushed at the nickname as Soarin raced out of the room.

"Come on you two, let's go!" Spitfire demanded and Rainbow could hear the three running down the hall. She quickly made an amendment to the last paragraph, crossing out bits of the original and writing the revised bit underneath.

...that we're okay. But she also knows how to let loose. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Soarin were best friends as kids and still are today. You'll never see them too far apart from each other at HQ. And when Spitfire has something new to show us, Soarin and Fleetfoot are the first to know. They remind me of older versions of my little sister and her friends, the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Really, during rest periods, they're the same foalhood friends they used to be. While Spitfire may be a bit easy to rile up...

Rainbow then stood up and grabbed the paper, to take to her bunk in the sleeping quarters. If Rapid found it Spitfire would probably blame her for leaving it out.

Soarin Skies and the Secret Problem

"Can we do me now?" Soarin pleaded when he found Rainbow a few days after she'd completed the first chapter. Rainbow laughed and nodded.

"I promised I would. But...what should I write about you?" Rainbow asked, glancing at him.

"Yeah..." Soarin trailed off, and Rainbow smiled at him.

"How about-"

"Thoarin!" Fleetfoot came into the room, panicked.

"What's wrong Fleet?"

"Thpitfire'th hurt!" Fleetfoot cried, and the two leapt up.

"Show me." Soarin ordered, following Fleetfoot. Rainbow grabbed up her quill and paper, then followed them out.

"What happened Fleet?" Rainbow asked as they walked.

"I don't know, one minute we were flying, the next she landed on a cloud and had trouble taking off again." Fleetfoot responded.

They made it outside and Fleetfoot led them up. Spitfire was examining her wing. When she saw them, she quickly let it fold back to her side. Soarin landed and reached out with his hoof.

"Spitfire, give me your wing."

"No, it's fine Soar, I already looked it over, I must just be tired." Spitfire started to say.

"Spit, there might be something you missed. We're both trained in first aid, come on." Soarin urged.

"Wait, why are you? I'm not." Rainbow asked.

"It's a part of the extra training we had to go through to become Captain and Co-Captain. Now come on Spit." Soarin kept his eyes focused directly on Spitfire. Rainbow reached and scrawled a quick note on her paper.

In all the time I've known Soarin, I've only seen him so determined about something once. When he ordered Wind Rider to tell us where he sent Spitfire. Now, he's even more determined, glaring at her eye-to-eye. Again, because of Spitfire.

Spitfire sighed and extended her wing. Soarin sat by her and looked to Fleetfoot.

"Keep her calm Fleet, if I touch a sensitive part she might jump."

"I'm right here!" Spitfire snapped, and Fleetfoot touched her nose to Spitfire's.

"Calm down Thpitty, he'th jutht trying to help." Fleetfoot soothed. She sat at Spitfire's other side, leaning into her.

"Rainbow, c'mere." Soarin said, and Rainbow obeyed.

"What is it?" Rainbow asked

"I need you to back me up. I have a pretty good idea what it is, but Spit's not gonna like it. So, I need you to confirm that we're both seeing the same thing."

"Okay...what are we seeing?" Rainbow asked, and Soarin shifted Spitfire's wing, showing Rainbow the underside.

There were a few missing feathers, and blood was trickling down the gaps. In a few places lacerations covered her wings.

"Soarin, what-"

"It's been scraped against something repeatedly. Fleet, is her other wing bleeding?"

"Neither of them are." Spitfire replied

"I wasn't asking you Spit." Soarin retorted, and Fleetfoot lifted Spitfire's other wing. The look on her face answered his question.

"What did you do Thpitty?!" Fleetfoot cried, touching her muzzle to Spitfire's cheek.

"I..." Spitfire sighed and brought her wings back to her sides. "I...went a little too far while I was working out in the gym. And I forgot to rub some of that chalk powder on my wings when I started using the pull-up bar."

"Spit, you're always the one telling us to do that." Rainbow said

"Don't remind me." Spitfire muttered through gritted teeth. "I was distracted, because Rapid and Fire Streak were fighting, and I didn't stop to think. Then I was too embarrassed to admit I'd forgotten the rule I made, and decided...nopony had to know."

"Spit, you should have told us. Now they'll take longer to heal." Soarin said, eyes softening.

"I know Soar. I'm sorry, really." Spitfire sighed

"Come on, let'th get you back down to HQ, we should probably get your wingth looked at." Fleetfoot said, lifting Spitfire up to carry her down.

"You don't need to carry me."

"No, but I want to." Fleetfoot shifted her hold on the bigger mare, so she was holding her bridal style.

"Fleet!" Spitfire protested when she realized the position Fleetfoot had her in.

"Just enjoy it Spit." Rainbow teased, grinning.

"Shut up Crash." Spitfire's face was bright red. She buried her head in Fleetfoot's neck, clearly embarrassed. Fleetfoot smiled at the mare, then flew off.

"Now that that's taken care of, we can go back to planning out my chapter." Soarin said, and Rainbow cocked her head.

"What are you talking about? You just gave me the chapter." Rainbow said

"I did?"

"Yes silly. I can write it about how you helped Spitfire. You know, you're a softy too, just like her. Only cuter." Rainbow replied

"Y-You think I'm cute?" Soarin asked. Rainbow gasped, covering her mouth with her wing.

"D-did I say that out loud?"

Soarin laughed and moved her wing with his own, smiling at her.

"I think you're cute too Dashie."

"Y-you do?" Rainbow asked, looking away.

"Yeah." Soarin admitted, blushing.

Rainbow leaned forward and kissed him swiftly, then backed away. Soarin stared at her, then pulled Rainbow into his forelegs. He hugged her close, then they let go of each other.

"Do you want to help me write your chapter of the book?" Rainbow asked shyly.

"I would love to." Soarin replied, taking her by the hoof and lifting off. Rainbow followed him, smiling.

Without Soarin, I'm sure Spitfire would never have admitted she was hurt. I know Fleetfoot would have figured it out eventually, but Spitfire would have been grounded for a long time.

Rainbow broke off, and Soarin put his muzzle to hers.

"What's wrong?"

"Something's missing from the first part..." Rainbow moved back up to the top of the paper and wrote some more depth into the first note she took.

...glaring at her eye-to-eye, which is no easy feat when we're talking about Spitfire. Again, it was because she was in trouble. And this time, his eyes...they stopped being the kind, gentle eyes everypony's used to. It was like they changed from leaf green to emerald green, the kind that can slice somepony down with a single glare.

"You seem really focused on my eyes." Soarin teased gently, and Rainbow shoved him with her wing.

"Shush you." Rainbow retorted, then returned to the last paragraph.

I think that as the Co-Captain, Soarin becomes the protector of his friends when Spitfire can't be. The only time I've ever seen him so determined is when something happens to Spitfire or Fleetfoot.

"Hey Soar, do you know what it's like to have siblings?"

"Not really. My parents only had me. But Fleet, Spit, and I were inseparable as foals, does that count?"

"I think it does. I mean, the CMCs would probably consider each other sisters. And that's the perfect ending for your chapter." Rainbow said

"What?"

"Just watch." Rainbow added a few more lines to the paragraph.

As Soarin is an only child, he obviously developed a close bond with his only friends. He loves them like they were his sisters. And would do anything to make sure they're safe.

"Huh. That actually just about sums it up." Soarin nuzzled her, and Rainbow smiled at him. "Good job Dashie."

"Well of course I did a good job. I'm Rainbow Dash." Rainbow replied, and Soarin laughed, kissing her cheek.

"Yes, you are. So, who's next?"

"Well..."

Fleetfoot's Flight

Author's Note

This chapter contains a few swears but they're mostly blocked out with this symbol: *

Anyway, you've been waiting for so long, and it's finally here. Enjoy!

~Melody Song

Fleetfoot's Flight

The third chapter is based on the Third-In-Command of the Wonderbolts, the one and only Fleetfoot! She's a great pony and friend. A lot of ponies don't know this, but Fleet said it was okay to put in: She has a lisp. It's why she's so quiet in public. Both of us, as well as Spitfire and Soarin, thought it was time the rumors about why she's quiet were set to rest. It took me a while to get the story for her chapter, but I managed it. Funnily enough, it all started from a simple misunderstanding I had when I passed by Spitfire on my way to see Fleetfoot for her chapter...

"Fleetfoot?" Rainbow walked into the sleeping quarters to find Fleetfoot reading.

"Hey Rainbow, you need thomething?"

"Yeah, your chapter."

"Oh, right. For your book. Thorry, I don't really have anything interethting to do right now."

"Oh. I thought you and Spit were going out."

"Not that I know of."

"But Soarin and I heard her saying something about a meeting with someone special."

"What?" Fleetfoot sat up in bed, eyes wide.

"B-but I'm sure it's nothing suspicious!" Rainbow hastened to say.

Fleetfoot ignored her, flying out of the room. Rainbow followed her out, seeing Soarin waiting for her.

"Well, that could have gone better." Rainbow sighed.

"True, but Spit did mention that while we were passing by, so it wasn't a lie."

"Yeah. We've at least got that for an excuse."

Fleetfoot ran into Spitfire's office, bursting through the door.

"Fleet? What's wro-"

Fleetfoot slammed the door shut with her back leg, then raced to the fiery mare.

"Fleety, what's going on?"

"Why did Rainbow thay you're meeting thomepony?" Fleetfoot asked, and Spitfire's eyes widened.

"Fleet, come here." Spitfire sighed, holding out her hooves.

Fleetfoot trotted over warily and slipped into her marefriend's hooves, sitting on her lap. Spitfire blushed slightly at the contact, but cleared her throat and pulled Fleetfoot against her. She began stroking Fleetfoot's wings, ruffling them.

"Thpitty, can we wait to preen each other when we're lying down?" Fleetfoot asked, blushing slightly.

"Oh, um, yeah, sorry." Spitfire kissed her forehead gently and then nuzzled her. "Fleety, you know I'd tell you if something was wrong."

"Yeah, I know, but Rainbow thaid both she and Thoarin heard you."

"It wasn't anything important, nothing you need to worry about." Spitfire let Fleetfoot get off her lap.

"O-okay."

"Great. Can you go check on the other 'bolts then?" Spitfire asked.

"Of courthe honey." Fleetfoot kissed her cheek gently, then walked over to the door. She turned back as she reached it. "I'm thorry I thlammed the door like that."

"Eh, I've done it enough times myself." Spitfire shrugged. Fleetfoot laughed softly and left the room.

A few hours later, Fleetfoot noticed Spitfire leaving with something tucked under her wing.

"Thpitty...?" Fleetfoot followed her marefriend, not knowing Rainbow was spying on them from the ground.

Spitfire had taken off, carrying something now. Fleetfoot followed her into the sky, and Spitfire turned, hearing her flying up.

"Fleet! I uh..."

"What are thothe flowerth for?"

"Nothing! Uh, they're not for you." Spitfire said, hiding them behind her back.

"Yeah, you've made that clear." Fleetfoot said, looking away. Spitfire took the chance to fly up and peck her on the cheek.

"It's nothing important Fleet, I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay..." Fleetfoot sighed, then flew back down to HQ.

"Why didn't you confront her?" Rainbow asked, standing in Fleetfoot's way.

"I didn't want to bother her. She obviouthly doethn't want to tell me thomething tho I'm not going to push her."

"And why the heck not?!" Rainbow asked, raising her voice a little.

"Wait a minute..." Fleetfoot narrowed her eyes. "You jutht want a thtory for my chapter in your book."

"Well...that...and I care about you. Spit may be our captain and my friend, but if she's mistreating you and lying to your face, then I'm gonna say something." Rainbow responded.

"Yeah...but I'm sure she hath her reathonth." Fleetfoot insisted.

Spitfire kept flying in and out of the HQ the whole week. Fleetfoot barely saw her.

"Mail call!" Surprise called, bouncing into the sleeping quarters with a satchel around her chest.

"Did any letters for me come? You know, fan mail?" Rapidfire asked, and Misty shoved him.

"Nope. Let's see now..." Surprise dug through her bag. "Rainbow, you've got a letter from...Scootaloo."

"Sweet." Rainbow took the envelope and tore it open.

"Soarin, your mom and dad sent you a letter...Streak twins, you got a letter from your cousin...oh Fleet, your brother wrote to you!" Surprise passed the letters out, and Fleetfoot looked down at it.

Fleetfoot ripped open the letter and read it.

Hey sis, guess who just got a promotion? This guy! I'm now the leader of the whole Canterlot Guard! Of course, I'm still the leader of the Night Guard, but Princess Luna recommended me to Princess Celestia, because she was looking for someone to look after the guard when Prince Shining Armor isn't here. So now I control the whole guard of Canterlot! Anyway, as a part of the promotion, I got a new house. All expenses already paid. You wanna come check it out? I wrote the address below, come by anytime you want. Love you sis, can't wait to see you again. Please come soon, I miss you.

Lots of love,

Your big brother.

Fleetfoot sighed and stood up, flying over to Rainbow.

"What's wrong Fleet?" Rainbow asked.

"I...I need thome advice. In private."

"Okay...?"

Rainbow and Fleetfoot left the room, going out into the hallway. Fleetfoot immediately told Rainbow what her brother had said in the letter.

"Well, that's awesome Fleet."

"I know...but I don't know if I should go or not. I mean, I want too, but..."

"What?"

"...There ith no but. Thpitfire'th been really thecretive, and she'th been avoiding me all week. Maybe I should jutht go. Let'th thee how much she liketh it when I leave and avoid her." Fleetfoot murmured, tears falling.

"Sounds like a good plan. Your brother might be able to help you, actually." Rainbow said, nuzzling her friend in comfort before heading back into the sleeping quarters.

"Rainbow, have you seen Fleetfoot?" Spitfire asked, and Rainbow looked away.

"No..."

"Rainbow..." Spitfire growled. Rainbow sighed, looking up.

"She...she went to her brother's new house to visit him. She'll be back in a week."

"What?! Why?!" Spitfire asked, and Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Like you don't know Spit. You've been avoiding her all week. She decided to see how tough you are without her."

"Sh**. Sh** sh** sh**." Spitfire swore, head ducked. She looked up, glaring at Rainbow. "Did she tell you her brother's address?"

"Yeah, since I'm writing her chapter, she told me so I'd know where to find her. But why should I tell you-?"

"For Celestia's sake, just give me the address Dash!" Spitfire yelled, and Rainbow backed up.

"Okay, okay." Rainbow caved in and gave it to her.

"I'm sorry you feel that way sis. You can stay here long as you like, you know that, right?" Dark Shooter asked.

"Yeah, I know, but I'm only thtaying for the week."

"Wouldn't blame you if you tried to stick around longer."

"Yeah, thith place ith amazing! You really landed a good pothition." Fleetfoot said, and Dark Shooter laughed.

"Yeah, I guess I did-"

The brother and sister looked up when they heard a knock at the door. Dark Shooter rose from the couch to open the door. He stiffened and his eyes narrowed.

"Hello, Spitfire."

Fleetfoot leapt to her hooves.

"Dark, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but I really need to speak with-" Spitfire looked over Dark Shooter and her eyes softened. "Fleet."

"Hello, Mithth Flare." Fleetfoot said stiffly.

"Fleety, I-"

"Don't call me that."

"Aw, sh** you're really mad, aren't you?" Spitfire moved past Dark Shooter and stood directly in front of Fleetfoot.

"You've been avoiding me for a week, of courthe I'm mad!" Fleetfoot exclaimed, stomping her hoof. "Thpitfire...how can I be your marefriend if you don't trutht me enough to tell me what you've been doing?"

"Fleetfoot, I promise, I can explain everything." Spitfire said, reaching and taking her hoof. "I have something I want to show you."

Fleetfoot looked away, eyes watering. Spitfire raised her chin with her hoof.

"Look, just give me an hour, and if you still don't trust me...then I'll leave you alone. For good. I promise."

"Wonderbolt Thwear?" Fleetfoot asked, and Spitfire nodded, raising her wing.

"I swear by the fallen Wonderbolts of the past that if you don't want me around, I will leave you alone."

"Thank you." Fleetfoot sighed.

"Are you sure you're okay with this Fleet?" Dark Shooter asked, and Fleetfoot looked up at him.

"Yeah Dark. It'th fine."

Spitfire led Fleetfoot to a forest, taking her in.

"Will you jutht tell me where we're going?"

"Fleet...I just want to say..." Spitfire turned to face her, walking backwards. "Since we first met, you've made me bloom."

As she said this, Spitfire reached with her wing and pulled aside a tree branch to reveal a clearing. Fleetfoot gasped, covering her mouth with her wing. There, sitting in the center, was a beautiful wooden arch decorated with flowers, with a path of flower petals leading to it.

"Thweet Celethtia...are you propothing to me?!" Fleetfoot asked, and Spitfire laughed, placing a wing on Fleetfoot's back and walking her down the path.

"Not exactly, sadly. But..." Spitfire took her to the archway, pulling her underneath it. "Do you know what today is?"

"No...ith it our anniverthary? Did I forget?" Fleetfoot asked, and Spitfire shook her head.

"No, no. That's in five months. Fleety...this is the anniversary of the day we first met." Spitfire lifted Fleetfoot's front legs. "When we became friends. The day I laid eyes on you and knew, you were the one."

"Oh, honey..." Fleetfoot flung her hooves around Spitfire. "I'm tho thorry baby."

"It's okay Fleety, I would have panicked too."

"Tho when Rainbow and Thoarin overheard you...?"

"I was talking about meeting with you, today." Spitfire kissed her forehead gently. "I was being secretive so you wouldn't learn about my surprise. You're so smart, you'd have pieced it together in an instant."

"Well, I feel thilly now." Fleetfoot sighed. Spitfire lifted her chin.

"You're anything but." Spitfire told her, then, their lips met.

Fleetfoot has always had a knack for figuring things out. She's also a fan of Daring Do, like me, but she's learned how to piece things together. She should have known what was going on, and remembered how important that day was. But, she was worried. And I didn't exactly help. But, in the end, Fleetfoot trusted Spitfire even though she had no reason to. And it led up to a magical kiss-

"Hey, you weren't there, how do you know we kissed?!" Spitfire exclaimed.

"You just told me." Rainbow replied.

"Damn it." Spitfire muttered.

"Why do you swear all the time?" Rainbow asked.

"I don't swear all the time, just when I'm frustrated." Spitfire defended, and Fleetfoot giggled. Rainbow went back to writing.

Honestly, this just proves that Fleetfoot is a well-respected member of our team. She is kind, loyal, smart, funny, and one of the best flyers. We wouldn't be a team without any one of us. That includes Fleetfoot.

"And you're sure you're okay with me putting in your lisp? I can change it." Rainbow asked, turning to face them again.

"Pothitive." Fleetfoot replied, snuggling up into Spitfire's hooves.

"Happy anniversary Fleety." Spitfire said. Fleetfoot craned her neck to look up at her.

"Happy anniverthary Thpitty."

"Aw man, now I'm lonely." Rainbow whined. She stood up and flew out of the room. "Soarin! Come here!"

Spitfire chuckled and looked down at Fleetfoot.

"The plan is in motion."

Fleetfoot rose and went over to the paper, grinning.

Fleetfoot here, with a special message: Rainbow's next. But she doesn't know it yet. So shh ;)

The Letters (Rainbow's Chapter, Part 1)

"So how are we supposed to get a chapter on Rainbow if she's the one writing it?" Spitfire asked

"We can write it, then slip it into her drafts. She keeps them under her bed." Soarin told them.

"How do you know?" Fleetfoot asked

"She mentioned it to me." Soarin explained

"But she'll see it." Spitfire argued

"And she'll thee uth writing it." Fleetfoot added.

"We can write it when she's asleep." Soarin replied "But we should be focusing on what we're going to write for her chapter."

"Hey guys." Rainbow said, walking into the rec room. "What're you talking about?"

"Nothing important." Spitfire replied, stretching out beside Fleetfoot. "So, got any plans today?"

"I-um, n-no." Rainbow said, backing away.

"Something wrong Dashie?" Soarin asked

"Nothing's wrong." Rainbow said, before leaving.

"She's not telling us something." Spitfire remarked

"Should we athk her?" Fleetfoot laid beside Spitfire and pressed her head under her marefriend's chin. "I'd hate for thith to be another mithunderthtanding like our anniverthary."

"I don't think it is..." Soarin said, gazing at the door Rainbow had left through.

"Anyway, come on. We need to get some of Rainbow's blank draft papers, that way she won't notice the difference." Spitfire said.

"Come on lover boy, maybe you can thneak a thniff of her pillow." Fleetfoot teased

"Wh-what?! I'm no stalker!"

"Suit yourself. But just so you know, she uses apple flavored shampoo." Spitfire said

"She...wow..." Soarin followed them out in a daze.

"Think we can sneak Soar's little crush on Rainbow into her chapter?" Spitfire whispered

"I don't know about little. He doethn't try to hide it very much." Fleetfoot giggled

The three friends entered the sleeping quarters and Soarin went straight for Rainbow's bed. He leaned down and reached under it, shifting things around and taking some out. He slid a few books out into the open before putting his whole head under.

"Whoah, a Firtht Edition of Daring Do and the Ring of Dethtiny." Fleetfoot breathed. "With an original cover-wait, Thpit, ith that who I think it ith...?"

Spitfire looked over her shoulder, and her eyes widened.

"Yep. That looks like..."

"Rainbow." Fleetfoot finished, opening the book and squeaking. Soarin stood and promptly banged his head on the bed.

"Ouch!" Soarin withdrew his head and glanced over, rubbing the back of his head. "Why'd you yelp Fleet?"

"It'th thigned!" Fleetfoot cried, pointing with a wingtip.

To Rainbow Dash, thanks for helping me. I owe you one.

Your friend,
A.K Yearling

"Oh my gosh." Fleetfoot breathed, tracing the inky swirls of the name. "A thigned Firtht Edition, do you guys know how rare that ith? And it'th a perthonal meththage inthtead of jutht her name!"

"Thanks for helping me?" Soarin asked, reading over that part, then looking up. "Does Rainbow know her?"

"If she doeth and didn't tell me I'm going to kill her." Fleetfoot growled playfully, and Spitfire chuckled.

"Easy there superfan, we don't know for sure."

"Wait..." Soarin reached under the bed and drew out another letter. "Look at this."

Hey A.K,

I'm almost done with the first three chapters of the book. You said that's how many I needed, so I'll send them off to you soon. Thanks for offering to proofread them before taking them to your editor. I really want to finish this book, and my Wonderbolt friends have already done so many book-worthy things in the past week I know I won't run out of material. Only...

Remember in Daring Do and the Blood Curse when you Daring retrieved the priceless bloodstone jewel from the volcano? And how it ended up being cursed to prevent ponies from taking it from its pedestal? So you, dang it I did it again Daring ended up trying to hurt herself? I know it seems random that I brought up that particular adventure, but...I'm just gonna spit it out. How you Daring felt in that book...is how I feel sometimes. I know that's bad, but I swear I haven't tried hurting myself yet. I've just dealt with so much in the last few years...it feels like it's all catching up to me. I've tried talking to my Ponyville friends, but they don't seem to understand. Rarity actually called me a drama queen. She's one to talk. You've been through a lot, do you have any way of coping you could share with me? I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate.

Anyway, to end this on a more cheerful note, I've enclosed those chapters in a second envelope. Also...I'm not comfortable sharing this with any of my main friends, but I think it's okay to tell you, I think. The thing is, I...have a crush on Soarin, one of my teammates. You've never shown any interest in that sort of thing but still. Please don't laugh when you read that part.

Your loyal friend,
Rainbow Dash

The group read it and then looked at each other.

"She doeth know A.K Yearling, on firtht-name termth, too!" Fleetfoot exclaimed.

"I think we should focus more on her saying she feels this way." Soarin objected

"Well, when she sends this letter, A.K Yearling will most likely handle it, if they're such good friends. We can't let Rainbow know we read it. It seems like A.K Yearling is helping Rainbow with the book, which is new." Spitfire remarked, then scanned the letter again, muttering to herself. "I wonder why parts are scratched out though..."

"Rainbow theemth comfortable enough with Mithth Yearling to dithcuthth having a crush with her." Fleetfoot added, eyeing Soarin, who blushed.

"All teasing aside, we'd better put this back before Rainbow catches us." Spitfire said

A few days later, Spitfire noticed an envelope going out in the mail, from Rainbow to an address unfamiliar to her. She grabbed it from the pile she was sorting, separating the ones coming in and going out before Surprise took up her unofficial task as mail distributor. Spitfire swiveled in her chair and held the letter up to the light streaming in from the window. Hey A.K, could be just barely read, the letter having been folded to fit in the envelope.

"Hmm." Spitfire hummed thoughtfully as she turned back. "This address is for a post office, not a real house. Probably just Miss Yearling not wanting to reveal the location of her home too openly."

Spitfire recounted this later to Soarin and Fleetfoot. They were in her office, snacking on cookies baked by Thunderlane, Soarin with a sheet of Rainbow's draft paper before him, taking notes for Rainbow's chapter.

"We should wait for A.K Yearling to reply to Rainbow." Fleetfoot suggested

"Maybe." Spitfire was pacing around behind her desk. "But something just seems weird about it."

"Their next letters will probably give us a better idea about what's going on." Soarin reminded her.

"I guess." Spitfire sighed. "But I'm worried about her."

"So am I, but you said yourself we can't let Rainbow know we read her letter. The best thing we can do now is wait."

"I hate waiting." Spitfire spat, reaching for a cookie.

Fleetfoot hummed softly in sympathy, reaching and pulling the paper towards herself. She munched on a lemon cookie as she wrote something down.

Spitfire has never been very patient, by nature. She wasn't patient during our conflict with the Shadowbolts and she isn't now. Just like how Rainbow has a habit of not telling us everything.

I'm going to ask Rainbow about making a short chapter about our minor battle with the Shadowbolts, since I feel like our victory over them, while greeted mostly with good feelings, also came at a cost. Spit was revealed to many ponies for being the child of...well, you'll know if you've heard about that incident. But even then, you, reader, probably don't know the whole story of what went on during the race and why Lightning Dust and Wind Rider even tried to replace us. You'll find out in that chapter-if Rainbow makes one.

For now, let's focus on her. Rainbow Dash was definitely hiding something during her contact with the author, and of what she had written in that letter. Still, while Soarin and I were content to sit and wait for a clearer picture of what was going on, Spitfire wasn't as pleased. For the record, Soar and I were worried too. Rainbow Dash has been a close friend since she joined the team. We can't bear the thought of her possibly hurting.

"Nice Fleet." Soarin commented as he leaned over to see what she'd written.

Fleetfoot smiled at him and began sketching something off to the side. It was a light sketch of Rainbow making a Sonic Rainboom, with Soarin, herself, and Spitfire flying beside Rainbow, each with their own sonic rings surrounding them.

"Yeah, really nice drawing, but we're not quite done." Spitfire said

"Of courthe not, we have to get the whole thtory firtht." Fleetfoot replied

A few days later, a letter arrived for Rainbow Dash. Spitfire wanted to take it right then and there, but Soarin stopped her.

"It's an invasion of privacy Spit!"

"So? It's worth it!" Spitfire said, holding the letter out of reach as Soarin made to take it out of her hoof.

"What if Rainbow finds out?! We'd-"

"Um...guyth?" They both turned to see Fleetfoot holding the envelope, it was tucked between two feathers of her open wing.

"How did you...?" Spitfire began

"Forget it, I'll tell you later." Fleetfoot then promptly tore the top off the letter with her teeth.

"Now we're talking!" Spitfire headed over, smiling. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"

Fleetfoot blushed but laughed softly, then she and Spitfire unfolded the letter. Soarin gave an exasperated sigh and joined them. The three friends read the letter silently.

Rainbow,

I got those chapters you sent and frankly, I'm impressed. I had a feeling you'd be a good writer. Kinda runs in the family, huh? I sent the chapters along to my editor after making some margin notes on ways to improve, but I think you did really well. I'm looking forward to the next ones you send.

As for what you said about feeling the way Daring Do did in Blood Curse, well...it's not normal nor is it healthy. You mentioned your Ponyville friends didn't want to listen, but what about you Wonderbolt ones? I would advise if one group of friends is unconcerned-possibly due to a workload or something, you are friends with a princess-another group may pay more attention. As for coping with years of stress, I suggest hot chocolate and a nice book-Celestia knows it's my go-to remedy for just about anything, but it can't hurt. If you don't have that kind of time, exercise is always a nice way of dealing with stress. But then again, you probably get enough of that on your own combined with Wonderbolt Drills.

As for that little tidbit of information in your last letter, I only have one thing to say: my big sis friend's all grown up! To help ease the sting that no doubt put on your ego, I didn't laugh at that part. I mean...I did squeal a bit, to be honest, but still. And last but not least...I have a surprise for you. I'm coming to Ponyville for a book-signing this week. It's why I was able to respond so quickly. If you want a chance to talk, whether about the book or just in general, my hotel door is always open.

Your friend,
A.K

P.S: I scratched out certain parts because I think someone's been reading your letters, there were smudges on the ink of your last one that don't come from regular hoofwriting.

P.P.S: I know I said hotel door but if by any chance you have an extra room...? Your sis wants to sleep in a real bed for once.

"She knows we've been reading them." Spitfire murmured

"What's going on?"

Author's Note

You must hate me right now. I haven't updated this story in a while and when I finally do, it's a cliffhanger. I'm sorry, but the next chapter will come soon. It was going to be too long so I split it up.

~Melody Song

Sister Story (Rainbow's Chapter, Part 2)

The group whipped around, seeing Rainbow standing at the doorway to the office.

"Dash! Uh, did you need something?" Spitfire asked

"I was coming to ask if you were done sorting the mail, Surprise was getting antsy. Why were you all-" Rainbow broke off and looked down at their hooves. They had turned so fast they dropped the letter, and it was now directly in Rainbow's sightline.

"Um, Dashie, before you say anything, it isn't what you think..." Soarin began

Rainbow stepped forward, looked down at the letter, picked it up, and shoved it under her wing.

"Really guys?" Rainbow asked softly

"We're sorry Rainbow, we just wanted to make sure you're okay." Spitfire said, and Rainbow's eyes watered.

"I-" Rainbow looked down. "I'm not okay."

"Rainbow..." Soarin pulled her in with a wing, and she cuddled into him. "You should have just told us. You didn't need to write and tell someone else."

"I'm sorry." Rainbow whispered, then glared at him. "But that doesn't give you the right to read my letters!"

"Spitfire and Fleetfoot did it, I wanted to wait for you to come to us on your own!" Soarin exclaimed, and Rainbow turned to look at the two mares.

"We're sorry, but we were right to do it, otherwise you wouldn't have told us how you felt." Spitfire said, stepping forward and nosing her. "We won't do it again, anyway."

"Well, I'm only a little mad." Rainbow said

"Why a little?" Fleetfoot asked, and Rainbow smiled softly.

"A.K already told me all this stuff. She arrived in town earlier than expected and when I told her her letter hadn't arrived yet, she gave me a summary of what it said."

"Well, it's nice to know you had someone to talk to about this, anyway. And that she encouraged you to come to us." Soarin nuzzled Rainbow gently.

"A.K Yearling'th in Ponyville?!" Fleetfoot asked, turning. "Thpitty..."

"Fine Fleet, we'll talk about it." Spitfire wrapped a wing over her and kissed her cheek. "Silly mare."

"Actually, since we didn't have practice today I was going to casually mention it and bring you there anyway. I thought it would make a nice apology for getting you so worked up about that little misunderstanding." Rainbow added

"Well, then you're forgiven. Now let'th go!" Fleetfoot took off and shot out of the room in a blur of ice blue and white.

Spitfire, Rainbow, and Soarin looked at each other before bursting out into laughter, and following. They caught up with Fleetfoot just outside Ponyville, but as they made to follow her down, Rainbow stopped them.

"A.K's not in Ponyville right now, she's at my place."

"She'th what?!" Fleetfoot cried in excitement.

"But isn't A.K Yearling an Earth Pony?" Spitfire asked

"Uh, yeah, she's using a cloudwalking spell." Rainbow answered, not meeting Spitfire's gaze. "Come on."

Rainbow led them down and opened the front door, then they stepped in.

"A.K?"

"I'm here Dash, what do you need?" the mare stepped out from the hallway, wearing her classic cloak, hat, and red framed glasses. Fleetfoot's eyes widened.

"This is Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot. They wanted to hang out, and I mentioned you were here. Fleetfoot's a big fan."

"Oh, hello." A.K Yearling said warily

"You know, it's weird you're wearing your cloak." Spitfire remarked

"I just didn't feel comfortable with it off."

"Ms Yearling, we saw your last letter to Rainbow, we just wanted to thank you for helping her." Soarin said, as Rainbow slipped under his extended wing.

"It was no trouble, anything for a friend."

"That's good to hear." Spitfire smiled, then her eyes flicked past to the kitchen. "Did Dash cook you anything yet? You had to have been on a long trip to get here, Miss Do."

"Rainbow Dash!" A.K snarled, glaring at her.

"I didn't say anything!" Rainbow cried

"I figured it out myself, Daring." Spitfire replied.

"How?" Rainbow asked

"For starters, A.K looked very comfortable on the clouds, not like an Earth Pony who's never touched them before. Secondly, it's strange that A.K Yearling has the exact same coat, mane, and eye coloration as the main character in her books. Third," Spitfire pointed down at A.K Yearling's flank, "That cloak doesn't do a very good job of covering your cutie mark."

A.K Yearling muttered something under her breath, then reluctantly unclasped her cloak. It fell away to reveal an olive green adventure shirt, and her green-and-gold compass rose mark.

"Woah." Fleetfoot gasped

"Yeah, I'm Daring Do, all the adventures in my books are real, so on and so on." Daring Do turned with a sigh towards Rainbow Dash. "You think I'd learn by now to stay away from you, seems like every time my identity is revealed you're either the cause or the one that brings them to me."

"Come on, you can't exactly run from your own sister." Rainbow trotted up and nudged her gently.

"Sister?" Soarin asked

"Fraternal twins." Daring told him, then glanced at Rainbow. "Now, we were going to talk more about what you said in that letter?"

"Yeah..." Rainbow sighed.

"We should probably hear this too." Spitfire said. Rainbow flicked her tail towards the couch, and they all sat down.

"Rainbow, you know I'm not actually a professional in these kinds of things, not by a long shot. But I am your friend-and sister-so I want to help you." Daring said, and Rainbow nodded. "Look, Rainbow, I think...you have Atypical Depression."

"And that is...?" Spitfire asked, as Soarin drew Rainbow against him with a wing.

"I looked up a lot of the different kinds during the Blood Curse episode, so I could properly write what kind was going on with me at the time. So, I have a pretty good definition of it." Daring said

"That and you read Encyclopedias for fun." Rainbow muttered

"Atypical Depression," Daring continued, as though she'd never been interrupted. "Is depression that goes away temporarily when you experience a positive event. It's hard to pin down because you don't always seem depressed to others, or yourself. But it's still there."

"Wouldn't she have symptoms if that were the case?" Soarin asked, as Rainbow nuzzled up to him.

"Yes, there's a list of them, but not everypony who has Atypical Depression will have all the symptoms, and even then they could be hiding them or not recognize them for what they are." Daring replied "It's mostly things like insomnia, sleeping more than usual, disordered eating, assorted aches or pains in the body, that sort of thing."

"Hmm." Spitfire hummed and scanned Rainbow's appearance. "I have noticed when I check in on the 'bolts after Light's Out, somepony's usually pretending to be asleep or reading."

"Has Rainbow been trying to avoid you?" Daring asked

"Why would she do that?" Fleetfoot asked

"Spitfire's the Captain. It's her job to provide constructive critiques to you all. But one of the symptoms of Atypical Depression is a feeling of rejection and sensitivity to criticism." Daring answered

"Now that you mention it, she does usually ask for Soarin to be the one giving her reviews of her training. I thought it was because they like each other but...he is generally nicer than me when he's offering up critiques."

"I thought you wanted me to give them to you so we'd be closer." Soarin whispered

"That is why!" Rainbow said, voice rising unnecessarily.

"Rainbow, calm down." Daring warned

"You calm down Daring." Rainbow snarled "I don't have Aty-whatever! I'm just stressed out lately. I'm not messed up or crazy, I'm normal!" She yelled, and Daring blinked, startled.

"I never said you weren't-" Daring began

Rainbow ignored Daring and stormed past her, kicking over one of the side tables as she went. Soarin ran after her, followed by Spitfire and Daring. Fleetfoot stayed behind, and wrote something down.

Something is definitely wrong with Rainbow. She won't listen to us and is clearly upset. I think Daring's* right. She is depressed, and probably in denial. We just need to figure out how to get her to admit it so we can help her. Because from the way she was talking, she thinks being depressed means that you're messed up in the head or something. She's wrong.

*Should we use Daring's name? I don't think so personally, Spit, Soar, let me know what you think.

Fleetfoot stowed the papers and then ran after them. Soarin and Spitfire had their ears pressed to the door of Rainbow's bedroom. Daring was muttering to herself, then she stepped forwards.

"I have an idea. Let me talk with her." Daring said, and they stepped out of the way.

Daring paused in front of the door.

"Rainbow, can we talk?"

"Go away Daring."

"Rainbow, we want to help."

"I said GO AWAY Daring." Rainbow cried.

"Okay, that's it." Daring growled.

"What are you going to do?" Fleetfoot asked in a low voice.

"I know how to get her to come out." Daring replied. She knocked on the door. "Rainbow, your friends are out here with me. And if you don't open this door, I am going to yell your full name for them to hear."

Rainbow remained silent, then, she spoke again.

"I don't care anymore." her voice was quiet and muffled, as though she had her head on something.

"Oh, you will." Daring said

Daring took a deep breath, then pounded the door with her wing.

"Rainbowella Alexandria Dashilina! Open this door right now, do you hear me?!" Daring demanded

"Wait, Rainbowella?" Spitfire asked

"Her middle name's Alexandria?" Soarin spoke

"Dashilena?" Fleetfoot echoed

"Daring!" they heard Rainbow yell.

"Rainbow, you left me no choice. Please, come out." Daring said

Rainbow was silent for a long moment. Then, they heard hoofsteps and the door opened. Rainbow had tear streaks running down her face and her eyes were lined. Soarin leaned in and hugged her, drawing her in close with a wing.

"Dashie, you are not crazy, you're smart, and awesome, and the best, most loyal friend any of us could want. If you don't feel okay, we're here to listen. But you have to promise to listen to us and hear us out. Okay?" Soarin asked, and Rainbow hugged him back.

"Okay." Rainbow sighed.

Then, Rainbow reached over and pulled Soarin in, making him gasp softly. She pressed her mouth to his in a kiss, and he held still, startled. However, he recovered and broke it, then nuzzled Rainbow gently.

"Well, guess we can't call it a crush anymore." Spitfire teased. Rainbow blushed, then looked over at Daring.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"I'm sorry I told them your full name. No hard feelings?" Daring asked, smiling softly.

"None at all." Rainbow then smiled mischievously. "Darling Alexia Do."

"Darling Alexia?" Fleetfoot snickered, and Daring turned red.

"Rainbow Dash!"

Don't worry about Rainbow. She's doing a lot better now that she told us the truth about how she feels. Thanks to her unnamed friend, we realized what was really going on with her. And her real name, but to preserve Rainbow's dignity we're not using it. Rainbow Dash is one of our best friends. We don't know what we'd do without her. Rainbow has admitted that she's cut herself on occasion and Soarin helped her find a therapist to talk about it with. We also discussed the matter with Rainbow's other friends. They had no idea what was going on with her and were very grateful we managed to help her.

Rainbow is more than just a great flyer and a former Element bearer. She's a real pony with feelings under all the tough exterior she puts out. Rainbow takes the saying 'best hoof forward' quite literally, and sometimes forgets that she is just a pony too. That's part of what was making her feel that way. Rainbow is kind, strong, brave, loyal, and yes, a great flyer. But more importantly, she's our friend. And we care about her. Rainbow is, to myself and Spitfire, a sister. And to Soarin...well, let's just say they're (unannounced) special someponies.

"I like it." Spitfire said. Soarin was nearby with Rainbow, cuddling with her.

"I don't get why you want this for my chapter." Rainbow murmured

"The whole point in writing the book is to show what we're really like under the flight suits. This is a perfect way to show that." Spitfire replied.

"I guess so." Rainbow sighed, and Soarin kissed the top of her head gently.

"It's okay Dashie. Fleet and Spit won't make it sound too dramatic-because it really isn't. Okay?"

"Yeah." Rainbow nuzzled up against him, lying her head on his shoulder. "Thank you."

"Come here Fleety." Spitfire said, sitting down beside the nuzzling couple and extending a wing.

Fleetfoot stacked the papers neatly and stashed them facedown. Then, she flew into Spitfire's embrace, snuggling up to her marefriend.

Author's Note

Hi, so I know this chapter was a bit more serious than the others. I just want to put this in: depression is not a joke, it's real. If you feel like you need help, contact people who can help you and listen to them. The source where I found the information on Atypical Depression is here.

The next chapter will hopefully come out soon and most likely be different from this one. Also, yeah. Those are my versions of Rainbow and Daring's full names. Rainbowella Alexandria Dashilina and Darling Alexia Do.

~Melody Song

Rapidfire (What More Can I Say?)

"So make sure you get all my good qualities."

"What good qualities?"

"My charm, physique, the pure legend that is me."

"Charm? You're kidding."

"How I support the team and never hurt my friends..."

"...You...are kidding, right?"

"The 'fire legend was born right here at Wonderbolt Academy-"

"I thought it was born in your mind."

"Shut up Blaze!"

Rapidfire turned around and glared at the orange mare. Her violet eyes were gleaming with amusement at the fact her comments had gotten to him at last. The cream colored stallion huffed and ran a hoof through his swept back yellow and orange mane.

"Why is he going first again?" Wave Chill asked, glancing at Rainbow Dash, who sat beside Rapidfire, a piece of paper before her and a quill in hoof.

"Because he wouldn't stop bugging me about it."

Now that the chapters for the top four Wonderbolts had been completed, it was pretty much a free-for all as to who went next. She eventually passed around a sheet with a numbered list for who got to have their chapter next. It would have worked, if Rapidfire hadn't disregarded it completely and pestered Rainbow until she agreed to do him first.

"Well, my tactic worked, didn't it? Put in that I'm smart, too."

Rainbow hesitated, then smirked. "Just for that, I'm adding this whole conversation to the chapter."

"What? No!" Rapidfire exclaimed, deep blue eyes widening.

"Yes!" Blaze and Wave Chill cried as one.

"Great, the I's have it." Rainbow grinned as she wrote furiously.

"So, what else are you going to add about 'Gutter' here?" Wave Chill asked

"You better put in my nickname." Rapidfire said

"You...want her to put that in?" Blaze cocked an eyebrow, confused.

"Well, of course. You probably don't know this Blaze, since you came to the 'bolts a few years after my class did, but I was given it because I have 'guts'. Obviously."

Blaze and Wave Chill looked at each other, then back at Rapidfire.

"Are you seriously as dumb as you look?" Blaze asked

"What?" Rapidfire asked

"Dude...we called you Gutter 'cause that's where your mind always is." Wave Chill said, snickering.

"You what?!" Rapidfire stood up angrily.

"Did you not know that?" Blaze asked

Rainbow snickered and burst out laughing. "Dude, even I thought that once I got to know you!"

"Hey!" Rapidfire dropped back down and crossed his forelegs in a pout.

Rainbow laughed and began writing.

Most ponies know Rapidfire as the pony that usually comes in second to Fleetfoot in the Wonderbolt Derby-before I joined up and made Fleet second, anyway, but I digress. In real life, Rapidfire isn't all he makes himself out to be. And if you read the conversation above, you'll see that.

Rapid's nickname is Gutter. He's had it since he first arrived. Of course, I wasn't there, but Soarin, Fleetfoot, and Spitfire told me. Apparently they graduated the Academy in the same year as him. And when he showed up for his first day, he started flirting with some of the mares-they're retired now, obviously-and being generally obnoxious. They nicknamed him Gutter for it, with the joke it's because that's where his mind always is.

Rapidfire may be rude, make bad jokes at bad times, and completely disregards Spit's title, but he's still...well, he's...okay, he's the worst. He always gets in trouble and ends up on cleaning duty. And he sometimes gets put on mess hall duty but that's really more a punishment for the rest of us.

"Hey!" Rapidfire had apparently been leaning over her shoulder. "I am not that bad of a cook. Misty Fly's worse."

"Ex-cuse me Rapid?" Misty Fly stalked into the room, having been passing by. "Is there something you'd like to say to my face?"

"Er...I love you?" Rapidfire tried.

"Ooh, Rapid's gon' get it..." Blaze teased

"Take care of him for me Mist." Rainbow said

"Oh don't worry, I will..." Misty Fly grasped Rapidfire's ear with her wing and dragged him out.

"Owowowow! Ear, ear!" he yelped as she dragged him away.

"So, you're going to put down he's annoying, right?" Blaze asked

"I already did." Rainbow stuck the end of the quill in her mouth. "But there's got to be some good things about him..."

"Despite his personality and his complete lack of respect for any authority figure under the rank of Royalty?" Wave Chill asked, to clarify.

"Yeah, I don't think so." Blaze added

"Yeah...seriously, does Rapid have any redeeming qualities?" Rainbow asked

"Well...he was in my year at Wonderbolt Academy...and he wasn't so bad back then." Wave Chill began

"He was?" Blaze and Rainbow asked as one.

"But wait, I thought he was in the same year as Soar, Spit, and Fleet." Rainbow corrected

"He was. We both were. So were a few others. Either way, he wasn't all that bad at that point."

"Tell me." Rainbow prompted, grabbing a fresh sheet of paper, and sitting hunched over it, poised for writing.

"Alright..."

"Our group's days at Wonderbolt Academy were a bit different. Back then, you could join as soon as you came of age, which we all know is sixteen for Pegasi. It was changed after our year so by the time Blaze got in, we were the same age as her and her group, eighteen or so. But anyway, in our year at the Academy, there were plenty of fine recruits. Including our friends now, and a few more flyers who didn't quite make the cut...I remember Rapid was probably just as eager as the 'Bolt Crusaders-you know, Spit, Soar, and Fleet. The first impression he gave us was probably better than the one he gave the rest of you. It started during the first day..."

"Alright, newbies! Listen up!" the Drill Sergeant-and current Captain of the Wonderbolts, Thundersnow, paced before them. "Do you think you've got what it takes to be an elite flyer?"

"Yes sir!" they chorused

"Well, let me be the first to tell you," he lowered the aviator sunglasses he wore and glared at them all, "YOU DON'T!"

"Wait a minute!"

"What?" Wave Chill asked

"Those sound like the exact lines Spit told my group in my year at the Academy."

"Where do you think she heard it from?" Wave Chill smirked "She adopted the glasses style from him too. I think she kind of idolized Thundersnow, for good reason. He was her predecessor as Captain, and one of the best flyers on the team."

"Oh. Sorry, continue." Rainbow said, as Blaze shifted closer, looking interested.

Thundersnow stalked around before the group. "If you had what it took to be an elite flyer you'd already be a Wonderbolt! Still think you're something special?"

He growled in the direction of a Pegasus standing before him.

"N-no sir." she mumbled, backing down.

"What about you?! Think you're hot stuff?" he growled to Wave Chill, who stared calmly ahead, unfazed. He huffed in what appeared to be approval, then turned to Spitfire. "You look like the worst flyer in the whole Academy. You'll probably quit after the first day."

"Thundersnow didn't really think that about her. Spitfire explained to us once while we were reminiscing that Thundersnow apparently liked using that line on the ponies he'd heard a lot about and knew would have a lot of potential."

"Spit used it on me..."

"Yet another thing she adopted from him. Anyway, after he said that, Spit, unlike me, actually responded..."

"No sir! I am here to be a Wonderbolt sir!" Spitfire saluted with her wing.

Thundersnow looked at her for a minute, and she glared right back with determination.

"Maybe that's why she took a chance on Dust...because she reminded her of herself..."

"I doubt it. I mean, Spits does like that, but she'd already picked and choosed-"

"Not the way you're supposed to say it Blaze."

"Whatever Wave. Point is, she decided she was gonna be hard on you, because you had potential. So she did. Dust probably just reminded her of how brash she obviously was to stand up to her Drill Sergeant like that."

"...Right...like I was saying..."

"What about you, hothead? Think you could fly past the first flagpole without getting winded?" Thundersnow asked Rapidfire

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"Oh, really?"

"Sir, let me show you I can, sir!" His eyes narrowed, and he glanced to the side, flashing a wink and smile at his fellows.

Thundersnow stepped back. "Why not. Let's have a roll call. When I call your name I want you to make yourself known. Do a flight move and follow with 'sir, I'm here, sir!' Is that clear?"

"Sir yes sir!"

"Chill, Wave!"

Wave Chill took off, performed three loops in a row, then landed "Sir, I'm here, sir!"

"Fall, Water!"

"Sir, I'm here, sir!" the pony shouted after rising up, then swooping down and falling neatly into place in his same spot.

"Fire, Rapid!"

Rapidfire took off, did one continuous loop, circling around six times before landing. "Sir, I'm here, sir!"

"Rapid's move was pretty impressive-not nearly as much as the moves Spit, Soar, and Fleet would do, but it was enough."

"Flare, Spitfire!"

Spitfire took off, leaving a contrail the same color as her mane, did a swoop, arch over, and dive, then landed again. "Sir, I'm here, sir!"

"Fleetfoot!"

Fleetfoot rose up, twirled into a corkscrew, then arched and did a face-forward corkscrew before landing. "Thir, I'm here thir!"

"Shower, Sun!"

"Sir, I'm here sir!"

"Skies, Soarin!"

Soarin took off, did a barrel roll, a corkscrew, and a twist before landing. "Sir, I'm here sir!"

"Zoom, Silver!"

"Sir, I'm here sir!"

"See, that day, Rapid gave us the impression he wasn't going to back off, especially since he got the rest of us a chance to show what we're made of too."

"Huh. So he actually didn't start out all that bad." Rainbow said

"Nope. I think it was the idea of being famous that got to him in the end."

"That should be in the chapter. Do you remember the moves Sil and those other cadets did?"

"Nope. It's why I didn't tell them to you."

"Eh. Good enough." Rainbow had been taking notes and slid the page into the notes for Rapid's chapter. She then continued the original page.

According to Wave, Rapid's ego and obnoxiousness only started after he realized how famous he'd become. Of course, I'm sure lots of bolts have had their own moments of realizing this. I guess Rapid's the unlucky one that let it go to his head. Still, this proves he can actually be helpful when he wants. He gave his fellow cadets a chance to prove themselves just as much as he gave himself the chance.

"I got away from Misty!" Rapidfire announced, strutting back in.

"You might as well go back to her and apologize, I'm done." Rainbow told him

"What?! Already?!"

"Yep."

"Aw, come on!" Rapidfire moaned, falling onto the couch. "I bet you filled it with stuff about how I'm the worst!"

"...I think he's going to be presently surprised..." Rainbow thought with a smile as she left the room to hide the drafts.

Author's Note

Whew! This chapter was long, but I finished it! Anyway, about the titles of the past two chapters and this one...the parentheses on the last two were telling you, the reader of this story, that it was still Rainbow's chapter. The parentheses in this chapter's title are what Rainbow literally wrote to title Rapid's chapter. In case anyone was confused.

As for why I described him, while everyone knows what Spitfire, Soarin, Fleetfoot, and Rainbow look like, the other 'bolts sometimes look very similar. So I'm going to be describing my designs for them in their chapters.

Anyway, next chapter should be up soon, but no promises.

~Melody Song

Misty Fly and the Fan's Fears

Author's Note

Warning: This chapter contains homophobic insults. I do not in any way support the use of any of these but I had to use them for this chapter. You will see why.

~Melody Song

Misty Fly and the Fan's Fears

"Misty!" Rainbow trotted into the sleeping quarters, and the yellow coated mare looked up at her teammate.

"What do you need Rainbow?" the mare asked, giving a short flip of her light blue mane.

"...Why is your mane down?"

"I just took a shower." Misty explained, green eyes flashing in amusement at Rainbow's confusion.

"Oh. Anyway..." Rainbow pulled her quill out from behind her ear. "Since I did Rapid's chapter already, I figured I'd do his girlfriend's next."

"Oh. Heh..." Misty chuckled and blushed. "Well, I'm not doing anything exciting..."

"Not now you're not, but Rapid's chapter was about something in his past. Maybe I could do the same for yours."

"I don't really have much exciting things in my past."

"Well, I can at least get the beginning of the chapter started." Rainbow trotted to her own bed and sat down, laying the papers out.

"Wow, it's been a while."

"Huh? Since what?"

"Since I've seen you in your bed." Misty smirked "Usually you're all cuddled up with Soar-" she was cut off as a pillow hit her in the face.

"Shut up Misty!" Rainbow spat, blushing.

As Misty Fly giggled at her, Rainbow turned her attention to the papers before her. She lowered her quill and began to write.

Misty Fly is one of the more maternal mares. She's nowhere near as motherly as Sun Chaser or High Winds can be-I'll cover them in later chapters-but she does have her moments. Misty is also one of the tough, no-nonsense mares. She is not afraid to snap at someone of a higher authority than her if she deems it necessary. Misty is currently dating Rapidfire, and while he may act a 'ladies-colt' in public, Misty doesn't mind because she knows he is loyal to her. She also knows that she could easily make him regret it if he ever did cheat on her. Trust me, every time Rapid starts living up to his nickname in the worst possible way, she makes sure he snaps out of it.

"There you two are." Spitfire ducked into the room. "Come on, I have an announcement for the whole team."

"Alright, be right there Spit." Rainbow said, and Spitfire nodded before leaving.

"We'd better get over there." Misty remarked

Misty hopped off the bed and trotted after Spitfire. Her wings flared to temporarily reveal her cutie mark of orange butterflies around a gray cloud. Rainbow followed after stashing the papers and quill under her bed.

The two mares joined the other Wonderbolts in the mess hall, where most meetings were usually held. Spitfire stood in front of the team as they crowded near her.

"Now that we're all here..." Spitfire began as Rapidfire, Lightning Streak, and Thunderlane raced up. "There's been a request for the Wonderbolts to have a worldwide tour."

"This is the big news? We have tours around Equestria all the time." Rapidfire said

"Ooh, where are we going first? Las Pegasus? Balitmare? Fillydelphia?" Surprise rattled off some names, then had her mouth promptly covered by Blaze's wing.

"Go on Cap." Blaze said calmly.

"Thank you Blaze." Spitfire then looked back to the others. "The thing is, the tour won't be covering Equestria. We'll be touring...the kingdoms beyond."

"You mean...like..." Sun Chaser trailed off

"You mean places like Griffonstone, Mount Aris, and the Crystal Empire?" Rainbow supplied

"Exactly." Spitfire nodded "We'll also be touring...the Dragonlands,"

They all looked at each other in excitement.

"Yakyakistan,"

"Woah, cool! Yaks!" Surprise said, having gotten away from Blaze. Spitfire gave her a glare, warning her to be quiet. "Sorry!"

"And the Changeling Kingdom." Spitfire finished "The tour will begin next week, after our next show in Canterlot."

This announcement drew gasps of excitement. Wings began to flutter and murmurs broke out among the team.

"But don't worry, because I'll be ensuring that we won't be slacking off." Spitfire added, which caused a few groans among Rapidfire and Thunderlane. "Don't give me that! We're an organized team and we'll be preforming for other kingdoms, I will not let anypony laze around the whole time."

"Ma'am, a lot of these kingdoms are pretty far away, are we leaving right after Canterlot or...?" Fire Streak asked

"We'll fly back here, stay one night, then early the next day board a train that will get us to the Crystal Empire, then from there we'll go to Yakyakistan, Griffonstone, the Dragonlands, Mount Aris, then the Changeling Hive."

"Why that particular order?" Rainbow joined in

"Based on the proximity of the next stop to the previous place. Go ahead and get started with packing. We'll be preforming in these kingdoms, and then staying in hotels in neighboring towns, sometimes possibly sleeping on the train. Plan accordingly."

With that, Spitfire dismissed them. Rainbow caught the excited murmurs of her teammates, and put Misty's chapter to the back of her mind as she talked with Fleetfoot, Soarin, High Winds, and Lightning Streak about the different kingdoms, some of which she'd been to and was eager to tell them about.

Soon enough, it was the day of the Canterlot performance. Their last show in Equestria before heading on their tour. Rainbow had decided to pack her writing, in case any of the others did something memorable while on the tour. She was making some edits to some of the earlier chapters before the show. The Wonderbolts were in a room near the arena that they often used to relax before shows.

"Hey Dashie." Soarin sat down by her.

"Hey Soar."

"You excited for the tour?"

"Duh." Rainbow said "You and the others are gonna love the kingdoms, I can't wait for you guys to meet Gilda and-"

"Alright 'bolts, in the air!" Spitfire commanded, and they all jumped to their hooves, pulling on flight goggles and adjusting the hoods to their flight suits.

The show proceeded as normal. A few old moves they'd practiced over the week, and a couple new tricks to show to the public. After the show came the meet and greet with the fans. After they had changed out of their flight suits and begun interacting with the crowd, Rainbow realized then that she forgot her things in the room where they'd been lounging and left to get them. When she returned, she saw that Spitfire and Fleetfoot had managed to sneak away, and were nuzzling each other and smiling.

"Heh, cute, right?" Misty Fly asked, trotting up behind her. Rainbow nodded, smirking.

"Nice to see them being more open about it." Rainbow agreed.

"Ah, Lady Dash!"

"Ugh...was hoping I wouldn't run into-" Rainbow turned, cutting herself off as she came face to face with a white unicorn with a blonde mane and blue eyes. "Him." she snorted. Prince Blueblood.

"Wait, 'Lady'?" Misty Fly asked, and Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"In return for all our deeds as Elements, Celestia and Luna granted us the titles of Ladies."

"A very grand choice by them, wouldn't you say Lady Dash?" Blueblood asked, lifting her hoof in his own and bending to kiss it. Rainbow jerked her hoof away from him and glowered at the unicorn. "Forgive the intrusion, I just thought I'd greet a familiar face."

"Well, now you've greeted one, so if you'll excuse me..." Rainbow backed up, and Blueblood's gaze followed her.

"My apologies Lady Dash, I was merely hoping we could-" he broke off, eyes now fixed on something behind her.

Rainbow and Misty both followed his gaze and saw that he was looking at Spitfire and Fleetfoot. Spitfire had just leaned over to kiss Fleetfoot gently on the cheek, and the mare was blushing and smiling. Blueblood's face grew stony.

"Uh-oh... that can't be good..." Misty murmured as Blueblood marched off, heading for the two mares.

"Tell me about it. Blueblood's a stuck up snob, no good can come from him getting mad." Rainbow whispered back

"Captain Spitfire!" Blueblood said boisterously, making her turn, eyes narrowed.

"Yes, Prince Blueblood?"

"I must say, I have been a fan of your team and it's militarian style of performance for many years. But never have I thought that your team was... infested with this sort of nonsense."

"Excuse me?" Spitfire asked, the words coming out as a snarl.

"Oh no..." Rainbow breathed

"I'm only saying, I would never have taken you to be a low-down, dirty, filly-fooler."

Fleetfoot's eyes widened and she pressed against Spitfire, who draped a wing over her back.

"Blueblood, I advise you to choose your words carefully."

"You can't boss me around like one of your team members you piece of filth."

Misty Fly was suddenly no longer at Rainbow's side. She had flown forwards and now stood in front of the two mares, between them and Blueblood.

"Listen, snob, if you know what's good for you you'll step back and leave."

"I shall do nothing of the sort."

"Then listen here bub, and listen good." Misty Fly came eye to eye with him. "I don't like how you're treating my friends, and if you're so stuck up that you won't leave them in peace for just being themselves then I've got some bad news for you."

"And that is?"

"I will need you to:" Misty Fly narrowed her eyes, then extended a wing and folded down all the feathers until only one stuck up, "F*** off and go jump out of the closet you're so deep into yourself."

The other nobles all gaped at the exchange. Blueblood grew very flustered, then huffed and stormed off. Misty rolled her eyes in his direction, then walked back to Rainbow.

"Woah..." Rainbow breathed "Wait a minute, why'd you tell him to out himself?"

"Sometimes it pays to listen to the nobles talk." Misty winked "Rumors get around."

That night, Rainbow waited until the others were asleep, then snuck out of Soarin's private room, and retrieved the pages where she had started Misty's chapter. The sneaking wasn't really necessary, but Spitfire had ordered them to make sure they had a good night's sleep and she didn't want the mare to find out she was still up. Rainbow took the pages back to Soarin's room and sat at the desk there.

One particular time where Misty Fly proves exactly what type of mare she is comes to mind. It was on the eve of our departure to the Crystal Empire, where we'd kick off our tour of the other kingdoms. The day before, we'd had a pre-scheduled performance in Canterlot...

From there, Rainbow wrote out the whole incident, word for word.

I'm not sure if the rumors Misty heard or the 'intuition' she later claimed to have about Blueblood's sexuality were true, but I do know he definitely won't be bothering Spit and Fleet again. And I hope the same can be said for me... 'lady'... as if...

This incident truly is Misty Fly at her finest. She is a maternal mare, but can hold her own in either defense or offense. Kind, but unforgiving if you cross her. Misty is a valuable member of the team regardless, and none of us would give her up. And if you think she's a force to be reckoned with, wait until you see the fiery fury that's coming next...

Rainbow stopped there and stacked the papers, then looked over at Soarin. The stallion hadn't woken up, still sleeping soundly. Rainbow watched the soft rise and fall of his chest as he breathed for a minute longer, smiling and blushing, then put the papers and quill aside. Rainbow trotted back over and slipped back into the bed beside him, snuggling up to the stallion, whose hooves wrapped around her and held her close.

"Heh, sweet dreams Soarin." Rainbow kissed his cheek gently, then rested against him and closed her eyes. "Can't wait for tomorrow..." her sentence trailed off as she fell asleep, a smile on her face.