Chapter 1, Sunshine and Cloudy Skies
Sky
Chapter 1: Sunshine, and Cloudy Skies
"Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?"
-Rose Kennedy
“Ooooh! Is that a present for me? Gosh this is the bestest birthday present ever!” Pinkie hopped directly in front of the guard’s face. The large pegasus stallion remained composed, unmoved by Pinkie’s hyperactive antics.
“Wait a second.” Pinkie paused, rubbing her chin with her hoof. “It’s not my birthday today. Oh! Is this a suprise extra early birthday present?”
The guard simply ignored her, instead pulling a letter from his side pocket. “A request by her highness, Princess Celestia,” he stated, hoofing the letter over to Pinkie, who quickly scanned it through. “The hot air balloon will be lent to you for the duration of the assignment.”
“Aww...” Pinkie frowned. “So I can’t keep it?” she stared at the guard with large puppy eyes. “But it’s so pretty, and shiny, and—”
“No,” the guard bluntly stated, unmoved and emotionless as ever.
“Hmph,” grumbled Pinkie, glancing at her newly acquired balloon. The hot-air contraption sat in front of Sugarcube corner, the surface of the balloon beaming in the sunlight. “So, we should be going today?”
“Yes, it is imperative that you depart as soon as possible.”
“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie Pie saluted to the guard, who quickly returned the favor. “Don’t worry Mr. Guard, I won’t let the princesses down!”
The guard nodded towards Pinkie, giving a bow before taking off into the clear morning sky. She watched as the guard flew farther and farther away, disappearing into the clear early morning sky.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hey Dinky! Is there any mail for me today?”
A light purple unicorn popped up from behind the long wooden desk, her long blonde mane swinging as she did so. It was early in the morning, and usually she would have an hour or two to grab some of her mother’s muffins for breakfast, before a customer would arrive to receive their mail. This hasn’t been the case for the past month however, as Rainbow Dash —the pony she would least expect to arrive this early—had been bothering her.
“Uh-huh.” Dinky grumbled, her tummy rumbling loudly. “We actually do have something for you today, and I’m pretty sure it’s the letter you been bothering me about.”
“Really?” Rainbow Dash beamed as her eyes lit up. “It’s...it’s here?”
“Mhm, that’s just what I said.” Dinky reached down to her mother’s mailbag, grabbing a certain envelope with a Wonderbolt seal upon it. “It’s this one right?”
“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” Rainbow Dash snatched the letter from Dinky’s hooves. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The mailmare remained straight-faced. Ignoring the spazzing pegasus, she watched out the window to look out for her mother.
“Not to crush your hopes or anything, but isn’t this your third try to enter the Wonderbolts?”
Rainbow Dash’s smile slowly disappeared; she turned her attention back to Dinky.
“I mean, you’re like thirty years old now right? Most Wonderbolts would start considering retiring at that age. It’s not my right to judge, but maybe you should start looking for something else.”
Dinky turned her head back, lazily looking at the pegasus. Dash simply ignored her, silently ripping the envelope apart to reveal the letter on the inside.
To: Miss Rainbow Dash
From: The Royal Wonderbolts Canterlot Headquarters
Dear Athlete
Thank you for partaking in the Wonderbolt’s 22nd open tryouts. While we admire your enthusiasm, we cannot accept you into...
Rainbow Dash scrunched up the letter into a ball, letting out a loud sigh.
“Again, huh?” Dinky frowned, watching Rainbow Dash as she threw the letter into the nearby trash bin. “Well if you want to try again, they’ll probably host another tryout in a few years or so.”
“Yeah...” Rainbow trailed off, glancing off towards the exit. “I guess I should get going, gotta go clear out the clouds from the sky right?” She softly chuckled.
“Mhm,” Dinky replied as she heard the front door chime. “Good timing too, it looks like my mom’s back.”
“Dashie!” Pinkie Pie squealed, rushing inside to aggressively hug the pegasus.
“Or not.” Dinky sighed loudly, her stomach growling louder than ever.
“Ahhh!” Rainbow yelped, turning around to meet her intruder. “Pinkie!”
“Yes, Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie Pie replied, letting go of Rainbow Dash. She had a saddlebag on her waist, the side of it bulging with food.
“How did you know I was here?” Rainbow asked.
“Because you told me silly,” Pinkie giggled, as she began bouncing on the spot. “You said that you were waiting for the Wonderbolts letter to arrive, and you never wait for something you’re this excited for!”
“Uh-huh,” Rainbow quietly replied.
“So did you get the letter yet?” Pinkie Pie beamed.
Dinky opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when Rainbow Dash gave her a glare.
“Nope,” Rainbow bluntly. “The letter didn’t come today.”
“Awww...” Pinkie Pie frowned, patting the pegasus on the back. “Well don’t worry, I’m sure the letter will arrive by the time we’re done with our trip.”
“Trip?” Dash gazed towards Pinkie with a raised eyebrow. “What trip?”
“This trip!” Pinkie grinned, pulling out a letter from her saddlebag.
To: Her Royal Element of Laughter Bearer, Pinkie Pie and Her Royal Element of Loyalty Bearer, Rainbow Dash
From: Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria
Dear Loyal Esteemed Subjects, I am in need of your assistance.
Recently, as of the past three years, the diplomatic relationship between the Griffon Kingdom and the Diarchy of Equestria has been decaying. Frequent missions by my trusted diplomats had appeared to yield some promising results to fix the issue, but a few months ago the Griffon Kingdom abruptly cut off contact with our government. We are unsure of the reasoning of this sudden loss of diplomacy, as we were of finalizing agreements before the loss of contact, and believe that the issue is not related to our recent attempts to strengthen ties with the Kingdom.
Due to the nature of the country, I have picked the two of you to endeavour upon this mission. Rainbow Dash has previous experience with interacting with griffons,as known by her long friendship with Gilda. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie’s sophisticated social skills will provide a beneficial social platform to discuss upon, as long as she remembers to not be so hyperactive among the royalties of the nation. I would like for the others to join you, however due to certain events, this is no longer a possibility.
Normally I would have once again sent one of my diplomats in Canterlot for such a mission, however due to the sensitivity of our diplomatic relationship, I require a pony of a high symbolic status to interact with the political figures of the opposing party, in order to show a sign of respect and to maintain a stable political relationship. Perhaps you could bring this carton of high quality Equestrian tea with you, as it is well known that the Griffon King is a strong lover of our beverage.
Due to the nature of our relationship, I request that you make way for the Kingdom as soon as possible. I have dispatched a hot-air balloon for your use, which should have arrived with this message.
I thank you for your corporation and your assistance, and I’ll be awaiting to hear your report on the Griffon Kingdom.
Signed by:
Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria
Eternal leader of the Reunified Equestrian Diarchy
September 21st of the 1009th year of the Modern Summer Sun Celebration
“So let me get this straight,” Rainbow asked the bouncing Pinkie Pie. “She wants me to come with you.”
“Mhm!” Pinkie nodded.
“To the Griffon Kingdom.”
“Yup!” Her grin stretched from ear to ear.
“So that we can we have tea with the Griffon king?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow.
“Well, we don’t have to drink tea, silly,” Pinkie giggled, patting Rainbow on the head. “Princess Celestia just wants us to check up on him to see why he hasn’t replied to her letters.”
“Uh-huh...” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “So why do I have to come with you?”
“Because the Princess said so!” Pinkie smiled, pointing to a specific part of the letter. “See! It says so right here!”
“Couldn’t she get somepony else to do it?” Dash replied, noticing her name on the long-winded letter. “I mean, princess or not, I’m not really on good terms with Gilda and I haven’t been on good terms with any other griffons since flight camp. Why doesn't she just get Rarity or Twilight to go talk to this King guy? They’ve both been living in Canterlot for awhile now.”
“Because Twilight’s busy teaching at her university job, and Rarity has to do that fashion show thing.” Pinkie said, fumbling with her saddlebag.
“How about Applejack?”
Looking up from her saddlebag, Pinkie gazed deep into Rainbow Dash’s eyes.
“Applejack’s busy with her farm, remember?” she replied, slowly returning her attention back towards the bag.
“Fluttersh—” Rainbow Dash tried to ask, but a quick glare by Pinkie Pie stopped her in mid-sentence. “Yeah, nevermind. Couldn’t she get somepony else to go? Maybe one of those Canterlot ponies?”
“Nope,” Pinkie Pie replied, pointing to a part of the letter with her hoof. “It says right here that she requires a pony of a high symbolic status to interact with the political figures of the opposing party, in order to show a sign of respect and to maintain a stable political relationship.”
Rainbow stared wide eyed at the pink pony. “What?”
“Basically," She stood up tall with her hind hooves, imitating a Canterlot accent. "Me and you are special—”
“No, I know what it means,” Rainbow replied. “But... how...when...”
“Hmmm?” Pinkie stared into Rainbow’s eyes. She tried to come up with some sort of rebuttal, however all that came out of her mouth was a sigh.
“Nevermind.” Rainbow said.
“Okie Dokie Lokie.” Pinkie pie smiled, turning her attention back to the saddlepack to pull out a large muffin. “So, ready to go to the Birdy Kingdom Dashie?”
“Wait, now!?” Rainbow Dash glared at Pinkie Pie.
The earth pony walked towards to the large wooden desk, hoofing over a blueberry muffin to Dinky. The mailmare quickly grabbed the large muffin from the pink hooves, a wide smile cast upon her face as she dived right in.
“Yup! Ready to go? The balloon’s parked right outside!”
“Shouldn’t we pack up first or something?” Rainbow followed Pinkie Pie as she trotted out the front door. “I mean, the Griffon Kingdom isn’t exactly close, and we’re probably gonna be stuck there for at least a few days.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about that!” Pinkie jumped into the large hot-air balloon. “I’ve already got everything packed! Cupcakes, muffins, tea, water, fruit punch, card games—”
“Card games?” Rainbow raised her eyebrow.
“Eeeyup Card games!” Pinkie reached down to grab the box of cards, a loose card falling off the deck. “Oh and streamers and cake and—”
“All right, all right!” Rainbow Dash put a hoof to Pinkie’s mouth . “I got it!”
“Mhm!” Pinkie grabbed another large muffin from her saddlepack. “So, ready to go Rainbow Dash?”
“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash glanced back inside the postal office, her crumpled rejection letter rolling around from the outdoor wind. “Sure, why the hay not?” She hovered herself inside the hot-air balloon, finding a comfortable spot among the cluttered mess.
“Wake me up when we get there.”
Chapter 2, Turbulence in Eternity
Sky
Chapter 2: Turbulence in Eternity
“You sure about this?”
Twilight Sparkle stood upon the platform of the station with four of her friends, under the bright glow of the morning sunlight. Beside her was the unicorn’s luggage, the porters struggling to get all the boxes aboard the train in time to meet the tight schedule. Despite the nuisance it brought to the train workers, it did provide Twilight with the time to spend what few precious minutes she had left with her friends.
“Positive.”
The four friends cringed at the word. Their hearts went up into their throats, as the reality of this moment dawned upon them.
“It was a really hard choice to say the least.” She frowned at her friend’s reactions. “I never imaged ever leaving this place that I love so much, away from the friends that I care so much about. I suppose though, times have changed.”
An awkward silence fell upon the group of friends. Unsure of what to say in this sort of situation, they looked at each other’s frowning faces, a dark energy flowing among them.
“We all understand,” Applejack was the first to speak up among the friends, a forced smile cast upon her face. “We really do. Celestia’s right about recommending you to study in that prestigious Canterlot University thingy ma jig. There’s still loads to learn about magic, and there’s only so much you can learn in the library in the middle of nowhere.”
“Yeah... still, I don’t know.” Twilight sighed. “I mean I’ve already made up my mind, but it just feels so wrong to leave all of you behind like this.”
Applejack lightly put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder.
“Ah shucks Twi, you make it sound like we’re never gonna to see each other again.” She let out a quiet chuckle. “Don’t worry, this isn’t the end of our friendship, we’re just movin’ on to a new phase.”
“Yeah!” Pinkie popped into the conversation. “You can come back and visit Ponyville anytime, or we can go over to Canterlot. We’ll have a party! With cakes, streamers, punch, cookies;ooooh can’t forget the cookies! Oh gosh, this means that we’re going to have double the parties!”
“Uh-huh.” Rainbow Dash joined in. “And I certainly won’t forget such an awesome egghead like you Twilight; that won’t make me a very loyal pony, would it?” She grinned.
“The animals and I are going to miss you Twilight, but it’s like what Pinkie and Applejack said.” Fluttershy gave a small smile. “We’re only a city away from each other, we can go and visit as often as we like.”
“So don’cha worry ‘bout us Twi. Go, and realize your full potential” Applejack moved in for a hug, followed by the other friends. “We’ll still all be friends no matter what.”
Twilight embraced the group hug, her eyes growing a bit watery.
“Thanks girls.” Twilight smiled. “Really, thank you so much.”
“Ah, don’t mention it.” Applejack gripped her friends tighter together. “Good luck at that magical University of yours.”
“Yeah! Go get them with your magical awesomeness, Twilight! Show them who’s the best magician in all of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash cheered, earning a chuckle from the friends around her.
“Thank you, girls,” Twilight said, letting go of the embrace as the train horn signaled it’s impending departure. “Thank you for everything.
“You better quit thanking us and get on that train, Twi.” Applejack chuckled. “You can thank us all ya want the next time you see us.”
“Mhm! Oh and say hi to Spike and Rarity when you get the chance for me! Tell them I’m sorry about getting confetti and cake all over her latest design.” Pinkie Pie giggled to herself.
“Sure thing, Pinkie.” Twilight chuckled, entering the train as it slowly began to move. “Goodbye girls.” She stared at her friends with watery eyes. “I’ll see you all soon.”
“See you later, Twilight!” the girls replied back, running on the side of the train as it gathered speed, disappearing into the Canterlot mountain ranges in the distance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash stirred awake from her long-winded nap. The cluttered mess of cake crumbs, unorganized cards, and tea cargo surrounded her in the small hot air balloon.
“Pinkie?” Rainbow stretched her forehooves into the sky, easing the sore muscles. “Pinkie Pie?”
The area around them was surrounded by tall stone-built buildings, which reached up straight into the night sky. The basket sat upon a clearing between the buildings, the stone paved streets lit by the lamps all around.
“Pinkie!” Dash hovered out of the basket, the cool air flowed through her mane. “Where the hay are you!?” She called out down the long narrow street.
“Hey you!”
Rainbow Dash turned around to the direction of the voice, coming face to face with three large griffons. They all wore what appeared to be heavy grey armor, slightly glowing under the bright moonlit sky.
“Hey there Griffons!” Rainbow said, leaning her body on the side of the wooden basket. “Element of loyalty here, the one that Celestia sent over to talk to your king. I’m looking for my friend Pinkie Pie, a strange hyperactive pink earth pony. Have you seen her anywhere around—”
The three griffons suddenly jumped onto Rainbow Dash, pinning her down with their weight.
“Hey!” Rainbow Dash kicked frantically at her attackers. “What’s the big idea?”
“You are under arrest for trespassing the Great Griffon Kingdom,” one the guards barked out, struggling to hold the powerful pegasus down. “Stop resisting immediately, or we will be forced to use further action against you.”
“Psh! In your dreams!” Rainbow Dash shouted out, rapidly twisting her body and kicking one of the guards in the face. Squeezing through the grip of the remaining two, she managed to free her wings and flapped frantically into the sky. One of the griffons punched Rainbow Dash mid-air with a right hook. She lost control and fell, hitting the ground hard enough to kick up a cloud of dirt. The world around her started to get hazy, the darkness forming all around her until there was nothingness.
