Fall of The Rising

Canterlot throne room.

The late afternoon sun illuminated Eight royal griffins who sat in front of Princess Celestia’s throne. The eight bore themselves tall and proud, each as regal and commanding as the alicorn they surrounded. In the deafening silence they stood, the air like an impending storm and none there dared break it. Despite the lack of support, Celestia felt safe in the presence of the carnivorous sky dwellers.

“Welcome, Griffin representatives.” Celestia said with calm sincerity. “I invite you to speak as freely as you wish. Please, do tell me what ails you, and I shall listen. It has been many a year since I was last graced with your presence and as I’m sure you know, I am delighted by your presence here today.”

Chief Grandeur stepped forward. Not only did this griffin wear a small crown to show he was the leader of the council, but he also appeared well built from years of fighting. The scars on his face and sides made that last part clear enough. He was a keen, ruthless ruler in both stature and intelligence.

“We here have come to bid thee greeting Princess.” The mighty griffin paused for a moment for added effect. “My fellow council griffins and I have asked to meet with you regarding the treaty between our two species.”

A look of mild surprise filled Celestia’s face. “Oh... I remember our treaty. Please go on.”

Chief Grandeur stood as if in thought for a few moments before he replied. “The council and I have decided that with our two aging empires we should attempt to rebuild the strong bounds we once shared.”

“That does indeed sounds like a sensible idea,” relied Celestia with a slow nod of her head. “Yet I sense this is not the only matter you wish to speak to me about.”

“It is indeed.” The chief replied with the beginnings of a smug look upon his face. “But I would like to send my daughter as my species selected student. You have a few weeks to find a young foal from your own kingdom to send as the exchange student. It might be a stepping stone to greater things between us.”

At his words, the other council members glanced at one other in surprise. Clearly this was an unexpected turn of events for them, though none were bold enough to stand their leader up over it.

For the first time since the group had walked in, Celestia regarded them a careful glance. She had no idea what their leader had in store. He was turning out to be more than just the regular violent griffin councilor.

Celestia hoped that maybe this griffin’s daughter had wished to be the one to travel to Equestria. Because if so, such a griffin could give her a chance to show just how kind and caring all ponyfolk were. Maybe for the first time in well over a thousand years she would have the chance to show the griffins a better way of life. “Well I for one agree with you so far. I would be happy to find out who is willing to travel to your lands. I trust your kingdom is where it has always been?”

“That it is,” confirmed Chief Grandeur. “And my chick Gilda is quite eager to see your Equestria. So please don’t delay for too long.”

“That does sound promising.” Celestia allowed a smile to escape onto her lips, there sure did sound like there was hope for a better connection between the two species.

Chief Grandeur stepped forward as if to further intrude upon the princess’s personal space. He flicked his wings as if ready for action as he slowly but surely advanced upon the lone mare in front of him. He knew what he had to say next would rip the smile right off her muzzle. And he knew he would enjoy every moment of it.

“Celestia. We feel the treaty is breaking up. Not just some minor threat that you can cover like your other problems. It is nearing a time for change in leadership, we need somepony who will listen to us... and not just us. There are other creatures out there too. What happened to your Zebra friends? Or the old alliance with the dragon folk? Or even the changeling problem? All factors point to thou... the ruler of Equestria.” The powerful griffin’s talons drummed a steady, impatient beat upon the stonework under claw as he talked.

Before Celestia could answer, one of the other elders in the small group of griffins spoke up to add further detail to his leader’s point. “Yea. You’ve held the throne for thousands of years...and all by yourself too I might add. That’s a lot of power for one pony to hold in their hooves. Too much.” This caused a murmur of agreement to ripple through the group.

“It was not of choice, Griffin Elders.” Celestia’s voice became stony, yet somehow still remained it’s calm. “I had to do so for the good of my subjects and Equestria. However, that is not of this topic. I wish to know in what way I am denying the treaty and what can be done to remedy the problem. I have negotiated with the dragons and have obtained one of their eggs. It recently hatched for one of my pupils too.”

“What you can do is step down before we are forced to resort to more... extreme measures...” The calm tone of the lead griffin held nothing but contempt for the alicorn in front of him. “We feel we can not do business with your kind like we used to. Don’t you notice a distinct lack of interaction between pony kind and all the others who dwell both inside and outside Equestria’s borders.

Celestia regarded the Griffin Leader with calm, curious eyes. “While I have noticed this lack of contact and I miss it, It would not be suitable for me to remove myself from my current position. Why do you believe it be best that I abdicate the throne as the Princess of the Day, Chief Grandeur? Please, explain.”

With a cunning grin upon his face, he gladly obliged her, kneading the stone underclaw with pleasure as he delivered his message.  “Your ponies are weak and poorly managed. Friendship is magic you say...yet I remember the stories of the days of yore when we relied upon our mighty armies to survive. I’m sure you remember the days of my forebears... the everlasting days of Warbeak. Or the times when the divided pony tribes each had their own armies to match our own. Equestria is not just the nice place you paint it to be. Out where you little fillies do not venture is a dangerous land. It creeps closer slowly, beyond the border. To both our land and yours. Yet you do not take action. We feel that your interests have turned inward from your empire to yourself.”

This did raise an interesting point Celestia had not quite thought of, and nodded. “I see. Your reasonings are not entirely off the mark, Chief Grandeur. I understand your intentions and I do not fault you for the way you perceive this. There was indeed a time, before the founding of Equestria and even times thereafter in which wars raged upon ponies and other sentient inhabitants of the world. We are indeed none prepared for such invasions and wars, that indeed is true. However, times have changed no such occurrences have come to be in over a thousand years. There is no need to worry of such matters, and the times of war training have passed. It is an old practice that of which very few ponies alive even know.”

The soft clack clack of claws on stone was the only sound in the room for a few moments as the wise griffin contemplated his move. “What of this impending arrival of your sister from her moon prison I hear of? How will your little ponies defend themselves from her? We all know she houses a great deal of...dislike for you.”

“How my sister feels of me is her own business...however that may be. We also have the Elements of Harmony to defend Equestria should any kind of danger befall it.” Celestia spoke calmly, though with an edge in her tone. “The Elements bring upon the power of friendship and overcomes true evil.”

“But thou haven't wielded such items since her disappearance. This leaves more allies than just us wondering if you are still capable of utilizing such items of power yourself. We can’t afford such objects to fall into the wrong hooves.”

The royal alicorn gave a curt nod. “That much is true. I nor my sister are no longer connected to the Elements. They must be awakened by the new wielders should the time come. Whoever those ponies might be. Thankfully as of yet, there has been no need for the elements of harmony.” She glanced out the window for a brief moment before turning her attention back to the griffins. “I understand you may not trust nor believe my judgement, but I hope you will at least see my reasoning.”

A younger griffin stepped forth, unable to contain himself any longer within the bounds of the proceedings. “What if we all do not? You have grown old Celestia. It is time for a change... just like the tales of when your parents stepped down to allow you to rule. Such a time has come again.”

This made Celestia stand from her throne, regarding the Griffins with a calm, cool expression. “It is true that I have ruled Equestria as the Princess of the Day for many a time, and the past thousand years was done so by myself. I raise the sun and the moon. It is not something I am incapable of. Such a day in which both I and my sister will pass down a successor has not yet come to pass.”

“Do you have...foals...? Young to pass your throne to?” The grand master of the griffins once again spoke, highly interested in the alicorn’s answer.

The Princess of the Sun shook her head slowly, as if there were a deep sadness within that she refused to acknowledge or dwell upon. “I do not have any offspring to speak of. At least none of whom are still with me... I have only my young student, Twilight Sparkle. She is some way off becoming a fully grown mare, let alone one who is sufficient to take my place.”

“It would appear you have not planned for certain...unfortunate events... Is this...student... worthy to take the throne, should you pass on?” Pressed Chief Grandeur, his cruel voice unveiling some small portion of his dislike for the kind ruler of ponykind.

Without hesitation, the grand alicorn responded, “I have sensed a great power and potential within her. She will know of it when she’s truly ready. Though she is still a filly, time and again, my faithful student has proven her worth.”

“Then we respectfully request that you prepare your prodigy for all outcomes. You used to have everything covered...” Chief Grandeur waved a dismissive claw at the alicorn, “but now we fear you are not who you once were.” He slowly turned to lead his fellow council members off, prepared for one last parting comment.

For a moment, Celestia would have refused, but paused a moment to think it over. While the training and knowledge of war may have been outdated and no longer needed, perhaps there would be room to at least inform Twilight of it to a certain level. She looked up toward the Griffins, and gave a single, curt nod.

“Very well. I shall heed your request and see that my faithful student learn the ways of war.” She stated simply.

“It’s not just that Celestia... Should our longest standing ally fade, we need somepony strong who can rule. Both on the fields of death and glory and in her kingdom at home. Since you refuse to allow others to govern alongside yourself, we require that you prepare your special student for when their time comes.” The lordly griffin began to strut out.

“...I do dare say that I cannot argue with that.” Celestia replied calmly as she slowly rested upon her throne.

“A queen needs her king... such a shame you never found that... I would so like to deal with a more practical thinking leader.” He grinned a cruel beaky grin back at the lone princess.

Celestia frowned, but made no response to that remark. “Unless there is anything else, you are dismissed, Chief Grandeur. As are the rest of you. I shall take as you said into consideration.”

“Then I take it the treaty is still on for now...?” Chief Grandeur continued to grin at the lone alicorn, wings quivering in anticipation.

“Yes. It is.” Nodded the Sun Princess. “Of course our treaty still stands.”

“Delightful... I shall send my chick in a few weeks time. You have till then to sort your side of the bargain out.” With his parting comment, he departed, delegates in tow.

In the quiet of her throne room, Celestia sat back with a sigh. “I did almost have a king once... when I was young... It’s my fault he’s gone. But I somehow doubt that he would match your vision of a practical thinking leader.” A light smile played across the princess’s muzzle at her final comment. It took little effort for her to suppress the tears. It had been over two thousand years since she had been forced to seal away the one she had loved. The one who had helped banish Warbeak. Since that time long ago, she had learned to move on, despite the small reminder of her past love.

Cloudsdale, the outskirts.

Two fillies played together on the clouds without a care in the world. The smaller athletic filly dashed off, out in front and her companion followed to the best of her somewhat less athletic abilities. They leapt from cloud to cloud, laughter and cries of joy rent the air as they did so. After a while Dash smirked at her companion. She ground to a halt and allowed the surprised yellow filly to smack into her.

As they lay in a heap together, with grins that matched the others’ bright smiling muzzle, they stared into each others eyes. Young eyes that shone like the first summer sun. Nothing else in Equestria mattered at the moment. The lanky, taller filly of the two, a creamy yellow pegasus, reached up to gently touch the cheek of the other filly. A cyan pegasus with a wild rainbow mane, serving a stark contrast to the yellow filly’s light pink mane. Teal eyes meet magenta, both sets of lips still curved into sweet smiles.

The cyan filly lay on top of her yellow companion, happy to remain nestled in a heap, a warm, loving embrace.

“Hey Fluttershy. Are we friends?”

The yellow filly’s face lit up at the offer. “Yes!” Her soft voice almost cracked with joy as a squee of glee escaped her and she hugged the smaller filly on top energetically.

With a bright smile, she nuzzled the other filly’s nose. “Friends forever?” Tentatively asked Fluttershy.

“Forever.” Dash confirms, hugging her friend back. For once, this cyan speedster did not care who might be watching, or that she was doing something ‘uncool’ and sappy.

Tears pooling in her eyes, Fluttershy continued her strong but still gentle hold on the smaller filly in her hooves. She nuzzled the colorful, messy mane, loving its soft feel, giggles escaped her as she relished the moment.

When Rainbow Dash looked to her again with a big grin, Fluttershy beamed as well before leaning in to kiss her on the cheek, then the other cheek, nose, and forehead. “Yay!” The shy filly cheers.

“Gotcha!!” Rainbow Dash yelled out happily as she tackled her filly.

“Noooooo!!!” Fluttershy squealed as was she found herself knocked to the cloud ground, giggling madly, “Not again, Dashie! Let me go!” The pair roll around in the mid day sun with not a care in the world, enjoying each others contact.

“Never!” Dash laughed, tickling her sides with her hooves.

“Nooooooo!!!” Laughed a squealing Fluttershy, giggling and wiggling beneath her. “S-Stop! I surrender!! Hee hee!”

“Then say it! Say I’m the best!”

“You’re...you’re the best! The best in Equestria!”

“Now you’re talking!” Dash laughed triumphantly. She licked her companion’s cheek. Happy in her success, the bold filly extracted herself from her larger friend.

“Well well well, if it isn’t Fluttercry her fillyfriend Rainbow Crash!”

The two turned to see none other than the two regular bullies they dealt with just about every day. It was no secret that the two fillies were indeed social outcasts among their peers, given that Rainbow Dash was a daredevil troublemaker, and Fluttershy was a weak flyer and very shy. In all, they really had only each other to count on.

Said spectrum maned filly immediately leapt into a defensive stance. “I’m not her fillyfriend!” Rainbow Dash glared at the pair who had just insulted the coolest pegasus ever.

Hoops and Billy, the two bully pegasi colts, simply sneered at the pair as they prepared for further insults. The duo wander forward, seemingly unable to notice the brilliance of Celestia’s day. Instead they snickered as shy yellow filly hid behind her daring cyan protector.

“What’s the matter, Klutzershy? Gonna cry? You’re gonna cry?” Billy jeered as further laughter burst from the rude colt.

“Yeah, I bet she’s gonna whine and cry like a big foal!” Hoops nudged his friend. He laughed as if he had just made a hysterical joke.

“HEY! You leave her alone!” Dash snarled with anger, pawing at the cloud beneath her.

“Or what, Rainbow Crash?” Taunted Billy. “What are you gonna do about it?”

“Keep making fun of her and find out!” Dash took a step forward, “If you mess with Fluttershy, you’re going to PAY!”

Whimpering, Fluttershy continued to hide behind her defender. She shook with fear and distress. Despite the angry filly being smaller than herself she still managed to use the rainbow-maned pegasus as a living wall of defense. Dash stood protectively in front of her friend, not one to allow the bullies to get an inch.

“All right, Rainbow Crash...here’s the deal. We challenge you to a race!” Hoops said, stepping toward her with a sneer.

“You’re on!” Rainbow replied. Here was one decision that certainly did not require a second thought.

All that mattered was that she could defend her friend from the bullies who had plagued them day in and day out for what seemed like forever.

The small group quickly found their way to the start line of the school’s racetrack. Alongside their enemies, Rainbow Dash was ready. Ready to win this race, ready to defend her best friend's honor. She grinned and slowly licked her lips. Young Rainbow Dash could already taste victory.

It tasted quite good.

Fluttershy waved the flag with a timid motion. The speedy youngsters took off. Dash blazed past her timid friend, knocking her off her small cloud as the determined filly flew toward victory.

Fluttershy fell toward the ground below, screaming. But nopony could hear or see what had happened or stop the imminent impact with the ground. The vertigo was getting to her greatly, the wind drafted, everything around her fell lower and lower as she went.

This was it, her young life would be over, no cutie mark, no purpose. She hadn’t even found somepony special to love. Rainbow Dash would probably win this race, but wouldn't have anypony to share it with. This scared her even more. If she died, then Rainbow would all alone! She couldn't abandon her best friend like this! But what else could she do? She couldn't fly to save herself, and nopony noticed what happened.  As tears begun to pool in her eyes she readied herself for the inevitable end. She closed her eyes, limbs flailing desperately yet uselessly in the wind.

No such rude cut off happened. The frightened filly opened her eyes to find she was perched upon a small swarm of butterflies.

They surprisingly had the strength to hold up a filly her size. Yet it didn’t matter, because this was an amazing moment she never would have even dreamt was possible. Not only was her life saved, but the youngster found herself in a whole new environment.

The ground below.

Growing up as a filly in Cloudsdale who couldn’t fly, she was told to be very careful to not fall off the clouds and crash-land on the hard ground below. But now, here she was, closer to the ground than she ever had been. It was more than just an ant-sized expansive wonderland. It was a real place, far beyond the clouds, with so much to see, so much to offer!

And she owed it all to the Pegasus Race.

Fluttershy was gently set upon the ground on some grass, to which she eagerly allowed herself to recline upon the surprisingly soft surface. All around her were sweet woodland creatures, which studied her curiously as they gathered. Amazed, she beamed at them in awe, unable to believe that here she was able to see all kinds of wonderful animals! She’d only ever read about them in books! But now here she was, on the ground, close to all kinds of creatures.

“Wow! What a place filled with so many wonders!” She gushed, taking it all in. “The sights, the smells, they’re everywhere and all around! I never felt so good before! This empty place inside of me is filling up, I can't get enough of it! I want it, oh yes, I want it! If I'd had known that I was missing all of this here on the ground.... I would have come sooner and never left!”

Her eyes drifted up back to Cloudsdale, where she could still see the rainbow streak coursing along the race track. Unable to breathe she watched as the trail exploded into all the colours of the rainbow. The breathtaking sight zoomed along the track and easily passed the finish line. Her new animal friends, however, were scared from the explosion. It set Fluttershy to work, to comfort them, to let them know it was all going to be okay.

As she managed to console her new little friends, she briefly checked herself out to ensure she was okay too. Down, down, down her eyes travelled, coming to rest at the sight of a cutie mark on her flank! Three small blue butterflies with pink wings. Her little wings fluttered with joy! She buzzed with excitement, after such a poor start to her first ground based expedition, she had all the animals she could imagine, and her cutie mark!

Fluttershy beamed and glanced around again before she allowed her vision to drift skyward, hopeful to be able to make it back up to Cloudsdale and thank her best friend! If not for her, this would never have happened!

She spotted a certain cyan filly flying toward her at great speed and her heart soared. It was Dash! But as the speeding rainbow of a young pegasus drew nearer, and nearer Fluttershy’s heart flittered with a sudden pang of fear. Her friend was clearly moving at such a speed that any impact at all could seriously hurt the both of them. But just before her reflexes could enable her to cower properly, the triumphant filly plucked the surprised Fluttershy off the ground and carried her off in style, with the speed of a waning Sonic Rainboom toward home.

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped, looking to her best friend with shock. “That was...it was a Sonic Rainboom!”

“I know!” Dash grinned widely, holding her friend protectively in her forelegs as if the shy filly were her bride, “I was out there defending your honor, and then THAT happened! It was wicked awesome! I performed the first Sonic Rainboom EVER!”

Fluttershy gasped “You have your cutie mark too!” The excited filly almost quietly screamed with joy.

With a confused look, Dash turned to check the news. “Awesome!!!” Rainbow yelled happily, grinning from ear to ear, her own cutie mark was better than she had ever imagined. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have done this! Thanks, Fluttershy!”

“N-No...Rainbow...it was all you!” Fluttershy hugged her around her neck, nuzzling her mane, “I didn’t even do anything...all I did was fall... But you...you performed a legendary feat nopony thought possible! And earned your cutie mark! I’m so proud of you....!”

The heated young athlete grinned at her friend. She softly caressed the back of her head with as much care as her shaking, adrenaline filled hooves could manage. “I guess this proves it. We are made to do everything together.”

This brought a delighted squeal out from the shy filly and Fluttershy nuzzled her best friend again, thankful for everything.

The two fillies touched down on a low cloud, further away from Cloudsdale and the rest of their class, but still fairly high in the sky.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go back and see the other foals? I’m sure they would love to see their champion.”

“No way. All I need is you, Fluttershy. Everypony else here is just...uncool. Like summer heat uncool. You...your subzero awesomeness!”

“...Rainbow...” Gratitude filled tears pooled in Fluttershy’s eyes in response to her best friend’s words.

“You’re my best friend, Fluttershy! And friends stick together to the end!” Rainbow declared, grinning. “C’mere, you!”

The two fillies interlocked in a passionate embrace, holding each other tightly. All the while butterflies and woodland creatures surrounded them from far below, observing the sweet scene between them.

As their eyes met, still remaining in their embrace, the two fillies leaned in and kissed each other on the lips. A very strange action, but at the moment, neither of them cared. If there was one surefire way to seal their friendship, this had to be it. They held the position for a small eternity, relishing the touch of each others lips. Fluttershy eventually pulled away from her best friend, she grinning like a filly on Hearths Warming morning who had just discovered the biggest present ever.

Fluttershy gazed into the stunning rosy pink orbs before her and without thinking took a deep breath and leaned in once more to meet their lips. The shock on Rainbow’s face quickly faded into enjoyment as she kissed back. The bold cyan filly eased her friend down into the soft cloud, further melting into the enjoyable and sweet kiss.

Grinning, the two fillies pulled away, both with slow heavy breaths and light, matching blushes. “How was that, Flutters?”

“...Wow....” Fluttershy uttered breathlessly, staring up at her best friend in wonder. “Hee....oh Rainbow...that was quite a kiss...!” She giggled a bit, utterly delighted and also... also something she could not put her young hoof on, not that it mattered at all right now. “Um...thank you...”

The bold pegasus gazed happily at the pony who was her world, mind abuzz with happiness. “No problem, Fluttershy. It was awesome!”

The shy filly pulled back a little, a mix of hope and fear written across her young face. “Um... Dashie?”

Without giving a second thought, the speedster replied, grinning. “Yes Fluttershy?”

“Are we....going to be...together forever?” Uncertainty took over and Fluttershy slowly withdrew further.

With a grin upon her muzzle, the bold youngster donated one last kiss to the timid filly, a light kiss on the nose before she replied, "Yes. Forever.”

Beaming brightly, the young yellow pegasus gently ran a hoof through her little angel’s prismatic mane. If there was ever a moment that she just adored her friend so much more, it had to be now. She nuzzled their noses sweetly, before she bestowed a final kiss of her own upon the other filly’s lips.

“Forever, Rainbow Dash....forever.”

Mighty Wing, capital city of the griffin folk.

Far away from the two young happy pegasi, stood the once noble and strong capital of the griffin kingdom, Mighty Wing. The city stood tall and brooding. Strong like an ancient fortress, yet still clearly in use. The tatty, beaked turrets around the outer wall left little to the imagination as to who resided within. One such southern tower held two griffins. The young energetic female hopped on the spot, eager for the upcoming trip whilst her much older father appeared to be happy to leave all the energy with the young. The Grand Master of the griffins stood, silent and watchful over the land. His mind was on the mighty success of a meeting he had recently endured with Celestia. He knew he had full access to their land and his meeting with said annoying ruler had proved she was as weak minded as ever.

Even if the rest of the council were yet to know it, here now he, Chief Grandeur had a chance to return their kingdom to its former glory.

“Dad.”

“Dad!”

“Daddy!!!”

The cries from his teenaged chick rudely brought the ruler back from his own thoughts.

“Yes, Gilda?”

“Oh good! I thought you were ignoring me there for a second.”

“I was... thou was being a pain in the flank.” Grandeur replied, aloof, with a cruel smirk upon his face.

“But dad... that’s totally uncool.” Insisted Gilda as she glared at her father.

“Not for me. I’m allowed to do what I like. And if our mission doesn’t go to plan, I will lose my seat at the council of elders.”

Despite the risk she knew her father was taking over her journey into enemy territory, the young and eager Gilda wasn't about to allow for any of his problems to bother her in the slightest. “But this will be awesome!”

“My darling pain-in-the-flank chick. Please pay attention for a moment, or I’ll bash your skull.” A claw slowly clenched, raking the stone it rested upon.

Gilda scoffed at her father’s threat, but did as she was bidden.

Gratified by his daughters silence, the ruler of the griffin territories continued. “Beyond here, is the land of the ponies... Equestria as they call it. I want to you go. Learn their ways... then come back to me as the greatest griffin who ever lived. I know what we seek is out there... And I am certain you will be the one to find it.”

“Yes dad.” Obediently replied Gilda. She tiled her head to get a better glance up at her mighty father. “I’ll miss you dad.”

“As will I, miss you too my girl. Now... who’s my coolest chick?”

“I am!” Eagerly replied Gilda.

“Right you are. Now, I’ll race you to cloudsedale!”

“Ohh! So you can take me to where the dweebs live! I thought I had to fly there all by myself.” The young griffin lifted a few feet off the ground, filed with anticipation at the impending fun with daddy.

“Well... I decided we can do this together. The council can eat their own beaks as far as I’m concerned.” This caused his daughter great mirth and the young griffin rocked unsteadily about in the air above him.

“Now that would be funny!” Gilda decided her best course of action was to land once more, rather than potentially embarrass herself in front of her own father. The last thing she needed was to appear uncool in his eyes.

Chief Grandeur waited for his prized offspring to land. He lifted off, his mighty talons snagged the younger flier on his way past. A shriek of joy rent the air as Gilda enjoyed the speedy sensation as her father carried her effortlessly through the sky.

After Grandeur felt he had gained enough altitude, he relinquished his hold and allowed his daughter to spin out of control as she slipped out of his slipstream.

“Hey! No fair!” The annoyed cry caused Grandeur to smile. He knew nothing would stop his chick catching up with again. She was the fastest youngster he had ever come across. The only problem for her now he knew would be for her to make enough friends to pull the secret mission off.

Cloudsdale to Ponyville, 12 happy years later.

The years had drifted peacefully by, as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy grew into young mares. It had been a bit of a trying time for the pair these past years, but together, they made it through as best as they could. Not everything turned out as it was hoped, what with Rainbow Dash leaving flight school before she graduated. Fluttershy continued in her studies, while Rainbow performed little odd jobs to make some money. The two of them eventually rented an apartment together in a fairly well-to-do neighbourhood after they moved away from their parents’ homes. Rainbow did what she could to support Fluttershy’s studies, to which Fluttershy eventually got herself a job as a waitress to support them both.

However, times had hit a rough end when the rent was raised, and the owner of the apartment was looking to sell their place. Even with both their earnings, they sadly couldn’t find a cheaper place in Cloudsdale. Fluttershy had finished school a few months prior to this notice and they knew it was time to settle down in a cheaper place. Luckily, Rainbow Dash had been taking a course of her own, from her mother’s guidance, in how to be a weather pony.

A fortunate ideal came to mind when Rainbow Dash was offered a job as a weather pony in Ponyville, a small town located below Cloudsdale. Fluttershy, saw this and applied for a job as a veterinary assistant. Then, after she went in for an interview and was later given the job, she decided to move to Ponyville with her best friend. It worked out perfectly, considering they wanted to move along together. One of them staying behind in Cloudsdale while the other left was not a possibility they were willing to endure. Since prices of rent and housing were much cheaper within the small town below, it was ideal for them.

So one morning, with their lease up in less than a week, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy packed up their small amount of belongings and shipped them to Ponyville. It had been fortunate that they found a nice cottage to rent for a while at a cheap price. Fluttershy even planned to save up money to one day buy it, while Rainbow Dash would later find her own place when she had enough saved.

~~~

“You all packed, Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked, as she came into the shy mare’s bedroom.

Fluttershy nodded as she zipped up her saddlebags, “Yes, I’m all packed, Rainbow. Are you?”

The cyan pegasus nodded, gesturing to her saddlebags on her back, “I am! The rest of the boxes finally arrived at the cottage today, and I’ve got the last of our food here. So we can get going when you’re ready!”

“All right,” Fluttershy placed her saddlebags onto her back, and then trotted over to her best friend, “Rainbow... I have to thank you for this... I’m glad we could do it together.”

“Hey, no need to thank me, pal!” Rainbow nuzzled the pretty pink maned young mare affectionately, “I knew that cottage was right up your alley and well... I’m gonna need some time to save up on money, so I guess it won’t kill me to live there for a while too!”

With a small giggle, Fluttershy smiled, “I know. I’m just grateful... Um....well...it’s kind of sad...I’ll miss this place. I mean...it was our first place together, wasn’t it?”

“Aside from back in flight school? Yeah! You’re right!” Rainbow turned to head out the door, with Fluttershy following, “I’m gonna miss Cloudsdale too, but I think I can make it in Ponyville! They need a fast, awesome, super cool pegasus like me!”

“You’re right,” Fluttershy said softly, “I’m very anxious to live there, though. Right on the ground, near the animals...”

Rainbow Dash chuckled to herself, and shook her head. She knew Fluttershy liked that idea all too well, indeed.

The two pegasi left the apartment after the beheld it in one last time. It was a modest little place, just perfect for two young ponies starting out in their lives. But now, it was indeed time to go. While not a place where a lot of memories were created, it did still have a special place in their hearts, since it was their first place since they moved away from their parent’s homes. They would never forget it.

They relinquished their keys at the front desk and left the building for the very last time. As the pair exited the building, Rainbow Dash dropped some of her stuff in surprise. “Dad!?! What are you doing here?”

With a light hearted chuckle, the purple stallion with a spiky rainbow mane stepped forward to greet his daughter. “Well I couldn’t let my girl go without saying goodbye now, could I?”

“You never can get enough of my awesomeness can you dad?” Rainbow Dash bragged with a smile as she stepped forward to greet her father.

“A dad will never tire of seeing his daughter...or her awesomeness.” Came the sure reply as the older pegasus’s yellow eyes twinkled in the daylight with happiness.

Suddenly, his tone dropped to a near inaudible volume before he finished with a cheeky grin upon his face. “Though I’m not sure you will quite ever know the feeling...”

“What do you mean?” The young mare inquired of her father as she she came to stand in his face.

“Oh... It’s just a crazy thought... seeing you and your ‘best friend’ here always makes me smile.” And smile he did, his big confident grin of older-stallion awesomeness, within it, he still held his slightly cheeky, know it all look too. But as this was her father, Rainbow Dash was happy to shrug the comment off and allow herself to be hugged.

“Come here then...” He offered a wing and enveloped his daughter in a warm, welcoming hug.

Fluttershy stood patiently behind Rainbow Dash as said filly hugged her dad back, she felt pretty certain that he had been insinuating that something was going on between them. Not that she would mind of course. As her eyes wandered down her best friend, she found her muzzle suddenly heated up into a slight blush. With a small ‘eep’ she turned away, desperate to turn both her attention and thoughts elsewhere.

“So...um... why did you come... and not... my parents too...or Rainbow’s mum...?” Fluttershy shyly asked from behind her mane.

“Well... I asked... But everypony but me is working. Still... You girls are lucky... at least you have me to send you on your way from ponyville.” He strode over, picked up his daughter’s fallen pack and threw it onto his own back. “Ready?”

“Of course.” Replied Rainbow Dash with equal vigor.

“Yes.” Quietly added Fluttershy as she took her place by her friend’s side.

“Right! Off we go then! I’ll take you most of the way to ponyville. But no further... I do still have my own home here to return to.” The stallion took off at a leisurely pace, at home in the sky.

“You’re on it dad! Come on Fluttershy! This is going to be fun!” The eager young pegasus took to the air after her father without a single glance back.

Fluttershy took a moment to gaze one last time at her temporary home before she took too off after the vibrant pair.

Ponyville, the outskirts.

“This is it! Our new home!” Rainbow Dash declared as she dumped her saddle bags on the floor.

“It’s as wonderful as when we first saw it!” Fluttershy gushed happily.

Even though the cottage was filled with boxes and scattered furniture, it was still a wonderful sight to behold. Their new home, an actual house, was all ready for them to arrange and live in. The cottage was located on the border near the Everfree Forest, a very strange and scary place where monsters and creatures roamed... But within its lesser evil places, it still housed woodland creatures. Perfect for Fluttershy, to be sure.

The cottage had a fireplace, a living room, a kitchen area, a downstairs bathroom, a basement, and an upstairs. There was only one bedroom at the top of the stairs, but it didn’t matter. Both their beds fit perfectly alongside one another, and it wasn’t the first time they shared a room, either. Their days back in Flight School were spent sharing a dorm together, and occasionally even the same bed. More so, although they had their own rooms back at the apartment, it wasn’t a big deal to step back into their old arrangement from fillyhood.

“Well we do have a lot of unpacking and arranging to do, Rainbow...” Fluttershy said as she gazed around the room. “Shall we?”

“You bet! Start unpacking, I’ll move stuff around!” Rainbow grinned as she nudged her friend lightly with a hoof.

Fluttershy nodded, “Right! Let’s begin!”

The bold mare begun to move the various household items roughly into place. Fluttershy turned around to see her friend engaged, slowly shifting the couch along toward the back window. She turned, with a grin upon her muzzle to face her friend. Fluttershy glanced around the room then back to the strong cyan pegasus.

She shook her head. “Um.... How about...over there.” She pointed with a delicate yellow hoof to a spot on the opposite side of the room, right between the door the kitchen and the stairs to their bedroom.

“Okay.” The athletic mare complied, moving the couch over toward the other end of the room.

Fluttershy studied it for a moment, considering, and then shook her head, “No no...try moving it to that end of the room.”

“Sure,” Rainbow moved it to where Fluttershy had indicated.

“No no...over there.”

“Here?”

“Actually, no. Try back where we started it-no! The other side.”

“Fluttershy!!! Make up your mind!!” Rainbow Dash ceased her task of couch pushing. She couldn’t help but verbally lash out, annoyed by her best friend’s indecision.

A soft “meep” escaped the yellow pony as she realized what had occurred. Her ears drooped as she looked down at the floor in shame, unable to believe she had actually been bossing her around. It was just like when they first moved into their apartment, wasn’t it? When she practically ordered the stronger mare around, quick to forget her place, all because of the positioning of furniture. And it happened again, this time to the point of annoying her.

“I’m...I’m sorry, Rainbow. I didn’t mean to get so...bossy...”

Rainbow’s annoyed countenance immediately melted into guilt as she trotted over to her companion. She brought her forelegs around her in a hug, “Hey...hey, come on. It’s okay. I didn’t mean to yell, okay?”

“No no, you were right to me in my place. ...Um...you can put the couch wherever you like,” Fluttershy murmured as she hugged her strong mare back.

With a grin upon her muzzle, Rainbow nodded, quick to recover. “I liked the first place you picked!”

“...You know what? I did, too,” Fluttershy smiled.

They spent the rest of the day unpacking boxes, arranging the furniture just so, but it wasn’t all done by the day’s end. Of course, the furniture was all placed where it should be, all that was left to do was to unpack the rest of the boxes, and put those items away. For the time being, they did unpack the necessities needed, such as a few clothes, food, dishes and utensils, and other little items such as writing increments and paper.

As the sun began to drift low on the horizon, Rainbow Dash found her tummy asking for food.

The adorable giggles that escaped from the pink-maned pony near her, let her know her request hadn’t gone unnoticed. “I think somepony needs their dinner.”

“Yeah...” Dash trailed off.

“Well, it is our first night in our new home,” Fluttershy said thoughtfully. “Why don’t we go out for dinner? I still have to unpack our cooking stuff, anyway.”

The cyan mare’s face lit up at the suggestion. “All right, but I’m paying.”

She took off out the door before Fluttershy could protest, forcing her slower friend to sprint after her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two newcomers headed out into town, scoping out a place to eat at. Rainbow Dash opted for a diner near the town border, but Fluttershy suggested a closer place they were passing, which was a bakery known as Sugarcube Corner.

The two mares headed toward the door, anticipating a good meal ahead. Dash reached for the handle only to have the entrance burst open, revealing a pink earth pony with a fluffy mane.

“Helloooooooo! Nice to meet you! My name's Pinkie Pie!” Streamers exploded into the air and the party pony held her forehooves up in the air, quick to celebrate her first meeting with the two new ponies.

Fluttershy ‘eeped’ and hid behind her bolder friend. Pinkie Pie noticed her effect upon the shy pony and softened.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t supposed to scare you two! There’s a party to go on here soon! You two cuties must be new around here! I know everypony in Ponyville and since I don’t know you that must mean you’re new! You’re now invited to the party that’s going to start soon!! It’s going to be awesome! Oh, and what are your names?” The speed rambling mare paused, eager for an answer before she continued her speed talk.

A stunned silence hung in the air for a moment. Rainbow Dash was the first to recover from the verbal assault upon her senses. She blinked a few times to clear her stunned mind before she struck a cool pose as if to indicate herself.

“I’m Rainbow Dash, of course! Fastest flyer in Equestria! And this is my best friend, Fluttershy!”

A yellow hoof waved a shy greeting as its owner continued to hide behind behind the living wall of multi-coloured ego.

“Well! Hello Dashie and Flutters! Awesome to meet you! I’m off now! Got a party to plan for. See you two girls in half an hour!! Bye!” The door slammed shut in the two stunned ponies faces.

“Well... I guess this means we need to find another place to eat.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Okay...” Fluttershy trailed off, still unsure over the motives of their soon to be host. “Lead on, Rainbow.”

The two pegasi wandered around town, enjoying each others company as they explored the new environment. The speedster occasionally took to the sky to stretch her wings while Fluttershy provided her with a constant spectator, something she was well versed in doing for her friend. She enjoyed the thrill of watching her bold cyan friend have fun in the late day sun. It was also nice to be able to sit back and admire her friend for how beautiful she really was without the chance of being noticed.

After a little while, with their rumbling tummies, the two pegasi decided to continue their search for a place to eat. They eventually settled upon the little diner Dash had spotted earlier, the Sweet Briar Rose diner. Apparently it have quite a good reputation around town, so they decided to try it out. Sure enough, the food was delicious! It was all they needed to hit the spot.

Sometime a little later with time to spare before the impromptu invite to the party, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy wandered first around town, before they adventured beyond into the open fields that surrounded Ponyville too. When the cyan pegasus had done a once-over of the area, she had seen all the rural aspects of it, and found it to be a combination of boring and yet awesome, since wide open fields meant a perfect place to practice her stunts on and above the ground.

An amazing view of the sun dipping into the horizon was all that Fluttershy needed for an idea of what to do next.

“Rainbow...why don’t we watch the sunset? We used to do that sometimes...when we were fillies...”

“C’mon, really?” Rainbow groaned, shaking her head, “That’s just a boring pastime! C’mon Fluttershy, let’s do something awesome!”

“...Please?” Fluttershy pleaded as her gorgeous aquamarine eyes began to water.

No matter what, Rainbow Dash could never say no to that face or those eyes. She trembled, then sighed, relenting.

“All right, fine. We’ll watch the sunset until the party. Happy?”

With a soft giggle, Fluttershy nodded and nuzzled their noses. “Yes!”

They sat down on a little hilltop and drank in the view of Celestia’s sun as it gently dipped into the vast horizon far ahead. It certainly was a bit different than in the past when they observed the sunsets up in Cloudsdale, but no less beautiful. Fluttershy felt ecstatic to experience such a beautiful sight in their new home setting, while Rainbow Dash, who liked sunsets almost as much, felt a bit restless.

But, she was glad she wasn’t alone. Sharing moments like these with her best friend were worth the boredom.

Shifting closer, Fluttershy smiled brightly at her friend, then gently lay her head against her shoulder. Rainbow Dash blushed a bit, but welcomed the contact. Nopony else was there, so she didn’t care. She smiled too, leaning her head gently against Fluttershy’s. She even brought a foreleg around the cute pony, happy to hold her closer.

It just made this quiet, peaceful moment even better.

Of course, they still had the upcoming party at Sugarcube Corner and for that Rainbow Dash was grateful. As nice as the company was, it would be great to do something truly exciting before bed. She also wanted to meet her fellow townsponies and see just how many she could impress with her awesomeness.