Why Rainbow Dash can't join the Wonderbolts

by One And Only RainbowDash

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Sad, Scootaloo, Slice of Life
Length: 5392

Have you ever wondered Why Rainbow Dash never can join the Wonderbolts? Well here's the answer!

Why can't Rainbow Dash join the Wonderbolts? Rainbow Dash is the fastest and most skilled flyer in all of Equestria but still she can't join? She saved the lives of three Wonderbolts, pulled of the legendary Sonic rainboom and won the best young flyer competition at the same time. Rainbow Dash is sick of being rejected by the Wonderbolts and this time she demands an explanation!

Published 2013-04-08 16:10:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-04-19 12:48:31 UTC

Rejected

Rainbow Dash was excited! Today was the day Spitfire's letter would arrive and let her know if she would get to be a Wonderbolt this year. Rainbow Dash had tried every year, but so far she had never made it. But this time, Rainbow felt lucky. This time, it was going to be different!

Maybe (just maybe) it was because she kinda made a sonic rainboom, saved three Wonderbolts (including Spitfire), and won the Best Young Flyer’s competition all at the same time. For now, though, Dash had some work to do...

''Cloudchaser!” she called, “I want you and Thunderlane to pick up a storm cloud delivery from the weather factory in Manehattan.''

''Sure thing Rainbow!'' Cloudchaser replied.

''And Flitter, would you make sure the storm team is ready for takeoff? Oh yeah, and also tell Cloud Kicker to bust all the normal white clouds. I'm gonna ask Fluttershy if she can make all the birds move.''

''Yeah, sure,'' Flitter said, relieved. She thought Rainbow Dash was gonna give her a really hard task.

''And when you're all done, you can leave early today,” Rainbow added.

''Really? Thanks, Rainbow.''

When Rainbow Dash went home, Scootaloo was waiting for her.

''Rainbow Dash! Great, you're finally here! I just can't wait to hear if you'll become a Wonderbolt!'' Scootaloo cheered.

''Wow, seems like you're more excited than I am... You remind me of how Pinkie acted when I was about to join the Wonderbolt academy.''

''Yeah, whatever. Open the letter already!''

Rainbow Dash giggled and said ''Okay. Take it easy, squirt.'' Dash started reading the letter out loud.

“The Wonderbolts want to thank you for your wonderful…”

''Blah blah blah... yes or no!'' Scootaloo was so excited she could explode.

''Okay, okay, okay. Take it easy.''

Rainbow Dash started reading the letter faster.

''I can’t believe it!” Rainbow Dash screamed as she threw the letter in the fireplace. ''They rejected me after saving their lives and performing a sonic rainboom!?''

''Oh I...I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash'' Scootaloo said quietly, almost like a whisper.

''It's okay, Scootaloo. It's just that... I was really sure I was gonna make it this time.''

''I...I still love you Rainbow Dash. You're my sister.''

''Of course you do; I'm awesome.'' Rainbow said with a tiny laugh, even though she was sad on the inside. ''Just kidding. I love you too, Scoots.''

''But you are!''

''What do you mean?'' Rainbow Dash asked.

''Awesome!''

''Oh.. thanks, squirt.'' Rainbow Dash’s sadness lessened a little and she didn't feel so ashamed anymore.

Scootaloo sat next to Rainbow Dash and embraced her. ''You are the best flyer in all of Equestria.''

''Yeah, I know, right! And I saved their lives and pulled of the first ever recorded rainboom! I'm a better flyer than all of the Wonderbolts put together, but still they won’t let me join!''

The anger started to rise again.

''I’m gonna ask Twilight to plan a picnic with my friends. I need someone to talk to.''

''Oh, can I come with you on the picnic?''

''Well, yeah. I guess so.''

''Awesome! But we haven't eaten dinner yet, so...''

''Oh, of course. What do you want for dinner?''

''Any hay is okay for me''

Rainbow Dash searched the refrigerator for some good food for Scootaloo.

''I have an apple pie if you want some.''

''Awesome!''

After the two sisters had eaten their pie, Rainbow Dash flew to Twilight's library.

Twilight Sparkle heard the doorbell and opened the door.

''Hi, Rainbow Dash. Are you here for the next Daring do book?''

''No, not really. Could you plan a picnic with our friends tomorrow? There is something I need to talk about.''

''Yes, of course. What is it?''

''Just wait. I'm going to tell all of you at the picnic.''

Next day at the picnic…

''When is Rainbow Dash coming? I’m so excited!,Are you excited? Actually, I just can’t wait until we get to eat these delicious cupcakes!''

''Hold on to your horses, Pinkie. I am sure Rainbow will be here soon,'' Applejack answered.

''Um... do you guys know anything about what Rainbow Dash is going tell us?” Fluttershy asked softly. “It sounded important.”

''I have no idea, Fluttershy, but I guess it should be something about that Wonderbolt thing,” Twilight chimed in.

''Uh... excuse me, Twilight, but um... which Wonderbolt thing?'' Fluttershy dug at the ground nervously.

''Two days ago, Rainbow Dash said she was waiting to receive a letter from Spitfire to tell her if she would be able to join the Wonderbolts this year.''

''Well, isn't that great! I´m sure they will let Dash in after she made a rainboom! Plus, Rainbow Dash is almost too good for them,'' Applejack said with a huge smile on her face.

''Oh Oh Oh! There she is! There she is!” Pinkie cried.

''Hi guys...” Rainbow Dash said as she landed. “What’s the matter with Pinkie?''

''Mr. and Mrs. Cake made these special chocolate cupcakes!” Pinkie explained. “They’re called ‘chocolate dream.’ I just can't wait to taste them!''

''Yeah, right. Now, let's focus on Rainbow Dash. What’s on your mind, darling?'' Rarity interjected, getting the conversation back on track.

''I got this letter from the Wonderbolts this morning, and...''

''Well that's great! I’m so proud of ya, Rainbow!'' Applejack interrupted.

Rainbow Dash held up a hoof, shaking her head. ''I didn't get in.''

''Wait, what!?'' all the other ponies said at the same time.

''Yeah, she didn't get in for some strange reason,'' Scootaloo added.

''I'm so sorry, Darling. I...'' Rarity trailed off. She prided herself on being able to comfort others, but this had been Rainbow's dream ever since... forever, really.

''It’s okay, Rarity. It’s just that I don't understand. I mean, I'm actually proven to be a better flyer than the Wonderbolts!''

''Hey.. uh... maybe it’s your personality? Oh, n...no offense!''

''It's okay, Fluttershy. You may actually have a point. Maybe Spitfire thinks that I would try to take her place as captain!''

''Well, ah think you should go to Canterlot! You know, to speak with ‘em!'' Applejack said with an enthusiasm that spread immediately.

''Yeah, show them what you got, Sister!'' Scootaloo whooped.

''I don't know, guys. I mean, the Wonderbolts are my heroes, and the last thing I want is for them to be mad at me!''

''But Darling, they were so mean to you!''

“Yeah, they are all a bunch of meaniepants!” Pinkie Pie added.

“Hey, Scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked after a long, thoughtful silence.

“Yeah, what is it, Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo answered with a hopeful expression.

''If I go to Canterlot, would you like to come with me?''

''Oh yeah! We are going to Canterlot!''

''Yeah, I guess we are...'' Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes.

“Can we take the train?, Or- no, wait! Can I ride on your back? Maybe I will get a cutie mark in Rainbow Riding!”

''Hehe... Scootaloo, what do you think a ‘Rainbow riding cutie mark’ would look like?”

“I don't know; maybe a rainbow with a saddle! Or wait, maybe Rainbow Dash's cutie mark with a saddle!”

''Sorry, pipsqueak. You ain't gonna get another pony's cutie mark.” Rainbow Dash said.

Author's Note

Credits to Cormac McCloppy for editing and helping me with the grammar! ;D

The arrival

''You really want to ride on my back all the way to Canterlot?'' Rainbow Dash asked with an incredulous raise of her eyebrow.

''Yeah, you can take us to Canterlot in ten seconds flat,''Scootaloo answered.

''Well, I don't know about that, Scootaloo...''

''Of course you can!''

''Whatever, hop up! Hey, if you want, I could even do a rainboom!''

''Hey, take it easy, Rainbow,” Applejack interrupted. “Ah don't think it's so smart to let a filly pegasus go flyin’ fifteen-hunnert miles an hour.''

''Okay, take it easy, Cowgirl! I won’t do a rainboom if you really think I shouldn’t.''

''Hey, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo called impatiently. “Can we leave already!?”

''Yeah, lets go!'' Rainbow shouted, and the two pegasus ponies burst up into the sky!''

''You're still gonna do a sonic rainboom, aren't you?''

''Of course I am! Are you ready for speed?''

''Hay yeah!''

Rainbow Dash started to speed up and then she pulled off a rainboom.

''What!? You can do rainbooms without diving?''

''Yeah; didn't you see me at the royal wedding?''

''No, I didn't! I was inside the castle.''

''Oh... right! When I made the rainboom at the wedding, I was flying straight up!''

''I can't believe i missed it…'' Scootaloo groaned.

''It's okay, pipsqueak. I can do it again anytime!''

''How long will it take to get to Canterlot?''

''Not so long. Maybe a minute or two...''

''What! I thought Canterlot was like two hundred miles away!?''

''It is!''

''Oh...''

''The first thing we need to do when we arrive should be finding somewhere to stay.''

''Yeah, of course. But where?''

''I think we could ask the princesses for a room in the castle.''

''Ask Celestia to live in her castle!?''

''It's Luna's castle too; remember that.''

''Yeah...''

''As I was saying... we could ask them if we can stay in their castle.''

''Are you out of your mind?''

''No, they’re really nice; I'm sure they will let us in! Besides, I'm one of Twilight's best friends!''

''I guess so...''

''We're here!''

''Now let’s see a good landing, Rainbow!''

''Yeah… wait, I'm going to knock on Celestia's window...''

Rainbow Dash knocked on Celestia's window and Celestia opened it almost immediately.

''Well, hello there miss Rainbow Dash. What are you doing here?''

''Well, I was going to speak with the Wonderbolts’ captain. I tried to join the Wonderbolts, but she rejected me again!''

Celestia's face looked shocked...

''What's the matter, Princess?''

''Oh...n-nothing, but why did you come to me?''

''Yeah... we need somewhere to stay...''

''Well, you can always stay here in the castle. Oh and one more thing. The little filly on your back- is that Scootaloo? You have been writing about her, am I right?''

''Yup,'' Rainbow Dash said with pride.

''Hi princess!'' Scootaloo said while waving her hoof.

''However, you should speak to my sister Luna. She’s got the keys for the guest room.''

''Yes, I will. Thank you very much, princess Celestia!''

''Just Celestia is okay,'' the princess said with a smile.

''Thanks, princess... I mean Celestia!'' Scootaloo added.

''And Scootaloo, you are very lucky to have a sister like Rainbow Dash.''

''I know!''

Rainbow Dash giggled and started to smile.

''Come on, Scootaloo. Let's find Luna!''

''Okay. Bye bye, Celestia!''

''So now… where to find her,” Rainbow Dash murmured to herself.

''Hey, Rainbow!''

''Yeah?''

''Do you know where the princesses stand when they raise the sun and the moon?

''Yes, I do. Why?''

''In two hours, Celestia will lower the sun!

''Yeah, but what do we do meanwhile?''

''I don't know, but if we just wait here, then you could get the keys from Luna and ask her if we can watch when she raises the moon!''

''Okay.''

1 hour and 55 minutes later...

''Hey Rainbow, look! There she is!''

''Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?'' Luna asked the rainbow maned pegasus.

''Hey, Luna. Would it be possible for me and Scootaloo to watch when you raise the moon?''

''Hmm... I suppose so, but in return, I would like to see one of those ‘sonic rainbooms’ I’ve heard so much about.''

''It's a deal. And hey, Scoots, I can do this one by flying upwards!''

Luna's horn started to glow and then she slowly flew up to the sky as the moon started to rise behind her. When the moon was raised, the stars started to appear.

''Wow, awesome!'' Scootaloo said.

''And now, Rainbow Dash, I would like to see a rainboom.''

''Sure thing!''

Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could straight upwards and then Boom, an explosion of all the colors of the rainbow!

''I see the legends of the sonic rainboom are true,'' Luna mused.

Rainbow Dash started to slow down and landed in front of Scootaloo and the lunar princess.

Hefting Scootaloo onto her back, Rainbow was about to leave when she remembered: ''Oh yeah, one more thing. Celestia said we should ask you about the keys to the guest room.''

''Of course,” Luna smiled as she handed them over. “Here you go.''

''Thanks, Luna!'' Scootaloo said.

When the two sisters arrived at the guest room, Scootaloo said, “I don't know why, but I have this strange feeling. Did you see Celestia's face when she heard that you couldn't be a wonderbolt? I think she’s hiding something.”

''What, the princess? No way she’s hiding anything from us.''

''I know! But still, I have this strange feeling that she is...''

''Don't worry so much. Besides, what could be so important that she’d hide it from us?”

''I guess you're right.''

Author's Note

Brohoof everypony! Chapter 2 was not as long as chapter 1 but that's because i was supposed to do 3 chapter instead of 2 so yeah you know!? And once again I'm from Sweden so don't complain about the grammar ;(

Meeting the idols

Night had fallen. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were resting on the guest room’s massive bed, but Rainbow seemed dissatisfied.

''Hey Scoots, I'm gonna go out and bring a cloud in. That okay?''

''What? Why?''

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. ''So I can sleep on it, duh!''

''Oh yeah... can you get one for me too?''

''Of course! But I thought you were more into sleeping on beds.''

''I am! Buuut, I’ve never gotten to try sleeping on a cloud, so...''

Rainbow Dash nodded. ''Okay.''

After flying out the window, Rainbow Dash picked out the two best clouds she could find and took them inside.

''Now let’s go to bed... I mean cloud. We have a lot to do tomorrow, Scootaloo.''

''Just one question: how do we find the Wonderbolts?''

“The Wonderbolts Derby is tomorrow, of course.”

''Okay, and how do we get in?''

''Ever heard of backstage passes?''

''Oh...''

The next day, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were seated in the front row, waiting for the Wonderbolts Derby to begin.

''Who is going to win?'' Scootaloo asked, her small wings fluttering in anticipation.

''Sorry, pipsqueak. I can't predict the future like Pinkie Pie.''

''Maybe not, but you probably know everything about the Wonderbolts, so who do you think is going to win?''

''Probably Fleetfoot or Spitfire...''

''Spitfire, really? But I thought Fleetfoot was the fastest one. You said so yourself about four weeks ago!''

''Yeah, but Spitfire is starting to catch up on that front. I actually think she might win this one!''

''Oh! Oh! It's starting!''

The announcer’s voice was projected throughout the cloudiseum. ''Welcome, everypony, to the Wonderbolts Derby! Today's racers are: Soarin, Spitfire, Blaze, Fire Streak, Fleetfoot, and Misty Fly! All Wonderbolts, take your positions! On your mark... get set... GO!!!''

All of the Wonderbolts took off at an incredibly fast speed, but still not even half as fast as Rainbow Dash could fly, which Dash noted with no small satisfaction.

''I tell you this, everypony,” the announcer boomed, “This is an incredibly exciting race. I’ve never seen Spitfire fly at this speed before. It’s amazing! I actually think she might have a chance against Fleetfoot today! The final lap is almost over and the winner is... Spitfire!!!''

''Ha, I told you Spitfire was going to win!'' Rainbow said with a smirk.

''Yeah, whatever. Let's go backstage!''

It took the pair a few minutes to find their way, but before they knew it, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were backstage with their idols.

''Hey, Spitfire! Spitfire! It's me, Rainbow Dash!''

''Rainbow Dash?''

''Yeah, I want to talk to you. In private!'' Although Spitfire hadn’t said anything to make her angry, Rainbow’s earlier anger at the rejection letter crept into her tone.

“Okay, okay; chill out! What’s the matter?'' Spitfire asked as the three of them stepped into an empty room.

''Why won't you let me join the Wonderbolts? I'm a good flyer. No, I'm a great flyer. Wait - wrong again - I'm the BEST flyer in all of Equestria!''

''Take it easy, Rainbow Dash. I'm not the one who made the decision. In fact, I wanted you to join! Just because I'm writing the letter doesn't mean I’m the one deciding if you can be a Wonderbolt or not!''

''Then who made the decision!?''

''Our trainer, Ariel.''

''Where is he?''

''I don't know. Probably in his office.''

Rainbow Dash was about to yell again, but she caught herself. ''I'm sorry. I thought you were the one that rejected me.''

''It's okay. By the way, who’s that filly with you?''

''This is Scootaloo. She’s my sister.''

''Oh... is she a good flyer too?''

''Well, to be honest, she hasn’t learned to fly yet, but she’s still got the guts and the coolness of her big sister''

''No I don't!'' Scootaloo said, simultaneously proud and embarrassed by Rainbow’s praise.

''Then there’s no doubt she’ll be flying soon. Now go find Ariel.''

''Yeah,” Rainbow smiled. “Goodbye, Spitfire.''

Scootaloo hopped up on Rainbow Dash's back and they started flying toward the Wonderbolt Management Office.

When they arrived at the office, there were two royal guards standing on either side of the door.

''What? Why would there be royal guards here!?'' Scootaloo asked.

''I don't know...'' Rainbow Dash answered. She walked to the door and the guards stopped her.

''Halt! You do not have permission to enter.”

''But I just want- I need to speak to the manager!'' Rainbow stammered.

''By the princess’ orders, we cannot let anypony in except royals.''

Rainbow Dash sighed. ''All right… come on, Scootaloo.''

''Okay,” Scootaloo said with a frown. Then, when they were out of earshot, “Now do you believe me!?''

''Believe what?''

''That the princess is hiding something.''

''Yeah, I guess so.''

The two sisters walked around to the back of the building.

''Rainbow Dash, we can't go in there!'' Scootaloo hissed as they approached the back door.

''I know, I know. I'm eavesdropping.''

Pressing her ear against the door, Rainbow Dash heard a conversation between the Wonderbolts’ manager and the princess.

''Ariel, you have to listen to me. It doesn't matter what you think. Rainbow Dash can't join!

''But!''

''No buts. Rainbow Dash is not joining the Wonderbolts. Do I make myself clear?'' Celestia cried.

''Yes, princess,'' Ariel said after a moment of silence.

''Good!'' Celestia said, then left the room.

''I don't understand... why?'' Rainbow Dash said quietly.

''Rainbow Dash, this is just getting weirder and weirder!''

''Yeah, I know... Do you think Celestia’s still in there?''

Scootaloo put her ear to the door as well. ''No, I can’t hear anything. She must have left.''

Rainbow Dash opened the back door, stomping in with an angry look on her face.

''What did she say!?'' Rainbow growled.

''Uh... Ra-Rainbow Dash, what are you doing here!?'' Ariel said with a panicked expression.

''I'm here for information. Now answer my question! What did she say!?''

''Uh... Security!'' Ariel shouted and two well-muscled guards burst into the office.

''Gentlemen, Rainbow Dash and the little filly were just about to leave. Would you be so kind as to show them the way out?” Ariel said with a smile.

''Yeah, we just got lost is all,” Scootaloo said, sweating. “We were just about to leave. Right, Rainbow Dash? Rainbow Dash?” she repeated.

Several seconds passed before Rainbow Dash spoke. ''Yeah...we were just about to leave...'' she said with a threatening look.

Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash both left the room, the latter filled with angry thoughts about the manager.

''Gosh, I hate that Ariel dude...''

''Rainbow Dash, why are you mad at the manager? He may not have been nice, but he was only following orders from Princess Celestia. She IS the ruler of Equestria, after all!''

''You're right!'' Rainbow Dash shouted. “We should be talking to Celestia, not him!”

''No! As I said, she’s the ruler of Equestria. Just think, she might banish you to the Everfree Forest!, Or even worse, she could banish you to the moon!'' Scootaloo explained with a terrified expression.

''Take it easy, Pipsqueak! Just because she’s the one preventing me from making my dreams come true doesn't mean she’s evil! There has to be a good explanation, and I’m gonna find out!''

''Okay…” Scootaloo groaned. “Let's get this over with.''

The sisters flew over many shops and markets.

''Hey Rainbow Dash, isn't that donut Joe's bakery?'' Scootaloo asked, pointing at a donut shop as they passed overhead.

''Yeah. What of it?''

Scootaloo gave Rainbow Dash her best pleading grin. ''Can we buy some donuts on the way home? Spike said they were awesome!''

''Sure, I guess. But first, we have a princess to talk to!''

Author's Note

Thanks to Cormac mcCloppy

Explanation

When Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo arrived at the castle, they opened the window and flew inside. Rainbow had briefly contemplated bursting straight through the window, but the potential injuries outweighed the drama of such an entrance.

''Rainbow Dash, haven’t you ever heard of doors?'' Celestia asked, setting down her tea and looking at the pair as though curious- but not nervous, Dash noticed.

''I demand an explanation!'' she shouted, stomping a hoof, which echoed throughout the throne room.

''What do you mean, Rainbow Dash?'' Celestia was shocked by the outburst, to say the least. Shouldn’t loyalty be a bit less… volatile?

''I heard you talking to Ariel!''

Having overcome her initial shock, Princess Celestia picked up her tea in her magic once again and sipped from it daintily. ''Who is this Ariel you are talking about?'' she asked with a maternal smile that made Dash grit her teeth.

''Don't play games with me! You know what I'm talking about!''

Anger flicked across the Princess’ face. Just for a second, but Rainbow still noticed it. “Rainbow Dash, you forget yourself. I don’t ask much of you as your princess, but when you are speaking to me, you will be calm.''

Dash shuffled awkwardly before remembering that she was in the right. The one and only Rainbow Dash wasn’t about to let getting called on her manners distract her from the matter at hoof. ''I’m sorry, Princess, but still I won't leave before I get an explanation. Why won't you let me join the Wonderbolts?”

''Yeah, tell her!'' Scootaloo chimed in with an angry look on her face.

Celestia bit her lip as she stared into her teacup. Why could they not simply leave it alone? ''It's because of the danger! Being a Wonderbolt is dangerous!''

''Yeah, but I like danger. After all, that's my middle name: Rainbow Danger Dash! I can handle being a Wonderbolt!'' Rainbow grinned, cocky as ever.

''I know you do, but I can't afford to take any risks with you.”

Rainbow Dash groaned. “Really?”

“Look, I’m not trying to be a nag; if you were any other pony, I’d say your mistakes are yours to make. However, you’re not any normal pony; you’re the bearer of the Element of Loyalty, and if-” you died “-anything were to… happen to you, the rest of the elements wouldn't work! And if we can’t use the Elements of Harmony… well then, we’re doomed. Maybe it would be changelings who attack us, maybe Discord, maybe something else; who knows? No matter what it is, we won’t stand a chance!''

''But… but please!” Rainbow Dash stammered. Being one of the Elements of Harmony had always just been a sharing a wonderful bond with her friends. It wasn’t supposed to cost her anything! “Being a Wonderbolt has been my dream since I was five years old!''

''I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash. I really, truly am, but this is too important. This is the entire world. You understand, don't you?''

Inside, Rainbow Dash wanted to scream. This wasn’t what she wanted. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. It just wasn’t fair! But when she spoke, all that came out was ''Yeah...I guess so.''

Heads hanging low, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo turned and began the long walk out of the throne room and palace to the city below.

“Take care of yourself, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia said quietly as the heavy doors shut. “Who am I kidding? How can I wish you well when I’ve just taken your happiness from you?”

''Hey, sis... can we go to the donut shop now?'' The two pegasi had walked in silence for several minutes, and Scootaloo couldn’t think of anything better to break it with.

''Y-yeah…'' Rainbow Dash muttered in response and they turned onto the proper street.

When they arrived at Donut Joe’s, the bell dinged to signal their arrival, prompting Joe to look up at the two customers. Scootaloo waved. Dash stared at the menu above the counter with disinterest.

Joe waved back at the filly, then blinked as he recognized the cyan pegasus ''Hey, Rainbow Dash. Long time, no see. What are you doing here?”

Dash sighed as she took a stool across the counter from Joe, Scootaloo hopping up beside her. ''I was hoping to join the Wonderbolts. They’d like to have me, but the Princess says that I can't!''

''What kinda sense does that make? You're a great flyer. You pulled off that sonic rainboom thing.''

''I know… but I'm also one of the Elements of Harmony, and Celestia doesn't want me to get hurt. The needs of the many and all that.''

''Ouch; I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you two need a donut.''

''Yeah, that would be great!'' Scootaloo answered.

''What about you, RD?''

''Nah, I'm fine. I don't really like sweets.''

''Oh, okay then. If you say so. So, what can I get for ya, little filly?'' Joe asked with a smile as he turned to Scootaloo.

''I want a... sour apple donut with rainbow sprinkles.”

''All righty, just one second… here you go, kid!''

''Thanks!'' Scootaloo was happy for the donut, but she wished there was something she could do to cheer up Rainbow Dash, who stared off into space while Scootaloo ate.

When Scootaloo had finishd her amazing donut, they left the shop...

''Have a nice day RD! And keep your chin up; things’ll work out in the end. They always do.''

''Thanks, Joe.'' Rainbow Dash replied.

With Scootaloo on her back, Rainbow Dash flew over Canterlot. Dash could have flown much faster than she was, but after today, she wasn't exactly in the mood to show off.

They flew over the Canterlot gardens and the maze where Dash and her friends got brainwashed during the fight with Discord.

''Hey sis, isn’t this the place you battled Discord?''

''Yeah... there's the place Discord brainwashed me.'' Rainbow Dash said, pointing out the particular spot.

''Oh yeah, I heard about that... you even turned grey... Hey, I guess that means you became Greybow Crash!'' Scootaloo said, laughing. ''He must have been powerful, since even Fluttershy was flying faster than you!'' Maybe some good-natured ribbing would bring Rainbow out of her funk.

Rather than smiling, Rainbow only frowned deeper. ''Shut up, pipsqueak. I'm not on the mood for jokes. Besides, I’d been brainwashed and had to carry two ponies! It’s not like you can even fly in the first… place…'' Rainbow Dash’s explosion of anger faded as she realized just what she was saying.

''S-sorry Rainbow...'' Scootaloo said, her ears drooping and lower lip trembling.

''Oh gosh...I'm sorry, Scootaloo. You know I didn’t mean that. It's just that...you know how I am. I can be a real b- a really silly filly sometimes, and I'm very upset right now.''

Scootaloo didn't answer; she remained silent for the rest of the trip. Her silence gnawed at Rainbow, but she couldn’t think of anything more to say. Apologizing once had been hard enough. When they finally arrived in Ponyville, they flew straight to Twilight's library.

Rainbow Dash opened and held the door for Scootaloo, who trudged inside wordlessly. Rainbow followed, making sure not to slam the door.

''Hey, Twilight?'' she called. Twilight didn’t look up from her book, apparently engrossed in whatever story it was. Upon looking closer and realizing the book was a thesaurus, Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Twilight!”

''Ah!” Twilight jumped. “Oh... Hi Rainbow Dash. Heh, sorry. I was trying to find another word for thesaurus. …How did it go?'' Twilight asked after her joke received no response.

''Not so well. Get Spike.'' Rainbow Dash answered.

''Spike!'' Twilight shouted, looking around as she tried to remember just where he’d wandered off to.

The ponies heard a thump from upstairs just before Spike answered, ''Coming!'' accompanied by a flurry of soft footfalls down the stairs.

''Spike, take a letter.'' Rainbow Dash said. ''Dear Princess Celestia, Today I learned a very important lesson about friendship. You can always ask for more, but you can never demand more and that is exactly what I did!” She bit her tongue as she thought of how to continue.

“Rainbow Dash! What are you doing?” Scootaloo interrupted. “You were in the right!”

“I know, Squirt, but maybe a letter will at least smooth things over with the Princess.” She resumed dictating. “If you're as lucky as me, and have awesome friends and represent the Element of Loyalty, you don't need any more. But, I was just too foolish to realize that. Signed, your faithful subject, Rainbow Dash.''

Twilight, who had been listening intently to the contents of the letter, hadn’t noticed the sour expression on her friend’s face as she spoke. ''Wow, Rainbow Dash, that will make a great letter to the princess!''

''Thanks.''

Spike sent the letter after a final nod from Rainbow while Scootaloo sat down and sulked. Hardly a minute later, Spike belched out another letter.

''What? Did the letter not arrive? Did she reject it because she’s angry with me?'' Rainbow Dash asked Twilight, hurt and confused.

''Of course she got it, Rainbow. Look, this letter has Celestia’s royal seal on it. Strange, she doesn’t usually reply so quickly, even to me.''

''Oh... that makes a lot more sense.'' Rainbow Dash said. “Wait, she really doesn’t usually get back to you this fast?”

“Don’t get me wrong; she always is interested in what I have to say, but she’s also very busy most of the time. You must have really done something to get her attention. How exactly did your meeting with her go?”

“I’ll tell you later. Read it! Read it!”

Twilight carefully unrolled the letter and started reading it aloud. “My faithful subject, Rainbow Dash… I hope both that this letter finds you well and that you didn’t take what I said during our meeting too harshly. I want you to know that I am sorry, and that I understand your frustration. I’ve just read your letter, and I can tell you’ve learned a wonderful lesson about friendship. I'm very proud of you!

“However, you don’t need to lie to me that you’ve given up on your dreams. From what Twilight has explained to me in your letters, I know that you are a true daredevil at heart and always will be. While the safety of you and your friends will always be my primary concern, far be it from me to keep you from doing what you love the most. That is why, despite my concerns, I will allow you to join the Wonderbolts at the start of their next season. In return, I ask only that you follow Spitfire’s instructions to the letter, particularly where your safety is concerned. If you do anything reckless, Ariel has promised that I will be notified immediately. I’ve already notified Ariel and Spitfire of my decision, and you can expect their formal letter of acceptance to arrive shortly. I wanted you to hear it from me first by way of apology. -Princess Celestia.”

Rainbow Dash’s foul mood evaporated instantly. She dashed out of the library’s front door and flew up into the air above Ponyville, expressing her joy in a series of aerial loops. “Yes! I’m going to be a Wonderbolt!” Her gleeful shouts echoed across the tiny town and could be heard as far away as Canterlot.

Catching one of these faint echoes as she sat in her throne room, Princess Celestia smiled.

The End

Author's Note

I really had fun writing these stories and that's why i just started writing another one! Also thanks to My AWESOME EDITOR Cormac mcCloppy!