Applejack was able to win this year’s rodeo. Also, the CMC were able to help find an unlucky Troubleshoes a job as a rodeo clown. Once again, I changed nothing because there was nothing to change. Applejack restarted her rodeo streak, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were one step closer to finding their true talent.
It was late fall when the air got colder and clouds were brought in from Cloudsdale. I stood on the balcony. With the lowered temperature, I resorted to wearing my black hoodie.
I heard the doors behind me open followed by some hoofbeats approaching. Starlight revealed herself and leaned against the railing. She donned a pair of earmuffs and a striped scarf.
“I can’t believe winter is coming so soon,” Starlight said as her voice produced a cloud of its own. “It feels like only yesterday that it was warm enough to swim in the lake.”
“That’s what seasons do,” I said. “Unless you live in a desert or a mountaintop.”
As we were talking, a bundle of balloons floated in front of us. I didn’t have to guess who they were tied to.
“Hey, guys!” Pinkie greeted us. “Special invitation for you!”
Pinkie handed me a pink envelope. It had Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark stamped in the middle.
“Say, could one of you give me a teensy nudge in…” Pinkie pointed. “...that direction?”
Starlight leaned forward lightly pushed Pinkie in the direction she wanted.
“Thank you!” Pinkie said as she floated away.
I opened the envelope with my finger and read the card inside.
“‘You and your pets are invited to Rainbow Dash and Tank’s super awesome going-away party! Food and entertainment will be provided!’”
“A going-away party?” Starlight asked. “I didn’t know Rainbow Dash was leaving Ponyville.”
“Me neither.”
I knew that since winter was coming, Tank had to hibernate since he was a tortoise. But since Fluttershy already told Rainbow that when the latter got him, the events of “Tanks for the Memories” should have been changed. At least changed enough so that Rainbow wouldn’t ruin the weather factory.
Was this a change for the worse, though? Instead of accepting that Tank has to hibernate, Rainbow decides to move to a warmer climate so Tank wouldn’t have to?
Starlight and I went into the castle and showed Twilight the invitation. The party was going to take place at Rainbow’s house on the last day of fall, which was right around the corner.
“Strange. Rainbow never mentioned that she was moving away,” Twilight pointed out. “I thought she liked it here.”
“You know what was also strange?” I asked worringly. “Pinkie Pie seemed cheerful when giving us our invitation. If she helped Dashie arrange the party, wouldn’t she feel a bit down after hearing her sudden departure?”
“We’ll just have to wait and see.”
On the day of Dashie’s party, the girls, their pets, and I arrived at her house via balloon. Twilight cast the cloud-walking spell on all of us including the pets.
“Well, here we are,” Twilight said as we got off.
The pets were hesitant to walk on the clouds. Most of them were anyway. Winona rolled around like she was playing in the snow.
“Easy, girl,” Applejack said. “Don’t wanna fall through, after all.”
“Ow!” Rarity glared at Opal on her back. “What did we say about using your claws on my back?”
Opal glared back as she clung on to dear life.
Pinkie pronked to the door with Gummy on her tail.
“We’re here!” She announced as she rapidly tapped on the door.
Rainbow immediately answered. “Hey, girls and Spike. Glad you all could make it. Come on in, and we’ll get this party started!”
The party itself had its fair share of usual arrangements. There was food, games, decorations, and music. There were even a few activities for the pets.
We spent the day chatting and eating snacks.
“I have to say, this seems nice,” Twilight said as she sipped her punch. “It’s not everyday we have a party together, let alone one with all our pets.”
“This is like one of our Pony Pet Playdates,” Applejack pointed out.
Owlowiscious landed on Twilight’s back, and Starlight scratched his head.
“It’s sweet that all of you are enjoying this,” Rainbow said.
“Yeah. We’re all gonna miss you, though,” I said.
“Miss me? How come?”
“This is a going-away party, is it not?” Rarity scratched her chin.
“Well, yeah, but it’s not for me: it’s for Tank.” Dashie pointed to her flying tortoise. “I guess I should’ve had that invitation written better.”
“Oh, is Tank going somewhere?”
“Is it someplace tropical?” asked Pinkie Pie.
“Uh, no.” Rainbow shook her head. “It’s not that kind of going-away.”
Rarity looked at Tank and widened her eyes. “Oh! Are you saying that…that…?”
“Tank's hibernating,” I concluded.
“That’s right,” Rainbow replied.
Murmurs of understanding filled the room.
“You threw all this for Tank?” Twilight asked.
Rainbow nodded. “I’m not gonna see him for a long time. That’s why I got Pinkie to help set this up. I want Tank to enjoy one last time with me before he hits the sack for the winter.”
“I thought he was hibernating, not working out,” Pinkie said.
“You know what I mean.”
“It was nice for you to throw this party,” Fluttershy complimented. “In fact…I don’t normally do this…but I propose a toast…” Fluttershy lifted her cup. “To Tank!”
“To Tank!” The rest of us cheered loudly and raised our cups as well. Fluttershy flinched a little.
The party continued, but this time most of our conversations were related to Tank. We all showed sympathy for Dash. She was the only pony whose pet had to hibernate for the winter after all, and there was no doubt that she would feel lonely this winter.
The party lasted until Pinkie noticed white specks at the window.
“Hey! It’s snowing!” Pinkie announced. “It’s…oh…”
We all rushed to the window. The flakes no bigger than a Breezy’s pupil emerged from the silver clouds.
“Oh, my.” Fluttershy covered her mouth with her hoof. “The weather team is early this year. The first day of winter isn’t until tomorrow.”
Tank gave a big yawn. It didn’t matter when winter was coming. He was still going to hibernate regardless.
Rainbow Dash bit her lip and sighed. “Guess this is it…”
The wilting grass disappeared under the ever-thickening white blanket. The girls and I wore heavier winter clothes as we followed Rainbow Dash to a nearby forest. She already had Tank in one of her bags. His flying equipment was removed back at her house.
“I know Tank has to hibernate eventually,” Rainbow said. “I just didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”
“Yes, some dates tend to sneak up on you even when you expect them,” said Twilight.
We went deeper into the forest until we came across an empty burrow. Fluttershy nodded to Rainbow Dash. The latter took Tank out and placed him down near the entrance.
“See ya, Tank,” Rainbow said somberly. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
Tank slowly walked into the burrow and buried himself underneath the dirt. Rainbow put a rainbow-colored flag near him.
“So I can find you when winter ends,” she said.
The rest of us said goodbye to Tank as well. A tear ran down Rainbow’s eye. It was the first time I saw it raining and snowing at the same time.
“We’re here if you need us,” Fluttershy softly spoke.
We all stood silently. The only audible noise was the flakes landing on the soft snow.
In a way, this episode was an improvement. Rainbow Dash never destroyed the weather factory, and since she knew Tank was hibernating, she hardly got upset. Although, it still was going to be a long winter for Dashie without Tank.
And it worked out because Rainbow didn't make an insult to Spike thinking because he's a dragon he didn't know anything
Adding this to the Spike list.
By telling Rainbow about hibernation when she got Tank, she was more easily ready to accept the fact close to mid fall I'm guessing. Which allowed her to deal with grief in a better way.
And on the Fate list.
Winter still came early.
And no "Winter is coming!" quip.
11147958
Yeah hopefully he got her info about a poper diet as well considering in the pie episode she gave some of the pies to the tortoise which is not a proper diet . And I like that he stopped mare do well before it got started because they were in their own way just as bad as rainbow. They were showing her up and secretly boasting too. They weren't being heroes for the right reasons. Maybe he can save the cutie marks in the future.
Wow I have to say, that's really wholesome idea Rainbow Dash did. Giving an hibernation party to Tank. Knowing RD she really would do that. And I can't wait to see the episode Tank is back... Knowing that he will be back at Tantabus episode. XD
Yeah you fixed Tank for Memories, the wait for Slice of Life will worth it.
11147958
And that's why the Tree of Harmony doesn't feel like it has to give Spike any friendship mission. He is doing fine on his own.
Glad Spike addressed this issue with RD earlier before this episode, as it not only stopped the weather factory fiasco but also didn't disrespect Spike with that *reptile* comment either!
I always found the original episode to be rather morbid, since Dash is going through the fives stages of grieving.
I like it. I mean sure it’s not as exciting but I like it I still think it’s better.
….That was….pretty slow. I mean not much happened.
11148061
Ikr, was expecting more.
Still keep up the work author!
un capitulo bastante lento, supongo que es una brisa... pero para usted, autor, porque fue un poco aburrido... bueno, a esperar a un capitulo mas interesante
I'm so glad you didn't leave this story to die
A bit short, but still good.
Glad to see Rainbow didn't destroy the weather factory just to keep Tank around.
Plus I'm glad that Spike/Dave mentioned things earlier before things would go out of hand in the future.
11148061
11148080
Yeah, this was one of those chapters where it feels like you've written the entire War and Peace novel, but it just turns out to be as long as Green Eggs and Ham.
11147953
I remember that line and how that was utilized in most of your Spike stories.
But I kinda thought that less of a racist/species thing and more as an ironic or tone deaf thing from Dash:
???: But I'm X.
Dash: You're not X.
(arguments)
Dash: Whatever, you're X anyway.
Kinda glad for Dashie you ignored the episode's metaphor, though I would've been interested to see how you handled it.
11148212
Ok I can relate to that. XD
This story still lives!!!!!!
11147961
It's too late for that, *ahem*...
(Mr. Freeze voice) Winter... has come at last!
Sooner or later, it'll be time for the events of Crusaders of the Lost Mark. Spoiled Rich has been a bad mother, but I have a theory that there's more to the story. Think about it. Diamond Tiara runs for Student Pony President at the Ponyville Schoolhouse, and she loses. Spoiled Rich was expecting Diamond to win before she came by, but was shocked to know that Diamond lost. And yet, the funding for the Ponyville Schoolhouse has been lowered to not enough for the new playground equipment. What do you think has happened to it? I have an idea.
static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/6/6e/Rich_family_servants_carry_party_supplies_S5E18.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20151012185902
Coincidence? I don't think so. And I believe, along with a lot of people think, know who's responsible.
images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/5fb5b8df-8ca3-47c3-873b-cd72f6ede321/d9lsnli-26a120de-79e1-4456-a7fe-d3045e1c6a5b.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzVmYjViOGRmLThjYTMtNDdjMy04NzNiLWNkNzJmNmVkZTMyMVwvZDlsc25saS0yNmExMjBkZS03OWUxLTQ0NTYtYTdmZS1kMzA0NWUxYzZhNWIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.6t5abScuCeL_BYrBISVpWrrb-jTidsRVp8stBHOYJ04
11125948
Actually I see a civil war because some like the new way and some don't
11150238 Yeah, it's obvious Spoiled B***h has been skimming the Ponyville school budget. That Diamond Tiara window was undoubtedly part of it. I know she's head of the school board, so if she complains or disciplines DT Spoiled Rich would fire her, but couldn't Cherilee take it over her head to the EEA?
Chancellor Neighsay may be a jerk, but he's very big on doing things by the book, and I'm pretty certain that having a school board member embezzle funds from their budget is not approvel EEA procedure.
11147990
Considering in the show the only mission he got was the problem he caused he will never get a mission.
Oh. This episode. Hopefully Rainbow Dash remembers what Fluttershy said.
*reads chapter*
Well I'll be darned. This was a great improvement...and the ending still had a somber feeling. *takes off hat.* see you in spring tank.
11160277
Sounds... about right
Honestly I’m still waiting for that Diamond dog to show up
Since that part of the chapter made me curious.
Also is Screwball still there?
I wonder what will happen to Spike (David) during the events of the The Friendship Games. It would be pretty cool to see Spike (David) accidently gets the a form like Midnight Sparkle
I love this story just wondering what the future holds for the story
Ahhh. Man of culture, I see.
Finish the story I would like to see what happens next please and thank you finish the story
11193985
I'm still working on it. I'm around 75% done.
Okay thank you for telling me keep up the good work with the story I like the story it's pretty darn good keep up the good work your storytelling is pretty darn good😀 are you done yet with the new chapter
11203078
Doesn't mean it wasn't a stupid move. But sometimes the element bearers were pretty stupid rainbow most of alk.
11203098
Well... I don't disagree with you there
Still bittersweet but definitely an improvement.
Still sad Peewee doesn't "exist" in this continuity anymore.
Rainbowdash don't become a Criminal and has to pay depths off her life long Awesome
Episode simplest way getting fixed. Well done
This episode shows how Spike effected things. Not getting a vital facility trashed is in my book major change