Soarin' asks Rainbow Dash to support him one last time, for the long flight.

Jealousy. The infamous heart parasite, that feeds on and sours most flavors of love. The changelings call it "that which spoils food". For years it has nestled within Big Mac, feasting upon every exploit of Applejack's, every newspaper article bearing her name and photograph, every excited babble of Apple Bloom exaggerating Applejack's feats. He kept it under control, hidden from his family, until now.

And never noticed how much worse she had it.

Takes place shortly after Brotherhooves Social. Contains minor spoilers if you have not seen it.

Listed in Popular Stories within a day of posting! Thanks for the views and likes!

This story is a sequel to His Other Half

'Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.' - Emily Dickinson

Nobody ever told Soarin that grief felt so much like fear.

Some leave our lives as quickly as they entered. Some were with us right from the dawning of our existence. Some leave footprints all over our heart, and change us for the better.

But some insinuate themselves into the very centre of our hearts, become our whole life, alter the very nature of our souls, and we are never, ever the same again.

They had been together for so long, the prospect of losing her had never really crossed his mind. He couldn't imagine a world without her, it was simply... unfathomable.

But he knew he couldn't stop it from happening.

And he hated that.

When all bets are off, Rainbow Dash is at the ready for both friends and strangers alike. Whether it’s saving Equestria from the claws of tyranny for the sixteenth time or making a long errand in stormy weather, she’s your mare to get the job done no matter the danger. Though she may even take some licks in the process, Dash is one to come back stronger and faster each time.

But what is a pony whose reputation is built on tackling problems supposed to do when encountering one which requires a softer and more self-reflective approach? It turns out good friends will help you diversify your skill set and teach you a bit about yourself along the way. Whether you’re expecting it or not.

Inspired by cover image by Glitterstar2000.

An ancient pony contemplates the past and what is. It is how she stays sane after so long alone, and how she keeps in touch with who she is. Remembering those who have long passed...

"Hey, Twilight. You’re up late.

"Yeah, I couldn’t sleep."

"Same."

It’s two in the morning and everypony in Canterlot Castle is asleep. Everypony, that is, except for Twilight and Cadence.

Plagued by nightmares about recent events, the two soon-to-be sisters join together for a cup of hot cocoa, tears and deep conversations. Brace yourself; it’s going to be a rough night.

Featured: 09/18/2023 - 09/22/2023
Behind-the-page: Ladybugs Awake
Scouted for: Equestria Daily!
Featured in: Equestria Daily, 20 of the Best Fanfics to Read for Shiny and Cadance Day
Reviews:

• Worth It by PaulAsaran
• Passable by Ghost Mike
• Two Stars by Loganberry

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Night Light's daughter is going off to study with Princess Celestia at the palace. That's a good thing... right?

Written for the A Thousand Words Contest II in the drama category. Find the other entries here!

Inspired by a lyric from the Horslips song Faster Than the Hound. That lyric is the chapter title.

Soarin has a crush on Rainbow, and after Spitfire's advice, he 'happens' upon some tickets to see Rainbow's favorite band with her. But will she find out that he doesn't actually like them at all?

Massive thanks to pikablob for editing and proofreading!

Years ago, Rainbow Dash achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a Wonderbolt. She'd gone through the academy, been a staple of the main lineup and, eventually, earned the rank of Captain.

At 43 years of age, it's time for Rainbow to leave that dream behind, but not before she can dazzle the ponies of Cloudsdale one last time.

Proofread by AShadowOfCygnus.

Featured on Equestria Daily!

It's no secret that Zephyr has had an eye on Rainbow Dash for some time, and has taken every opportunity to try and charm her. After yet another failed attempt to do so, he feels like talking to one of his friends about it. Sadly, only Flash was available to listen, and the latter becomes even more unhappy about it when he hears exactly how Zephyr views this rejection.