It's been a very, very long time since that first time Twilight Sparkle first stepped foot into Ponyville. It's been almost as long since the day of her wedding; a day nopony saw coming. The part they saw coming less than that was that the lucky "stallion" was Rainbow Dash, of all ponies. Of course, they lived the happiest lives they could possibly live together. But what happens when that life ends?

Twilight Sparkle is dead. Rainbow Dash has had this fact pounded into her skull over and over again, and on the day of her funeral it can't be denied any longer. As all her friends' attempts to console her go awry, the widow Dash is forced to confront the hole left gaping in her life with Twilight's absence. As Dash's thoughts spiral downward further and further towards the unthinkable, Applejack leads a last effort to re-kindle the spirit of her old rival.

(Image taken from primedawg9170 on Ponibooru)

So, uh, yeah! This is my first pony fic, ever. Hope you guys enjoy it.

Featured 3.7.14, 6.19.14, 7.2.14, 7.8.14
See below summary for additional information

"Make a wish."

Rainbow Dash is presented with an opportunity to gain the skill she needs to join her idols, the Wonderbolts. However, the opportunity seems false, and she learns to accept it as such. But does that mean the wish was a lie? If not, then just whose wish is actually granted?

"You cannot hope to defeat me, dear Princess. Your Harmony lies broken!"

Note: This story began in July 2011, between Seasons One and Two. Show continuity has been considered, but due to constraints, the following canon is entirely ignored:
•Discord's reformation
•Twilight's ascension and coronation
•The wildlife of the Everfree Forest
•The relinquishment of the Elements of Harmony, the Tree of Harmony, and anything regarding the finale of Season Four
•All background characters that do not directly affect the plot (such as Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, Trixie, Snips, Snails, etc.)

Author: Leoshi. Co-Author: Cyros Lugoth. Featured on EQD, Star-5.

Additional tags: Adventure, Drama, Action, Dark, Thriller, Suspense, Struggle, Serious, A/U, Everypony, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Luna, Spitfire, OC

"It's so nice to see you again!" said the thing that was not Celestia. "Oh yes, I know who you are, Twilight Sparkle. I had a taste of your magic the first time we met. Mortals forget things so easily, I find. Allow me to refresh your memory: you tried to kill me. But you failed, Twilight Sparkle. You only mostly killed me. And I guess that makes you one very unlucky little pony."

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.

"My name is Lyra Heartstrings, and you will not remember me. You won't even remember this conversation. Just like with everypony else I've ever met, everything I do or say will be forgotten. Every letter I've written will appear blank; every piece of evidence I've left behind will end up missing. I'm stuck here in Ponyville because of the same curse that has made me so forgettable. Still, that doesn't stop me from doing the one thing that I love: making music. If my melodies find their way into your heart, then there is still hope for me. If I can't prove that I exist, I can at least prove that my love for each and every one of you exists. Please, listen to my story, my symphony, for it is me."

Cover pic by Spotlight: askspotlight.tumblr.com