One month later...

Twilight has just woken up from the morning rays of Celestia’s sun. After letting out a soft yawn and stretching her forelegs, she turned to the right side of the bed, expecting to see Flash still asleep. “Good morning, Flash,” Twilight said softly. She then noticed that Flash was not lying beside her. "Where's Flash?" She thought.

Just as Twilight was about to hop out of bed, she heard her bedroom doors open. She turned toward the opened door and saw Flash as he was carrying a tray of breakfast food using his wings.

"Good morning, Twi," Flash said with a bright smile as he entered the room.

"What’s this?" Twilight asked curiously.

"Well, I thought I would bring you breakfast in bed,” Flash responded as he carefully placed the tray on Twilight's lap.

Twilight observed the tray, which had a three-stack golden pancake with syrup on the right side and a bowl of fresh fruit on the left. “Wow, this looks amazing,” she said. After taking a bite from one of the pancakes, Twilight started humming and savoring the sweet, fluffy taste. “Did you make these Pancakes yourself?”

“Well, not exactly,” Flash said, nervously scratching the back of his head. “I burned the first few batches. So, I asked Spike and Starlight for some help.”

“Aww. It’s still really nice of you, Flash.” Twilight said.

“Thaks, Twi,” Flash said before kissing Twilight on the cheeks, making her blush.

Twilight glanced over to the nightstand, which held a picture frame of her and Flash at the Grand Galloping Gala. “I still can’t believe it has been a month since we’ve been together.”

“I know,” Flash said, also glancing at the photo. “It feels like just yesterday we were at Canterlot for the Gala, dancing among the stars, confessing our love to each other.

“What about my brother scolding you,” Twilight said, teasing Flash.

Flash started to shiver as his wings twitched. “Don’t remind me. I can still remember how he wanted to have my head. And that just for kissing you.”

Twilight giggled in response. “Yeah, Shining Armor can be very overprotective and possessive. Don’t worry, Flash, he’ll come around eventually. Until then, I won’t let him hurt you.”

“If you say so,” Flash said. “Anyway, I’ll let you enjoy your breakfast. Take your time.”

“Thanks, Flash,” Twilight said with a warm smile. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

As Flash left the room to let Twilight finish her breakfast, Twilight couldn’t help but glance back at the Gala picture, not knowing what to come next for her and Flash or if her brother would ever be okay with her and Flash dating.

Meanwhile, in the Crystal Empire,

Cadance is strolling around the crystal hall, trying to find Shining Armor since she hasn’t seen him all morning. With no luck finding him, she decided to ask one of the crystal guards, “Excuse me. Have you seen Captain Armor?”

“Of course, Princess. He went that way,” The guard answered as he pointed to his right side where Shining Armor went.

“Thank you,” Cadance said as she proceeded to find her husband. Suddenly, she heard a noise coming from one of the castle rooms; the door was slightly ajar. It sounded like somepony was whacking something with an object.

Cadance peeked inside the room and was shocked to see her husband holding a sword, using his magic, as he swung it on a practice dummy with a picture of Flash's face on its head.

“Stupid Sentry!” Shining Armor growled as he swung at the dummy with his sword. “Kissing my sister!” He landed another blow at the dummy. “Should’ve blasted you when I had the chance!”

As Shining continues to whack the dummy, Cadance worries that his anger and overprotectiveness are getting the best of him. She carefully entered the room. “Shining,” Cadance said, trying to get her husband’s attention, but she had no luck. She tried again, louder this time, “Shining.” No luck again. She realized she had no choice but to use her royal Canterlot voice, “SHINING KINGHT ARMOR!”

Startled by the voice, Shining Armor dropped his sword, making a clanging noise. He turned towards his wife. “Oh, C- Cadance, I didn’t hear you come in.” He said before making an excuse. “I was just… practicing my swing, yeah.”

Cadence wasn’t fooled for a second. She sighs in frustration. “Shining, I know you're angry, and I can understand why. But you need to let it go.”

“You don’t understand, Cadance,” Shining said, raising his voice slightly. “He kisses Twily. My little sister! How could I just-”

Cadance slowly approached Shining as she placed her hoof on his lips. “I know how much you care about Twilight,” she said softly. “But she is a grown mare. She’s more capable of taking care of herself.

“But-”

“No, buts. You can’t protect her from everything. You need to trust her to make her own choices.”

Shining let out a deep sigh, “Alright, fine.” He muttered. “But the moment Sentry breaks Twily’s heart, he’s a dead colt.”

As Cadance watched Shining step out of the room, she couldn’t help but look worried as she looked at the practice dummy, not knowing if Shining Armor’s overprotectiveness would get out of control.

Inside Twilight’s office at the School of Friendship, Twilight was doing some paperwork and working on her speech for her class while Spike was sitting on one of the chairs and writing something on a piece of paper.

Just then, Twilight’s office doors were opened. She looked at the open door and saw Starlight coming in while levitating a delivery box. “Hey, Twilight. Got a package here for you.”

“Really?” Twilight asked curiously. “Do you know who it is from?”

Starlight looks at the address of the package, “There’s no name. It just said it was from Canterlot.”

Once Twilight knew where the package came from, she beamed joyfully and said to Starlight, “Great! Could you do me a favor and put it in my room underneath my bed for me, Starlight?”

“Sure thing,” Starlight said with a smile. She then exited Twilight’s office with the package tailing her and went to do what Twilight had asked her to do.

Curious about the package, Spike turned to Twilight and asked, “So… what’s in the box?”

“It’s something for Flash,” Twilight responded warmly.

“Really? What is it?” Spike said curiously.

“Nice try, Spike. But that’s for Flash to know.” Twilight said with a smile and a wink.

Spike let out a huff of frustration before turning back to writing something on the parchment he had in his claw.

Twilight was curious about what Spike was writing about and to whom. “Hey Spike, what are you writing?” she asked, getting Spike’s attention.

“Oh… just something for Apple Bloom,” Spike replied as he blushed a little.

“Apple Bloom, huh?” Twilight said with a little smirk. “It would seem you two had been spending some time together.”

Spike nervously scratches the back of his head, avoiding eye contact, “Well, yeah, I have. I’ve even been helping with her homework sometimes.”

“Well, it’s very nice of you to help her out,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Yeah… she's great,” Spike replied.

As Spike continued to write on the paper, Twilight couldn’t help but smile back. She knows Spike and Apple Bloom have been dating since the Gala, and she couldn’t be prouder of her little brother/number one assistant for letting go of his crush on Rarity and starting a new relationship with Apple Bloom. She then returns to her paperwork while Spike continues writing.

Inside the hallways, Flash is standing guard outside Twilight’s office, watching as students of various creatures pass by. Standing there, he notices two female students walking by, whispering to each other.

“That’s him.” One of the females whispered, looking at Flash. “That’s Princess Twilight’s coltfrined.”

“He’s kinda cute,” whispered the other female.

Despite standing still, Flash couldn’t help but blush his cheeks as his ears twitched.

Just then, the doors to Twilight’s office open. Flash turns toward the open doors to see Twilight and Spike exit the office. “Hey, everything alright?” Flash asked.

“Of course,” Twilight said with a smile. “Just finish some headmare stuff. Nothing to worry about.” Suddenly, her stomach begins to growl. She chuckled nervously, “But I guess I could go for something to eat.”

Flash chuckles back, “Yeah, I get it. How about we get something from Hayburger?”

“That’s sound perfect,” Twilight said, beaming.

“Hayburger, really,” Spike said uncertainly.

“Don’t worry, Spike, you can have a milkshake with some fries.”

“Okay, I’m in,” Spike said joyfully.

“Hayburger it is! My treat,” Flash said.

“You don’t have to do that,” Twilight said, shaking her head.

“Consider it as a guard/coltfrined’s duty to keep you fueled and happy,” Flash said, followed by a wink.

As Twilight blushed at Flash's generosity, the trio made their way down the hall, out of the school, and headed towards Hayburger.

Inside his cave, Dark Obsidian began to stretch his wings before stepping out of his cave. Despite recovering some of his magic from the night of the gala, he’s still not back at his full potential. Once outside, he glances at the Castle of Friendship in Ponyville. “I wonder how Princess Twilight is doing today.”

Before Obsidian could do anything, his dark phoenix intrepidly flew before him and began squawking at him.

“What is it,” Obsidian asked.

The dark phoenix squawks again, this time louder. Reminding Dark Obsidian of his close call at the grand Galloping Gala and that it’s too dangerous for him to go out again.

“You think I don’t know that?” Obsidian snapped. “I’m not foolish enough to go out again. At least not yet.” He then let out a dark chuckle. “That’s why you're going instead.”

The dark phoenix slightly tilted its head.

“Fly to Ponyville and keep an eye on Princess Twilight. And report back to me if something unusual happens.”

The dark phoenix nodded. It began to flap its wings and flew toward Ponyville to find Twilight. After watching his phoenix take up, Dark Obsidian returns to his cave with a sinister smile.

Later, outside the School of Friendship, Rainbow Dash is teaching some of the flying students how to avoid obstacles in a race. This also gives her practice and experience for her position as second in command of the Wonderbolts. “Now, remember the key is not just focusing on your speed but your agility.

Nearby, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were watching the training session from the sideline. Pinkie was munching on a cupcake.

Applejack and Sunset approached. “Howdy, Girls. What’s going on?” Applejack asked.

“Rainbow Dash is teaching the students about avoiding obstacles while racing,” Pinkie replied, still munching on her cupcake.

“But why,” Applejack asked curiously.

Fluttershy turned toward Applejack and replied, “She said she wanted to practice her leadership skill for her position as second in command of the Wonderbolts.”

Sunset chuckles, “Sound’s like Rainbow Dash, alright.”

As Applejack and Sunset joined the other mares, Rarity leaned toward Applejack and whispered, “So, have you asked Rainbow out yet?”

“Not yet,” Applejack whispered back, “But to be honest, Rares, she’s been acting a little strange lately.”

“Strange, how?” Rarity asked.

As Applejack and Rarity continue whispering to each other, Rainbow Dash notices Applejack's appearance; she figures this could be a chance to impress her. She turned back to her students and announced, “All right, now I’m going to show you how it’s done. But first, I need a volunteer.”

Only a few of the flyers raised their hooves/claws. Just then, Rainbow spotted Twilight, Flash, and Spike returning from their lunch break, which gave her an idea. Rainbow flew towards the trio and stopped in front of Twilight. “Hey, Twilight, can I ask you a favor?” she asked.

“Sure. Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said. “What is it?”

“Can I borrow Flash?”

Both Twilight and Flash were confused about why Rainbow wanted to borrow Flash. “Why do you need to borrow Flash?” Twilight asked curiously.

Rainbow Dash explained, “I’m teaching my students about avoiding obstacles during a race, and I need somecreature to race with. And I think Flash would be perfect.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Rainbow. I’m not sure if Flash is interested in racing,” Twilight said uncertainly.

“It’s okay, Twi,” Flash said, interrupting Twilight. “I don’t mind helping out.”

“You don’t?” Twilight said, surprised.

“Of course,” Flash said. “Besides, anything to help out one of your friends, especially when it comes to teaching her students.”

“Great!” Rainbow said excitedly. “Change out of that armor and get ready.” She then flew to the starting line to prepare for the race.

As Flash begins to take off his royal guard armor, Twilight is getting concerned about the race. “Flash, are you sure about this?” She asked. “Rainbow can be a little… intense when it comes to competition.”

Flash chuckled, “Don’t worry, Twilight, I’ll be fine.”

Twilight signed before smiling, knowing Flash got this, “Alright, just… be careful.”

“I will,” Flash said, kissing Twilight on the cheek, causing her to blush slightly.

As Flash flies towards the starting line, Twilight and Spike join the rest of their friends, with Twilight levitating Flash’s armor. Unknown to them, Obsidian’s dark phoenix is observing them from afar from a tree branch.

At the starting line, Rainbow Dash and Flash stood side by side, extending their wings and preparing to take off. They just had to wait for Pinkie to give them the go-ahead.

Rainbow looked at Flash with a smirk look. “You ready to eat my dust?” she teased.

Flash chuckled, “We’ll see about that.”

Pinkie Pie stood by, holding a silver whistle. “Okay, everypony, are you ready? On your mark, get set…GO!” She screamed, blowing the whistle.

With that, Rainbow and Flash took off, leaving streaks of their manes behind them. From the ground below, Twilight, her friends, and the students were cheering on the two Pegasi, with Twilight mostly cheering for Flash. “Go, Flash! You got this!”

The course was packed with many obstacles that Rainbow was teaching her students: lighting clouds, swirling mini-twisters, and cloud barricades. Throughout the race, Flash and Rainbow navigated through each challenge with precision, with neither one slowing down, giving the other an advantage.

From the sideline, the ponies are improved with both Flash’s and Rainbow’s abilities. “Flash sure is giving’ Rainbow a run, isn’t he?” Applejack said.

“Indeed,” Rarity added. “I never knew he was as fast as Rainbow Dash.”

As Rainbow and Flash are near the end of the race, they come upon the last obstacle ahead: a massive storm cloud. It was too thick for any Pegasi to punch through.

“I got this,” Rainbow said with a smirk. She shot ahead and banked to the right, looping around the cloud as fast as possible.

Flash, on the other hoof, knows the best way to dodge the cloud. “Here goes nothing,” he said to himself. He slowed down his speed for a bit, then dived beneath the cloud, then increased his speed; at the end of the cloud, he surged upwards, surpassing Rainbow Dash just before she completed her loop around the cloud.

“What the?!” Rainbow exclaimed, shocked to see Flash soar past her. With no time to react, she pushed herself to the limit, trying to surpass Flash. But it was too late. As the two Pegasi flew past the finish line, it was clear that Flash had won by a head.

As creatures from the sideline cheer for the racers, Rainbow’s friends can’t believe their eyes when they see Rainbow's loss to Flash, especially Pinkie, who drops her jaw in shock and disbelief. “No way…Dashie…lost?” Twilight, however, was a surprise to see how fast Flash is.

As Flash and Rainbow touched the ground and caught their breath, Rainbow couldn’t believe she lost the race. She turned to Flash and asked, “No way…How did you… manage to… surpass me?”

“Well, since the cloud was too thick to get through, I figured going under would be quicker,” Flash said, catching his breath. He then offers Rainbow his hoof.

“I’ll remember that for later,” Rainbow said, accepting Flash's hoof.

Twilight begins to throttle from the sideline towards the finish line to Flash, with her friends and Rainbow’s students behind her. “Flash, that was incredible,” she said excitedly. “When did you learn to fly like that?”

“Yeah,” Pinkie said as she and the rest of Twilight’s friends joined in. “Nopony is faster than Dashie.”

Flash smiled, “I learn from the best at the academy… and a few tricks from back home.”

As Pinkie, Fluttershy, Sunset, and some of Rainbow Dash’s Students surrounded Flash, complimenting him on his speed in the race, Applejack and Rarity went to talk with Rainbow Dash.

“You okay, sugar cube,” Applejack asked Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah,” Rainbow replied, still exhausted. “Still catching my breath.”

“Honestly, Rainbow Dash. Do you really think it was wise to race against somecreature who’s a member of the Royal Guard?” Rarity asked.

“To be honest, Dash, I thought you would have had him,” Applejack said.

Rainbow chuckled, “Thanks, A.J.” When Rainbow glanced at Applejack's eyes, her cheeks blushed slightly. Realizing it, she panics, “I- I got to go.” she said, stuttering.

“Go? Go where?” Applejack asked, confused.

“Somewhere important. I’ll see you girls tomorrow,” Rainbow said, lifting herself off the ground using her wings. She turned toward her students and shouted, “That’s class everycreature.” She then flew away from the school, leaving Applejack and Rarity behind.

As Applejack and Rarity watched Rainbow fly off, Rarity turned toward Applejack and said, “I can see what you mean, darling.”

From the tree branch, Obsidian’s phoenix witnessed Rainbow Dash's departure. It then turned its attention back to Twilight, who was having a conversation with Flash. Realizing that Flash might pose a threat, the dark phoenix spread its wings, flew from the branch, and headed toward Obsidian's cave to warn him.

Inside Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia is roaming the hallways while greeting a few of the castle’s staff. Suddenly, she notices her sister Luna standing near an open window, staring at the mountains. Curious and worried about her sister, Celestia decided to see what was wrong.

“Luna, is everything okay?” Celestia asked.

“Oh, hi, sister,” Luna said. “It’s nothing. I was… thinking about something.”

Celestia wasn’t sure what Luna was thinking about until she thought of something or somepony. “Are you still thinking about ‘him’ again?” she asked.

Luna turned to her sister, “I can’t help it, Tia. Even since I saw him at the Gala… I have this strange feeling that Obsidian is back.”

“Luna, you need to calm down,” Celestia said, trying to ease her sister. “We don’t know if Dark Obsidian is back.”

“But what if he has?! Luna said, her voice rising. “Don’t you remember what he could do? He nearly brought eternal darkness to Equestria! We were lucky to defeat him with the Elements of Harmony! But now-”

“Luna,” Celestia said, cutting her sister off. “Of course, I remember. I remember it all. And I understand your worry.” She slowly walked closer to Luna, wrapping her wings around her. “Even if Obsidian has returned, we can count on Twilight and her friends to stop him. They faced much greater threats, even without the elements. Everything will be fine.”

“I hope so?” Luna said softly. Staring back to the window, she spotted a black bird flying towards the mountain. Unbeknownst to her, the dark bird is Obsidian’s dark phoenix.

Later, in Sweep Apple Acers.

Applejack had just returned to her house after a long day at the School of Friendship. When she got inside, she noticed that her big brother, Big Mac, and her little sister, Apple Bloom, weren't in the living room. When she checked the kitchen, she saw they weren't there either. Applejack shouted, “Big Mac, Apple Bloom, where are you?” No response.

Applejack decided to head upstairs to see if her siblings were there. When she arrived, she saw her brother's marefriend, Sugar Belle, standing in the hallway. She also heard some noise coming from inside Apple Bloom's bedroom.

“Sugar Belle,” Applejack said, startling her.

Sugar Belle turned around and hushed Applejack. “Shh, Applejack, be quiet.”

“Why? What’s all that rucking?” Applejack asked.

“Your brother and Apple Bloom are arguing about something.” Sugar Belle replied.

Applejack wasn’t sure what Sugar Belle just said was true. She leaned her ear against the wall and listened in to the argument.

“Apple Bloom, you don’t understand. He’s a dragon, and you’re a pony!” Big Mac argued.

“So?” Apple Bloom asked, shouting back.

“So, you can’t be dating him; it’s unnatural.” Big Mac said. Apple couldn't help but gasp softly after hearing what Big Mac just said.

“But you don’t understand! I loved him, and he loves me, and you can’t do a thing about it!” Apple Bloom said, refusing to accept what her brother said.

“You know what—you’re grounded!” Big Mac said in an angry tone.

“What?” Apple Bloom shouted in disbelief.

“You heard me,” Big Mac said in a demanding tone. “You are not allowed to leave this house for the rest of the week except for school and work.”

As Big Mac turned to leave Apple Bloom's room, Apple Bloom rushed to her bed and began to cry.

Once in the hallway, Big Mac was greeted by a very angry Applejack. "What's going on?" Applejack asked angrily.

"Trust me, sis; you don't want to know." Big Mac said as he passed by her and Sugar Belle and began walking downstairs to the living room.

Applejack turned to Sugar Belle and said, “I’ll check on Apple Bloom. You go calm my brother down.”

“Okay.” Sugar Bella responds, trotting after Big Mac.

Once Applejack stepped inside Apple Bloom's room, she could see Apple Bloom curling up on her bed, crying softly.

"Leave me alone!" Apple Bloom shouted, believing it was Big Mac.

"Now, is that a way to talk to your sister," Applejack said.

Apple Bloom wiped her eyes and turned towards Applejack. "I'm sorry, Applejack. I thought you were Big Mac." She sniffed and whipped her tears using her hoof.

"It's all right, sugar cube," Applejack said, sitting on Apple Bloom's bed. "So, do you wanna tell me what's going on?"

Apple Bloom hesitated, looking down at her hooves. "I-I can't."

"Come on, sugar cube; you can tell me," Applejack said, convincing her sister to tell her the truth.

Apple Bloom paused before letting out a sigh, "Okay… I like Spike."

Applejack began to laugh, which confused and annoyed Apple Bloom. “What so funny,” Apple Bloom asked.

“I know that for a while,” Applejack replied. “Ever since you asked me about ‘your friend’ and when you danced with him at the Gala.” She placed her hoof around Apple Bloom. “And I’m happy for you. Because Spike is a good friend and around your age.”

“So, you're not mad?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Of course not,” Applejack said.

“Well, then, why is Big Mac so mad?”

Applejack chuckled. “He’s not mad; he’s just being overprotective. He doesn’t want you to get your heart broken or for you to grow up.”

Apple Bloom sighed, “I get it. But he needs to know that I love Spike more than all the apples in Equestria.”

“I agree, sugar cube,” Applejack said. “I should know; I’m also in love with somepony as well.”

“Really?” Apple Bloom asked, surprised. She then excitedly asked, “Who is it?”

“Now, hold on. I don’t think I’m ready to tell somepony about my feelings yet.”

“Why?” Apple Bloom asked before making a smirk look. “Is it Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack began to blush as she hopped out of Apple Bloom’s bed. “How did you know?” she asked.

“Come on, Applejack, I can see how much you two spend time together.” Apple Bloom smiles. “In fact, I think I saw you two dancing together at the Grand-”

“Alright, alright,” Applejack said, interrupting Apple Bloom. “it’s true…but I haven’t told her yet.”

“Why not?” Apple Bloom asked.

Applejack hesitated, “It’s complicated. Let’s say that the timing isn’t right.”

Apple Bloom fell silent, understanding what her sister meant.

“Now you better get some sleep. You’ve got chores to do tomorrow,” Applejack said.

Just before Applejack could leave, Apple Bloom stopped her, “Applejack,”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks,” Apple Bloom said softly.

“No problem, Sugar cube,” Applejack replied warmly before leaving Apple Bloom’s room.

Inside Mare’s to Heart, a bar secretly for fillyfoolers, Rainbow Dash is sitting beside the counter drinking cider. After taking a sip, she stared at her drink. She couldn’t get the image of her and Applejack dancing at the Gala out of her head.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash.” A female voice came. Rainbow turned to see Lyra Heart Strings and Bonbon ‘A.KA. Agent Sweet Drop’ approached her. “Are those seats taken?” Lyra asked.

“Nah, be my guest,” Rainbow replied.

“Thanks,” Lyra said as she and Bonbon sat beside Rainbow.

“We haven’t seen you here for a while,” Bonbon said.

“Yeah, I’ve been busy,” Rainbow said. “You know, with the Wonderbolts and teaching at Twilight’s school. My schedule is packed.” She began to change the subject. “So, what’s been going on with you two?”

“Well, we haven’t told anypony about this, but-” Bonbon said.

“We’re engaged!” Lyra said excitedly, interrupting Bonbon. The two ponies revealed their engagement rings around their necks, hiding beneath their fur.

“No way, congrats,” Rainbow said excitedly. “So, which one of you popped the question?”

“Funny story…we actually propose to each other,” Bonbon said, turning towards Lyra.

“Yeah. Who would have thought I would be engaged to my best friend.” Lyra said, causing her and Bonbon to blush.

Hearing the words “engaged” and “best friend” causes Rainbow Dash to feel nervous, which Lyra and Bonbon notice.

“Rainbow? You okay?” Bonbon asked.

“Yeah, it’s nothing,” Rainbow lied before drinking her cider.

Suddenly, Lyra gasps excitedly, knowing why Rainbow is acting strange. “You have a crush on one of your friends,”

Rainbow spits out her cider, reacting to Lyra's words. “What?! How did you-?” she asked, surprised.

“I’ve had that look when I knew I was in love with Bonbon,” Lyra said. She then gets excited, wanting to know who Rainbow’s crush is. “So, who is it you got to tell us!”

“Lyra! You know you can’t tell some pony to tell us who they have a crush on.” Bonbon said, chiding Lyra; she then turned back to Rainbow Dash. “But I agree with her; you got to tell us.”

Rainbow sighed and hesitated before telling Lyra and Bonbon, “It’s… Applejack,”

“Applejack?!” Lyra and Bonbon said in confusion.

“When did this happen?” Lyra asked.

“It was back when we danced together at the Gala,” Rainbow said. “Ever since that night, I can’t stop thinking about her. How much I want to be with her. How much I- Well, you probably know what I mean,”

“So, you haven’t told her yet, have you?” Bonbon asked.

“No,” Rainbow replied. “I tried to impress her by winning a race today… but I kinda lost.”

Lyra then suggested some advice for Rainbow Dash. “Maybe trying to impress Applejack isn’t a good choice. Maybe you should try being just you.”

“Really,” Rainbow asked uncertainly.

“Yeah, I didn’t love Bonbon because of her sweet treats or how beautiful she is. I love her because of who she is.”

“And I love Lyra because of who she is,” Bonbon said. “Despite her awkwardness.” Lyra blushed in response.

“Thanks, guys,” Rainbow said before taking in the last of her cider. “I got to go. See you soon.”

“Okay, bye, Rainbow,” Bonbon said.

“Take care,” Lyra said.

Rainbow exited from the bar and flew off to her home in the clouds, still thinking about Applejack.

Back at the Castle of Friendship, Twilight and Flash had just returned to their room after a long day teaching at the School of Friendship. Both were tired and exhausted, especially Flash, after the race with Rainbow Dash.

Twilight let out a soft yawn. “Man, I’m so tired.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” Flash said, “I think I’m still a little sore from the race.”

“That reminds me,” Twilight said, turning her attention to Flash, “Is it true what you said? That you learn how to dodge the course from the Academy?”

“Yep,” Flash answered. “Well, that and the lessons I learned from my mom. She used to be a royal guard before she retired.”

Twilight was taken aback, hearing that Flash’s mother was once a member of the Royal Guard. “Wow, I have no idea,”

“Yeah, I’m full of surprises,” Flash said.

“Speaking of surprises,” Twilight used her magic to levitate the package she got from Canterlot from underneath the bed and place it in front of Flash.

“What is it?” Flash asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Open it, and you’ll find out,” Twilight said warmly.

Curious, Flash began to open his gift. His eyes widened when he found a royal guard’s armor and helmet inside the package; the armor and the helmet were similar to Shining Armor’s, except the color of the metal was blue, and the chest plate on the armor had the shape of Twilight’s cutie mark.

“A new armor, sweet!” Flash said as he lifted the armor out of the box, admiring the craftsmanship. “But… why’s it blue?”

“That’s because it’s not just any suit of armor,” Twilight said before clearing her throat, “Flash Sentry, as the Princess of Friendship, I hereby promote you… to captain of my royal guard.”

Flash froze as he became shocked and speechless. Never in his life would he consider being captain. “M-Me, captain?” he replied, stuttering.

“That’s right,” Twilight said as she walked closer to Flash. “I figure you deserve a promotion after everything you've done for me. Plus, I think you look good in that armor.”

“Wow, thanks, Twi,” Flash said, excited about his new armor and title. “I-I still don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t,” Twilight said, placing her left hoof on Flash’s cheek before kissing him. Flash dropped his new armor, put his hoof around Twilight’s neck, and consumed the kiss.

In Obsidian’s cave, he observed Twilight and Flash through his crystal ball with his dark phoenix. “So, this is the Pegasus you told me about?” he asked his phoenix.

The dark phoenix squawks.

“And you also said that he not only beat the Element of Loyalty in a race… but he’s also Princess Twilight’s coltfriend?”

The dark phoenix hesitated a bit before squawking softly.

Dark Obsidian began to growl angrily as he stepped away from his crystal ball. “Just what I need: another pony to get in my way!” Suddenly, he stopped in place and began to chuckle sanely. “On second thought… this is perfect.”

The dark phoenix tilted its head in confusion.

Dark Obsidian turned back to his phoenix, “Don’t you see. He’s just a Pegasus. He doesn’t have any Alicorn magic. He won’t be strong enough to defeat me. And besides, if Princess Twilight ever tried to resist me, he’ll become leverage.”

The dark phoenix nodded, then squawked, wanting to know Obsidian’s plan if Flash ever got in his way.

Dark Obsidian hesitated before walking back to the crystal ball and glancing at it, which showed Twilight and Flash sleeping in their bed. “If he does get in my way…” His horn began to glow dark red as his eyes glowed red. “I’ll just have to take matters into my own hooves.” The dark phoenix remained silent as Dark Obsidian began to chuckle darkly.

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long been busy these past months.