Chapters The bright summer sky was clear and inviting. Warm air swirled around and brushed against the wispy clouds. The sun shone its vibrant rays across the seemingly never-ending expanse of blue. It was nothing short of perfect; weather that is envied by winter days and autumn nights.
There is something about a summer afternoon such as this. An indefinable quality that makes them better than any other moment. They give off a feeling of solitude.
Below, the land was displaying its wonders. The birds warbled; their songs carried throughout the field. Grass rolled like a green ocean as a light breeze caressed the ground. There was the sweet smell of wildflowers wafting on gentle gusts. Nature seemed as it rightfully should; working all of its unique aspects as a whole.
In the center of the field rested a small knoll. An old oak rooted itself atop the crest, the roots dug deep into the earth through the long years of the tree's life. In the wind the its leaves rustled and branches swayed. The stolid tree provided shelter for many creatures, but one pegasus in particular was taking advantage of that.
In the comforting shadow of the tree, Rainbow Dash was fast asleep. Lost deep in a dream of her own daring feats of flight. Whether flying, or thinking of flight; not a single moment of her life didn't involve flying somehow.
On a normal day the light blue pony would be busy attending to the weather. More often than not, she would find herself leaving it unchecked to attend to her aerial acrobatics. There weren't many things that she would risk for such major consequences, but practicing maneuvers on the job, that was a risk she was willing to take.
Today was different than most; she had not a care in the world. She didn't feel the urge to fly, she didn't want to go to work. Right now was a time for complete relaxation. Relaxation was her way of clearing her mind. Unlike most ponies, who, when trying to clear their minds, would simply complete mundane tasks; Rainbow Dash preferred long naps. Nothing soothed her mind like laziness did; well... laziness and flying.
The wind parted her mane and rubbed the tips of her ears. Reluctantly, Rainbow Dash opened her eyes. She sat upright, letting out a large yawn. She twisted her back until it let out a satisfying pop. Her muscles relaxed as she leaned back and slumped against the tree.
There was no way to tell how much time had passed; that was the joy of relaxation. Rainbow Dash sat against the smooth curved arc of the tree. She had not a care in the world. And that was exactly as she had intended it to be. She didn't want to think; not of her friends, not of her life, nothing.
As Rainbow Dash sat there, she began to remember why she was here. Thoughts raced through her mind. She was facing the challenge of a lifetime. The Wonderbolts had finally given her the chance to show her skill.
Unlike her normally apparent over-the-top composure, she was nervous as could be. Being worried was something she couldn't show. She was the one that everypony knew as being completely outgoing and how nothing could get her down.
She despised the pressure she put on herself. No matter how much she loved the attention, the responsibilities were agonizing. There was more to her than met the eyes of the public. Most would see that she doesn't back away from the challenges set before her. And that whenever one was presented, she didn't worry about what its outcome was, because she knew it could be done. But that wasn't what the reality was; she had fear and frets, just like any other pony would. And never before had she shown this side of her, not even to her closest friends.
Thoughts crammed against one another as Rainbow Dash sat there. She let out a long sigh as the stress began to well up once more. Thinking was the one thing she didn't want right now. It was the reason that she had come here in the first place.
Rainbow Dash often found herself taking leave from work to find a cloud in the sky to rest her troubled mind. But when she did this, she had the chance of having somepony find her. So when she didn't want to be found, she would gather herself in a place where nopony could bother her until she was ready. And so far, this field has worked just fine.
There is something surreal about isolation. It was seldom cherished by many and often enjoyed by few. Rainbow Dash personally had taken a liking to its soothing qualities.
As the wind began to pick up; a bird landed in the tree above her. She watched it for a moment, then the wind blew her mane in her face. She ran a hoof through it and stood up. Rainbow Dash rolled her neck and stretched her legs out; they were a bit stiff from the lack of movement.
A dark cloud began to break the horizon. "Why must we have a summer storm on such a nice day?" Rainbow Dash thought to herself in frustration. But she knew that it meant the weather pegasi were doing their jobs. Reluctantly, she moved away from the idea.
The wind felt good on her face; it always did. She loved the calm before the storm, more than any other part of the weather. A loud crack of thunder could be heard in the distance. Its low rumble spread out over the land from the heavens above. The wind began to pick up; the grass now swaying violently. Leaves were ripped from the trees and cast over the field.
Rainbow Dash knew with a storm approaching quickly she had to do one last thing...
Her wings snapped open; the wind ran between her feathers. She crouched low to the ground, practically laying down. She dug her hoofs into the soil. Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed and a grin spread widely across her face.
...She needed to fly.
Dear Princess Celestia, Today I helped show my good friend Rainbow Dash to keep persevering. She now has the chance to accomplish her lifelong dream. I guess its true what they say, "if you want to succeed, try and try again." I eagerly await your response.
Signed, Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle
* * * * *
Water was dumping above the community. The storm that the pegasi had formed blotted out the setting sun. The sky was dark and dreary. Water fell heavy upon the earth in large drops, creating a loud patter. Ponyville was inactive; ponies huddled in their homes to stay clear of the weather.
Rainbow Dash found her way home. She quickly opened and closed the door as she zipped inside. She stood there in the foyer, sopping wet and miserable. She hadn't intended to fly for more than a short while, but in the end, she found herself unable to part with the sky.
A few more moments passed, then Rainbow Dash trotted upstairs to find herself a towel. Upon entering the bathroom she found the towels flung messily in the room just as she had left them from that morning. She snatched up a towel and proceeded back downstairs.
Rainbow Dash entered the living room quiet. She went to the fireplace as she wrapped the towel around herself. She laid some wood in the fireplace and started a fire to warm herself.
"Ah, this is just what I needed." Rainbow Dash said smugly. She laid down next to the fire, her mane still dripping. This of course didn't matter since the floor was a cloud. She enjoyed that much dearly; not only were they absorbent, but extremely soft. She took into account their comfort as she sprawled out on her back and stretched out her sore body.
As the fire warmed her body, she began to relax. Her eyelids grew heavy and her thoughts slow. She found herself willingly drifting into sleep's long embrace...
After what seemed like a long time, Rainbow Dash awoke to the loud crack of the dying fire. A few embers shot out from the fireplace. She quickly stoked the fire and sated its appetite for more wood.
The sun had begun to peek over the horizon. Rainbow Dash was surprised she had slept for such a long time. She noticed her mane was dry and had returned to its sleek appearance once more.
Rainbow Dash needed to hurry and get ready. She didn't want to be late for such a day as this. A day that she was going to finally become a Wonderbolt. She hurriedly readied herself, put out the fire, and flew out the door.
It was a long way to Cloudsdale, but Rainbow Dash barely even recalled the commute under her excitement. When she reached the floating city in the sky, she stretched her sore wings; unfortunately, living above Ponyville meant that she had a long ways to the floating city.
Cloudsdale was like a second home to Rainbow Dash. She knew it like the back of her hoof. After she finished up her stretches she wanted to take in the sights of the majestic city. But there was no time for sightseeing, she had Wonderbolts to impress...
As Rainbow Dash approached Cloudsdale's Colosseum she started to get nervous. But keeping her focus on the task at hand she regained her normal, strong headed personality. Spitfire and Soarin' came into view. She tried to keep calm, but an excited giggle escaped her.
"Ah, Rainbow Dash." Spitfire announced
"Yeah, that's me." Rainbow Dash responded.
"Well we are sure you know why you are here, but do you think you have what it takes?" Spitfire questioned
"I think we all know that I do." Rainbow Dash replied, pointing to herself with a grin.
"Then let's get started." Spitfire said as she led the way; Soarin' motioned for Rainbow Dash to follow as he flew off after Spitfire. Rainbow Dash trailed behind as the two led on. The group landed upon a cloud in the center of the arena. It meant only one thing... It was time to start.
The tests went on for hours. With each test they presented, she would pass it with flying colors. As day turned to dusk, she had completed every task in the book. The Wonderbolts seemed nothing but speechless and Rainbow Dash knew it.
The time had come, Rainbow Dash really had her chance. She stood on the cloud awaiting Spitfire to make her call. Rainbow Dash had spent all day showing off her aerial moves for the Wonderbolts. Rainbow Dash barely able to hold her excitement. She was finally having her chance at becoming apart of the best flying aces in Equestria.
Spitfire and Soarin' were down below discussing the matter at hand. After what seemed like an eternity, or at least to Rainbow Dash it did, Spitfire flew up to where she stood. Rainbow Dash bit her lip until it stung.
"Hey Dash," Spitfire stated "we have one last test for you."
Rainbow Dash just smiled and nodded. She didn't dare question it, not after coming so far.
"You see those cloud rings?" Spitfire said pointing off to the distance. "We just need you to maneuver through those and we will make our decision."
"That's it?" Rainbow Dash blurted out, "I could do that in my sleep!" Her tone now overly confident. Rainbow Dash leaped from the cloud and bolted for the rings. The rings were organized in a double loop. She cleared the first one with ease. Seeing it was that simple she decided to ramp it up, and began to flap faster.
Nearing the second loop she felt something that wasn't quite right. Suddenly a quick pain lashed up her side and into her wing. She had cramped due to her long flight earlier. She winced at the sharp prick and began to plummet.
"Ah, buck!" Soarin' cursed as he dove off the cloud to grab Rainbow Dash.
The ground approached rapidly; normally she was the one rescuing falling ponies. She found the thought amusing and terrifying all at the same time. She knew what was happening, but her mind didn't fully understand the severity of her predicament.
It took her a moment to realize that during her fall, she started to ascend. She didn't even notice that Soarin' had caught her; her mind was still racing. They reached the clouds safely above and he set her down on the cloud.
"Dash are you alright!?" Soarin' shouted. Rainbow Dash didn't respond, instead she curled up, hid her face, and wept.
While Dash sobbed, Spitfire put her hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. "Dash, I'm sorry but we-"
Rainbow Dash jumped to her hooves and ran off, cutting Spitfire short.
She knew what Spitfire and Soarin' had to say and she didn't want to hear it. It , meant she had done the one thing she didn't ever want to do. She had just failed her one chance at joining the Wonderbolts. And because it was due to here own rash decision, she regretted it all the more.
Rainbow Dash needed to get away. Away from prying eyes, away from her failure. Tears began to stream from her eyes, nopony could see her like this. She didn't want to cry, she couldn't... but she did.
Nearing the edge of the city, Rainbow Dash readied herself. She had to get out of here as soon as possible. She knew that she could glide as long as she was careful on the stressed wing. Rainbow Dash took a leap hoping for the best. Her wing held up and she began to make her long... lonely descent.
You can lead a horse to water...
Dear Princess Celestia, I haven't finished my lesson for today. I hope to show Rainbow Dash a way to realize that she has more left to accomplish in her life. "A friend in need is a friend indeed." I can't stand by as a friend of mine is hurting. Wish me luck on the task at hand.
Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle
* * * * *
The day was giving way unto night; very few ponies were left in the dimly lit bar. Rainbow Dash sat hunched over the counter on a stiff bar stool. She hung her head low to hide her shame. Her eyes were bloodshot and her face wet from the steady stream of tears.
"How could I have failed such a simple test?" Rainbow Dash thought to herself. She pushed the thought away when her eyes began to tear up again. She quickly wiped her eyes and nose then lifted a mug to her mouth and downed the rest of her cider.
"I'll have another..." Rainbow Dash said slowly. The bartender eyed her suspiciously, then proceeded to slide her another mug of cider. The door to the bar opened letting in what was left of the daylight. Rainbow Dash didn't bother to turn and look, she was too busy drowning her failure. The new customer sat down on the stool next to Rainbow Dash.
"I'll take a water." they said to the bartender.
The voice was familiar to Rainbow Dash--Possibly an a acquaintance of sorts. It sounded muffled and it proved difficult to hear through all the beverages in her system.
Unable to put a hoof on it, she tilted her head to catch a glimpse of the speaker. To Rainbow Dash's surprise, it was Twilight.
Rainbow Dash didn't bother to acknowledge her until she realized her friend wasn't going to leave anytime soon. "What do you want?" Rainbow Dash muttered as she turned back toward her mug. There was a long pause...
"I can't watch one of my friends throw their life away." Twilight stated. The bartender brought over a glass of water.
"Well I don't need--" Rainbow Dash replied as she took a big swig of her drink. "--anyone to help me right now."
Twilight seemed a bit taken back. She let out a sigh. "Dash... you need help from your friends, you just need to let--"
"NO!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she slammed her hoof on the counter. She quickly quaffed her cider and set the mug down with a thud. "Cider!" She yelled at the bartender. Her shouts distraught the other customers and they got up and left while murmuring under under their breath. Twilight put her hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder.
"You've had enough Dash." Twilight said to her friend. She didn't want to see her Rainbow Dash drink herself to death.
Rainbow Dash shrugged her hoof away. "Who are you... to t-tell me when I'm done?" She stammered.
"Look at you, you're completely inebriated!" Twilight scolded.
Rainbow Dash thought for a minute and blinked lazily. "Don't call me things I don't know the meaning of when I'm drunk. " She finally replied. She looked back at the bartender. "Where's that cider!?" She called out. The bartender shook his head and proceeded to wipe down the counter.
"See Dash? You've had enough..." Twilight said, trying to speak calmly.
"Would you just leave?" Rainbow Dash gnashed as she tried to point her hoof at the entrance--it was pointing at the wall.
"I'm not leaving unless you walk out of here too."
"Just go..." Rainbow Dash said as she set her face on the counter.
Twilight picked up her water, waited a moment. "This is going nowhere fast" she thought to herself. She looked at her friend and contently replied. "no."
"yes!"
"no!"
Rainbow Dash was fed up with the argument. "Would you just leave me alone? Buck!" She yelled as she put her hoof around her mug and in her rage swung at her friend.
Twilight didn't even have time to react. The wooden mug struck Twilight across the temple. The wood cracked and let out a sickening crunch. Twilight fell backwards, her glass was let free of her hand, smashing across a table. Twilight's body slammed onto the hard ground and her limbs were tossed wildly. "mph..." Twilight groaned, as she became completely still. Rainbow Dash stood there breathing heavily. She waited for Twilight to get up, but her friend didn't move.
Blood began to pool around her friend. Rainbow Dash never meant to take it this far, she just wanted her friend to leave her alone. Rainbow Dash continued to watch in disbelief. "Get up Twi' !' She yelled at Twilight who only stared at the ceiling.
Rainbow Dash was getting very dizzy. She wasn't sure if it was from the drinks or all the thoughts that raced through her mind. She had just killed her best friend, and now she was going to be a... wanted mare. Rainbow Dash bolted out of the bar leaving the bartender in complete shock.
Rainbow Dash took flight. She could hear shouts from the bar in the distance. She dared not follow the main road in fear of the consequences that would ensue.
As she flew she could tell her normally flawless flying wasn't at its usually grace. Her vision was blurred and her flight drifted in its course. She was surprised she could still fly at this point.
The shouting was accompanied by more voices. She knew she had to leave, and fast. She turned toward the forest, it was the only place that nopony would dare to look for her. There was no time to think about what lie beyond the wall of trees. Rainbow Dash quickly turned toward the forest.
"Flying Feathers!" Rainbow Dash cursed as she entered the dense foliage. At the speed she was going she feared she might lose her life if she hit a tree head on. She continued dodging the thick branches. The light began to fade as she delved deeper into the forest.
Turning around to check for pursuers, Rainbow Dash was relieved to see that there were none. She turned her head back in time to see a branch clip her left wing, a sharp pain shot up her side as she was flipped around. Frantically she tried to regain her direction, but she was flung headlong into the forest floor below...
...Darkness.
