//-------------------------------------------------------// To be a Cinderainbow -by TheFreal- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// What a Party //-------------------------------------------------------// What a Party The weather around ponyville as always nice with Rainbow dash around. She sat on a cloud, chilling.”Beatiful view from up here", she said to herself. What she didn't expect was the answer coming from the left. “Isn't it?”. It was the well-know voice of a her well known earth pony. “Pinkie!”, she shouted, without even having to move her head.  “Dash?”, Pinkie answered, now from some feet above Rainbows head. It would be very strange to Rainbow that an earth pony to fly higher than herself on seemingly nothing, but not if it was Pinkie.  She always had a habit of doing impossible things, much to Twilights  distress, but rainbow just giggled at her. “What are you doing...up here, Pinkie?” Dash asked“Trying out my Pogo-stick!" Pinkie explainde happily " You want to try it, too?” Rainbow just couldn't hold the giggle. "Sorry Pinkie, Pogo sticks aren't my  thing" she laughed. Pinkie hardened her gaze a bit, 'a pony who DOSEN'T like pogo sticks?! blasphemy' she thought. “Wanna party?” Pinkie suddenly asked, her gaze still slightly stern. Rainbow sighed, Pinkie always wanted to party, she never did want to do anything dash did.  She decided to voice her thoughts "Is  there anything you ever wannad o besides party, Pinkie?" Dash said, looking her friend in they eyes. “Well, last time I tried something else was 3 years ago, when I made Party-HATS! But anything  else...no, nothing I can remember.”Pinkie was holding a hoof to her jaw, gazing to the left in thought. Rainbow dash knew Pinkie well but still managed to get a bit irritated at her antics.   "Don't  forget that time you blew up the factory!" she said bitterly, crossing her forearms and raising an eyebrow. Pinkie giggled "I will never forget that colourful Firework!” then proceded to look off dremily  in the distance towards Cloudsdale. Rainbow was surprised at pinkie, several ponies had been hurt, a few hospitalized, but Pinkie didn't  seem to mind, it was aalmost as if she ENJOYED it. Dash was broken out of her internal monologue by Pinkie “Come on! You like flying, I like parties. You don't like parties, I can't fly!” Pinkie stated, shooting dash a pleading look. Rainbow dash wasn't  quite sure what that meant and she was sure Pinkie didn't either. “Of course I like parties!" Dash said, keeping her gaze locked with her pink firends cute and desperate stare "Just not...you  know...this often!" she began to stammer as Pinkies eyes began to grow larger and glaze over, her lower lip in a pout.  "W-we talked a-about this bef-fore, when you invited me to that s-strage c- cupc-cake party which didn't even have any other g-guests.” Pinkies gaze continued to grow larger and more pleading, it was so cute, and Rainbow couldn't keep her eyes on her friends any longer. She looked away and tightened her grip around herself with  her legs, faltering slightly in her flight as she struggled against the onslaught of cute. They sat theref or several minutes, Pinkie moving her self to look into Rainbow dashes eyes and everytime she  tried, Rainbow would look away. Finally having enough, Rainbow left her cloud tohide on a tree, praying to Celestia that Pinkie wouldn't find her. Unbeknownst to Rainbow dash, Pinkie was close by, following her friends every move. She spotted Rainbow in a nearby tree watching the horizone for any sign of what she persume to be herself.  Pinkie didn't like being avoided, it made her angry and she didn't like feeling angry, it was a sour and vile emotion in her mind. Creeping slowly up to the base of the tree, avoiding he friends gaze, she began to climb. One might think of it an impssible task for an equine to scale any vertical obstical, but Pinkie somehow  managed to concieve a way. Grasping both sides of the trunk with her forelegs, looking like she was hugging the trunk while doing and then spread her hind legs apart. With an intake of breath, Pinkie jumped up and the held  fast, wraping her hind legs around the trunk as well. Her body now a few inches above the ground she exhaled softly, nodding to herself for doing a good job, now to do it again twelve more times  without falling. After making sure her grip held firm, she arched her back and moved her arms up and then slid her hind legs up with her. Many ponies didn't know it, but Pinkie was actually very strong and this fact was only increased due to her earth pony heritage. After a minute, Rainbow dash began to calm down, her brow now dry and hery eyes relaxed. She lay down on the tree branch and closed her eyes, sighing while doing so. Pinkie was her friend, but  she couldn't deal with her sometimes feeling herself beginning to tire, she she found a comfortable posistion and started to drift off. After a mintue of laying there, She found herself unable to.  Confused she opened her eyes, only to see huge teal blue irises staring at her. With an shout of surprise and the flailing of arms, dash fell to the hard ground below. Groaing in pain, Dash grasped her left arm and winced, it felt as if liquid fire was coursing through it. She opened her eyes and yet again found those same teal eyes gazing into hers. "Pinkie..?"  Rainbow asked slowly " Hi Dashie!" Pinkie exclaimed "you silly filly, don't you know its not healthy to fall out of trees?" The innocence in Pinkies eyes defused any sort of remark Rainbow dash thought to make and instead settled for wincing again. "Awwww, dashie, did you hurt your arm?" Dash just looked at her. "Ughh, alright Pinkie, ill go to your party." "Woo-hoo!" Pinkie cheered and began to bounce up and down with a gigantic smile upon her face. Rainbow dash brought her self upright while shamefully having to ask Pinkie for help. "So when dose the party start, Pinkie?" Dash asked. “Well now, silly!”Pinkie explained and then procceded to throw Rainbow on her back and gallop towards Sweet Apple Acres. Within minutes, the two had made it to Sweet Apple Acres, all the while Rainbow expressing her distaste with Pinkies decision to carry her. Bringing up her left hoof, Pinkie tapped out a small tune on the worn out front door of the Apple Family farmstead. An orange face with small patches of freckles and a golden mane with its end tied up in a hair strap adorned with a brown leather setson and large green eyes came from around the door as it opened slightly. It was their friend Applejack. “Hey AJ! Pinkie and I were wondering if you'd come to her party today.“ Rainbow dash explained “Now OUR party!”, Pinkie cheered while bouncing in place. “OUR Party!” She repeated. “Okay, Pinkie asked  me to ask you if you'd come to OUR party.” Applejack sighed. “Again? Pinkie, eight parties a week r' just too many!" Pinkie brought her nose up to her friends and proceded to beg. "PLEASE, AJ" she said, starting to make her eyes grow larger."It's not a real party without you!" she continued. "Ahm real sorry there, sugarcube, But ah can't!" Aj said, pushing Pinkie away with a hoof "Granny smith hurt'r leg going down the stairs an' now ah need to help r' around so she don't hurt herself no more." Applejack looked at pinkie with a serious expression, holding her ground. "Why can't Big Macintosh do it?" Pinkie then asked " Well, ah..." Applejack didn't know what to say to that, Pinkie could bring up a good point sometimes. Big macintosh was usually the one who did the bigger part of the farm work, the physically straining ones anyway. Mabye she could use a break from Granny Smith this time, She always was the one to get stuck with her. Applejack sighed again, "Fine, lemme go see if Bigmac has time" Applejack said in defeat. "YAY" Pinkie shouted, and began to bounce around in circles, more so than she already was. "Thank you SO MUCH, Aj" Pinkie shouted again. After a minute Applejack finnaly returned and with a nod, closed the door behind her. "Well, Bigmac said he wouldn't mind lookin' after Granny Smith." Pinkie's smile widened as she grabbed Applejack and Rainbow Dash and zoomed off to see Twilight, Pinkie somehow managing to carry both ponies on her back. Twilight was much easier to Convince than Applejack and Spike was more than happy to tag along. With the four ponies plus one dragon together, they proceded to gather up the rest of the Group. After stopping in to convince Fluttershy, who had to take care of the newborn hedehogs and their parents, as well as some of her afternoon busy work such as cleaning and checking up on any animals that may need her assistance with something, they set out for their last stop before the party. Their last stop was their friend Rarity's Boutique. It was an odd sight, an old building designed to look as a carousel. Walking up to the door with spike leading the group, they cuoldn't help but notice voices coming from withing. Spike brought up a claw up and rang the doorbell. A small door chime rung out and the four of them hear a voice call out " Just a minuuuutteee" the voice sang. All four of them could hear a small conversation going on inside but couldn't make out any words. "I wonder who Rarity has over" Twilight asked " I haven't seen her in a few days come to think of it" Spike couldn't help but worry, both for her saftey and his Crushes saftey. The littel dragon had a bad case of puppy love for the white unicorn and didn't want anypony taking her from him. After another minute of waiting the door to the boutique finnaly opened, revealing the white unicorn herself. There stood Rarity, he deep purple maned as curly as ever and her coat as absent of any color as possible. The one thing that caught everypony off guard was not Rarity herself, but the large, handsome stallion behind her. This stallion was tall and a deep blue, his mane a flowwing and shiny silver. His cutie mark was that of a stopwatch with its chain wrapped around a sack of Bits, Obviously a visitor from canterlot. He was wearing a suit with a white undershit seen underneath, a small red bowtie was wrapped around the suits collar and the edges were trimmed with small intricate white patterns,it was most likley made by Rarity herself. Spike took one look at the Stallion and fainted, The rest of the girls had mixed reactions. Twilights was one of surprise, Pinkie pie had stopped bouncing and stood there with a blank expression, Rainbow Dash was grinning and holding back a laugh, Applejack was looking at the stallion with questioning eyes while Fluttershy was blushing a bit and hiding behind her mane "Why so shocked, darlings?" Rarity said, raising an eyebrow at her friends reactions. "Surley me being with a cutsomer shouldn't be so shocking?" Rarity inquired Rarity then spotted Spike on the ground "Oh, my poor little Spikey-Wikey!" Rarity said shocked, putting a hoof to her mouth. "Is the poor dear alirght?" The group gazed down at spike, having fallen head over heals with his jaw slacked to the right. Applejack chuckled "Ah guess seein' Rarity with 'nother stallion is jus' to much' fer th'little guy" Applejack laughed again, elicting giggles from the rest of the group. Rarity turned to her visitor who had remained silent the entire time "Ohhh, Clock-work,please be a dear and fetch a bucket of water, would you?" Rarity asked hurridley, tapping her hooves together on the ground "Certainly, miss Rarity" Clock work agreed and trotted inside the boutique. Rarity looked back to her friends, they were all giving her questioning glances. "What?" she asked "he is simply an old friend and a frequent customer" All of her friends stares softened with the explanation. After a few moments Clock Work returned with a pail of water. He handed it to Applejack, giving a nod as its handle left his mouth. With a splash, Spike awoke suddenly, sputtering and shielding himself from anymore water that might come his way. "Sheesh, you guys, a simple pinch or a nudge to my side would of been enough" Spike said glaring at the ponies in the room. "Ohhh, were so dreadfully sorry, Spikey-Wikey" Rarity cooed "we were just worried about you!" Rarity said as she started to nuzzle Spike under the chin. This immediatley doused any anger Spike had and replaced it with a blush as he gladly accepted the cuddles They were stopped by a loud cough next to them. embbarassed, they pulled away from eachother. " Apologies, darlings" Rarity said bashfully "what was it you came to see me for?" Pinkie stepped in and said " Well we all were comming to get you for a party...but" Pinkie hesitated a bit "I don't feel like partying anymore. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not..." Pinkie continued, her hair falling a bit " your obviously busy and i don't want to party if all of my friends aren't there with me" Everyone in the group let out a collective sigh of relief and disapointment. It was a bad sign to see Pinkie get upset, but if its a little thing than it would blow over by the next rise of Celestias sun, Although they were looking forward to an evening of fun. After saying their goodbyes they all left for their homes, each going seperate ways. Spike decided to stay behind and help Rarity with the rest of her work. Twilight needed some time to clean up her library, Applejack was going to take Granny Smith off of Bigmacs hooves, Fluttershy was going to continue her daily routines, Pinkie was going to clean up her cancelled party and Rainbow dash.... Well, nopony really knew where Rainbow Dash went during the evening, most assumed she would practive until sundown or would practice some kind of other hobby, but all of those theories were wrong. Very wrong. //-------------------------------------------------------// Ms. Lonely //-------------------------------------------------------// Ms. Lonely That evening Rainbow could not sleep, her mind was plagued with many things, all of them unorganized and frantic. Rainbow dash thought about her life, her fiends and her future. What would she do the rest of her life? Was there anything she wanted other than the Wonderbolts? She had friends,family and a decent job, what was missing? Rainbow thoughts drifted towards her friends. Twilight had Spike and her owl, Pinkie had the Cakes and the twins. She wasn't sure about Fluttershy, she seems to be content with her animals though. Applejack had her family to keep her company, and Rarity has that stupid cat and Sweetie Belle. Was that it? Was she... lonely? She did visit all of her friends often, being loyal and all. But she didn't have somepony for herself, no one to be her coltfriend or dare she say... MAREfriend? Rainbow Dash wasn't really sure witch she preferred, mainly because she never bothered to try to figure it out. Rainbow drew her gaze to the other side of her bed, keeping her sight locked on the pillow where she imagined another pony's face would lie, trying to imagine the face of a lover but could not make out anything besides her friends and family, prompting her to quickly cease imagining things. Now that she thought about it, nopony had ever given her a compliment concerning her looks or just herself in general before, or at least anything she cared to remember. Was she not pretty or good enough for another pony? The thought brought tears to her eyes. She never tried to act pretty, her hair was always scruffy and messy on its own, and her coat was always clean, not shiny, but clean. Preening was the only grooming activity she thought she excelled at, she needed her wings to be in tip-top shape if she would fly as fast as she cared to boast anyway. What about her personality? Was that what drew many ponies away? Maybe she needed some help? Waiting didn't seem to be doing anything good for her, so maybe she needed to change her act a bit? Dash groaned, she hated to do anything that didn't involve fun or flying, and making herself look nice did not sound fun to her at all. So who would be the best pony to go to for help? What type of help did she need exactly?Beauty advice? Maybe some help with acting more... Ladylike? Did it even matter to a stallion... or mare how she acted? Behavior wise maybe, but her personality? Was it even possible to change herself that way? So many more questions clouded her head, she needed to find some kind of relief from all of her worries. Maybe her friend Rarity? She could definitely help her look nice, her design practice and beauty knowledge could definitely help her. 'Would she even be up this late?' Rainbow Dash thought to herself, and would she even help me? I know i probably haven't been the greatest of friends to her, but nothing to deem a sense of bad blood. Rainbow Dash brought a hoof to her mouth, thinking of a plan to convince her friend to assist her in case just asking failed. What if she... no, that wont work. Maybe...? No, definitely not. Rainbow removed her hoof from her jaw and sighed, Maybe she should just wing it? That plan did suit her well, but everything could be held back if Rarity wasn't awake. With another sigh Rainbow decided to go through with her poorly thought out plan and visit Rarity. It was a cool night in Ponyville, Luna's moon was high in the sky, providing a pale blue Esq light upon the landscape, the random trees that existed in the town itself shook and swayed to and fro with the small breeze that permeated the evening air. Shadows hung gloomily over the many structures, giving the town a slightly menacing feel, causing Rainbow Dash to feel a great deal anxiousness. Rainbow Dash rounded a corner and brought Carousel Boutique into view, its light from within the lower level windows coating the surrounding area with a gentle orange glow. The only sound that could be heard as Rainbow Dash approached the Boutique was her own hoof falls, the wind blowing past her ears occasionally and the flapping of a few flags in front of shops mixed with the creak of old sign hinges creaking from age, displaying their shop owners Cutie mark or anything representing what it sold. Climbing the few steps atop the foundation that the Carousel laid upon, Rainbow pressed her ear to the door, listening for any sign that Rarity resided within. She could make out the faint sound of a sewing machine, its motor vibrating steadily as it drew thread along fabric and the faint sound of a voice humming a simple tune to itself. Rainbow Dash smiled to herself, Rarity was home and awake. With some hesitation, she brought her hoof up and knocked on the door three times. Rarity was broken out of her work educed trance by a loud banging against her door. She examined her workspace, thinking the sound came from a spool of thread or her box of pins and replacement needles had fallen over the edge of her workbench. Her ears perked up as she heard the noise once again, confirming it was the door. 'Who could be looking for me at such a late hour?' thought Rarity. She shut off her sewing machine and set the pins she had in her mouth down as she went to answer the door. She made sure her hair was not scuffed in any way and checking her coat for any dirt before opening her door. letting out satisfied sigh, she reached for the handle. Rainbow Dash stood nervously on Rarity's doorstep,the door wasn't answered yet and she raised her hoof to knock again. The door was still not answered, Causing her to become impatient and begin to rock back and forth on her hooves nervously. As she was about to knock again, the door opened, revealing a very surprised Rarity. Rainbow Dash stared for a moment, not knowing how to greet her friend. "Rainbow Dash, what in equestria are you doing on my doorstep this late?" Rarity asked suddenly "Surely this must be something important if it requires my attention." "W-well Rarity, i actually wanted to talk to you about something." Rainbow said slowly, looking away, wanting to avoid her friends gaze, fearing she might give away what she felt by looking at her. "Oh, of course darling!" Rarity replied, grasping her friends forearm and leading her inside. "I would never dream of leaving on of my friends out in the cold, please come inside and make yourself at home." "Thanks Rarity, i really app-!" Rainbow Dash was stopped by Raritys hoof to her mouth. "Nonsense, Rainbow Dash, my humble abode is always open to you and any of our friends" Rarity said, looking Rainbow Dash in the eyes. "Now tell me darling, what is it you needed to speak to me about?" "Well... you know about that colt you had over earlier?" Rainbow Dash asked "well its just that... he kind of made me think about certain things" Rainbow Dash looked away sheepishly her cheeks turning a light pink. "Rainbow Dash, if your asking my permission to peruse Clock Work in a relationship, you need not to ask me for permission!" Rarity explained with a light chuckle. Rainbow Dashes face went from light pink to a deep crimson red as she looked back at Rarity. "N-no, Rarity, that wasn't what i wanted t-to talk about!" Rainbow Dash answered loudly, her face becoming more flushed and herself becoming more self conscious and nervous. "Care to explain then, Rainbow Dash?" Rarity raised an eyebrow at her friends actions. It wasn't like her to act nervous and so bashful, before her stood a brash and supposedly fearless Pegasus, now she was blushing up a storm and kicking her hooves at the ground timidly. It was obvious that this was something more than her concerns with Clock Work. "I...I, um...Rarity, have you ever been...lonely?" Dash asked, her eyes glazing over as she looked her friend in the eyes. "Have you ever felt, like nopony wants you or just doesn't think your good enough?" Dashes lower lip began to quiver slightly as she said those words Raritys eyes grew slightly and she brought a hoof up to her mouth in surprise. Rainbow Dash was feeling unwanted? She couldn't believe her ears. Rainbow Dash was supposed to be fearless and boastful, she was athletic and rugged, she had many friends who loved her dearly! Rarity never imagined there was a side to her that was sensitive and emotional. "What ever do you mean by 'Lonely', Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked carefully. "You have many friends and family who love you, event the townsponies appreciate the weather work you do, Why ever would you feel this way?" Rarity was now standing face to face with Rainbow Dash, her snout inches from hers, looking her in the eyes. "Yes, i know Rarity, but that is not what i mean." Rainbow Dash answered "When i say lonely, i mean somepony who i can lie in bed with at night, somepony who i can be close to and share cool secrets and other things with" Rainbow hesitated before continuing " I want somepony who likes me for me being me, somepony who... thinks im awesome and loves flying as much as i do, i want somepony... who... Loves me as in truly loving me, not platonic love, but love, love." Rainbow finished her awkward speech by casting her gaze to the floor, a small tear running along her snout. Rarity was once again stunned and speechless. Her friend was obviously in some deep emotional pain. She could help ponies with a problem fashion wise and she always had an answer when it came  to different garments or random clothing facts, but with emotions and relationships... she drew a blank. Rainbow Dash began to sob softly in front of her and she knew she needed to say something quickly. She got an idea, it was a long shot and risky, but if it worked, Rainbow Dash could be happy again. "Rainbow Dash...Colts like mares because of what they are, a mare." Rainbow Dash looked at Rarity as she began explaining. "A mare is supposed to act... um... pretty and charming for a stallion so that he may take a liking to her" Rarity saw that Rainbow Dash was beginning to calm down, now intently listening to her. "Maybe you working out daily, acting brash and your intrusive, tomboyish attitude is something that turns many stallions off...?" Rarity finished, asking more than stating her advice Rarity was expecting some kind of harsh retaliation, thinking she may have insulted her friend more than helping her. Instead she got an unexpected reaction. Silence. Rainbow Dashes mind was thinking very intently on her friends... advice. 'I have to make myself... more like a mare?' Rainbow Dash thought that over many times, each time it sounding more sound and solid. "So... what your saying is... i need to act more like a mare?" Rainbow Dash asked "I need to, be pretty and act... mare-ish to attract attention?" Rainbow Dash was skeptical about the idea, surely changing herself wasn't the answer, right? "Yes that is what i meant" Rarity stated "Colts like mares, so act more like a lady and you are sure to attract the attention of somepony." Rarity was smiling now " Oh, i could help you with EVERYTHING, your looks, your attitude and even how you speak!" Raritys eyes were sparkling with excitement, her smile now wide and toothy. Rainbow Dash sighed, "Alright, Rarity... ill let you do what is best, i really hope you know what your doing, i want to attract attention, not become a beauty queen." Rainbow Dash said sternly "please promise me you won't go all out on my mane?" "Oh, of course darling" Rarity assured, " meet me here tomorrow and we shall get started, hm?" Rarity finished with another big smile. With a plan intact, Rainbow Dash felt relived that she was finally going to fix her problem. She thanked Rarity and left her boutique without another thought. This was it, she was finally going to find that special somepony. //-------------------------------------------------------// The Metamorphosis //-------------------------------------------------------// The Metamorphosis Celestias sun rose slowly over the horizon, bathing the landscape below in a warm, yellow glow. Rainbow Dash was snoring peacefully in her cloud bed, the sheets tossed about and the pillows on the floor, save for one small pillow laying under her head. The clouds that made up dashes house were stark white with a hint of blue witch could only be seen if one were to examine the wall closely. The windows were letting in the first rays on the sun, lighting the lower part of Rainbows Dashes bed. She gave a small snort in her sleep as her legs twitched slightly, obviously having a very active dream. Next to her bed lay a small nightstand, also made out of clouds, the nightstand held little more than a match lit lamp and a small picture frame housing an autographed picture of her idol, Spitfire. A wall clock hung on a nearby wall, its hands displaying the current time, powered by an enchanted jewel resting within its frame. The rays of light began to travel along what little remained of the sheets upon Rainbow Dashes bed, making their way to her face inch by inch, soon resting upon her cyan muzzle. She began to stir as the sun reached her eyes, prompting slight grunts of complaint from the sleeping mare. She slowly opened one eye and then the other as she stared sleepily at the ceiling of her bedroom with a bored and lazy expression. The licked her slightly moist lips, relieving herself from their slimy and drool covered state. Rainbow Dash sat up with a groan of discomfort from waking up and a few bed sores. She took notice to her cocoon of bed sheets, hardening the bored expression upon her face as she began to start her day. Removing herself from bed, she started to go through a morning routine she had become accustomed to over the past few years of living in Ponyville. Bathe, Groom, Brush teeth and fix bed head to a minimum. She looked herself over in her bathroom mirror once she had finished her routine, shaggy mane, pristine and shiny coat and a small satisfied smile. She made her way through her house, examining its interior as she went, the few family portraits she had were the standard smiling families and the occasional art piece. She was content with her average home, feeling no need for anything more as she continued down the long staircases and hallways she had designed herself many years ago. Finally coming to a stop at the base of the final staircase, she found herself in the last hallway that connected to her kitchen and living quarters. She entered the kitchen and prepared her morning meal, a simple daisy and grass sandwich, Simple and quick. She never took the time to learn recipes for cooking, thinking it a waste of time and when she wasted time, it made her feel anxious and out of place. The fastest flier in all of Equestria needed a meal that could waste as little time as possible of course. As she ate, Rainbow Dash began to go through her mental schedule. 'Wake up... grooming...breakfast and uhm... oh yea, that visit with Rarity!' Rainbow Dash smiled slightly, wondering what her friend had in store for her. Rainbow Dash hoped Rarity wouldn't to frou-frou with her mane and coat, she wanted to look pretty, not like... a 'lady' as Rarity would put it. Rainbow Dash sighed, what would happen would probably be for the best, anything Rarity would do would be in her best interests and intentions, right? She just gave the thought the cold shoulder, she shouldn't think of such things, it would only make matters worse. With some resignation, Rainbow Dash finally decided to depart for her friends boutique. It was a slightly cloudy morning in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash didn't have work for another hour, thankfully due to her habit of waking up early. she flew slowly though the air, wanting to enjoy the clean morning air and the cool breeze while it lasted. The sunrise was halfway through its accent into the sky, the colorful display of pink and orange was an awe inspiring scene to even the hardiest of individuals. Ponyville soon came into view as she flew to her destination, the straw thatched roofs and dirt roads could all be seen individually as she flew over Sweet Apple Acres, the hundreds of apples trees planted in neat rows being seen at such a high altitude gave the landscape a green and red dotted pattern with the mixture of yellow and orange from deposits of hay and her fields of corn on the south side of her farm. The outlying mountains and forests gave the world an artful feel, like that of a priceless piece of art. Canterlot hung against the highest peak of the mountain range, its large towers and intricate designs could be seen even at the distance she had spotted them at. She loved living in Ponyville for many reasons, the scenery was a large one. Rainbow Dash came closer to the ground as the many houses and shops of Ponyville passed underneath her hooves. She landed with a thud and a cloud of dust from the dry dirt pathways that snaked their way all through out Ponyville. She began to head in the direction of Carousel Boutique, her friends clothing shop in the center of town. The walk to the boutique was uneventful and boring considering only one or two ponies were even awake at an early hour such as she. The pathways became familiar as she remembered them from her previous encounter the night before, she was close to her destination, she smiled as she rounded the corner and the boutique came into view. The area around Carousel Boutique was the same as she remembered it from last night, the windows were no longer casting their glow and the flags amongst the roof. The surrounding buildings were the same old shops and houses, the bench along the road to the boutiques left was still empty. Dash approached the front door, eyeing the closed sign in the right window warily, maybe she should  wait a bit longer? Rarity was obviously not awake as early as she was. Rainbow Dash sighed and turned away, her head low to the ground in disappointment. She began her trot when the door opened, revealing Rarity in a bathrobe and hair curlers. "Rainbow Dash, darling!" she greeted "I thought of you an early Pegasus and decided to help work out your little problem." Rarity retreated into her boutique, leaving the space in the door open for Rainbow Dash to follow. As she entered the boutique she took notice to many ponyquins that usually were occupying Rarity's workspace were now cleared away, dresses and suits among other forms of clothing were laid out, most likely for her to try on, inducing a noticeable cringe as she took notice to the many different styles and colors she thought were just to make her stay at the boutique miserable. Rarity was looking at Rainbow Dash with a smug smile and a pair of eyes displaying mischief. "Well Rainbow Dash, looks like you and I have plenty of material to work with, hm?" Rainbow Dash just sighed. "Okay Rarity... I guess better to go through it now than to never go through it at all" Rainbow took one last look at the pile of clothing before her, a feeling of dread forming in her gut. Rainbow Dash emerged from Carousel boutique, her steps slow and shy, and her head lowered slightly as she attempted to hide her face from the on-looking ponies she passed. She word a simple white dress that covered her chest and flank, its edges trimmed with a small design and its surface bore a green pattern over the back from the base of her wings to her flank. Her mane was done up in a similar, simple style with a small flower placed behind her left ear for charm as Rarity had assured her, it would only add to her looks. She didn't believe she had any looks to begin with. She took to hugging walls and turning away from the ponies who greeted her while simultaneously give her looks of confusion and even a few that made her blush. She heard many ponies whisper amongst themselves, asking each other if their eyes told them lies, the brash and athletic Pegasus with the rainbow mane, strutting around in a dress? She received a few whistles of approval from her simple ensemble causing her face to turn a slight shade of pink ' It's... working?' she thought to herself 'Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all,' Her head began to rise as well as her confidence her slow trot turning into a stride as she made her way through the Ponyville marketplace, her ears picking up a few more remarks and cheers from a couple ponies as she continued forward. Her happy attitude was quickly stopped as well as her stride as she ran face first into a wall of pink and cotton candy. She rubbed her snout gently as a tear of pain escaped her eyes, she looked at the obstacle she had run into, finding nothing but blue eyes staring back at her. "Pinkie Pie?" Rainbow Dash asked, she received a giggle as a reply. "Hi, Dashie, what are you doing out here in a dress looking all cutesy wootsie for?"  Pinkie Pie asked as she began to bounce in place as she tended to do. "Are you going out to meet somepony?" Pinkies eyes turned bright and wide as an idea came into her head " We should totally invite him... or her over for a celebration at Sugar Cube Corner!" Pinkie was attracting some very unwanted attention by now and due to the content of pinkies assumptions, was turning Rainbow Dash's face beet red. "PINKIE!" Rainbow said quickly "keep your voice down, please!" Rainbow Dash cast her cherry faced gaze to the few ponies who were looking at the pair with questioning eyes. "There is no pony im seeing right now, okay?!" Rainbows words were quite and stern but they stung a bit more than she expected, she actually didn't expect them to sting at all. Pinkie Pie continued to bounce, her voice lowered to a conversations pitch as her friend asked. "Well, mind telling your friend Pinkie here what the dress is all about?" Her eyes met with Rainbows, her curiosity requesting to be sated as to her rainbow manned friends strange actions. "I'd much rather keep that to myself, Pinkie" Rainbow Dash answered. "I need to get back to Rarity anyway, she said I needed to be out for only a short while anyway" Rainbow Dash began to back away from her Pinkie bouncing ball of a friend "C'ya Pinkie" She told her as she turned around and made her way back to Carousel Boutique. "Alright, bye Dashie!" Pinkie called out as she bounced off in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner. Rainbow Dash entered the boutique, the door bell chiming as entered, the hum a sewing machine motor filled the air as she ventured down the hallway to the workshop where her friend Rarity sat, working on another piece of fabric, most likely for her to wear. "Rarity?" Rainbow Dash called out to catch the seamstresses attention. Rarity stopped her work and brought her sight to the doorway, a smile graced her lips as she saw the smile on Rainbows face as well. "Oh, darling, I take it that your little test went well?" Rarity knew the answer already." "You bet'cha, Rarity" Rainbows smile grew wider, making it a toothy grin "I got all kinds of attention down at the marketplace" She shot her friend a playful grin " you might have some competition, Rarity" She laughed a bit as her friends eyes rolled. "Im very sure of that,dead, but dose this mean that we can move on to the... bigger things?" Rarity looked a Rainbow Dash hopefully, wanting to move up from simple leisure wear to proper clothing and even try some different mane styles. Rainbow Dashed looked at herself in the mirror, she thought she looked fine, wouldn't going onto bigger dresses and mane styles be over doing it? She thought what she had was more than enough. 'But... if this was enough to get me approval, maybe more would make it even better!' another smile came to her lips as she looked at Rarity. "Okay Rarity, show me what'cha got!" //-------------------------------------------------------// Cinderainbow, show yourself! //-------------------------------------------------------// Cinderainbow, show yourself! Rainbow Dash looked herself over in the mirror, her eyes tracing over her form slowly. Her mane had been combed and pulled back in a small...pony tail, her tail as well had been smoothed out with the care of an expert. She wore a dress, Green with golden trimming, the holes for her wings marked the beginning of a pattern consisting of small flowers from the base of the wing to her flanks. The pattern was a simple one, the flowers do small waves and weaves around each other until the joined again on the base of the outfit witch ended halfway down her tail. She turned to Rarity, who was standing there, waiting for her words of approval or disapproval. She wore an expectant grin, her eyes sparkling with apprehension, she was almost leaning on her front hooves as she looked into her eyes. "Well Rarity, I don't know what to say except... it's better than what we tried last, I guess" Rainbow gave her answer, her voice even and timid. She would normally be tearing her mane out and complaining about Rarity Dressing her up, but she was under special circumstance. "Are you sure Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked "If you want I can take out the pattern and leave it plain, maybe a different color" Rarity began to speak faster as her anxiousness began to rise. Rainbow lifted a hoof to her mouth to silence her friend before she got to out of hand. "Its okay Rarity, I love it, the color, the pattern- Everything!" Rainbow smiled as she finished her approval. "Don't freak out because im unsure of it, it is me your dealing with after all" Rarity calmed down and smiled back at Rainbow Dash, "Thank you, darling, im dreadfully sorry about that, I was just worried about you being upset with my design." Rarity's smile disappeared, "It's already difficult to get you to wear anything anyway's, I didn't want to make you think it was a mistake coming to me with your problem." Rarity sighed, her head lowering a bit and her working glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose. It had taken roughly three or four hours to go through most of the outfits and designs Rarity wanted to try and another hour or so getting Rainbow Dash to pick one she would be content with. The pony tail was Rarity's idea although she did make sure Rainbow knew her objection to her choice of style, the dress seemed to formal to her, but Rainbow stood firm, wanting to look 'Awesome enough for any pony' as she put it apparently required a dress that should only be seen near Canterlot. Rarity sighed again as she lifted her head to examine the 'damage' done to her boutique. Many outfits lay around various locations in her workshop, each one suffering the cruel fate of falling into hooves of a certain rainbow manned mare. Rarity did not have time to concern herself with cleanliness when it came to her friends situation. As she scanned the room, she took notice to herself, her mane had become slightly frazzled, her glasses sat on the end of her muzzle her eyes bore darkened circles ender themselves and her eyes held an exhausted look to them. She put her lips into a pout and began to fuss over herself as she took notice to her coat, letting out a stream of whines as she took to fixing herself. Rainbow Dash sat across from her, looking at the scene with some amusement and confusion, not understanding what Rarity was fussing over. She had her head tilted to the left, she moved back and forth on her hooves with trepidation and nervousness, not understanding what her friend was doing or knowing what to do in a situation. She understood that Rarity preferred to be clean and look nice, but she didn't think Rarity looked bad at all, whenever she noticed her mane was... different than how she kept it normally a simple brush with her hoof or some water and a shake of her head fixed that. Her grooming habits consisted of little more than bathing, dental hygiene and basic mane care. Rainbow took to looking herself over in the mirror again as Rarity continued to fuss over herself, moving out of the room to look for things Rainbow dash didn't care to concern herself over such as different cosmetics and styling equipment. She took notice to her mane and coat, how they had been combed back and the hair tie made her long mane collect to the right side of her head. The dress covering her chest, back and flanks flowing with each movement, its silky texture feeling  strange to her against her coat. She looked down at the dress, trying to examine the golden buckle witch held it to her body. It was in the shape of her Cutie mark, apparently Rarity had these buckled pre made a while back 'Just in case a special occasion would arise or simply as reminders of who my friends with are' Rarity had explained. It made sense to her, she enjoyed keeping small things to remind her of happy memories within her home as well. Rainbow Dash called out for her friend, then realized that she had taken her leave to fix her mane and coat. With a sigh of irritation, Rainbow Dash made her way to the door of the boutique, pausing to leave a small coin pouch on the table near the entrance. Rainbow Dash left the boutique the same way she had before, her head down and wanting to avoid any and all confrontations with other ponies. She was exhausted, she desperately wanted to fly up to her home and rest, but standing still for hours and wrestling with clothing one could expect to be tired out. As she began the trot  in a random direction she was suddenly stopped by wall, this one harder than the last. Again she found herself rubbing her muzzle after being thrown back onto her rump. She looked up, finding herself yet again staring into light blue eyes. "Dashie, why are you even more cutesie wootsie than before?" Pinkie asked her friend, confusion evident in her voice. "I thought you were fine without the dress, what's the occasion" Pinkie batted her eyelashes as she moved closer to her friends face, her muzzle pressed up against her face, eyes staring into hers expectantly. Pinkie suddenly pulled back as she gasped, pulling her hoof up to her mouth in exaggerated surprise. "Your not going to a fancy part and not inviting me are you?!" Pinkie asked loudly, again attracting attention to her and her rainbow manned companion. "Rainbow Dash, if your going to a party you better invite me as well!" Pinkie put on a pout mixed with a scowl as she lectured Rainbow Dash in the middle of the town marketplace. "No, I.. Pinkie please, I was just... wanting to go home is all." Rainbow Dash said through her teeth, her irritation for her Pinkie friends lack of subtlety and respect. She began to grind her teeth a bit as she looked at the cotton candy menace hopping in front of her. "Please Pinkie... can I just go home?" Her teeth were starting to ache as Pinkie continued to hop around. Pinkie stopped hopping for a second, stopping mid air for half of said second before dropping to the ground with a soft thud. Pinkie took notice to her friends expression and the ponies that were staring. She knew what to do, she decided to smile again and resumed hopping  as she got an idea. "Okey dokey Dashie, you can go home and be a mopey wopey pony and miss out on my awesome party if you want" Dash stopped her jaw grinding as she realized what Pinkie had just said. A party? Now? She just couldn't decide between going home and avoiding embarrassment or having a good time. Rainbow Dash couldn't resist a party unless it was absolutely necessary, each side gave excellent reasons to take them over the other, her mixed feelings must have been notice because her pink friend spoke up. "Well?" She asked "Are you going to be all mopey or are you going to party with me?" Pinkie's eyes lit up as she began to explain her plans to Rainbow Dash "Oh, I've got all kinds of things planned for this party, I was selected to throw this party in Ponyville by Celestia, you know" Pinkie grinned as Rainbow Dash's  eyes widened with disbelief. "No way..." Rainbow muttered slowly. "Celestia is letting you design a party for HER?!" Rainbow Dash almost shouted the last part of her statement. Her face flushed with embarrassment, many ponies again gazing their way at the sudden outburst. "What's the party for anyway?" Dash asked. "Silly, its not for the princess" Pinkie giggled at Rainbow's assumption "I may be good at throwing parties, but im not good enough to design celebrations for the princess" she scoffed. "You're not?"Rainbow Dash was now even more confused "Then why are you throwing this massive party?" Pinkie giggled again, mischief finding its way onto her face as she smiled evilly at Rainbow Dash. "Oh...nopony in particular... just the Wonderbolts." Pinkie said casually while rubbing her hoof against her chest, pretending to shine it as if it could be at all. The look on Rainbow Dash's face was priceless, her jaw had gone slack, her eyes dilated and her voice had gone to little more than a small pathetic squeak which could have be identified as either a squeak terror or amazement. Several moments passed and Pinkie wasn't sure wether or not she had accidentally broken her friend and should check to see if she was still breathing or to be laughing her flank off at her friends expression. "You okay Dashie?" Pinkie asked with a bit of concern in her voice, but mostly just giddy enjoyment. After another moment Rainbow dash finally came to her senses, shaking her head as she began to hyperventilate. Her idols, The Wonderbolts, in Ponyville? What if they see her? What if they don't approve of her new look, temporary as it may be?! Rainbow dash began to sweat as her thoughts became erratic and fearful. If her idols were to see her dressed and all pretty, they would surely get the wrong idea, maybe even think of her to be a Canterlot official or something, maybe a mare who was trying to hard? She couldn't be thought of like that, nopony would take her seriously if the Wonderbolts themselves thought of her a fraud or desperate for attention or something. "Dashie?" Pinkie stopped bouncing , shaking her hoof in front of Rainbows face. "Dashie, Snap out of it!" Pinkie shouted. Rainbow Dash blinked, brought out of her thoughts by a sudden loud noise. Looking around she slowly remembered what she was so worked up about beforehand. "Pinkie, how did you mange to get the Wonderbolts to come to Ponyville?" Rainbow was still sweating as she asked that question. Pinkie giggled before answering: "I spoke with their trainer multiple times and was able to catch him when they had a few spare days in their schedule" Pinkie giggled again as she began to hop away "The party is already set up, they should be arriving any moment!" Pinkie gave one last giggle before disappearing into the crowd that was beginning to form around the marketplace. Rainbow Dash  took in her surroundings, cords connected around the marketplace were tied to nearby housing and stalls, small lamps hung from the cords in a pattern, each lamp separated by a balloon witch she realized were set in a way that kept the cords floating. Streamers of many different colors hung from the buildings and stalls as well. Dozens of tables were setup filled with mountains of different confectionaries and sweets. Cakes of all shapes and sizes lined the buffet tables, a chocolate fountain sat in the center, surrounded by bowls of fruit. Beverages were served opposite of the buffet, the usual punch found at on of her cotton candy friends parties were replaced with bottles of rum, whiskey, regular beers, wine both red and white and even expensive imports from the Griffon kingdom. A Speaker system was setup behind the scenes , the cords hidden from view as the snaked around different poles and other obstacles in the road linking to speakers pointed directly in the open area witch she guess was the Dance floor. A teal coated unicorn stallion with a purple mane adorned with a streak of white down the middle was lighting the lamps that hung above him and the many gathering ponies as he walked past them, His Cutie mark was a party hat and candles. At he buffet table was another pony, this one an earth pony mare, her coat was a mix between yellow and orange, her mane was light green, her Cutie mark was a party popper surrounded by confetti. This mare was arranging the many bottles into simple patterns and small stacks while filling a small cooler with crushed ice and some water. The buffet table had two ponies looking over it, both were stallions. One was gray Pegasus with a charcoal black mane, his Cutie mark was a serving tray and a small butler bell, the other was another Pegasus who was white with a cream colored mane, his Cutie mark was a slice of cake witch oddly enough was wearing a chefs hat. Each stallion was checking over the assorted foods and sweets, making sure each was accounted for and arranged in a convenient manner. Rainbow dash then took notice to the sky, the moon was now making its ascent above Whitetail woods with the Everfree Forest slowly swallowing the last remaining beams of the sun as it slowly receded behind the treetops. All this time she was in the boutique, she was coincidentally getting dressed up the same night a large scale celebration was setup for the Wonderbolts for a reason that had yet to be specified. It angered her as well as confused her. With an angry huff, she stood up  and made her way into the still growing crowd of ponies in search if the cotton candy menace, expecting an explanation. Pushing past ponies while ignoring the protests and shouts of surprise, she shot her head left and right, trying to pick out the pink mane of her friend amongst the crowd of multicolored ponies. As she neared the dance area she spotted her, doing a sequence of what Rainbow Dash assumed to be metaphorical dance moves and not regular dance moves. She was doing something strange witch Rainbow Dash assumed she was already fairly intoxicated judging from the few bottles witch lay scattered around her feet. She was also sure her friend had caused a few ponies harm due to a few rubbing various extremities such as a foreleg or their jaw. With some hesitant movements and lucky timing, Rainbow Dash grabbed the pink blue by the mane with her teeth and began to drag her towards the edge of the party. She began grinding her teeth again as she made he way through the crowd, many ponies giving her strange looks and some even had a suggestive look to them, she now was angry and embarrassed. She reached the edge of the party and pulled Pinkie behind a small bush. Pinkie was still a bit confused as she was rolled onto her back after being dragged an undetermined distance, at least to her. Her eyes were still rolling as she received an evil and accusatory glare from a multi colored blob standing over her. "Pinkie Pie!" The blob yelled "Why did you throw this party?!" she could tell the blob was angry not by its tone , volume or what it was asking, but because she knew the grinding sound all to well. "Because it'sh your birfday, shilly" Pinkie slurred to her Rainbow colored friend who still held the figure of a blob. "Gee, Dashie... you really let yershelf go" the drunk mare added. "What?" was all Rainbow Dash could say to both statements. It was her birthday? How could she have forgotten? Why didn't anypony remind her? Why-wait... did Pinkie just call her fat? The party suddenly stopped as a loud and frightening sound reverberated through the air. A cry of anger, and then a loud slapping noise followed by a small "Ow..." was all that was heard for a few moments before the party hesitantly began again. Rainbow Dash sat rubbing her hoof and looking at Pinkie with a face still showing anger and some regret. She looked at the large hoof shaped mark on her pink friends face, intoxicated mare seeming to notice only the fact that she was hit by something but became distracted by the cyan Pegasus sitting on top of her. "Did you shee that donkey cart that jusht hit me, Dashie?" Pinkie asked drunkenly "I need to get it'sh ownersh name so I can give them a peicsh of my mind!" She continued with goofy look of anger and confusion on her face. "NO!" Rainbow dash yelled suddenly" Uh, I mean...ehm, no I didn't" She corrected herself softly as she put her hoof behind her head, her cheeks again became flushed with embarrassment. Laughing nervously she got off her friend and help her to her hooves. "So, uhm... you said that this was my birthday party?" Rainbow Dash asked timidly, brushing her hoof along the ground, finding it difficult to maintain eye contact with Pinkie. "Oh yea, Thish was a surprish for you" Pinkie hiccupped before continuing "I got the Wonderblotsh to come shee you!" She added happily while rocking back and forth slightly. "Happy Birfday Rainbow Dash" Pinkie giggled and hiccupped as she said that. "Happy birfday Rainbow Dash" Pinkie hiccupped in the middle of her sentence. "I can't let them see me like this Pinkie!" Dash yelled at her again. "These are some of the most famous ponies in the world, they would laugh if they saw me like this" Her eyes once again display her fear. Her face was the pure epiphany of fear, she looked absolutely terrified and yet still this was lost on Pinkie's alcoholic happiness. "Don't worry Dashie, you'll be fine, they should be here any minute!" She trotted off as she mentioned that, her steps uncoordinated and wobbly. On her way through the crowd she once again left many ponies displeased at being shoved around and having their hooves stepped on. Half flanked apologies were thrown around as she continued on, beginning to hop once again as she disappeared into the fray of multicolored bodies, her shouts mixed in with the many others that followed her. Rainbow Dash was panicking, trying to find a good place to hide, ducking under tables and into bushes only to realize that they were either to small or she was noticed by a passing pony easily. She became even more frantic as her options became less and less appealing, without table cloths to hide her under the tables or shrubs big enough to hide a full grown mare her only hope would be to abandon the party, if she did that she would likely be hunted down by Pinkie and be questioned. She couldn't tell her friend she was scared of her idols, that just didn't fit her image! She was broken out of her thoughts as many of the ponies in the party began to cheer and clop their hooves in applause. Rainbow dash instantly knew that she was doomed. With a large gulp and a feeble attempt at a brave face, she turned slowly to the source of the noise. There in Casual party outfits, smiles on their faces and in all their famous glory, were the very ponies she feared. The Wonderbolts had arrived, Landing in a V formation in the middle of the buffet area. The center of the party area happened to be right where she was. She was frozen to the spot, her heart beating faster and faster the longer she stared at the four ponies. They scanned they party area as more cheers rose from the surrounding ponies, a few whistles and cries from several fans broke through the large chorus of shouts and cheers, her ears flattening to keep the sound from hurting her ears. They noticed her staring at them, the leader raised an eyebrow at her, obviously a bit confused at the rainbow manned mare wearing an outfit worthy of Canterlot in front of her. She thought she didn't look to out of place, but considering the outfits the Wonderbolts wore, she now realized that she was probably more out of place than Rarity on Applejacks orchard. The leader let her gaze fall upon the crowd of ponies, still cheering and calling their names. She cleared her throat and stepped forward. "Hey everypony, Spitfire here!" Spitfire called out. The cheers increased for a few moments before dying out to allow her to speak again. "We were informed that a certain pony, who happens to be the birthday girl here today, was the one who saved our lives during the Best Young Fliers Competition!" Spitfire let the cheers die down again before speaking again "Is Rainbow Dash in the crowd here today?" Spitfire waited for an answer, only a few whispers and some befuddled expressions were received. Spitfire looked down to where she had last seen the mare in front of her, the space being empty. She remembered the rainbow mane and the outfit as well, where had Rainbow Dash gone? She didn't think the one who saved her life was one to ditch her own party and her moment of glory with one of the best known celebrities in Equestria. What motivate her to leave so quickly? These questions ran about in Spitfires mind as she held her gaze to the floor where Rainbow Dash had been. Many ponies still searching for her whereabouts. Some said they saw her fly away, but to where? Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie as well as the rest of Rainbow dash's friends had gathered around the buffet table, each one wearing concerned expressions. Rainbow Dash had abandoned them at her own birthday party. Something was definitely wrong with their friend. "Was it the dress I made her?" Rarity spoke up, "She isn't off somewhere trying to find something else to wear because she was frightened of being seen in my designs was she?" Rarity looked hurt. Having already expressed her anxiousness at her boutique when Rainbow Dash was with her,wanting the only outfit Rainbow Dash willingly wore to leave an excellent impression. Pinkie was having some difficulty keeping her balance even while sitting. Hiccupping and giggling randomly at the smallest things, witch wasn't to abnormal when she was sober minus the hiccups anyway. "Maybe she thought the Wonderboltsh would think she looked fat?" Pinkie suggested, earning her death glare from Rarity. "This doesn't look good at all, Rainbow Dash isn't the type of pony to let a challenge fly over her, why would she let a dress  get in her way of meeting the ponies she has looked up to her whole life?" Twilight asked aloud. "What if she's hurt?" She added. "Ah don't care wether 'r not she's in a frilly, frou-frou outfit Rarity made her 'r not, ah want some answers as 't why she would up and abandon us!" Applejack stated sternly. " She better have a good reason fer leavin'" She added as she finished a cup of whiskey, making an audible thud as she brought her hoof down to the table. "Well girls, wether or not she had a good reason, we have to find her" Twilight stated while standing "If Rainbow Dash is in trouble, we should leave now" Twilight began to trot away from the table, The rest of her friends following her, each one wore an expression of determination aside from applejack, who wore one of bemusement and irritation. Whatever problem Rainbow Dash had, surely they could fix it.. Right?