Every rising star must eventually fall. Rainbow Dash is locked in a struggle against her own past, and with the help of Twilight is about to make a discovery that will change the way she flies forever. But what will she lose in the process?

Massive thanks to Furor1 and Nyuuchandiannepie for the ridiculously awesome artwork, you should really check them out on DeviantArt if you've not already.

Dedicated to Donald Campbell and his Bluebird, for chasing his horizons for no other reason than the fact that they were there. Also to Steve Hogarth and Marillion for writing Out Of This World, the song that inspired this story.

Something little can end up meaning so much to a pony, just as one little moment can lead to a whole new situation. Big Macintosh and Twilight Sparkle realize that, all thanks to a little doll.

(Fanfiction inspired by the crazy events of Lesson Zero. This is a story idea that would just NOT let me sleep until I had written it out.)

Note: This story has been cross-posted to Fanfiction.net under the same pen name, and to my Deviantart under the pen name "Quarkonia."

A minor accident at Sweet Apple Acres sends Big Macintosh to Ponyville in the middle of applebuck season. At first, things seem fine. But then some of the mares begin acting a little...oddly.

Then very oddly. Turns out every other stallion skipped town for a very good reason.

Applejack has always struggled to make ends meet at Sweet Apple Acres. After the chaotic events of the Grand Galloping Gala, she returns home to find her farm experiencing a stroke of good luck. Applejack celebrates her fortune with all her friends, all except for one. Rainbow Dash has gone missing, and Applejack decides to find out why.

It's been five years since she first met them, and most of Twilight Sparkle's friends have found love, leaving her feeling left out and unwanted. The Winter's Eve Ball promises a magical night of mystique and romantic wonder, but will Twilight's romantic notions get the best of her? Based on the song by the Fireman.

Originally published on Equestria Daily November 29, 2011.

Be sure to check out the song by Baron Thyrai!

Something is definitively up around here. Applejack and Fluttershy have been spending a lot of time together without the rest of the gang. Well, Rainbow Dash is on to them! In fact, she is sure this is the no-good friend-stealing Applejack's doing, and she will not stand for this - whatever this is.

Also, Rainbow Dash wears a corn hat.

The simplest things are usually the ones with the most meaning, something that a librarian unicorn and a farm stallion both end up learning.

Notes:
- Although more characters appear here, I just indicated the two main characters of the story. :)
- Written at the request of Caramelmlp on DeviantArt. :)
- Probably my longest fanfiction to date. Haha!
- I just had to add the epilogue even if it wasn't part of the original request! I JUST HAD TO. ^_^

Big Macintosh was always the quiet type of stallion. He never had much friends growing up, probably due to his constant work at Sweet Apple Acres all the time, and not really getting out much. But all that is going to change for Big Mac. He will hopefully get the kind of friend or friends, he always wanted.

This is my first fan fiction, and I hope you guys enjoy it. Tell me what you think of it, and be honest.

*EDIT* Oh God. Why did I write this? I regret ever writing this. This shouldn't exist

Twilight Sparkle is accepted into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns and gets a little more than what she bargained for.

Illustrated by me.

(If you object to swearing, please skip chapter 6. That's the one chapter that bumps this story straight up to a Teen rating.)

Big Macintosh has fallen hard for the pretty blond mare. When she is forced into a fight for her life, he sticks by her faithfully, but keeping the promises he's made will be an even tougher battle.

Updated for Equestria Daily! Yay, made 6-star!

Please vote and leave lots of comments! I love reading what you have to say!

Written for a sadfic contest (I won!); the plot is in honor of my mother-in-law, who wasn't so lucky, and I suspect wouldn't actually appreciate inspiring a story about ponies.