Piercing the Heavens

by Calm Wind

Chapter 69 (Part 2 Finale (Section1: The Banquet))

(For those who have not seen my blogs, I, once again, underestimated the length of my finale. It would have been literally 50K some words had i stuck to the plan. I decided to break it into two "halves" so the readers can absorb everything from the first half before proceeding to the second. The second half is already has 10K words written, so it will be out soon.)

MLP: FiM
Piercing the Heavens
By: Calm Wind
Chapter 69 (Part 2 Finale (Section 1: The Banquet)):

---

“So this is our idea of a ‘banquet’ set up?” Soarin wondered out loud as he and Fleetfoot walked around the setup in the battle dome. “Plastic chairs and tables in a wide open dome stadium with a padded floor and a small wooden podium…”

“What did you expect?” Fleetfoot shrugged.

“I thought we might TRY this year,” Soarin answered with a chuckle.

“Face it, princess, we’re not the fancy types,” Fleetfoot nudged him in the side. Soarin rolled his eyes.

“Wow, you almost went a whole week without calling me that,” he shot back.

“I know right? I must be off my game,” Fleetfoot giggled as Spitfire came into view.

“Oh, there she is,” Soarin reacted as he saw Spitfire approach the podium while carrying a few plaques. She added the stack alongside three others. The plaques were the symbol of recognition given to all those who made it through recruit training. Something to congratulate them and officially welcome them into the Wonderbolt ranks. Since the reserve was just as much a part of the team as the rest, they would all be receiving a plaque as well. They were simple brass plates fastened to a wooden frame. Upon the plate, the Wonderbolt insignia and a few words and the name of the pony it was being given to, proving the right to be called a Wonderbolt. Five of these plaques had a silver plate instead of brass. These were given to the five chosen to be a recruit. Soarin wanted desperately to take a peek to see if Dash made it, but he was sure she did. Only Silver and Spitfire knew who made it, and after all that had happened, they would be stupid not to choose her.

“Ahhhhh… wait…” Fleetfoot reached forward and grabbed Soarin’s tail. Soarin came to an abrupt halt.

“There are better ways to get my attention,” Soarin winced as he shook his tail out. “What’s up?”

“You may… wanna leave Spitfire be for now,” Fleetfoot suggested while tipping her head back and forth.

“That’s a hoot coming from you… why?” Soarin pressed. Fleetfoot flattened her brow.

“Fine smarty panties, go get your face ripped off,” she waved him off before turning towards the doors to assist the caterers entering. Soarin blinked for a moment, glancing back at Spitfire before lifting an eyebrow. He had a feeling what Fleetfoot meant, but nothing LOOKED wrong with Spitfire. Knowing her though, she was sucking it up and keeping a straight face.

Soarin walked towards the podium as Spitfire continued to busily organize the plaques and shuffle a few papers on the podium.

“Spitfire,” he said her name plainly as he approached.

“Mmhmm?” she replied half-heartedly as she looked about the setup.

“Are we all set with the plaques?” he led off with what she was doing.

“Mmhmm,” she repeated.

“Looks like some of the guests are arriving…” Soarin said as he looked out towards the doors. A few families were already in and congregating. A few recruits began poking in as well. “The recruits are coming in too.”

“Mmhmm,” Spitfire repeated again. Soarin gave her a curious stare before subtly shifting closer to her to get a better look. It was well hidden by her flight suit, but she was… sweating, profusely. That instantly told Soarin what was wrong. She was having some… warmth issues. Quiet heated warmth issues. Talk about horrible timing. He decided to just go along with it. She probably didn’t want to hear about it.

“Did we eventually get ahold of all the families?” he asked.

“Nope,” she said differently as she took a deep breath and sighed.

“Which ones did we not find?” Soarin asked curiously.

“Mmhmm,” Spitfire suddenly repeated. Soarin tipped his head slightly.

“What company did we cater from?” he asked.

“Mmhmm.”

“How are we handling the seating arrangements?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Spit, my mane’s on fire.”

“Keep up the good work.”

“Spitfire!” Soarin yelled her name in frustration as her concentration seemed to completely fade. She flinched and shook her head out before turning it towards him. “You aren’t even listening to me!”

Spitfire groaned, putting down the papers and rubbing her forehead with her hooves, taking deep breaths.

“Spitfire, you—” Soarin instantly shut up as Spitfire growled and smacked her head down against the podium. Soarin stared with his jaw slightly agape as Spitfire sharply looked up at him, reached out and grabbed a good hooffull of his suit around the chest before yanking him towards her.

“LOOK… SOARIN…” she began slowly, the two so close Soarin could hear the slow vibration of a snarl in the back of her throat. “I’m having one of the SHARPEST cycles of heat I have EVER experienced right now, and I have the right mind to blame you and the rest of you sexy stallions walking around with your tight suits and sexy muscular bodies… especially Wave Chill. So DON’T try my patience right now, I MIGHT send one of you to the hospital. UNDERSTAND?!”

“Yes ma’am,” Soarin instantly replied his eyes wide with tiny pupils and his ear folded backward in submission.

“Good,” Spitfire yanked him down, forcing Soarin to fall into a heap on the floor before she went back to quintuple checking everything.

Soarin quickly stood up and walked away with very quick and light steps. Once he was a good distance from her, he sighed in relief, plopped down in a nearby chair, and rested his chin on a table. Yeah, Soarin had seen Spitfire in heat before, but she was right THIS was by far the worst she’s been. Again, horrible timing. He hoped Wave didn’t try talking to her. He might end up with his face through the podium.

Fleetfoot hovered down from above, turned upside down and leaned her head down in front of Soarin’s.

“And that my friend... is why you never question Fleetfoot the Wise!” she crossed her arms and nodded triumphantly. Soarin rolled his eyes and stood up from the table.

“If you're a paragon of wisdom,” he said as he started walking towards the guests. “Then we’re all screwed.”

“Hey!” Fleetfoot turned right-side up and glided after him.

---

“Yes?” Matteo glanced down at Dash as the two of them and Little Star approached the battle dome. Dash took a moment to answer because she was still trying to get over how awesome Matteo’s custom flight suit looked. It was already shaped differently to fit the griffon body type, but the mask looked so awesome. It had a different shape to fit his head properly and the opening for the nose was larger, extending down close to his chest so he would have enough space to fit his large beak through. It gave his uniform more of an open-chest look, showing off a good portion of the white feathers that extended down from his neck. The suit also really showed off his powerful body. His thick fur and feathers more or less hid his powerful muscles. The tight flight suit… not so much. He was an intimidating sight.

“I was wondering if Gilda or your family was showing up, it’s a long way from the Griffon kingdom.” Dash asked once she finally regained her focus. Matteo looked back up for a moment as if contemplating.

“I confirmed with Captain Spitfire that Gilly is making the trip, which was surprising because she’s bringing the cubs with her. She already has trouble keeping Teodora under control at home…” he explained. Dash assumed that was one of his children. It still blew Dash’s mind that Matteo was already the father of two soon to be three, and it blew her mind even more that Gilda was a mother. “My mother,” Matteo continued, “did not respond to the invitation.”

“Huh?” Dash tipped her head slightly. Matteo shook his head.

“Nor do I expect her to. She is not very fond of ponies… I doubt I have to explain why,” he glanced down at Dash. Dash blinked for a moment before wincing.

“Oh… right,” she had almost forgotten that Matteo’s father was killed by a pony. His mother’s lack of interest was understandable, even if her son was receiving a high honor. That was a tough thing to overcome. “Wait a second…” Dash’s ears shot straight up and an amused smile appeared on her face as she thought over everything Matteo had just said. “Did you just say… Gilly?!”

Matteo flinched so hard that all his feathers puffed out, comically sticking out of the ends of his flight suit and a few flying off his body.

“You… didn’t hear that,” he frantically said while turning to Dash and bending his neck down to be eye level.

“Oh, I think I did,” Dash sneered. “Gilly? That’s so damn cute. I might just have to call her that!” Dash flinched as Matteo stopped in his tracks and grabbed her by the shoulder. He actually looked a little worried.

“No. Please, if you call her that, she’ll know it was me, and I’ll be lucky if I wake up with any feathers left on my body the next morning,” Matteo pleaded. Dash chuckled.

“Whoa! She doesn’t like it does she?” she continued to snicker at how quickly Matteo got flustered. The only thing he was afraid of was his wife? Even though he almost killed her before they mated, maybe pregnant Gilda was a mood swing force to be reckoned with.

“She’s alright with it in private, but… last time I called her that in public she kicked me between the legs so hard I had a limp for a week,” Matteo shivered as he recalled.

“Wow, tough love…” Dash blinked as he eyes widened at the thought.

“I prefer a strong mate, but it means I have to watch what I say. We did try to kill each other before we were married after all,” Matteo grumbled, clearly in disbelief that he let his pet name for Gilda slip.

“Welp, can’t make any promises!” Dash replied smugly as they started walking again.

“I am thrilled that you find my misfortune amusing…” Matteo sighed as they moved along. Star hopped up on Dash’s back.

“Say Matty… you have two cubs, right?” she asked. Matteo nodded.

“Yes, two. Soon to be three.”

“How old are they?” Star asked, curious after Matteo mentioned Gilda’s trouble controlling one of them.

“My daughter, Teodora, is four years old. My son, Gianni, is four months ol—”

“AWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!” Star cut off Matteo. “She grabbed Dash’s mane and shook it slightly. “Dash! We get to see a baby griffon!!!! They are so adorable!” she exclaimed as Matteo sighed with his beak closed, making a whistling sound through his nose.

Dash had a feeling the banquet was going to be fun. She had a lot to look forward to.

They reached the doors to the battle dome and entered with anticipation. However, it seemed they were a tad early. The Wonderbolts were mostly present, moving about and making sure everything was set up, but only a few recruits and families had shown so far. Nopony Dash recognized at least, and no sign of any griffons either.

“Looks like we’re still a little early,” Dash spoke out loud.

“That you are,” Soarin’s voice caught Dash’s ears. All three of them turned to Soarin as he approached, however Soarin was only looking at Dash… looking her up and down to be precise, taking in how she looked in her full uniform. He definitely liked what he saw. “The guests have only just started arriving. We’re going to have an hour or so of socializing before we sit down for dinner and give out the honors.”

“Hey Soarin!” Dash greeted him happily, completely disregarding rank. Soarin didn’t mind one bit, but Matteo visibly flinched. Dash would never get used to addressing Soarin in any other way, and that’s exactly how he wanted it.

Little Star reached over and tugged on Matteo’s sleeve. He glanced down at her. She made a head motion away from Soarin and Dash. Matteo lifted an eyebrow, confused. She pouted at him and pointed at Soarin and Dash basically staring at each other in silence for a moment.

“Oh,” Matteo answered quietly before he and Little Star moved away.

“You look…” Soarin began as he looked Dash up and down. “Pretty badass,” he said with a smirk. A smirk that she returned.

“Heh, thanks. These suits really show off the body, don’t they?” she asked while walking in a quick circle. She giggled as Soarin didn’t reply because he was too busy staring wide eyed. He shook his head and blinked.

“Sorry, could you repeat that? I was… incredibly distracted,” he bounced his eyebrows twice.

“I bet you were!” Dash laughed as she gave him a warm smile as she looked him over, then looked down at her uniform. “Soarin, it is kinda amazing to finally be wearing one of these right beside you…” she sighed very contently as she took it in. Soarin quickly picked up on her tone.

“You know it,” he nodded while stepping forward and placing a hoof on her shoulder, getting a closer look at her. “It really fits you well, I love the way your mane stands out against it. And… it feels really good to share the uniform with you. I’ve been thinking about this since the first time we parted ways a year ago. To see it right in front of me,” he looked over her uniform again, then back at her. “It’s an incredible sight. Like a dream come true for both of us.” He smiled.

Dream…

Dash suddenly thought about the dream she had earlier, about her and Soarin chasing each other in the clouds and waking up right as the two began cuddling.

“Say, Soarin, I…” she paused because Soarin was looking over her shoulder. “Soarin?”

“I think you better turn around,” Soarin said with a smile. Dash blinked and turned around… just in time to see—

“RAINBOW DAAAAAAAAAASH!!!!!!!” Scootaloo came flying right at Dash’s face and she latched to her head.

“Whoa!” Dash yelled as she stumbled back. “Scoots?!” Dash smiled as she reached up and pulled the filly off of her face. “Scoots!” she yelled while hugging her little sis tightly.

“Ohmigosh, Dash!” Scootaloo pushed off and her eyes grew wide when she saw the Wonderbolt uniform. “You look so AWESOME!” She exclaimed before turning and looking at Soarin. “Hi Mr. Sorewings!” she said with a smirk and an eyebrow raise.

“PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!” The sound of Fleetfoot laughing suddenly came from behind them. Soarin flinched hard and quickly turned to see Fleetfoot on her back, kicking her hooves into the air while laughing. “SOREWINGS?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!”

“Rgh…” Soarin rolled his eyes and looked back at Dash with a goofy pout.

“I told her,” Dash winked, pointing at Scootaloo while smiling and sticking her tongue out at Soarin.

“Wait…” Scootaloo looked at the horn. “When did you become a princess?”

“HHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!!!!!” Fleetfoot burst out laughing again. Soarin’s ears folded back and he scrunched his face. Dash giggled at his unamused look, glancing at her friends to see all of them trying to hold it back as well.

“Wait, Scoots, did you come here all by yourself?” Dash asked her little admirer.

“Of course she didn’t,” a very familiar voice, one of five voices that Dash missed dearly caught her ears. Her eyes widened as she looked up. “Hey Rainbow Dash!” Twilight repeated as she stood between Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack. Bulk Biceps and Derpy walked in right behind them, waving.

Dash just blinked a few times before failing to hold back misty eyes. Her friends. They were all there.

“GUYS!!!!” Dash cried out happily as she sprinted towards them. Soarin smiled as he watched Scootaloo follow close behind and join in as all of Dash’s friends came together with her and gave her a giant group hug. “I’ve missed you all so much!” Dash exclaimed happily.

“We’ve missed you too, darling!” Rarity said as they all stepped back from the hug, except for Fluttershy who clung to Dash like she hadn’t seen her in centuries. Rarity, of course, was incredibly overdressed, wearing one of her favorite silky blue and white dresses with a large light blue hat, decorated with yellow feathers.

“And I’m glad to see not much has changed,” Dash snarkily commented upon seeing Rarity’s outfit.

“Dressing for the occasion my dear!” Rarity giggled while flaunting her dress.

“I DRESSED UP TOO!” Pinkie exclaimed while appearing directly in front of Dash. Under normal circumstances Dash would have been startled, but after spending so much time around Twister she was used to silly ponies and sudden face to face comments. Dash took a step back and looked at what Pinkie was wearing. “Rarity said to dress for the occasion! So I did!”

Pinkie was wearing a crude replica of a Wonderbolt uniform and had a pair of fake wings taped to her back to go along with it. Dash burst out laughing.

“Pinkie Pie, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again! You are SO random!” she said in between laughs. Dash blinked and glanced down at Fluttershy, who was still hugging Dash as tightly as her little body could muster. “Fluttershy, you can let go of me,” she said with a chuckle while patting her on the head.

“No!” Fluttershy stated adamantly before flinching and squeaking. “I mean, if you don’t mind, that is…”

“Fluttershy has been worried sick about you day in and day out,” Twilight explained as Fluttershy refused to let go.

“Aw, Fluttershy…” Dash reached back down and gave her small friend another big hug. “You’re such an awesome friend to always worry so much about me."

Fluttershy only replied with a tiny squeak. Dash glanced up, realizing that one pony had yet to speak. She glanced up and saw Applejack standing behind Twilight. She was frantically looking around the room while biting her lower lip. Dash rolled her eyes, knowing exactly who she was looking for.

“Hey, A.J., nice to know you were worried about me too!” she joked while snickering.

“I know YER fine, sugarcube… I’m worried about Thunderlane! Where th’heck is he?!” she questioned while stepping forward and nearly shoving Twilight aside in the process. Twilight sighed.

“Yeah, Fluttershy has been worried sick… but I swear Applejack hasn’t slept since you guys left!” Twilight said with a little bit of frustration towards Applejack as she continued to look around.

Dash chuckled to herself as she watched Applejack glance about. She could picture it clearly, Applejack stubbornly never shutting up about how much she was worried, to the point where Twilight had to walk around with cotton balls stuffed in her ears.

“A.J., Thunderlane isn’t here yet, I’m a little early,” she explained. “Hold yourself, he’ll be here soon.”

“Horse apples!” Applejack stomped, the incredible mess of emotions passing over her face was an incredibly comical and amusing site to Dash. Applejack really was head over hooves for Thunderlane. It was a strange relationship, but damn, the two were dedicated to each other.

“Rainbow Dash! You did it!” Derpy suddenly hovered forward and hugged Dash on the other side to avoid squishing Fluttershy. “I knew you’d do it, cause you’re awes—”

“YEEEEEAAAAHHH!!!!! VICTORY FOR RAINBOW DASH!” Bulk stomped down behind them and yelled at the top of his lungs. Dash chuckled, returning Derpy’s hug with her free arm briefly before turning and giving Bulk a light jab in the arm.

“Great to see you guys too! It wasn’t the same without you!” She smiled.

The banquet hadn’t even started yet, and she already felt like a million bits. She glanced at all of her friends that made the trip as Fluttershy finally found the means of letting go of her. They all showed up, her family was going to show up… this was a great moment in her life.

“Hey Dashie! You look great in that uniform!” a new voice similar, but just slightly lower pitched than Pinkie Pie’s came from behind her. Dash recognized it instantly.

“Thanks Surprise! It’s—” Dash froze the moment she turned around and looked at Surprise. Surprise was smiling brightly, her ears flopping slightly as she looked at Dash in confusion.

“What?” she asked as Dash stared.

“Dashie, whatcha lookin’ at?!” Pinkie’s voice came from behind Dash. Dash’s eyes widened when she realized what was about to happen. From off to the side Soarin blinked and scrunched his face to stifle a laugh. This would be good.

Pinkie Pie looked over Dash’s shoulder and her eyes instantly locked with Surprise’s.

The two stood perfectly still as Dash quickly shuffled out from in between them and over to Soarin’s side. The rest of Dash’s friends blinked and stared at the duo as well.

Pinkie and Surprise remained still… until the two took steps towards each other at the same time, tipping their heads back and forth in sync, literally mirroring every movement the other made, but in a way that seemed like it was unintentional. They now stood nearly face to face, looking at each other carefully.

“I literally have no idea how this is going to end,” Soarin chuckled as Dash backed up to him. Dash glanced over at her friends who were all watching Pinkie and Surprise with a mixture of wonder and fear because Pinkie was staring at a literal doppelganger of herself that was white, with a yellow mane and wings. It didn’t help that Pinkie was wearing her make shift Wonderbolt uniform and had paper wings taped to her body.

Pinkie and Surprise turned sideways, but kept their heads turned looking at each other. They looked closer at each other, pulled back, and moved their heads in again a little closer, moving their ears and eyebrows in synch as they moved together. They turned their bodies back forward, their eyes remaining locked.

“Hmmmmmm…” they both hummed to themselves at the same time, Pinkie reaching her left hoof up to rub her chin and Surprise reaching her right up to do the same. They both turned around and took a couple of paces away, stopped, and both looked over their shoulder at each other at the exact same time. They both slowly looked back before quickly looking over their shoulder again… but doing it at the exact same time.

“What am I watching?” Fleetfoot said as she stepped up beside Soarin and Dash. Her eyes widened when she saw Pinkie and Surprise together. “OH SHI—” Fleetfoot was cut off as Dash quickly threw her hoof over Fleetfoot’s mouth and slowly shook her head.

Pinkie and Surprise turned sideways again. They both slowly lowered their heads to the ground, keeping their eyes locked as the two simultaneously began shaking their plots and whipping their tails back and forth. The stopped at the same time and glared at each other, standing back upright and closing the distance between their faces again, looking very carefully at each other only an inch apart. They turned and faced their bodies towards the doors to the battle dome, keeping their heads turned and eyes locked. They began walking towards the doors, nodding steadily at each other as they walked.

One of the doors opened and Squall walked through, a look of disinterest and anxiety on his face. He barely noticed the two silly ponies in time, stopping right in his tracks a few paces from the doors. Pinkie and Surprise moved upon Squall, placing him between the two of them. Pinkie turned her back to Squall and rubbed her chin in thought. She smiled before pulling a fake moustache out of thin air and placing it on her nose. She turned and slowly poked her head around Squall’s chest. At the same time, Surprise also peeked out slowly and she was also wearing a fake moustache.

Pinkie pulled her head back, the moustache falling off her face as she thought again. She suddenly dropped her body to the floor to look under Squall’s legs, but Surprise did the same. They both sprung back up and turned their backs to Squall, contemplating once more.

“What…?” Squall simply didn’t move, worried he would get dragged into whatever these two were up to.

Pinkie smirked and rubbed her hooves together, turning her side to Squall and trotting out with quick tapping steps… which Surprise did at the exact same time at the same pace. After a few steps, Pinkie switched to bouncing, which Surprise did as well. After five bounces, Pinkie began marching with straight legs, somehow making her fake wings flap, yet another motion that Surprise managed to attempt completely in sync with Pinkie. The two stopped and pouted at each other, faced each other again and remained still for a moment before they started bouncing back and forth while sticking their tongues out and blowing raspberries at each other.

On her final step, Pinkie did a pirouette, Surprise didn't spin around, but copied Pinkie’s “TADAH!” along with putting her arms out once Pinkie finished the full turn. The two quickly turned around.

“I’m beginning to wonder if they really are trying to figure something out, or if they’re just fooling around…” Soarin snickered as the shenanigans continued.

“I’ll guess both…” Dash commented as she sighed.

Pinkie smiled and pulled out a long, green balloon, blowing it up, and shaping it until it looked like an alligator. She and Surprise turned back to each other, holding one arm behind their back. They stepped forward, coming face to face again. They suddenly both pulled out balloon animals and placed them on their heads… Only Surprise had a red balloon giraffe instead of an alligator. They both pointed and smiled at each other. The smiles turning to a pouts. Pinkie and Surprise both reached up and tipped their balloon animals to each other like they were hats, but Surprise lost her grip on her giraffe and it fell to the floor. Pinkie blinked, reached down, grabbed the giraffe and handed it back to Surprise before the two put the animals back on their head. Pinkie took her animal right back off, Surprise moving her hoof, without the animal, but quickly reaching back, grabbing the animal, and catching up to Pinkie’s motion.

The two kept straight faces despite Surprise’s little hiccups. They both turned around and began thinking again.

At some point, Twister had walked into the dome. He had watched the scene unfold, and decided to be a troll, walking up to Surprise as the two had their backs turned. Surprise flinched as he stood beside her, quickly trying to push him away. Twister tumbled away from her, but got up and put himself right back beside her while smirking and bouncing his eyebrows. Surprise grabbed him, put him to the floor, and stood on his back just as Pinkie turned back around. Surprise smiled and mimicked Pinkie’s neutral stance, only she was standing on Twister.

Pinkie lifted an eyebrow, but Surprise lifted the wrong one.

“Ah, phooey, you win!” Surprise giggled as she stepped off Twister.

“YES!” Pinkie Pie pumped her hooves in the air. “I’m Pinkie Pie!” she bounced up and down happily.

“I’m Surprise!” Surprise replied just as happily and bouncily.

“That was fun!” said Pinkie.

“I know!” said Surprise.

“I like cupcakes!” they said in unison. They froze and blinked at each other.

“Did we just become best friends?!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“I THINK WE DID!” Surprise bounced up and fluttered her wings in excitement before the two hugged while giggling.

“YOU BET WE ALL DID!” Twister appeared between the two of them as they hugged.

“EW! NO!” Pinkie and Surprise both reacted before they sandwiched his face between two pies.

“Right,” Dash turned away. “I’m gonna act like all that just didn’t happen, I think my brain’s better off not being put through a reality bending wringer,” she shivered as Soarin burst out laughing.

“That might be a good idea…” he agreed. “Oh! Dash!” Soarin pointed towards the doors. Dash blinked, following his hoof until her eyes landed on somepony stepping through the doors.

It was Thunderlane.

Dash’s gasped quietly in excitement as Thunderlane walked in, not looking in Applejack’s direction. She didn’t say anything at all to Thunderlane about her friends coming, she didn’t think to. He was in for one hell of a surprise. In fact, Applejack had immediately locked onto him the moment he walked through the door.

“Oh man, Thunderlane’s gonna get tackled, isn’t he?” Soarin chuckled as he saw Applejack shaking slightly.

“Yep, I’m gonna say in three…” Dash began. “Two… never mind there she goes,” Dash snickered as Applejack took off towards Thunderlane in a full gallop.

Thunderlane clearly heard the sound of thundering gallops, looking up, but not in the right direction, it wasn’t until Applejack yelled.

“THUNDERLANE!” she called out. His ears stood up instantly and he turned just time to see her diving at him through the air.

“ApplejaaaaaaAAACK!?” Thunderlane yelped as she slammed into him. He instantly threw his arms up, pushing back on his hind legs as he braced himself… and caught Applejack out of the air, spreading his wings and pumping them to turn himself upright.

Applejack felt the whole process of them not falling, really expecting herself to knock him over with such a leap. She didn’t care because she missed him so much, but… he caught her? She pulled back slightly, looking into his surprised eyes first before looking down and seeing that he was indeed floating in the air, holding her up with little trouble.

It seemed like Thunderlane gained a little bit more than the right to wear the uniform. Especially after all that training. As awed as Applejack was, her eyes locked right back into his.

“Applejack… what are you…?” he didn’t get any farther because she wrapped her arms tightly around him and squeezed to the point where he could barely breathe.

“Thunderlane!” she called his name again as she held onto him. Thunderlane looked up from her to see the rest of Dash’s friends from Ponyville, realizing that they had all come, including Bulk and Derpy. Despite how he had been feeling, Thunderlane found himself smiling. All his friends… and his special mare had come to see him? He had to smile. He reached one of his arms up around Applejack’s head and tucked her head into the crook of his neck.

“Hey Applejack…” he said quietly to her.

“I missed you so much!” she said with a sniffle.

“I missed you too…”

“Awwwww…” Soarin smiled while puffing and folding his wing feathers.

“Do I look that mushy when we hug?” Dash asked jokingly, equally enjoying the moment she just witnessed despite her tough act.

“Three times as much,” Soarin snickered while pulling her in with a stealthy wing.

“Hey!” Dash giggled while poking her nose into Soarin’s side. Fleetfoot scooted up to Soarin’s other side. Soarin had completely forgotten Fleetfoot was still standing next to him. She pointed at Thunderlane as Soarin patiently awaited the incoming snarkiness.

“Somepony’s getting Thunderlaid!” she said cheekily.

“You should go walk off a cliff for that one…” Soarin said as he groaned. “Hey!” he yelled as Fleetfoot dropped to the ground, skittered beneath Soarin’s legs and joined Dash beneath Soarin’s wing.

“I know who else is getting some tonight!” she said while cheek to cheek with Dash beneath Soarin’s wing. Soarin quickly opened his wing and reached his hoof over to shove Fleetfoot out as she giggled like a little filly.

“Well,” Dash smirked and gave Soarin a smug look as Fleetfoot escaped. “I hope she’s right.”

“Oh, I hope she is too!” Soarin snickered back.

“SOARIN!” Spitfire belted from across the room. Soarin flinched and turned his head towards her. Spitfire was conversing with Silver Lining and Fire Streak. “Can you come over here for a second?!” she asked, or rather, demanded pretty harshly. Even from across the room, Soarin could see she was blushing madly. Silver and Fire looked incredibly confused, but Soarin knew it was because of her heat. They were having a captain meeting… and the two other captains happened to be stallions, she probably wanted him to take over while making an excuse about checking on something else.

Soarin gave Dash a pat on the shoulder.

“I gotta go help Spitfire, I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Okay,” Dash gave him a wink as he turned and walked away.

Dash refocused on her friends as Thunderlane and Applejack made their way back over as well, Applejack completely leaning into him as they moved. Pinkie was still goofing around with Surprise, which included continued harassment of Twister as he kept trying to join in. The rest however, were all grouped together near the entrance along with other recruits and more guests as they continued to shuffle in.

Twilight stepped forward as Dash approached them.

“Say Dash, could you introduce us to your friends you kept mentioning in your letters?” she asked, visibly eager. Dash had sent multiple letters home to her friends over the course of her training, giving them updates on how she was doing, how Thunderlane was doing, and giving the details on the fun, strange, and interesting. Within these categories were stories about the training, details on Silver, and details on her new friends she had made. Dash left out a lot of information around Soarin’s recent conditions, feeling it wasn’t her place to share them, but Twilight, living up to her title as the Princess of Friendship, was clearly excited to meet these interesting comrades of Dash’s.

“Sure! Let’s see…” Dash looked around and obviously, the first one she spotted was Matteo. “Ah! Okay,” Dash glided over. Her friends’ eyes all widened as Dash flew up to Matteo and pulled him over.

“What is the meaning of this?” Matteo asked calmly as Dash started pulling him along.

“My friends from back home want to meet you, c’mon you oaf!” Dash grunted as she struggled to pull him.

“Alright, alright…” Matteo took control of his movement. Dash led him over to her friends, who all looked up at him in awe.

“This,” Dash motioned to Matteo as she floated up and sat on his shoulder. “Is Matteo, you guys remember the griffon I mentioned, right?” Dash smiled. None of them spoke for a moment, and Fluttershy was gone? “Hey, where did Fluttershy go?” Dash asked before going any further.

“Fluttershy…” Twilight said with a sigh as she looked over her shoulder. “He’s not going to eat you…”

Fluttershy peeked out from behind Twilight, shivering as she looked up at Matteo.

“Sorry, he’s just… so big…” she said very quietly.

“This coming from a mare who dates the largest pony in Equestria?” Dash chuckled as Applejack, Rarity, and Twilight continued to look over Matteo.

“Golly Dash, I know ya said he was big, but I didn’t think y’meant the size of a barn!” Applejack remarked as Matteo gave a small bow.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he said politely.

“Such manners!” Rarity beamed delightfully as Matteo looked at her quizzically. “Forgive me, I wasn’t quite expecting that… Dash has spoken highly of you, I assure,” she tried to save. Matteo looked towards Dash briefly.

“I have no doubt… I would do the very same for her,” Matteo nodded in approval. He glanced down at Fluttershy, who squeaked and hid again the instant his eyes landed on her. Dash leaned towards one of his ears.

“She’s a little scared of griffons in general, don’t take it personally,” she whispered. Matteo shook his head.

“I’m used to inadvertently intimidating others, it comes with being this size,” he explained.

“Also, your wife kinda harassed her when she visited Ponyville… Fluttershy is scarred pretty easily,” Dash replied with a cringe. Matteo scoffed.

“If it were anyone else, I’d shake my head, but knowing my wife, I can definitely see her doing that…” Matteo sighed.

Dash glanced down at Scootaloo standing beside Rarity. The little filly’s eyes were wide and her pupils large, staring in complete awe at Matteo. As soon as Dash’s eyes landed on her, she knew what she wanted to do next.

“Say,” Dash began as she looked around. “Matts, have you seen Star around?”

“I heard my name?” Little Star popped up from behind Matteo’s head. Dash yelped in surprise and tipped off Matteo’s shoulder before catching herself in flight.

“Whoa! Star, who are you, Twister?” she said with a chuckle.

“I heard MY name!” Twister said from behind Dash. Dash turned around quickly and backed away from Twister… and then Surprise appeared behind HIM.

“GET BACK HERE!” Surprise yelled before pulling him away. Dash ignored the ‘crazy battle’ going on between Pinkie, Surprise, and Twister behind her as she turned back to Star.

“Actually…” Star shrugged. “I saw you guys talking and was bored, so I came over!”

“Well come down here for a second,” Dash asked motioning to Scootaloo on the ground. Star glanced down at Scootaloo before hopping up off Matteo and hovering down. Scootaloo was tipping her head from side to side, as if incredibly confused and curious at the tiny pony flying down to her. In fact, Little Star and Scootaloo were roughly the same size! “Scoots, this is Little Star,” Dash motioned to her. “She’s thirty years old,” Dash added, making Scootaloo’s eye grow wider.

“WHAAAAAT?!” Rarity reacted, drawing all the attention to her. “Ahem…” she grinned and blushed. “Sorry… that’s, wow, quite interesting…”

“I get it often, don’t worry,” Star giggled back to Scootaloo. Dash walked over to Scootaloo and put an arm over her.

“Scoots, take a long look at Star, okay?” Dash instructed. A little nervous meeting a stranger, Scootaloo remained silent as she looked over Star. The little pony wearing the Wonderbolt uniform and everything. “Got a good look?” Dash asked.

“Uh-huh…” Scootaloo nodded.

“You are looking at living proof that you can overcome physical challenges no matter how hard they are. Our training here in the compound required incredible strength, speed, and resilience… three things Little Star is short on due to being so small. Yet here she is wearing a Wonderbolt uniform.” Dash explained.

Star smiled as she saw Scootaloo’s eyes light up. Dash walked up to Star.

“Scoots here had a bad case of stunted wings… but after some very useful advice from Soarin during a visit to Ponyville, she’s been getting better. I thought meeting you… would show her just how far you can go with disadvantages,” Dash said with a wink. Star smiled and looked back towards Scootaloo.

“Keep working kid… if you never quit… anything is possible. Trust me, I’ve been there,” Star said while reaching forward and patting Scootaloo on the shoulder.

“Y-yes ma’am!” Scootaloo replied with a voice full of vigor.

Dash, satisfied with the introduction of Matteo and Star, started looking around again. She decided against trying to get between Pinkie and Surprise to get to Twister, instead looking for Squall. Did she really want to introduce him? It was something she had thought about beforehoof. It wasn’t going to be pretty, but she mentioned to them in her letters that he was a bit… grumpy at all times, so they’d be ready for it.

“There he is!” Dash said to herself as she saw Squall sit down at a table by himself as if avoiding all other pony contact. How typical. “Just a moment,” Dash said to her friends as she glided towards Squall. “Squall!” Dash called as she approached. Squall’s ears stood up and he looked towards Dash. As she landed, he turned his head back forward, ignoring her. Dash rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, I know, let’s party and have a good time,” Dash said sarcastically as she grabbed Squall’s arm. “Get your ass over here,” she disregarded his moody behavior and pulled him out of his seat.

“What? Why?!” he snapped, clearly uncomfortable.

“My friends want to meet you, come on,” she replied, his tone and snippiness once again failing to bother her. Squall’s eyes widened and he looked up to see that Dash was dragging him towards a group of mares.

“No!” He reacted, but failed to halt Dash from dragging him.

“Oh, don’t be a chicken, it won’t hurt to just say hi,” Dash chuckled. The interesting part of the situation was Squall GAVE UP trying to pull away after one or two attempts. Had he continued to physically express discontent, Dash would’ve given up and let him go, but he didn’t. It seemed like he was really trying to be more friendly… if one could even call it that.

As Dash dragged Squall over to where her friends were conversing with Star and Matteo, she noticed that Thunderlane and Applejack had disappeared. She smirked to herself. Honestly, she didn’t blame them at all. After how Applejack literally threw herself at him, she was probably eager to get a little bit of privacy, even if it was just sitting down somewhere and talking.

“This…” Dash called out as she dragged Squall in front of her and pushed him the rest of the way. “Is Squall!” she stepped to his side and motioned a hoof to him. Besides his eyes darting between the mares, Squall didn’t say or do anything. “Gonna say hello?” Dash asked as she picked up on what she believed was nervousness? Squall had already showed a great deal of anxiety towards the banquet, but this was a little different and on the spot.

Squall remained still for five seconds before scowling, turning, and walking away. Dash made no effort to stop him, she just sighed and shrugged.

“That’s Squall in a nutshell,” Dash chuckled.

“He’s definitely the talking type,” Twilight said sarcastically as she turned to Rarity… who had stars in her eyes. Dash noticed too as Rarity sighed.

“It’s too bad he’s not the social type… all’s forgiven when you’re that handsome!” she cooed while rubbing one of her hooves in a circle on the floor.

Dash lifted an eyebrow. Yeah, sure, Squall was a pretty attractive stallion, but…

“Psst,” Twilight caught Dash’s attention as she stepped towards her. “Rarity’s been a bit… desperate recently,” Twilight whispered to her.

“Recently?” Dash said with a snort, earning a flat look from Twilight.

“Derpy?!”

“STORM!!!!”

Dash, Twilight and the rest all looked over in time to see Derpy and Storm Front rush at each other and embrace tightly. The two hugged and nuzzled each other while laughing and smiling. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Little Star all got lost in the d’awwws as Twilight glanced at Dash. Dash pointed towards Storm.

“Looks like he found us! That’s Storm Front,” she explained. “The one who… beat me out of the elite spot,” Dash’s hesitant pause was clear, but luckily Twilight was paying more attention to Storm. Dash looked over and saw Rarity looking love struck again. Dash quickly hopped over. “Rarity, really?”

“What?!” Rarity shrugged. “Sure, he’s taken, but that doesn’t mean he’s not attractive! It’s not fair, Rainbow Dash, you have so many great looking stallions around here!”

“He… is…” Twilight’s shaky voice caught Dash’s attention. Dash turned and saw Twilight shuffling towards them while keeping her eyes on Storm. “Pretty cute…” Twilight finished with a blush. Dash glanced between both of them.

“Sheesh, who did you say was desperate, Twi?” she understood their interest. Dash thought Storm was pretty attractive herself. It just didn’t matter for her because she had Soarin.

“This is the stallion Derpy has been so happy about back home?” Twilight sighed. “What a lucky mare…”

“DOES THAT MAKE ME GREAT LOOKING TOO?! Twister’s head suddenly dropped down from above right within the view of Rarity and Twilight. The two yelped in surprise and stumbled backwards. Twister fell to the floor and log rolled towards them, but Dash stepped on him, holding him in place.

“And finally, this idiot is Twister,” she said with an exasperated tone as Twilight and Rarity stared wide eyed at him. “He’s basically Pinkie Pie with less sugar, more insanity,” she explained.

“PONY’S ELBOW!!!!!!!!” Pinkie’s voice came from above. Dash looked up, yelped, and stepped aside as Pinkie fell from above and jabbed her elbow down into Twister’s gut. Twister exhaled and coughed up a fully inflated red balloon. Pinkie grabbed it and pointed down at him. “No eating my balloons!” she demanded.

“PONY’S ELBOW PART TWO!!!!!!” Surprise fell from above and repeated Pinkie’s move, jabbing her elbow into Twister’s stomach. Twister coughed up a miniature bicycle. Surprise snatched it out of the air and pointed down at him. “And no eating the tiny bikes! Those are for the squirrels!” she yelled, placing the bike on the floor, pulling a squirrel out of thin air, placing it on the bike, and watching as it hastily pedaled away.

“Thank you ladies, may I have another?!” Twister said with his eyes going in different directions.

“Well—” Pinkie began but shrieked when Twister was suddenly draped over her back.

“THAAAAAAANKS!”

“HEY! GET OFFA-HER!” Surprise yelled as she jumped on Pinkie’s back as well. The three started rolling around so fast they appeared to be a blurry ball of green, pink, and white, with hooves flailing about and occasionally one of them coming up for air.

“Right…” Dash gave a single nod before bringing her attention back to reality.

“We’ve got a bunch of families heading in!” Silver Lining’s voice suddenly came from nearby. Dash and company all turned to see Silver walking amongst those who were already present. “We’re going to be eating soon, so find your families and find a seat so we can get started in a timely manner!”

“We better go wait by the doors,” Matteo spoke up, directing his words to Little Star.

“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” she agreed before turning back to Dash and her Ponyville friends. “It was nice to meet you all!” she waved before the two turned towards the doors. Satisfied, Dash nodded to Twilight.

“I better go watch for my folks as well, you’d better go find A.J. and Thunderlane…” Dash paused and looked towards Rarity. “And Rarity, pry your eyes off of Storm, he’s Derpy’s,” Dash said as she nudged her.

“Uuuuugh…” Rarity groaned as Dash left them for the time being.

It was exhilarating.

It felt so good to see her old friends again, and so good to introduce her new friends to them. There were a few hiccups, but it went well, especially introducing Scootaloo to Little Star, that was something Dash had wanted to do since she met her new little friend.

As Dash reached the doors, families were already pouring in. It seemed like the few that were already present had broken off from a group that was being guided around. Dash was about to hover up and take a look, but the first thing she saw… was a large group of ponies absolutely surround Little Star.

Dash had to stop and watch, especially after having the little confession session with Star about an hour before.

One, two, three, four, five, six… plus two older ponies. It was Star’s family.

Star disappeared between all of them as they happily converged on her. They were all average sized, standing at least twice her height, if not more. They were all dressed nicely too, wearing suits or uniforms that indicated high status in whatever profession they had pursued. They were also a mix of the three pony races. Some earth, some unicorns, and some pegasi alike. Moments after she vanished between them, they held her up in the air, all cheering for her as she smiled happily. She dove back towards them, giving them each huge hugs.

“HEY!”

Dash flinched as a high pitched voice, came from in front of her. Dash looked forward and saw nothing before blinking and looking down.

Standing before Dash, was a little griffoness standing before her. She was standing firm with her little chest puffed out and glaring at Dash with a pair of yellow eyes. She was the same color scheme of Matteo. Dash wasn’t the squealing type… but did she just run into one of Matteo’s cubs?

“You Rainbow Dash?!” the little one demanded. Dash blinked and smirked, incredibly amused. She lowered herself down to be a little closer to eye level with her.

“That’s me kid! What’s up?” Dash asked. The griffoness pouted angrily.

“Hey! I ain’t no kid! You take that back or I’ll belt you across the nose!” the she snapped back at Dash while shaking a balled up set of talons at her.

“God, that’s cute…” Dash chuckled as her challenger bounced back and forth as if getting ready to scrap.

“Teodora! Where did you go?!” a familiar voice yelled out angrily. The little griffoness froze and turned around. Dash glanced up and her eyes went wide.

“Oh man, what?!” Dash reacted at the sight, trying not to laugh in disbelief. It was her old pal… Gilda.

Gilda stepped out from the crowd of ponies and made her way towards the little griffoness. It was the same Gilda she used to hang out with… but… also not. First, she was very pregnant. Her stomach was only a few inches from the floor. Matteo said he had another child on the way… it either inherited his size before birth or he was getting two more, not one. She looked a little disgruntled, her feathers a bit out of place and a bit of a neutral expression, not happy, but not angry either, it was hard for Dash to put her hoof on it. Her crest feathers were also trained in the other direction, left instead of right. The finishing touch? She was walking on one arm and two legs, cradling a tiny griffon cub in her other arm that shared who was eagerly looking around the room at all the commotion.

“Teo, I told you to stay with… oh… wow…” Gilda froze, her eyes widening considerable and her beak hanging open when she saw Dash. Dash smiled at her as Teodora began throwing little punches into Dash’s chest.

“What’s up Gilster?” Dash asked, just letting Gilda’s daughter bop her over and over again.

“You know…” Gilda’s shock faded and she gave Dash a familiar smirk. “I knew you were here… my big dumb husband told me… but I still never thought I’d see you wear one of those uniforms.”

“The first thing you say to me is that you didn’t have faith in me…” Dash snickered. “Some things never change, huh?”

“GRRR!” Teodora growled, biting Dash’s hoof in her beak. Dash looked down and lifted her hoof up, Teodora dangling from it.

“She’s definitely your daughter,” Dash chuckled, turning her hoof so Teo could see her. “You got a long way to go before you can be as awesome as me, kid,” Dash said as she moved towards Gilda.

“Some things definitely never change, eh miss awesome?” Gilda snorted, giving Dash a smile as Dash planted Teo in front of Gilda.

Dash looked up at Gilda and smiled. The circumstances were much different than Dash could ever have imagined, but she had been wanting to see Gilda again. The last time she saw Gilda, things didn’t go so well, in fact, it led to them disagreeing and Gilda storming off angrily. Not like it was a pleasant visit to begin with, Gilda had been quite the bully while visiting.

It seemed as though Gilda had simmered down a little. The fire was still alight in her eyes, but her attitude seemed to be much less rash. A few years and becoming a mother probably had quite an effect on her. It looked like both of them had done quite a bit of maturing recently, but Dash was sure, just as with Gilda, that they would always have a little bit of rashness they were known for when they were younger.

“Well?” Gilda suddenly asked.

“What?” Dash blinked.

“I’m surprised you haven’t done it yet,” Gilda smirked.

“Done wha— oh!” Dash shrugged. “Sorry… guess I’m just a little shocked seeing you with two kids and stuffed full of baby,” Dash chuckled.

“Oh, shut up and come here,” Gilda shook her head as Dash came forward as Gilda opened her wings. She had one arm occupied so she had to flutter to stay up. Gilda balled her talons into a fist as Dash reached forward. They bumped hoof and talons before clasping them together, lightly pulling each other in for a light chest bump before pulling each other into a friendly hug. “Good, you still remember. I would’ve belted you across the nose,” Gilda said as they split apart.

“Oh, of course I wouldn’t—whoop!” Dash reacted as something tugged on her mane. She glanced down to see the baby griffon in Gilda’s arm with her mane in his beak.

“Saw that coming,” Gilda chuckled as Dash remained bent down. “Gianni likes to grab and chew on things…” she fluttered her wings again as she reached her arm over and placed a single shank over the nostrils of the little griffon. “C’mon Gianni, if you wanna breathe you gotta let Dash go.”

“Ah…” Gianni squeaked as he opened his little beak and released Dash’s mane.

“Dang Gilda, you of all ponies—er… griffons were the last one I expected to have adorable children,” Dash joked as Gianni reached out his little talons, trying to grab Dash’s mane as she pulled away.

“Yeah, yeah, they definitely inherited a bit of dolt from their father,” she rolled her eyes as Gianni began to make short little wailing noises as he kept reaching for Dash’s mane. “Looks like he really likes your mane.”

“Like I said… too adorable to be yours,” Dash joked. Gianni’s noises started to sound like little cries. Gilda sighed, reaching up and pushing her crest feathers back over to the right and leaning her head down. Gianni instantly looked up, reached up and grabbed one of Gilda’s feathers in his beak. “That looks comfortable…” Dash snickered at Gilda bending her neck down for her son.

“He’ll have his fill in a few seconds,” she explained as she let it happen. Dash shook her head as she smirked at Gilda.

“So… I can’t believe you married Fatty Matty, especially after how much you hated on him when we used to hang out.”

“Oh, he told you?” Gilda snickered as Gianni finally let go of her crest and she stood upright. “Did he tell you how it happened?” she asked.

“Yeah… you never told me griffons basically try to kill each other every day,” Dash exaggerated, but based on what Matteo had told her, the difference in culture was so vast it was mind boggling. Gilda had never said a word about it to her. Maybe that explained her more harsh nature towards her friends in the past.

“Well, to be honest I started it… but when he didn’t kill me? I was stunned. He’s so stupidly in love with our ancient culture. The fact that he couldn’t bring himself to kill me after we fought a crazy battle? Warriors never spare their enemies… he let me live, meaning he couldn’t bring himself to remove me from his life. This ain’t stuff you can write Dash, I may not like our culture, but I knew it enough. It touched me on a different level. I don’t expect you to get it.”

“I don’t, but hey, you’re not dead and right after that he did this,” Dash pointed at Teodora. She nipped at her hoof, but Dash moved it and patted her on the head instead.

“Yeah…” Gilda grunted in frustration. “Then he did this,” she bounced Gianni once. “And this…” she glanced at her swollen stomach. “Never would have guessed it from when he was a fat blowhard, but he can’t keep it between his legs sometimes,” Gilda said very bluntly, making Dash feel a little awkward.

“What was that about my legs?” Matteo suddenly appeared from the side behind her. Gilda flinched, nearly dropping Gianni.

“AND I DON”T KNOW HOW HE’S SO QUIET!” Gilda complained as she turned and looked up at her husband. Dash stepped back and watched as the two conversed.

“I’m surprised you actually came out to see me,” Matteo said flatly. Gilda snorted.

“Just cause I thought it was a stupid idea doesn’t mean I’m not gonna support you,” she fired back. She looked Matteo up and down, taking in the view of his custom Wonderbolt flight suit. “And this is interesting, did they use all the materials in the factory to make it?” she jeered.

“I love you too,” Matteo said sarcastically as Teodora jumped up on his back and climbed up to his head.

“Hey dad! I bet I can beat you in a fight now!” she challenged. Matteo simply looked up as she grabbed his head feathers and began pulling on them

“I have no doubt Teo,” Matteo replied while shaking his head. Teodora clung for dear life as she shook back and forth.

“Ah! Ah! Ah!” Gianni suddenly wailed while holding his little arms out towards Matteo.

“Looks like he wants daddy,” Gilda held Gianni out to Matteo. “Good thing too, cause my arm is tired.”

“Heh…” Matteo reached his large shanks and received Gianni. He brought the tiny griffon all the way to his chest and Gianni immediately grabbed and held onto Matteo’s body. “How’s my little warrior doing?” he asked as he looked down at his son.

“Ah!” Gianni replied, holding onto his father as tightly as he could.

Dash finally got to see it. Since the moment Matteo pulled out the picture of Gilda and showed Dash the ring, she HAD to see this for herself and it was a very touching sight. Dash didn’t see herself in such a situation anytime soon, but seeing it first hoof like this was very heartwarming. Married, a family, two children, and a very weird, but interesting couple. Dash couldn’t stop smiling as she watched Matteo’s cubs climb on him.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Squall ran up to Matteo and hid behind him.

“What the…?” Matteo reached up to hold onto Gianni as he turned and looked at Squall.

“NO! Don’t move!” Squall pleaded.

Pleaded? Dash had never heard that tone from Squall before.

“What are you talking about?” Matteo glared at him as Teodora looked down at Squall from Matteo’s head. Dash stepped past a confused Gilda to get a better look at Squall.

“Please! Just don’t move!” Squall demanded in a hushed tone. Dash peered around Matteo and saw Squall digging himself into Matteo’s side, shivering, with a look of pure horror on his face. Matteo and Dash looked at each other, both confused beyond words. What the heck had gotten Squall so scared?

“Hey everypony!” a voice that could only be described as ‘happy,’ came from the doors. Dash and Matteo looked over to see two ponies walk in. A large, white pegasus stallion with a very long black mane that hung down past his shoulders and a grey pegasus mare that was about half the stallion’s size with a dark red mane that was tied into a bun. They both looked to be past their prime, around Silver’s age.

The stallion stepped into the middle of the crowd, took a very long, deep breath and exhaled so loudly, it sounded like he was coughing.

“Gotta say this place is awesome! And this!!” He motioned to the battle dome. “A combat dome?! NEAT! I bet I could throw a good punch or two in here!” He yelled while going back on his hind legs and making a few jabbing motions at random ponies. “Ha! Ha! Yeah! Can’t handle— Oh! AH!” he fell flat on his face. “OW! OW! OW! Leg cramp! LEG CRAMP!” he yelled while kicking one of his legs back.

“Oh, dear…” the mare walked over and helped him up. “Honey, the doctor told you to be careful rearing back,” she said in a very motherly tone that was so strong it almost sounded like condescending.

“Ha!” The stallion stood right back up. “The doctor doesn’t know me. If he wants to hold me back like that, he’ll have to fight me for it! Swear on me mum!” the stallion pounded his chest.

“What…?” Dash blinked as she and Matteo along with everypony else in the dome was watching the strange couple that entered the dome.

“Who’s this idiotic chump?” Gilda asked as she lifted an eyebrow. As they looked on, Matteo suddenly sharply looked over his shoulder at Squall, who was stiff as a statue, and then looked back at the two ponies.

“Wait a minute…” Matteo pondered out loud. Dash looked up at Matteo.

“Huh?” she looked at Matteo curiously as he looked between squall and the ponies. Dash looked at Squall as well, and her eyes widened.

“Dear, we should find our little colt now, don’t you think?” the mare asked him with the same overly motherly tone.

“That’s right!” the stallion pounded his chest. “Where’s my little tyke!?” the stallion looked around.

“No…” Matteo started.

“Way…” Dash finished.

“YOOHOO!!!!! SQUALL?! SQUALL BUDDY?! WHERE YOU AT SQUALLY WALLY JOLLY TROLLEY?!” the stallion yelled incredibly loudly causing most to cringe.

Squall released a quiet whimper as he continued to hide behind Matteo.

Dash and Matteo were left utterly speechless. Dash looked over to see Little Star staring as well with her jaw dropped. Storm Front was close by, looking towards the two with a very disturbed look on his face.

SILVER had an absolutely blank look on his face as if he, of all ponies, had no idea what to say.

Squall took a fatal chance, and poked his head out to check… but the white stallion was looking directly at him when he did.

“HEYYYYY!!!!!! There’s the champ!” the stallion pointed.

“OH GOD!” Squall ducked right back behind Matteo as the stallion and the mare approached.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m clearing out,” Dash spoke very fast before backing away with Gilda. Matteo looked up at the approaching ponies, his two children still hanging on him. He gently grasped little Gianni on his chest, and spread his wings while reaching up to grab hold of Teodora. She bit down on his talons as he grabbed her, but he let her act tough as he lightly pumped his wings.

“You’re on your own,” Matteo said to Squall as he lifted off slightly and glided towards Gilda and Dash. Squall flipped out when Matteo moved.

“NO! Nonononononono!” Squall tried to grab Matteo and pull him down, but it was too late.

“SQUALLY!” the stallion stepped right up in front of him, standing a whole head taller. Squall froze and stared up at the stallion with wide, terrified eyes. The stallion put him in a headlock and began giving Squall a rough noogie. “How ya been ya little rascal, you…”

“AGH!” Squall grunted as he pulled and tugged on the stallion’s arm. “DAD!!!! QUIT IT!!!!” he whined as the mare walked up behind them. Squall fell to the floor as the stallion let go. He quickly got up, but not before the mare grabbed his cheeks.

“Awwwww, I haven’t seen my wittle baby for a whole month! You had mommy sooooo worried!” she cooed while holding his head down to her level.

“MOM!!!!” Squall’s face was bright red, embarrassed beyond belief. As his mom let go of him, he laid flat on the floor, placing his hooves over his head and groaning.

“Why the long face, son?” Squall’s dad forced him up off the floor and put him in another headlock. “I know what’ll cheer you up! Nothing like a song about home to put a smile on your face!”

Squall’s face went pale, or at least as pale as his dark fur allowed as his ears flopped down and his pupils shrunk.

“Oh! Yes! I love singing!” Squall’s mother stepped up beside his father.

“Anypony who knows the words, JOIN IN!” Squall’s dad encouraged before he and Squall’s mother started singing the anthem of the Crystal Empire… painfully off key as Squall remained stuck in his father’s grip. Squall wore a look on his face that screamed ‘kill me’ as Dash looked on with the most uncomfortable look her face could muster.

THESE two ponies… were Squall’s parents.

Based on his behavior, Dash had often entertained the thought that perhaps Squall’s behavior and quick temper were caused by something family related. However, when she thought about it, it was more focused on possibly being abused or having a rough time.

Not…

THIS.

She had been watching for all of three minutes, and Squall’s parents had already taken the title of most annoying and embarrassing ponies she had ever seen in her life. Squall looked like he was contemplating punching himself in the face until he was brain dead.

“This was not what I expected…” Matteo spoke up from beside her.

“You and me both, big guy…” Dash agreed as she continued to try and wrap her mind around it, which proved difficult with how many excruciatingly broken notes Squall’s dad was hitting as he sang. Gianni started crying on Matteo’s chest and Teodora started screaming while covering her ears. Matteo and Gilda quickly moved away to find some distance between their kids and the terrible, terrible singing.

Dash didn’t know if she could even call it singing. It wounded like sompony was stepping on a peacock. Scratch that, it sounded like somepony was stepping on A LOT of peacocks. Dash was certain even she could hold a better tune with a pillow strapped to her face while being flogged with a wet towel.

“Would somepony like to explain what I’m looking at?” Soarin asked as he walked up behind Dash. Dash glanced at him before shaking her head.

“I dunno, but I really hope it stops soon…” Dash grimaced and shivered as more incredibly awful tones reached her ears.

“Ahhhhhhhh!” Squall’s dad exhaled as they finally finished singing. “Nothing gets me hungry like a good song! C’mon son! LET’S EAT!” he yelled as he began dragging Squall along.

“Daaaaaaad! Let go!!!!” Squall wailed as they moved, only to be turned away from the buffet being set up by Fire Streak because it was, in fact, not time to eat yet.

“I’ve seen some shit in my life, but I really don’t know how I feel about this…” Dash said as she slowly shook her head. Soarin was about to reply but another voice cut him off.

“I know right? I’ve heard clown horns that sound better.”

“Yeah…” Dash nodded, blinked, and her eyes went wide. She sharply turned to her left.

“I could do much better! I am awesome after all!” said the pony beside her. A pony that was a slightly darker blue than Dash… but had a short rainbow mane. He turned his head to Dash and gave her a wink.

“DAD!!!!!” Dash leapt at him without a moment of hesitation.

“Whoa!” her dad yelped as she nearly knocked him over. He returned the embrace as she looked up and saw her mother, pink with a sky blue mane that acted just like Dash’s.

“Hey Rainbow Dash,” her mom smiled as Dash let go of her dad and hugged her mom as well.

“I haven’t seen you guys in FOREVER!” Dash exclaimed happily as she held her mom at arm’s length.

“Hold up, hold up,” Dash’s dad stepped up between them. “Let’s see this…” he gently pushed Dash back before stepping beside his wife. The two looked Dash up and down, taking in the site of her in her very own Wonderbolt uniform.

“It looks really good on you,” Dash’s mother smiled.

“Good thing she inherited my mane,” Dash’s dad said snarkily. “Otherwise she’d be all one color.”

“Yes dear,” Dash’s mom shook her head and rolled her eyes while giving him a nudge to the ribs. “I’m proud of you Dash,” her mom continued as she stepped forward. “If only your grandfather could see this. I doubt anything would have made him happier than seeing you wear this uniform,” Dash’s mom gave her another hug.

Dash hugged her mom tightly, understanding what she meant all too well. It all started with the old Wonderbolt poster her grandfather gave her as a filly. The poster that sparked her interest in the Wonderbolts… and that had been attached to her ceiling above her bed so every single day she woke up, it was the first thing she saw. She had come a long way since then, she could hardly believe it, but it felt so good.

“Yeah, you’re almost as awesome as me now!” her dad came in from the side to join in a family hug.

“Thanks for ruining the moment…” her mom giggled as she pushed her dad away from the hug.

This moment. The moment that Dash had been waiting for her whole life. Whether she was part of the recruit squad or a reserve, she was a Wonderbolt, the flight suit was proof. How much different would her life be right now if she hadn’t run into Soarin a year ago?

Soarin.

Dash looked up from her parents and over her shoulder. Soarin was standing slightly off to the side, smiling at the sight of Dash and her parents.

That’s right, Dash remembered she had to blow her dad’s mind.

“A-hem!” Dash cleared her throat as she stepped away from her parents and began backing towards Soarin. Soarin blinked and perked up as Dash moved towards him. “Mom… and especially dad,” she emphasized with a smirk.

“You all know Soarin of the Wonderbolt lead squad right?” she motioned to Soarin. “Soarin, these are my parents,” she motioned to her dad first. “This is my dad, Rainbow Blaze,” then she motioned to her mom. “And this is my mom, Firefly. Not to be confused with the very first captain of the Wonderbolts,” Dash added with a wink.

Soarin gulped. He knew this moment was coming, but he didn’t expect Dash to go right for it. He was about to meet her parents. Dash meant everything to him, and the last thing he wanted to do was to come off as an idiot in front of her folks. He took a silent, deep breath and waited for his chance to say the usual ‘nice to meet you,’ or ‘it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,’ or whatever seemed more fitting to the situation. However, the subject quickly shifted… as Soarin noticed both of them staring at his forehead… directly at the fake horn.

“Uh…” Dash’s dad tipped his head sideways.

“Pardon me… It’s a pleasure to meet you, but…” Dash’s mom scratched her head. “I have to ask, why are you wearing a horn?”

“Uh…” Soarin winced. What was he supposed to say here? What if he explained it and they suddenly felt it was strange and or dangerous for their daughter to be with a stallion like him? Was this a lost cause from the beginning? Luckily for him, Dash stepped in.

“Sheesh, nice way to introduce yourselves,” Dash rolled her eyes at her parents before stepping up and pointing to the horn on Soarin’s head. “It’s a very long story, it would take a good few hours to explain fully at least. In short, Soarin has been through some interesting things lately, and at one point learned he could use magic. So he was given this fake horn to channel and practice it.” Dash explained.

Soarin remained quiet and kept his eyes on Dash’s parents, hoping they would except that. To his relief, Rainbow Blaze actually looked impressed?

“That’s pretty cool actually,” he nodded as Firefly looked as if she was simply thinking about it.

“So let’s try this again,” Dash chuckled. “This is Soarin, of the Wonderbolt lead squad. And… LISTEN UP DAD…” Dash paused to glare at her father. He lifted an eyebrow slightly, but gave no other response. “Soarin, is my coltfriend.”

Firefly had believed her from the start, giving little to no reaction to Dash’s words besides a smile. Her father, on the other hoof, seemed adamant to be stubborn about it.

“I dunno, Dashie. I know you like to talk yourself up. Prove it!” he smirked. Dash pouted at her dad.

“You’re such a ass,” she put flatly, earning her a look of disapproval from Firefly, but Rainbow Blaze chuckled, turned around and spanked his plot.

“And it looks great, doesn’t it!”

Soarin was trying SO HARD not to crack up. He could see clearly where Dash got her personality from. Watching Rainbow Blaze was like watching an older, stallion version of Dash. It was both amusing and hilarious. However, Soarin felt the need to help out his lover. He felt like this could be a little much, but it seemed in order to convince her brash father, Soarin felt he would have to make a brash move.

“Yeah, she’s my marefriend,” Soarin suddenly said in a confident tone as he leaned down and kissed Dash on the cheek. Dash flinched in surprise, a small blush appearing on her face as Dash’s parents both visibly reacted. Firefly’s eyes widening only slightly and Rainbow Blaze freezing on the spot.

As Soarin pulled back, he looked between all three of them and instantly felt like he went a little too far. Did he just make a mess of things?

“Well then!” Rainbow Blaze suddenly laughed. “Fine, you win, Dash,” he admitted defeat. It took Dash a moment to react. She, herself, was surprised Soarin pulled such a sudden move on her.

Dash looked to her parents. Looking for just as much of a reaction as Soarin was, but Firefly seemed to think Soarin’s move was adorable… Dash knew those eyes well. As for her father, Dash had a feeling that all along, he believed her, but was just yanking her chain… he did that a lot.

“I like you!” Rainbow Blaze stepped forward and placed a hoof on Soarin’s shoulder. As usual, Dash chuckled at how forward her father was. The Equestria famous Soarin was standing before him, and he just treated him like a buddy. “It’s a little weird that you’re walking around with a horn strapped to your head, but my daughter was never normal either, so you’re a perfect fit!” he chuckled.

“Uh… thanks?” Soarin snickered as Dash’s dad gave him a friendly jab in the shoulder.

“Hey!” Dash leapt at her dad and the two got into a friendly scuffle that was quickly broken up by Firefly.

Soarin watched the family interact with a warm feeling in his heart. Dash’s family was pretty cool. He was glad his first meeting with them went smoothly, even if it was a little weird. Then again, Dash was by no means a normal mare. She was quirky, spunky, and full of fighting energy, so it was to be expected that at least part of her family shared that spirit.

The whole thing made Soarin think. What did it make him think about?

His own family.

Something he honestly had not thought about in a very long time. His mother, his father, his two little brothers. When was the last time he visited them in Manehatten? He couldn’t even remember. His life had been so hectic and strange and his family didn’t even know. Dash had taught him just as much as she had taught her over the past year… and here she was reminding him of the importance of family.

He missed his mom… and his dad…

He missed his brothers…

How did they fall into the back of his mind? They were important to him. They really were…

“All recruits! Gather around!” Silver called, grabbing all of their attention.

“Huh?” Dash looked back to see Silver flagging them all down over near the tables. Soarin noticed lots of elites were gathering as well. They turned back to Dash’s parents, quickly. “Looks like they need us. Sit tight, I’ll be back,” Dash smiled, giving both of her parent s a quick hug before she and Soarin hopped up and glided towards Silver.

Soarin released a very long sigh of relief as they moved, earning a smirk from Dash.

“What, were you holding your breath the whole time?” Dash asked. Soarin chuckled and nodded.

“More or less, I was nervous,” he admitted.

“The mighty Soarin, afraid of my parents?” Dash teased as he shrugged.

“Hey, setting a good impression is extremely important, especially when it comes to meeting the family of the mare I love,” he bounced his eyebrows. “But yikes, I thought I blew it when I kissed you.”

“Nah, my Dad needed a good slap to the face. In fact, he could use several,” she joked.

“You definitely take after him,” Soarin said with a smile before she nudged him in the shoulder.

“I don’t know how I should take that!” Dash couldn’t help but giggle as the two landed with the rest of the Wonderbolts.

“Dad! BUZZ OFF!”

Dash and Soarin looked to see Squall trying to push his dad away as they approached the group as well.

“I want in on this top secret meeting!” he guffawed as he kept walking forward. Luckily for Squall, Silver walked up and put a hoof against Squall’s dad.

“Sir, kindly wait with the rest of the guests,” he said very sternly.

“Oooo, super top secret!” Squall’s dad grinned. “Very well! Can’t spoil any surprises!” he said before turning around and giving Squall a few rough pats on the head. Squall groaned and looked down, refusing to make any eye contact with anypony as they gathered. Matteo, Star, and Storm were all looking at him with mixed expressions. Matteo had a seldom seen look of surprise on his face. Star had a look of sympathy, and Storm… looked pissed off. Dash had no idea why, but he looked incredibly miffed.

Soon the rest of the recruits and the Wonderbolts gathered around, save for Spitfire, who was still up at the podium. She should have finished organizing things up there a while ago, but Soarin had the feeling she was hiding to stave off her… problems.

“We’ve got a lot more guests showing up than we anticipated,” Silver explained. He motioned to the tables that were set up in a scattered pattern, rectangular tables that could sit four on each side. “Our setup is inadequate, we’re going to push these tables together to make lines of long tables leading towards the podium,” he pointed towards the center of the dome where Spitfire was ‘working.’ “We’ve got a few tables being brought here form the mess halls right now, we have to get this banquet underway soon, so when the maintenance staff walks in, everypony help them out, alright? Dismissed!”

Almost right after Silver explained it, the maintenance crew started coming through the doors, trying to clear a path through the guests so they could fit the new tables through. Being earth ponies, most of them were probably fine carrying the tables, but Silver said they needed them quickly, so they all moved to assist.

Some of the Wonderbolts went to make a path, politely alerting the guests to move aside as the maintenance crew moved. The rest went to assist with the tables or move the ones already present into place. Soarin went to help bring in the new tables. Dash, along with Matteo, Squall, Star, and Storm stayed behind to move the other tables.

As Dash and the others were directed by Silver and moving into place to lift one of the tables, Star found her way next to Dash.

“Um…” she began as they lifted the table and hovered in the air with the help of Matteo on the other side. “Did you see…?”

“Squall’s parents?” Dash finished for her as they moved.

“Yeah…” Star nodded as they set the table down.

“Kind of hard not to see them. Honestly, Star…” Dash shook her head. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”

“I’m not…” Storm Front suddenly said as he walked up behind them.

“Storm?” Dash blinked and stepped aside to let him in. Just as she observed before, he looked incredibly angry. He was grinding his teeth together between speaking.

“I’ve got a few words for that asshole and I hope he hears them loud and clear…” Storm snarled as he moved alongside Dash and Star to the next table Silver wanted moved.

“A few words?” Dash asked with interest as Storm joined them. Dash glanced over to see Squall standing among the ponies moving tables, but not actually helping. He seemed reluctant to even move as ponies worked around him.

“Some damn good ones,” Storm snarled as he glanced at Squall as well.

Dash didn’t like where this was going. If the last scuffle the two stallions had was any indication, Strom Front and Squall did not get along very well. Up until now, they knew literally nothing about Squall’s life, but clearly something about what they just all witnessed had Storm a little more than extremely pissed off. In fact, Dash had never seen Storm more angry, not even when he was yelling at Squall about family a few weeks ago.

She, herself was trying to put everything she saw together. Squall, from the beginning had exhibited very strange behavior. Challenging authority when he simply could not win. Acting tough one moment, becoming a coward the next. But most interestingly… appearing to enjoy being yelled at or berated.

Dash just witnessed Squall’s family publicly humiliate him without batting an eye or thinking about how ridiculous they looked… was there a connection? More specifically, was his sharp and venomous behavior a result of… that? She was so confused.

“Hold on…” Star suddenly spoke up, directing her words at Storm. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves…”

“Shove it, tiny…” Storm said in an incredibly rare display of snippiness. “He’s full of crap, and you better believe I intend to let him know,” Storm growled as they moved the second table.

“Whoa, whoa!” Dash reacted as Star’s jaw dropped.

“Storm…” Matteo cut in as Star appeared to be rendered speechless by the sudden mean tone Storm had taken. “Calm down,” Matteo said with a strict tone as they placed the second table on the ground. Storm glared harshly at Matteo.

Dash looked between the two of them as she slowly stepped back. Storm and Matteo had a mutual respect for each other, one that was earned through working together during the tryouts and through what both of them had achieved. Matteo only ever spoke highly of Storm… so it was no simple act when Matteo spoke out against him.

“Matteo… don’t act like you understand,” Storm growled while looking up at Matteo.

“I understand perfectly, if not more…” Matteo huffed down at Storm. It looked like Matteo was reading his intentions where Dash could not. “Just leave it be, it’s not worth it.”

Dash was trying to figure out what they were talking about, but she couldn’t put her hoof on it.

“Next table! Let’s go!” Silver yelled to them . They started moving, Storm and Matteo glaring at each other the whole length.

“Guys…” Dash shifted in between them as they moved. “Stop, please.”

“Dash… butt out!” Storm snapped at her.

Dash’s eyes went wide. Storm Front… the seemingly perfect friendly pony who had been nothing but nice to her, just personally lashed out at her. Anypony else she wouldn’t have given a damn… but Storm? The more she was around him, the less perfect he seemed. At the beginning, he was friendly and unbreakable… then the incident with Squall in the hallway… now this… Storm was exposing cracks in his armor. Perhaps his past affected him more than he let on. Was his friendliness a front he put up to disguise what drove him absolutely mad?

“Storm…” Dash tried to get to him, but because Storm was so focused on glaring at Matteo as they moved to the next table…

He managed to bump directly into Squall.

Squall looked up for an instant, but the moment he saw Storm, he looked right back to the ground.

Dash, Star, and Matteo all stopped, despite the orders Silver was giving. They were afraid a similar scenario would play out compared to a few weeks ago.

“You…” Storm growled as he glared at Squall.

“Rgh…” Squall merely grunted in response.

“Is that really all you have to say?!” Storm quickly snapped at him. Dash and Little Star both flinched as Storm rose his voice. Matteo remained calm, but he clearly didn’t like the way storm was acting. “Look at me,” Storm demanded. Squall kept his head down. Storm snarled at him. “Look. At. Me,” he demanded. Again, Squall simply stared at the ground. “LOOK AT ME!” Storm shouted at him, drawing the attention of a few around him. Including Silver.

“Hey!” Silver trotted up between the two of them. “The hell? Do I have to separate you two again?!” Silver asked as he stood above and between the two of them. Despite the pony of superior authority standing between them, Storm looked right past Silver as if he didn’t exist, glaring at Squall as harshly as he could.

“What is wrong with you?!” Storm yelled in Squall’s direction. Silver scrunched his face and turned to Storm, but Storm didn’t waver. “No, seriously, I want a god damn answer from you!” Storm spat at Squall.

Squall didn’t say anything, nor did he move anywhere. He stood perfectly still as Storm looked over Silver towards him, glaring at Squall as he looked straight down at the ground.

“You’re the biggest pile of shit I ever met in my life!” Storm yelled at Squall.

Dash watched curiously as Silver moved to restrain Storm. However, about three seconds after, Silver let Storm go, giving him a free path right towards Squall. The look on Silver’s face changed, as if his sudden inexplicable actions were intended. Like he wanted Storm to go to Squall.

“Leave me alone…” Squall said quietly.

“You can’t even look me in the eye? You’re pathetic and a coward!” Storm snapped. If there was one thing Squall hated, it was being called a coward. Squall looked up, glaring and gritting his teeth… but there was a distinct amount of desperation in his expression, as if he wanted to retort but there was nothing coming to him. In fact… he had faint traces of tears in the corners of is eyes. “Ha! A crybaby too? This just keeps getting better and better!”

“Storm!” Dash came up behind him, but sharply hesitated, remembering well what happened last time she tried to restrain him. Dash desperately wanted to stop him, they were too far away from the guests for them to see or know what was going on, but the last thing Dash wanted was for Derpy to see Storm like this. If another fight started it and she saw Storm throwing punches, it would absolutely crush her.

“You…” Storm growled at Squall as he dominated him in the battle of glares. “You walk around here every damn day with a scowl, and attitude, and acting like the whole damn world is against you. Why? Cause your mommy and your daddy forgot to change your diaper in front of everyone?”

“Shut up!” Squall’s voice cracked as he lashed back. “It’s not funny! You don’t know what it’s like! Living my whole damn life being humiliated! Treated like a baby! Not being taken seriously!” he yelled. Squall’s confidence seemed completely shattered, as if his darkest secret had just been revealed. Storm however, took a deep breath and exhaled through his nose without taking his crushing gaze off of Squall.

“Yeah, you know what?” Storm tipped his head and leaned into Squall’s face. “I don't know what it’s like,” Storm said quietly.

Dash’s eyes widened. Of course… that’s what this was all about. Squall’s ears flopped down and any traces of anger seemed to slowly fade as Storm continued.

“I don’t know what it’s like to have parents who come to visit me. I’ve never had somepony around to ruffle my mane and tell me I’m a good colt. A hug is something I was lucky to get every month or so,” he paused and sharpened his glare further. “I don’t care how much you don’t like them, you have a mother and father who clearly love you and cherish you. Yet you huff, whine, and cry like nopony in Equestria has it as hard as you do…” Storm made sure each of his words stabbed deep.

Dash suddenly couldn’t bring herself to try and stop him anymore. Storm had a point… and what better pony to drive it home? Their situations and personalities were almost perfectly opposite.

Squall had, while incredibly annoying, a mother and father that loved him and cared about him. Yet Squall was bitter and sour because he despised his parents’ behavior and form of affection.

Storm on the other hoof, had had an incredibly rough life with a mother who only ever spoke to insult and blame his father for everything. And said father, while he cared and tried hard for Storm, was barely ever around. Despite it all, Storm was as sweet and friendly as a pony comes, trying to be happy and kind to those despite life not being that way to him.

“You know what you need to do?” Storm grunted in disgust. “You need to fucking GROW UP!” he put as harshly as he possibly could.

“Stop!” Little Star suddenly hovered up between them and faced Storm. “Storm, STOP it!” she demanded while holding her little hooves up and pushing against Storm. “Leave him alone!”

Dash was surprised. Star was defending Squall?

“Star, back off, this isn’t your problem,” Storm hissed at her.

“I don’t care, you’re being way too harsh on him!” Star exclaimed.

“Too harsh?!” Storm looked at her in disbelief. “Did you hear a word I said?”

“Yeah! I did! But you’re acting a little high and mighty, don’t you think?” Star backed up a little as if trying to show she wanted to shield Squall. She glanced back at Squall, who looked broken, looking down with small tears built up, but refusing to fall. “Don’t compare your problems!” she stated strongly as she glared back at Storm.

Art by: Foxenawolf

“I know a thing or two about not being taken seriously your whole life… it has its own sting,” she calmed down as she explained.

Squall’s ears stood up and he looked up at Star’s back. His face suggested he was surprised as his jaw hung open slightly, as if he never thought somepony would defend him, OR make an argument about knowing how he felt. Storm blinked and backed off slightly, finding weight to Star’s words as he thought them over carefully. He was so sure he was in the right, but Star’s little intervention instantly made him look at it a little differently..

“Are you all done now?” Silver suddenly stepped back in and pushed them all apart. “Good,” he continued before they could answer. “Now let’s quit the drama and move these damn tables already! Double time it!” he ordered. The rest of the ponies began moving with him.

Dash and Matteo stopped in their tracks and looked back at Storm, Star, and Squall. The three of them remained in place for a moment before Storm grunted and turned away to help out. Star turned to Squall and hovered up to him. Dash was too far away to hear them, but Star was clearly checking on him and making sure he was alright.

Dash didn’t know what to think of the situation. It was almost as if there was no side to take. She agreed with Storm that Squall’s behavior was a bit irrational, but she also felt Star was right about Storm being too harsh. If anything, she started to see how a few pieces fit together. Squall always complaining that nopony took him seriously. It finally made sense why he smiled whenever he was yelled at. He wanted to be treated sternly, it made him feel like he was being taken seriously. It was odd, but Dash had a feeling there was a purpose.

“Uh…” Matteo suddenly spoke up as he and Dash started moving another table.

“What?” Dash broke from her thoughts and looked up at him. Matteo was looking in every direction.

“I barely even noticed in the commotion… but…” he looked down at Dash. “Where did Twister go?”

Dash blinked and looked up. She glanced around the whole area, but Twister, was in fact, nowhere to be seen. Not even around Surprise and Pinkie.

“Huh?” Dash reacted as she came to the same realization.

However, they didn’t have time to dwell on it. They had to set up the tables and get the banquet started.

---

With some quick work and a lot of yelling from Silver, the tables were soon all in place. The guests were called over and everypony found a nice place to sit before moving towards the finely prepared buffet with the dinner for the night.

“Wow… actual food. I think I’m in heaven,” Dash chuckled as she filed in line behind her mom and dad. Thunderlane was right behind her, conversing with his little brother, Rumble. Dash had been occupied, but Thunderlane’s little brother at some point had showed up as well. Thunderlane gave him a pat on the head before turning and looking towards Dash.

“Hey, Dash,” he spoke up, tapping her on the shoulder.

“Yeah?” she replied while turning to face him.

“What was that all about a few minutes ago?” he asked. He was not around the little exchange between Storm and Squall. Dash opened her mouth to reply, but found herself hesitating, not quite sure what to say.

“Uh…” she blinked as the line moved forwards slightly. “Honestly, there’s a bit much to tell, I doubt we’ll have enough time here. I’ll tell you later,” she suggested. “Oh!” her curiosity suddenly took over. “Have you seen Twister anywhere?” she asked.

“Twister?” Thunderlane repeated while blinking. He looked around a few times. “Uh… no actually I haven’t.”

“Well, I dunno what the hell he’s doing,” Dash released an exasperated sigh. “He better get back before the squad is announced.”

“What about you, little dude?” Thunderlane turned and asked his brother. “Have you seen a crazy green pony with a blue mane floating around?”

Where could Twister be? It was strange for him to just disappear like that. Actually, what was Dash thinking, strange was normal for Twister, so for all she knew, he could just be fooling around elsewhere for the time being. Somehow, she had a feeling that he would show up RIGHT as the ceremony welcoming the recruit squad and the reserves began. Call it a hunch, but he was weird like that.

“Yeah I have no idea where he—” Thunderlane was turning back around towards Dash when he accidentally bumped into an old, bright red pegasus stallion with a blown back orange and yellow mane.

“Whoa!” the stallion stumbled, barely keeping his tray steady. Thunderlane instinctively reached out and caught the old stallion, preventing him from dropping his tray.

“Ah! I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there!” Thunderlane quickly apologized.

Dash blinked, gasped, and her eyes grew about three sizes.

“Oh it’s quite alright,” the old stallion chuckled. He looked to be a good ten or fifteen years older than silver.

“Are you alright?” a new voice entered. A yellow mare of the same age with a long white mane came up to him.

“I’m fine Flash, don’t worry,” The old stallion turned and smiled at Thunderlane. “No harm done, son.”

Thunderlane sighed in relief as the old coupled moved away, happy that he didn’t do any more damage. He turned back to Dash—

“Dash?” he blinked and looked at her quizzically. Her eyes were wide and her jaw looked like it was about to unhinge and fall to the floor. “What’s up with you?” he asked.

“Th-th-th-th-that…” she stuttered as Thunderlane looked at her curiously.

“Eh?”

“THAT WAS… AHHHHHH!” Dash put her hooves to her head and released a very high pitched squeal.

Thunderlane looked back towards the two old ponies as Silver and Misty Fly suddenly hurried over to them, both of them smiling and looking incredibly happy to see the old pair. He looked back to Dash, who looked like she was about to burst.

“That was Blazetail and Flashwind!” Dash exclaimed, looking like she would faint. Thunderlane blinked, glancing back at the old couple before looking at Dash again.

“Who?”

“OH MY GOD!” Dash wanted to slap Thunderlane upside the head as hard as she could.

Blazetail and Flashwind were in attendance?! AND NOPONY TOLD HER THEY WOULD BE THERE?! Dash couldn’t believe she just randomly encounted the two ponies that more or less inspired her to get to the point she had just reached. She doubted the two of them would recognize her, but they were there… and they would see her in her moment where she officially became a Wonderbolt. The night that was already awesome just became so much MORE awesome!

It was also interesting to see Silver and Misty act so… giddy. The two of them literally flocked to Blazetail and Flashwind. It was understandable though, of all the current Wonderbolts, the only two that would possibly have a more personal relationship with the two former legendary captains would be the two oldest Wonderbolts.

Dash hadn’t seen much of Soarin, Spitfire, or Fleetfoot since the banquet began. They were sitting near the podium. Dash remembered the recount of the lucky encounter from Fleetfoot and Spitfire, how they were competing in a Manehatten amateur stunt flying contest when Blazetail and Flashwind just happened to be passing by and stopped to watch. She never really asked if they got to know the old captains very well, but Dash assumed Spitfire at least had to know them if she was chosen as their successor…

But again… seeing Silver giddy was cracking her up. He was cracking her up, the way he looked so happy and bright eyed as he conversed with Blazetail. However, Dash was more interested in the way Misty Fly was interacting with Flashwind. Misty had immediately hugged Flashwind upon approaching and Flashwind looked incredibly happy to see her as well. It wasn’t long before they had released each other… and Flashwind began making wing and hoof signals to talk to Misty. They were shaky, and nowhere near as refined or quick as Fire Streak’s or Storm’s, but Dash knew well how much Misty adored it if anyone could speak with her.

Dash finally reached the buffet and quickly picked up more food than her plate could carry. It was a simple catering service buffet, but after how much crappy food she had eaten in the mess hall, something like this looked like a feast fit for the princesses themselves. She was still a bit overwhelmed knowing her original inspirations were present, but she managed to get back to her seat with her parents without spilling anything in her excited state.

---

The banquet itself was great. Dash really didn’t know what other word to use to describe it. ‘Great’ seemed like the only and best way to put it. She was with her parents, she had connected with old friends (who were also sitting at the table with her family), she was among idols, new friends, family... DAMN, it was just an awesome experience.

To top it off? Great food! What more could she ask for?

The dinner progressed smoothly, with Dash’s friends reconnecting with her and Dash telling them all great stories of her experiences at the compound. Pinkie Pie literally could not stop laughing every time Dash talked about Silver. It was to be expected though. Of everything Dash told them about, she knew Silver was going to be popular.

Dash had spent a lot of time with Silver. She had come to respect him almost as much as one would respect their own father. And she also knew… that she would never be short of amusing stories to tell, because Silver was one heck of an interesting and hilarious individual if he wasn’t directing it at you.

The banquet continued to progress smoothly… and right up to the point that Dash had been both eager… and secretly dreading to see. Spitfire had gotten up from her seat and was heading to the podium. Dash knew what was coming, and she was about to find out how long she could hold her breath. Recruit squad, or reserve… she would be happy. But seriously, she wanted to be on the recruit squad so badly. Why? Because she felt like she earned it, she didn’t want to be separated from her new friends, and she wanted to stay within close proximity of Soarin. Being a reserve would make that a little difficult, no different than they already had been doing for a while with the long distance relationship.

Well, it was about to happen. She was about to know. She, her old friend, her new friends, her parents, and those who had faith in her were all ready and listening as Spitfire cleared her throat into the microphone to draw the attention of everypony.

“Hello everypony,” she began as the last few conversations ended and all were looking at her. “I hope you are all enjoying this event as we are, because not only is it a time to reconnect with friends and family, but also a time for us to honor those who have achieved the right to be called Wonderbolts. For those of you who don’t know, of the twenty recruits that have all performed admirably, only five of them will be selected to stay in the compound with us, the other fifteen will be sent home, but with the title of Wonderbolt reserve. No matter which of you are chosen for the recruit squad, you have all earned an equal honor. The reserve Wonderbolts are just as much a part of our force as the recruit squad, something I will go more into later.”

Dash felt like she was going to fire up to the ceiling from her seat, she was so excited she thought she was going to burst.

“Would all the recruits, as well as squads one, two, and three all please come up here? Spitfire motioned to the small stage the podium was set up on, elevated about a foot off the ground.

“That’s your cue,” Rainbow Blaze leaned back and nudged Dash. Dash looked at her father and shivered as she smiled. This was happening, this was the official induction.

She eagerly got up and started moving towards the stage. She was excited, but also a little anxious and nervous. She remembered Silver telling her how harshly she would be evaluated compared to the others. He made it clear she was one of the best, but because of that there were much higher expectations placed on her. She could only hope that she met them.

Being closer to the stage, the three elite squads were on stage and lined up by rank before the recruits began piling on. Soarin and Fleetfoot directed the recruits to line up in front of the elites. Dash could distinctly feel the rapid thumping of her heart beating in her chest. She ended up between Thunderlane and Matteo as they all turned and faced their family, friends, the rest of the Wonderbolt elite, and now that Dash got a better look, there were definitely more old, retired Wonderbolts in attendance. It was hard for her to take her eyes off of Blazetail and Flashwind, but she picked out a few others she remembered from her fillyhood. She recalled seeing some of them fly alongside Misty Fly back when Dash would see her shows. Misty was very young back then as proven by how much older some of the retired Wonderbolts seemed.

Dash glanced to her left, jumping briefly in surprise when Twister was suddenly on the other side of Matteo. Just like she predicted, he showed up right when the ceremony started. She wasn’t going to question him, he did his own thing. But then again… she began to wonder if Twister’s parents were there. He had done nothing but goof off the whole banquet so far, she didn’t even think about it. And she would have to wait, because Spitfire was starting up again.

“All twenty of you…” Spitfire began again, causing Dash to stiffen in excitement. “Once we hand you these plaques,” she motioned to the table beside her. “Will officially be recognized as Wonderbolts Reserve and recruit squad alike. Please come around as we call your name. Little Star,” Spitfire began as they turned and started moving. Each one of them passed by Spitfire, received a plaque from Soarin, and proceeded down the line, shaking hooves with each of the Wonderbolts from squads one through three.

Dash felt more and more anxious as the line moved. She was just receiving her plaque, they weren’t calling out the recruit squad yet, but holy crap, she wanted to know so badly. The names were being called one by one, and Dash barely noticed when Thunderlane’s name was called. She blinked when she realized she was next, barely able to steady herself before—

“Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire called her name. Dash swallowed before moving past the podium. She glanced at Spitfire and saw her smiling. It was amazing to see Spitfire look upon her like that, even if they already knew each other well. Before they were just friends, now she was acknowledging Dash as the captain. Spitfire also looked a little strange though. She looked abnormally stiff, as if she was holding her breath. She was also sweating. Maybe she was nervous too? Dash couldn’t tell, nor could understand why she would be. She didn’t have time to contemplate it because she had to keep moving.

Soarin handed her a plaque, and bounced his eyebrows once at her subtly. She held in a snicker and rolled her eyes as she moved to Fleetfoot. Dash barely had time to tuck her plaque under her wing before Fleetfoot reached out and gave her a hug instead of shaking her hoof. It was brief and surprising, but Dash smiled and returned it quickly before moving down. She passed Silver next, who gave her a faint grin and a nod as they shook hooves.

To anypony else, the gesture would have seemed insignificant. A simple acknowledgement from a superior officer. However, to Dash it meant more. She could feel it in his eyes and the way he looked upon her as they exchanged the hoof shake. Pride. He looked proud to be a part of her rise into the Wonderbolts. The look put her at ease as she continued, because why would he look so thrilled if his personal student wasn’t staying in the compound with him?

She moved down the line. Wave Chill simply gave a warm smile, Blaze and High Winds both winked at her in a joking manner. Fire Streak gave her a strong, firm hoof shake, Misty gave her a hug, Lightning Streak jokingly blew a kiss at her, which she replied with sticking her tongue out. Finally, Surprise shook her hoof so hard and rapidly, Dash thought she was going to bounce right off the stage.

Dash felt a roaring flame in her heart as she came around and relined up at the front of the stage. Passing by each of them while wearing the uniform and holding proof of her ascension beneath her wing felt incredible. Each one of them had had a role in her being there today. Some of them more than others, but each of them held a place dear in her heart. It was something she would never forget, and she could only hope to repay them for someday.

As they all retook their places in front.

“Everypony, please welcome our twenty newest additions to the Wonderbolts… Silver?” Spitfire looked towards Silver Lining as she, Silver, and the rest on stage floated up so they could be seen over the recruits. All the Wonderbolts, current and retired all stood from their seats as well. Silver cleared his throat.

“ALL RANKS ATTENTION!” Silver yelled.

“AYE!” All the Wonderbolts replied, even Blazetail and Flashwind.

“ALL HONOR SALUTE!” Silver yelled. Dash watched with absolute goosebumps as in unison, all the Wonderbolts pounded a hoof to their chest, then tapped and held it to their foreheads.

“AYE!” they all acknowledged. The rest of the guests watched with interest and wonder as the Wonderbolts held the salute for a good fifteen seconds.

“ALL RANKS! AT EASE!” Silver called out as they floated back down and the rest of the Wonderbolts retook their seats.

Dash definitely had to make that down at the top of her list of ‘coolest things that had ever happened to her.’ That was the old Wonderbolt salute. She had barely seen it used during her time here, but as she had read, it was usually used only during times of conflict or military operation. They were all just acknowledged on the deeper level of their new rank.

“Now…” Spitfire returned to the microphone. “Matteo…” she called a name again. Dash glanced to her left at him. He looked surprised as well. “Twister… Little Star…” Spitfire continued naming names, but they didn’t know what to do. “Squall…” she paused. “And Rainbow Dash.”

Dash flinched. What were they being called out for? Was this going to be about the test?

“Could you five please step back for a moment?” Spitfire ordered. Dash and the rest looked between each other curiously. Dash more specifically, looked at Thunderlane as she and the others call moved back while he stayed forward. “Now… you fifteen in front,” Spitfire started again.

Dash instantly had bells and fireworks going off in her head. Fifteen? That meant…

“Or as I should refer to you now… our new reserve Wonderbolts,” Spitfire revealed.

Dash instantly looked back and forth with a massive smile on her face. Little Star looked like she wanted to scream happily. Matteo’s eyes widened. Squall’s jaw dropped. And Twister’s usual smirk remained. Dash felt something poke her from behind. She turned to see Silver nudging her.

“Quiet down…” he said sternly as Spitfire started speaking. The five of them instantly did their best to hold in their excitement, but it was hard… oh man, it was hard.

“Now, before any of you go on thinking that you’ve fallen short…” Spitfire began, as she instantly saw a few faces among the other fifteen, including Thunderlane, fall a little. “I want to be very clear that the Wonderbolt reserve is an incredibly important part of our force… in fact, I would almost go as far to say you are one of the most important parts of our force because you represent our prowess and our duties outside of the compound.”

Dash listened intently as all she found she could think of was Thunderlane… aside from her current giddiness of course. At first she thought Spitfire was just going to give them a generic, ‘you are important too’ speech, but as she spoke, it seemed to go much further than that.

“As members of the Wonderbolts away from the compound, you are given full authority to take action in any crisis or during any trouble that may occur. Local law enforcement and guard militia will give you their full cooperation as long as you show up in uniform and proof of your Wonderbolt certification which we will issue to you later. As Wonderbolts, we protect Equestria to the best of our unique abilities… and because of our reserve Wonderbolts, our reach can extend far beyond Canterlot. Be the watchponies and the protectors of your homes, and be ready at all times because we call upon our reserves much more often than you might think. This is not a goodbye… this is good luck, and we look forward to seeing you often.”

The change in the air surrounding the reserves was clear and extreme. All the dejected looks turned into ones of both surprise and motivated.

Protectors of their homes... full cooperation from local authorities… it almost sounded like a super hero role. That may have been a childish way to think about it, but to Dash… that sounded like the best way to think of it. The Wonderbolts were special ponies that were trained to be the best, and protect those who cannot protect themselves… it made sense to send a good number of them off to be out in the world, at home and at the ready to act if need be.

“As I said, you will be properly equipped with what you need before you are dismissed a few days from now,” Spitfire added with a smile. “You may be seated… you five,” Spitfire looked back at Dash and the others as the new reserve Wonderbolts stepped down from the stage and took their seats. “Please step forward.”

The five of them looked between each other. Dash couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t believe it! After how the elite selection after the tryouts went, she was terrified that something was once again going to prevent her from reaching her goal… but now here she was… with four ponies she had suffered through a lot of pain, sweat, and tears with… about to be welcomed as the new recruit squad. She almost couldn’t handle it, nor did it seem the rest of them could either. Star’s wings were struggling not to flutter, Squall still had his jaw nearly to the floor. Dash had never seen Matteo with such a ‘happy’ look on his serious face. Twister had a banana in his ear.

“Last but not least…” Spitfire started up again. “We obviously have you five,” she said with a chuckle, which earned a few laughs from the crowd as well. “Why did we call you back? Because you’re not going home after this… you are staying right here with us.”

Dash was inadvertently tapping her hoof on the ground, she wanted to hear Spitfire say it so bad.

“Mares and stallions,” Spitfire looked out at the crowd as she motioned to the five on stage. “These five...” she paused and looked at Matteo. “Individuals… have shown us some of the most remarkable flying abilities and combat potential I have ever seen in my years here as a Wonderbolt. “Each of them was hoof picked for special evaluation by our reliable veteran, Silver Lining, and let me tell you, his selection was well picked. Not only did they perform well above and beyond the heavy expectations put on a group that was already one of our best ever… they broke through those expectations and wowed us further. Not to mention these five are the first recruits in Wonderbolt history, to turn and attack the black dragon image during the test.” Spitfire paused. Dash watched as a murmur of awe spread among the retired Wonderbolts. Knowing she had impressed such an inspiring crew was all the more inspiring in itself.

“Squall, Little Star, Rainbow Dash, Matteo, and Twister!” Spitfire nodded to them. “I’d like to officially welcome you all as our newest five flyer recruit squad!”

Hearing the words directly from the captain’s mouth made Dash’s heart leap in her chest as she was sure the same happened for the others. The effect was doubled when Spitfire began clapping her hooves together. Which led to the Wonderbolts on stage doing the same… and eventually the whole crowd joining in.

Dash and the others looked around at friends and family alike… taking in the sight of everypony clapping and acknowledging them. Dash’s eyes darted around the crowd, first landing on Blazetail and Flashwind. She blinked and moved to her friends from Ponyville and her mother and father. Finally, her eyes moved to Storm Front, who was sitting beside Autumn Rain at a table with squad seven. He was clapping as well with a smile on his face.

Little Star suddenly moved towards Dash and hugged her tightly. Dash returned the hug as she looked up at Squall. Squall was looking down, but his eyes had lost any trace of sadness from the incident earlier. Dash looked out to see Squall’s parents hooting and hollering like crazy before she turned back to Squall. She reached out and gave him a light punch to the shoulder. Squall instantly looked up at her, his eyes wrought with disbelief. She winked at him before nodding. He simply stared at her as she turned to Matteo. Matteo balled up one set of his talons and held it out towards Dash. Dash reached up and bumped her hoof with it. Twister jumped up on Matteo’s head, wearing a ten-gallon hat. He pulled it off his head and began swinging it around.

They had made it.

All five of them had made it. They were a recruit squad. They survived the grueling training together and now they had the chance to become even more. What an amazing day this was shaping up to be… one they would never forget.

---

With the dinner over and the ceremony complete, all those attending were directed back towards the doors of the battle dome as the catering crew and maintenance crew began cleaning everything up. Dash and the others took this chance to rejoin their friends and families for a short while before the event ultimately ended.

Dash spent a few moments taking in the moment with her new squad, but Twister disappeared once again right after the ceremony was over. Dash wanted to ask him about his family, but was Twister deliberately avoiding it? He was tricky like that.

As soon as she was back among her family and old friends, Dash was swarmed. Pinkie, Fluttershy, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Scootaloo gave her a huge group hug full of congratulations and excitement. Of course, Dash considered the fact that she was now going to be staying in the compound permanently. However, with her schedule more open now, sometimes with more than one day off in a row, she would find plenty of chances to go home and spend a night or two with her old friends. They were ecstatic when they heard this, especially Fluttershy, and Scootaloo, who both seemed more worried than the rest of them. Dash was quick to let Scootaloo know she could have full access to her cloud house gym back home, and she even asked Bulk Biceps to keep an eye on her, with the added benefit of using her home gym as well. She knew he wouldn’t complain.

Dash reconnected with her mother and father as well, both of them giving her a big hug and telling her how incredibly proud they were of her. Dash promised she’d visit them as well and see about getting them tickets to any shows she might participate in. She was so glad both her father AND her mother were able to make the trip. Both of them worked long, harsh hours, but they both made the effort to come see her. It was beyond touching.

But just as she pulled away from her parent’s hug, Dash noticed Applejack hesitating as she walked by. Dash looked in the direction Applejack was walking, and saw Thunderlane sitting on the floor with his brother trying to talk to him. However, Thunderlane didn’t look the least bit thrilled or happy… not even after the very motivating speech Spitfire gave.

“I’ll find you guys before you leave,” Dash said to her parents. “I’ve got a few ponies to talk to.”

“We’ll be right here, honey,” Firefly nodded.

“Don’t take too long, there’s only so much attention I can give you,” Rainbow Blaze joked, earning a nudge from Firefly.

Dash chuckled as she moved away from her parents and towards Applejack.

“Yo, A.J.,” she spoke up. Applejack flinched and yelped before quickly turning and looking towards Dash. “Your stallion still being an idiot?” Dash asked. Applejack sighed and looked back towards Thunderlane.

“He’s been mopin’ the whole time!” Applejack quickly stated with frustration in her voice. “I dunno, Rainbow, I almost get the idea he ain’t happy t’see me!”

“Whoooooaaaa…” Dash shifted in front of Applejack. “A.J., that’s far from it. He’s being a stubborn idiot… c’mon, let’s go talk to him,” she said as she grabbed Applejack and began pulling him towards Thunderlane.

“Huh? But, what am I supposed t’say?” Applejack questioned as they moved.

“Let me talk first,” Dash winked at her. “I’ve been wanting to talk to him anyway, he’s had more than enough reasons to be happy, but I don’t think he’s seeing them. You’ll know when to speak up, trust me,” Dash assured Applejack as they moved towards Thunderlane.

“But you’re a Wonderbolt, big bro!” Rumble exclaimed as he stood before his brother. The little colt was incredibly confused as to why his brother was sad. Dash didn’t blame the little guy, Thunderlane was being silly, and she intended to make that loud and clear for him.

“Hey kid, go talk to Scootaloo for a sec, we need to talk to your brother,” Dash said while nudging Rumble along.

“What? But she has cooties!” Rumble whined, earning a snicker from Dash.

“Not as much as Sweetie Belle, trust me, you’ll live,” Dash assured him as she nudged him along. Rumble obeyed and left Thunderlane with Dash and Applejack. He didn’t even acknowledge them though, he was sitting still and looking down. What was wrong with him? Dash couldn’t believe the way he was acting. He had more than enough reasons to be absolutely thrilled and here he was moping. Well, she had to fix that.

“Thunderlane…” she spoke up. Thunderlane looked up at Dash and shifted his eyes to Applejack before looking back down. “Good gravy, Thunderlane…” Dash groaned in frustration. “I thought you’d be better once Applejack showed up, what gives?”

“You know exactly what gives Dash…” he replied while speaking to the floor. Applejack made a move towards him, but Dash reached out and blocked her, shaking her head. Applejack narrowed her eyes and bit her lip as she sat down and let Dash handle it.

“No, actually Thunderlane, I don’t…” she half-lied. She more or less knew the reasons he was down, she just wanted to hear it from him.

“Really, Dash?” he turned and snorted. “Look at you, working so hard and having something to show for it. I went through hell, somehow didn’t die in the process, and now I’m being sent back home. Feels great…”

“That’s stupid,” Dash IMMEDIATELY replied, earning a glare from him but she shook her head.

“Thunderlane you are WEARING a Wonderbolt uniform!” she raised her voice a little as she stepped forward and places a heavy hoof against his chest.

“But I’m just—”

“A reserve?!” Dash cut him off. “Did you hear a single word Spitfire said? You’re role is just as important, if not more! You’re going home, yeah, but now you can protect that home as a Wonderbolt! Seriously, Thunderlane how much praise does it take for you to understand what you’ve accomplished? Yeah, you pained your way through everything, taking more punishment than the rest of us combined, but you still made it! You’re in the top twenty of three hundred pegasi that showed up during the tryouts. BOTH Soarin and Silver have personally gone out of their way to praise you and your efforts and you’re MOPING?! Tell me how that makes sense because it doesn’t make sense to me!”

“I…” Thunderlane had his mouth open, but found no words to say back. He didn’t know what was different about Dash, but it was much different compared to when Soarin and Silver confronted him. Maybe because she knew him well? After all, when Dash told somepony the truth, she told it hard.

“Do you have any idea how difficult it is for a pony to come as far as we have?” Dash continued. She glanced briefly at Applejack. Applejack perked up, as if Dash was giving her a signal. “Do you know what’s going to happen when you get off the train at Ponyville? You are going to be treated like a hero. A Ponyville Wonderbolt, I’m more than certain the two of us are the first,” Dash finished as she took a single step back, letting Applejack by.

“Thunderlane, I don’t know why yer so down!” she picked up right where Dash left off, walking right up to him and giving him a big hug. “D’ya have any idea how proud Ponyville is gonna be of ya? How proud I am of ya?” she reached up and forced him to look at her. “You went into this blind and earned th’right to be proud of yerself too! I didn’t…” she hesitated and looked away. “I didn’t think ya’d get very far at all. Not cause I didn’t have faith in ya. I just thought you were in over yer head,” she looked back into his eyes. “But, now yer wearing that uniform and ya look so much stronger than ya did before ya left. I’m so happy for ya… Yer an amazing pony Thunderlane, don’t ever think yer not… please.”

The effect Applejack had on Thunderlane was so clear and present that it made Dash chuckle to herself. She had such a hard time getting through his thick skull, but Applejack could push her way in freely, it seemed. Dash was confident Applejack had turned his thoughts around.

What did Thunderlane say to her when they sat across from each other on the train to the tryouts?

She’s still too soft on me, like I break if I so much as fall off a chair. I feel like I need to be better for her, to be stronger. I want her to acknowledge me as an equal, not something she has to watch out for.

Applejack had done just that. That was Thunderlane’s true goal after all, and he clearly had not forgotten it. He may be sad he was leaving, and down because he wouldn’t be staying with his new friends anymore, but he had a home to go back to and protect, along with family and friends that would be awaiting his return with open arms.

Deciding to leave the two lovebirds alone, Dash turned and started walking towards the crowd again. However, she only got about halfway to them before spotting somepony else that was sitting off to the side by himself.

It was Storm Front.

Dash blinked and looked around for Derpy, wondering why she wasn’t with him. She quickly found her answer when she saw Derpy surrounded by a Fire Streak, Wave Chill, and Fleetfoot. They seemed to be talking to her about the record she so casually broke during her time at the tryouts. Derpy looked like she was having the absolute time of her life, having such famous pegasi talk to her so eagerly. She was so excited she couldn’t keep her wings closed.

Storm must’ve broken off and sat down while Derpy was busy… but why? He was awfully far away from the rest of the crowd. This was the kind of behavior she expected from Squall, but definitely not Storm.

She immediately altered her course and trotted towards him. It was strange… he was smiling. He wasn’t looking down, or moping, he looked happy. Then why was he sitting alone? Since he didn’t look sad at all, she went with a casual approach.

“Heya, Storm!” Dash slowed to a walk and approached slowly. Storm looked towards her and nodded.

“Dash, congratulations!” he said reaching out and giving her a hug. To be honest she was confused. Beyond him sitting off to the side, this was quite a sudden turnaround from before. He was about to murder Squall before the banquet started and Dash tried to stop him. He wasn’t the least bit shaken up? She had come to see that Storm’s efforts to be nice twenty-four seven could be his way of coping with things. There was no way anypony would let something slide so easily?

“Thanks…” Dash said with a noticeable tone of worry in her voice that Storm picked up on.

“What’s up?” he asked as he held her at arm’s length.

“With me?” Dash tipped her head curiously. “I’m perfectly fine… I was more curious about you,” she admitted. Storm kept the smile on his face as he looked at her for another few moments before taking a deep breath and releasing a long sigh.

“I’m… fine…” Storm clearly lied. “Okay, that’s a lie,” he admitted immediately after. “Look, Dash, sorry about how I was acting earlier. I shouldn’t have gotten so critical of Squall,” he apologized. Dash was surprised. Storm despised Squall. The two never got along, especially after the little fight they had in the hallway. Storm had apologized to Dash for giving her a bloody nose right after, but he refused to give Squall the light of day. Now here he was rethinking it?

“It’s no big deal Storm, you—”

“It is a big deal Dash, I shouldn’t have attacked him. Seeing him act the way he does with the kind of family he has pushed me over the edge. I thought only about how his life was compared to mine and didn’t think how he could have other issues because of it. I was being selfish, but didn’t even consider it until Little Star stepped in to defend him.”

“Hey,” Dash sat down beside him. “Don’t worry about it. After the way he egged you on a few weeks ago, you had every right to be angry.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s right,” Storm shook his head. “I’m so fake Dash… I try to be nice and level headed at all times to make others happy, but I’m never actually happy myself. It’s all a front to hide how painful my life has been. Whining and bellyaching about it feels pathetic to me so I just bury it. I just showed all of you how I really am… Bitter, angry, and unhappy. But even here, I feel selfish because look at what I’ve got now, look at what I’ve achieved… I should be so happy, but it feels so empty,” Storm sighed again and looked towards the crowd. Dash just looked at him from the side, not quite sure what to say. It was hard to hear Storm like this because he had been nothing but one of the nicest stallions she had ever met. Forcing oneself to be happy was something Dash had never experienced. “I’m jealous of you, Dash,” he suddenly said.

“Me?” Dash pointed to herself. Storm was jealous of HER? That seemed backwards. Storm had fought for and earned the chance to jump from cadet to elite, something that had never before been awarded or achieved. He was officially and rightfully part of Wonderbolt elite squad seven at such a young age. How could he possibly be jealous of her?

Dash followed Storm’s eyes and saw that he was looking straight at Squall, Little Star, Matteo, and a suddenly reappeared Twister. Twister and Star were both hugging Squall, who looked like he had no idea what to do in response as Matteo chuckled behind them.

“Dash… I’m honored that the Wonderbolts have accepted me into the elites, but it’s been incredibly difficult. I feel so small and just… THERE. They’ve been trying to make me feel welcome, Soarin especially, but I still feel so stiff and nervous around them. They are all friends and have been friends for a long time. I feel like I was adopted into a family I know nothing about and put right at the dinner table before I could unpack my bags. The training and the shows have been difficult as well. I suddenly have to perform on such a high level. I was given no time to adjust and my failures sting twice as much because of the elevated expectations,” he pointed towards Dash’s new fellow squad mates. “Look what you have… and what you experienced. Four great flyers who you got to live and learn beside. Taking on challenges, successes, and failures together while I’ve been forced to feel all of mine alone. You were also all privileged with the honor of being trained by one of the greatest Wonderbolts to ever live. You have no idea how much I wish I could be in your spot. I had no ceremony, no salutes, hoof shakes, or mentions besides briefly at the end of the tryouts. I feel like I missed out on an incredible experience. And…”

He paused for a long time as he stared out at the group. Dash thought long and hard as she listened. She never thought about looking at it this way. All this time she thought Storm was the luckiest pony alive, achieving what she herself wanted so badly to get. She hadn’t thought about the drawbacks of the situation. Had she been in his place, she would not have had all the amazing experiences over the past month. No getting to know her new friends, no training with unexpected twists and turns, and most of all, no time with Silver… or any of the incredibly difficult lessons he had taught her. Storm had missed out… she never thought she’d feel that way, but Storm had truly missed out on an incredible experience.

“And…” Storm repeated, his voice getting shaky.

Dash looked at him and saw he was staring out at Dash’s squad mates still. All the families had joined in. Squall’s parents were going around giving each of them hardy pats on the back. Star’s large family came over to congratulate each of them, Gilda brought Matteo’s cubs over. Even Dash’s parents and her Ponyville friends came over to talk to them. Squall remained silent as Star’s brothers and sisters spoke to him and tried to do the same to Twister. Little Star instantly scooped up little Gianni, squealing with delight as the tiny griffon grabbed her mane in his beak and gnawed on it. Matteo introduced himself to Dash’s parents and Gilda snickered to herself as Teodora tried to get away from Squall’s parents.

“And…” Storm repeated once again. This time in a choked up voice, followed by a sniffle. “You all have such great friends… and families who all came to see you… and…” he slammed his eyes shut. “And…”

“Storm…” Dash suddenly felt very sad. All this time she thought Storm was living the dream, but he was far from it. Her ears flopped down as she turned to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. She could feel him shaking. He was trying so hard not to cry. Something she now knew he did daily. Putting on fake smiles and always looking 100% fine when in reality he wasn’t fine at all.

“And… I wish… I wish I had…” he gritted his teeth. Straining his eyes to keep any tears from squeaking out. Dash turned square to him and reached her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Storm, let it out,” she said sternly as she held onto him. She felt his head shake back and forth. “Storm, don’t make me say it twice,” Dash ordered. “Let. It. Out.”

“I’m such a dumbass…” Storm choked out as Dash felt something drip against her he shoulder. She was wearing her uniform, but a soft PAT PAT PAT confirmed that Storm stopped holding it in. The tears had to fall fast to already be dripping from his face.

Art by: Foxenawolf

There had been lots of tears today. Dash wasn’t surprised due to the nature of the event, but all the tears that had fallen held different purposes.

Tears of Joy…

Tears of humiliation…

Tears of regret…

It was a powerful day indeed.

It was just so strange to Dash though, to see Storm like this. His defenses had come down more than once in the past, but when they did it was out of anger, something she’d expect anypony to do. Here, he was crying, letting his bottled up sadness rush through. Dash never thought she would be in a situation where she comforted Storm. After how perfect he had seemed for so long and after seeing how well he handled Derpy, he seemed like the type who would do this for others more than anything.

But Storm Front was living proof that nopony can be perfect, even if they seem like they are.

Feeling the need to help in some way, Dash decided she and the others would have to do something about this. Before the recruit training began, Storm was one of them as a cadet and had spent a good amount of time with them. He tried spending time with them during the past month, but they were so busy he hardly ever got the chance. Now that they would be on their own, more open schedule like he was, she was sure they could make the effort to reconnect with him. That would be something they could do over time, but right now? He needed somepony… and she had just gotten free from the elite Wonderbolts crowding her.

“Storm, sit tight, okay? I’m gonna get Derpy,” she assured him. She felt Storm nod in response against her shoulder before she pulled away. She kept her eyes on Storm as she initially backed away. The mask of his uniform was completely stained by his tears. He had to have had a lot bottled up because it was crazy how fast the tears flowed. Dash turned and quickly ran into Derpy. She pointed out Storm, saying nothing more besides the fact that he really needed her.

The moment Derpy saw Storm crying she gasped and galloped to him. She didn’t even ask what was wrong, she immediately hugged him as tightly as she could and Storm instantly returned the embrace, holding onto his special somepony like his life depended on it.

Dash smiled as she saw the two together, slowly turning around to rejoin the others while thinking about how they could reconnect with Storm once everything started up again, but as she turned she ran nose-first, directly into Soarin’s chest.

“Blah!” Dash grunted as she pulled back and looked up at a chuckling Soarin. “Sometimes I swear you do that on purpose.”

“Who me? Noooooo…” Soarin said while looking away comically. Dash rolled her eyes and shook her head as Soarin looked over her shoulder at Storm and Derpy. “Well done over there,” he said while glancing down at her. Dash blinked.

“Were you eavesdropping?” she said while lifting an eyebrow. Soarin shook his head.

“Didn’t mean to. I’ve been trying to fully befriend Storm for a while. Haven’t quite gotten there yet, but I’m making the effort. I was about to go confront him myself, but you beat me to him. After that, I overheard everything,” he explained.

“Oh,” Dash frowned. “I really feel bad for him, I was gonna see if my new squad and I could spend more time with him once everything gets started again. We knew him pretty well during the tryouts it’s been hard since then though,” she explained her plan. Soarin nodded in agreement.

“That would be good for him. Like he said, he looks like he never fits in even when he is. It’s gonna take him a while to shed those nerves around us. Spending time with you guys again will definitely help.”

“I hope so, he needs more love all around,” Dash added. They both looked towards Storm for another moment before Dash glanced back towards her squad, family, and friends. Soarin noticed her looking and quickly put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Go enjoy yourself, but could you pass a message around the rest of our new guys for me?” Soarin suddenly asked.

“Hm?” Dash listened with interest. Soarin smiled.

“Once the banquet is over and all the guests have left, go change out of your uniforms and meet in the lobby,” he said with a wink. Dash tipped her head to the side.

“What for?” she questioned curiously.

“This is the formal celebration. The real party is tonight at Fleetfoot’s house!” Soarin said with excitement. Dash’s eyes widened.

“A party… at Fleetfoot’s?” She blinked followed by a look that was half amused, half worried. “I dunno if I should be pumped or terrified!”

---Part 2 Finale to be continued---

Author's Note:

So there you have it, half of the planned finale. I can't believe i thought this was only going to be 24K words... >_<

Well then! Squall's parents! Who would've thought?

Gilda! And Matteo's cubs! Aren't they just the cutest?

Little Star defending Squall?!?!?!

Storm... not so perfect anymore is he? Nopony is perfect... and those who seem perfect, usually have something underneath that nags at them.

Dash made the recruit Squad! YAY!

But oh man... Party at Fleetfoot's?! THE WORLD WAS NOT READY!!!!!!!!

As i've said, the second half already has 10K words written. For those who have not seen my blog, i'm going out of town this weekend. I'll have my laptop with me but i don't know how much i'll be able to write. Still, it shouldn't be too long before i finish and finally end part 2, marking the halfway point of the story. Yikes, this has really come along way hasn't it? 500K words... yikes

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed!

Comments

[Easyglider]

Ohhh ho ho ho yes. Here we go. I shall condemn my bed to emptiness even longer into the wee hours of the morning. Will poast moar when finished.

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[Darth Redbeard]

I'm still trying to deal with the two look a likes.

[Kestrel]

About time we got this out I wonder if you applying the edits took more time than it did for me making them

Anyway, woooo! More insight into Storm, Squall, and just good old fun!

[Creative Quill]

You had all three of them in one room for a whole chapter. You sir are a brave bastard for taking a dimensional breaking risk like that.

[Ice Blade]

Next chapter is going to be fuuunnnnnnn! *devious grin* anyways I've already asked Kestrel this but you help me design a guild mark for the Pegasus Posse? I'm doing a set of work that includes the posse and each will wear his/her cutie mark as well as the symbol placed to the side it's on your backs. Thanks.

[Those Kids In The Corner]

FLEETFOOT'S!!! I WANNA GO!!!

[SageBrony07]

Okay, I was wrong about the attack during the meal. Maybe during the party. I guess we will see soon. Great chapter. I loved Mateo's kids, squall's parents, the reunions, and even Storm's break down. Great job. I loved this chapter. Good luck with the next one.

[Sirflysalot]

Omg so much yes!!!
All of my YES!!!!!

[Pastel King]

Litterly crying. This chapter was amazing. I wanna give Storm a big hug! And ah jeez. Squall's parents... there are not enough face palms in the world.

[bambiki]

and bam just like that this lovely surprise finds its way to my library.
i have to say this was something i was looking foreword to for a while, expectantly soarin meeting dash's parent. romance is a topic where a lose all trace of my manhood. even the less romantic bits. so when dash mentioned soarin meeting her parents i just couldn't wait.

on the other hand pinkie meeting surprise has made its way into the top 5 best moments in the series

finaly , FLEETFOOT PARTY?!?!?!?!?!?!? the possibilities....i... i don't think i'm ready for the level of shenanigans that might en tale

[sonicx]

ahhhh im full ate to many words lol.... i all so think discord was beside you calm, cause putting pinkie, surprise, and twister together in the same room is exultant chaos... discord would be proud

[melodicstream]

Yes.

I just enjoy this book so much. It really makes me think.

For some reason I identity a little with every character. I understand how Storm feels. I understand how Squall feels. I even understand how Twister feels. And that makes me confused. How would I fit in this story? What would I do if I were in Squall's spot? What about Twister's? What about Soarin's? I honestly have no idea, and I'm dying of curiosity to find out. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be possible. Even when this book is over, I don't think I'll be able to picture myself in the universe you created, Calm. And that makes me sad, because this universe seems so much better than the one I'm currently living in...

Anyways. I couldn't see myself acting like Storm in this chapter. He didn't even think to walk on Squall's hooves to at least try and know how he feels. Squall needs help, and that's not how it should be given, Storm.

At the same time, Storm has his own problems. And they are a little different to fix, because, unlike Squall, it doesn't depend on him. At least he took the first step when admitting it all to Dash. Which is good.

Also, very disappointed with Twister in this chapter. He's always the unexpected pony. But in this chapter he did everything expected. He was random. And bothersome. And just that. No family. No actual serious time in a serious event. Even ponies as crazy as him know they're supposed to behave even a little in situations like this. The banana was uncalled for. The only good Twister thing I saw in this chapter was him hugging Squall. It was one of the only time I saw him not trying to be a bother to someone else and actually trying to make them feel good. Again, even if Twister is a crazy pony, it doesn't mean he doesn't know what's important to other ponies. Twister knows how to make other ponies happy. I'm just disappointed that I didn't see him doing that in this chapter. And trust me. I know all this because I've walked Twister's path.

And the Thunderlane being mopey after all he's been through is getting kinda old. It's about time to see him open up a little, let out what he's thinking. Every time there's a "let's talk to depressed Thunderlane" he never gets to talk properly. It doesn't work like that. It just doesn't. I mean, Dash monologued to him. We didn't even hear a reply. It's not interesting not having a return from him after all that. It basically wastes all the build up you've been making with everypony cheering him up. Even if you're saving that for a separate story, we should get at least a little bit of it on this story. Otherwise it makes his plot uninteresting.

Same thing with Spitfire. I hope I see Fleetfoot's house covered with her fluids (and Wave's cum) on the next chapter, otherwise the build up you've been doing will go down the drain.

Also, didn't really see the point of bringing the two idols of Dash in this chapter. I know it was to give importance to their Wonderbolt ceremony, but I think that that could have been developed better, like if Rainbow Dash talked to them explaining how much they were important to her.

Can't think of anything else right now. Also, I hate typing on phones. Sorry for being annoying and overly critical with this comment. It's for the best, I promise. I'm just a little fed up with seeing so much potential being wasted, that's all.

After all that, I'm curious how Squall will develop now. Now that everyone knows his secrets, he can't continue to simply scowl everyone that walks by. Because they know. Also, party? After all that, I'm pretty sure Squall's looking forward to getting drunk. ;)

Actually, I want to see everyone drunk in the next chapter. Especially Twister and Squall. Who knows if they might end up in a bed together because they were overly drunk? Hehe, I bet Squall would love to get a release after all he's been through. And don't mind me. It's just that those two arts of him depicted him as being REALLY SEXY, so I might be getting a little bit... Won't say anything, because I think that anything I say will be taken as if I'm clopping to that thought. Which I'm not. Probably. Definitely not. Maybe. But I don't clop D=

Siliness aside, I expect the next chapter to be much better than this one when talking about character development and attitude. Again, lots of wasted potential that I don't like. But I have faith that you'll be able to pull something off. You are a good writer, after all. You just need a little nudge sometimes. ;)

[Ice Blade]

5538455 nice. lol I'm drawing exceeds if you watch Fairty Tail you know what I'm talking about.

[Manbearpony]

A new chapter is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.

[Easyglider]

2 am now.... (damn people trying to distract me from ponies, shouldn't have taken this long to read >_>) And all I can say is wow. We see Squall come full circle which we've all been waiting for since the first glare, and Storm... all I have to say about Storm is I wanna hug him so hard . Though I knew damn good and well what was coming. As soon as you mentioned Storm and Squall's parents more or less in the same chapter or even paragraph it clicked. My immediate reaction was as follows:
img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120804014545/mlp/images/8/81/Applejack_uh_oh_S2E14.png

I loved the Blazetail and Flashwind touch, not really much else to say other than it really added to the whole atmosphere of the banquet.

Still would have taken Thunderlane over Twister honestly. That might just be my bias, being that I've never been a huge fan of Pinkie-Esq type characters, both pony and not pony, fiction or canon. I'm not saying they don't have their moments. Because they do. Oh gawd they do, they're just not my favorite. (Pinkie still > Rarity though... Inb4 hate)

Cutting this comment (if you can still call it that) a little short now we get to the part that I needed to stop reading because I was laughing too hard and I needed to calm down....

“PONY’S ELBOW!!!!!!!!”

I'm cracking up even as I type this now trying not to burst out laughing but this needs to be said and done....
THE MOST ELECTRIFYING PONY IN SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT
THE BRAHMARE BULL
THE PONY'S CHAMPION

I don't know why this made me laugh so much. Did NOT expect it at ALL I guess but....I'm failing at trying not to laugh

*deep breath* Ok..... relax... *snrk* REALLY looking to part 2 of part 2 here

*awkwardly paws at the ground* I wanna go to Fleetfoot's....

[Easyglider]

5538465

Same thing with Spitfire. I hope I see Fleetfoot's house covered with her fluids (and Wave's cum) on the next chapter,

I second this notion

[Sky Blazer]

5535726 Jeepers... how does she stay awake long enough to move around and talk and anything?

[Kestrel]

5538465

Damn son... that's awful... forward

Glad you enjoyed it at least

[Water Lilly]

Yeah, somepony really loves Duck Soup.

You know, I was surprised to see RD recruited into the Reserves. I thought Silver or Spitfire was going to pull her aside afterward to recruit her for Squad Zero. Hence why they were introduced. I guess no.

Oh, it's so great to have the Mane Six together again. I wonder who Rarity is going to jump next chapter, bearing in mind she's going to Fleetfoot's.

[Pie Is Epic]

I can image so many things going wrong at Fleetfoot's party...
This chapter was very emotional, considering the number it is (69)

[*Rainbow Dash*]

Doesn’t mean it’s right,” Storm shook his head. “I’m so fake Dash… I try to be nice and level headed at all times to make people happy,

PEOPLE...........HANDS..........HUMANS

[Soaring Soarin]

Oh boy party at fleetfoot's

loved the scene between dash and storm also the artwork that was used this chapter was phenomenal

now begins the wait for part 2

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[crossr]

So far this has been a great ride. I can hardly wait for this to finish up. And to see what you've got in store for the next story arc.

[Noble Savage]

Words!! Words can't describe who pumped I am!!! This was beyond amazing!!!! and I literally lost count on moments I wanted to do fanart of. so now I have to reread this chapter an write everything down. I lost count at about 4. There's so many moments I want to draw I think there's easily 6 or 7 I really want to work on. anyways I'm rambling.

You have fun writing and if you want to play smash...I'm ready when you are.

[PlayBitz]

Absolutely fantastic. Good amount of emotions in this one too. I know I haven't commented on every chapter but seriously, this is great. I'm looking forward to next weeks grand finale!

[PlayBitz]

5538941 Oh man. and its not even like... the MAIN event. Well it was but like... you know how most of the two parter shows go. the first part wets the whistle.. but the second part is like... something you're able to rewatch a few times to fully envelope in the epiciness of win yay

[PlayBitz]

5538238 I wouldn't mind helping out some too!

[Mr mustash]

To...much.......awesomeness!!!!!

[Mr mustash]

This is my favorite chapter so far.

[PlayBitz]

Takes a bit to get started ... But yeah.

[Noble Savage]

5538957 I can think of many things that may happen in the 2nd half.....and I'm know that I am going to fangasm all over it! with the added bonus.....it's at Fleetfoots house.....THIS UPCOMING HALF WILL BEYOND EPIC!!!!! For now I need to settle my brain. My brain can only take so much awesomeness in one day . There's so much stuff in this half, I need to make a list of everything I need to draw.

[Noble Savage]

5538969 I love Janimations, especially this and button adventures

[PlayBitz]

5538981

Lol. Yeah. In the mean time while were all waiting on the second half, HOPEFULLY I can get some writing done myself. give y'all some filler while we wait

[PlayBitz]

5538987 You seen his recent blog vid saying whats going on? Pretty neat if I say so myself

[PlayBitz]

5538962 Next chapter we may need either a towel, a bucket or industrial cleaner and a forensics team

[Soul Dust]

I KNOW IM FUCKING PUMPED WOOOO LETS GO, BITCHES YEAAAAHHH
ALL THE FACES!!!!

[Noble Savage]

5539004 Theirs a Video? I've read the stuff on your FIMfic blog. Is there more to this that I have missed, if so share your knowledge. I wan to hear this!

[PlayBitz]

5539031 Basically JAN is working with some Hasbro legal team to work out a plan that will let him continue to do some work for his fans and his little animations but within certain restraints *usual* BUT until he and his own lawyers can work everything out to be finalized, everything shown will be restricted to cons, fan recordings like I posted and some updates but nothing official on his channel.

Main being is that since the way in which youtube works, so many views starts raking you in with moolah. *Seriously, Pewdiepie makes 4 million a year from youtube, Markiplier makes about... 300-500k* so Hasbro doesn't want him making money off their creation since thats a copyright and Trademark infringment. SO hes going to work something out in which he advertises for the company itself, still gets to post stuff, and gets paid.

[Noble Savage]

5539053 OH! you where talking about his video blog! I've seen that video. I thought you made a video about the stuff you were doing. I think We all can agree that I'm an dope and have problems reading and understanding words

[Jim Hoxworth]

5538894 dang it, I hear this, and all I can think of is Hellsing Abridged...

[PlayBitz]

5539058

HAHA. no no. and sadly I cannot make a vid on what I'm doing but what I can say is that it easily can go the way of MLP:FiM!

th01.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2013/219/b/9/swat_kats_symbol_metal_by_mattwilson83-d6gywb4.png

[Aurora Steel]

Yup epic chapter mate!

[moguera]

Somebody's been hitting the Duck Soup a little hard.

[Jim Hoxworth]

5507420 Well, it looks like our theories were kinda right, sort of. At least with Squall.

All in all, a fantastically written chapter. The character development this chapter was pretty damn good. I loved the sequence where Pinkie and Surprise interacted. It gave me the vibe of something out of the cartoons of Tex Avery's era. I must say, this chapter was not what I expected. I thought I'd have to bite my tongue to keep from waking my neighbors with my howling laughter, but instead I find myself weeping with a smile. I could feel the loneliness from Storm's past in his rant against Squall, and the recent insights into Storm's character make me feel with an almost iron certainty that the Watcher from 53 is Storm's father. The lonely merc's son seems almost a tailor-made role for Storm, and all this setup seems to be leading into the biggest midseason finale shocker scenario of this year.
I have a feeling I know how it's going to happen, but once again I can't be too sure. Given how wrong I was regarding the nature of Squall's fear of his parents (I thought they'd be indifferent to Squall, speaking with condescending pitying complements) and how few bread crumbs I found this chapter, I cannot place events with precision, but we do know that Wavefire is going to light up the night sky, and Firefly will find Serenity in its wake, so I get the feeling that Fleetfoot is going to get "sex-iled" from her own room. I can't remember if Calm mentioned any other "loose ends" in the past comments and blogs. There certainly are plenty of things to choose from: Celestia's absence, for one. Haven't even gotten then smallest bread crumb on that note at all, and it's been- what, five or seven stories since it happened?
But now, it is time for me to read up on ancient warfare and Plato before my quizzes in a few hours. The crumbs must wait!

[SoarinDashIsBestCouple]

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT.

Not yet done with the chapter,

but i think i know why Storm is angry.

Storm's been through a lot of family problems, and Squall's parents get along, like, REALLY get along, and they treat Squall "Nicely" I think.
But Squall is pushing them away, and Storm is getting pissed off because Squall is pushing away such nice parents when he had family problems, and the fact that Squall threatened Storm's family didn't help either.

Yep. I absolutely think that's it.

[SoarinDashIsBestCouple]

I was right! I! WAS! RIGHT!

Storm was angry at Squall for pushing away such good parents!

Tears were shed my friend. That is so true. *Sniffles literally irl*

...Party at Fleetfoot's? Oh gawd. I dunno where the hell this is gonna escalate to.

[Silver Arrow]

Started with so much laughing ... Turned to so much suspense ... Ended with so much sadness ...
Brain overload... Emotional regulator malfunction... Reactor meltdown in progress...
Can't wait for the next bit next week... And a Fleetfoot party... In the meantime... ... ... ... Shutting down

[Laveria Dreams]

It took two days, but I read all of your stories. All I can say: PERFECT! And this chappie delivered as well! 10 Dashies for you!

Fleetfoot party, huh? Should I be scared?

[WildStallion]

So many feels. And wonder if Fleetfoot might try to lock Wave and Spitfire in a room together? I wouldn't be surprised if she does that. And Little Star defending Squall! That's a new one. Maybe now they'll get along. Heck he might try to thank her. And I'm overthinking things again.

[Brawny Steed]

Given their reactions to all those stallions, you really need to give Twilight and Rarity some love too. Pun intended.