It wasn't her first time in Canterlot, but the city had once again changed so dramatically, it might as well have been a new settlement. She couldn't take one step without walking into some cheerful mare or happy stallion who would point out her military dress and make a scene as they begged for a picture or a hoofshake, maybe a quick trip to their favorite bar. As she declined another offer of drinks, the pegasus was beginning to think she preferred Canterlot when it was almost deserted..
She reached into the pocket of her jacket and pulled out a strip of paper. Rereading its contents was pointless, she had memorized the address a long while ago. The act was nothing more than to delay.
The houses that had once been covered in dust and in disrepair were restored as they received new owners and were inhabited once more. She moved past them, not bothering with their well groomed lawns or white painted fences. She ignored how uneven her mane was compared to those private patches of grass or how messy her uniform was compared to those pristine wooden stakes that couldn't keep out bunnies much less hostile invaders.
She stopped before one of the many occupied homes in Canterlot. As she made her way to the door, she tightened her grip on the scuffed wood box she held.
Inside was a single purple scale and a simple gold lightning bolt adorned with white wings on both sides. A Wonderbolt badge. Her Wonderbolt badge. A silver star with red ribbons took its place on her chest. The trade bothered her less than she expected it to.
She knocked on the door. A unicorn mare answered it. The unicorn recognized the uniform first, then the features of the one wearing it.
"Lt. Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?"
"Hey, Twilight Sparkle? Do you have a minute to talk?"