The crowing of the rooster reverberated in the ears of the orange Earth Pony. Applejack slowly opened her eyes in a drowsy stupor before sitting up in bed. The honest mare rubbed them to become more alert. Small beams of Celestia’s sun were beginning to scintillate, causing angled refractions of light to dance around Applejack’s room. The ambience in Equestria was still dark; it’d be nearly another hour until the sun was at its zenith.

Spotting the multicolored pegasus slumbering next to her, Applejack whispered hoarsely.

“Rainbow Dash.”

The snores of the speedster were the only response. Applejack sighed and tried again, with a louder tone.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Dash replied with a grunt. Applejack believed Rainbow was beginning to stir awake, but the pegasus turned over and pulled the patchwork to her chin.

“Fer Pete’s sake!” Applejack huffed with indignation.

Sighing, Applejack got out of bed and walked to the other side. She gingerly reached out a tender hoof and shook Rainbow Dash gently by the shoulder.

“Dash. It’s mornin’. Wake up.”

Rainbow waved a hoof weakly in response while being totally asleep. Shocking Applejack, the cyan mare replied in her slumber.

“Sure, I’ll have some pancakes. Lots of syrup please.”

The farmpony blinked in surprise at the response and she groused.

“Goshdarn it, Dash. Conflab it!”

An idea came to the Element of Honesty and she left her room. The pony strolled through the second story of the farmhouse before descending the staircase. Once on the ground floor, Applejack sauntered to the kitchen. Grabbing a tankard, she placed it on the counter before opening the fridge door. A large pitcher of cider was clutched in her hoof. With careful accuracy, she poured the liquid until it nearly reached the brim.

Balancing the tankard cautiously in her hoof, the Earth Pony scaled the staircase and re-entered her room. Not surprisingly, Rainbow was still sleeping. Applejack ambled towards her pegasus pal and held the tankard of cider underneath Rainbow’s nostrils.

“Dash. Ah brought yer breakfast.”

The pegasus, despite being asleep, could sense the cider in front of her. She sniffed the aroma softly. Then, she gave a deeper sniffle as the odors were absorbed. The kaleidoscopic pegasus peeked an eye open and looked down. Applejack chuckled at her friend.

“Is that cider? Real, delicious, Sweet Apple Acres cider?”

“Ta parody mah broth’r…”

Applejack cleared her throat and attempted to impersonate Big Macintosh. With a deep, baritone voice, she replied.

“Eeyup.”

Dash tittered at Applejack’s humor and gratefully took the tankard. AJ released her hoof from the handle and Rainbow gleefully chugged the contents in three hearty gulps. The weatherpony licked her lips happily, enjoying the aftertaste of the frothy fermented beverage.

“Thanks, AJ. I need a drink to steel my nerves.”

“No problem, sugarcube. Ya bet’r git goin’, though. Ya got less than fer ‘ours.”

Dash nodded and got out of bed. Stretching her hooves, she released a yawn and prepared herself for the day ahead. Applejack approached her, clutching Dash’s saddlebag over her pastern. Rainbow gratefully took it and gave AJ the tankard. After a farewell hug, Rainbow stood near the window.

“Well, I’m off, AJ. See you and the girls in a month”

“Go git ‘em, tig’r.”

Rainbow flew out of Applejack’s bedroom window while the farmpony waved goodbye. After Dash was but a speck in the altitude, the honest mare began her daily work schedule.

Dash grinned with enthused excitement. Here she was, now a certified Wonderbolt, going to her first day at the Wonderbolt Academy. Grinning victoriously, she flew through Ponyville, eager to arrive at the academy and begin her training. The temperature was brisk; a cool fifty-five degrees. Despite a slight shiver, it didn’t deter the Element of Loyalty. Rainbow pressed on, passing familiar buildings and businesses from her high aloft in altitude.

A few ponies were already bustling and beginning their day. Rainbow glanced at the small group, recognizing them as the coterie trio who enjoyed gardening. Daisy, Roseluck, and Lily. Neither of them noticed the pegasus soaring above them. Dash didn’t have time to stop and chat affably, anyways. With vigorous energy, she flapped her wings harder, accelerating in speed. She grinned wildly to herself as the familiar elements of velocity and freedom coursed through her body.

The sun was slowly rising over the horizon of Canterlot. Rainbow could barely notice the outskirts of the capital city. Canterlot lay in the center of Equestria, and Dash was required to traverse through it to get to her destination. From Ponyville, to Canterlot, to Cloudsdale.

Five miles east of Cloudsdale. High altitude.

Rainbow mentally repeated the instructions on the missive. She’d keep her eyes fixated on her surroundings and knew she’d locate the academy. Energy surged through her, and the pegasus was full of unbridled anticipation. Spotting Sugarcube Corner ahead, Rainbow’s stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten anything since the delicious pumpkin, beetroot, celery, and carrot soup from last night. Nodding, she told herself that a quick pit stop for a bite for breakfast would only take a minute or two.

She landed on the step outside of the bakery and opened the door. The bell jingled as it announced her presence. Pinkie Pie was behind the counter and cheerfully called to her friend.

“Good morning, Rainbow Dash!”

“Morning, Pinks!”

The peppy, indefatigable pink pony cheerfully waved at her pegasus pal. Dash reciprocated and drifted toward the counter.

“I’m on my way to the academy, Pinkie. Need a quick breakfast for some extra energy. I know Sugarcube Corner just opened, but do you have anything available.

Nodding fervently, Pinkie’s poofy mane began to untangle. The pink coiffure became straightened and a large amount covered the pony’s forelock.

“How about some cupcakes, Dashie?”

Rainbow contemplated that choice for a brief moment before shaking her head and declining.

“A bit too early for sugar for me, Pinkie. What else you got?”

Pinkie pouted that her initial idea was rejected before she ran rapidly in a small circle behind the counter. When she finished, her mane was back to its usual shape and texture.

“All better!” Pinkie said chipperly.

Chalking it to Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie, Dash chortled and bobbed her head in agreement. Rainbow playfully rolled her eyes at the over-the-top antics of the Element of Laughter.

“Well, I just took some blueberry muffins out of the oven. Piping hot but super duper fresh and yummyrific!”

With conviction, Rainbow pointed her hoof towards Pinkie and squealed her approval. “Yes! Two of those and a glass of milk, please!”

No sooner were the words out of Rainbow’s muzzle did Pinkie reappear behind the counter. She gently placed the paper bag and glass of milk near the speedster.

“Four bits, Dashie.”

Rainbow paid and took one of the muffins from the bag and slid it towards Pinkie.

“Here! I only bought two so we could share anyway.” Dash said, smiling at her buoyant friend.

Pinkie was touched and gratefully took the second blueberry muffin. The mare stared at it for a moment, then looked towards Rainbow Dash.

“Y’know, speaking of blueberry muffins…”

“Yeah? Sup, Pinkie?”

“Well, I noticed that the muffins are different. Sometimes, there’s clusters of blueberries on the sides. Other times, there’s a dozen more blueberries on one muffin, but not the other.”

“Uh? So?”

Pinkie’s expression turned serious and she bounced to demonstrate the urgency in her words.

“So, I mentioned this to the Cakes one day. I said to them, ‘From now on, I want there to be an equal amount of blueberries in each muffin.’”

Dash stared cynically at her effervescent friend and repeated the second part of Pinkie’s sentence. “An equal amount of blueberries in each muffin…”

The two ponies stared at each other until Dash broke the silence by speaking again.

“Do you know how long that’s going to take?”

Pinkie gasped and her eyes sparkled with amazement. “Hey! How’d you know that’s what the Cakes said?”

Before Rainbow could retort, Pinkie uttered, “Then I told them ‘ I don't care how long it takes. I’ll put an equal amount in each muffin.’”

Dash drank her cup of milk as Pinkie spoke. After the cup was drained, Pinkie gave the weatherpony a cheerful grin and said, “So I did. Now there’s exactly twenty-two blueberries in each muffin.”

Pinkie shook the bag upside down and put the blueberry muffins side by side to demonstrate her point.

“Go ahead and count them, Rainbow Dash. I’m sure there’s forty-four blueberries between both.”

Rainbow, buffaloed by Pinkie’s tomfoolery, hastily shoved one muffin back in the bag.

“Another time, Pinkie. I need to head to the Wonderbolt Academy. Gotta Dash!”

She took the bag in her hooves, cantered out of the bakery, and took to the skies.

Rainbow chomped through the blueberry muffin in four bites. She crumpled the paper bag and shoved it in a pouch of her saddlebag. The sun was rising faster over the horizon. Rainbow’s wings flapped in a frenzy, The rest of the trip out of Ponyville was uneventful. She didn’t encounter any pegasi who wanted to chat. In the distance, Canterlot was coming into view.

Dash marveled at the infrastructure and architecture of the capital city. She’d only been here four times.

The Gala, Fighting Discord, Twilight’s Birthday, The Wedding.

Rainbow recited the experiences she had in Canterlot, slightly amazed that she hadn’t many memories here. Unlike Ponyville, there were more throngs of ponies active. The upper-crust, imperial, high class, busied the streets of Canterlot, chatting amicably amongst themselves. Dash paid them no mind. Her wings flapped, gliding seamlessly in the wind’s direction.

Canterlot Castle came into view. Rainbow knew Princess Celestia was inside, governing, and ruling with a sovereign hoof. A plethora of Royal Guard ponies surrounded the immaculately tall structure. By a brief estimate, Rainbow counted eighty. Equestria would be well protected if a situation were to arise.

Nearly as quickly as it appeared, Dash passed the castle. The pony moved with a pep in each wing thrust. A few pegasi, not recognizing Rainbow as a native to Canterlot, attempted to interpose her way. While they maintained a friendly demeanor, Rainbow was pressed for time. She hastily apologized to a red-coated stallion with a light-green mane, and a purple mare with a dark-blue mane. When the two ponies heard that she was heading to the Wonderbolt Academy, they wished her luck, and Rainbow eagerly thanked them.

Pressing forward, the train tracks became visible. As she flew, she could see a train stop several hundred feet ahead. A few ponies entered the caboose before the train sputtered and hissed before it puffed along the tracks.

Just relax, Dash. You can do this. You’re fierce, cool, and a totally awesome flier. This is your dream. This is everything you’ve trained hard for. Be confident, not afraid. You’ll only get one chance for a great first impression. Besides, you’ve met Spitfire before. You’re aware of what she’s capable of. Breathe and focus. Nopony else has the skillset you do. You’ve got a hoof up on the other cadets.

Steeling herself, Rainbow eagerly flew through more of Canterlot. Buildings and ponies whizzed by. The weatherpony grinned as her velocity increased. The momentum made her feel truly free and alive. She lived for the rush of speed.

More of Canterlot passed in a blur. She didn’t discern any objects or sights that were interesting to give a second look. Soon enough, Canterlot was behind her. Cloudsdale was on the horizon. Rainbow could see the accumulation of different cloud coverings. Cumulus, nimbostratus, altocumulus, stratocumulus, and cirrostratus clouds were an abundance in Cloudsale. Many homes and businesses were supported by the clouds.

Streams of rainwater and rainbows descended from their respective nimbostratus and cumulus clouds. Each layer of the city was packed with tufts of the dense water vapored objects. She began feeling nostalgic, with bouts of homesickness plaguing her; it'd been years since she had properly visited her hometown.

Wonder how everypony that I remember is doing?

She shook her head to regain her focus on flying. A visit would have to wait. Nothing, right now, was more important than getting to the Wonderbolt Academy on time for her first day as a Wonderbolt recruit. She shifted her saddlebag to make her wings more comfortable.

Hordes of pegasi waved to Rainbow Dash as she soared over the city. Some were on the clouds, while others were gliding through the air. Dash recognized a few of them. Clear Skies and Merry May were approaching her with a cheerful grin. The Element of Loyalty waved to them jovially. They reciprocated and flew alongside her momentarily before striking up a conversation.

“Rainbow Dash! It’s been years.” Merry May stated matter-of-factly.

“Nearly three. I’m a resident of Ponyville these days.” Dash replied.

“What’re you doing in Cloudsdale? Visiting old friends?” Clear Skies inquired.

“Nah. I’m actually passing through on my way to the Wonderbolt Academy. Great to see you two again, though. When I’m not so busy, I promise to come back to Cloudsdale and properly catch up with you both.”

They stared at the Wonderbolt Academy student with wonderment. Both were silent for a fleeting few seconds before offering their support.

“Congrats, Dash! Always knew you’d follow your dreams.” Clear Skies stated.

“Yeah! I remember you always stated your desires so adamantly, and with unwavering aspiration.” Merry May added.

“Well, yeah. I’ve worked hard to accomplish my fillyhood dream. Now that I’m so close, I can practically taste that Wonderbolts uniform!”

The three shared a laugh at the imagery before Rainbow posed a question.

“The missive Spitfire sent said that the academy was located approximately five miles east of Cloudsdale. Am I headed in the right direction?”

The two sadly shook their heads.

“Change your course thirty degrees at four o’ clock.” Instructed Clear Skies. “You’re about seven miles away.”

“Yeah. What she said. Keep your bearings straight, Dash, and good luck. We’ll be rooting for you.”

After thanking the two pegasi, Clear Skies and Merry May left Dash to resume her flight to the Wonderbolts Academy. Whistling a pleasant tune, the cyan mare eagerly adjusted her position to the correct angling. Her eyes squinted and she licked her muzzle expectantly. Whatever would happen today, Rainbow intended to do her best.

The remainder of her sojourn in Cloudsdale was uneventful. Humdrum was copious. Soon, Cloudsdale was behind her, and Rainbow kept her eyes fixated on locating the academy. She turned her head eagerly, looking desperately for the sought after destination. All she saw in front of her were many cumulus clouds. Some were listlessly floating through, while a large clustering had obstructed her view and impeded her way. Groaning, she barreled through the assemblage.

After gliding through the agglomeration, she wiped the remnants of clouds that clung to her mane and body. Once clear of the debris, Dash looked forwards and gasped. A large runway was visible. Many ponies were gathered on the airstrip, doing various exercises. Rings, hoops, flags, and Wonderbolts memorabilia had bedecked the area in profusions.

Rainbow beamed in rejoiced exhilaration and observed the conglomerate of ponies at the academy. She descried a few ponies jogging next to a facility. Turning her head to and fro, she espied additional scenes. She watched a group of pegasi make loops in a cloud hoop. Four stern stallions marched in unison. Four pegasi were doing wingups. A drill instructor tallied the pull-ups that a navy-blue stallion was completing. As she surveyed the area, a wave of determination coursed through the speedster. She squinted in excitement and spoke to herself.

“Aww, yeah! This is going to be sweet!”

Dash eagerly absorbed the sights, craning her neck and eyes, trying to view everything at once. Suddenly, a loud, booming, and commanding voice shouted up at her.

“You! The cyan mare with a rainbow mane. You’re out of uniform, cadet. Come down here posthaste and explain yourself!”

Rainbow immediately complied and descended her altitude. She came to an inert stop three feet from the drill sergeant that had bellowed at her. He was a brown pegasus stallion with a grayish mane. The stallion gave Rainbow a scrutinized look and she put a hoof up to elucidate.

“Sorry, um, Mister…” She trailed off, becoming mum a moment before the drill instructor spoke his name.

“Cyclone Twist. Why are you out of proper cadet uniform?”

“Name’s Rainbow Dash. Pleasure to meet you.”

Rainbow held out a hoof, but the stallion ignored it. He cleared his throat and tapped his hoof impatiently. Sensing the tension, Dash quickly clarified.

“I received a letter from Spitfire that denoted my acceptance to join the academy. It didn’t mention a prerequisite of meeting with anypony else beforehoof. I’ve just arrived and all I know is to be prepared at nine, Sir.”

The stallion’s tone softened. He regarded Rainbow with a gentle demeanor. Cyclone Twist smiled at the speedster and asked to see her missive.

Dash put her saddlebag down and opened it. Her hoof moved items aside until she found the letter. Once complete, she offered it to him.

The drill instructor unfurled it and briefly skimmed through it. His blue eyes met the magenta ones of Rainbow’s and the stallion nodded.

“Identity confirmed. Come, Rainbow Dash. You’re an hour early. It’s great that you’re punctual, as it allows time to review some things and be fitted for your flight suit. Follow me, and we’ll get you measured to find your appropriate size. Apologies for possible hostility. The Wonderbolts are military, so their inner functions are classified. One can't blindly trust anypony around top-secret information.”

"I completely understand. No worries, Cyclone Twist. Please, lead the way."

He performed an about-face and began to walk away. Rainbow followed him to a sepia colored building. There was a painted uniform on the front door. A sign above indicated it was a tailor shop. Cyclone Twist motioned with a hoof for Rainbow Dash to go inside. With a breath, she prepared herself to begin her experience at the Wonderbolt Academy. Her hooves ascended the three stairs and she pushed the door open. She glanced at the stallion. Seeing a nod, she went inside.

Author's Note

Here it is! The fourth of four consecutive daily chapters. Hope ya'll enjoyed the huge progress. Dash has finally entered the academy! What will become of her? Will Scootaloo be okay for the next month?

Stay tuned!